[PLOT] Offstage [Julinha x Paixon)[DONE]

[Menelie]

Mene

Julinha was nearing the end of her shift, which meant it was late at night and the majority of the patrons still there were either very drunk, or very weird, or both. She was getting pretty tired, even though she'd had frequent breaks, since her routines were pretty energetic and physical. She was looking forward to going home, taking a bath, and crawling into bed.

One patron had gotten too close to the stage, and was slapping it with his hand. She sauntered over and put a high-heel-clad foot gently on his forehead and nudged him away, waggling a finger as if he were a naughty child. This drew more energy from the crowd (such as it was at this hour), and Julinha started to work up to her finale.

Her finale was acrobatic and made use of the center-stage pole and the two large rings on either side which were suspended from the ceiling. At the end of the routine, she took her final bow, and headed back to the dressing room to clean up a bit, take off her costume, and get ready to go home.

Tart

Paixon...was bored.

He was bored of being in a small house in the middle of the jungle, crammed together with his dad, his dads girlfriend -not his mother but he still saw his mother in the side?-, his siblings, 2 tikicats and his niece.

Why did they continue to all live together?! Adora and Lorelei should at least move out, it was weird how they just...stayed.

He finally got fed up enough he made the long trek to Zamarand. Because it wasn't Stargrove, he was so tired of visiting his extended family in Stargrove. As he aimlessly walked down the streets, boisterous cheering pulled his attention. Whatever was causing that would surely be something worthwhile right?

And what he saw, well he certainly had never seen before. A beautiful girl on stage. He was rather far back as he was late to the show, but he could see her well enough to see her step on a paes hand what?! Everyone seemed to like it! The pae seemed to like it! What in Venus name was he watching?! And why couldn't he pry his eyes away. It left him standing there blankly, even as the show ended and all the patrons filtered out.

Mene

Julinha high-fived the backstage bouncer before going into the dressing room. She took off her costume, which was somehow both dark and glittery, and draped it over the back of "her" chair. Other staff would wash it before her shift tomorrow. Shoes went in the wardrobe, jewelry went into the little jewelry box on the vanity. She wet a cloth and wiped her face, removing sweat and makeup. She put a cloth headband on to keep her hair out of her face.

After she was finished cleaning up, she got some water to drink and paused to chat with the backstage bouncer on her way out. They were a friend of hers, sometimes even hanging out during their off hours.

Tart

Only when basically all the pae had left did Paixon come to his senses. Blinking hard, he wondered where the dancer had gone. What was she doing up there? What was her name? She was dazzling.

Now being from a small house in the middle of the Jungle, Pax didn't have a concept of 'backstage' and 'bouncers'. He had merely seen her walk towards the back and disappear and she hadn't come back out.

So he walked over there as well.

Imagine his surprise when he was suddenly stopped by a burly pae. "Ah, excuse me. I actually wanted to see your friend there. Could I step in?" He flashed his most brilliant smile.

Mene

This wasn't new to Julinha. Patrons frequently tried to chat up the dancers backstage, usually trying to take them home. Some of the dancers took them up on it, most shot them down immediately. Julinha had a hard time saying no to anyone outright, so she typically listened to what they had to say and then either let them down gently or had the bouncer take care of it. She hadn't seen this particular patron before, so she chucked her chin at the bouncer, who took a single step back. "What can I help you with?" she asked, her girlish voice a far cry from the "get the ******** off my stage" one she used during her act.

Tart

He didn't understand the hesitation of the big pae, who waited until the dancers go ahead to move. Was he like a guard or something? Weird.

He focused his attention back on the girl, who looked vastly different now than she did on stage. Without the makeup, the costume and glam, she looked much gentler. "I just wanted to say that I liked your show. I've never seen anything like it." He rubbed the back of his head, fingers weaving through his thick dark hair. "Truthfully though I've never been anywhere outside of my mother's alter, the jungle and Stargrove. How did you do that flip with the rings without your wings catching?"

 

[Menelie]

Mene

Ah--a tourist. Julinha smiled sweetly. "Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed it." Truthfully, sincere compliments never got old. She folded her hands in front of her. "As for how I keep my wings from catching--practice," she answered with a shrug.

Tart

The fae couldn't stop a short chuckle at her matter of fact answer. Suppose it was his fault for asking an obvious question. "How often do you do shows? Next time I'd like to see the full thing instead of just the tail end."

He tilted his head slightly, his eyes sparkling. "You seem a little... different than when on stage. Not just the clothes. Your demeanor. Both are cute though." Unlike his father's heavy handed flirting, Paixons was a little softer, a bit unrefined and clumsy. But both the lover boys were sincere.

Mene

Julinha giggled nervously and blushed. Should she tell him that her act was an act? "I'll be here tomorrow and the next night," she responded. Gosh, he seemed so earnest. Was it possible he didn't quite understand the type of dancing she did?

