close the door

-puts each hand up, a slow show of surrender, that he’s letting her have her free will—something he’s never done in her presence, always being the looming, deciding factor. he’s letting her go- Alright.

-pauses for a second, almost hesitant to let her leave, not used to this sort of freedom around him. of course, she's telling herself that she doesn't have to be used to anything around him, that it's her right to still doubt and yet... and yet, telling is not the same thing as understanding, or fully believing. but she backs up, nodding a little- Bye then, Vaughn... 

-remains still for a long moment, looking back up at her, though his gaze holds no extreme emotions—it’s almost blank, but not quite. if she were to squint, she might think it understanding, especially when he nods- If you have to.

-presses her lips together and nods, fighting the peculiar exhausted feeling- I have to. 

Oh, no. Valentine’s Day and I aren’t on good terms. -even in her sarcasm, Tessa smiles fondly, genuinely happy to see her baby sister-

-smiles barely, a thin, tired smile, and nods- Yeah, I suppose I share that sentiment. -is very glad to see Tessa, but now more than ever she just feels eternally off- 

-debates reaching for her hand, allowing his gaze to drop towards one of hers, though he ultimately comes to the decision not to do it, keeping his hands on the arms of his chair. he falls into the same silence, waiting for her to break it- 

-bites her lip, pressing her own palms together, wringing her hands- I, um... I should be getting back home. 

I’m… okay. What about you? Have any plans for today?

Oh... me? No. No plans. Do you? 

Elena, hey.

Um... um, how are you? 

-his smile falls a bit, and he clears his throat as though he’s mustering up a bit of courage- I will make this up to you, Elena.

-nods a little, because there's a conviction in his tone that she can't help but start to trust again, and she finds herself believing his words, though staying silent in response to them- 

If you… if you’ve really changed.

I’m trying to.

Then... I forgive you, Vaughn.