[Piper]

Piper clung to Wolf's hand with both of hers as they exited the portal at the heart of Paris. The streetlights hit her eyes, making her wince and duck her head against her fiance's shoulder at first but as her pupils adjusted she slowly lifted her head, a huge grin on her face. She'd stopped just after exiting the portal and now her head turned this way and that as she looked around in awe. In truth, Paris wasn't that much different than her hometown but it was late evening and all the lights were on and it already seemed so exotic. So romantic.

"Oh, Wolf, it's beautiful." She had no idea he'd been to Paris before, certainly not while she'd been moping around missing him. If she had known she'd probably have been very upset. She was a bit surprised he didn't seem as enthusiastic about this trip as she was but then again, Piper was well aware how... over the top her reactions could get. But how could she not be excited to be here? This was the Number One romantic city in the whole world and she was standing here with the man she planned to marry.

A thought sparkled to life and was out of her mouth before she even knew what it was. "Can we get married here!" She turned to face him, bouncing up and down on the spot like a little girl, clutching at both his hands in hers. She was so excited about being here that he could probably say no and she'd get over her disappointment in a flash. And their wedding was so far away, they hadn't even set a date yet. She could be terrifying him just asking him, but the notion was so romantic she couldn't help herself.

Gasping, she bounced again and jerked on his hands as she spun and twisted to take in the sights. "We have to climb the tower! All the way to the top! Does it go to the top? I mean, is there a lift all the way up? We should do that. And a cafe, we have to eat in a cafe. French coffee. Oh my god, we have to do everything!" There was nowhere near the amount of time they'd need to do absolutely everything she wanted, especially at the rate her mind was filling with tourist stuff she wanted to try, but this was literally her first vacation. Even if it was only a day, or an evening, she wanted to fill it up with as much as she could.

And then she turned back to look at him and stopped, her breath freezing in her lungs, her eyes shimmering with such an overwhelming sense of love she could barely speak. "No, I don't care what we do as long as I'm with you."

Piper's Boutique ¤ Dafont ¤ Aethereality

[Wolf]

Wolf smiled at Piper's reaction to the city as they stepped from the portal. It was almost as if he'd created it himself somehow. But even though she was happy for something he really had nothing to do with, other than the idea of coming to visit, it was the fact that she was happy that mad him beam. Holding her close to his side, not for one second about to let her move away, Wolf guided her down the lit up street of Paris, slowly passing by countless shops, all of which held beautiful things within.

As she exclaimed about getting married in Paris, Wolf smiled softly. The notion actually meant more than she probably would realize, as it was one of the few places that Dragons called home. He actually didn't know where his parents were married, or how they became bonded, but he assumed that Paris would be a likely choice. It was most certainly an idea. One they would both have to seriously consider. Of course, they'd each need to be able to bring their family to Paris. For Wolf, it wouldn't be hard, as they used the same portal system as everyone. But for Piper's family, whom he figured were human, they'd have to travel with actually currency. Looking down at Piper, wondering why she never talked about her family, he thought to ask then and there, but decided against it. Not now, not in Paris.

Piper's excitment was infectious. Wolf loved how much she was enjoying herself, and smiled with each word that came from her beautiful lips. As she slowed down and looked at him, her mood suddenly changing, Wolf furrowed his brow slightly, curious as to what was wrong. Hearing her speak however, he smiled softly, pulling her closer to his body. "I'm glad you like it here Pip." He said quietly. Continuing their walk, Wolf paused before a shop of decent size, then turned toward Piper. Grinning, he blindly pulled the shop door open, gesturing her to walk inside.

The shop was filled with clothing of all sorts. Everything from casual fabric, to the most elaborate dresses. Ushering Piper inside, finding himself greeted by a rather snooty looking sales woman, Wolf looked to her, and pulled a folded bill from his pocket. "We'd like to see some gowns." His attitude reflected the womans, and after a tiny glare, the woman took the bill, then walked away to retrieve the higher end merchandise. Grinning as he looked back to Piper, Wolf made his way toward a rack of clothing. "You said you wanted to change."

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[Piper]

Piper hadn't expected to go shopping. At least, not the kind that they could probably do back home, so when he opened the door of a clothes shop, she was a bit puzzled. Her first reaction, before he said anything, was that if he'd meant for her to get changed she could have done so at home.

