Valentine's Day }{ Open post

[asap]

WHO || Characters in the log [open or closed]
WHAT || VALENTINE'S DAY
WHERE || ALL AROUND THE CASTLE
WHEN || 2/14
HOW || DO WHAT YOU WANT

It's Valentine's Day! All around people are happily snuggling up with their loved one or drowning their feelings in booze and/or ice cream. Give out cards or chocolate or commiserate with other single people! Whoo Valentine's Day!

Comments

[valdrin]

And when was this?

[socialgraces]

A couple months ago, now, I guess. Why? Did he say something to you?

[valdrin]

He hasn't said much at all. I thought it was strange. He usually can't stop himself from making remarks about everything.

[socialgraces]

[ the corner of her mouth quirks up just slightly ] Well, at least you're free of his snide comments for the time being ... In general, I mean, not about [ she motions between them ] this. Really, it's rather decent, for him.

[valdrin]

I suppose it is. But I'd rather not talk about him on today of all days.

[socialgraces]

No, no, me either. [ she gives him a small smile ] So, you're not upset with me? Or if you are, I understand, I just couldn't see a reason to lie to him, or you.

[valdrin]

What part of 'not talking about him' isn't getting through here? [ now is a good time to pour himself a drink. or six. ]

[socialgraces]

[ wow. ouch. she closes her eyes briefly as he moves away, trying her best to hide her pained expression. ] I don't want to talk about him, I want to talk about you. I asked how you were feeling.

[valdrin]

[ he doesn't even pour her a glass because he's too concerned with taking a swig and trying to compose himself, and failing. ] I'm not angry.

[socialgraces]

[ she follows him, but she really doesn't need a drink ] Disappointed? Because [ she reaches out for him ] I'm still here, you know.

[valdrin]

[ he reaches a hand back to her waist, setting down his glass after a drink ] I certainly realize that. And I'm not disappointed. Merely-- confused, as to what reaction you expected him to have.

[socialgraces]

[ oh. right. ] Well, I was merely commenting on how helpful and thoughtful you had been. [ she's clearly stroking his ego, but it's also quite sincere ] Understandably, he caught on fairly quickly. So, I hadn't really considered it before then.

[valdrin]

A slip, then? [ he relaxes slightly, looking her over ] I see.

[socialgraces]

Yes, of course. It's not something I'd normally choose to bring up in friendly conversation. It is rather... private. [ and she's kind of a prude like that ] And I rather enjoy sharing it just with you ... It's something I've really only ever shared with you.

[valdrin]

[ always so good at telling people just want they want to hear. it works, at least, and the tightness vanishes from his eyes, replaced with fondness as he eyes her up. ] I'm a very fortunate man, at that.

[socialgraces]

[ the fondness in his expression warms her heart, and it feels as if they've hurdled one of their many trust issues. it's a rare moment of honesty between them, something she's craved since last july, and she's clearly quite enamored when she catches his gaze again ]

I've never wanted - or trusted - anyone else enough to make myself that vulnerable. It's hard to tell you in words, but I hope you understand what it means, both to me and for us, that I've never been with anyone else. [ at least she can offer him that reassurance, even if she can't give him everything he wants ]

[valdrin]

[ he draws her much closer, brushing his lips against her jaw as he murmurs: ] It means everything to me, darling. I'm sorry if I... seemed cross.

[socialgraces]

No, no. Your concerns are-- were... understandable. [ she definitely doesn't want him to be afraid to talk to her about such matters, but this closeness is quite distracting ] I want you-- I need you... to be open with me. That means everything to me.

[valdrin]

Oh? [ he drags his fingers through her hair ] Then in the interest of complete honesty, I should tell you just how much I'm dying to have you tonight. [ check out this a+ deflection, gold medal ]

[socialgraces]

Not one of your better kept secrets. [ she's definitely not immune to the distraction, as her thoughts wander away elsewhere. ] But definitely appreciated, nonetheless.

[ but before she lets this go completely: ] It doesn't have to be tonight, or this weekend, but in the future I may require some reassurance, in the form of words.

[valdrin]

Reassurance? [ he sounds completely taken aback by the idea. WHAT DID HE DO THAT YOU NEED REASSURANCE ABOUT ]

[socialgraces]

[ she easily reads his reaction because she knows him too well, and moves in quick to reassure him ] It's nothing you did. Gods, you've been nothing but wonderful. [ her hand moves to his face, as she secretly wishes she had poured herself a drink before she brought this up ] And so accommodating to all my... shortcomings.

I just so desperately want this to be more, more than just enough. [ which is probably as direct as she's going to get when referencing the conversation she inadvertently curtailed with her gross sobbing all those months ago. she pulls her hand from his cheek, searching for his hand instead and intertwining their fingers. ] I need you to reassure me that I'm not just making you more miserable by trying, than I would if I just... left.

[valdrin]

[ what's wrong with me - julia stone

he looks pained at her implications, fingers crooking into hers nearly with a spasm. ] Miserable? You think--

You're the one who told me... that you wouldn't be able to force yourself to--

[ nope, not going there ] You think things are miserable?

[socialgraces]

[ his expression makes her ache all over, and she clenches her eyes shut as she shakes her head, pleading for him to understand ] I'm not miserable, not at all. Please don't think that.

[ she squeezes his hand tightly, pushing herself an inch closer to him ] I was just so afraid you were. You're so good at... putting up these walls, and you wouldn't let me in. So, of course, I... assumed the worst. [ which feels foolish now, and she shakes her head once more before looking back up at him ] But I don't need to force myself to-- [ she cuts off, bringing her free hand back to his cheek before continuing, her voice as affectionate as her touch ] I love you. I've no doubt of that now.

[valdrin]

[ /rolls sense motive like a great boyfriend.

he tries not to let his doubt show, but having her point out how he puts walls up doesn't really help that. it's everything he's always wanted to hear her say, but he can't stop himself from second guessing it, if only because he knows exactly how capable they both are of deceiving others - and themselves.

either way, he can't stop himself from asking the clincher, raising one hand to her cheek. ]

And only me?