[ Thinking that she's left worry and doubt in the wake of her unwilling disappearance has been something that's lingered constantly in her mind while she was away. She knows her husband well enough to know that he wouldn't think badly of her, that he wouldn't assume or accept the untrue notion that she had willing left him like that - but that doesn't erase the terrible sinking feeling of guilt that drags her down every time she thinks of what she must be putting him through.

But she puts all of that aside when those familiar dark eyes open for her. Malakai is awake and pulling her into his arms, and that's what matters right now.

When her mouth meets his, it's with the same energy - rough, demanding, needy, desperate. There's the slightest tremble in her hands when she reaches for him too, even as she latches onto him like she never, ever wants to let go again. She kisses him like her life hinges on it, pouring all of her love into it, hungry for his taste, his scent, and god, even the way his beard feels underneath her fingertips as she cups his face and goes with him when he rolls her over is a certain kind of comfort that floods her with emotion in an instant. ]

I have. [ Her voice is a whisper when she speaks, breathless and raw. And when she realizes the implications of what he's said - that time had not stopped like she had hoped, that she really had put him through a hell - she's all kisses, and it works to keep her from tears. ] Sorry, I'm sorry, [ Her apologies come between those kisses, her lips still touching his as she breathes out what she wants to say. ] I love you, Mala, I've missed you, an' I'm sorry, I didn't-- I didn't mean to do that, not to you. Not ever.