Tart

Ah, her giggle was cute too. Would it be too forward of him to ask her for her time? It was rather awkward to chat with company staring at them.

"What time do you start? I promise to not be late." Hed come back in 2 days - tomorrow was too quick of a turnaround. He'd dress extra nicely. He wanted her to notice him, like he had noticed her.

Mene

"After the evening meal," she responded. "The schedule is also posted on the doors," she added, gesturing to the front doors of the club.

Then, before he got any ideas, she gave him one last smile and a bit of a nod. "Goodnight," said Julinha. Then she bid another goodnight to her bouncer friend and slipped out the back doors. The bouncer would prevent the tourist from following her.

Tart

Emboldened by her responses, he opened his mouth, about to ask for her name when suddenly she shut him down.

Ouch.

Maybe not entirely unlike her stage personality. He gave a sad little smile back and nodded before turning away to head back from where he came from. Perhaps he was in over his head, but his Father didn't get a Goddess as a lover after just trying once.

Paixon checked the schedule at the door like she suggested, and slipped out onto the street to head home for the evening. He had some planning to do.

 

[Menelie]

((time skiiiip))  

[Menelie]

Mene

Two nights hence, Julinha readied herself with her costume and makeup. A knock came on the dressing room door, and when she called for them to enter. It was the backstage bouncer. "Juli," they said. "Your new friend's in the audience tonight. The tourist with the fancy wings."

Julinha blushed and thanked the bouncer. He'd been adorably charming, but she was afraid he'd get the wrong idea about her. The function of her show was to tease, to get the patrons excited but never satisfied. The escort service was just a room away, and that was where their club made their real coin.

But Julinha wasn't for having--she was for looking at.

Tart

This time he came nice and early to get a much more upfront spot. Not front row because that seemed too eager, but about the 3rd. He slicked his hair back, and since she seemed to like clothes he had put some on. A fresh lilac vest and dark brown pants. And he didn't come empty handed, his right palm gripping a basket.

Take things nice and slow. Don't spook her.

But as he watched, quite quickly he realized he might have gotten the wrong idea about the show -and her feelings on clothes- based off the little snippit he had seen the other day. Watching her was certainly giving him feelings. And glancing around the room he was not the only one who felt that way. It felt painfully intimate, like something he shouldn't watch. It certainly wasn't something he could bring his family to.

Venus, I think I misunderstood.

Well. His father was in an open relationship and made no secret about it. He didn't consider himself to be a prude. She seemed softer off stage and he couldn't get that little giggle out of his head. No, this didn't change anything. Plan 'get to know her' was still in effect.

Mene

While other dancers came and went, Julinha was the main attraction tonight. The others were mostly there to give her breaks. Closest to the stage were those patrons who were there for a little more "close up" experience. While nobody ever touched her, several tried (or at least pretended to, it was part of the show after all), and were then told off or otherwise "gently abused" by Julinha. If anyone got actually rowdy, that's what the bouncers were for. But tonight everyone was well-behaved and having a good time. She got real close to a few patrons seated closes to the stage, but never touched. That was part of her act. Always leave them wanting~

Her finale was much the same as it had been the other night. She varied it from week to week, but it took work to choreograph and then memorize new routines. As the show ended and the house lights came up, she caught sight of the Fae in the audience who'd visited her the other night. As she took her final bow, Julinha couldn't tell if she hoped he'd just go home now, or if he'd try to talk with her again. He seemed harmless, but she was not particularly interested in seeing someone whose ideas about who she was had been informed by her work.

She high-fived the backstage bouncer again as she headed for the dressing room, bidding goodnight to the other dancers who had mostly already cleaned up and were heading home.

Tart

She was rather forceful on the stage, and quite intimidating. But the girl he chatted to the other day seemed quite different. Which was the real her? Or were the both different faucets. As the show ended and patrons filtered out, Paixon made his way to the back just as he had done before.

And just as before that same large pae blocked his way so he couldn't even approach the door the dancer had disappeared into. "Hey friend, good to see you again. Did you change your hairstyle?" The fae flashed a winning smile, trying to lighten up the mood.

Mene

Julinha, fresh-faced and without her costume, came out of the dressing room and stopped to say goodnight to the backstage bouncer. Only the Fae was there again. "Oh! Um, good evening..." she blushed and tucked some of her hair behind her ear. "I hope you were able to enjoy the whole show tonight." She noted the basket in his hand. Oh no. She hoped it wasn't a gift. Please don't let it be a gift, this would be so awkward...

Tart

The bouncer did not answer his light hearted question.

Couldn't say he was surprised. So they stood there rather awkwardly until the female poked her head out. "Hey! Uh, good evening." Again he was reminded that he never got her name. Venus was it awkward doing this in front of Mr stone guard. "Yes, I did. I stand by my previous statement that I've never seen anything like it."

