His hands slid up her thighs as she settled on top of him, to her hips, where they remained as she kissed him. He reciprocated in full, hands sliding down over her bottom again, both hands squeezing tightly. Then they slid up along her back, caressing skin and scar and spine alike as they went. They curled around her shoulders as he lifted his legs, bending them at the knee, drawing her in closer yet. When she kissed again he held it for a long time before he allowed her to break and make her final statement, which made him smile. He nuzzled his nose against hers and wrapped both arms around her middle, hugging her tightly.<br/><br/>He nosed through her hair to her ear and kissed it softly. "I love you, Malia," he told her, soft and certain. Whatever that meant, whatever it led to, he had no reservations. He rubbed her back and took hold of her shoulders, gently lifting her up a little ways so he could look her in the eye. "When this is over and done, I want to have it all with you. A family, a home, a life of peace and plenty. Sounds amazing, doesn't it? Sounds like a fantasy. But if there's a better one worth fighting for then I don't know what it is."