She closed her eyes tightly as he lowered her dress, and she carefully covered the front of herself. She listened to him as he worked, then took the drink. She looked at it, then sniffed it, her nose wrinkling. She took a sip, and found it didn't taste quite as bad as it smelled. He then kept talking, and she found herself shocked. When he finished and backed away, she turned and touched his arm, looking up at him. "You...care about me?" it was the first time anyone had said that. She cared for him as well.

His eye followed her hand as it touched his arm.
Crixus could only manage a nod and smile in response. It was true though. He would not have risked his life, and left the glory of the arena for anything, unless there was a hope of something more, something better. He could see a glimmer of promise with her.
Reaching for his bag he brought out something, covered with cloth.
''Perhaps a gift will better explain, where my words fail me''
He pulled the cloth away to reveal a small bracelet, it had two small diamonds set on a circlet of gold. He had purchased it in town after he had grown angry with her, making sure she did not see him buy it.
He held it out to her, smiling.

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Her jaw dropped and her one hand went to cover her mouth, while her other reached out and touched the bracelet in awe. "You...for me?" she carefully picked it up, an put it on her wrist. Tears sprang to her eyes, she she suddenly threw her arms around him. "Thank you...no one has ever given me anything before. It's beautiful." she couldn't believe it. She held him tightly, amazed that he had gotten it for her.

By reflex, he stiffened when she threw her arms around him, but a moment later his arm encircled her.
''You favor it then?''
He began to smile, happy that she accepted it ,and even more so that she liked it.

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Lost for words she could only nod into his neck. She pulled back and kissed his cheek softly, allowing her lips to linger there slightly. She couldn't fathom...well, she didn't need to fathom it. She was, however, struck dumb as she could not speak at the moment.

He gave her an almost grateful smile, his eyes moving to her wrist, pleased to see her wearing it. It looked good on her.
It was clear she was lost for words, as sometimes happened to her. He was happy that she was speechless with joy rather than shame or fear.

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"It's good to see you smile..." she whispered as she looked at him, meeting his gaze for the first time in what seemed like forever. She tentatively reached up and lightly stroked his cheek.

(Gonna be gone for a couple hours...playing vball...I'll post when I get back!)

''I agree'' he said, noticing her smile as well. His hand moved and held hers onto his cheek.
''I am glad you like it.''

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(back! And we totally won...)

She blushed, but didn't take her eyes away. "I like both. The bracelet and your smile." she said softly with sincerity. She blinked suddenly as she had the thought that she wanted to kiss him. Yet she was too shy, she also wasn't sure how he would feel about it.

( )

His eyes lowered unable to meet hers as she spoke. He felt a tad bashful at her words.
''Thank you'' he said softly.

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She lifted his chin as a signal for him to look at her. "You're welcome." she smiled back at him. She realized they were standing quite close, and took a step back to make him more comfortable. Her one hand felt the bracelet, and she only blushed deeper.

As she moved back he noticed once again how different they were in size.
''You are quite short. Tiny even'' he said, and he wasn't sure why but he began to laugh at her. Perhaps it was him avoiding the awkwardness of the moment but he couldn't stop himself laughing.

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She smiled and shook her head "I've been called worse." she chuckled. Well, at least she hadn't made it even more awkward for him. She didn't even know why the thought came into her head. He didn't even explain how he cared for her. He could mean that he cared for her just as a sister, even. She smile and dipped her head, her bravery and boldness gone. "Thank you, again. It is a wonderful gift."

''Worse? Such as what? A hobbit? A dwarf? An ant?'' he began to laugh as he poked her in the chest as if daring her.
He saw her expression of defiance and as she opened her mouth for a rebuttal he kissed her fiercely.

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She squeaked as his mouth was on hers in an instant, her eyes wide. His lips molded over hers in a force kiss, Abd she could not stop herself from closing her eyes and responding with a firey kiss of her own. Her hands came up and were captured within the folds of his shirt. Good gods she could hardly breathe....was her last thought before she could no longer think.

He felt passion flare up inside him as he kissed her, his hands moved to her sides as he held her, oblivious to all else around them.
He broke the kiss, still smiling.
''I have just kissed a hobbit''

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