As she stood beside him, almost physically cringing against the clerk's glare, she looked around at the clothes hanging around them. Most of the garments in sight were just as availble - and probably cheaper - back home too, and she turned to tell him so just in time to see his attitude towards the clerk. Normally, she'd reproach him and tell him to be nice, having experienced a few narky customers herself. But the clerk kind of deserved it, looking down on them like they were streetrats, so Piper just grinned and nudged him.

And then his words sank in. Gowns. Not just ordinary every day clothes but gowns.

Like, the kind worn at parties? Engagement parties?

Not sure what he'd brought her here for, she gave him a quizzical look, turning towards him, her voice hushed. "You know, we can shop another day for party dresses." Her smile was warm, her eyes full of appreciation for his efforts. And then she blinked.

"You said you wanted to change."

"You mean... Right now?" She glanced around uncertainly, spotting the clerk on her way back with an armful of gowns that she could already tell were beautiful and probably expensive. But the fact that they were so pretty drew her in, and she trusted Wolf to know what he was doing even if he wasn't telling her...

The clerk drew up next to Piper, an arch look on her face, but Piper ignored her, instead looking at Wolf with a suspicious grin. "What are you planning?"

Piper's Boutique ¤ Dafont ¤ Aethereality

[Wolf]

Wolf's plans might possibly leave Piper disappointment. But only at first. He could have easily thrown an engagement party in Paris, telling all their friends and loved ones to come with gifts and gowns, but this was something... just for them. All his life, he'd been attached at the hip to the members of their group, their little circle of friends. Even when Piper was brought in, they had already been a tight knit group. Every time he had fun, one or all of his friends were involved. Every time something big happened in his life, it was either from the direct involvement of a friend, or they were there cheering him on. But this time, he wanted to just be along with Piper. To show her that, although he might be scatterbrained, and yes, he was an idiot most of the time, his love for her was true and real, and as deep as it could possibly ever get. No matter in what way he was showing it to her. This night was about Piper, and him.

Smiling toward Piper, despite the clerks attitude, he shook his head lightly at her suggesting they shop another day. They were in Paris, and where he wanted to take her, he wanted to make her look like nothing in the world was more important than her. Nodding at her query, Wolf looked up toward the woman as she came back with dresses. Watching her place them on an empty rack for Piper to look through, Wolf left his eyes on the clerk a moment, before resting his hand on Piper's lower back and guiding her toward the gowns. Looking through what was brought out, barely glancing, his eyes rested on one that looked Piper's style. Plucking the dress from the rest, holding it out for her to take, he looked down into her eyes as she asked what he had planned.

Smirking slightly, his almost clear blue eyes twinkling, Wolf ignored her words. "Just try this on." Moving the dress closer for her to take, he looked up to the woman standing silently beside Piper. "I assume you have matching shoes and whatnot." He didn't know much about fashion, but enough to know that women have ensembles, where as men just through on the first thing they touch. At least... he did.

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[Piper]

As much as Piper loved clothes, she didn't enjoy spending hours trying them on. She didn't take hours to pick out an outfit for the day either, and could usually pretty much pick something out that was perfect for her mood in about five minutes. Maybe it was because of her job where she had to be conscious of colours and how they fit together or maybe it was something else. Whatever the reason, the second Wolf handed the dress to her she knew it was perfect.

It was an ankle-length cheongsam in burgundy brocade satin with a sheer white overlay that created a gorgeous deep rose colour. As she stood there, the fabric bunched in her arms, she noticed how there was just a little sparkle of gold when the white chiffon caught the light, and her eyes lit up with ideas of the accessories she could wear with it.

Hearing his voice but not what he was saying, Piper glanced up at him, her eyes bright with the onset of tears. It was silly. She knew it was just a happy accident but she couldn't help thinking he'd chosen this gown for her specially and it was utterly perfect. She adored pink and she enjoyed paying tribute to her Chinese heritage. He... He really couldn't have handed her anything better if they'd spent days searching.

The clerk said something, again that Piper didn't hear as she stroked the dress with her fingertips, feeling the brocade pattern through the chiffon. She couldn't make out what the entire pattern was without holding the dress up and she kind of wanted it to be a surprise, so she followed the clerk into the dressing rooms, nodding dumbly when she mentioned returning with shoes and "whatnot". Piper blinked at the extra stress placed on the French-accented "whatnot" but didn't pay attention, instead ducking into a cubicle and closing the door.

