He could see the moment the true meaning of his words hit her, and it tugged at him. He never wanted her to think this wasn't something he would ever regret. It was part of being in the DMLE, and everyone knew it. But this was one of the reasons why he had left in the first place. It eventually took a toll on not only him, but his family and those he loved. Looking into Marie's eyes, Faustus knew he would always count her as one of those people. In fact he had no idea if she even felt the same; sure there was a great probability of it, but he had read things in the wrong way before, and he would never want to force her into something she didn't want. "You have no reason to be sorry, Marie," He murmured, turning into her hand. He would have taken it and kissed it, but then she leaned forward and he felt her lips upon his.

Immediately, his good arm came up and curled around her waist, pulling her close as he responded with a kiss of his own; firmer, filled with a sense of urgency that he hadn't felt in quite some time. His ribs screamed in protest, but it was nothing compared to the warmth that bloomed in his chest as he held her close.

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