[Even as she reaches to grab at the hem of her skirt, his own fingers move fleetly down the length of her thigh, his touch brushing against hers. Modesty has no place here, though he can respect her desire to hold onto it a few moments longer— this, he knows, is still new for her, still brings with it a certain degree of uncertainty, though he hopes for the both of them, it will become something as natural as it is thrilling, the very idea of sharing oneself with another.]

You like it when I look at you this way.

[He smirks— she'd told him as much, but he follows his previous kiss with another, this one a bit softer, relenting slightly. While he is certain of what they both want, he knows the situation remains complex, muddied by emotions despite their strength.

For but a moment, his expression grows a bit more somber, though he makes no move to pull away from her, keeping his weight on his hand as he lets his forehead come to rest against hers.]

You needn't apologize for that now. You had your reasons. I understand them better now— and you— and if you wish for nothing more to happen tonight, then I will listen.

[But he's positive that's not the case. Not when they'd both been searching for reasons to come to this very room.]

But I promise you this— in this moment, I want nothing more than to be with you.