[ he was pleased, warmed, flush even as she answered in the affirmative. It was short lived, but that giddiness welling up within, after so many years of suppression, went straight to his head. ]
Is this better?
[ he rubbed a thumb across her knuckles, leaning in, gaze drifting down to her mouth before flicking up to catch her gaze. He was curious. What would it take to get Tear to open up, fully? ]