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"I know it's only been a day," he replied quickly, a note of pleading in his voice as he gripped her hands "I know better than most just how long it takes to build a successful relationship. But you've felt it too, haven't you? Tell me I'm not deluding myself to think that you could want me as much as I want you!"

He stopped, the last part of what she'd said properly registering. He breathed out slowly, watching as the girl's emotions twisted her face; as she lowered her head in... shame? Whatever it was, his heart gave a little ache. This situation was becoming upsetting for her, and he wished he hadn't said anything after all.

Wrapping his arms around her, he brought his hand up to the back of her head and deliberately began stroking her hair.

"Yes - I want you," he whispered, eye finding the fallen endtable; "I don't know what's gone on in your life, but I want you. Everything I have is of infinitely lesser value than you, and I want to give it all to you. The greatest riches I have pale to your beauty and worth. So... the fact that you have nothing to offer except yourself is absolutely ideal, because there couldn't be anything that would hold my interest more."

The niggling worry rose up in him. He was really laying it on thick now. If she wasn't absolutely terrified already, she would be pretty soon. This was a woman who didn't want anything. This was a woman who was afraid of receiving love, no matter how desireable it may be or what advantages it might bring. It would take time, he knew. Well, he had plenty of time.

"I understand if you feel indebted to me. I understand that this is all a lot to take in, and I am really not helping matters with... terribly corny speeches like that," he chuckled "But you know, as long as I stand here and hold you, everything feels like it will work out just fine."

A flag pinged up in his mind. He'd completely forgotten!

"Hey-!" he cried, pulling away, a broad smile on his face "That reminds me! Oh... but," he stopped, suddenly catching himself. Oh, dear. If she'd hated his generosity already, maybe this wasn't such a good idea...

Still, going by the philosophy he'd imposed upon himself already - it's too late now, can't go back - he took both of her hands again, kissing them both in turn, the bright smile reappearing. He could coax her into accepting this, surely?

"No, nevermind. I think you'll like this. But I'll only show you, my dear, if you promise not to run screaming from the room, never to return," he teased, voice dripping with charm. Inside, however, his heart was pounding. This might turn out to be... interesting?

Jessie's smile faltered a little at the horrified look on her face. It soon returned with vengeance, however.

"Don't look so terrified! I promise, you're going to like this. Please, wait here. Sit down, if you wish."

He dashed out into the living room, pulling out the large, square box with the bright, aqua ribbon from its hiding place under one of the desk sections. The smaller box on top slid off and to the floor, and he quickly picked it up, praying that it wasnt damaged. Thankfully, it wasnt, and he...

Wait.

He looked at his hands; the dress balanced in one hand, the necklace in the other. Maybe... maybe this WAS too much. He might not have considered only giving her one at a time, but her reaction had given him cause for concern. The necklace... it was valuable, and ancient, and would show her just how serious he was about her.

...Maybe, then, that was one to avoid until another night.

Slipping the small box back into its hole, Jessie took the large box in both hands, moving back towards the open doorway. He stopped for a moment, and swallowed, the worry flaring up. What if she rejected it and ran?

...Would this worry plague him forever?

No, of course not. They were only starting out. This was completely natural. Bolstered, he strode back through the door, stopping again a few steps inside. Coline sat on the edge of the bed, waiting. For some reason, he suddenly appreciated the smoothness of the paper under his fingers. It was like a dream. This whole situation was so... perfect, despite knowing he had to tread carefully. He never wanted these moments to end.

Well, maybe the moments after he got through with giving her the present. If she didn't get up and run, that was. In which case he'd take the moments right before he opened his mouth about it.

Slowly moving forwards, he glid down onto the bed beside her, and slid the box from his lap to her own. "...I hope it pleases you."

This certainly wasn't the reaction he'd been expecting.

"...May I ask what exactly is so funny?" he inquired, a moment of haughtiness as she laughed at his gift giving way to good humour again. She had a beautiful laugh. It occurred to him that she didn't laugh very often. Maybe he'd have to give her even more things, if this was the reaction it brought.

Her explanation, however, drew a great deal of puzzlement. Something else? What else could he have possibly been proposi-

Oh.

Jessie's smile puckered, eyebrow raising. "I'm terribly sorry to disappoint you, in that case."

"I think this package, however, should prove just as pleasing as any other I could provide you with. Please... open it."