Welcome to Gaia! ::

In light of the event that occurred back at the Umbrae Hotel, this was probably not the best nor the brightest idea she had ever had. Here she was in her masquerade outfit and a new mask meeting someone she had never seen before prior to new years eve just for a dance? Oh how her brother would mock her later for this endeavor.

Still she waited as the light filtered in through the dense fog with her shawl wrapped tightly around her bare arms humming the last melody that had been playing before the negaverse started their assault on the attending citizens.

A dance, that’s all that was to happen should he show up, nothing more nothing less.

“You sing that very well.” A male voice said from the other side of the willow tree. He had gotten there a moment ago but heard her voice so had sunk in from behind to listen. Now, as she hit the middle of the song, he made his presence known. Rolling to the right, Jasper appeared back in his tuxedo, the shoes newly polished to remove the scuff mark, and a black, fabric mask he had found at a party store. Cheap but effective.

Thus standing there, leaning his shoulder on the tree, he was smiling and watching her. “Here, you must be freezing.” As he pushed off, Jasper slipped out of the overcoat he was wearing leaving him in the tuxedo jacket as his protection from the wind. “Use this.” His voice was easy, soft, warm. He did not want to scare her and wanted her to relax. There was no way he would hurt a woman that asked him out like this.

Walking towards her, Jasper held his jacket up by the shoulders and moved around to lay it on her exposed skin. The warm, purple winter coat would keep out even the nastiest chills.

A warm blush tinted Mei’s cheeks a soft pink hue, then again it could be because it simply was just that cold out. No matter the reason, he had her a bit speechless at the moment save for a polite ‘thank you’.

What a time to become all shy, this had been her idea had it not?

Her eyes fixated on a blade of grass as she hugged his warm coat around her, subconsciously willing it to become a second skin so goose bumps that ran down her arms would go away. “I’m glad you made it out safely.” At least he didn’t act like he was injured.

Worrying her bottom lip Mei glanced up at him and offered a uncharistically timid smile. Ugh what is wrong with me… ? It’s the dress… definitely blaming the dress for this weird behavior.I feel so foolish right now.

Jasper’s soft smile melted for a moment as his shoulders rose and fell in a sigh. He had been admiring how lovely she was and glad no one else was around. It was perfect. Just her, him, a tree, and maybe a few surprises he had in mind should things go well and she turn out to not be crazy.

But the topic of the hotel made his slump slight. “You as well.” He said before shaking his head and allowing his gaze to move towards the branches of the willow that swung in the wind. The broke up the light so beautifully. A magical feel. “Man that was insane. I had heard about the terrorist before but that was the first time I had ever been involved in something. And the police. Lord they aren’t much better.” Jasper admitted as his eyes finally found her face again. “You left in such a hurry. Did you find your friend?”

Mei nodded her head “I did, she got out safely and is at home now.” At least that is where she assumed Delilah was.

“I don’t understand why it took so long for the police to arrive, there should have been more stationed outside patrolling the streets with an event of this size.” She was rambling and yes she knew it “This isn’t the first time something like this has happened.” Sure the one she was referring to was a little over a year ago but still shouldn’t they have learned from their mistakes and be more prepared.

“I’m sorry I…”

Jasper didn’t let her finish. His movement was swift but effective as he completely closed the distance between them to lay a single finger on her lips. “Shhh. It’s alright now. We made it out alive and no matter what the police have and have not learned or do not believe, at least they did show.” He slowly lifted the finger off her lips but held it close should she start again.

“Last night was….interesting all around.” He let his hand drop to his side, his other finding his pocket. “But it is over and this is a new day. A new year at that. Why not at least enjoy it it.” He took a step back and dropped into a formal bow. When Jasper rose up again, he moved his left hand to behind his back and his right extended outward. “My Lady. May I have this dance?”

At that moment, the last song of the evening started to play. The source was hidden but Jasper gave a smile.

Hidden behind the mask she wore Mei’s gaze drifted down to rest upon his hand and for a moment she hesitated.

One hand she lifted to rest upon her heart while the other clung onto the coat he draped over her shoulders. Don’t chicken out now... she berated herself The reason for asking him here was for this very reason wasn’t it?. Nineteen years old and she had never been on a date and yet now here she was in the middle of almost nowhere, she knew where she was at least, about to dance with a complete stranger.

