Elijah nodded and buried his face into Anthony's shoulder. "Thank you.. I am glad to hear you say that. It makes me happier than I can say..'

Anthony almost felt as if he was going to cry, but managed to pull himself together just in time. As a response to Elijah, he simply nodded, placing his free hand on the back of Elijah's neck. He didn't respond verbally, but he was glad as well.

Elijah simply held him as he relaxed. In his mind, Anthony suddenly made himself immune to the hangman's noose.

Anthony didn't want to dwell on any of those thoughts, and just tried to convince himself that this was just a nice moment between them and there was no real reason behind it and no discussion before it. There was nothing more to it. He wanted to think there was nothing more to it. He didn't want to think of him being hanged by the neck.

Elijah soon calmed, as it had all be rhetorical. He had no reason to think Anthony would ever get so close to it or would do it. He gently guided him to the sofa and moved down, carefully starting the fire. "H-here.. to .. warm us.. warm us up."

Anthony's thoughts were interrupted by Elijah guiding him to the sofa. He obediently sat down, watching as Elijah started the fire. All else be damned, it still felt nice to actually be warm again. "It'll certainly do that, I think," he deadpanned.

Elijah smiled at him and soon settled by his side. He'd tossed off his jacket, his gloves, even his shoes. He was truly in 'relaxing at home' mode and rest his head on Anthony's shoulder as he took his hand in his.

Most of Anthony's anxiety had dissipated by now, and now he was just glad to be home with Elijah. He sighed contentedly as Elijah settled down by his side, again, and started slowly stroking the man's back in what he hoped would be a soothing way. "I care about you a lot, you know," he said, glad to be able to relax like this, with nothing to ruin their evening but themselves.

Elijah blushed and nodded. "I care about you a lot too.. " he smiled enjoying the gentle, soothing touch. It was very relaxing. He squeezed his hand. "You.. you're a wonderful man, though you don't seem to have much self confidence.'

Anthony moved his hand upwards to gently stroke the back of Elijah's neck and head, grinning at the compliment. "Be careful not too feed my ego too much, though," he joked. "but...really, I think you're pretty wonderful too." Anthony kissed him softly on the top of his head. This was nice.