A ripple of unease ran through Titania as Mr. Greyback disregarded the invitation to use her given name. Whether it was the ocean below them or the blood in her ears, Anya felt a rush of shame. Had she overstepped or grown too comfortable? She'd grown greedy for his affections and pushed too fast. She was so caught up in her need to fix her perceived mistake, that she almost missed the continuation. Almost. It was impossible for Anya to ignore his voice.

It was the sweetest, most awkward quasi-question she could remember.


Apparently, some of the salt spray had reached them because it was getting in her eyes. It was obviously nothing emotional itching her eyes. Titania took a breath she wasn't certain she was holding, her shoulders relaxing; most telling was the smile that overtook her. "Mr. Greyback, if I follow your meaning, is it possible that a rational solution may be courtship?" If it were possible for her eyes to go any wider, Titania's usually practical mouth ran ahead to correct her impulsive utterance. "I am so sorry, that was forward of me. I didn't mean to assume such a thing of your affections," Oh, hell, Titania! "Intentions! I meant intentions." Not burying her face in her hands was a feat, but she locked her hands firmly in her skirts. She was a grown woman, she could face the consequences of her words. Probably. "I - I apologize."

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