It was just as beautiful as she'd imagined. Standing barefoot in the dressing room, smoothing her hands over the delightful gown, Piper stared at herself in the mirror. The brocade satin felt lovely and cool against her skin, the satin thread of the embroidery shimmering beneath the chiffon. The pattern was fairly sparse with sakura blossoms dotted all over in a similar shade as the fabric, just different enough to make the fabric interesting. The hems were all trimmed in gold satin thread. It was the incredibly detailed Chinese dragons embroidered into the brocade that truly made the cheongsam the perfect choice in Piper's eyes. Wolf wasn't Chinese but she couldn't think of a better tribute to her fiance than this.

There was a knock on the cubicle door and Piper opened it a crack, peering at the shop clerk. Seeing the combs and pins clutched in her hands, and a couple of pairs of slippers held between her elbows and her ribs, Piper opened the door wider and helped the pinch-mouthed woman put the items down. "These will go well with that gown, mademoiselle," she said, her French accent much lovelier than her expression. "Thank you." Piper smiled happily as she admired the slippers. She figured either this shop didn't carry much that would go with Chinese fashion or the clerk was really good at her job, because she'd only brought three pairs and they'd all match well.

She tried them all on but finally chose the pink pair with the gold trim and embroidery that matched the sakura blossoms on the dress. "Do you have any, erm, pink or... maybe gold stockings?" As the clerk sighed and trotted off to find some, Piper unbraided her hair and brushed her fingers through it, trying each of the combs before realising that having her hair down just wasn't special enough. She had her hair down a lot, or in braids when she was working, she wanted Wolf to see her sporting something new.

Eyeing the hair pins, Piper picked out the white ones with pink flowers painted around the top third and gold stars dangling from the ends. Sticking her tongue out in concentration, she twisted her hair into a bun, fastening it with one of the bands from her braids, and then stuck the pins into it. She couldn't really see the back of her head so she couldn't tell if the bun looked okay but from the front it did.

The clerk returned, handing her a pack of stockings. Piper opened her mouth to ask if this was the only pink pair but closed it again and thanked her. It didn't take long to pull them on and put the slippers back on, chuckling at the sight of the little pink bows peeking out between cheongsam's slits at her knees.

Excited, she turned and smiled at the clerk. For some odd reason, she was incredibly nervous. Maybe because she had no idea how much this outfit was going to cost but she had the strongest suspicion it would be more than the flat she'd bought on Fox Street.

Picking up her things, Piper squeaked her as hand was slapped away from helping the clerk. Surprised, she backed off and returned to the main shop, looking for Wolf.

Piper's Boutique ¤ Dafont ¤ Aethereality

[Wolf]

Wolf stood in the middle of the room, his hands stuffed into his pockets. There wasn't much he could do, or look at within the shop, that would make him feel any less like a woman. He could shuffle through dresses, but again, why would he be interested? On top of that, he was sure the clerk would fritter by and scold him for not having clean hands or something of the sort. How men could take women shopping for hours on end, he'd never understand. He was just glad Piper hadn't brought a purse and asked him to hold it for her.

Staring at his shoes, only lifting his head when he heard Piper's voice from time to time, he half expected her to walk out during those moments. Of course, it was unrealistic to think she could dress as fast as a man could. Although had he known she'd been doing her hair as well, he might have tried to find a seat in which to sit down.

Absentmindedly pacing back and forth, tugging out his pockets, and pushing them back in again, Wolf started click his teeth, his mind bouncing from what he had planned, to what he should say when Piper came out from the back room. He was never good with words, ever, and both things required him to speak. Not just... idle rambling, but forming actual, meaningful words. Lifting his hand to his hair, he ran his fingers through his black locks, begining to dread his decision in coming.

Before he could fret much longer, the soft ruffle of Piper's dress sounded behind him. Turning, his eyes locking with hers, Wolf smiles broadly, allowing his sky blue eyes to travel down the length of her body, taking in the beauty of her dress. It in itself was alright. nothing amazing, in his opinion. But the way Piper wore it... "Wow..."

Blushing slightly at his brilliant words, Wolf cleared his throat and shoved his hands in his pockets. Looking back to Piper's soft brown eyes, he smiled sheepishly. Just as he was about to extend a hand for her to wake and walk out the door, it dawned on him that he'd not paid, which would no doubt be soon reminded to him should he have tried to walk out the door. Fumbling for his wallet, Wolf pulled out a wad of cash, placing it on the counter after the brief steps it took to get to it. Turning back to Piper, he walked toward the door, opening it for her to pass through. "Are you ready for dinner?" once on the street, they'd hail a cab, which would take them to the most romantic restaurant in Paris.

