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In the early stages of their new relationship, Layton was quite unsure of how to express his feelings to his girlfriend. He just gazed at her protectively in silence, smiling only when she looked his way. Only when she instigated, he responded in kind. Emmy was quite worried he didn’t share the same feelings she had for him.
“Are you ok, Hershel?” she asked sullenly. “It seems like you hardly ever want to… well, you know, kiss or cuddle.”
“Yes, of course! I love you, but… I don’t wish to impose upon you and feelings-”
A small, but passionate kiss silenced him.
“Don’t be silly. Look, you have my expressed permission to love me.” The brunette gently pressed her forehead against his. “Love me however you wish, whenever.”
From then on, he did exactly that. Hugs, kisses, nose touching… It started only in the comfort of their homes, but his loving onslaught continued until he began doing the same in public. She couldn’t find it in herself to refuse him. (Not that she wanted to, anyway.) He was just too cute, his act too sickeningly saccharine that she almost melted.
Her happy boyfriend was close to her, nuzzling her cheek as they sat on a bench outside one autumn evening. The nuzzles became kisses as he chuckled mischievously. She never knew that behind his stoic nature lied such a emphatic lover.
Some passersby glanced their way before she flushed in response. Turning her gaze toward him, she playfully nudged him away.
“Hey, come on. Quit it, you big goof!” Emmy laughed.
When he looked to her with an amused expression, she shrugged her shoulders before flopping back in faux exasperation. “You’re so embarrassing, ugh…”
Layton only smiled. “Well, I do recall you saying whenever.”