He could only managed a nod at Peisinoe’s suggestion of exchanging things they enjoyed that others might found strange, not quite sure what to say but figuring his smile said more than he could ever put together coherently anyway. Not many people ever took the time to sit down with him, to talk to him and know what he liked and disliked. Nobody save for his mother, at least. (Sure maybe his father had in the beginning but that didn’t count now). It was a bold move on his part, reaching out and covering her hand with his, which is why he made sure to ask first. Not that most people asked about such small things as holding hands, but for someone like Cohen it was a big deal. He didn’t let many people into his space, much less let them physically touch him, but every brush from her hand or her skin sent flutters through him that were definitely new. The gentle traces of her fingers brought a soft smile to his lips, but Cohen stayed silent. He still had trouble believing this was real, and part of him was afraid if he spoke too much or too loudly this beautiful moment would shatter like broken glass. But it was a comfortable silence, though his heart thudded against his chest at the novelty of it all. Especially as she lifted her head to look at him.
As her eyes drifted over the features of his face, Cohen couldn’t help but take the opportunity to do the same. Peisinoe’s eyes were so beautiful, like sunlight glinting off warm chocolate, and the way her full lips turned up and made her cheeks form the perfect heart was as fascinating as it was mesmerizing. He wasn’t sure he had ever seen anything so beautiful, though he couldn’t find the words to accurately express to her all the ways he found her more beautiful than anyone else. Their gazes were locked for what seemed like a long time, longer than Cohen had ever been comfortable with looking directly at someone, though he managed a slight smile at her words. He didn’t think any part of him was beautiful, certainly not in the way people constantly told him that he was, but he didn’t care to focus on him at the moment. His eyes had drifted to her lips, not unlike the way she had lingered on his before, though he managed to force his gaze back to her eyes before he spoke.
“Would it be alright if I kissed you?” His voice was soft, but intent, expression probably pathetically hopeful despite him trying to remain calm. Normal people usually just went right in for the kiss, but nothing about them was normal it seemed.