The manor's garden was plunged into a soft darkness. Magical lanterns diffused a warm light along the paths. Gale and Diana were walking side by side, their hands brushing against each other from time to time.
"Did you see the sky tonight?" Diana asked, looking up. "It looks like there are more stars than usual."
Gale smiled, looking at her rather than the sky.
"Maybe. Or maybe it's just because I'm looking at you."
Diana blushed slightly and gave him a small shove with her shoulder.
"You're ridiculous."
"And yet you're smiling."
They stopped near the large oak tree, sheltered from prying eyes. Gale turned toward her, more serious.
"Diana… now that everything is over… I really want to build something with you. Not just survive. Live."
She raised her eyes to him, her gaze soft.
"Me too."
Gale placed a hand on her cheek and kissed her slowly. The kiss, at first tender, gradually deepened. Diana wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing herself more against him. Gale pulled her closer, one hand sliding down her back, the other wrapping into her hair.
The kiss became more passionate. Diana moaned weakly against his mouth when Gale nipped her lower lip. His hand slid down her waist, then lower, lingering on her hip before pulling her against him. She could clearly feel Gale's desire.
"Gale…" she murmured between two kisses, her voice already a little rough.
He kissed her more deeply, gently placing her against the tree trunk. One of his thighs slipped between hers, creating a friction that made Diana moan louder. His hand slid up under her top, caressing the warm skin of her stomach, then higher.
Diana arched her back slightly, seeking more contact. Their breathing was becoming heavier, the kiss more and more disordered.
Gale trailed his lips down her neck, gently sucking the sensitive skin just under her ear. Diana gripped his t-shirt, her eyes half-closed.
"We should… maybe go back inside…" she managed to breathe.
Gale smiled against her skin, without stopping.
"In a minute…"
His hand continued exploring, and Diana no longer protested. The garden, the stars and the rest of the world suddenly seemed very far away.