The war had taken something from her, a chance at happiness, hope for love; all which had been overshadowed by an obligation she hadn’t asked for to protect Destiny City.

Mei’s grip on the warm coat loosened allowing it to hang off her shoulders as she reached out to take his hand in her own and took a step towards him.

The soft smile on Jasper’s face grew into a grin. With that touch of their hands, he had her. As the music lifted into itself into a climax, Jasper pulled gently at her hand to guide her into him. He too step forward, shifting his left hand to her waist and changing the grip of his right to hold his. Without a word, he led.

Even in nature his steps were light. The man was trained in this as he let his body suggest a spin to her own. All the while he said nothing but gazed towards her eyes and smiled sweetly at her. She was truly out of this world.

For the first several moments her movements were hesitant and attention was more focussed on not accidently stepping on his feet like his former dance partner had done. It wasn’t until the motions had repeated themselves close to ten or so times that she finally relaxed enough to look up at him feeling his gaze upon her.

Mei’s footsteps faltered then. “I-I’m sorry.” she shuddered suddenly self conscious.

Jasper would allow no such thing as the grip on her waist suddenly tightened and he pulled her once more close to him. “You are thinking too much.” He whispered, leaning his head down to her right ear. “Let it go. Feel the music and trust in your partner.” His breath was warm on her neck as he lingered a moment longer before pulling his head back and showing her his smile.

“I won’t let you fall. I would not be an appropriate partner if my lady cannot feel safe in my arms.”

“Promise?” She asked hesitantly. “I just, I don’t want to accidently step on you.” It wasn’t that she didn’t trust him, it was more that she didn’t exactly trust herself. Running was more her forte, and in powdered form tree limb jumping and roof hopping. Dancing… actual dancing, not that bump and grind stuff kids did back at school dances or at late night clubs, she had little to no training on aside from watching movies with her mom.

With her head tilted downward she looked at him expectantly almost then withdrew her hand from his and took a step back. The distance between them did not last long however as she shrugged his coat off her shoulders and hung it on a low branch for the time being. If he truly wished to continue it would probably be best if it was hung up for now so it didn’t accidently fall off her onto the dew covered grass and get stepped on.

Mei then closed the distance between them and allowed her shawl to drape over her elbows as she toyed the the tassel edges.

Lord she was lovely. And from the way she moved, Jasper doubted how much she really knew it. If she did, all she would have needed to do was cast a single look and any man would have melted. Any man but him of course.

Instead, he held himself with an ever growing smile. When she returned, he gave her a second bow. “My Lady.” He whispered, extending a hand to her again. However, once she took it he would have a surprise for her. “Shall we continue this evening?”

Mei simply nodded her head once and offered him a rueful smile, as if apologizing for something she hadn’t done yet, and took his hand once more. So long as he was willing to teach her, to lead her, she would be an ardent pupil and follow his lead.

This time, instead of pulling her into him for a dance, Jasper closed his hand around hers lightly and stood up, offering to lead her around slightly towards the side of the willow he had appeared from. “If the lady does not mind, a toast and a light snack?” He said charmingly as what came into view was a small picnic just inside the willow branches.

On the warm blanket was a container not of wine but of something that looked warm. Jasper had gone for the hot chocolate approach instead of the bubbly. It was winter after all. Beside it, something light. A selection of in season fruit and melted chocolate. Marshmallows and other light things perfect for dipping sat around. “One should not fret on an empty stomach.”

Looking at what he had set up, a smile tugged the corners of her lip. A soft laughter escaped her as she shook her head so slightly. “When did you set this up?” she asked motioning to the blanket. “How long were you waiting?” She wonder aloud, searching his expression for some sort of clue.

If there was one thing being a senshi had taught her it was to be aware of your surroundings and yet it seemed he had somehow slipped past her careful training. Perhaps this is why feelings for another was ill advised; it is too easy to let one's own guard slip. Yet for some reason or another the young woman seemed unphased by it all and allowed herself to live in the precious moment destiny or fate had been so benevolent as to bestow it upon her in a time of loneliness.

One step forward followed by another Mei gathered her dress and took a seat.

