At first Erik thought he had made a horrible mistake as usual. Shock, surprise, fear, and many more emotions passed over her face in a whirl he eventually lost track of. It felt like someone had stuck a block of ice into his stomach and shot his heart into space. He didn't dare pressure or push her though. It was her moment to sort out as agonizing as it was for him. Had he spoken too soon? Anxiety and doubt raged supreme in his usual calm thoughts.

Then she was grabbing onto him and his arms slipped around her to hold up her lithe weight. Her eyes scared him, piercing as they were into his heart, his soul, truer than any lie detector could. Her eyes shining and his frozen, unable to leave hers. Glacially she seemed to move, to touch and hold his face. Then the sweetest words he had ever heard spoken shattered the ice in his stomach, his heart exploding in a supernova of emotion. He couldn't stop the kiss that followed. He didn't want to stop the kiss that followed. It stretched on in what felt like forever and still over in an instant and longing for more as a familiar voice intruded into their passionate kissing.

Carol.

Carol was her name. It suddenly popped back into his brain once it started chugging along. He was mildly aware he should have been embarrassed, it had been a pretty extensive and thorough kissing session.

No.

No. He would not let her ruin this.

His brain rang out like a world war two air raid siren. All troops to battlestations! Prepare every weapon. Launch every missile! He was a fusion powered dynamo powered by the only drug that could affect him, love. He tried to slip into his neutral mask and failed miserably. Instead a smile formed almost so slowly one could see the individual muscles in his face move before it picked up steam. Faster and faster it grew to manic proportions. However, instead of humor or good intentions it was pure predation. The cat seemed to hold all the power of a mouse and he was a nuclear weapon. All this only taking a few moments.

While his face was busy declaring his war his mind was a love infused lightspeed computing processor of immense proportions and it had been busy. Busy digging up every dirty filthy and down right rotten trick in the damn book. Every scrap of paper he had read or every show he had even caught a mere snippet of condensed itself into a five minute plan of action.

"Carol!" His voice shattered the refined silence of the gathering like a live grenade going off. Gathering as much attention as possible to the little kitty kat. Carol. "Carol! We were just talking about you! You are such a wonderful host." He grabbed Carol about the waist and planted a lipstick smeared kiss on either of her cheeks. "Thank you so much!" Lightning speed snatched the cocktail out of her hand and he downed the whole thing in one swig. To him it was glorified water that burned the whole way, but he needed that fire to forge his focus to a diamond edge. Barely resisting the urge to chuck it, instead he shoved it back into Carol's hands and purposely did a fake little drunk swagger and clutched Andrea closer.

He didn't give her the opportunity to recover from the shock no. OH NO! It was full on blitz. "You got this girl! And-Is that Steven? STEVEN!! Carol you remember Steven right? STEVEN!!!" A hand waving the surprised man over 'accidentally' dragging Andrea into view of the bewildered weirdo. "Get over here dude!" Erik was impressed how fast the man seemed to move away from whatever conversation he was having. "Steven good to see you again. Look sorry about the other night. You see Carol here LOVES Greek history, I mean she just does not stop talking about. She set you up with Andrea here so she could shoot you down and soften you up." Carol tried to interject and he patted her cheek gently. "Ah-ah-ah no point in denying it you should have just came out and said it Carol, but that is ok. Feelings can be difficult. I am sure Steve has no hard feelings. Oh hey! Would you look at that Carol's drink is gone! Why don't you both go grab some more drinks and talk about greek stuff until she has to get back to talking with the donors."

With his greatest performance ever wrapped up he yoinked Andrea off her feet with the arm that was still around her and ran for the stairs. He made it all of a third of the way there before manic laughter overtook him, he wasn't even sure if it was the nerves or the absurdity of the whole situation that caused it. Most likely both. Too bad he didn't think to stop running until they made it outside and he finally stopped to breath. As the whole situation fo what happened played back through his mind he started to shake and sweat beaded heavily on his face. "Sorry, that might have been a bit much.." His legs felt weak suddenly now too and he moved to find somewhere to sit and get his breathing under control.      

It was always Carol. The woman seemed to have a sixth sense when it came to popping up at the worst times, when she knew Andrea would be terribly embarrassed. Being caught making out with her date to the degree they had been going at it was right up there toward the top of the embarrassing list.

Before she could even sputter out an excuse, or apology, or even tell Carol to go away, Erik lept into action in a way she had never seen before. She was equal parts shocked and horrified at the manhandling of Carol, particularly those cheek kisses... and scandalized thoroughly when he knocked back pretty much a whole cocktail like water.

