I have a thing for stories where the pairing is observed by a hidden third party, because you always learn so much more about the person looking on, and that person tends to learn a whole lot about herself as well.

Oh, I adore these, too. Elina's "Mal Vu, Mal Dit" is brilliant for that reason alone (never mind the lovely writing and characterization)... just that sort of revelation, and seeing two characters Together from some place outside them... I can't quite put my finger on why I like that so much.

Also, she's not afraid to take away his coffee. She passes the mom test with flying colors.

I figure she's gotten lots of practice with Victor *g*

And eee! I love your icon... I just want to mess his hair up *g*