The Confession
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JIN CAME BY IN THElate afternoon, alone this time.No patrol duties, no official business, just him.
"Walk with me?"he asked after climbing up.
They walked the perimeter of the platform, looking out at the view.The sun was starting to set, painting everything in gold and amber.
"I need to tell you something," Jin said finally."And I need to do it properly.Before rumors start or people assume or..."He paused."Before Viktor tries to interfere again."
"Viktor?"
"He came by the Marshall's office yesterday.Very casually asked if I had 'intentions' regarding you.Said if I didn't, he wanted to make sure he wasn't 'stepping on toes' by continuing to pursue business opportunities."
Wren's stomach tightened."What did you tell him?"
"That my intentions were none of his business."Jin stopped walking, turned to face her."But they're very much your business.So I'm telling you now, clearly, so there's no confusion."
Her heart was pounding.
"I'm interested in you, Wren.Not just as the Marshall protecting a citizen.Not just as a friend helping a neighbor."He looked at her directly, no hesitation."I'm interested in courting you properly.Publicly.With the intention of marriage if things go well."
The directness of it stole her breath.
"I know it's fast," he continued."You've only been here two months.But I also know what I want.And I want you."He paused."But only if you want that too.If you don't, or if you need more time, or if you have any doubts at all, tell me now.I'll step back.We'll stay friends.No pressure."
Wren looked at him, at this strong, serious, careful man who'd saved her life, helped her rebuild, made her feel safe and seen and valued.
"Yes," she said.
He blinked."Yes?"
"Yes, I want that too.The courting.The...all of it."She smiled."I've been waiting for you to say something for days now."
"Days?"He almost smiled."Try weeks.I've been going insane trying to be patient and proper and not rush you."
"Well, stop being patient."She stepped closer."I want this.I want you."
His expression shifted, filled with relief, joy and something heated that made her pulse race."Then we're courting," he said firmly."Officially."
"Officially."
"My mother is going to have opinions."
"I know."
"The town is going to gossip."
"Let them."
"Viktor is going to try to interfere."
"He can try."She looked up at him, steady and certain."But I've made my choice."
Jin reached out slowly, giving her time to step back if she wanted.When she didn't, he cupped her face gently, thumbs brushing her cheekbones.
"I'm going to kiss you now," he said."If that's alright."