He saw her eyes glance at the basket, and he cleared his throat. "Oh, so. I don't have anything glamorous. I live in Loka Nei in a lone house, no village. But I wanted to talk to you..." As his honest thoughts spilled over, he felt his face warm in a blush. "But I thought you might be hungry after your show, so I have some snacks we could eat together while talking? I won't take much of your time."

 

[Menelie]

Mene

Julinha blushed deeply and put one hand on her cheek. "Oh...." She moved the hand to in front of her mouth, her knuckles curled against her lips. "I..." she started. She looked anxious. "It's just a show, hon," she said, shaking her head apologetically. "I'm just a performer. I don't really....do that.....n-not with patrons..." She glanced over at the bouncer to make sure they were still there. This was usually the part where the patrons could get upset, especially if they'd been drinking.

Tart

Oh Venus, he made her uncomfortable. He winced as he brought his hands up apologetically. "It had nothing to do with your show, I...Ah, sorry. It's my first time asking a girl on a date. Sorry. I just found you pretty, and cute, I wanted to know about you. I'll go." He didn't really understand the issue with just talking, but obviously he had made a mistake.

Mene

"I'm sorry....goodnight..." Julinha ducked her head a little, said goodnight to the backstage bouncer, and slipped out the back door.

"Hey," said the bouncer, who apparently felt the need to provide some context. "I can tell you haven't really been to one of these clubs before, so I'm gonna give you some free advice. You wouldn't be the first guy to fall for one'a the dancers, but don't shoot your shot while they're at work. It'd be like, if you went up to an actor after a play and asked out their character. It's just awkward." The bouncer shrugged and went back to being silent and imposing.

~~

The next day was Julinha's day off. It was just after the midday meal, or as she called it, breakfast, and she was at the open-air market to pick up some things for the week. She wore a wrap around her hair which was tied in front with a bow, and an apron with front pockets. She'd made her way through the produce section, selecting some vegetables for a stew which would feed her and her mother for most of the week. She carried a basket on one elbow and had stopped near a flower seller, pausing to admire the beautiful colors and scents.

Tart

Paxion was a little surprised when the previously silent guard started talking.

He had never seen a play. He had never been to a club like this. So he didn't understand what he had done wrong, but he did understand that the guard was trying to be helpful. He swallow hard and nodded. "Thanks." Giving one last glance at where the girl had disappeared off to, the fae quietly left.

----

Too depressed to make the long trek back home, Pax had eaten his basket of food in a tree on the outskirts of town and slept in it until daybreak. He didn't much feel like getting up, but he forced his body to move. He would go into town, get breakfast (or by this time lunch) and go back home, and he wouldn't come back to the dazzling village.

So he stuffed his clothes into that cursed basket -it wasn't the baskets fault he was rejected, but he needed to be angry at something- and headed back into the village eventually coming into the market.

It would be just his luck that the same produce stand he came across to grab an apple, would also have the dancer. Great, she's going to think I'm stalking her now. He grimaced and quickly turned his face so she wouldn't catch him looking at her.

"I'll take this apple and these carrots please." The fae spoke softly to the stall owner, wishing he had the power of invisibility.

Mene

Unfortunately for him, Julinha was pretty good at recognizing voices. She turned to look and--sure enough--it was the same Fae as the night before. He looked so different in the light of day, and not the darkened club. She could make out his soft markings where she couldn't before, and his hair was actually red, not black. She blushed. He was actually...pretty cute.

As she wasn't at work, she didn't have the same guarded demeanor as she had before, and she didn't once think that he could have followed her here. What a funny coincidence that they were at the same produce stand! Once the vendor had given the Fae his purchase, she picked out some apples and pears, and one golden orange. This was a real splurge. She smelled it appreciatively. "You can't always get these," she said, drawing a little closer to the Fae. "They grow so far away. Have you ever had one before?" she asked.

Tart

Just get through the sale. If he got through the sale he could high tail it out of there without making an additional fool of himself.

Suddenly she was talking. Was she talking to him? There didn't seem to be anyone else close enough to converse with. Slightly puzzled, he lifted his gaze over to her. She looked so lovely in her wrap and apron, but he stuffed his feelings down deep. "No, I don't believe I have." He took a deep breath, chancing a follow up question. "What are they like?"

 

[Menelie]

Mene

"Hmm, well, they have sort of a thick skin, but they are soft and juicy inside. They taste sweet and tart all at once. It's like a burst of sunshine." She held it to her nose again and looked at him over it. "Would you like to share it?"

Tart

What was her game? Was she afraid to lose him as a patron? She didn't want to share his snacks last night -which were delicious and he hand made himself- but now she wanted to share a fruit?

Well. It was better to leave on good terms then with his tail between his legs, so to speak. Turning towards her fully and his produce in hand, Pax nodded. "That sounds refreshing, thank you for offering." He lightly smiled, brightening his tired face from the rough nights sleep."Do you know what it's called?"

Mene

Sigh. Julinha should have figured her metaphor wouldn't land. But she smiled anyway. "Orange, like its color," she answered. She pulled a bone blade from her apron pocket and sliced through the orange's skin, revealing bright pockets of juicy flesh. Julinha sliced a couple slices off and offered them to the Fae.

