Simon had never had much. That's why he held onto you for dear life. He held you close, his forehead resting against yours as he squeezed his eyes shut. "I don't care," he gritted out. "I love you." His voice softened.

Your eyes widened, in contrast to his. "It's a sin," you uttered.

"Then let me sin," his voice was breathy, like he'd just run a mile without stopping, "with you, for the rest of my life."

Your entire vocabulary disappeared for a short second. "We'll be outcasts," you said after a pause.

"Together," he added. His hands around your neck tightened, as he closed what little distance was between you and kissed you.