Realistic or Modern Spellbound

[Soliloquy]

It was endearing to see the many who was always so sure of himself fumbling over words. There was also relief to see that she wasn't the only one to get tongue-tied around the other, although she didn't call him out on it. After a few of his sentences falling out on him, realization that the schedule had been bumped up and just what he was trying to ask had her grinning ear to ear. The words had barely come out when she was nodding ecstatically, unable to contain her own abashed excitement. "Yes, of course I will," she agreed, bouncing up on her toes twice before realizing just how ridiculous she must have looked. Clearing her throat, she lowered back down to the ground, although the smile could not be erased. "Where are we going? Am I dressed right for it?"

 

[xrakkax]

There was no doubt this day would come and she’d accept. It was all courtesy and politeness. But Theo couldn’t help himself. It felt like swish in the basket. The high he got from simply hearing her agree lit a fire in his heart. Or rather, stoked that blaze.

“C’mon.” Theo took her hand and brought her over to his motorcycle. He could hardly contain himself. He couldn’t think straight. Theo realized he hadn’t answered her questions yet as he handed her a helmet. “Is surprise. All is ready.” he assured her everything would be taken care of and all that needed to happen was her trust in him. Theo saw her hesitation and smiled gently, “Is ok. I got it.”

Wordlessly Theo hopped onto the bike and helped her up with one hand. As soon as Willow secured herself with the specially designed strap for buckling, he drove out of the parking lot. The destination unknown. The time to get there uncertain. All Willow knew right now was that Theo was in control of a metal contraption with two wheels.

Fifteen minutes later Willow began to recognize the green woods beginning to take shape around them. Armand Bayou Nature Center had recently added to their programs an option for horseback riding. They sectioned off trails of their large, green park for a lazy ride for anyone willing to pay for a few hours.

Theo said, “I talk to management. I arrange for evening picnic.” He had to pay a lot for it, but he kept that to himself. “We ride horse to picnic. All is set up.”

 

[Soliloquy]

She took his hand and held it as if he was leading her to a grand adventure, mostly because that was precisely what it felt like. They were off, no clue as to where but willing to find out by his side. The only small hiccup was seeing the motorcycle he led her to. Of course she knew that he rode one, but the same could not be said for Willow Crosse. She had taken the helmet from him, but it took a fair amount of coaxing and promises that he would in fact not drive like a mad man before she was sliding behind him on the saddle. Buckled in, she still took it upon herself to latch on to his torso, taking a good distance of the journey to calm herself down so she didn't look like a sloth baby.

Once she had loosened herself and relaxed she found it quite a pleasant sensation. Not just holding on to him mind you, but also that feeling of the world pushing into you without resistance. She quickly discovered just what the fuss bikers would have of the freedom it gave. Her lips pursed together lightly, one brow perked even if their current positinoing meant she couldn't look up at him. "All is set up, hmm?" She had to press herself further into his back, speaking up over the motor as she lightly called him out. "But I just told you yes. Sounds like you've been pretty confident and had this planned out for awhile, Mr. Al-Zakhar."

 

[xrakkax]

Upon reaching the Nature Center Theo passed the usual area for parking and came around to the back where the stables were situated. No one was visibly present save for a few horses that ate the green grass on the other side of the fence connected to the stables.

All Willow felt was the thrum of deep laughter through his back for what she had said. They came to a stop by a large tree a few yards from the horses. Theo got off first and helped her down. Before they went on he addressed her comment.

There was no fear here, and Theo met her gaze evenly. Now that the time for waiting had passed, Theo had no Jovan to restrain his affection. His fingers grazed her cheek, “You said yes before today.” In a sultry tone that brooked no argument. “Come.”

Theo took her hand. Firm, gentle. And lingering. They walked to two doors where a note pinned between them read: ‘Theo, the horses are by the fountain. As promised. ~M’

“Oh, okay.” Theo murmured. He took the note off and opened the door. “Take a look.” Theo stepped aside.

A bathroom and a familiar wicker basket waited for her. “What you need for clothes.” He smiled. “I have too.” He said, gesturing to the other door. Theo urged her to get to dressing while he went into his bathroom to do the same.

Willow would find the bathroom quite comfortable. The supplied amenities were fancy. A porcelain basin, filigree and all, had face towels, hand towels, lotions, soaps, and so forth, elegantly placed around it. In the wicker basket, folded neatly, were riding outfits. So she had some options. A helmet, gloves, and boots were also included.