... She'd broken him, hadn't she?

"Erik, what--" There wasn't even hardly time for doubt to creep in seeing as she was pulled back in close and she froze again.

And then Steven happened. She was suddenly at the forefront of what she had been trying to avoid. Her and Carol exchanged bewildered glances as the man toddled over. There was an explanation, one that had her turning fully brown and sputtering softly while Steven's face seemed to move through the seven stages of grief.

Carol was looking a little green for someone with a light dusting of green fur on her cheeks, and Steven was blushing and batting his eyelashes at the Feline woman in a way that made Andy sure she was trapped in a terrible nightmare. Had she passed out from the stress of confessing? Was she lucid dreaming?!

The Greek gave a little squeak of protest as she was all but kidnapped from the party, clinging on for dear life as Erik ran away. She shot a very obvious fake smile and a wave back at Carol, who was being tugged away by Steve, who had launched into everything he knew about Feline anatomy.

The maniacal laughed was certainly concerning, but she put that thought on the back burner until her handsome kidnapper had finally stopped running.

Once she was on her feet, she finally tried to process what had just happened. Erik needed to sit down. She remained standing, staring up at the night sky and blinking repeatedly.

And then, like a tsunami rushing in, she started laughing. Whole body, from deep within her soul laughter. Carols face! Steven! The more she replayed it all back in her head the funnier it got, until she had to sit herself or she would fall over on unstable heels.

It took a bit and after a few shed tears, she got herself under control enough to focus on Erik himself again. He became her soul focus again, even though she couldn't get rid of the giggles fully. "No, it was perfect." Edging closer, she shifted onto her knees, not caring if she tore her stockings, so that she could pull him close to her chest and wipe some of that sheen of sweat away.

"I would much rather spend New Year's alone with you, anyway." She pondered on where to go from there. Back home? Somewhere where they could see the fireworks?

...Really, she didn't care so long as they were together.

"What would you like to do now?"

Her silences were always concerning. She was staring up at the sky and Erik wondered if she was regretting what she said. Then she laughed! It was a beautiful sound and he hoped he could cause her to do it again. After a moment he even joined in despite his shakes and total adrenaline fueled nervous meltdown. Thinking back.. it had been totally ridiculous and he hoped she wasn't going to get in trouble for dashing off- well being abducted like that. He nuzzled into her chest lightly and enjoyed her caring embrace. His hand squeezing her leg appreciatively. Spending New Year's alone together sounded like a dream come true.

As she asked he had an answer. "Would you like to come over to my place? I have a half sheet of Tiramisu and my landlord is gone for the night." The worst of the shaking had subsided into a dull shiver. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into the best semblance of a hug he could manage in that position. "I did mention I am bad at social gatherings right?" Looking up from her chest with a bit of a flush to his cheeks even as he chuckled. "It is totally ungentlemanly of me but could you get the valet to bring the van around? I would like a few more minutes before I chance standing." Offering her a weak attempt at a smile as he fished the ticket out of his pocket and handed it to her.

Missing her warmth immediately as she moved off he closed his eyes and focused his breathing in a meditative manner. Hearing his van he stood a bit shakily and presented himself to assist her in getting in.

--

He was feeling much better by the time he pulled into the driveway to his place. Unlike the rest of the two story houses with a driveway leading to a garage in the back this one had an wide set of porch stairs along the side leading to a second story door that face the back. Parking the van in the driveway he hopped out to lead her inside. Pausing just inside and leaving her there as he flicked on lights leading to the nearby kitchen and retrieved the half sheet of cake. A bit of walking, a door and a flight of stairs up and they were to his space.

At some point the second floor may have had walls. They were long gone now and roof supporting beams had taken their place. A corner of floor was walled off for what was presumably a bathroom. The most notable thing was the sheer amount of bookshelves in the space. Other than walking paths that were wider than would have been necessary and a wall where all his living space and workbenches sat with a table and two chairs and storage for clothes and various other things were everywhere else had been crammed a bookshelf full of books in all manner of conditions, some of the books even spilling onto the top. Almost all of them some form of nonfiction though he did have one shelf tucked away with his growing collection of Full Metal Alchemist manga Zaid had introduced him too. 

