A single grunt of indignation is his only response to her teasing remark, fighting the urge to roll his eyes as he turns his gaze away for half a second. A strand of dark hair falls over his face but he makes no attempts at brushing it back. She was right, it was still rather early to indulge in such satiations  ──  not that he would admit it aloud. But smoking a cigar was one thing, and the taste that it left in his mouth afterwards was something less than to be desired, Crocodile much rather preferring the sweeter taste of a whiskey or bourbon instead. His annoyance subsides even quicker than it had appeared, glancing over to follow her with his eyes as she wanders over to the kitchen to prepare his drink, a laugh escaping him. “ I look forward to it. ” The last time drinks were shared, they only had a few before red warmed her cheeks and his hook found its way around her waist. “ Compensated? ” That caught his attention, a brow raising just as his smirk widens across his scarred face. “ Is the pleasure of my company not enough? ” It’s a tease that he can toss right back at her, their banter without missing a beat. He watches her a few seconds more, the way her hair tumbles over her shoulders and down her back like a waterfall of obsidian that his hand involuntarily flexes with a desire to push behind her ear. “ Fine, ” he states in mock defeat, patting his lap with his free hand, “ Come here and tell me how I can make it up to you.  ───  I am a generous man, after all. ”

--- AMUSEMENT crossed her features, hand cradling the tumbler glass of whiskey with evident care ; the novelist sidled back over to his lounging form and eyed him curiously as she did so. The POWER that exuded from him always worked to leave her in a state of awe at times --- the broadness of his form, his HULKING height and the gravelly voice. All of it could be overwhelming to a more submissive person. Luckily, Emily was accustomed to the intimidating blanket his presence could strewn. To be frank, she LIKED that about him ( more than liked ) and it was this fondness that enticed her to heed his beckoning gesture ; a familiar fire set alight within her at the commanding way in which he patted his lap. 

tol & smol / accepting.

--- " Mmm...You're always so warm, my love. " PURRED words, tenderness apparent in her voice, whilst she snuggled right up against the length of his body ; arms tightening their hold around him, soft fingertips brushing over the expanse of his chest & stomach. There was nothing but a SOFT ambiance to be felt, the two of them wrapped within the blessed feeling that they were content and safe within their home ; there was no danger, no need for Mirage or the family she had come to treasure to throw themselves into another job. Their home was quiet with the blanket of night & their sweet babies were asleep in their rooms ( peacefully so ).

Another hum was breathed and Emily nuzzled into her beloved's BROAD back. She adored these moments where she could cradle him, allow him to soften within her hold --- she dearly hoped he felt just as safe with her as she did with him. Plush lips brushed over a scar that marred his skin, the woman always wishing to kiss every single mark that dotted her husband's body. " Elizabeth tried to climb up onto one of the kitchen chairs today. Can you believe that? Barely a year old and already trying to climb things. "

Her laughter was GENTLE, not wishing to disturb him too much ; only wishing to help him fall asleep. He often told her that her voice soothed his worried thoughts.

" She's just like you. Brave and an absolute menace. "