i 'd wanted to kiss her for weeks . as he took one last sip , the sun fell slowly below the clouds . it was n't his job , it was n't his role , it was n't his place . after settling the helmet on her head , alec adjusted the strap beneath her chin . she ran some warm water into the basin and washed away the blood residue on my arm and chest with quince soap . `` if it were up to me , i would n't even have to question it . '' 