Fire on Fire [L.H]

forty-seven

"I remember you mentioning you had a brother in the military. You guys have a special relationship, don't you?" Luke asked me as we were exiting the restaurant.

"Yeah," I said. "I was closest with him growing up. He was like my personal tag team partner. Always my body guard. He was the first to know if anyone messed with him me in a way that I couldn't handle," I explained to Luke.

"I know the infamous Danielle Jackson can throw some hands," Luke said, making me throw my head back in laughter. "I'm surprised we haven't had to duke it out yet."

"I was thinking the same thing," I told him. We used to argue so much, I'm honestly surprised we hadn't gotten to point of physically going at it. Now, I know Luke has better self control and respect than that. But I'm honestly baffled at the fact I haven't tried to hit him yet. I think I'd lose considering how he handled that guy in the bar.

We made it back outside and stood underneath the restaurant's sign. "Thanks Luke. That was a really nice gesture you did there," I said as we waited for the car to pull up.

"Good, I'm glad," he said, snaking his hand into mine. I smiled and looked up him. I didn't know he could make me this happy, but damn, I've never been this happy about someone before. "We needed it."

Luke turned my body a little bit and we were now standing face to face. A slight breeze flew by behind me, pushing my hair into my face. Luke smiled down at me as he removed the hair from my cheek. He returned his hand on my face as he lightly caressed my face with his finger. I knew what was coming.

"You've been waiting for this, haven't you?" I asked him, knowing he was going to kiss me. I can feel the tension between us as the gap between our bodies was getting smaller.

"This is what I wanted that night, but when I thought about it, I was scared of freaking you out," he told me softly.

"I would have accepted it."

"Well in that case, do I have permission to continue?" He asked me, his Australian accent peaking through. It's been gone for a little while, I loved hearing it.

With a slight chuckle, I responded. "Permission granted." He lightly cupped my face with his right hand, leaning down. My lips attached to his rather slowly as we shared a moment under the moon and stars, in the nice cool breeze. My hand that held my single rose snuck around his waist as I grabbed him with my three fingers that I could, so I wouldn't drop my flower as our passionate kiss continued. We heard our car coming around and Luke pulled away.

He smiled down at me, the pad of his thumb scanning my my cheek lightly.

"I love you Danielle," he told me.

"I love you too, Luke."

The car pulled up to us and Luke opened the back door for me, allowing me in first.

(Luke's POV)

Last night was nice and definitely needed. Even though we had gotten close during the publicity stunt, we got even closer. I got to understanding her anxiety more. I got to understanding her relationship with her brothers. I got to understanding my she always where the small diamond ring on her finger that her brother gave her before leaving for the military. She also got to understand me and my functions more. Now we're closer than we've ever been and now the processing has gone to fully feeling like we're together.

I felt Danielle move behind me, her arm snaking around my waist. I looked down and lifted my arm, allowing her access through my arm. I reached down and held her hand as she scooted closer to me, kissing my bare shoulder. I smiled as she snuggled her face into my neck.