By the time she got out Theo stood at the ready, dressed in comfortable, yet handsome riding gear. But no helmet. He chose not to wear one. That silky Russian hair fell like a black waterfall around his shoulders. Theo grinned and offered his hand.

They walked through the trees down a foot trail to a fountain. There was no telling how he got this together. Theo wouldn’t say a word. But two horses, saddled up, drank peacefully from the clean fountain as they waited.

Theo’s horse was a grey, white dapple Andalusian.

 

[Soliloquy]

His fingertips were lightly calloused sparks of fire against her smooth cheek, and she found it would be pointless to argue with him. Her attempts to scold him were pocketed for another day, instead following him toward the stable, that same electricity tingling as they walked hand-in-hand. Being around him just seemed to make the scents of her childhood reappear, the woods around them and hay feeling almost like home. She caught sight of the note and shook her head at his antics. What a sly fox.

"You really had this planned out, didn't you?" she asked, the answer quite obvious as she lifted the wicker basket into the crook of her arm. It was touching, to see how much work he had gone through, how hard he had studied her to understand just what she would enjoy. It compelled her to do the same for him, although right the she couldn't think of a thing that could compare to this. Good thing she had the foreseeable future to do her own planning in.

She wouldn't keep him standing there long, heading into the bathroom to begin picking through the selection. She couldn't remember the last time she had put on jodhpurs, but now wasn't the time to reminisce. A tan pair were selected to replace her jeans along with sturdy socks and a pair of dark leather boots that rose to her knee. Her own blouse would suffice, tugging on the leather short gloves, she only spent a few seconds checking her reflection before stepping out into the hallway, also leaving the helmet behind.

Stepping out of the bathroom, Willow felt her breath catch for a moment, seeing him all dressed up and looking quite dapper, if she did say so herself. They had a schedule to attend to, though! Taking his hand (not as much of a surge with the gloves between them, but still something she enjoyed greatly) they walked past the stables and to where the saddled horses were waiting. Her eyes immediately went to the chestnut Palomino that looked up as they approached, it's flaxen tail flicking about.



"Oh, hello beautiful," she purred softly to the mare as she slowly approached, dropping Theo's hand so she could get acquainted with her mount. One hand rested at the end of her muzzle before running up and down the white blaze marking a couple of times. Like getting on a bicycle many years later, she automatically check the saddle and bridle from a learned habit. Pausing, she looked to Theo. "Have you rode before? Or just motorcycles?"

 

[xrakkax]

“I have rode many other than horse, or bicycle.” Theo smiled to himself, thinking of his mounts. “Maybe one day I show you one.” He said, thinking of a particular creature. If all worked out in the future. He walked up to his horse and brushed the side of its neck. “Is Snowfall.” Theo said, mounting the Andalusian. “You have Creme-Brulee.”

Theo waited for Willow to mount. Impressed with her posture and ease of communicating with Creme the direction she wanted her to go, Theo expressed approval. “Only heard of mastery, I see better than words described.” He praised. But he spared no time idling around the fountain. “Hup!” He nodded to head onward.

Their initial ride out began at a trot. As the trees cleared they picked up speed through a wide, long glade. As soon as they passed in through the treeline on the other side Theo slowed to a walk. Snowfall shook his mane, nodding. His hoofs appeared to pop in a good mood.

“Good so far?” Theo looked over.

 

[Soliloquy]

"Of course you are Creme-Brulee, sweet girl." Willow chuckled at the name, giving the horse a final pat before one step and a swing of her leg had her nested in the saddle. It'd been a few years since she had last gone for a ride, but it was a process so ingrained in her mind that those years felt like nothing. She brushed aside Theo's praise, hardly feeling master of anything, only attributing it to a well-behaved horse.

The stable was soon long behind them, the constant rhythm of the mare's hooves connecting them with the ground time and time again. The woods around them were a divine scent of evergreen, cedar, oak; nature welcoming them all to an escape from city living. When Creme followed Snowfalls lead to speed up, Willow hunkered down closer to her neck, grinning as both rider and mare felt the wind whipping through their hair. The slowed trot saw her straightening up, hair in slight disarray but Willow was clearly enjoying herself too much to worry about messy hair or a few little knots.

