HermNessa, "Can I say something sappy?" (Bonus if it's Herm, and what he's saying absolutely isn't sappy by normal standards, but is by his.)
OHH ;u; time for when they're engaged to be married but. not married yet
~~~
They are walking slowly, dragging their feet as she escorts him back to his car. It has been a lovely night - he came to her house, they cooked dinner, ate with her children, and played board games for hours. When the children went to bed, Vanessa and Hermann discussed the future over a glass of wine. Where they'd live, when he would have shore leave, how long they could keep their marriage a secret.
Tomorrow, he will be gone and lost to work for months. Now, however, she has him. So she savors every slow second.
Only once they reach his car does he stop and turn to face her.
"May I-" He hesitates, then forges on, steeling himself. "May I say something rather sappy?"
"Yes. Of course, my love."
"...I'll miss you."
There is a split second of conflict in her heart, a that's it? and a did Hermann really just admit that? Smiling a little, she steps closer.
"I'll miss you, too." She says.
"Yes." He fiddles with his keys. Swallows. "You know, Vanessa-" He leans in, slightly, conspiratorially, and she can't help but lean in as well. "I never believed anyone could be as fascinating to me as my work. But you are. And I have enjoyed my time here immensely."
"Oh." Heat touches her cheeks, and she wonders if he sees. "Oh, thank you, Hermann. That's one of the sweetest things you've ever said to me."
"Is it really?" He looks halfway between amused and irritated, and, laughing, she kisses his cheek. "I'm sorry. I'll have to get better at-"
"Please don't. I love the way you talk."
Hermann looks at her, smiling in what looks like approval, and Vanessa feels those familiar butterflies in her stomach.
Acceptance has always been something she has held out for him, and now that he takes it, they're going to be the happiest couple in the world.
