[It takes every ounce of his self-restraint not to kiss her right there.
It isn't particularly difficult to work out what she wants, and it isn't like he's opposed at all. But he refrains because Marianne is gentle and kind and genuine, things he isn't and never could be. He has no regrets about courting her and desires so much more from it, but he worries about driving her off. Being too forward, being too forceful, being... well, everything he is, really. She would be well within her rights to leave at any moment.
And yet every time he has a chance to show his true colors - to take what he wants without a second thought - he hesitates. It isn't as though he can shield her from who he truly is. She'll find out one way or another and then...
That's when she'll want to turn her back on him, he's sure. If things go the way he's thinking they will, she won't have anywhere to run.
The idea ties his stomach in knots in ways he's never felt before, but as always, he pushes thoughts like that aside. Now isn't the time or place to start doubting himself, or Lady Edelgard, or their plans. Everything that can be used to their advantage will be. No exceptions.
Marianne doesn't deserve that. She deserves so much better than him. He should pull away, try to make this easier for when his inevitable betrayal hits her.
But he doesn't.]
You don't need to worry about being too forward. I don't particularly care whether it's proper or not.
[They've stopped dancing by now, and the hand that was on her shoulder moves to cup her cheek, tipping her head up as he leans in closer. They're so agonizingly close and he wants nothing more than to bridge that last gap and press his lips to hers.
But he doesn't, only watching, waiting for permission.]
no subject
It isn't particularly difficult to work out what she wants, and it isn't like he's opposed at all. But he refrains because Marianne is gentle and kind and genuine, things he isn't and never could be. He has no regrets about courting her and desires so much more from it, but he worries about driving her off. Being too forward, being too forceful, being... well, everything he is, really. She would be well within her rights to leave at any moment.
And yet every time he has a chance to show his true colors - to take what he wants without a second thought - he hesitates. It isn't as though he can shield her from who he truly is. She'll find out one way or another and then...
That's when she'll want to turn her back on him, he's sure. If things go the way he's thinking they will, she won't have anywhere to run.
The idea ties his stomach in knots in ways he's never felt before, but as always, he pushes thoughts like that aside. Now isn't the time or place to start doubting himself, or Lady Edelgard, or their plans. Everything that can be used to their advantage will be. No exceptions.
Marianne doesn't deserve that. She deserves so much better than him. He should pull away, try to make this easier for when his inevitable betrayal hits her.
But he doesn't.]
You don't need to worry about being too forward. I don't particularly care whether it's proper or not.
[They've stopped dancing by now, and the hand that was on her shoulder moves to cup her cheek, tipping her head up as he leans in closer. They're so agonizingly close and he wants nothing more than to bridge that last gap and press his lips to hers.
But he doesn't, only watching, waiting for permission.]