At the end of the day, they met up again. Dahlia has a cut across her cheek and her hair was soaked and more messy than usual, but she brightened when she saw him. “Hey.” *** He kissed the top of her head. “I need to start making plans for another place.. l
He gave her a small smile, seeming less tired upon her arrival. "Hey.. You okay?" *** She tilted her head. "Hm.. Okay.."
“Mmhm,” she replied, slipping her hand in his. Her hands were freezing cold and she frowned before kissing his cheek. “What about you?” *** He noticed her hesitation, raising one eyebrow. “What?”
He brushed her hair back, looking at her cheek. "I'm okay. You have a cut." *** She shook her head. "Nothin'. What do you think you'll want in your new house?"
She tapped it distractedly, her eyes flickering to try to look at it. "Oh. I do. I got swiped by a thistle that was pulled into the water. Not a big deal." She paused before giving him a cheeky grin. "It's attractive, no?" * * * "Oh, I don't know," he said, sounding relaxed, although the tenseness of his frame indicated otherwise. "I'm not really picky. As long as it's functional."
He laughed before rolling his eyes playfully. "I don't want to encourage it." *** She nodded thoughtfully. "Huh. Alright."
"Oh, come on now," she teased. "I know you love me. Ten years of being around me has proven that you love me." She tapped just below the cut playfully, raising one eyebrow. "But only now are you attracted to me." * * * He looked over at her, tilting his head. "Why do you ask?"
He groaned. "You're torturing me. You know I already think you're attractive." *** She shrugged. "I guess it's good to know what you want, y'know?"
She feigned innocence, tilting her head playfully. "Do I know that?" she asked, raising one eyebrow. "You love me. I know you love me. But I don't know that you're attracted to me. There's a difference, Cy, and you don't say it." * * * "I appreciate the dedication," he teased, his hand resting on his abdomen as they approached her house.
He huffed, taking both her hands. "Yes, Dahlia, I am very attracted to you." *** She looked over at him, resting her hand on his arm before going to open the door. "Are you okay?"
She laughed, flushing quickly as she squeezed his hands, looking up at him earnestly. "I knew it. This cut is a relationship saver." * * * "Mm," he replied, giving a quick nod. "I'm alright. Just sore.”
"I thought that before you got the cut," he said, raising an eyebrow. *** She stepped inside, waiting for him.
“Oh, really?” she asked, heading home with him. “What was it? The crazy hair, or the blatant disregard?” *** He joined her, looking down at her.
He laughed, putting his arms around her. "They are both good things. But it's everything." *** She tilted her head at him after closing the door. "Do you like it here?"
“Ah, yes,” she said, nodding sagely. “I’m hot because of my inability to handle myself.” *** He considered her. “Of course.”
"I didn't say that's what makes you hot. I love you because you're you. You're hot for reasons other than your inability to handle yourself." *** She raised her eyebrows. "How much?"
She laughed, raising an eyebrow. “Oh really? Like what?” *** “A lot,” he assured her. “What are you thinking about?”
He looked down at her with a thoughtful frown. "What isn't there? You're my best friend. You're always there for me. You're kind, and intelligent, and fun, and beautiful.." *** She looked hesitant, glancing at the door. "Just.. Your new home."
She looked up at him, flushing deeply. “I’m so in love with you,” she told him quietly. *** He sat on the edge of the bed. “What about it?”