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[Piper]

Wolf's reaction may not be very eloquent but it was perfect. He didn't usually respond so nicely, if at all, so it was incredibly reassuring and flattering to have him "wow" at her. The blush was so cute she just wanted to hug him and kiss him. She even moved to do it when he pulled out a handful of cash that made her eyes widen, putting the money on the counter. She glanced around nervously as if she was about to be caught stealing, brushing her hands down the lovely fabric of her dress.

Smiling as Wolf held open the door, Piper brushed past him, wondering once again where he was taking her. Dinner? That sounded... Well part of her felt like they shouldn't be spending so much money just to eat but mostly she was luxuriating in the whole thing. Wolf was being so romantic, she couldn't help smiling dreamily at him.

Outside the shop, Piper stood on the sidewalk, looking around at the Parisian architecture and the people passing her. She felt so special wearing this gown, like a princess or something.

Turning to Wolf, still smiling warmly, Piper held out her hand. "You know I love you no matter what, right?" He didn't need to spend all this money on her to make her feel loved and she needed him to know that... but damn if this all didn't feel so good.

Piper's Boutique ¤ Dafont ¤ Aethereality

[Wolf]

Looking around at the busy street, Wolf's attention was drawn to Piper as she spoke softly to him. Gazing down into her eyes, he smiled warmly. Silently taking the hand she offered to him, Wolf, moved to wrap his free arm around her waist, wanting to pull her close to his body. "Of course. You wouldn't be Piper if you didn't." He said rather sweetly, his voice soft and low.

Lifting his eyes toward the street, he narrowed them a moment as he gazed around him. The street they were on look familiar, as it should seeing as he'd meant to bring her to this specific shop. But how to get from where they were to where they needed to be, he was unsure. There seemed to be life in the night, although not as crowded as he imagined. Besides a few others, they seemed to be one of few that looked dressed to go anywhere fabulous. Tilting a head slightly, he turned toward the main focus of traffic, the realization of where they actually were popping into his head.

Nodding slightly to himself, he lowered his gaze to Piper. "I think I remember where to go now." Moving to step off the street to cross, he paused mid step, looking toward his love yet again. Furrowing his brow slightly, Wolf cocked his head. "Do you mind walking? I could always catch a cab..." Nodding, as if she'd made up her mind instantly, Wolf looked out to the street, lifting his arm at the traffic in an attempt to catch a cab drivers attention.

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[Piper]

Piper about melted right there on the pavement. He was turning her into a big gooey mess. It was only the solidity of his body pressed to hers, his arm around her waist and his hand entwined with hers that kept her upright. He was so sweet and romantic, she couldn't figure out what she'd done to deserve him.

He looked around as if in search of something but Piper didn't follow his gaze, still staring up at him, watching him, her eyes near shining with love. She was beginning to understand how the heroines of all those romance books could talk about their hearts bursting out of their chests, or swelling with emotion, because she swore her own heart was about to erupt any second. This whole trip was so romantic but it was made so much better by the fact that Wolf was here, right here, with her instead of off in his head somewhere. And, God, she didn't mind his spaciness. It was part of him, something she'd learned to accept and indulge, but when his focus was on her she felt so... so cherished.

She jumped slightly when he spoke and moved away, a bit dazed. She took a step after him, squeaking in surprise when he turned back. "Cab? Walk? Oh! Wolf, let's walk!" She smiled brightly, attracted by the idea of walking through Paris in the evening, literally bouncing on her heels.

Holding out her hand again, Piper beamed at her fiance, silently urging him to join her.

Piper's Boutique ¤ Dafont ¤ Aethereality

[Wolf]

Wolf wasn't really one for romance, it was actually pretty obvious. Although he might not be as smooth as Landon, he certainly wasn't an censored like Jag. Although, he was probably very clueless. The only reason he knew Paris was something big, was the way Callie had wigged out when she'd come. She could come anytime, really, but she still fawned over everything in sight. Especially when she'd helped to pick out Piper's ring.

Based on her reaction, as well as the sentimental ties he had to Paris and France, Wolf thought the best place to bring Piper was here. He wanted to show her many many things, most having to do with his culture, but knew that tonight was special. Tonight, no matter how idiotic and selfish he could be, was about about him. It was about Piper, and what she deserved. And this dinner, was exactly what she needed from him. Hell, its what he needed to give her.

It was really quite sad. Wolf knew he'd never change. He'd always space out, always loose control. He'd always be the same guy that would ignore Piper, even if she was sitting two inches from him. But in these moments, where he forced himself to stay in control, to actually see who he was around, and behave accordingly, then he wanted to use it the best he could. And right now, after all that happened, after all he knew, both about his parents, and his uncle and Piper, the only thing that mattered to him, was that she felt special. Because she was nothing less.