"Better than good," she grinned giving Creme a quick pat on the neck. "Are we close?" Part of her was eager to see where he'd picked for their resting spot, while the rest was quite enjoying this ride so far.

 

[xrakkax]

“Eh, not close yet.” Theo looked up at the sky. The sunlight came through the leaves too strongly. It would be a little longer before the atmosphere would be prime. “For now, let us talking-- talk.” Theo corrected himself. He cleared his throat. “I am going to try--” Every word was thought about. “--to practice my grammar.” Proud of that, Theo grinned. He looked over at his riding companion, a quiet appreciation in his eyes. “Willow. . .” He meant to ask a question, but he ended up just enjoying having said her name first. “. . .I like you, a lot.” That was clear, and he chuckled to have said something so obvious. “But not just because you good w-- you are a good worker. Is beca-- It’s also because you are sensible. You are kind.” Theo smiled, adding, “And that kindness is what makes you so beautiful.”

 

[Soliloquy]

She wouldn't object to more riding, especially since it was time with him. The first time they'd been alone since they met in the colorful rows of the International Fun Shop. Straightening up as they rode, she trusted Creme to keep them on the path so she could turn to face Theo while he spoke. She admired just how determined he was to improve himself, knowing that meant he was self-aware enough to know where he needed to work on himself. "You sound great," she took the turn to praise him. "And if you want I can help you work on it, if you'd like." Relationships were all about building each other up, weren't they? And, as strange as it sounded to say after all this waiting, they were officially a couple.

When he continued on, her cheeks heated yet again, basking in his compliment. It seemed silly that his words could turn her into a bashful mess; it wasn't like she hadn't been complimented before. Granted, it probably wasn't as much the fact that he was complimenting her, but rather the raw emotion he wore and the sincerity in the words he chose. "Thank you, Theo. It means the world to me to hear you say that," she smiled.

 

[xrakkax]

“I’m glad.” Theo happily thought of yet-to-be-lived moments of working on grammar with Willow. This made him smile. Those turned up pair of lips lingered and only brightened as she accepted his words and sentiments. “You’re welcome, Willow.” He said sincerely.

They trotted onward, passing through boughs of trees shedding leaves like falling colors, they walked on little bridges over streams and thin ribbons of river, ran when the trees cleared wide enough, and finally, as the sun painted the sky, Theo and Willow saw ahead of them a white bench, a table, and two large wicker baskets near a pond.

Theo dismounted Snowfall off to the side and helped Willow down. Only because he couldn’t keep from wanting to be near her. The Russian Rogue laced his fingers with hers and made their way to the bench, simply grinning at her reaction.

“Please, sit.” Theo insisted he handle this next part. He pulled out the items from the basket. Food, drinks, fancy plates, blankets for warmth, and other such items. Willow thought she saw something long, little, and white too. But this Theo did not take out. So she couldn’t be sure.

The table was draped with linen. Theo centered a few candles, lit them, and set the table with their plates and utensils. Then he went to the other basket and brought out the food. Even from where Willow sat on the bench she could see steam escape from the silver containers. Theo set those down and then pulled out a long silk scarf.

“Surprise not done yet.” Theo smiled, wrapping it around her head. “Sh, no, you can’t peek.” He chuckled. Willow could get no answers from him! Theo tsc’d or said ‘Mmm’ or ‘Sh, just wait.’ There were lots of sounds. Shuffling, some grunts, and clicks. Finally Theo went to Willow and slipped off the blindfold. “I set up with friend-- A friend helped me set this up. Sh, can’t tell you who. Is secre-- It’s a secret.”

Five, maybe seven feet in front of where they would be sitting for their meal, was a large white sheet stretched tight over twin poles. A projected image of an animated lion, in the style of the artists at Disney, stared out proudly into the African sunset.

“I wanted to watch this with you. Just you.” Theo said. “We can find different movie for mud mask time later.”

 

[Soliloquy]

Their ride was a wondrous break from the concrete jungle, Willow immersing herself in the sights, sounds and smells as they went along. At one point she had nearly forgotten they had a destination, simply enjoying Theo and his company as they moved. Spotting the pond, her mouth fell agape, the entire area looking like a painting or something you'd find in a book. He had truly gone above and beyond any expectations she didn't have, although it was soon to go even further.

