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The Awkward One in the Boudoir
Severus brought her bag up to her room and stood uncomfortably in the doorway. Elaine had a feeling that the separate bedchambers that had persisted through their stay in Paris would continue.
"Severus?"
"We ought to have talked before." He shifted his weight, cheeks pink, looking miserable. Elaine steeled herself for something earthshattering. "I don't pursue relationships without meaning. I'm not cut out for affairs. If you're not interested in pursuing this—thing with an intention towards a committed partnership—please, don't let me go any further."
She admired his bravery. "Let's take it slow, yeah?"
He nodded, pleased.
Pink, #2