Smiling down as Piper spoke, Wolf nodded, ignoring whatever cab may or may not have stopped from his hail. Taking the hand she'd offered to him, Wolf entwined his fingers with her naturally, and carefully began to lead them across the street. The silence between them was nothing uncomfortable. Piper was no doubt looking at the lights, or whatever else she might find interesting, while he was busy looking at her. As well as trying to find his way to the restaurant.

No sooner did he begin to guide Piper, when the familiar stores caught his attention, followed by the attraction of the actual restaurant. Smiling brightly, Wolf moved forward, heading toward the front of the store. The sidewalk was packed with people lined up, waiting for entrance into the hot spot of Paris. As he made his way to the front, Wolf placed a large wad of cash on the hosts stand, smiling down at Piper. Gesturing for her to follow him inside, Wolf made his way to quiet table, pulling out her chair for her to sit.

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[NPC]

((Maitre'D played by Emma))

Jean was not easily bribed and had ejected a few gatecrashers in his time but he was not above letting people in if they were rich enough and, more importantly, made him rich enough. He had seen the pair heading in his direction and had known instantly they did not have a reservation. There was a certain look about those who were furtively or brashly attempting to ignore a restaurant's policy and the boy, especially, had that look in spades. He also had an air about him that suggested he was accustomed to getting his own way, which gave Jean cause to pause and consider the pair. He recognised neither as being celebrities but the girl was dressed to the nines in what Jean recognised to be very expensive clothing from a boutique not far from here.

He had little time for any more contemplating or assessing. The pair reached him and as expected did not have a reservation. Unlike many, however, they didn't stop to try talking their way in, instead simply moved past him into the restaurant. Jean was too startled for a moment by the sheer audacity to prevent them from entering.

Lifting a hand to summon security, Jean glanced at the money the boy had left on his stand, pursing his lips in disdain. Slowly realising exactly how much was there, however, he snatched it up and ruffled through the bills to doublecheck, his eyes widening slightly. This was not to say he'd never been tipped quite so heftily but he certainly wouldn't have expected it of this pair.

Turning into the restaurant, Jean lifted a hand towards security and shook his head, cancelling the summons. Assured the pair would be left alone, he turned back to his stand and smiled at the customers waiting to enter.

[Piper]

Piper had no idea where Wolf was taking her or what he had in mind but she trusted him completely and let him lead her through Paris by the hand while she gazed around in awe. Paris really was a beautiful city. It was something she'd heard and, while she hadn't actively doubted it, she hadn't quite believed just how beautiful it was either. And even though it was on the same planet she'd been born on, Paris seemed so much more exotic than anywhere she'd been in Elysia. She'd never forget that Wolf had brought her out here.

They reached a restaurant that looked so upper-class she was scared they'd be booted out without even saying a word. Piper couldn't believe Wolf could have managed to get reservations at a place like this and even though he'd paid a fortune for her new gown, she still felt like the cheaper cousin compared to some of the people she saw in this place.

She was so scared the host would stop them but Wolf seemed completely unfazed. Piper's eyes widened at hte sight of the bribe, a little dazed by what was happening. Not sure what to say or do, she entered the restaurant nervously, glancing back at the maitre'd as she followed Wolf to a table. Almost stumbling as she watched the Frenchman gesture to someone across the restaurant, Piper's head whipped around and she gulped when she realised he'd summoned security. Swallowing again and opening her mouth to whisper loudly that they should leave, Piper snapped her teeth together again when she saw the maitre'd cancel the summons.

"Wolf," she whispered as she carefully sat down on the chair he was holding for her. "Just how much did you give him?" The idea of him draining his mom's bank account dry wasn't exactly a new one and Piper'd lived with the Rheas enough to know Dazadi really didn't care what he spent her paycheck on. It actually amused Piper a little bit that Wolf spent his mom's money on her, a girl Dazadi couldn't stand. But this was all so... so much. They couldn't afford to maintain this kind of luxury and Dazadi wouldn't support her son forever, especially not when... if... they got married. They'd have to move out eventually - Piper didn't like feeling uncomfortable in her own home, except it wasn't her own home and she was so ready to be out of the Rheas' hair. Did Wolf truly understand what it would mean to marry her? Did he realise that... this kind of spending would have to stop?

