[ Bit by bit, it's reassuring. Or rather, it's something to focus on instead of the swirling negative thoughts. Which sort of amounts to the same thing, because she keeps talking and it gets him out of his head.
And well, the surprise of her statement is enough to bring his mind to a halt. The shock definitely shows on his face, eyebrows climbing up towards his hairline. It's not a bad thing, certainly not. Once it really sinks in, a slow flush works its way onto the tips of his ears. There's a flash of a distracting thought: Inej in a wedding dress, and that's doing wonders to wave away the anxiety.
Most of it anyway. Since she is right, there's the start of a fresh wave of nerves because that's commitment, which he isn't necessarily afraid of. But it's also planning and things he hasn't done or thought of for more than an idle moment. Taking a slow breath in, he loops his arm around her middle, tugging her in a bit for a hug. ]
Okay. [ He can believe her, in this moment. And hopefully it will stick, despite the curling doubts that occasionally make themselves known. They've been mostly dispelled–her admission had been a lot. ]
Have I said I love you today?
[ The words are murmured against her hairline, his cheek pressed to her hair. Saying those words in the beginning had been terrifying. And to some degree, still is. Even with years of being with Sofia and Tomassen, he's always been reluctant to say how he feels. It's too exposed, vulnerable. Things that had gotten him and Jordie in trouble.
But she deserves to hear it and know it. And sometimes, it's overwhelming enough he can't keep it in, as it is now. ]
no subject
And well, the surprise of her statement is enough to bring his mind to a halt. The shock definitely shows on his face, eyebrows climbing up towards his hairline. It's not a bad thing, certainly not. Once it really sinks in, a slow flush works its way onto the tips of his ears. There's a flash of a distracting thought: Inej in a wedding dress, and that's doing wonders to wave away the anxiety.
Most of it anyway. Since she is right, there's the start of a fresh wave of nerves because that's commitment, which he isn't necessarily afraid of. But it's also planning and things he hasn't done or thought of for more than an idle moment. Taking a slow breath in, he loops his arm around her middle, tugging her in a bit for a hug. ]
Okay. [ He can believe her, in this moment. And hopefully it will stick, despite the curling doubts that occasionally make themselves known. They've been mostly dispelled–her admission had been a lot. ]
Have I said I love you today?
[ The words are murmured against her hairline, his cheek pressed to her hair. Saying those words in the beginning had been terrifying. And to some degree, still is. Even with years of being with Sofia and Tomassen, he's always been reluctant to say how he feels. It's too exposed, vulnerable. Things that had gotten him and Jordie in trouble.
But she deserves to hear it and know it. And sometimes, it's overwhelming enough he can't keep it in, as it is now. ]