It’s very, very quiet.
Her brows are furrowed, just a little bit, her eyes determined and searching, though he’s not sure what for. Under her cloak he can see her chest rising and falling as she breathes.
She steps forward.
Reaches out, grabs the knot of his tie.
He stiffens, preparing to resist being pulled, but she doesn’t attempt to do that, just rests her hand there, like she’s trying to convince herself to take the next step.
Her expression is intense, still searching, that earnestness in her again but with a vulnerability that makes him nervous. Her eyes scan his face, land on her hand, and then back up, to his mouth.
“Chemist,” he pleads. His heart feels like it’s going to give out, beating hard and fast against his tightened ribcage like a panicked little bird.
Please don’t make this harder than it has to be. It’s on the tip of his tongue, but he can’t get it out. Another failure, just like his other failures regarding her, including his current inability to move away, crushed by the opposing pressures of dread and apprehension, and temptation and desire.
She tilts her head, in affirmation that she heard him, but still just continues to stare, her own inner battle evident.
She takes another step forward. She’s close enough that he can feel the warmth of her alcoholic breath on his neck.
“Willow.” As firm as he can. Begging her to stop, because he’s too weak to.
She blinks, alertness returning to her eyes, like she’s coming out of a daze.
She lets go of his tie, steps away, pulls her arm back to fold with her other one and curl around her middle. She looks troubled.
“U-Um,” she says. “I-I’m… I…” She clears her throat, looking away from him, her cheeks darkening even more. “Th-Thanks for walking me home. Goodnight.”
“Goodnight,” he says, and seizes the dismissal, however reluctant it might seem, turning on his heel and wasting no time putting distance between them.
He has to get home.
He has to get home and fix this, somehow. No matter how drastic the measures might be.
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This scene had me in a chokehold until I drew it for @cozmic-ash and her longfic called 'flew like a moth to you (sunlight)' ❤️I absolutely adore this Potion Permit story and I still want to draw a couple more scenes from it x333 Enemies to Lovers and so much delicious pining!❤️
I can't wait to read more!