Piper's Boutique ¤ Dafont ¤ Aethereality

[Wolf]

The moment he'd placed the money on the booth, he'd ignored anyone and everyone. Nothing mattered from this point on, besides perhaps the waiter. He'd given a hefty bribe that would guarantee his entry into the restaurant, and if by some chance it wasn't enough, there was plenty where that had come from. After all the thought that he'd put into the night, and all the effort he'd given to make it happen, he wasn't about to let some idiot with a French accent ruin it for him. Or more so, for Piper.

This night meant a lot. It was a way to make up for everything that had ever happened. A way that would tell her he loved her, and although he might not seem like the best boyfriend at times, there was still romance somewhere inside. While she might be the one talking mostly when in a conversation, he was still listening to her. Even if it didn't seem like he was. But above all, this was to be a new start for them. Nothing from the past, nothing horrible or sad, it was all left behind and forgotten. From the moment forward, unless her thoughts screamed at him, he'd not think about Suka and her, nor would he think about anything else that was in any way negative.

How he was to deal with his uncle, he had yet to know. The Anyeli hadn't come to him since he'd known about the affair, but on some level, Wolf assumed he never would. Perhaps he could bury what had happened, see his uncle without having to remember what had gone on, but although he could be cool toward the situation, and forgiving toward his girlfriend... Suka was something completely different. And not even his true uncle at that. He felt for the guy, truly. Especially after he learned what had happened. But this was just too much for him to overlook.

Settling down in his chair, Wolf looked into Piper's eyes, her query lingering in the air. Shrugging slightly, Wolf smiled and brushed the question off. "It was nothing." Plucking the wine list from the center of the table, he scanned through it, only noticing one or two of the selections. Tilting his head slightly, he clicked his teeth subconsciously as they waited for their waiter to show up.

Setting down the wine list, he looked up at Piper, the glow of the restaurant illuminating her beautiful features. Smiling sheepishly, he reached out a hand, offering it for her to take. "You look beautiful." He said softly, still wowed buy how stunning she looked in her new dress.

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[Piper]

It wasn't "nothing". It was a lot, and Piper was a bit unnerved that he'd dismissed it so handily. She wanted to try talking to him about it, wanted to try mkaing him see that he couldn't keep throwing money away like that, but she didn't know how.

Watching him duck behind a menu, Piper set her wallet on the table and listened to him clicking his teeth with a sad smile. Something caught her attention, movement in the corner of her eye, and she glanced towards it, distracted by the re-realisation that she was in a gorgeous restaurant. And as she looked around at the architecture and the furnishings, and the people eating here, she forgot about nagging Wolf because she realised that however he'd gone about it, he'd brought her here, to the most romantic city on Earth - and as far as she knew in Elysia too. It was such a wonderful thing to do, she felt guilty for worrying about money when all he'd tried to do was make her happy.

Turning back to the table and leaning forward, reaching for his hands and opening her mouth to start apologising, Piper stalled and squeaked when she realised he was watching her, his own hand already meeting her halfway.

"You look beautiful."

"Oh, Wolf." He said the nicest things and it was so wonderful to have him looking at her like that. "I love you so much."

Piper's Boutique ¤ Dafont ¤ Aethereality

[NPC]

(Angel, human waitress played by Dora)

Angel flitted about from table to table, her "costume", continuously riding up with every step she took. Of course, working here was worth the discomfort, but at times like this, having to wear a dress that was too small, and therefor flaunted every womanly part of her body was enough to make a girl feel like a censored. The sad thing was, was that every woman that glared at her for their partners straying eyes, didn't know that Angel was very modest when not working. Busty, but modest.

Tugging down her dress, an effort wasted as the top revealed more cleavage, Angel brushed a stray hair from her eyes as she looked up from her current table. Watching a couple settle in, she let out a soft unnoticeable sigh, wondering what she'd done to Jean to censored him off tonight. They'd only open the restaurant a month ago, and business had yet to slow down. Of course, she liked the large tips, the celebrities, and the huge pay check, but she was working more hours, more tables, than any other server here.

Excusing herself from her current table, having set down their drinks, Angel made her way to the couple, plastering on a real, but over the top smile as she slowed next to them. "Hi! My name is Angel, I'll be your waitress today. Can I get you some drinks to start out with?" She smiled, her white teeth gleaming as she glanced from the man to the woman.

