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 Posted: Sat Mar 01, 2014 4:26 pm
Life after the Valentine's Auction slammed her. There were test after test in her core subjects as well as studying for the transfer to DCU in the fall, and her family investments needed balancing. She needed a break. This was the first night she had free since the auction. It would be a good night to unwind and to go on the date she owed Arias.
Flipping her cellphone open, she scrolled through her contact list to find the number Arias had given her.
U free tonite?
Can get res. at T.'s Garden if interested.
Will also send driver with appro. Attire
if so.
While she waited for the response, she pulled out the outfit she had bought for the date. There was no way she would go out with someone and clash, so it was easier all around for her to pick the attire. She knew her own appearance an what looked good on her, she was also had a good eye for what looked good on others. Given the dress code at Titania's Garden, what would suit both, she picked the clothing with care.
All cream, brown, green and gold. Spring colors to brighten up the end of winter. It would be a good night. Or so she hoped.Kyuseisha no Hikari So so sorry for this being so late. Life has been so crazy lately.
just in case you need the info for visualising the attire-
the outfit Lianna sent Arias:
~ loose khaki trousers, with panels up the legs a shade lighter than the main color, with a leaf and vine embossed pattern
~ low dress boots in brown, with gold buckles/tackle boots
~ standard dress shirt, cream, with bold emerald green accents
~ trench coat that reaches mid thigh, emerald green with gold accents inspiration
~ short brown leather gloves
~ scarf
~ hat
and Lianna's Outfit:
~ layered, strapless maxi dress, main(inner) layer and chest part in emerald green, skirt layers lightening to cream as they go outward, gold leaf and vine pattern embroidery with crystal flower accents on outer layer base dress inspiration
~ strappy gold heels heels
~ elvish inspired gold necklace
~ multiple gold bangles on each wrist
~ cream colored lacy shawl
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Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2014 10:12 am
Arias had kept himself busy, but he had not forgotten the auction or Lianna. When she texted him, he was a bit surprised, but he wasn't in any mind to suddenly turn her down. As soon as he washed the flour from his hands, he texted back, 'I'm free, what time?'
He didn't know what to expect; dates weren't exactly his forte but he kept reminding himself that this was something he had wanted to do and something he was going to see through. Besides—he'd never been to 'T's Garden', nor did he have any extensive idea what she was referring to. He questioned googling it, but time slipped by faster than he'd meant. Manning the bakery when they were already shorthanded kept him occupied enough that by the time evening came around, all he could focus on was mentally preparing himself for conversation topics.
He was content enough to let her play the dominant step for the time being; a driver and a pre-selected ensemble was a little beyond him, but he was usually a good sport.
If he could put his faith in a talking cat, he could put his faith in a human girl.
As the day drew on, he found his nervousness overshadowed by a sort of excitement; he eagerly awaited the driver and seeing just what Lianna had planned for tonight.dawns_aura That's okay! I hope life calms down!
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Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2014 11:31 am
Lianna had her phone out, so when the return message came she had it out, ready to read and respond as necessary. She hoped for an affirmative, she was bored and a night out with someone would be more than welcome, but she was also aware that her invitation was rather abrupt and he might have other plans already. She bit her lip, considering alternate plans if this didn't work out...
The phone buzzed with an incoming message, and she lifted it quickly, wanting to know as soon as possible, to know if her original plan was a go or if she needed to come up with something else...
There was a moment of relief when she saw the assent. If she were anyone else, her shoulders would have slumped as she sighed with relief. But she wasn't anyone else. She was above such average, mortal reactions. Fingers flew over the keys as she responded to the text.
'I can get a res. for 7:00
pick u up around 6:30?'
It was several hours away, but she could start to get ready. It didn't take her as long as most females to get ready for a 'date', but this was her favorite restaurant, and she felt like pampering herself and looking good enough to knock Arias' socks off. Not that she was looking for anything beyond a fun night out.
Grabbing her outfit, and cell phone she went into her master bathroom and started running a bath in the deep garden tub, poured in her favorite bubble bath, and turned on her favorite relaxing cd.
