#somewhere in the distance tobias physically shivered for some unknown reason....

[hawthornpenrose]

Like smelling salts, the senses were returning to him, a steady flow of one's self in dribs and drabs, percolating from the celestial creature before him. An anchor to reality latching onto his arms, trailing down, setting ablaze the hands in due time to take their place.

"Utterly selfless," he murmured in addition to her list, tying into her breath. (He is most humble, never one to extend his virtues, but if we are to give credit where credit is due, there is no harm in continuing what is far removed from any falsehood.) "It was purely instinctual," he went on, allowing himself to be led by her, fingers sewn together. "To whomever could not be galvanized into action upon watching and dreading what could have happened to you"--(a taste of sweet cherry is on his lips, or is it strawberry field pink?)--"there's only pity left for them."

Only those with tar-black souls of the wretchedest species could ever be devoid of feeling, to have any and all ties to humanity snipped at the base before they can be tethered. The ascension to princehood would be ever lost on them, but it most certainly wasn't on the one who deserved it most. His face tilted up to meet the words, to let them be adorned by the eyes, to let them be crowned atop his head, a noble title treating him.

"No reward could be ever greater than your safe"--(strawberry champagne, how foolish his palette has been to leave off such a note)--"ty. Safety," he finished, a tongue dipping at the corner of his wet lips, held there for the briefest of moments at words that were buoying against the shallow surface of his mind, nodding as she scooped the rest out from his skull. "Delectable," he minted in a fine breath, what shred of it he had left to his name to use. "Make me your chalice."

"You were amazing, so strong and brave." voice breathless and almost like a sigh in and of itself, Ember's face lit up at the suggestion of 'celebration', blond locks bouncing around her face as she nodded with enthusiasm. "It so does! And I have just the supplies for such an event up in my rooms." Hands sliding down his shoulder until one laced their fingers together so she could lead him back toward the service elevator. "Besides, then we can leave the rest of the clean up to the others." There was definitely more than one person in the building that was comfortable around the death and disgustingness of the chomper bodies. They'd dispatched of one, and that was more than enough contribution to the defense of their home.

Giggling as they stepped into the smaller and more secure staircase, Ember found herself feeling much better with a fall smaller chance of surprise attacks as she lead him up and up in the tower. "Oh sweet Prince, we've vanquished the foe, now it's time for the rewards!" Pausing at the top when his position on the lower stairs put them eye to eye, a brow perked for just a moment as she studied his face for a beat before she gave in to her impulses and did what she'd wanted since the first time she'd laid eyes on him.

Delicate arms wrapping around his neck, Ember pulled herself in to kiss him with fervor.

A little breathless as she pulled away to allow for oxygen, her face was flushed and smile already intoxicated. "There's a bottle of stupidly expensive cognac waiting for us... I bet your lips would taste even better after that. Don't the heroes always get the girl?" Coy smile curling over her lips, she pushed open the door that lead to The Wexley's ballroom, a finger lifting to signal him to quiet. The last thing she needed was Toby interrupting and ruining the mood.