He's starting to wonder if this isn't a dream. Her face lingers near his, and his eyes fall shut at the gentle caress of her thumb on his cheek, the latter nearly more electrifying than the former. The desire to study her wins out, and he's rewarded with an expression that mirrors his heart.

"You've imagined it?" he repeats, eyes widening. It is one thing to have his affections accepted and another entirely to have them so deeply returned. There's a sense of pride and warmth in him, elated to be fulfilling something she had privately wanted, and a deep respect at how well she'd guarded her own desire. It's not something he will take lightly, not also knowing this is new territory for her.