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Posted: Mon Mar 10, 2014 11:17 pm
When the next text came, Arias found himself growing more comfortable with the whole situation. Six thirty was far enough away that it would give him plenty of time to get ready—not that he really needed much—and, if she was going to worry about the wardrobe, that meant he didn't have to putter around upstairs, trying to pick out something appropriate to wear. He quickly replied, 'Absolutely, 6:30 sounds good. I'll be at A&H Bakeries. See you then!' though promptly worried himself over it, deleted the exclamation mark and sent it with his face buried in the palm of his other hand.
Normal people went on dates all the time; why was this such a big deal? Was it because it was the first date he'd been on in a while? Or the fact that he'd never been on a date with a girl like Lianna?
He spent the next few hours worrying over little things—was he supposed to do anything special, bring anything special?
Lianna seemed to have everything figured out, so he figured if he needed something, she would make sure to let him know.
That didn't stop him from going out to buy a pretty little bouquet of flowers for her, though.
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Posted: Sat Mar 22, 2014 1:22 pm
The long luxurious bubble bath did a lot to help her settle any nerves she might have felt about the date. It had been a while since she'd been on an actual date. Most of the time, if she desired company, she'd go out to a club - or a bar if she was truly desperate - and have her pick of the patrons.... She didn't do the normal dinner and a movie after being asked out by a guy, or doing the asking herself.
But this, it wasn't really a date. It was simply two people going out to dinner and dancing. It was arranged to benefit the city. No pressure there. No need to try hard to pretend or try to be someone that she wasn't. It was simple and easy. And with any luck, it would be fun. She hoped it was fun.
Arias had already decided to go out with her, so she didn't need to go over the top trying to impress him. But she was who she was, so while she didn't have to go overly glamorous, she was going to look fantastic and impressive. She did have her pride after all...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
She looked at his last text as Dell pulled up in front of the bakery. So this was the place. How interesting. She wondered if it was just a job or if he lived here. Questions that could be answered some time over the course of the evening. She pulled out her cell. So she was five minutes early. Hopefully he was ready.
I'm here.
Are you ready to go? Kyusiesha no Hikari Sorry it's taken so long. Been seriously slammed by RL
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Posted: Thu Mar 27, 2014 11:25 pm
Arias got the text just as he was finishing up brushing his hair. He had run down the list of things you were supposed to do before being public—which included getting a quick shower and trying to wash the smell of baked goods off himself. Living above the bakery meant that the smell had permeated through the floors and it took a great effort not to leave the house smelling like pastries. His teeth brushed, his hair tamed, and the store locked up, he was ready.
He texted her while he ran down the stairs, offering a quick reply of, 'Be right down'. Only a few seconds after the text sent, he appeared outside. It took him only a few more seconds to lock the front door, but he trotted over to make up for the time he had spent on that.
Arias wore a warm smile as he approached her car; it was the only one there and while he was usually more reserved, he approached it as though he was greeting an old friend. "Hi, sorry," he said quickly. "I hope I didn't keep you waiting for too long. I think I've got everything ready to go, so if you're ready," he shrugged as though it was an explanation. "Shall I just, ah, join you in there or do you want me to hop in my car and follow?"
He hadn't ever actually been picked up by a girl for a date, so the concept was making him question his understanding of the dating game; he just hoped he wasn't going to wind up making a fool of himself or ruining the evening.dawns_aura I understand! I hope everything is going better now ;;
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Posted: Fri Apr 11, 2014 5:02 pm
This wasn't a date. That was what Lianna kept telling herself, so she didn't feel ridiculous about being the one in charge of this particular outing. It was simply two 'friends' who did not know each other well going to dinner at her favorite restaurant.
If it was a date, she would not have the confidence to dictate the where, when and what. In a very real sense, she was old-fashioned, believing that in a real, romantic relationship- that was more than the mutual gratification of desires when needed- that it was the male's place to take control. She had enough of control in her daily life it was nice to have someone to relinquish control to. To be overpowered by.
But this was not about romance. Or relationships. This was simply getting out and having a good time. Of perhaps making a new friend.
