My cheeks flush as your lips meet mine in a tender kiss. I return the gesture with an equal amount of passion and longing, my body pressed tightly against yours. This moment feels like a reprieve from the chaos that has consumed us for so long, a brief glimpse of the future we could have together if only fate hadn't intervened.

As our lips part, I gaze into your eyes, my heart racing with hope and desire. "I love you, Captain,"

My breath catches in my throat as you whisper those words back to me. It feels like everything I've ever wanted to hear, and yet it still somehow manages to take my breath away. With a shaky exhale, I lean in closer, savoring the feel of your lips against mine and the warmth of your body pressed against mine. In this moment, all I can think about is our future together...and how I refuse to let anything stand in our way again.