.

The Unexpected Declaration during Dining

"How did you know it was the Carrows?" She asked, unsure about the significance of the name even as she said it.

He sighed, "I recognized the secondary chemical properties immediately. It was something I had a hand in creating for…for the Dark Lord. They had a hand in the development and gathering the materials." His seemed to deflate slightly, curling into his chair and cradling his forehead in his palm. He began to eat again, mechanically.

"I see why you left in the first place," she said quietly.

He blinked at her through his fingers, pausing in his shoveling of food into his mouth, a carrot dangling off of his fork. "Excuse me?"

She quirked a smile, "The magical world is exhausting." She cradled her wineglass and sipped at the fragrant liquid.

He chewed thoughtfully. "Yes…I have missed the work though. Brewing at home just isn't the same."

Elaine bit her lip wistfully, wondering how their simple life was on the cusp of changing for good.

"I'm glad that you could solve this—issue," Elaine stirred her food idly.

He half smiled, "Its not over yet, darling."

She felt a warmth spread over her at his careless use of the endearment.

There was silence for another long moment. He began tentatively, "I was wondering, Elaine, if there would be a time in the future… perhaps the very near future, when you would be interested in…" She watched him as he looked away nervously and then back, meeting her eyes with effort. "Making our arrangement more permanent."

She stared back, a slow smile curling the edges of her mouth. "Severus Prince, are you… proposing?"

He flushed and abandoned his silverware next to his plate so that he could fold his pale hands. "Not… as such. Think of it as a pre-proposal?"

She laughed and reached for his hand, entwining her fingers through his. "What's brought this on?"

He gave her a nervous half smile. "It solves many of the issues we have previously discussed."

"Such as?" She leaned forward intently.

"Well—we won't have to discuss money and such any longer since I won't be paying you, just providing properly," he said firmly, but he wouldn't meet her eyes.

She cocked her head, regarding him seriously. "Consider this my pre-proposal acceptance. Please don't be afraid of… us." She whispered the last.

He seized up his fork and stabbed at the chicken. "I'm not… I'm not."

She squeezed his hand. "Is it just the practical side that appeals to you?" She asked tentatively.

There was a long silence.

"No—there are other…inducements," he said softly, seizing his own wine.

"Such as?" She encouraged, watching him from under her lashes.

He swallowed and leaned back, putting distance between them. "I don't wish to be parted from you—ever. I think that some might be bold enough to call it 'love'."

Elaine heard his retreating formality and careful handling of such an intimate and delicate confession with sympathy.

"I love you—Severus Prince."

Carrot, #90