“Timing is everything, my lady.” He said, following her and taking a seat on the other side of her before reaching into the basket and pulling out two mugs. “May I serve you something warm to drink?” He offered her one mug before reaching for the canister. The mugs were simple. Both blue and both he needed to make sure were back in the kitchen for morning. His father needed his coffee! Lawyers….

“There are also sticks if you would like to dip cleanly or your fingers will do nicely as well.” He added filling their mugs. “I do hope this will warm you up. As beautiful as you look, I think Jack Frost will be all over you.”

Though she wouldn’t admit it out loud food had been the last thing on her mind since the whole incident back at the hotel, sure she had something for breakfast but that was just about it.

As he poured the drink, Mei’s eyes wandered over the appropriately small selection of fruit; apples, bananas, a starfruit, and an orange. All which looked ripe and carefully selected; devoid of bruising or scars on the skin. Oh she was impressed, assuming he was the one to choose them and not the grocery store clerk.

She reached over then to pick up the nearest fruit, one of the oranges, and brought it up to her nose. Lips now hidden, a smile spread across her face pleased by the as she closed her eyes and drew in a deep breath. “Thank you,” she spoke softly, lowering the sweet citrus fruit to rest upon her pink dress, cradled in her upturned palm.

He had done so much to make this moment seem special, a curiosity as to why considering they had only briefly met for a few minutes before splitting up. Her gaze drifted downward seemingly lost in thought all the while peeling the rine back in a near perfect, continuous spiral.

Jasper’s eyes followed her gaze towards the orange. It was clear this was not her first time doing battle with such an thing. Had it been him, he would just have sliced it open and gone from there. She on the other hand made the process look almost graceful. Jasper had to assume she might even know how to cook!

Without thinking, he took a drink of his hot chocolate and gazed down at the apple. Picking it up and putting it to his lips. Crisp and juicy. He was glad he had asked for help making sure they were all fresh and in season.“No, Thank you.” He said as he finished the slice. “You took a chance on me and invited me out here. It was the least I could do. Last night...well…”

He stopped and looked off into the distance. “Last night was not what I expected and you ran off in such a way, I felt I needed to make tonight a means to make up for the lack of a new year.”

A light tug lifted the corners of Mei’s lips in a soft smile. “This has been the best New Year I’ve had in a long while.” She glanced up at him from behind the pale pink mask and laughed “You know what I mean, tonight has been the best day… night.”

Shaking her head she reached over and placed the rine back into the basket for the time being. “I’m sorry, I’m really not normally like this.”

“Normally like what?” Jasper commented as he stretched out one of his legs, taking on a more louged position as he gazed back at her. Something seemed to be bothering her and he felt a touch of concern rising. “Normally like a beautiful flower blooming in the middle of a cold winter?”

He was smiling, though inside he could smack himself. That was corny even for him!

If only the eyeholes were big enough he may have seen one of her eyebrows raise, amused by his comment. “No,” she shook her head then sectioned off the orange into two halves. “This spontaneous I guess, I don’t normally put myself out there like this. Even after almost two years of living here, it’s a bit new.” Not that he needed to know any of this since after tonight they’d likely never see eachother again.

“Ah. Play it safe then.” He said with a slight chuckle in his voice as he reached for another slice of apple. “From what the news says, that would make sense. I have lived in Destiny City all my life and yet, in the past few years, I have to wonder if I stepped through a hole into another world.” Jasper admitted as he bit down on the apple.

A few moments passed and he continued. “But you can’t play it safe always. Then you might miss out on moments that come to mean the world to you. Or meeting someone that can change your life. My mother used to say that was how she met dad.”

“She sounds like a wise woman.” Mei ate one of the slices of oranges, chewing thoughtfully her mind wandered to how her own parents met. Not quite as romantic as his own but it was still a sweet moment as they had once been highschool sweethearts yet shortly after graduation he, much like her own brother, enlisted in the military. It was a short engagement but they married just before he was deployed.

Picking up her own cup of hot cocoa she washed down the fruit with the warm beverage. “I’ll be honest, it sounds like something my older brother might say. Always trying to get me out of the house and socialize.” Getting out of the house wasn’t the problem… clearly especially considering she patrolled on a frequent basis and went jogging regularly. It just takes time for a persons heart to fully heal after losing one of the few friends you do have to a war you’re not allowed to talk about.