[Wolf]

Wolf smiled softly at Pipers words. She was beautiful, and she should know it every moment of every day. Most women he'd seen, especially Anyeli flitting about the Palace, they were all so caught up in their looks, applying pounds of makeup, and wearing colors that screamed for attention. Piper... he couldn't tell if she was wearing make up. Maybe if she put on lip gloss or something, he would be able to see that, but even then, she seemed to be so natural. Everything she did was natural, everything she wore. There wasn't anything about Piper that was fake, and it was so refreshing. Wolf couldn't count on one hand how many times he'd walked by a conversation between two Anyeli about stuffing their bra, or wanting to get implants. It was frankly disgusting. On the other hand, as time wore on, and everyone knew he was serious about his relationship with Piper, all the fawning girls seemed to have calmed down, or hopefully found a new sucker to lust after. Half the time it was as if he was invisible. Something that he'd gladly stay.

Gently closing his fingers to squeeze her hand, Wolf gazed into her soft brown eyes. He was glad he'd brought her here. Not just because he wanted to do something nice for her, but because he knew it would mean a lot to her. He was hardly a good boyfriend, and he knew this. He also knew that his attention span was short, and at times, he wouldn't have the energy to control it. For all he knew, tomorrow he could go back to ignoring her, and not even realize it. Which is why today, it was all about Piper. And he'd get her to realize, despite his lack of attention at most times, he was worth loving.

Hearing their waitress approach, Wolf didn't once look up, not caring about anything other than what he came for. And frankly, not needing to look up at her to order. "Water is fine for now. Menus would be nice though." Smiling at Piper, he moved to caress her hand with his thumb.

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[Piper]

Piper's breath caught in her throat and she froze under Wolf's stare, melting. She wanted to sigh and swoon, a part of her scoffing at her reaction while another part of her hissed at the first part to shut up and enjoy the moment. His gaze was so intense, so focused... on her. He could be like this sometimes and she grabbed those moments up and held them close to her chest, but this seemed different somehow. It was... It was more than normal, like he was trying to fill the moment with as much as he possibly could.

Piper, being Piper, naturally began to worry. This wasn't Wolf. At least, it could be. He could be so attentive, such a warm, lovely guy, and this whole trip out to Paris was proof of that. But she couldn't help thinking there was something he was trying to say, or that something bad was happening that he was trying to avoid, or just something to take it all away.

She couldn't tear her gaze away when the waitress came, feeling guilty and rude but unable to look up or even speak. Wolf's thumb was gentle and tender against her skin and she smiled at him, still feeling like she couldn't breathe. The thought of losing him... She'd already risked that through her own stupidity, was he now trying to end things? Did he want his ring back?

Panicking at the thought that somehow his parents or Suka had gotten to him, that for some reason he didn't want to be with her anymore, Piper blurted out the first thing that popped into her head.

"Wolf, let's move out. We can get a place of our own." She smiled and nodded brightly, her whole body tensing up. Thoughts of the apartment she'd bought on Fox Street splashed through her head but she dismissed them. Wolf didn't need to know that while he'd been ignoring her after her... after Suka... that she hadn't had anyplace to go so she'd bought an apartment thinking Wolf hated her. The place wasn't big enough for the two of them, not with their pets, so she'd sell it and they could get someplace else. Somewhere with a garden maybe, she didn't really care. She'd been finding it harder and harder to live with him at his parents' house, maybe this was the perfect opportunity to take that first step as a couple. "There are some lovely places on Daimon Street, or maybe even Gauntlet Crescent. Just think," she added quickly, "Fawn and Comet and Serene would love to be able to run around in a yard, right?"

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[Wolf]

Ignoring the waitress wasn't... intentional. He wasn't trying to be rude, he just wasn't interested in looking her direction when he had all that he needed right in front of him. When he'd met Piper, he never would have guessed that she would be the one he'd only ever want. Yes, he had urges, but unlike most men, he didn't and couldn't look at another girl with lust. For all the crap that he pulled, all the emotional strain and distance he put on those around him, especially Piper, Wolf was a very faithful boyfriend. Not an impure thought ran through his mind, and one never would. He had eyes for her alone, and thats all he would ever have. How he got there, he couldn't honestly say. How he fell for a girl that was so opposite him, it was unique. But it happened. This girl... this... woman, she went from a simple friend, who he enjoyed her company, to someone he couldn't live without. He pushed her away, yes, but she was always there. And that security allowed him to be who he really was. And Piper accepted it.

