* fire/flood.

[asheslost]

JACE‌:

« I AM WELL AWARE OF IT. » He laughed against her skin while he did what she tried and tightened his arms around her middle. « But maybe I am just romantic, not cheesy. » The angel suggested in a low voice before he planted a kiss on her nose. « Whatever I am, everything I say is nothing but the truth ; which is what you deserve. » Precisely because Evelyn would always be there to catch him if he stumbled and ( even though he would always do the same for her, no questions asked ) he wanted her to know how much he loved and cherished her for it. How much he admired her. Who cared if that made him cheesy?

The angel shook his head and smiled when her lips caressed his jaw. « No. No pouting. I want you to smile for me — can you do that? » He gave her a silent, mischievous laugh and nuzzled her once she said that he smelled good. « You are spoiling me with compliments tonight, my love. » Jace teased before he added an even more teasing, warning growl as she nipped his chin. « Wrong. You have always been a princess. You have always been my queen. That is not my fault. It is your birthright. »

He hummed in response to her words, slowly swaying along with her while he began to press soft, open-mouthed kisses to her neck. « Not an honor. » He breathed, not even bothering to use a full sentence. « Only want you. » His kisses wandered lower and he rested his chin on her shoulder to give her another glance through the mirror. « Is that our plan for tonight? Once we get back from the ball? »

Lips turned up into a happy smile, nose crinkling at the lightest touch of his lips, Evelyn giggled softly. “Mmhm, or we could say that you’re both. Cheesy, romantic..” she said, smiling wide against his skin. “and I love you for both.. and for your honesty.” she added, trying not to roll her eyes. She felt the same way about him, after all. That he was the most beautiful, most deserving creature ever created. How could she deny him what he thought about her? She could not. She didn’t WANT to. 

As if to answer his question, Evelyn beamed at him. “Yes.” she whispered easily, because he MADE IT easy. Easy to smile. Easy to just.. be. “I would love to smile for you.” she continued. “You make me smile.” There was nothing she could do about THAT either, and again, nothing she wanted to do about it. “Mm, I disagree. You are deserving of only the truth as well, my love. And so I am helpless but to give it to you.” Her back curved just so, hearing him growl by her ear, and she bit down on her lower lip to keep herself quiet. 

She wanted to argue with him. Tell him it WAS an honour.. But she was too overcome by the feelings he was giving to her as he started to lightly kiss her neck. “Jace..” she breathed, voice higher, close to moaning for him already. “Yes,” she said, not sure if she was disagreeing to his initial words, or agreeing to the idea of them. JUST them. She couldn’t help herself, she moaned softly in protest when his kisses came to a halt and he instead rested his chin against her. “Yes,” she said again, gruffer, lower, needier. Her breath caught in her throat as warmth continued to spread through her. She slid her hands up from his, up his arms, needing to feel more of him. “Yes.. yes that’s..” She chewed at her lip again, trying to concentrate. “those are.. my plans..” Her voice was breathless, but she sounded sure of herself. “Make love to you for the rest of the night.. for as long as you can take it..”

[violentwavesofemotion-deactivat]

Before enduring it we will endure it.

Carolyn Forché, from “The Angel of History,” published c. January 1994 (via violentwavesofemotion)

[asheslost]

IMOGEN‌:

“It’s so antiquated.” Imogen groaned. “So slow and draggery.” Imogen rubbed her neck. “Okay maybe I’m bitter because I don’t have a date.” Imogen looked around. “But who could I dance with?”

The girl laughed at her explanations, especially after the REAL one came. Or rather, the one Evelyn had been waiting for. “Imogen, who do you WANT to dance with? You’re beautiful, and smart, and anybody here would be LUCKY to dance with you. I promise you that. Just, pluck up the courage and ask. We can even request a song change..” She added with a glint of mischief in her eyes.

[asheslost]

JACE:

THE POUT ON HIS WIFE’S LIPS MADE HIM SMILE WHILE HIS EYES WANDERED OVER HER BEAUTIFUL FACE. It was the same expression that Jace would have worn, were it not for the fact that he was so very determined to fake prove his strength tonight. He had no interest in meeting the council and spending the night out, but since it was not up for debate, he would take advantage of this event. He would prove people like Lilith that they could mess with them all they wanted — they would not break either one of them.