There was a bed and next to it a large space with a thick carpet with a comforter thrown on top of it and all manner and types of pillows. The wide walkways kept the space from feeling too cramped despite it packed full of shelving. The far end and dead center of the space was a set of tall windowless french doors that presumably lead to the porch and stairs outside. 

"Well this is it." Feeling suddenly less sure at how it might look through her eyes. Most of the bed had lost a losing battle to a horde of random books with just enough spare space for someone to sit. Maneuvering easily over to the table to set down the Tiramisu and pulling off the cover so he could hand her a fork. "Shall we?"

She has already forgiven him a million times over, and had a general idea of how she would smooth things over the next time she needed to make an appearance somewhere. She wasn't terribly worried about the donor pledges, because Carol was as good at talking as she was gossiping. If she ever escaped Steve, that is.

Her heart beat a little faster at his offer to go back to his place, and she dearly hoped he couldn't feel it. "That sounds wonderful." He angled his face up and the urge to smother it in kisses grew, but she held back. She chuckled instead and pressed a kiss to his forehead.

"You did give me fair warning. I suppose my warning about Carol should have been a little more in depth..."

Laying another quick kiss upon his temple, she took the ticket and headed off to retrieve the van... and from there the night went on.

One drive later, in which she relaxed quite a bit and totally didn't internally agonize over the fact that she was visiting his home, they were there. She didn't tend to care for outside appearances or grand gestures of wealth, so the nature of his dwelling was just fine to her. The only reason she lived in the apartment she did was due to it being smack in the middle of three major hospitals, with a good commuting distance.

She let him lead her along, quietly looking around while she waited. Cake was acquired, and a hot minute later she was seeing where he loved for the first time.

BOOKS. Lord, all of the books!

His collection was much bigger than hers by the looks of it, and she instantly wanted to peruse through them and see what he had. It was like a small library! She tried not to let on how exciting it was, and smiled back pleasantly. "It s very cozy!"

She set her little purse down where she found space and worked at getting her heels off.

She was instantly five inches shorter.

She almost forgot about how fancy she looked as she joined him, taking the offered fork. She worked at pulling her hair from it's complicated up-do with the other, seeking to free her snakes now that she was out of the public eye.

"I love your books shelves. I would live in a library if someone allowed me too."

Oop. She hadn't been able to hold it back for long.

Sheepishness settled in as she called it cozy and he nodded his agreement. Cozy and comfortable.It was also a far more intimate look into the real him then he usually shared with anyone. There was of course the strong dedicated and helpful Erik he portrayed, but at the same time the Erik that lobed learning and cozying up by himself with a good book or project as well. He watched her with a soft smile and rare sort of relaxation settled over him. Most of the usual tension he held in his shoulders ebbed away as he absorbed the comfort of being in his own space.

As she set about working on her hair he stabbed the fork into the italian cake and got up and zipped around behind her. "Please, let me help." Gently setting about undoing the braids of her hair after a gentle kiss to the side of her neck. Chuckling as one of the smaller snakes snooted itself against his neck. "Easy, this will go much faster for everyone if your not all wriggling about all excited. If your good I will give you all a kiss. How's that sound?" It seemed to work at least somewhat and he chuckled again. 

Working slowly as he was in now real hurry now he spoke. "Thank you. I guess I do sort of live in a library. Don't remember if I told you I was homeschooled. Then I ended up having to teach myself. I do enjoy books beyond learning though. Being able to feel them physically makes them easier to recall and my mother loved books too. It is a nice way to remember her by I think." There was no sadness in his tone just fond remembrance. He stole another kiss to her neck, the other side this time, before freeing the last of the snakes and gently running his fingers through her hair to be sure it was free of tangles and laughing as the snakes mobbed him. "Easy ladies. Sloth no grabbing right now." Suddenly he didn't have enough hands to pet them all and ended up nuzzling a few. Slowly, but surely he acted on his promise and gave each of them a little kiss. "OK now you are all making lust look good." 

Slowly disentangling himself from the mess of snakes so he could sit by her again. "Your free to take a look around if you like. I was thinking perhaps I should get us something to drink." Smiling warmly at her before shoving a big forkful of Tiramisu into his mouth. Eyelids dimming a bit in pleasure. 

"Oh."

His fingers were in her hair, working away. She was forced to abandon the project and clenched them in her lap instead. It was strangely intimate, and all together very pleasant. She blushed, eyes shifting around to take more things in while he had her trapped. The first neck kiss earned a surprised little jump.