She was surprised, rather pleasantly, that he was ready to go and quick about reaching where she stood next to her car. She would have felt rather out of place, maybe even ridiculous, though she was Lianna and she could not be any such thing.
She looked him over as he approached, noting how attractive he looked. Yes, he was definately handsome enough to be seen with her. 'You are welcome to ride with me, or if it would be more comfortable for you to take you car and follow if it is more convenient.'
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Posted: Sun Apr 20, 2014 12:09 am
Arias flashed a quick smile. "If you're all right with it, I wouldn't mind using the time there to get to know you a bit better."
He climbed into the car carefully, very conscious about not overstepping any boundaries.
"I'd hate to lose you in traffic and then make us late," he admitted. While he wasn't used to situations like this, Arias was fond of looking for the good in situations; he didn't seem like he was feeling too awkward or out of place and instead of being nervous, he just seemed more interested in getting to know the girl. "So," he started, "Do you…do this sort of thing often? I admit, this is certainly an entirely new experience for me. But! I'm happy to have met you from it, at least."
She didn't seem the sort to run in the circles he did, but Arias was intent to take it as a learning experience; he liked meeting new people and was grateful for any opportunity.dawns_aura Sorry for taking so long for this ;;
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Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2014 9:24 pm
There was something very genuine and refreshing about his honesty, an careful statements.
It wasn't something she was used to. Her normal everyday routine included wading waters of false emotion, poisoned words cloaked in flattery, intrigue and lies. And frankly, there were times when she just wished it could all disappear. That the world could burn to ashes and humanity start over again. Without the lies an manipulation. Wishing humanity could have its innocence back. She was so tired of it all.
'I would not have suggested it if I minded you choosing that option,' gathering the full skirt of her dress she slid into the car next to him. But not so close as to cause discomfort for either. She wasn't exactly sure the rules about 'dates' such as this. It was a learning experience for them both, it seemed.
'This is new to me.' She paused trying to decide just how much to say. If she revealed too much, then anything she said could come back and bite her in the a**...it had happened before. But if she left it at that she might come off as cold, and ruin the night before it had a chance to begin. Taking a deep breath she decided to take a risk. To say more than she normally would. Arias didn't seem the type to betray a confidence.
'The cause was a good one. One my grandmother would have had a hand in running, if she were alive. And my grandfather, god bless his soul, would have indulged her whim to the point of ridiculousness.' A hand rose to tuck a strand of hair that had come loose behind her ear in a gesture of nervousness. 'It has been ten years since they passed, and I felt that joining the auction to benefit the city would be a fitting tribute to their memory. I owe it to them.'
'What about you? What prompted you to take part? A date auction doesn't... I mean, you don't seem like the type to participate in such an activity. Or have I completely misread you...'
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Posted: Sat May 03, 2014 10:29 am
Arias took no offense at her deduction of him; he just smiled and shook his head. "No, no. You've got it all right. It was sort of a rush decision, I suppose. I had only meant to have to get out for the evening, try and do something out of the ordinary. I guess…"
Why had he gone?
He couldn’t just come out and tell her the truth—that he'd needed something to make him focus on being human. That he needed something outside of this whole powered think.
"I don't have a reason as noble as yours," he finally said. He wasn't ashamed of it; he had participated for a reason that wasn't as honorable as wanting to help the City. "I just wanted a change of pace. And at least the money goes for a good cause, right? But…I wasn't really expecting a date out of it. I don't know if those things ever work, or if they're just a publicity stunt. But, I'm happy to get out and see a different part of Destiny City."
He leaned back a bit, hands resting on his knees.
"…I think it's sweet, though," he added a few seconds later. "That you did it in honor of your grandparents. They sound like they must have been good people. I'm sure they'd be proud of you."
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Posted: Sun May 04, 2014 12:51 pm
Graceful at accepting compliments and kind words, Lianna was not. And so it was time for her to try to change the subject. It was just starting to get a little uncomfortable for her. She retreated somewhat emotionally, trying to put a little distance between them again.
