Inside was a silver heart, glowing in the early morning light. It was smooth and perfect and untarnished, catching the light as it winked up at him. Ellie was studying him worriedly. "It... you can tell me if you hate it. I just... I made you a heart. Your heart. The way I see you." * * * He looked over at her, a small smile crossing his lips. "Bad? Starlight, it's wonderful. It's just weird."
Her shoulders relaxed as she watched him anxiously. "You do?" * * * "I don't know. I've been walking on eggshells around you since our trip, but now... I could kiss you if I wanted."
He leaned forward and gave her a kiss. "Of course." *** She flushed, clearly not expecting this. "You could.."
She looked incredibly relieved, exhaling slightly. "I'm so glad." * * * "It's strange, right? It feels weird."
He nodded, sitting back with a smile. "Your turn." *** She smiled. "It does. It feels like I'm not supposed to kiss you but I can."
She looked down at the present with a small, worried frown before opening the package. * * * "You could," he said slowly. "And you should."
It was a small golden necklace, a simple but delicate heart attached to it. "It's.. kind of silly. I didn't know you had gotten me anything. I suppose it was meant to symbolize my heart and that way you could always have it with you." *** She looked surprised at him, her gaze tracing his features as she slowly set down her cup. She pursed her lips before going over to him and kissing him deeply.
She looked over at him, her eyes wide before she sat up, kissing him deeply, her hand coming up to cup his jaw. "I love it. I love you. God, Xav, I love you so much." * * * He laughed lightly against her lips, kissing her back as his arms encircled her waist.
He laughed aloud, kissing her back with a happy grin. "I love you too." *** Her arms slipped over his shoulders, leaning into him before pulling away, a grin on her face.
She was dimpling at him, smiling so wide and gazing at him adoringly. There came a knock on the door and Ellie's face fell and she pulled away from Xavier, turning to look. * * * He looked down at her, his eyes soft with affection. "We can just kiss. Whenever."
The door opened and Tristan came in, his gaze surprisingly gentle. "El, you should come eat breakfast with us. You haven't-" He was cut short as his gaze fell upon Xavier and his expression soured. "What are you doing here?" * * * He laughed, studying her earnestly. "I just can't believe you."
"You could have fooled me," he replied flatly, folding his arms. "You left Ellie here on her own for the last couple days without any explanation. Do you even want to be here?" * * * He frowned, squinting at her. "What about me?"
"She's not helpess," he replied with a frown. "If I didn't want to be here you know very well I wouldn't be speaking with you in this very room." *** She reached up and held his face in her hands. "You're you."
"Yeah? Well, someone tried to kill her," he said sharply, raising an eyebrow. "Where were you during all that, huh? I don't trust you, Xavier." * * * His gaze never left her face as he turned his head to kiss the palm of her hand. "I have an old dog and an accent," he replied quietly. "Is that what you mean?"
"I was here getting framed," he said flatly. "Why would I have called for help?" *** "Those are included," she said, her smile widening. "Everything about you."
Ellie had gone silent, looking down at the bed. Tristan looked over at her before looking back at Xavier. "She didn't tell you?" "Tristan, stop," she said quietly, sounding tired. * * * He rolled his eyes playfully. "Lord, stop flirtin' with me! I'm taken!"