She nodded a few times in affirmative while he spoke, listening quietly. She agreed with quite a few of his points... especially about liking to have physical copies around. The smell of old books was better than any perfume to her. "I think that is a very sweet sentiment." She was smiling, fiddling with her fork with her eyes closed as she enjoyed the moment.

The other kiss earned a jump as well, seeing as she hadn't been expecting it, and a giggle... and then his fingers were deeper in her hair and she relaxed fully. Her snakes were particularly fond of the caresses an kisses, and she was too, seeing as she could feel every one of them. She wasn't about to mention that though.

She tried to collect herself a little before he sat, but the huge blush was a dead giveaway. She waited for him to take a bite before stealing one for herself, internally giggling over the fact that they were sharing food without separate plates.

Lord, she was still a love struck teen on the inside.

"I would love something to drink. Whatever your favorite is?"

She plopped her fork back in her mouth, smiling at him from around it while her blush deepened a few shades. She very much wanted to get up and peruse, but figured they could cuddle for a bit first before she indulged her selfish curiosity.

It was pure bliss to have someone that could relate to the simple enjoyment holding a book and turning its pages could bring. Sure his weren't fantastical tales of dragons and knights, but to him they held a certain reverence all the same. Just one more item to add to the list of reasons he adored her so. He made a mental note to have their next outing be a book signing or something similarly more isolated then a crowd full of near strangers he had to attempt to not lose his mind over. In that regard he figured he had failed spectacularly this particular night. He adjusted his thinking to more pleasant things after he had finished enjoying the moment with her snakes and hair.

After sitting enjoying a bit more of the luxurious desert he blinked as he finally noticed the grand blush on her face. Momentarily giving her a quizzical look and wondering if he had done something too... too much. Afraid to ask he smiled and gave a little laugh. 

"It is more an issue of availability then favoritism. Fruit punch it is." Grinning at her even as that darn blush of hers reappeared and made one of his own join in. It was hard to fight off the creeping sense of being overly self conscious with her around. He got back up and trailed the fingertips of a hand across her shoulder tenderly before he hastened back down the stairs to grab the jug of fruit punch and a pair of glasses. Practically running he came back to pour them both a large glass and sat back down. Thoughtful consternation evident in his face before he looked at her again and a smile flourished to soften its edge. He took a hasty drink of the fruit punch before he looked at her.

"I hope my place is alright. I haven't ever brought anyone here before. Wasn't really sure how it would be received, but I wanted you to see it." Too much self doubt had situated itself in his head the last few moments and he took a deep breath before taking her free hand to give it a squeeze. "I really do love you. The party hadn't been the way I would have wanted to say it, but I wasn't about to let Carol hear it first." Damn, why was his heart beating fast all over again?! Ah there it was, his own blush was back full force.

Fruit punch it was!

She shivered pleasantly at his fingers while absently wondering if she could bite a fork in half. The muscles in her jaw seemed to want to do so every time he touched her, purely just from the tension that surged through her body.

He was gone for a bit and in that time she attempted to calm herself down. If she was this easily riled up from him playing with her hair or touching a shoulder gently, she was likely to implode if he so much as grabbed her hand.

When he came back the blush was mostly gone and she had taken a few more reserved bites of cake. Mostly she had spent the time eyeballing the titles of various books and trying to memorize where they were so she could find them again when she had the time. Her expression lit up like a bulb the second he walked in, and she was only slightly embarrassed by it. "Thank you." The Greek took the offered glass with both hands, holding it close for a sip while she listened to him speak. She settled the glass in one hand and in her lap as she went to answer him.

"I find it... cozy?" She chuckled softly, she did't want to offend him by calling it cute. It really was though! His assortment of books and items all packed together in his own personal den. "It reminds me a little of my old room at the school, when I first came here." Ah, fond memories. Being packed into a room with Verdigris and having all of her then belongings scattered about wherever they would fit. Her book collection had been much smaller then... but even the one she had now still paled in comparison to his treasure trove.

She froze a little when he grasped her hand, uncertainty flashing through her eyes for the briefest moment. However, his words, those wonderful words when spoken from his mouth in his voice caused her to relax again quickly. She thankfully didn't blush like mad or sputter or lose her head, but she did feel herself heat up a few degrees. What had she said about imploding again?

"I love you too, Erik." There it was. Straight from the mouth of the Gorgon with little to misunderstand or flub things up. She set her cup down so that she could scoot a little closer and let her other hand join his.

"I really do love hearing you say that, too..."

