-- specifically on what you'll be packing and all the reasons why they should be lacy and easily rippable.

-- could be honest about. he worked in the shadows and dealt with monsters that disguised themselves as men. while he knew the risks that he took ; he'd never bring her into the darkness. not as long as breath still filled his lungs. }

now. less talk of business and let's focus more on pleasure. --

-- within your presence.

{ he confessed unashamed. he met her green graze with his stormy blue ones. }

I don't discuss business, Daphne. the less you know. the better for both you and me. plausible deniability, remember?

{ theodore was not a good man nor did he have the type of job that he--

{ a laugh, low and warm spilled past his lips as he made sure to remind him of her passionate nature. as if he needed anything and less, he forgets ; the nail marks upon his back were a good reminder. }

despite myself, I find myself but a man with the most basic urges and whims. all intensified --

-- could call her his. and did so, loudly and proudly. }

I have business to attend to in Paris. someone that has come into artefact of interest, let's say.

I was wondering... would you like to join me?

-- she'd turned to face him. his eyes would drop to her lips. }

and it's moments like these when I do think I should be concerned for your sanity.

{ there was a moment as he found himself just looking at her, and after all these years; still baffled that she had chosen him. that he --

-- with her. thirdly, which was probably another reason for his upbeat mood was the fact that he'd spent his night reuniting with her in every corner of their home. }

I'm a simple man. a night with a beautiful woman tends to lift the mood.

{ hands would drift, caressing and exploring her. when --

{ a smirk blossomed across his lips as he'd heard her comment about his demeanor. it was a far cry from his usual melancholy.

his mood and it's more cheerful deposition was due to two things ; one, they were within their home which was charmed and protected against every hex. and secondly, he --

-- finally come to your senses and run off.

-- lowering himself, he reached for the glass and held it out to her.
"Milady. "

" oh, whatever may it be."

a hand sought her own, gently drawing her towards the tree. candles lit up the room, and the soft twinkle of christmas lights added to the atmosphere. gifts galore littered the floor.

an elf stood close by with a tray that held a glass of champagne.
--

-- realized just how much she looked like her mother.

" you'll hurt the boy's feelings. knowing something and actually hearing it ; two completely different things."

the man features were lit up with a smile. his arms hugging his daughter closely before briefly parting to meet her eyes. a warmth spreading through him as he once again--

-- from you."
he stepped down, tethering on the edge of the step. his eyes blazing.

" I can't promise you a happy ending or a fairy tale. all I can do is promise that I'll try, and I won't stop trying to be...someone worth of you.

if you would have me. "

-- break and had his hand not been within hers, his knees may have buckled.

" I'm not a good man. I'm not Bletchley or Pucey.

My family is fucked up. I'm fucked up.
and all I've ever tried to do was to protect you from myself and all the shit in my life.
But I can't stay away--

-- away but he couldn't.
he had almost lost himself in rage and jealousy when he'd thought she'd to be wed to another.
was that not proof of love? of desire at least.
he cared for her, he desired her and despite himself ; he loved her.

the realization hit him like a--

-- often had he proclaimed that he wasn't good enough? how often had he pushed her away? often harshly and coldly.
yet here they were.
her confessing and him...hesitating. ALWAYS hesitating as the thought of ruining her as always plaguing him.
" Daphne. "
he wished to protest, to push her--

feet stilled on the steps, all too aware of the other as a hand had lifted itself to grab his own.
he glanced back at her, eyebrows narrowed as he steeled himself for whatever may came.
shock and surprise caused lips to briefly open, as her confession hit his ears.

how --