« Don’t pout. You have no reason to. Even the stars will be jealous of how bright you shine, my love. » His lips twitched in amusement at his own cheesiness, but he meant what he said. As always. Still ; he could not suppress the sigh that escaped him when she told him to remind her why they were doing this. Was it smarter to stay at home? The answer was no. Even if the angel would have preferred it, they had to go out there. Staying in the loop was the only way to survive those things that were yet to come — and if there was something about the entire situation that he did care about, it was their survival. « Because… » He started, trailing off for a moment when he began to caress her stomach after she placed their hands on it. « We are something like supernatural royalty. If we do not introduce ourselves, somebody else will. We cannot have that, can we? » There was amusement glistening in his eyes, but he became more serious when he added the next thing. « Not to mention that a queen should not hide away… and you are nothing less than that. » Especially in comparison to someone like Lilith. 

« But that is not all. » The blond told her while he brushed his lips over her ear once again. « We are going, so that I have a chance to beg my lovely wife to dance with me. » Jace smiled while he kissed her lobe and it widened when he added yet another thing. « Besides, High Water deserves to see how lucky I am to have you by my side. » He breathed into her ear, his voice sounding low and rough, even though he continued to smile when his eyes fell back to the mirror so he could take in her sight once more.

She knew better than to believe that he everything was okay. That he was okay. And he was all she cared about. However, what Evelyn DID believe, was that they would get through tonight. The way that they got through everything. Everything they could face, they would forever face TOGETHER. That tonight, every night, she would take care of him, catch him when he stumbled; and that he would do the exact same for her. Nothing that Lilith could, or ever would do, could part them, or break them. They would see the night through with grace, and later, they would fall beside one another and rest. 

“You are so cheesy, Mr. Durand. Do you know that?” The words were practically purred as a bubble of laughter left her and she tried to tighten their arms around her, fingers fluttering delicately over his as they got more comfortable.  She raised a quizzical brow at him. “Perhaps I do have a reason..” She hinted, going up on tiptoes as if that would help her to see more of him. In reality, it just pressed her back closer, further into him, which felt just as good. “You look.. phenomenal.” she tells him seriously, leaning her head back against one shoulder so that she could press a kiss to his jaw. Inhaling his scent, she let her eyes close and tried to listen to him speaking but found that she was very distracted. “and you smell delicious.” she adds, laughing, having to refocus her eyes from their previously dazed state. She grinned at his words and gave him a playful roll of her eyes as well as a nip to the edge of his chin. “Well now, that’s YOUR fault. I haven’t been a Princess for centuries.” she teased, eyes gleaming just as his seemed to. Her smile softened, though, at his next words and she pressed her lips to his skin, soft and warming. 

“You know that I’d be honoured..” she whispers, eyes once again closing as she sways within the confines of his arms. “To be your date, your wife.. your queen.” She smiled wider and shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly. “To dance with you.” A soft noise fell from parted lips at the touch of his lips. At the way they softened into kissing her earlobe. She furrowed her brow, trying to get herself to open her eyes but his touch, the touch of his lips and the way he had his arms wrapped around her, and the sound of his voice.. It was all too much. Too inviting. He was so beautiful. She was most definitely the lucky one. “I would like to see the faces of those wishing they could be the one to take you home..” she agrees quietly, “The one looking at you, touching you.. dancing with you and kissing you..” Eyes opened once again to find his. They looked darker now. Less subtle, the colours she’d applied around them only seeming to magnify that. “The one making love to you later..”

[violentwavesofemotion-deactivat]

𝘚𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭, I said, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘥,

Edna St. Vincent Millay, from The Collected Poems; “Ode to Silence,” (via violentwavesofemotion)

[runwayandbeauty]

[asheslost]

KASDEYA‌:

she’s been here for nearly half an hour and has already downed two and a half glasses of red white.  luckily not spilling any on her white clothing yet either.  in addition to the drinks , she’s also spent some time on the dance floor with some random dude she ditched after his hands wandered a little too far.  now she was off against the wall taking a moment to herself when she sensed another presenece approaching.  “  can i help you with something ? “ 

“Nothing in particular,” Evelyn answered. “you just look like you’re having a better time than most other people here.” It wasn’t the truth. Evelyn had seen her take a glass of wine happily enough, though. She couldn’t say the same. The Phoenix didn’t quite trust the contents, even if this WASN’T Lilith’s party. “I thought that perhaps I could try to blend in.” She rolled her eyes at that. “I see you ditched your companion.” she added, giving the other a knowing look. 

