Beneath the Dragon's Wing (closed)

[HisPureLust]

“Thank you. At least now I’m getting a little closer to your level of style."

They both smiled at the remark, which he found charming. Its implication being that he was typically more elaborate or extravagant... possibly fancy as one would say. He recalled several centuries ago when the ideas of caste or the importance of lineage were much more important then they were now... it made her joke all the more amusing to him, in these times things were not so black and white, and he enjoyed that much more... but she definitely could wear the fuck out of that dress and at this moment...

"I don't know... you looked exquisite all day... now your simply ready for dinner." Valentine grinned.

Once inside the car, he eyed her hungrily in multiple ways before smiling again and beginning the drive to the small establishment he was hoping she'd enjoy.

“So you said you were an artist...what kind of art do you do?”

While he was at times his favorite subject, he also didn't always enjoy discussing himself. Its an early lesson you learn as an immortal that while most "kine" do not live long enough to make a difference in your life... they collectively have a long memory and staying a shadow is harder when you provide them with the light to search...

"I may have over embellished... I dabble. Mostly in... charcoal. I love the basic... absolute truth that you get with it. Colorless... stark... naked if you will.... and its easy to work with. If you stick with it long enough that is."

He liked that she took an interest in him... he missed that as well. Isolation can even affect his kind... but you can't see the forest through the trees... and you don't know what your missing till its staring you in the face...

In a drop dead gorgeous dark purple dress.

His grin was wide.

"Have I said how amazing you look, yet?"

He had. He had said she looked wonderful... but he wanted Layla to hear it again.

 

[Jenn1982]

"I may have over embellished... I dabble. Mostly in... charcoal. I love the basic... absolute truth that you get with it. Colorless... stark... naked if you will.... and its easy to work with. If you stick with it long enough that is."

Layla listened with interest, even if it was with novice interest. She had never been an artistic person and while she enjoyed art her knowledge of it stopped with whether she liked it or not.

“I’d love to see some of your art sometime, I bet it's lovely."

She had regretted her words almost as soon as she’d said them. Just because he wanted to take her out to dinner didn’t mean he wanted to share his art with her or let her come to his place to see it. Now she'd put him on the spot and he might feel obligated to agree just to be polite.

“If you don’t mind I mean.”

She cringed inwardly at her awkwardness, her neglected social skills when it came to date like situations was definitely showing.

"Have I said how amazing you look, yet?"

She knew she was blushing even as she smiled.

“I think you may have mentioned something along those lines.”

“Thank you again for saying so though, and taking me out. I’m having a really nice time so far.”

She hoped she wasn’t making a total fool of herself. She really was enjoying their time together in spite of all the weirdness that had happened with him so far.

 

[HisPureLust]

“I’d love to see some of your art sometime, I bet it's lovely."

He was happy to hear her seemingly genuine interest but was fairly certain she would not be around long enough to enjoy or learn to appreciate the images he created on his many canvases. Instead he simply nodded, appreciating the small talk, as it were, but being reminded of the pointlessness to much of this human ritual.

“If you don’t mind I mean.”

Valentine smiled once again, happy that she had once again impressed him. It wasn't that her question was necessarily thought provoking, but that it held a vulnerability. A layer of interest that wiped away the banality of its origin. He was fond of her for these things... how unsure of herself she was and how intricate or delicately she spoke despite speaking so simply. Perhaps he just liked the timid nature in which she wrapped most of her guarded curiosity, or perhaps he just liked feeling as if she was intimidated by him. Neither were unique in his dealings with humans but for some reason with Layla it was almost intoxicating.

It pleased him greatly.

"No, I don't mind at all. Remind me... remind me after dinner. That is... if you don't mind me taking up a bit more of your time."

She blushed when he complimented her again, speaking on what they already both knew but it caused another stir within him. It seemed like this would be a very pleasant evening. He could feel again with this one. There was uncertainty... not in the feeding but in their dance... their back and forth... their conversation... there was an intrigue, even if imagined... and it was at the very least amusing and he'd rather it didn't end.

Valentine considered for a moment it was nothing more than the excitement that often came with playing with his food, but that too would seem all too familiar and did not fit this mold of fantasy he was currently experiencing.

“Thank you again for saying so though, and taking me out. I’m having a really nice time so far.”

"I'm the one who should thank you Layla," He looked at her briefly, not needing to actually see the road to navigate but not wanting to draw attention or cause alarm, so looking back "... isn't it funny how sometimes the simplest things are so enjoyable. I'm having a nice time as well. I hope you like where we're going. Its very special to me."

 

[Jenn1982]

"No, I don't mind at all. Remind me... remind me after dinner. That is... if you don't mind me taking up a bit more of your time."

Layla was glad he didn’t seem put out by her suggestion. His smile seemed genuine and his tone friendly. The fact that he had asked her to remind him after dinner so he could show her tonight made her feel like he really did want to show her…he hadn’t agreed but given some vague timeframe in hopes she’d never follow through.

The more the date progressed the more her nerves disappeared, Valentine putting her at ease. She wondered why she had been as concerned about him as she’d been. I mean sure there were some strange things but looking back on them they weren’t that big of a deal, she’d obviously blown them out of proportion. He was a little weird maybe but everyone had their eccentricities and it was clear he was a nice guy. She decided she’d probably given more weight to the negatives because she was anxious about going on a date and trying to use her rusty social skills. She felt bad for putting her misgivings about herself on him. At least she’d come to the realization before they even got to the restaurant. Now she could relax and enjoy the evening.

"I'm the one who should thank you Layla... isn't it funny how sometimes the simplest things are so enjoyable. I'm having a nice time as well. I hope you like where we're going. Its very special to me."

“Oh I’m sure I’ll love it, I have faith in your good taste. I honestly don’t eat out much so it’ll be nice just to get to eat food I didn’t have to make myself. And having such great company just makes it better.”

She really wasn’t picky when it came to food, she liked all different types of cuisine and enjoyed trying new things. The only thing she was a little worried about was how expensive the place was. She planned on insisting she pay for herself but she didn’t have a lot of disposable income. She stopped worrying about it, wanting to have a nice time. She could always pick up an extra shift or two at work if she needed to. She smiled at Valentine and then watched the city pass by as they headed towards the restaurant.