He had been totally normal for this whole interaction, so she felt confident to open up a little. "I, um, I'm sorry for the other night," she began, slicing herself some of the fruit. "I'm sure this wasn't your intention, but there's a certain...type who approaches us dancers at work." She blushed. "I didn't mean to embarrass you or anything."

Tart

Pax was a sometimes a simple pae. Metaphors sometimes flew over his head, which this one sadly would have been of comfort. "Orange...a little on the nose." He mused aloud, watching the girl cut open the fruit and grateful accepting it with a nod.

What she next said was unexpected. He warmly blushed, feeling the heat again from what a fool he made himself. "No, I'm sorry. I obviously broke a rule I didn't know about, I've never been to a club." Or a play, the other thing the bouncer equated. "I still don't quite understand what type you mean, but I really did just want to talk. I don't even know your name, and I've seen you three times now." He grimaced, feeling a touch pathetic. Name exchanges usually happened within the first 5 minutes of talking to someone. Maybe she just wanted to be nameless and forgotten. "My name is Paixon. I'm glad to finally tell you it." He popped a piece of fruit in his mouth, blinking a few times at the sweetness. "And this is delicious."

Mene

Julinha blushed a little and started to steer them away from the fruit seller's stand, thanking the vendor as they walked away. "I'm Julinha. Let's find somewhere quieter to share the rest of this, hm?" she suggested. She led them to a less-busy part of the market, where there was a fountain with some benches. She sat and motioned for him to join her. She sliced off another piece of orange for each of them before she continued.

"Zamarad, as you know, is a mercantile village. You can sell anything here. The club I work at sells....." She blushed again. "Um, we'll say, intimate encounters, yeah?" She looked meaningfully at Paixon and cleared her throat. "Us dancers, our job is to get the patrons, um, excited. That way they spend more money when the escorts come in after the show." Who he probably hadn't seen, since he'd been chasing after her. Oh gosh. "But, uh, the dancers, it's not our job to have...intimate encounters. But sometimes the patrons watching us get the wrong idea, yeah? Especially if they've been drinking. That's why the bouncer's there." She had no trouble talking about all this at work, and in much less euphemistic terms, but out here in the daylight...it was more difficult.

"So I hope you can understand my, um, hesitance," she concluded. Then, with a little smile, she added, "But I'm glad we've run into each other today."

Tart

Like a puppy the fae trailed after her, having her lead to the pretty fountain.

As she began her explanation and he chewed on the fruit, he looked shocked, confused, and then resigned. He let out a long puff of air as his head fell into his hands. "So you thought that I was asking you... Venus no!" He kept telling her that he just wanted to talk, but he could understand with her Showgirl filter she heard 'talk' in a very different context. "I mean you're beautiful, but I wasn't trying to buy anything from you..." Not that he had a problem with sex shortly after meeting - spreading the love so to speak. He had never but his father certainly did.

But buying sex wasn't love. It made him sad to think that existed in the world. There should never be a price on love.

He exhaled again as he lifted his head from his hands. "I get it. I'm glad we could clear up this misunderstanding as well." Though now he had a left terrible first impression. Would it be shameless to try to talk to her now, since she seemed willing? "My job is a lot less stressful. I get the firewood, and sometimes dinner. And every so often, I might even go into Stargrove to do some trading." He spoke with a bit of mirth, trying to lighten the mood.

 

[Menelie]

Mene

Was it wrong that she found his clear embarrassment sort of endearing? She couldn't help but giggle and pat his shoulder gently. She then sliced up the rest of the orange, divided it between them, then wiped the knife on her apron and tucked it away. She didn't actually find her job to be stressful, just tiring, but she didn't really want to talk about her work anymore. "I make the meals at home as well," she said. "My mother works very late at night, so I like to have something ready when she wakes, or else something she can do easily if I'm not around." After a pause, she added. "I've never been to Stargrove. Haven't really left here, actually. What's it like?"

Tart

After being patted, he really was like a puppy.

"Ah, we both live with our parents. Feels a little crammed honestly, I've been thinking of moving." He popped the bits of orange in his mouth. "You're a kind daughter to prep it for her. Stargrove is...very different from here." Understatement of the season. "It's a milling town thanks to the waterwheel, so quite populated. Pae of all kinds come around, it's a big hub. But nothing really in the ways of entertainment. So it gives a different feel. Like slow living." This place was new and exciting, but also felt easy for pitfalls. Like last night. For pae who didn't know the law of the land.

He had a feeling Aunt Erylia would like this place very much.

"My Aunt and Uncle run the place, so if you ever find yourself wanting to visit, I make an excellent tour guide."

Mene

Julinha smiled softly. "Next time I take a vacation, I know where to go," she said. She glanced at the sun and noted that she should be getting home to start her stew. "I, um, I have to go," she said sadly. "I've got to start this stew or it won't be ready in time for dinner." She bit her bottom lip and blushed. "I, um, have the evening off, if you're still in town...?"

