Closed.

[Headmistress Hells]

Hells looked Grey in the eye, sensing the fear behind them. "There is everything to be gained." She told him, stepping forward. "And I will be there to help you get it." She held her hand out to him, willing for him to step forward and take it, her eyes not moving from his. She was unsure if he could do it. To make that first move that would break the cycle he had so long followed. Hells resisted biting her lip, forcing her growing nerves down. She needed to be strong for him, strong for both of them as she knew this wasn't going to be easy for either of them, but especially for Grey. She gave him a small smile, her hand remaining out in front of her, waiting for him to decide.

[Greyson "Grey" Sebastien]

Grey's doubts hadn't faded, but somehow, he found himself taking that step, that one motion a literal translation of everything he was forcing aside for the hope he was afraid to admit to. Still, his hand slipped against hers, and though he felt the tension of everything he had to ignore in order to do so, he refused to allow himself any regret. With the decision made, it firmed in his mind, and he knew that there was no going back.

[Headmistress Hells]

Relief flooded Hells as Grey took her hand. She moved closer to him, lifting her other hand to his face. She rested her palm on his cheek and gazed up at him, her eyes filled with pride that he overcame that first obstacle. Hells smiled up at him, as she stroked his cheek with her thumb, her other hand clasped firmly in his. She couldn't think of any words to say to him, she wasn't sure if words needed to be said. A silent agreement had been made by his acceptance of her hand and that was enough for now. She made a vow to herself that she would be with him, every step of the way to his recovery, for that was what it was. "We can do this." She whispered to him, feeling that he needed her reassurance.

[Greyson "Grey" Sebastien]

We. That one word said more to Grey than Hells could possibly imagine, and the pain he felt at hearing it was so beautiful that he could only know he'd somehow made the right decision. Grey wondered if Hells knew how much trust he was putting in her, how much power over him this small act gave her. He didn't know how to go on, and if it was a case of the blind leading the blind, he didn't know. He was no longer the eager boy who had opened so easily, and given so much of himself.

[Headmistress Hells]

Hells continued to stroke his cheek, his eyes telling her all she needed to know. She knew this was the start of something, exactly what she wasn't sure, but it was a start all the same. He was trusting her to fix him, to soften the emotional scarring he had buried deep inside. How long they had stood there, she couldn't be sure, but as she gazed up at him, taking in every inch of his face, she knew that she had made the right decision. Tip-toeing, she reached up and planted a soft kiss on his lips. There was no lust behind it. No immediate wanting. It was to tell him that she was with him completely, more reassurance that she would not let him down and fail him. She pulled back from the kiss and searched his eyes, hesitant to kiss him again.

[Greyson "Grey" Sebastien]

For once, just for now, Grey wanted the connection, the reassurance. He dipped his head and brought his lips back to meet Hells's, softly. He let himself dream again for that moment, still more than half disbelieving of everything that had happened in such a short time. He kissed her slowly, parted her lips in thanks, in hope, and in a promise of his own that he would try, that he trusted her, and she could trust him as well.

[Headmistress Hells]

Hells accepted his kiss, warm in the thought that for now, this moment in time, things were good. Finally she broke away, stepping back from Grey, yet letting her hands fall on his arms. Smiling she gazed around his shop, the boxes and mess still as it was when she first arrived. Looking back at him, she studied him for a moment before finally speaking. "Do you need a hand unpacking?" She asked, biting down on her lip as she refrained from grinning like a cheshire cat.

[Greyson "Grey" Sebastien]

Grey turned to look into the shop, at the half-packed boxes waiting for his attention and direction. He felt the pull to continue, but pushed it down; he'd made his decision. "I believe I can handle it," Grey said. He located his wand and gave it a swish and flick; the bottles, flasks, and vials, reversed the direction they'd been heading when the knock had sounded at the door, and began replacing themselves on the shelves. Grey had done this enough times that it was routine.

[Headmistress Hells]

Hells arched an eyebrow at the ease he took at placing everything back. A small smile on her lips she turned back to face him. "Didn't even break a sweat. Impressive!" She said wondering if he was happy with the decision he had made. "I'm not needed this morning, so do you fancy going to get a bite to eat? The Leaky Cauldron maybe?" She didn't want to leave him yet. Leaving him would give him time to dwell on everything and he might possibly change his mind, something she didn't want him to do. She refused to let her fears show, knowing that if Grey saw her fear, he would begin to doubt himself, maybe doubt her. She smiled warmly at him, studying his face and every contour and blemish. She could fall in love with this man, however she wasn't so sure if he was able to fall in love himself.