[ Oh.

It takes a second for him to determine whether or not the flowers were the right call. He can see the brightness in her eyes, that glassiness that comes with tears not-yet shed. Maybe he's touched a nerve, invoked some bad memories--

But no. That doesn't seem to be the case, because in the next moment she's folding herself into his side, an arm looped around his waist. Buck smiles, wrapping both arms around her and pressing a long kiss to the top of her head. A soft moment of vulnerability between them, and all it does is solidify things for him. The way she fits against him feels perfect, like puzzle pieces sliding into place. ]

I'm glad you like them. They're not near as beautiful as you are, though.

[ He can't help the way his smile slides into a soft grin when she kisses his cheek, and it's a good thing she lingers, because he didn't plan on removing his arms from around her waist anytime soon.

Sure, they have a whole dinner to make, but they'll get to that. Eventually. ]

Absolutely nothing could've kept me from being here tonight. [ One hand lifts, fingers finding her chin to guide her lips to his in a soft, sweet kiss. ] I missed you.