Jasper let out a sigh and picked up his own mug. “Indeed she was.” He admitted as he felt his own heart slip a little. She had been gone now what, four, five years? Her final gift to the world was his beautiful sister that meant the world to Jasper. How she would never know the woman that loved her more than life itself. It pained Jasper. He would never blame his mother’s death on Amelia as his father used to.

“I think your brother is trying to tell you something. That you should live your life.” Jasper finally smiled again, looking over at her. “And if wearing a mask helps you do that, then wear one. I hear tales of stranger things running around this city. Someone once told me of a elephant the size of a mouse with wings? I swear that either there is some drug dealer making a killing around here or we have a very creative city.”

“I don’t know” Mei smiled knowingly, though she didn’t miss the sadness that had slipped into his voice. If he wished to switch subjects she would not press him for questions on his mother. “I’ve heard stories of spiders seven feet tall or large naked humanoid creatures romping through the trees, knocking them over as if they were nothing more than a sand castle.” Oh that was a fun one to deal with, one of the last times she and Persephone patrolled together.

“Destiny City is a strange place that’s for sure.” If mass faintings weren’t a big enough hint to get that point across perhaps seeing a youma in person would do the trick.

“You are telling me. But it doesn’t stop me from calling it home.” He smiled over at her and stood up. Walking away, he went to retrieve his jacket before returning, dusting it off, and handing back to her. “Here, keep warm.” He offered softly before taking his seat again.

“But the strangest thing was I ran into this woman after the event.” He spoke, avoiding the subject of a cat and bathroom all together.“She kept saying things about mirrors.”

Grateful for the added warmth his coat provided, Mei hugged it around herself as if willing it to become a second skin. At the mention about mirrors her head tilted to the side curiously “Mirrors? What about them?” Never would she forget the rant Avior had about the dark mirror court, or how passionately he spoke of them and their prince.

Could someone have been trying to recruit him too? Was he one of them already?

Neither quests were thoughts she wished to dwell upon when the whole point of being out here was to take a break from the senshi duties and step away from this chaotic normalcy.

Jasper threw his hands up. “About these strange words that sound like a foreign language and the truth behind the world. People taking over and others trying to kill us?” He shook his head, laughing. “Let me tell you, if anyone tried to tell me they are going to take over the world, I would laugh. I mean, you would have to use a nuclear weapon on something to get people to bow to you. And even then, you would really be asking for trouble. Someone is going to want your head.”

But Jasper let it drop as he reached down, picked up an apple and offered it to her. “To be honest, I have zero idea what that crazy woman was talking about. She walked me home saying it was an ‘offering to the mirror court’ or something. Beyond that, her rambling confused me. Heck, all of last night confused me.”

His hand moved quickly as she reached for the apple. Jasper flicked his wrist and caught her hand in his. “All except you.” Bringing her hand to his lips, Jasper closed his eyes and placed a kiss on each one of the five knuckles. “You were a light in the dark. A flower in winter. My Lady, meeting you certainly foretells of a wonderful new year.” He whispered, leaning towards her.

From where his soft kisses and warm breath lingered on the back of her hand, Mei’s nerves began to hum a nervous yet excited rhythm. She sat there speechless, watching him intently, blood rose to her cheeks staining her skin a pinkish hue.

When their eyes met she swallowed nervously and with his fingers encircling her wrist she subconsciously closed her own around his. Warm where the morning was not, alive where the leaves lay prone on the ground around them.

The moment seemed all too surreal.

Her heart beat erratically against her chest, a mix of fear and nervous. Where a part of her knew this was nothing more than a fantasy, one day to remember and come tomorrow it will be a longing memory of something that she was never meant to have. A tease, a taste, a bite of the forbidden fruit of knowledge.

There were times like these where the heart and mind did not agree with one another, whereas Mei knew she should put a stop to this, her heart longed to see it through as he leaned closer. Flight was not an option and the fight was only within herself as she remained still, gaze flitting downward several times only to return to his deep purple eyes.