'It was also an awesome excuse to come to the Garden. Have you ever been? It's not a place one wants to be alone at.' She smiled brightly at some fond memories she had of the place.
'The grounds and manor once belonged to some friends of my grandparents, and they died without heirs. They stated in their will they wanted the place to be used, to be open to the public and always filled with music and light and laughter. I don't know how it came to be what it is now, but I am pleased to say that I had a small part in it.' Well, if being one of the three investors in the restaurant and holding a good majority of the voting stock could be considered small.... Well, it was one of her first investments and currently her favorite.
'The interior of the manor was gutted, but retains all its beauty and majesty. There are some tables up on the second and third floors for those who just want to eat or want to experience the atmosphere without being brought into the experience, and you can look down at the dancefloor. The view is quite lovely... Though my table is on the first floor. I quite enjoy the orchestra and I will often join the dancing. Do you like to dance?'
'I hope you don't think it too presumptuous of me to have ordered your outfit. The Garden does have some interesting quirks, the required dress being one, and I just wanted to make sure you had something appropriate and wouldn't clash too much.' She took a moment and admired him again. ' You do look quite handsome, I must say.'
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Posted: Fri May 09, 2014 10:34 pm
Arias was similarly awkward when she offered him a compliment. He simply laughed softly and rested his hands on his knees, shrugging, before he managed to muster up the ability to even speak. "Well—thank you, that is very kind of you. But, no, I don't think it was presumptuous of you at all to have ordered the outfit. Truth be told, I'm still not sure what I've gotten myself into, so I'm grateful to have you to guide me through it all. I've never been to a place with that specific of a dress code. I mean, I've been to a few art galleries, graduation—fancy events like that, you know. Suit and tie. But nothing really like this."
He was trying to imagine the place she had described and couldn't help but be more interested now; had he been clever he would have popped onto the internet beforehand and googled the place to get a better idea of what their evening might entail. "I haven't been dancing in a while, but I'm sure I'm not that rusty."
Probably; he hadn't really practiced dancing since—well, probably since prom.
"But, if that's something you're interested in then I'll try not to embarrass you," he added, flashing a quick smile.
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Posted: Sat Jun 07, 2014 10:28 pm
Kyuseisha no Hikari And there is a little bit of a time jump to get them to the restaurant so things can start to happen.
'Not many people who aren't regulars, or who are guests of regulars, would know how to dress. The Garden is a theme restaurant, one of very few I know of. It is a bit of an experiment. Combining atmosphere and food and what is actually a fairly interactive dining experience. It might sound a little intimidating, but it is really quite fun.'
There was a lot more that she could say, but until one had actually been there, and experienced it for themselves, one could talk all they wanted, and could still not get the information across. Not in a bad way, but it was sort of magical.
'Anyways, you'll see for yourself once we arrive.'
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
A glance out the window suggested they were coming up on the grounds of the estate, and Titania's Garden would soon be coming into view. They were turning onto the long cobbled driveway that would end with a circular turn-around just at the entrance.
x
'We're almost there if you would like to see.'
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Posted: Fri Jul 11, 2014 12:56 pm
Her description of the place left Arias only faintly nervous, and while he tried to imagine just what she was describing, even his mental image was not as grand as the building they pulled into.
"Wow," he said after a moment, seeming exceptionally impressed. This was not a place he would have taken himself, but it was not a place he felt he was going to regret. "You know, I'm happy you got to pick the place, I feel like anywhere I could have suggested would have paled in comparison."
He didn't seem upset about such a thing, but his favorite areas were entirely inadequate compared to this. "I didn't even think a place like this could exist in Destiny City."
Of course, given how odd Destiny City was already, he could believe in powered superheroes but an estate like this was hard for him to imagine?
Arias didn't even really have words to describe how beautiful it was so he fell quiet while he admired the structure. He doubted he would be back again after tonight—not because it wasn't something he couldn't see himself enjoying but because he didn't get out enough to think he'd be able to make it back here. He just leaned back, smile on his face, and nodded at Lianna. "I think you have amazing taste."
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