[ He may have overstepped by sharing such things about himself with her, and there is an immediate regret in that. The mere reminder that they had barely known each other well enough to somehow excuse his feelings makes him feel just as foolish. He took more out of their meeting than he should have, carried more than he should be permitted to carry. And now look at them, sitting before one another, holding hands and sharing similar misery when they probably shouldn't. Why Cullen feels so inclined to bear his heart to her is beyond him, but he feels too weak after today to spend the energy it takes to build a wall. He has made his bed, and he will lie in it. ]

[ That much is sealed, with a kiss even, and Cullen can't help but commit to memory what it feels like to have her lips kiss him not once, but twice. It's affection, comfort that he's never been graced with in decades and such a thing he will hold on to without intention. ]

I know... I believe that now.

[ She is here, alive, solid. Cullen feels her warm breath caress his skin when she kisses his hand and clings to it. While there is plenty regret in what he has shared, she is still here. ]

If you are quite alright with my being a fool all these years, I am certain I can give the same acceptance for you.

[ For her, Cullen tries a smile, soft and genuine and hopeful that it will make her feel less guilty. ]

It will be our secret.