Tart

He smiled back, unsure if they would ever see this vacation together but liking the thought. It was a boring village, but it had a lot of heart.

"I see, I wouldn't want to keep you from prepping dinner." He stood up, ready to say his goodbyes and head home, when she added in one last question. She wanted to see him again. And she was blushing? He wasn't so daft that he missed the queue. But why? Didn't he blow his chance? And somewhat belatedly he thought of his family being worried when he didn't come home.

Oh forget the family, if I leave now it's truly over. He talked himself up before flashing a bright smile. The brightest one he had shown all day. "Yeah, I'll still be in town. Let's meet here again tonight?"

Mene

Julinha nodded, then stood with a smile. "I'll see you then--after the evening meal."

((timeskip wooah))

After the evening meal (the stew had been delicious), Julinha had freshened up and went out to meet Paixon at the market fountain. She'd left her apron and house cap at home (those were for running errands and doing house chores), and instead chosen a dark pink ribbon she'd tied up in her short hair, with a bow just above one ear. The effect was girlish, but she hoped not too childish.

On her way, she'd stopped and purchase a treat for them, which he'd probably not had before either--two dark chocolate squares. They were wrapped in parchment and she carried them in her hand. Looks like she'd beaten him here. She sat on the fountain bench, legs crossed under her, to wait.

Tart

After they had parted, Paixon had taken the time to look around the town for something to do. This wasn't a date. He needed to keep that in mind and not get his hopes up.

But if it was a date, he needed something memorable. But if it was not a date, he needed it to not be too serious and have her feel overburdened.

So he picked a single flower from the market instead of a bouquet, left his clothes in the basket by the tree he had slept in, and ran his fingers through his hair to comb it.

The fae smiled as Julinha entered his sight as he walked to the fountain. The hair bow was very cute. She was very cute. Completely different than her stage presence, and was completely lovely.

"I hope I didn't make you wait long." He spoke softly as he walked up to her. "I was checking out your town." She would have already eaten so restaurants were out. Bars were too close to her work, and he was trying to disassociate himself from her works clientele. The market was mostly closed by this time. "There was a singer who looked interesting performing tonight. Or if you wanted something quieter we could walk Pae'kippu beach." He then rather shyly lifted his flower to her. The last gift he offered hadn't ended so well, but he was hoping like what the bouncer had said, to shoot his shot outside of the workplace. "What do you think?"

 

[Menelie]

Mene

Julinha took the flower with a soft smile and held it to her nose. "This is lovely. Thank you," she said. What a sweet and romantic gesture!

"I think I'm in the mood for something quiet tonight," she responded. "A walk on the beach sounds fun." And also romantic. She blushed and started to stand.

Tart

Well that was a very different response to last night's wave of horror. Feeling emboldened with her positive response, he smiled even brighter. "I couldn't show up empty handed." He offered a hand to help her stand, relieved she picked the beach. After all, this started with him wanting to talk to her. And they could talk much easier on the quiet beach then yelling over a performer. And that's if they wanted to talk at all during the show.

"Then with my newly acquired knowledge of the area, I actually know where we're going." It was a good thing he spent the time scoping out the village. "I like your ribbon by the way. It suits you."

Mene

Julinha giggled and ducked her head, tucking a lock of hair behind one ear and blushing gently. "Thank you," she repeated. She tucked her arm in his as they walked. He made her feel so airy...it was fun. It had been a long time since she'd done anything fun, or new, or interesting. Not that that really bothered her, mind, she loved her everyday routine, but Paixon made her heart flutter, and the sensation made her want to giggle and blush. "Lead the way, then," she said with a giggle.

Tart

Her arm linked in his felt warm, he was glad for the evening light to hide his bit of blush. He turned them to start walking out one of the four main lanes that led out to the beach. "Do you know much about stars?" Paixon spoke while extending his free hand to point at the sky. "It's starting to get dark enough to see the constellations. That one there with the long tail, is called Antares. And that one.." He moved his hand a little. "That looks like a wave, is Cassiopeia."

Mene

"I do not know much about stars," said Julinha slowly, walking with him. She looked up and followed where he pointed, clinging a little tighter to him so as not to fall. Truthfully she'd never really paid much thought to the stars, or the idea that they made shapes. "Wow," she said. "You sure know a lot about them," she said, a tone of admiration in her voice. "Who d'you suppose--" Her thought was cut off as she tripped on a loose stone in the street, as she hadn't been watching where she was going. She clung to Paixon's arm tightly to try and keep from falling forward, spreading her wings to help her keep her balance, but she wound up sort of careening into his body anyway.

Tart

Most guys liked showing off to the pae they were interested in, he was no exception. So he felt a bit of pride as she seemed genuinely interested in his galaxy knowledge. He was listening to her question, when suddenly the girl pitched slightly forward and then harshly to the side into him. Caught off guard, the fae stumbled himself to stop from falling. Unfortunately Julinha was off balance, and with her weight on his arm he was coming down.