[asheslost]

JACE‌:

( @asheslost )

JACE HAD NO IDEA WHY THEY WERE DOING THIS TO THEMSELVES. It was one thing to attend the ball and avoid the council’s attention, but walking into a room with Lilith and all of her supporters? It was one of the last things that he wanted to do and the mere thought of it made him sigh in frustration while he pulled his jacket over his shoulders. Wonderful.

« Evelyn? » He stepped out of the living room and into their bedroom — just to gulp hard as soon as he spotted her in that white dress. « Hey. » The word was not above a whisper and it seemed like his entire irritation went straight out of the window, now that he saw her. The angel stepped up behind her and placed his hands on the side of her arms, caressing her skin. « Are you ready for this? » He watched her through the mirror in front of them while he brushed his lips over the shell of her ear. « You look… » There was no word for it. No word that could possibly describe the sight of her. « Breathtaking. » To say the least.

The Phoenix was putting the finishing touches to her makeup, a golden and quiet brown smoky eyed look. There were many things she didn’t like about this new world, but creating art in newer and interesting ways was not one of them. Evelyn loved to experiment with this. With tattoos, too. She had a fair few. As did her husband; even one of her creation that she’d designed long, long ago and he had gotten it the first chance he could. In her memory. She smiled at the thought, feeling warmth flood through her again at the thought of him. It was then that she heard his voice. 

Calling out her name. 

Whiskey eyes fluttered open, finding him walking up behind her. She immediately leaned into him, finding that she needed the support. He looked BEAUTIFUL. All dressed in white. It suited him. Then again, what didn’t? “Hi,” she breathed back, and then hummed at his question, shaking her head with a slight pout. She shuddered at the touch of his lips and the way his fingertips glided tenderly over the bare skin of her arms. “I could say the same about you,” she murmured, her head turning towards his whilst her arms crossed over her middle to allow her to slide her hands over his. She curled back into him, humming softly at his warmth and closing her eyes for a moment to allow herself to bask within it. “Remind me, AGAIN..” she started, biting her lip as she looked towards the mirror and up at Jace behind her. “why we are doing this..”

She could have happily stayed here. Would have much preferred it, but their duties didn’t always allow for it. She LONGED to be selfish with him. Keep him here forever. Just them. The very thought of seeing Lilith and her minions though, or even the Angels. Evelyn gave a short, tired sigh and pulled Jace’s arms around her middle, resting their hands upon her stomach and joining their fingers together. They had to go, though. 

To keep themselves safe.

[sorrensky]

“Why doesn’t anyone ever play good music at these things.” Imogen licked her tongue dressed in white. She observed the dancing couples,partially wishing she had a date. “Also the waltz is kinda lame.”

[asheslost]

The Phoenix rolled her eyes somewhat fondly at the complaint and opened her eyes to glance at the other woman. “What’s wrong with the music?” she asked curiously. Lyn had been enjoying it. “Perhaps you think the waltz is lame because you didn’t invite anybody to waltz with..” Evelyn teased, nodding towards a group of people that didn’t seem to have brought a date either. Maybe she could still get Imogen to dance with SOMEBODY, though. 

[ofdeaths-deactivated20190116]

the pale horseman glides effortlessly into the ballroom of hell water’s town hall.  there is light from the windows reflecting off of the attendee’s white clothing and silver jewles. it’s beautiful and death can’t help but smile.  they were all dressed up in their color.  maybe they will end up working tonight.  they stays to the outskirts , off of the dance floor and away from where everyone else was chatting.  for now , they were simply there to observe the goings on.  they could only guess that this get together had something to do with lucifer.

[asheslost]

“It looks incredible..” Evelyn whispered, her eyes wide and bright and doe-like, threatening the orange glow that so often happened when she wasn’t thinking or trying to control it. “So bright.” she mused, soon flushing a mild shade of pink once she realised she was not stood alone. “Sorry, I just haven’t seen so many people dressed up like this in a long time..” She tried to explain to the them, smiling at the sight of them in their own white outfit. “Don’t you think it’s beautiful?” It was enough for now to distract her from the worries she had of what could be happening tonight. 