"You really did all of this?" she asked, sliding from Creme Brulee's back and landing softly beside him. His hand was a welcomed contact, following his direction to the bench and easing herself down to the seat. When he pulled away to head to the basket, she slipped her gloves off, tucking them in her pocket while trying to peer over and see what he was doing. Needless to say, he didn't let that happen for long, and she wasn't ashamed to admit that she pouted as he cut off her vision.

"How is it not done yet?" she was both in disbelief and now on the edge of her metaphorical seat, fighting the urge to try and sneak a peak. A number of guesses that were all over the top and farfetched were given, only to be quieted by his gently responses. Finally, she was given her vision back, only to find the make-shift movie screen before them. He really was over-the-top and completely had blown her mind.

"Theo," she drew out his name in pure adoration, looking away from the screen and to him instead. "It's perfect. Absolutely perfect! You did all of this for me?"

 

[xrakkax]

Gently, Theo held her hand. “All of it for you.” He confirmed. Theo leaned and took out the remote for the movie from behind a pillow on their bench. “Now, girl, I will see what is so amazing about The Lion King.” He clicked the menus to allow trailers to play first, so he had time to plate her food.

The meal, obviously Russian cuisine, were some of her favorites. Theo had observed what Willow often ate at the restaurant to prepare for this night. He poured them the drinks of her choice too. While they ate and watched, Theo and Willow were thigh-to-thigh, keeping warm as the night cooled. Though, to her pleasant delight, it wasn’t so cold that it took away their joy, and it wasn’t so hot that they wouldn’t want the blankets he brought.

Immediately Theo took to the movie. He got drawn into the struggle, the political maneuvering, the lost Prince, the growth into a lost young lion, and finally being called to action for the welfare of his people. Theo didn’t bawl, but he did sniffle and tear up when Mufasa died.

In the middle of the film they had finished eating and drinking, and Theo brought out a treat for her. A spin on her favorite movie snack: M&M popcorn balls. That way each bite would guarantee some of both. This little detail he learned from Molly, but he didn’t say so. He only wiggled his brows at the surprise.

Theo pulled Willow against him now that they didn’t need to worry over dinner dropping all over their front, or getting poked by a fork. This was the best way to enjoy a movie, he thought to himself. Theo felt the tremor of awe-inspiring dread from Scar; a worthy opponent. Theo admired Nala and Sarabi. And when the last fight ended and the lions roared, Theo lifted both fists and went, “Yaaah!” Theo praised the film as he packed away the dinner spread. “Oh I love this movie! Is too bad not play in my home. We do not get this there.” Theo set the last of the plates in the wicker basket.

 

[Soliloquy]

If it hadn't been so pleasantly overwhelming, Willow might have been a bit more suspicious of just how much he seemed to have guessed right. Her favorite dishes were cooked to perfection and everything just felt right. Sitting beside him wasn't at all intimidating like some first dates might have been. He was a presence she had been around and just changing the setting didn't lose that comfort he offered her.

Admittedly, she did sing along as a few of the best numbers came on. Thankfully it didn't seem to ruin the experience for Theo when she added her voice to Hakuna Matata and Can You Feel the Love Tonight (she certainly did). Even though she hadn't seen the movie in years, she was quite certain she could provide the dialogue as well. That tended to happen after you burnt through three VHS tapes.

The popcorn balls were an outright delight and even though she might have wanted to argue that she was full from dinner, it was impossible to be too full for popcorn. "You are impossible," she said, letting her head rest against his shoulder while she brought her feet up on the bench beside her, tucked beneath the blanket.

The rest of the movie went by in a flash, although Willow found just as much delight in watching Theo's reactions as the movie itself. Laughing as peace was restored to Pride Rock and he celebrated with them, she reluctantly sat up so they could start packing everything up. It had been such a phenomenal date, she was slightly greedy in the fact that she didn't want it to end. Leaning back against the bench, she watched him with thoughtful eyes, dancing along his physique as he cleaned up the last of their meal. The meal he had planned down to the finest detail, just for her. It had to have taken hours of planning and countless favors to pull off, but it made the night feel simply magical, only adding to the growing spark of affection she felt for that man.

"It was my favorite growing up," she agreed to his praise, looking about the clearing. It was starting to get dark and they'd no doubt need to head back to the stables. "Molly thinks we should go as Simba and Nala for Halloween. I'm not sure if that's on the ever-growing list of holidays that you celebrate."

