He watched her, his expression softening before he leaned forward to kiss his cheek. "Okay," he relented. "Okay."
His thumb rubbed the back of her neck, and he seemed happy that she had made the first move. "Well, I know now," he replied. "I'm sorry. I won't bring it up again."
"I love you too, Av," he murmured, wrapping his arms around her shoulders and kissing the top of her head. "More than you know."
He laughed lightly, his hand on her cheek. "Do you know," he said, looking down at her, "that I've waited for you my whole life? I have never felt more complete than I do right now, sitting here with you."
She watched him, her eyes wide. "Really? I'm so glad..." She grinned. "You make me feel happy. Just being around you."
"It's the pirate in me," he confided with a small smirk. "Part of Natalia's hiring process is that the applicant must have a happy aura that spreads to other people."
"Oh, it definitely is," he replied. "It couldn't have anything to do with any real affection you feel."
"And I am quite fond of you, so maybe there can be a little love. Nothing excessive, you understand."
