So often had she stopped herself from imagining what it might feel like in his arms. Whenever she did indulge in those ridiculous thoughts, butterflies swooped themselves in loop-de-loops in her stomach. She’d imagined herself breathless, or feeling as if it was a high she might never come down from. But when it finally happened in this moment, all she felt was peace. Overwhelming and all-consuming peace. Like putting the last brushstroke on a painting, or sitting down after a long day of working. Feeling the pressure of his chin on top of her head, she fought another urge to nuzzle even further into his chest; at this point, she might as well give into it seeing as if she wanted to relax any further, that was the only option that their comparative heights allowed. Instead she simply rested her head there, leaning in as much as she would allow herself to, and allowing her arms to come up around his torso and return his embrace; as if she might absorb some of the strength he always seemed to hold in abundance.
She expected him to pull away immediately, had prepared herself for as much. But instead she felt a rumble vibrate against his chest as he continued to talk. If possible, this sensation sent another shot of serenity coursing through her, and Irene felt herself smile at the memory he’d just summoned. She remembered that day. Elias had encountered the aftermath of a minor disaster where she’d spilled her art supplies. Of course it was only when he left later that evening that she realized she’d forgotten the reason she’d been in that situation in the first place: her hat with her mother’s ribbon was still in Padmore Park. Thankfully she’d found it eventually, but she always decided upon leaving that detail of her forgetfulness out of that day’s story.
“I’m surprised you do.” She murmured, feeling a smile tug at the corners of her mouth. Never mind that she already knew where Elias was going with this, and never mind that he’d already more than succeeded. She was just reveling in the effect of his charm, like a cat curling up in a spot of sunlight on a lazy summer afternoon. Irene could sense the smile in his tone, sense that he was testing the waters again to try and cheer her up. And even though she knew what he was going to ask, she still savored how welcome his question was. Allowed herself to lean on him further; allowed her affections for him to deepen just a bit more. “I would like that very much.” She wasn’t even sure if heard her, but she nodded against his chest as she spoke.
Thank Merlin he couldn’t see her at this moment. He’d managed to get so underneath her guard, Irene knew if he saw her now, there would be no doubt as to how much affection and love she held for him.
She expected him to pull away immediately, had prepared herself for as much. But instead she felt a rumble vibrate against his chest as he continued to talk. If possible, this sensation sent another shot of serenity coursing through her, and Irene felt herself smile at the memory he’d just summoned. She remembered that day. Elias had encountered the aftermath of a minor disaster where she’d spilled her art supplies. Of course it was only when he left later that evening that she realized she’d forgotten the reason she’d been in that situation in the first place: her hat with her mother’s ribbon was still in Padmore Park. Thankfully she’d found it eventually, but she always decided upon leaving that detail of her forgetfulness out of that day’s story.
“I’m surprised you do.” She murmured, feeling a smile tug at the corners of her mouth. Never mind that she already knew where Elias was going with this, and never mind that he’d already more than succeeded. She was just reveling in the effect of his charm, like a cat curling up in a spot of sunlight on a lazy summer afternoon. Irene could sense the smile in his tone, sense that he was testing the waters again to try and cheer her up. And even though she knew what he was going to ask, she still savored how welcome his question was. Allowed herself to lean on him further; allowed her affections for him to deepen just a bit more. “I would like that very much.” She wasn’t even sure if heard her, but she nodded against his chest as she spoke.
Thank Merlin he couldn’t see her at this moment. He’d managed to get so underneath her guard, Irene knew if he saw her now, there would be no doubt as to how much affection and love she held for him.
![[Image: 9EDhNw4.png]](https://i.imgur.com/9EDhNw4.png)