Jasper held her eyes for a long moment. Breathing deeply, he felt his lips curl into a smile when her hand closed around his. There was almost a spell slipping over the pair of them, something the sun had not yet broken with the rays of sunlight over the edges. A spell of magic that caused two people to forget the world and allow time to stand still.

His own heart was racing as he dared hold the space between the a moment longer. His eyes glanced back into hers as if looking for her to pull away, fight, or slap him. She didn’t do any of the above and he took the dare.

In a swift motion, Jasper closed the distance between their lips. His eyes closed and he pressed gently, squeezing her hand as to tell her he would not hurt her. He would not do anything she did not want. No, she had every right to want perfect. This was all he could give her and he hoped this kiss, this moment where he showed her just what she was worth, meant something to her.

In the instant their lips touched Mei held her breath, almost as if she were scared that he would disappear like dandelion seeds to the wind should she let it go.

Like a small rose bud responding to the warmth of the early summer sun, she too slowly opened up to the light kiss. Closing her eyes, she leaned forward just enough to let him know his actions were indeed welcome.

With one hand currently holding onto his, she slowly lifted her other to lightly brush her fingertips over his jawline. It was however as her thumb brushed against the edge of his mask she withdrew her hand as if she had been burned and pressed her closed hand against her chest.

Mei’s head swam as if she were left to the mercy of the open ocean currents and so she broke their kiss. Eyes still closed she rested her forehead against his and whispered an apology “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry.”

“For what?” Jasper’s eyes opened as she broke the kiss and angled to look into her’s once more. His voice was a whisper, a soothing sound to calm her nerves. He was worried he had done something to upset her that caused her to apologize so.

Reaching forward, his own free hand came up to her face. Touching her cheek, he caressed it softly, lifting his head to kiss her nose. “You have nothing to apologize for my beautiful flower.”

Mei merely shook her head ever so slightly, one tear followed by another slid down her face onto the satin fabric of her dress. For being selfish, for wanting what I cannot have. To be duty bound and unable to say anything. “You have given me something, something to hold onto and cherish. A moment where nothing else seems to matter…” Yet I have given you nothing in return… her mind finished.

Jasper’s eyes flickered wide as he felt the warm liquid running down the side of his hand. She was crying? Oh lord. Oh lord. Crying woman alert. Thank the lord no one was around because they would have figured HE had done something. But it was her words that calmed him and soothed his sudden panic.

“Oh Flower.” Jasper whispered for her ears before pulling his hand free from hers and placed both hands on her shoulders. Pulling lightly, he guided her towards his chest as his arms slipped tightly around her and held her close to his own heart. Slowly his body began to rock as his right hand moved to stroke her back. There was more there. More than he knew. Something she had not let out in a long time and yet here she was showing him...a man she barely knew. It touched Jasper in a way he could put no words too. “Let it out.”

Seconds felt like minutes and minutes felt like longer as she sat there silently within the circle of his arms. She did not sob, nor did her body shake from sadness or despair, she simply allowed her head to rest against his shoulder while tears fell. Never had anyone, aside from Shen, paid her such kindness, let alone someone she had just met. Yet here was someone that offered comfort she so desperately needed.

With her eyes closed her body relaxed, “Thank you” she whispered softly almost as if any sound louder than what she had just spoke would shatter this reality.

Leaning his head down, Jasper felt her hair form around his mask as he continued to stroke her back. “It is my pleasure Flower. Sometimes we just need someone to turn to or somewhere to cry.” He was calm as he touched her back through his jacket softly. She was hurting in a way he could not even start to understand. And for once, Jasper did not feel the need to run. Her tears were some of the truest those purple eyes had ever seen. They were not caused by heart break or by him. They were from a woman who had been hurting. A woman who had never been spoiled the way she should have been.

On the tip of his tongue was asking her name. To offer his shoulder whenever she would need it. To be her strength when she wanted to break. But that was the point of the masks. This was a one time event...a one time moment.

No, he would keep this side and she would forever be his Flower. “I am here. Even if I am gone when the sun comes up and it feels like a dream, know you can always escape to this moment. Let me be your strength, your protection, your safe place.”

Mei drew in a breath and exhaled slowly, allowing herself to find comfort in the arms of another. Indeed she would hold onto the memory this evening as if it were a most valuable treasure, for that is exactly what it was.