"I can settle for cozy. Never really had my own space before I moved in here. Wasn't really sure what to do with it at first and then it sort of just gradually turned into this." Shooting a dazzling grin at her than mimicking her chuckle with one of his own. Eyes held fast to her as she spoke about herself. Looking around a bit at his most humble abode and shrugging softly. Now that it was the way it was he couldn't imagine it another way. 

She seemed to freeze at the strangest of times he realized, but was glad when he pushed on and just came out and said it once again. The sentiment was sincerely returned and his heart felt several sizes too big suddenly. The emotionally challenged man felt exhilarated and scared all at the same time at the powerful words. The torrent once set free raged like a wild storm. Smiling at her his eyes sparkled some with a fresh shine.

"I will say it often enough I am afraid you will get tired of it." Squeezing her hand in his softly as if it was made of china. "Mechta you are such a wonderful person. You are so caring and intelligent. Strong of heart and mind. A good soul and the most gorgeous woman I have ever laid eyes on. I never thought a time would come where I could say these things to you." Fingertips reaching up to caress her face gently. "As you learn more about me I am.. afraid I will be a disappointment to you." It was an extraordinarily difficult thing to admit made only possible by his uncanny attraction to her. Throat swallowing hard to stave of more of the annoying emotions he usually kept safely tucked away.  

"I don't think I could ever get tired of hearing it."

He flattered her. More than she had probably ever heard before, and each kind word was like an arrow to the heart... and not simply because they were words of praise toward her, but because it was him that thought them. It was honest to goodness overwhelming the poor Greek. Her eyes slipped closed so she could lean into his hand on her cheek, a smile that simple refused to go away tugging at her lips.

It faltered a little toward the end though. "How could I ever be disappointed in you?" Maybe now she could understand a little why he had been so upset to head her talking about herself negatively. Hearing him say such a thing was like a physical wound. Her concern caused her serpents to slither forward, eyes directed at him as she slowly frowned.

"I've seen you heart. I know what's in there and I love it completely." She placed her free hand against his chest, over where his heart would be. She didn't care about his books, or his clothes, or what car he drove, or where he lived, if that's what he had been concerned about. All she could see was him, and the little sparkle in his eyes, which were a deep earthly brown she imagined, and all she cared about was what his smiled did to her insides when he directed it at her.

"I simply don't believe that such a notion could exist at all. You are perfect in my eyes." She tilted her head at him, brows furrowing.

If she would give him a day he could have had a whole list of reasons why she should be disappointed in him. Never in the realms of all the worlds could he ever conceive of anyone calling him a good person. His solutions to problems were far too pragmatic and based on skewed reasoning to ever let that title pan out to full fruition. In this moment he could only see the concern slip onto her face and her snake friends and swallowed again to keep some semblance of order in his heart and mind. 

He clutched at the hand on his chest. A lifeline in the strange stormy waters he was traversing. Their was honesty and then there was pure unvarnished truth. Knowing beyond all semblance of physicality she would never lie to him. Pain stabbed at his heart. He had forbidden himself deep friendship or intimacy. Too many reasons to keep people safe and at arms length and not enough to pull them in and hold them close. A little sniffle forced him to concentrate on the now and not zone out on all the ways this was a horrible idea, but it was overpowered by the sense of need and longing he felt. 

"That is the most terrifying thought of it all." Squeezing her hand to keep her from retreating before he could finish. "What if I have become so good at hiding who I am and guarding my feelings and my heart I have fooled even you Mechta?  To think that I might be lying to you without meaning to hurts more then you can imagine. I never want to lie to you about anything. I love you. I know that with every ounce of my heart that I do. I would never forgive myself if I hurt you in anyway. To think of me to be one person when I am really another would do that." He took a deep breath to steady his rising nerves. Not even noticing his thumb caressing against her absently. "You see someone perfect and my heart soars to hear you say that. When I look in the mirror I see someone who is neither great or good. A person who does terrible things so others may live in happiness. I do not wish to become your terrible thing to deal with. Above all things I want you to be happy, Andrea."  

It was all so grand and new. The good feelings couldn't be felt without the bad ones he had a poor reign on bubbling to the surface. He knew without a doubt he was his own worst enemy when it came to the complex and almost alien emotions he usually kept firmly stuffed away. Worst of all he felt like he couldn't trust himself with the person he longed to be closest to and it hurt immensely. What if he had simply become so good at hiding the terrible parts of himself he had everyone around him fooled? If he had to sleep he knew that would be the essence of his nightmares. That his feelings weren't really his own, just another adaption to better blend in and make himself feel like less of a monster. 