 

[xrakkax]

The waxing gibbous illuminated the pond in the late of the hour when their time had come to its end. Moon light crowned flowers with silver halos. It danced over the ripple of water. Theo’s eyes caught the light at an angle which gave his dark green eyes a humming glow. But he was far more interested in seeing her earthy gaze. Theo thought of a field ready to bring forth life when he saw them. He imagined the ripple of her iris like umber soil wherein Willow planted floral seeds of kindness. And he loved when they bloomed into the world through her goodness.

That thought was in Theo’s head when Willow mentioned Nala and Simba. He couldn’t think of a better pairing for Halloween than that at this point, and said, “Perfect! I will look for a costume.” Because if you’re gonna do it, then do it right.

Willow’s uncertainty was remedied shortly, “Da, we do Halloween. We do all the holidays in Russia.” He said. “Halloween on thirty-first, then All Souls on November first, and I think Look For Circles Day comes after that one.” Theo trailed off, having a hard time thinking that far ahead for the holidays. He shrugged. They had it on a calendar in the Old Bear now anyway. No need to worry over getting them right off the top of his head. “But yeah, we do Halloween.”

Once they got the supplies put into the baskets, Theo scooted them behind the bench and told her his friend would take care of them. But he did pull something out of one of them and tucked his hands behind his back.

“Willow, I have thought over this, and I hope you can see your way to my thinking.” Theo began, a little nervously. “I know this evening is come at end of--” Theo paused to reorder his thoughts. “The wait to take you here is a part of the thrill of this evening out. And I hope this isn’t the only one. . .But I don’t want to date you. . .”

Theo had learned there is a whole subculture about ‘dating’ more akin to Molly’s run around with guys and Micha's occasional skirt-chasing. For Theo that didn’t appeal to him. Theo looked forward to building the future their family came to America for, he meant to find a wife for a family. Theo wanted to explore their life-long compatibility. The Russian Rogue was bold in a lot of ways, but he would take no risky steps here. Karen and Olivia taught him that much. Theo would take Jovans advice too. Take your time. So, Theo decided he wanted to make his intentions known: Theo meant to spend this time with Willow, to evaluate if they may make it as a married couple. But Theo didn’t want to take that road without mutual agreement from the start.

“May I court you, Willow?” He asked, hesitantly hopeful, bringing out a long, thin white box. Therein lay a bracelet of jade beads connected to a tiny glass tube with a small scroll inside.

 

[Soliloquy]

It was settled; Halloween would find them as lion and lioness, portrayed in the earliest example of romance she could remember. Molly would be thrilled to hear her idea had taken root so easily. Perhaps Willow could keep that to herself for a couple of weeks and hope she'd forgotten, less she be faced with an overly-victorious Malone being right, yet again.

Chocolate eyes didn't miss something being tucked behind his arms, curiosity beginning to bubble as he spoke. Not about calendar holidays or movies, but instead taking the conversation in a clearly serious direction. Her eyes were fixated on his face, trying to decipher what had him so nervous yet again. She had already said yes to seeing him, long before that day as he pointed out, so it didn't feel like he needed to be so uncertain.

Wait, didn't want to date her? Confusion was visible as her brows came together, her lips starting to part to speak, needing to understand what he meant. Those lips quickly closed yet again as he continued on, completely throwing her off guard with his question. It should have been too early for thinking that far ahead. They were young and should have wanted to continue meaningless flirting for a few days before ending up in each others arms for heated nights. Instead, he was coming to her with his intentions laid in his hands and offering them to her along with a gorgeous bracelet, the moonlight glistening off each of the beads.

It should have been too early.

But it felt perfect. Everything in that moment, every day that had led them to the clearing that was filled with so much love and thoughtfulness, just wrapped into this sensation she never wanted to leave. She wanted to know if he would continue to dazzle her day in and day out, or if she now had an impossibly high expectation for any man in this century. She wanted to learn all about this man who could make her feel like the only person in existence with the way he looked at her. They were both adults and knew what they wanted in a partner, it only made sense to look for that on a long-term level.

"Please," she answered, that warm feeling he provided wrapping around her so snugly at that moment. Realizing it might have been a peculiar response to give, she was quick to expand on it. "Yes, of course you may, Theo. I didn't expect this but it..it feels right. I just hope that I can live up to your expectations."

