Answering The Call.

Kieran knows what's next. He has to show Ace, not just tell him, how deep his feelings run.

His gaze lowers to his hands, which are still trembling from the exertion of the battle. But it's not the physical pain he's focused on now. It's Ace.

"I don't know how to make you believe me," Kieran says quietly. "But I'll spend every day proving it, Ace. I will. I'm not perfect, but I love you. I need you. More than you could know."

Ace stands motionless for a long time, his eyes flicking to Kieran's face, searching for something, anything that might give him the reassurance he needs.

It's a dangerous moment, a moment Kieran knows could either lead them forward or pull them further apart.

But then, slowly, Ace lets out a soft sigh, his shoulders relaxing just a fraction. It's small, but it's enough for Kieran to see that the walls are starting to crumble, if only just a little. Ace isn't walking away.