Souls Through Time (EzioxOC/DesmondxOC)

Chapter 23 - Amelia

As Ezio held Amelia close, her tears slowly subsided, replaced by a deep sense of peace and contentment that she hadn't felt in a very long time. His steady heartbeat beneath her ear grounded her, a reminder of his unwavering presence, his commitment to stand by her through every trial.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice slightly hoarse with emotion. She lifted her head to meet his gaze, her eyes shining with a newfound lightness, a glimpse of the woman she had been before the shadows had touched her life. "For being so patient, so gentle. For loving me even when I felt... broken."

Ezio's hand came up to cradle her cheek, his thumb brushing away the last traces of her tears. His eyes held a depth of emotion that took her breath away - love, respect, and a fierce protectiveness that promised he would always be there, no matter what challenges lay ahead.

"You were never broken, mi amore," he murmured, his voice filled with conviction. "Wounded, perhaps, but never broken. Your strength, your courage - they are a part of who you are, and nothing can take that away."

He leaned in, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to her forehead. "I love you, Amelia. All of you. Every scar, every fear, every moment of bravery. You are my heart, and I will spend the rest of my days showing you just how precious you are to me."

Amelia felt her heart swell at his words, a warmth spreading through her that chased away the last lingering traces of doubt and fear. She leaned in, capturing his lips in a tender kiss that conveyed all the love and gratitude she felt for him in that moment. His arms tightened around her, holding her close as the kiss deepened, a gentle reaffirmation of their unbreakable bond.

Feeling a little more confident, Amelia's hands began to wander, trailing down Ezio's chest and abdomen with a new sense of curiosity and desire. She marveled at the firmness of his muscles beneath her fingertips, the warmth of his skin seeping into her touch. Her exploration was tentative at first, but as Ezio's breath quickened, his own hands tightening slightly on her waist, she grew bolder.

Her fingers found the edge of his shirt, and she paused, glancing up at him with a silent question in her eyes. Ezio's gaze was warm, encouraging, and he nodded slightly, giving her the permission she sought. With slightly trembling hands, Amelia grasped the hem of his shirt, slowly lifting it up and over his head.

As the garment fell away, she took a moment to absorb the sight of him, her fingers trailing lightly over the contours of his chest, tracing the scars that marked his skin - testaments to the battles he had fought, the sacrifices he had made. Each one was a reminder of his strength, his resilience, and the depth of his commitment to their cause.

Ezio watched her, his breath catching as her fingers explored his skin, each gentle touch igniting a spark of desire within him. He had held back for so long, focusing all his energy on supporting her, on being the rock she needed as she healed. Now, with her touch growing bolder, more confident, he felt his own restraint beginning to fray.

Amelia's hands drifted lower, skimming over the firm planes of his abdomen, marveling at the way his muscles tensed and flexed beneath her fingertips. Her touch was exploratory yet tender, a rediscovery of the man she loved. As her fingers brushed the waistband of his trousers, she felt Ezio's breath hitch, a soft groan escaping his lips.

Encouraged by his response, she let her hand linger there, her fingers tracing the edge of the fabric, a silent question hanging between them. Ezio's hands tightened on her waist, his eyes darkening with desire as he met her gaze. In that moment, she saw her own longing reflected back at her, tempered by a patience and restraint that took her breath away.

"Amelia," he whispered, his voice rough with emotion.

Amelia's fingers hesitated at the waistband of Ezio's trousers, her gaze searching his, seeking reassurance and permission to go further. Ezio's hands slid up to cradle her face, his thumbs brushing her cheekbones tenderly as he leaned in, resting his forehead against hers.