[Alex kisses back for a few seconds, entranced by the warmth of his skin and how gentle he is, how soft and safe. His hand on her waist and his nose against hers... It's peaceful, and soothing, and she feels like she's breathing in a cloud. It makes her head foggy, and her heartbeat seems to slow as she tips her head to get a better angle-
Then, in an instant, the world goes sideways.
Her hand goes tense on his shoulder, and she stops the kiss with a ragged, sharp breath. She isn't sure what broke the bubble for her, what set off the alarm through the haze of bliss, but all at once the warmth in her chest runs cold and sharp. It's horror and guilt and loathing, all mixing in her veins, and for a few moments she can't even move. She just looks down at Stefan's collar, still clutching his shoulder like it's a last lifeline.]
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Then, in an instant, the world goes sideways.
Her hand goes tense on his shoulder, and she stops the kiss with a ragged, sharp breath. She isn't sure what broke the bubble for her, what set off the alarm through the haze of bliss, but all at once the warmth in her chest runs cold and sharp. It's horror and guilt and loathing, all mixing in her veins, and for a few moments she can't even move. She just looks down at Stefan's collar, still clutching his shoulder like it's a last lifeline.]
Stef... ?