He had enough sense to curl his body towards her however, so as they fell to the ground she would fall on top of him, his other arm linking around her waist. "Ah. Ow. Are you alright?"

 

[Menelie]

Mene

Julinha blushed hot for a couple different reasons, but shook her head. "I'm fine, just embarrassed," she said, laughing. "Can't believe I tripped on a rock like a little kid," she said. "Are you okay?" she asked. She, uh, didn't move to get off him right away. She was rather enjoying having his arm around her waist and didn't want to pull away quite yet.

Tart

His first priority was checking if she was alright, the second was checking if he was alright. The third was registering they're current placement.

He wasn't terribly upset about it.

"It's dark, could have happened to any pae. I'm alright." He expected her to scramble off of him in an embarrassed huff. When she didn't, his arm tightened slightly around her. "Julinha...this might be a bit sudden. But I like you. Could I see you again on your next day off? I'd like to take you out." If this wasn't a date, he was certainly going to make the next meetup one.

Mene

Julinha's smile wavered only slightly. "That depends on how long you're in town for," she said. She'd thought this would be a cute fling, just one or two nights of fun before Paixon went back to his home and family. His arm tightening around her gave her a small gasp and a nervous giggle. "I, um, wouldn't want to keep you too long..."

She did like him, even though they'd only barely started to get to know one another. He was charming and sincere. She hadn't actually dated anyone in.....well, ever. Just a series of casual things, really. It wasn't that she was afraid of commitment--she'd love to have a home and family of her own--but she just....didn't want to get too attached to anyone. They'd eventually discover that there wasn't any more to her than this, and then they'd be gone.

Tart

"I don't live far from here. Tell me the day and I'll make it." He was quick to assure. It was only about a days trek away. So one day back home, one day back to town. Any longer than that and it would be worthwhile to go home, any shorter and he could rent a room for a day or two.

Mene

The assertion made her heart flutter. She gave a little bubbly giggle, then cleared her throat and began to stand up. She brushed herself off and offered and hand to Paixon. "Well, um, my next day off isn't for....." she thought a moment. "Three days, but I'll have two in a row." The last part she said with a little sing-song tone that could almost be described as flirtatious.

Tart

It was disappointing to get up, even if was laying on the ground, but he couldn't stay there forever. He gently grasped her hand to stand, however he was sure to used more of his own strength to stand rather than pull her too much. "Three days. Perfect. I need a little vacation anyways." He said warmly before offering his arm once again. "Should we continue to the beach?" That little giggle never grew old, it filled his head.

 

[Menelie]

Mene

"I think we should," agreed Julinha, tucking her arm in his again. She pushed her worries about what he might want out of all this away for now, and focused on enjoying herself, in this moment, with the cool night air as they got closer to the water, and the warmth of his skin.

"I'd like to get to know you better," she said, adjusting skillfully as the street gave way to sand. Wouldn't want a repeat performance of a few minutes ago, although at least the sand would be softer. "So I propose....a little game. Why don't we take turns asking each other questions and answering them, and at the end....a little surprise." She held up the parcel of chocolate and wiggled it enticingly. The paper concealed its contents, so it would really only be a surprise for him, but still. "I'll go first," she said. "How d'you know so much about the stars?"

Tart

Paix was particularly more careful himself as they continued. Tripping once was a happy accident, tripping twice was just ridiculous.

He turned his head to look at her at preposition. A game? How cute. Cute cute cute. "Sounds like a win all around, I like those kinds of games." He continued walking down the beach with her to get a little closer to the water before going parallel to it. "My father showed me. To be honest, my mother is a Goddess. Literally. So she has to live in Dolandor, while for whatever reason my brother and I are mortal so can't go up to her. When I was younger, I'd stare up at the night sky and wonder if she was looking back down on the isle for me. My dad would list the constellations off as a comfort, since I was staring at the sky anyway." Was that embarrassing? For some reason that felt embarrassing.

"My turn. What is your dream for your future?"

Mene

"Wow," she breathed. A literal goddess? Julinha couldn't imagine.

"The future?" she repeated, and got a little sideways smile. "You're going to laugh. I just want to work at night and care for a house, a spouse, and some children during the day." She shrugged with a blush. "No grand aspirations here....just like a little cottage at the edge of town with flowers growing by the fence, soup in the pot, coffee in the kettle, little ones playing in the garden, and a husband or wife as an equal partner." She blushed even more, then made a dismissive hand motion. "It's silly."

"My turn," she said. "Mmm, what is your....favorite thing to eat?" she asked, giving them both a breather from the emotional answers.

Tart

"I'd never laugh at such a wholesome dream." Her future sounded nice - and a little interesting that she considered a wife.