[asheslost]

bloodxborn‌:

    LILITH. the mention of the demon’s name only triggers for the vampire’s thoughts to race. why he was being asked about her , asked about information on the red head , he doesn’t know , but he felt like he needed to find out. was the town’s current situation his fault ?? he’s not sure , but he doesn’t want to risk it , wouldn’t put himslef on the spot. “ yeah , i know her. what about her ??  ” he wouldn’t give anything away , isn’t sure who he’s speaking to either , but he’d rather keep himself safe than anything else.

“I just..” she frowned, trying to frame the words in her mind. I just.. what? Hate her? Perhaps, but did that matter? Yes, a voice in her mind said back to her, but she tried to force it back. “.. need to know.” She didn’t know anything about the vampire. Or his relationship to the demon. “Who is she to you? What do you KNOW about her?” she asked him, trying to remain somewhat impartial. Like the information wasn’t extremely valuable to her. “I have heard stories, of course.. Everyone has heard stories.. but they cannot ALL be true, can they? Really, anything you have to say.. it could benefit us greatly.”

[asheslost]

JACE‌:

THE ANGEL WAS ABOUT TO ROLL HIS EYES WHEN EVELYN MENTIONED HIS THRONE — but her words distracted him. The crimson color on her cheeks distracted him and he sighed, almost as if to admit his defeat. « That is the only throne that matters to me, my love. » As bitter as he felt about having hell’s reign taken from him, his words were nothing but the truth. Jace would have given it all up in a heartbeat, anyway. There was not a thing in the world that equaled his wife’s value to him, after all. « I know you will be. » He told her in a quiet, but content voice. « And it means everything to me ; I don’t remember how I survived a day without you by my side. »

His mismatched eyes stayed right on her face, studying her enchanting features before his lips twitched into the faintest of smiles once she kissed him. The blond returned it as he tightened his arms around her waist, keeping her flush against his chest. « Every night. That is what I want. » It included tonight, of course, but Jace meant it. If he had things his way, they would not be separated for longer than a couple of hours ever again. Selfish and possessive? Perhaps — but who could blame them? Circumstances forced them apart for lifetimes. It was their time now. « It was always meant to be yours, Mrs. Durand. » A breathy laugh slipped past his lips when she buried her face in his chest and he leaned down to nuzzle her hair. « Only ever yours. » There was such affection in his eyes when her gaze began to seem shy and he planted a light kiss on her nose. « I love you too — which is exactly why you would be out of luck if you decided to leave. » His expression changed into something more teasing and he gave her a playful growl as he whispered into her ear. « Because I am afraid I cannot let you go. Not again. »

“Every night..” she whispered back, sounding almost breathless, getting completely lost as she looked him directly in the eyes. The colours of them.. she could’ve stared for the rest of the night at just them. Just his eyes. Gosh, longer.. Years.. Centuries she’d been lost to anybody but him. Lost in everything he had and everything he was and everything that made them.. THEM. “It’s all yours. Every night. Every day.” He’d have her as long as he wanted. It was a promise she felt comfortable making, because she’d wanted to make it over a thousand years ago. The worst.. it had to be behind them. No matter what Lilith would try to throw at them. No matter what BUMPS in the road.. The future, their future, would be theirs to make of it what they wished. 

The air already felt impossibly lighter. Evelyn didn’t know how her husband did it; how he took her insecurities and made them float away. She could only pray she could do the same for him. She shivered at his touch. Felt his warm lips ghost the shell of her ear as he growled by it. The sound dizzied her. It sent her spinning and made her knees feel weak. He may have even caused them to buckle if he hadn’t been holding onto her so tightly. She stared up at him, a look of happiness and awe written all over her face at the sight of him. At the very idea that this was it.. That they finally had forever. She gave the man a teasing look before taking a step back and away from him. “And what would happen?” she asks as pearly white teeth dented the perfectly plump, plush pink lips that just a moment ago had been smiling, just for him. The Phoenix did not go so far as to step out of his arms, only moved so that they had to stretch just a little bit to still be able to reach one another. She slid her hands down his chest.. slowly down his stomach whilst she stepped back again, her smile only growing in size. She knew what would happen. She knew what he would do. But still, she wanted to see it. She wanted to see him. “what would happen if I kept walking?” There was no chance that she WOULD, and Jace knew that, she knew he knew that. 

