st_illunsmeared: (nightcap)
Phryne Fisher ([personal profile] st_illunsmeared) wrote2017-03-01 11:15 pm
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[For Jack] I'm longing to linger till dawn, dear

Jack's question and the exchange that followed, still lingered in Phryne's mind a half hour later when they arrived back at her room. He'd been very chary of anything that might sound like he was trying to tie her down, which she appreciated, but perhaps a bit too chary.

The nature of their relationship clearly had changed. No longer did she expect "no" when, as now, she asked, "Will you come in for a drink?" and opened her door to step through. If he did say "no" now, it would be because he concretely had something else to do, and even so, she would be put out to be deprived of his company--and his kisses.

Tonight, they'd already agreed he'd join her, so the invitation was mere nicety, a playful nod to all the many evenings past they'd spent in each other's company. So, she'd already sailed through the door and headed toward her boudoir without waiting for his response. "I'll be just a minute while I slip into something more comfortable."
st_illunsung: (Default)

[personal profile] st_illunsung 2017-04-18 05:04 pm (UTC)(link)
Rather than answer immediately, Jack considered. It was a serious question, worth considering, and a quick answer would (rightfully) also be a suspicious one.

Almost certainly, the last man that Phryne had allowed the word 'love' from was the detestable René, who hadn't known or been capable of it. And while Jack was absolutely certain that Phryne knew he was nothing like that, it was still going to come up. The habits and instincts of years, particularly those born of self-defense, didn't disappear after one night. Jack had little doubt of her feelings, now, and the fact that she didn't squirm under his... "No, love," he said finally, punctuating the assurance with a kiss, "I don't expect or require words from you until you choose to say them."
st_illunsung: (miss fisher)

[personal profile] st_illunsung 2017-04-20 04:00 am (UTC)(link)
Why would he need words when he had her mouth, and her eyes, and her touch? Even just before their marriage had ended, right up to the day she'd moved out, I love yous had been punctuation for him and Rosie - part of saying hello, or goodbye, or phone conversations. Jack, of all people, knew how little the words actually meant. The substance, which Phryne was more than willing to provide, was the important part.

Not that he didn't intend to tease her, occasionally and gently. "Of course. It gives me something to look forward to, you know."