"I like...shellfish. As I live in the jungle and it easily spoils if not kept cold, I only get to have it when I go to Stargrove. So it's a rare treat for me." He also found seafood dinners rather romantic.

"If you were going to be stranded on a desert isle and could only take 3 things with you, what would it be." He asked with a huge silly grin.

Mene

Julinha made a surprised face. "Oh! Um..." The question threw her for a loop. "I have no idea. Hang on, let me think." She fell quiet for a moment as she pondered. "Perhaps a tent...and a cooking pot....and a pair of warm socks?" She crinkled her nose cutely. Perhaps the answer was more practical than he'd been expecting. She had, however, mentally filed away the information about shellfish, which was fairly common here. Perhaps she'd direct him to a seafood restaurant for their next outing.

"What are you the most passionate about?" she asked.

Tart

The answer brought a chuckle out of him. Warm socks? He'd never think of bringing that. She couldn't get any cuter. "A hard question." A soul searching question. He had to think about it for a minute.

"It's your turn not to laugh. Love. My father drilled it in me so much I think it stuck." He shook his head a little, feeling embarrassed. "I want pae to love freely, romantically and in things that they enjoy with no strings attached. I want to find love for myself both in a partner and as a purpose. I think the isle would be a better, more harmonious place if pae loved a little more than they hated. If they focused on being together rather than tearing each other down." He brought them to a stop for a moment as his eyes caught a shiny seashell, spiraled and cream colored on the outside and a brilliant purple on the inside. He offered it to Julinha.

"What do you love most in your life? Your mother aside, of course. Family is cheating."

 

[Menelie]

Mene

"That's lovely," she whispered, eyes shining. It was wonderful to hear what he was passionate about. It made her heart ache, but in a good way. "Oh! Thank you," she said, taking the shell with a little smile. Perhaps it was because of his answer that his next question made her feel like she'd been hit by a cart, and it showed on her face.

Julinha was silent for a while, rolling the shell contemplatively between her thumb and forefinger. She was breathing just fine, but somehow she also felt like she was gasping for air. "I..." she started more than once, then shook her head. "I don't know." she said . "Honestly, I don't know. Isn't that sad?" She laughed hollowly and shook her head again. "I'm not sure if I'd even recognize it." She quickly dabbed away the wetness that had formed at the corner of her eyes and tried to smile again. "Sorry, didn't mean to be a downer there..."

Tart

The immediate drop in her face was apparent, he had unknowingly stepped on a landmine. The words that had already been spoken he wished he could take back, but what was said couldn't be unsaid.

His heart ached in a different way to her answer than hers had for his. "I wouldn't be so hard on yourself. You have all the time in the world to figure that out. And the great thing about love, is love for something little is just as meaningful as something big." He felt poorly for making her sad, it was supposed to be a fun evening. "It could be the love of the sound of rain on a rooftop during a spring morning. Or a love of the wind through your hair as you run. But I'm sure as long as you keep your heart open, it'll find you. Even if you don't look for it."

Mene

The way he talked about love was so beautiful. He made it sound so easy. She'd paused walking while he was speaking and turned to face him, watching his face as he spoke. She almost thought about kissing him, but blushed and decided not to. "I love the way you talk about love, does that count?" she asked with a little laugh, her spirits raising somewhat. She tried to shake off the melancholy--this was supposed to be fun! "Give me another one," she said. "I didn't really answer that last one, it's only fair." Julinha was trying to be cheeky and flirtatious again.

Tart

When she stopped, he of course stopped with her. He liked the way she looked at him. Like she was noticing him the way he had noticed her. He grinned at her answer to love. "Of course. I'll be sure to talk more about it for you to listen to." He then smoothly slipped his arm from around hers to around her waist instead.

"Hmm, alright, alright. What do you look for in a guy?" He responded cheekily himself, his tone playful.

Mene

Smoothly she started walking again, leaning into him gently as she did. "Hmm," she said thoughtfully. "I like paeple who are gentle and kind. Great hair. Laughs easily. An adventurous spirit but with their feet on the ground. Thoughtful and generous." She giggled. "Seems like a long list."

"Hm, now it's my turn. Do you....collect anything?"

Tart

Well. He did at least have great hair.

"It's good to have standards." He mused, wondering if he crossed off that adventurous spirit mark.

This close, he could feel her warmth against him. It was nice. He could get used to this. "Not really. Small house, big family, not a lot of room." He shook his head. "Plus the cats keep stealing whatever is left out. Kleptomaniacs." Tikicats, the little rascals.

"My turn...you say you want an adventurous partner. If you could go anywhere on the isle where would you go?" Maybe he was just having fun. Or maybe he was using the game to get the inside scoop on an awesome date, who knew.

 

[Menelie]

Mene

"Ooh, that's a great question, I like that," she said. "I would do like a double vacation and visit Partayzia and Koehaira. They're both so far from here, it feels like, and I've never been. I hear Partayzia is lots of fun with parties and stuff, and that Koehaira has more of a rustic feel. I think it'd be a nice like, dual experience."