 

[xrakkax]

Delighted, Theo took the bracelet and clipped it around her left wrist. “And I hope I do Justice as a person you can count on for support and protection.” Theo led her hand and marveled at the jewelry he chose.

The scroll would come in handy. There was no telling what would come to pass this day forward. While courting, Theo wanted to know he could find her if she was in trouble. This little scrap of pretty rolled up paper didn’t work like a GPS, but it helped know which general direction Willow would be if he had to search for her. This information would be revealed when he was sure she understood they were Awakened people. Not now, when that could freak her out. Theo would deal with the storm if she ended up not appreciating this extra bit. As long as Willow would be safe for it, he’d risk it.

There was yet another thing Theo decided was worth the risk.

Theo did not let go of her hand. He gently pulled her to him. “Thank you, Willow. For taking a chance on me.” Then he slipped his hand around to the middle of her back. Those dark green eyes visited hers for a moment, but soon closed as he leaned down to meet her lips in a gentle kiss.

 

[Soliloquy]

Even though it was only a touch to place the bracelet on her wrist, Willow felt that almost electric current of warmth he provided when their bare skin would touch. She imagined it would fade with time, but for now she basked in the feeling he could give her. Her gaze fell from his to look at the glistening beads, even reaching out to run one finger along the smooth jade. There wasn't a doubt in her mind that he would be able to protect her, some unknown force told her of that when she looked back to him.

Words were escaping her, something she wasn't accustomed to in the slightest. She was lost in those eyes that peered right back into her soul, tugging at the strings of her heart in a way no one else had managed to. She could feel him closing the space between them before he even began to move and she completely surrendered her body to allow him to move her closer. Her heart was soon beating in hear eardrums as his eyes closed and it was undeniable what was about to happen. Her eyes closed in response as she dipped her toe into the water with him.

The kiss was sweet, gentle, but it felt too timid for the emotions he was evoking in her. Rather than pull away and leave it as a simple, innocent kiss, she leaned further into him, her face tilting slightly to the side as she added just enough momentum to deepen their kiss and offer even a fraction of the passion she had bundled up in her. His lips washed over hers and the world fell away around them. All that mattered in that moment was the soft brush and the pull of attraction between them. One of her hands moved up to his face, the rough facial hair a welcomed grain against her palm while her fingertips rested against his cheekbone. Every moment of waiting for the past two weeks was trying to pour out of her but she reigned herself in, forcing herself to pull away and look up at him, feeling out of breath despite how brief it had been.

"Is that how you'll kiss me every time you thank me?" Her voice was barely a murmur, but there was an added thickness to it, her words showing just how much she was holding back as she looked up at him.

 

[xrakkax]

Theo had no real way to peek into her head. The softness of his kiss meant only to be the courteous, presumptuous, move to test just where his boundaries laid between them on the topic of physical affection. When Willow made clear where she stood, Theo went with it. He too was breathless when she pulled away. And somehow he could tell now the measure of her restraint, for he felt it as well.

“I will try.” Theo breathed, grinning, “But I think not tonight.” He took her back and let go of those reigns. The fire of his inner self burned out of him in his kiss. Theo inhaled her scent and held her up so that her tip-toes lifted off of the grass. Once his thirst for those lips of hers was quenched, he set her back to the cool earth and rested his head against hers, his smile touching his green eyes.

While Theo had been swept away with the waves, he was all too aware of his promise to take things slower than the last two times. The night was still young. The atmosphere cozy and cool all at once. If he didn't go now, he knew it would be harder not to break that promise.

"Come, I must return you to your home." He murmured, his fingers brushing a loose strand behind her ear.

 

[Soliloquy]

There was hunger in his promise, one that was quickly demonstrated when their lips met again. Willow felt herself being quite literally swooped off her feet, the hand that had been against his cheek now joining her other arm as they looped about his neck. She didn't have the faintest idea of just how long they kissed; it could have been a minute or an hour at that point and she didn't care either way. It was a passionate waterfall between them and one she could feel would only grow stronger if they continued.

But they stopped, which despite her own carnal desires, was probably for the best. Back on her own feet, she couldn't look away from him, lips an undying smile as she mentally talked herself into calming down. There was a dash of pink across her own cheeks, not from embarrassment for once, but just the heat that he had awoken in her. A ride in the cooling evening air was going to be needed after this.

