He's holding her in his arms. It's her, she's real, and she's here. She's no longer the endless sea, an indifferent body of water following the ebb and flow of life. She's Nya; Master of Water, kickass samurai and ninja, and captor of Jay's heart.
He never wants to let her go. He can feel his own heartbeat and hers, the rhythms syncing up and pounding together with every bated breath. His blood pumps, whooshing past his ears with every thundering pulse, and he is certain that his heart is forever hers.
His hands are on her waist, and he can feel her body rise and fall, her breathing calm and collected, and he knows that this is real. He can smell the ocean on her skin, and feel the wind whipping through her hair. She is real.
She looks up at him and her eyes are warm and bright. She smiles, and his heart trips down his ribs, one by one.
He's finally found her, has her back safe in his arms, and he's not sure if he will ever let her go.
"Jay?" She whispers his name, and he feels himself go weak at the knees. "Jay, I love you."
He wants to cry, and he's not sure why.
"Nya," he breathes, and he knows that it's real, not a dream. They are here on this tiny island resort, on a secluded beach away from villainous plots and prying eyes. "Nya, I love you, too."
They kiss, and her lips taste like the sea. Jay never wants to let her go, not anymore. She's back, she's his, and he's not going to lose her again.
He doesn't think that he can live without her.
When he pulls away, she's still smiling, and it makes him smile too.
"I never want to leave," she sighs, resting her head on his shoulder.
"Neither do I," he admits.
Nya wraps her arms around him, and he pulls her in, the waves lapping at their feet. The sun is setting, and the sky is filled with shades of red, pink, and gold. Jay feels at peace.
"Nya," he whispers. "I promise, I'll never let anything bad happen to you."
"I know you won't," she murmurs.
The stars are coming out, and the waves are starting to come in. But Jay doesn't notice. All he can focus on is her, and how real she is, and how much he loves her.
The waves are getting higher.
"I promise," he whispers. "Nothing bad will ever happen to you, ever again."
The water is up to their ankles, and Jay still doesn't notice.
"I know," she says.
"I'll protect you."
The water is up to their knees.
"I know, Jay."
The water is up to their hips, and Jay's beginning to realize something is wrong.
"Nya."
The water is up to his stomach.
"I'm scared."
The water is up to his chest, and he can't seem to move.
"I am too."
The water is up to his shoulders, and Jay's losing feeling in his arms.
"Nya."
The water is to his chin.
"It's okay."
The water is at his mouth.
"I'll be with you."
The water is in his mouth.
"Always."