Feeling bolder, she asked. "What do you look for in a partner?" She blushed even as she asked.

Tart

He tucked the two village names away for future reference. Partayzia sounded fun but Koehaira sounded romantic. "I've never been to either myself. I wonder how different their foods and architecture are from here?"

He should have known that his question would get turned around to him, but it still made him chuckle. "Someone sweet, who encourages me being who I am by embracing both my strengths and faults. It's exhausting to try to be some pae you're not. And has a cute laugh, because I'll want to hear it often." Like that giggle he couldn't get from his mind when first meeting backstage. That's when he really wanted to know who she was.

"My turn. What is your favorite season?"

Mene

His response drew both a giggle and a bush from Julinha--again. "They sound lovely," she said.

"My favorite season?" she repeated. "Definitely spring. I love seeing everything blooming. It feels like the air itself is blooming with possibilities."

Julinha paused them as they were walking and looked back toward Zamarad. Even at this late hour, and from such a distance, there were still lights visible. It felt good to be out here by themselves, so private, so different from the busy village. She glanced down at the parcel in her hand and smiled, getting an idea. "Before I ask you your last question, I have a surprise for you," she said with a mischievous little expression. "Will you close your eyes?"

Tart

Music to his ears, he was truly blessed. Smiling broadly, he nodded in agreement. "Spring is full of the awakened promise from winter."

He stopped along with her and followed her gaze towards town. The time had passed so effortlessly that he hadn't even noticed how far they had walked. He wanted each moment to last a little longer. "Of course." Was it the surprise she had in the box? He closed his eyes, still smiling as he imagined what she had smuggled away for them. Was it a trinket? Probably not more orange as she'd have to peel it.

Mene

Julinha smiled to herself as she opened the parcel, making a bit of a show of crinkling the paper mysteriously as she did. The smell of chocolate rose as it was freed from its wrapping. She hoped he'd never had chocolate before, or else this would be much less fun.

She touched one small square to his lips. "Open your mouth," she said softly.

Tart

Paixon couldn't help but try to guess what it was by the mysterious sounds made. Did it jingle? Why was it so crinkly? He was looking forward to it, but was surprised at the light brush against his lips.

He was expecting to be handed the item, not directly fed. With his eyes closed it felt intimate, and his cheeks warmed as he opens his mouth. As the sweetness melted across his tongue, his eyebrows rose. "Whoa. Wait. What is this? It's so sweet but a deep flavor of...I don't know." He tried to puzzle it out as he chewed. He couldn't compare it to anything he had ever had.

 

[Menelie]

Mene

Julinha giggled and blushed herself. Exactly the reaction she'd hoped for. " You can open your eyes. It's called chocolate," she said, holding out the other piece so he could see. "I'm not entirely sure how they make it but some part of it grows on trees and then they mix it with sugar and probably some milk. D'you like it?"

Tart

Opening his eyes at her instruction, he enthusiastically nodded. "I might like it more than shellfish." It didn't hurt that he also now had a nice memory tied to chocolate as well. He glanced at the village again, and somewhat reluctantly said, "We're getting a bit far so should turn back. Shall we enjoy the chocolate on our way?"

Mene

Julinha's eyes sparkled. "It's supposed to be rather romantic," she said.

She looked back toward town as well. "I....haven't given you your last question yet," she said, the same mischievous look returning.

"What do you want to do for the rest of the evening?" She asked with a meaningful expression. This was the most fun she had had in ages, and Julinha was fully prepared to make a night of it.

Tart

The last question! He had thought the question was the cheeky closing his eyes request.

At the actual question, he felt his heart begin to beat loudly in his chest. It felt like an invitation to be bold. Swallowing hard, the fae reached out to pluck the chocolate square out of her hand with his free one. His other arm was still wrapped around her. "If you don't have to go, I want to spend the entirety of it with you." He popped the chocolate into his mouth a moment before pulling the girl close to press his lips to hers.

Mene

Julinha gave a little gasp before melting into him, dropping the now-empty paper and wrapping her arms around him. The taste of chocolate and the feeling of his lips and hands overwhelmed her senses.

Suddenly, now, the village was too far away. She was very glad Paixon had answered her question like this but now they had to walk all the way back with all this...tension...between them.

Tart

As far as first kisses go, he really couldn't think of anything better. On the beach, under the stars, mixed with the sweetness of chocolate.

When he broke the kiss, he slipped his head down so his lips brushed against her ear. "Shall we fly back?" His voice was husky with promise and desire.

Mene

Julinha giggled, wings already fluttering with anticipation. "Let's go," she said without hesitation.

She'd lead him back to the apartment she shared with her mother roommate, who would be at work this time of night for another several hours. Her room was small but tidy, with a bed just big enough for two. She lit some incense to get the mood going again, its gentle, fragrant smoke curling through the air. She set the flower he'd given her on her vanity and turned back to him with a seductive smile.