She listened, adjusting how she was sitting so that she could face him better while she searched his face for answers. The way he was speaking... it was a tad bit frightening in a way, but she was much more concerned than she was frightened. Whatever was causing this, whatever pain he held inside, or what frightened him in regards to her being with him had her entire focus. She had opened up her heart to this man.

Thankfully, she was as stubborn as she was kind. She was not going to give up so easy and let him scare her away with worries.

"Then call me a fool." She set her jaw and gripped his hand back. There was nothing but love and determination in her eyes. "Everyone has dark parts. Not a single soul on this planet is spotless, not even mine." He was right, she would never lie to him. There was no use for untruths to people she cared about.

"I am not so shallow a person that I would ignore the complexities of man. We are all imperfect in different ways, there is no getting around that." She made sure she was looking at him directly in the eye, so he would be able to tell how earnest she was.

"but perfection in my eyes if not a superficial, spotless thing.. I cherish you for everything you are, that is what love is supposed to be." She glanced away momentarily, thinking.

"You could never be a terrible thing to me, and I wouldn't presume that my happiness hinges solely on whether I view you through rose colored glasses or not."

She looked back to him, still very serious despite refusing to let go of his hand or removing the other from over his heart.

"Perhaps I am so selfish as to say I do not dare care. Not even a little."

Erik's insides had begun to feel like an overstretched balloon filled to almost bursting. Holding her gaze felt so difficult for its simple purity of purpose and thought. Souls currently bare for the other to see. Words tumbling directly into him without reserve or scrutiny. Listening quietly as the words seemed to flow from her so easily with a bit of visible envy plain on his face. Thankfully he could find no fault to her words. It was a debate he hadn't really wanted to win in any sort of fashion. A shotgun of loathsome insecurities interfering with what was otherwise a remarkably wonderful moment. The intimate discussion made tolerable by her very presence. 

He found he didn't care either. Loving the woman in front of him without reserve and if he was honest with himself, had done so from afar for some time already. Knowing she could feel his heart beat fast as he looked her over once their intimate gaze had been broken made him flush somewhat, more so a she noticed the hem of her short dress had edged upwards giving his heart a rapid one two as his eyes quickly moved back to her face. A shiver propagated through his form as the emotional tension from within himself deflated slowly.

Suddenly feeling raw and exposed he slipped his hands free from their perspective grasps and made shy little grabby hands at her before pulling her gently onto his lap so she was straddling him face to face. With a delicate reverence his hands snaked themselves around her to pull her into a much needed and desired, tight loving hug. His face nuzzling against hers cheek to cheek with a choppy breath before his face found its way to the crook of her neck. Simply holding her like that for a long moment.

Some time later his face slid gently along the crook of her neck. His lips touching her ear with feathery softness only to utter. "Words." The tone clearly indicated his complete disdain for them and conveying he was more interested in simply being in the moment, here, with her. Soft dry kisses trailed their way back into the crook of her neck so the hot heat of his face could be visibly obscured even as he continued to half nibble half kiss her neck.

She could only pray she had gotten her message across and not unnecessarily gone off on a tangent. The grabby motion was a good sign, and cause her frown to pitch back up into a smile again as she relented and let him draw her near. The position they sat in was one she was not terribly familiar with considering her current clothes but she was so over the moon she found it hard to care in the moment. She couldn't even grumble about the inevitable blush this time because it was honestly justified.

There was nowhere else she would rather be at that moment though. Tucked in his embrace, soaking up his seemingly endless natural heat. She cuddled in and for once her snakes were content with remaining out of his face.

She shivered at the word as his lips brushed her ear, body tensing slightly. Andrea tilted her head away a little to make more room for him, nerves on fire as his kisses progressed from one to many. Her snakes curled like tightly rung springs. For a moment all she could so was sit there and enjoy it, too flustered to think of what to do or how to join in. It was all so very intimate and overwhelming.

While her hands were still behind his back she removed her soft gloves, abandoning them without a care to the floor as she was unwilling to miss out on being able to feel the softness of his skin again while she had the chance. Her fingers sought out the flesh below his ears, trailing forward as carefully as she could without ruining his suit, so that she could gently pull him away from her neck and instead press her mouth to his. She was trembling, but it wasn't from being cold.

She was greedy when it came to kissing, as he knew well by this point.