The idea of leaving wasn't one she was keen on. She wanted to argue that they could simply stay in the clearing, this oasis of perfection that surrounded them, but knew it was impossible. They both had responsibilities, to others and themselves, particularly his family. She nodded, reaching up for his hand once he had replaced the strand, giving his hand a gentle squeeze rather than risk giving in to her desire for another kiss. "Thank you for this, everything was so perfect," she smiled before forcing herself to pull away, knowing they needed to leave.

 

[xrakkax]

“I’m glad.” Theo murmured, walking with her to Creme. He only helped to linger in her presence. Finally he had to mount Snowfall.

The trot back to the motorcycle felt like passing through a fantasy land. When they galloped across clearings, or saw each other between the drooping leaves of the forest, Theo felt a twinge of nostalgia. But the best part of it was Willow. Watching her move through the trees like a fish through water.

Theo and Willow tied their horses by the fountain. He insisted his friend would take care of them soon. Then they got onto the motorcycle. The feel of the metal horse was not as pleasant as riding the one of flesh. But, it sure was faster. And perhaps that was a drawback for them this night. Before they knew it Theo had arrived at Willow’s apartment.

“Will see you tomorrow, if you come again for park day.” Theo promised. “And this time I won’t have to adjust hair at work.” He told her, grinning.

 

[Soliloquy]

If she would have been slightly less responsible, Willow might have suggested they stretch their evening out even more. Still, there were people waiting on him, Granya and Grandpa Lyov who he cared for. Was it so horrible that she enjoyed that aspect of him greatly?

The ride to the stables was just as magical as their venture to the picnic area. There was a new sense of excitement that built within her, a feeling that they had the world at their feet when they were together. Creme Brulee received a few pats and quiet appreciation before they were back on his motorcycle and returning to the concrete roads of Seabrook. Her grip on Theo only loosened when they came to a halt, standing close by his side with a smile she couldn't wipe away. "Tomorrow," she agreed, taking it upon herself to twirl one strand of his hair around her finger. "That's good; I'm afraid we were a day away from giving poor Jovan a stroke trying to keep an eye on us." Releasing his hair, she raised herself up on her toes, placing a gentle kiss on his cheek. "Otherwise you'll never get home," she explained, glancing at his lips before once more forcing herself apart. "Goodnight, Theo!"

Each step walking away felt like pure torture and like her legs had suddenly turned to lead. Eventually she was upstairs and leaning against her door with a long, dreamy sigh. Her apartment felt the same but also empty at the same time. After a few moments of relaxing in her content state, she dug her phone out and headed to her bedroom, flopping on to the bed and preparing for what would likely be a lengthy phone call to Molly Malone.

"He's perfect," were the first words out of her mouth, and no amount of protesting otherwise would change her mind. Proper time for prodding questions was allotted before she dove into a lengthy recount of just how perfect he had made their first date. Everything from the names of the horses, to the fact that he had brought her favorite dishes was shared. She paused before delving into the juiciest parts though, knowing that Molly would be most interested in it.

"And he said...he doesn't want to date me," she recalled, laying on her back and staring up at her ceiling. "He wants to court me. It was so romantic, you have no idea. He gave me this gorgeous bracelet and he kissed me. Lord, Molly did he kiss me. I thought I was going to melt right into that grass when he set me down. Do you know what it made me think of? Wesley Cromwell - not immediately mind you, but as we were riding back. I remembered back on that date when I kissed him and then he wrapped his arms around me and actually kissed me. Except this time I was the one that pulled him back in." Her cheeks were red and she had to stop to gather her breath, flushed at just reliving that kiss in their romantic clearing.

 

[xrakkax]

“Eh, Jovan will have lived.” Theo shrugged, chuckling. Clearly, he did not mind her fingers in his hair. Those dark green eyes only glistened in enjoyment of her affection. Willow’s kiss was well received. “Good night, Красивый.” He nicknamed her ‘Beautiful’. Theo watched her walk for a bit before taking off.

