Neria's lips were soft. Sudden. Too much, and not enough. A shock and something that felt like the pull of gravity.

Kell's lips were parted against hers in surprise, but as she eased away, his arm tightened around her waist, pulled her urgently closer.

He had kissed her hand, ages past, in the wake of battle. Back then it had been a simple thank-you far more than an overture, but her reaction had cooled the impulse to press for anything further, had made him take a step back, had made him content with their friendship.

Perhaps this had been simply happiness, caught up in the moment, the excitement of seeing him again.

Kell lifted one hand to touch his fingertips to her cheek, mismatched eyes searching hers, mouth just inches away.

He leaned in, and his kiss was not indirect.