Smiling at Piper, his eyes filled with love as every realization he would ever need to know passed through his mind, he continued to caress her skin, ignoring the waitress still even as she scoffed off. He wanted to do this... Piper deserved it. He wanted to make her happy, and he knew this was. his proposal had been... half assed at best. And he knew it. But he'd been so anxious and excited, he couldn't have waited until a proper time. Until now. Finally tearing his eyes away from hers, they landed on her ring. He'd need to take it off in order to do this right... In Wolf's mind, it wasn't a big deal, but in Pipers... obviously it scared her.

Just as he was about to slip off her ring, his hand moving toward it, Piper's words caught his attention, his eyes ripping up from her hand, catching her gaze. Furrowing his brow slightly, his stomach lurched. Her request was reasonable, but it caught him off guard. Of course somewhere deep down, Wolf knew he couldn't live with his parents forever.... but it was all he knew. His childhood had whizzed by, as most Elysian's did, and although he was 18, he didn't have any thoughts of moving out what so ever.

Looking down and away from Piper, Wolf pulled back his hand, reverting quickly into the Wolf most knew him as. Brow still furrowed as he stared at the table cloth, he cringed slightly as she continued. Eyes darting up as Piper spoke of few known residential streets, Wolf shook his head. "No... Piper... I don't want to leave the Palace. It's... it's my home." Letting out a breath, he relaxed slightly as he slumped back in his chair. The noise of the restaurant began to dig into his brain, a headache begining to form. Without concentration, his entire mind was thrown off guard by Piper's comment, leaving him listening to thought's of everyone around him. Everyone but himself, and Piper.

Shaking his head, his hand moving to rest against his temple as the voices wouldn't die, Wolf stood, pausing by Piper's seat. "It's too... let's just go. Please." He said, moving his hand to Piper's back in order to guide her out of the building. If he didn't shake the voices, he'd have a migraine soon.

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[Piper]

Piper's smile died as Wolf drew away from her. She watched him shut down with a lump in her throat, her hand still outstretched on the table where he'd left it. She couldn't believe he'd said no outright, without even considering the possibilities. It made her ache to realise suddenly that, though he'd proposed and she truly believed he meant it, he was no where near ready to be married.

Drawing back slowly, Piper brushed her hands over the luxurious fabric of her new dress and smiled tremulously. She forgot sometimes that, while he might be over three times her age chronologically speaking - at least as far as she could get her head around the technicalities, anyway - he was still so young, and so accustomed to having his parents there to support him. For a while, Piper had been okay with their living arrangements but Dazadi's reaction to their engagement made it abundantly clear that she wasn't really welcome in their apartment. She wanted a place of her own, something she could decorate however she chose without worrying about being snarled at or threatened, someplace she could be herself without tripping over someone who made no bones about disliking her. She was uncomfortable in the Rhea's penthouse and the longer she lived there, the worse it got. Since Wolf's proposal, she'd begun to imagine what it would be like if they moved out and got a place of their own, but she was beginning to feel like their engagement was a trap of her own making, a fantasy she'd built up around her own desires. She was so ready to settle down and be married but she just hadn't thought about Wolf's position in all this. He may want to marry her... just not yet.

"No... Piper... I don't want to leave the Palace. It's... it's my home."

Clearing her throat, Piper shook her head. "Well... We wouldn't have to move out of the palace. Just..." She shrugged, not sure quite what to say. She wasn't even sure she could afford the apartments in the palace, or that they'd house both of them. The penthouse was plenty of room for a small family but Dazadi had special dispensation for a larger place because the Rheas owned the whole thing. Piper'd never seen the inside of the other apartments but she doubted they'd be large enough for the two of them and all their pets. Which meant she either had to continue to put up with the uncomfortable living conditions or somehow persuade Wolf to move out. Well, she could keep the flat on Fox Street and stay there from time to time but she and Wolf both had grown accustomed to her sleeping over and pretty much living with the Rheas. She didn't really want to live alone again, and doubted that Wolf would allow it.

"It's too... let's just go. Please."

Biting her bottom lip as she saw the telltale signs of the onset of a headache, Piper bit back an argument and stood up, grabbing her bag. She wished she hadn't said anything, that she'd waited until they were home rather than ruining what had been shaping up to be a lovely evening. Wolf had gone to such a tremendous effort and she'd completely blown it.

Allowing Wolf to guide her out of the restaurant, Piper glanced back sadly at all the couples apparently having a good time, wondering what it would have been like to stay and eat and have fun. An actual date, something they'd never really done because they'd just gone from being friends to waking up one day and realising they were in love.

Turning away, Piper glanced at Wolf and tried not to sound upset. "Let's go home?"

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