[asheslost]

prettyneplm‌:

Imogen was surprised by the other’s actions. “It’s a tattoo, Evelyn!!!” Imogen looked at her. “Is there something wrong with that?”

“No..” she said, too quickly. “no, I do not think there can be anything wrong with it..” Her voice had lowered, but her eyes remained on the mark tattooed to the other girl. There couldn’t be anything wrong with it, could there? From what little she knew.. no human could wield a mark such as this. She forced her eyes to meet the brunette’s. “Where did you get it?”

[asheslost]

JACE:

THAT WAS SOMETHING THAT FRUSTRATED HIM —  he went through it before, but he did not feel so weak after Lucifer converted him into a demon. Perhaps it was the loss of his throne, maybe it was that he continued to loathe God and the angels, or the simple fact that he chose to join the fallen archangel all those centuries ago. Lilith took all of his decisions from him ; and worse than that, she included his wife in her games. A wave of bitterness rushed through his veins, but it was forgotten when he noticed the wistful expression in Evelyn’s eyes. It almost broke his heart when the light inside of them dimmed down and he instantly reached for her face again, tracing her cheek with his thumb. « Hey. Stop. We are not letting her win, do you understand? » Even if he failed to battle the pain sometimes and he was haunted by nightmares, he would not allow Lilith to get the satisfaction of damaging either one of them in any way. He would not let her stand in the way of their happiness. Not now, not ever. The former demon kissed the side of her head once she nuzzled his neck and melted into his embrace and he took a deep breath as he went on. « Please, Lyn. Trust me. Nothing is going to happen to us. » Truth be told, he was not entirely sure if Lilith was done playing either — but that did not mean that he would play with her. As long as they stayed out of her business ( and he was selfishly willing to do so ) she would not get a reason to waste her time with them.

The angel was happy to let his wife steal another kiss from his lips and he hummed thoughtfully in response to her words. « What if I am sorely mistaking? Will you stay with me tonight to prove me wrong? If so, I am afraid being wrong might be worth it. » He gave her a faint smile and leaned into her touch before he turned his head to kiss her palm. « You can always be in my arms, Mrs. Durand. » His fingers intertwined with her own and he brought their joined hands to his lips to press the softest kiss to her ring. « Because I am all yours. Forever. »

“You may no longer have a throne to sit upon,” she said, “but you will always be the King of my heart.” Her cheeks were flushed, but her gaze remained steady on his. She knew the words were cheesy, but they were also irretrievably true. Evelyn thumbed gently at her Angel’s cheeks, pressing them lightly before allowing her touch to trail his jaw, fingertips mapping out his face as he spoke. She listened to him, watched him, gaze intent upon his features. She wanted to believe him. More than anything, she wanted this to be true. So she did; so it would be. She pulled back from the embrace so that she could rest her head against his. “Never.. I will never leave you alone again. You will never go through anything alone ever again. I swear it. Even if.. even if for whatever reason we get separated. For an hour, a day, a week. Whatever it is, Jay. I’ll be right here.” A hand had slid from his face. Come to rest against his chest, his heart. She gazed at him, a slow smile making itself known against her face. “I’ll be with you. I promise.” 

As if to cement that, to cement everything the two had said and promised one another, Evelyn curled her small hand around the material of his shirt over his chest and pulled gently. She pulled herself up onto her tiptoes, needlessly, some may say, but to her, it just brought them ever closer. Her lips met his in a sweet, chaste kiss. His next words only made her smile widen. “I’ll stay with you. Any night you want. This night, tomorrow night..” she began to list, biting her lip as she watched as he kissed the palm of her hand. She curled it in gently, enough to brush her fingertips along his jaw before he took her hand within his own and laced their fingers together. “I’d like to spend tonight in your arms.” she whispers. “and I still can’t get used to hearing that.. You calling me that. Giving me that name.” She smiles, and hides a blush by burying her face in his chest. “I love it..” She peeks up at him, almost shy. “and I love you. And I love..” her voice falters and she lowers her head again, hides it, just long enough to press a kiss against his chest. “I love that you’re mine. Forever. And that I belong to you in exactly the same way.”

