"And when we get back home? Back to the academy? What then?"
Xavier hadn't thought that far ahead, hadn't considered what any of this meant beyond surviving Frostfall and completing their mission.
"I don't know," he admitted finally. "But I know I want you in my life. However that looks."
Naomi studied his face for a long moment. "You're asking a lot."
"I know."
She sighed, leaning forward until her forehead rested against his chest. "I should tell you to go to hell."
Xavier's arms came around her, holding her gently. "You still can."
"No." Her voice was muffled against his skin. "I can't. That's the problem." She looked up, eyes clear despite the conflict in them. "I've wanted you for a while. Even knowing about Calypso. Even seeing how it is between you."
The admission hung in the air between them, raw and honest in a way Naomi rarely allowed herself to be. Xavier felt something shift in his chest, a tightening that had nothing to do with Soul Bonds or percentages.