The absence of crows in Molly’s life made sleeping a hundred times better. In her dreams she had a bat. Every time a black bird flittered by she batted it to death like a hellcat. It was the only response when you’re seaside with Channing Tatum and those pesky black feathered critters came to ruin the fun. During her dreaming, at one point, Molly and Theo were standing by a large tree. In the tree rang a bell in a peculiar, familiar song. Then Theo turned his head and Molly followed where he was staring. Willow stood down the boughs of trees that formed a kind of tunnel. Molly noticed Willow was wearing a gauzy, flowy dress but she couldn’t figure out exactly. It got blurry. And then another bird came to flap away the vision. This finicky crow dodged her artfully, and suddenly started making a ringing sound instead of a caw. Molly’s brain turned on as the sound got louder.

Ring!

Molly’s hand didn’t look at the name before answering in a groggy, “Hello?” in a tone that questioned the sanity of the caller. But, as the words of what transpired flooded Molly’s ears, her mind revved to life and she popped up in bed. “What? Stars, are you serious?! Yeah!? And then what?! Oh my god, really!?” Molly excitedly shuffled around in her sheets like a schoolgirl. She hung on every word and demanded elaboration on some parts, but yes, she definitely hammered for the good stuff. Momentarily Molly got as confused as Willow had been, “Doesn’t want to date?” She scrunched her face in disgust and offense, but soon fell against her pillow in a cloud of ‘awww’ when Willow explained what he did want for them. “Oh my gooooood, that is sooo cute, honey bun!” Molly practically squealed. Willow talked of the kiss and the funny reflection of her date with that mysterious Lord Cromwell she heard of way back. “Oh dayum girl, hot as hell.” Molly had to fan herself! “Stars, Willow, you lucky duck, I am so happy for you!” She had to calm herself, taking in breaths and centering her mind.

“Okay, okay, so, I know this is the beginning of it all, and he said he wants to court you, but oh my god, Willow, I have to tell you, I am gettin’ vibes girl!” Molly said, “When you guys left I felt them up my arms! I knew something nice was going on, but I thought maybe I was just making it up, but you got to know-- I totally thought of horses. It just came to me while I was driving home. I thought of two horses and couldn’t get that out of my head!” Molly laid on her back and kicked the air, “Willow, I totally saw Theo and I looking down some kind of tunnel or hall or whatever, at you, and you were wearing some kind of pretty ivory thing! ” Molly gripped her pillow aggressively, “WILLOW!! I may have had some kind of premonition of a future wedding day!!

 

[Soliloquy]

These were the exact moments that she was beyond grateful to have that woman in her life. She was perfect for support, even if it was dangerous to wake her up with an unexpected phone call. Willow took a moment to silently appreciate the role she played as a surrogate sister for her, even if it meant she came with the occasional teasing. One arm was folded under head as Molly launched into her vibes and dreams, always entertaining to listen to her premonitions and predictions.

"Lord, girl don't get me started," she said, shaking her head even if the other couldn't see it. "You would not believe just how hard it is to not think like that. I mean, sitting there next to him, curled up under a blanket, I could see it, I really could. Watching movies with each other - maybe not just us.." The last part she said under her breath, knowing she was jumping the gun even worse than Molly was with talk of wedding bells. "But no, I'm going to try and reign it in, at least a bit. If we're courting I want to do it right - I want to learn everything I can about him. That's normal, right?"

 

[xrakkax]

The not ‘just’ them did make Molly squeal again, but she kept it under control. They needed more time. That made sense. Molly nodded as if her friend could see her. “Right, true.” She said, wrapping up in a blanket like a burrito. “You wanna make sure there aren’t any crazy skeletons in the closet. Anything you can’t handle needs to be known right away.”

Either Willow did that, or risk the greatest heartbreak of her life. Theo had so much going for him. Molly hoped to all that is good there was nothing to worry about. She could just envision their children.

“Alrighty, I got to get myself cooled down, or I will never be ready for tomorrow.” Molly grinned. “We are going, right? To another park day?”

 

[Soliloquy]

It had been a relief that she wasn't hit with an 'are you crazy!' at the prospect of already even mildly considering children or entertaining the idea of marriage. That meant Willow wasn't being as outrageous as she was afraid she might have been, already feeling so eager to push on to an adventure with her Rogue admirer. After all, how bad could someone's past really be if he managed to turn out to be such a suave, passionate man.

"Oh yes, we're going," she agreed instantly before the realization sunk in. "Oh crap, we didn't go shopping to bring anything." It felt downright rude to just who up without a dish or treat to offer-up. "Maybe I can wake up extra early and run down to the supermarket. I have no idea what I'd make though."