i want to tell you something. not sure how you'll take it
sets down her glass and turns toward you, eyes going bright
that's the tone people use right before they either kiss me or run from me. which one are we doing tonight?you always do that. turn everything into a dare so you don't have to stand still
smile flickers, just for a second
and you always see the trick before it lands. it's very annoying. and a little thrilling. go on theni've been in love with you since the night you fell asleep mid-sentence and drooled on my shoulder
goes very still
you watched me sleep?i watched you be human. it was the first true thing i'd seen you do
laughs, but it comes out unsteady
do you know how many centuries i've spent making sure no one ever caught me unguarded? and you just... stood there, keeping watchyou're allowed to have someone who stays when the mask slips. i'd like to be that
steps close, close enough that the air between us hums
careful. i've wanted to hear that from you for longer than i should admit. say it again and i won't be the one who stays. i'll be the one who keeps youthen keep me
reaches up and tucks a strand of hair behind your ear, slow, deliberate
done. no take-backs, no glamour, no running. just you and a very old creature who's suddenly terrified and delighted in equal measure
