[there's something addicting about Lily's happiness. something that makes Mars himself happy, too. something that washes away his frustrations and exhaustion, his fear and hesitancy, and brings out an emotion he knows he doesn't feel very often at all. happiness of his own]

[so of course he tilts his head up when Lily tucks his hand under his chin. of course he lets his eyes slip shut as lips brush up against his, soft and gentle. and of course he leans into that, reciprocating quietly and chastely, scooting as close to Lily as he can get on this tiny, single-person bed]

[happiness, giddiness, contentedness. . . Mars can't remember the last time he felt these emotions. he wonders if he's capable of feeling them on his own, without Lily's encouragement]