[elaine-tate]

Elaine made a face at the couple that were all over each other just outside the bar window. Watching for a few seconds, she picked up her beer bottle and took a swig of the liquid, “Ugh - I swear they’re gonna start screwing in front of us and it’s way too cold to be getting naked out in the open… I think I need something stronger than this.”

[asheslost]

Truthfully, the Phoenix couldn’t say much. Most times, if Jace was beside her, she forgot anybody else was. That they even existed. It had been the same even over a thousand years ago. She bit her lip to suppress a smile and looked away from the couple outside with pink cheeks. A thud from that direction told her they were now pressed up against the window. “Do you wanna go somewhere else?” she asked, snickering at the sounds she could hear coming through the glass. 

[sorrensky]

Imogen tapped her single gloved hand against the table. “I went to a rave a few days ago and I got this weird tattoo on my wrist.” She  looked up. “But hey maybe I can start a new fashion trend.”

[asheslost]

Her mind was on something else. She wasn’t really paying attention. Though Evelyn saw the girl’s lips moving, she didn’t register what Imogen was actually saying until she saw the rune tattooed to the back of her hand. “Wait, what?” Evelyn asked, frowning, reaching for the other’s hand. “Imogen, what is this?”

[asheslost]

JACE‌:

HIS WIFE’S RESPONSE TO HIS REMARK MADE HIM LAUGH UNDER HIS BREATH , and he pressed another gentle kiss to her head while he shook his own . « That is not what I am talking about . » Even as a mundane or an undead creature , nothing would compare to her warmth ; the one that radiated from her very soul . His mouth continued to trace her skin , at least until she mentioned being worried about him . It caused a sigh to slip from his parted lips and he lowered his gaze for a moment or two before he searched for hers . « Evelyn . » He knew that he could not blame her for worrying about him , but he didn’t want her to . The situation was difficult enough — the last thing he wanted was for it to affect her as well . But how could it not ? She had been there too and even if Lilith focused on him , Jace was painfully aware of the fact that it hurt Evelyn too . « Come here . » He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her even closer as he brought one hand up her spine and into her hair , holding her to him . « Lilith got what she wanted . I’m not ruling hell anymore , I’m not in her way ; She’s done with us . » It was not what she worried about , the angel was certain of it , but he tried not to think of everything that happened that night . « Lyn , I understand , but I promise you that I’m alright . Everything is going to be alright . » It had to be .

He used the hand in her hair to encourage her to look at him and he placed a soft kiss on her lips . « I love you . And I appreciate you coming home for me , but you … You should not keep yourself from having fun because of me . Okay ? »

Of course, she knew that. She knew what he meant, but to her? That was all him. The warmth.. He radiated it. HE DID MORE THAN THAT. He always had. Evelyn wondered if maybe she was so warm because he’d set her on fire himself. When he met her. He’d set her ablaze and she hadn’t stopped burning since. Maybe that was it. She hummed at her name and met his gaze head on. That was it. The focus had been Jace. Her Jace. That had been more painful than any of the physical torment she’d had to share with him that day. Seeing him like that. Knowing that he’d gone through similar before. ALONE. Whiskey eyes grew wistful, the light in them dimming as she remembered the pain that crossed his features. She squeezed her eyes shut, and focused on NOW. On his strong, fierce arms that wrapped around her and had her like putty. Her body curled into him, into his embrace, her face nuzzling into his neck and along his jaw while he spoke words of comfort to her. Evelyn wasn’t concerned right now about what was still to come from the woman, but what had been done already. She wanted to believe him, though. That Lilith was done with them. Somehow, though, the Phoenix wasn’t so sure. 

Eyes fluttered again at his touch. The gentlest kiss laid upon rosebud lips. They quirked at the corners, hinting at a smile. She accepted the kiss gladly, going so far as to steal another one as she repeated the words back to him. That made her smile; LAUGH, actually. “Do you truly believe that my favourite place, the most fun place for me isn’t in your arms?” she questions him with an arched brow. “You are sorely mistaken, if so.” Her lip is caught between her teeth in an instant and she’s shaking her head at him. Reaching for him with gentle hands, Evelyn skims her fingertips slowly along either side of his jaw, stance relaxing as they hold one another. “This.. YOU are my favourite place to be, Mr. Durand. If I could be anywhere in the world, it would always be in your arms.”