Author's Note: Proof of life. It's been a long time, even for me. Just a little snippet for now. For now. I swear. Also I know historically I've been pretty bad about replying to comments, but I have a tumblr now that I'm learning how to use. Look me up as sonata-ix.

Amalda and Willy left Julia's arm in arm, but not before Willy had left a generous tip and insisted on quizzing Julia about her incredible chocolate dessert. He hadn't told her his full name, so Amalda was fairly certain that her friend thought he was perhaps a rival chef. At least he was not at all surprised when Julia refused to divulge too many of her secrets. That, Amalda knew, he could understand very well.

It was only a few steps back to the shop, and for the first time in her life Amalda regretted the short distance. She wouldn't have minded spending more time with Willy, but she was in no way ready to invite him in, with all that could imply. Even if she knew Willy was generally quite the gentleman.

He looked a bit confused as to why they were standing in front of the shop in the deepening twilight. "Oh!" Amalda realized she had never explained. "Those windows up there," she pointed up the level above the shop. "Those rooms came with the property. I live up there now. Makes the trip to work very easy every morning."

Willy stared up at the darkened windows, a smile curling across his lips. "I think you might be the only person I know whose commute is shorter than mine."

"Nah, I bet the Oompa Loompas have you beat," she said, giving him a friendly nudge with her shoulder. Their eyes met, full of laughter.

Amalda didn't want the evening to end, but unfortunately they couldn't stand on the sidewalk forever. She fished her keys out of her pocket, fiddling with them as she glanced up at him. "It was good to see you, Willy," she said softly.

He took a step toward her, forcing her to lift her chin to continue meeting his eyes. The laughter had faded away, replaced with an intensity that stole her breath. "Amalda."

A shiver ran down her spine and his hands twitched as if he wanted to reach for her, then stilled at his sides. "At the factory," he began, haltingly. "Before, with the elevator…I…" His face flushed, and Amalda could only stare in amused awe as the great Willy Wonka fumbled for words, embarrassment coloring his tone. "I-I kissed you," he stuttered out at last.

Heat suffused Amalda's face as well, though she didn't break his gaze. Where was he going with this?

"I didn't ask," he blurted, then swallowed thickly. "I didn't ask and it was wrong. Am I no better than Ms. Weston?" Indignation pricked her at that comparison, but this was neither the time nor the place. Willy took a deep breath, released it. He seemed to regain some of his composure. "And I'm very, very sorry for it."

Amalda blinked. I'm not, she thought, then bit her lip to ensure the words didn't escape.

"However…" One of Willy's hands twitched again, and this time he seemed to give in, lifting it until it hovered near her face, not quite touching. Waiting. "I would very much," he began, his voice so soft that she couldn't help leaning in closer to hear, "like to kiss you now."

Amalda couldn't breathe. Her heart was racing but she couldn't seem to take a breath. Willy watched her, unmoving, so close to her that she could feel the heat from his palm.

"May I?"

The touch of uncertainty in his voice broke her, and she smiled at him, shyly. This is new to both of us, she reminded herself.

She caught his raised hand in hers, pressing her cheek against it, marveling at the warmth and softness. "You silly man, you only had to ask."

Then she lifted her other hand, tangled it in his soft curls, and pulled him down the short distance to meet her.