❛ it hurts when you don't talk to me like you used to. ❜ u know who
it hurt , to conceal his thoughts around her . yet he couldn't bring himself to set them free — not only due to sentiment of guilt , but precaution . a need to not bring pain into words . push it , through whatever means necessary , to keep it at bay . though it bloomed through gestures , actions , a simple gaze . and valerie was no fool .
christian surrenders , with a small sigh . " i'm sorry , " he drops the stack of parchment atop writing desk , to find his place in front & kneel before her sitting form . he brings his hands to squeeze valerie's , atop her lap .
" i promise , i don't mean to . just ... " christian bites on the inside of his lip , eyes averting concerned gaze for a moment . " you left , because of me . i don't want to scare you away again . i ... " a defeated laugh escapes him , " i couldn't possibly handle it . "
