The campfire crackled in the quiet night, its flickering flames casting long shadows against the surrounding trees. The Guardians sat in a loose circle, each lost in their thoughts after the harrowing encounter with the Dark Lord.
Zane sat apart from the group, staring into the distance. The Blade of Eternity rested beside him, its faint glow reflecting his inner turmoil. Jasmine noticed his isolation and got up, her footsteps soft as she approached him.
"Mind if I sit?" she asked.
Zane looked up, startled out of his reverie. He nodded silently, and she settled down beside him.
"You've been quiet," she said gently.
"I'm always quiet," he replied, his voice tinged with a hint of dry humor.
Jasmine smiled, nudging him lightly with her shoulder. "True. But this feels different."
Zane sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I couldn't protect you today. If I were stronger—if I understood this sword better—maybe things would've been different."
"You did protect me," Jasmine said, her voice firm. "You saved me when I was trapped. And you've been protecting all of us, even if you don't see it."
Their eyes met, and for a moment, the weight of the world seemed to fade. Jasmine leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper. "You're stronger than you think, Zane."
Before he could respond, she closed the gap between them, her lips brushing against his in a kiss that was soft yet filled with unspoken emotion.
Zane froze, startled, but then his hand found her cheek, and he kissed her back, the connection between them deep and undeniable. When they pulled away, Jasmine's cheeks were flushed, and Zane's usually stoic expression softened.
"I... didn't expect that," he admitted, his voice low.
Jasmine chuckled, her fingers lightly tracing his jawline. "Sometimes, you just have to go with the flow."
Zane leaned in again, this time more confident, and kissed her deeply. The world around them faded, leaving only the warmth they shared.
Across the Campfire
On the other side of the fire, Leo stretched out lazily, his hands behind his head as he watched the stars. Calypso sat beside him, her cosmic staff glowing faintly in the darkness.
"Beautiful, huh?" Leo said, his voice light but lacking its usual bravado.
"Yeah, they are." Calypso replied. She glanced at him, her gaze thoughtful.
"I wasn't talking about the stars." Leo said with a grin.
Calypso rolled her eyes but she was blushing. "Stop you know I'm not beautiful." Leo turned his head to look at her, his grin softening. "Yes you are."
Calypso smirked. "Thanks, it means a lot."
"I'll try," he said, his voice quieter now. For a moment, he hesitated, then reached out to take her hand. "Thanks, Cal. For, you know, seeing past all this." He gestured vaguely at himself.
She tilted her head, her expression softening. "It's not hard when you let your guard down."
Leo leaned closer, his humor giving way to something more earnest. "Maybe you're the only one who can."
Before she could respond, he closed the distance, his lips capturing hers in a kiss that was surprisingly tender. When they pulled apart, Calypso's usual composure wavered, her cheeks tinged with color.
"Didn't see that coming," she admitted, a small smile tugging at her lips.
Leo smirked. "I'm full of surprises."
Back to Zane and Jasmine
Jasmine leaned her head against Zane's shoulder, the silence between them comfortable. But Zane couldn't let it rest.
"There's something I haven't told you," he said, his voice hesitant.
Jasmine looked up at him, her expression curious. "What is it?"
He took a deep breath. "My sister. She... she died when I was little. I couldn't save her."
Jasmine's eyes softened, and she reached for his hand. "Zane, I'm so sorry."
"I've carried that guilt with me for so long," he continued, his voice breaking. "It's why I push people away. Why I don't let myself get close."
Jasmine squeezed his hand. "You don't have to carry that alone anymore. I'm here, Zane. And I'm not going anywhere."
Her words broke through his walls, and he leaned in, kissing her again with a depth of feeling that he couldn't put into words.
