for a few moments, Irina remained perfectly still between his hands. then, almost imperceptibly, she leaned closer, turning her face just enough to press a brief kiss to his jaw before
…
⠀the flicker of understanding within her mesmerising eyes is all he needs to hope he could still stand a chance to fix this, which the short – lived brush of her fingers against his skin seems to confirm.
⠀guilt tastes sour,⠀⠀ᦾ
allowing the silence to settle between them. “ i don’t want your apologies forever. ” her voice was quieter, but still firm. “ i just want you not to give me another reason
…
irina remained still beneath his touch, her eyes fixed on his face as he tucked the loose strand behind her ear. she did not pull away, nor did she do anything to encourage him.
⠀⠀❝irina …❞
⠀not pleading per se, his voice nonetheless softens as he calls her name with the warmth his italian accent adds to his tone.
⠀stepping forward, not pushing his luck but also not wanting her to leave for he had⠀⠀ᦾ
she lifted a hand slightly, brushing her fingers against his wrist before letting it fall back to her side. “ i thought you’d left for good. and the thought that i had been so
⠀i always come home to you —— you know this, don’t you ?
⠀i didn’t think ten days would upset you so, i am most sincerely sorry.
⠀however, you have been on my mind on every one of those days. and i brought you something special.
non provare a giocare la carta della pietà, idiota. you may have had every reason in the world to leave, but a letter explaining why would have been appreciated. even just one.