Finally back to himself, though he still was gasping for breath, Ellis hugged Clark’s arms. “Oh…shit. I’m…” And to Ellis’s surprise, something about how Clark had looked at Ellis, how Clark had known, made him stop the apology in its tracks. “Th-thank you, Sarge. Thank you.”
Clark relaxed, kissed Ellis’s forehead, rolled, and came back with tissues. “You’re very welcome,” Clark said while Ellis wiped eyes and nose. “I wanted to be here to hold you if that happened, and thank you for not trying to apologize for the good that came out of our time together. Not sure I’m up to beating your ass twice tonight.” Clark gave Ellis a grin and moved Ellis back into his embrace.
Ellis managed a watery chuckle against Clark’s chest and closed his eyes at how amazing being held felt. “It was good, Sar
