[ credence would be happier without any of the gifts if only graves would say it, would confirm it and just let himself love credence properly. that's all he wants. to have graves resist it so stubbornly makes him ache, something cold and hollow within him that needs to be filled but can't be.

his expression softens after a moment, just barely. it's a little sad that graves genuinely doesn't understand the problem. ] No, Percival. You don't care about the money. The problem is, neither do I and you think that presents are the way to show someone you love them. [ he takes a step closer and the way he looks at him isn't closed off so much as it's impossibly sad now - distraught, like he's barely holding it together.

one hand lifts to brush his fingertip over graves' jaw slowly, lovingly. ] I don't know what else I can do to make you see. I don't think you ever will if I stay right now. [ he just barely presses a kiss to graves' mouth and when he moves away his lashes brush the older man's cheek, damp.

there's a hesitation before he plucks the key back out of his hand and then it's gone - an old pickpocket's trick, making it instantly disappear. a reminder of where he came from. ] I'll be keeping the key after all. Just... Just think about what I said. I don't want money, I don't want gifts, I want you. That's all I've ever wanted.

[ there's another hesitation before he has to leave before he loses his nerve so he moves past him on the way to the door. ] I'll still love you no matter what. [ murmured, barely audible, as he passes. ]