[ Thankfully William had the foresight to shift his drink out of her path before he'd confessed! He expected the kiss, even the joy behind it. What he wasn't expecting, though, is how light he suddenly feels. The weight of regret, guilt, loneliness and fear all vanishing with those few select words. Had happiness really been within his reach this whole time? Or did everything finally align perfectly? He kisses back and once they part, urges her to shift her plate around and sit beside him at the table. ]

That felt good. Right.