Helena gave a startled little noise of surprise as he pulled her into his lap, laughing before it was swallowed up by his kiss. Her hands immediately came up to cup his cheeks, fingers stroking the sides of his face as she contemplated the answer to his question. She caught his tone and it didn’t quite dampen her mood, but it changed it somewhat. Her expression grew less playful and more thoughtful but she didn’t pull back.
“As lovely as I might be, it is you who is breathtaking, and I meant that in every sense of the word. I find you handsome, yes, and I think I’ve demonstrated many times how irresistible I find you.” Despite how often and easily they had just been teasing each other, how coy she was being or playing at just moments before, the honesty of this conversation was turning her cheeks pink, and almost made her avert her gaze.
“But it is more than just that. You’re kinder than I think people give you credit for, gentler than people know, and far stronger than I used to imagine. The problems of those you care for become your own, and you carry their weight as if they were nothing at all, with no - or at least little complaint. I could try to convince you to stop taking on so much but I know you will, as it is your way. As much as I would like you to stop that, I couldn't. I couldn’t bear to change one thing about you.” She smiled fondly at him before her eyes lit up and she whispered a quiet, “Oh!” and deftly pressed her lips to his in a lingering kiss. “I almost forgot the kissing, which you are quite good at, if I might add.” She had returned to her light teasing once more, in hopes of lifting a mood that she felt she had turned a little too serious. Still she hoped he didn’t think she hadn’t meant anything she had just said, and she added after a moment, “In short, Vlad, I love you very much.”