are any three little words more romantically devastating than “Not like this”
the bone deep agony of someone wanting something so, so, so badly and finally having it within reach but knowing that they’d never forgive themselves if they got it in This way, if they took it or were given it when it couldn’t last or wasn’t real or the other person is only giving for the wrong reasons, maybe doesn’t actually want Them, just Someone…
and having to say that they want this but…. but not like this.
Followed by the "fulfillment" scene where finally everything is perfect and the "not like this" becomes the "yes, now"
One of the best examples for me of that will always be Bram Stoker's Dracula .....

















