...There's nothing in the entire world that could possibly compare to how amazingly wonderful that single kiss felt, as I finally learned what it was like to kiss the object of my desire.
The tips of his fingers brush the back of my hand. "We...should meet up tomorrow afternoon..." he whispers. "Somewhere. For...tea."
I gasp.
It's...it's...!!
"I-I...would love that, Viktor!" My heart is hammering, my palms sweaty and I don't care, don't even notice, because this is -
It's my first date.
With Viktor!
And the promise of so much more.
I'm practically vibrating, clinging to his arm and babbling incoherently as he walks me to the door.
It isn't until he's nearly closed the door that I pause in the middle of my rambling and poke my head back into the room. "Viktor?"
He looks back at me, surprised.
"You look nice. When I came in, I mean. I-I think you look...pretty handsome in that." I duck my head, and turn away to walk back home.
From behind, I can hear Viktor's laughter, and it's all I can do to refrain from bouncing the whole way home.
When I arrive, I fall backwards onto the bed.
My first date...
Well- Ophelia's first date. My first date as Ophelia. Adelaide's dates were...fine. Nothing to write home about. But this...!
I'm so excited, I can't help rolling around on the bed.
The next day is a blur. I spend it as calmly as I can, even as every nerve ending seems to be buzzing with a high voltage current. Every minute that passes seems to drag by.
Afternoon arrives at last and I throw on a beautiful violet dress, with delicate frills and ruffles and trim that only add to the rich beauty of the fabric.
I pick up my purse, check the time on my watch, and grab my parasol to start my long trek into town.
When I arrive in front of the clinic, my cheeks are flushed and my eyes are glowing with the thrill of anticipation.
He's not here yet...
I plop myself on the ground to wait, leaning my back against the building as I do so. After a while, I start to drift off into a daydream, smiling to myself and humming quietly.
That's when a voice sounds in front of me, startling me so badly that I almost knock over the display in front of the clinic.
I blink owlishly a few times and peer up into his pale, handsome features, finally registering that he's offering me his hand. I smile widely up at him, my own hand clasping his so he can help me up. "A-ah, Viktor! Good afternoon."
He smiles. "Good afternoon. Shall we?"
I nod happily. "Where to?"
He mulls over it for a moment before responding. "I know a tea house that serves excellent desserts. Would that please you?"
I can't help bouncing in place. "That sounds lovely! Please, lead the way."
"Please, do not stand on formality." Viktor chuckles, his eyes lighting up. "If we are to be....courting...I believe a sense of familiar intimacy is more appropriate. Let us enjoy our outing."
My heart flutters as I give a slight nod of agreement and rest my hand on the crook of his arm. He takes a step forward, leading me to the tea house, and I follow easily.
My heart is thundering, and I can barely suppress the urge to scream out of sheer glee. I have no idea where I get the calm, serene look I give him instead. "Thank you very much for your guidance. I have a weakness for sweets."
His eyes twinkle. "I do, as well."
We pass through the streets together. Most villagers simply ignore us, going about their day, but some look up as we approach, and then immediately scurry away, baleful gaze fixed on Viktor. My lips purse and I glare back at each of them.
I should really punch a few of them.
He ignores the villagers, maintaining a light smile and chat with me, guiding me deftly through the busy street to avoid collisions and other obstacles.
It takes some time to reach the teashop, which is nestled on a quiet street and partially obscured by trees, in a garden.
It is quaint and cozy and tucked into the corner of the town square. The small area is surprisingly well kept and orderly, with a few tables under a gazebo, some of them draped with soft cloth, and others lined up on a paved pathway.
A large sign hangs from a post, painted with a pair of cups and a plate of cookies.
He pauses by the entrance, gesturing. "Ladies first."
"Such a gentleman." I dip my head slightly and take a step inside.
A girl, perhaps a few years older than myself, perhaps eighteen or so, looks up and glances at Viktor briefly. She stares at him for several long, painful moments, her brow furrowing before she turns her eyes back to her notebook.
"Just one?"
I bristle and clench my fist, biting the inside of my cheek to resist the impulse to smash the damn notebook in her face.
Instead I flash her the same falsely polite smile I'd given the other aristocrats I detested, but far more intense and terrifying. "Actually, my friend and I will need a table for two. Today."
She blanches and flinches a little, then scurries off. I follow Viktor over to a table by the window and set my parasol by the side of the chair as I sink into my seat.
He waits until I'm seated and comfortable before settling into the seat across from me. The waitress returns a moment later to set two menus down and give a hasty bow before hurrying off.
"Terrific service." Viktor deadpans.
My lips quirk upward ever so slightly at his joke, but I keep my face and gaze impassive as I examine the menu.
"All of the desserts are delicious, I promise." Viktor advises as I make my decision.
The waitress returns for our orders and disappears again, and I take a moment to look around. I
hadn't ever seen the tea shop before. There was no occasion to go inside it in the game. I turn to look at Viktor, watching as his eyes wander the surroundings, before turning back to me and smiling.
He speaks and the tension leaves the air.
"I believe you'll soon become bored if I continue to call you radiant. Surely you'll think me unimaginative and uninspired. The dress does bring out the color of your eyes, as I have often observed, and it suits you. So I'll instead say you look dazzling today."
He...
How...
He is such a sly dog!!
I duck my head, face burning as I fight the urge to break into giggles, or cry.
"I...I..." I manage a sheepish smile and reach up to scratch my cheek, looking anywhere except directly at him. "I-I'd never be bored of you. So I won't ever be bored of hearing it from you. But thank you, for the compliments."
Viktor covers his mouth, hiding his expression for a few moments. I'm not sure if he's trying not to smile or trying to suppress laughter. Either way, I'm a little worried I've said something that could ruin the moment.
His hand drops back to the table. His green eyes sparkle and there's an impish glint in them, and it's as if I'm seeing the person beneath the socially awkward exterior that he displays around others.
"My mysterious admirer." He laughs. "I wonder what your other suitors would think of my remarks."
Eugh. I stick out my tongue. "None of them. I wouldn't give any of them the satisfaction of acknowledging them."
He rests his head in one of his hands, giving me a serious, sincere look. "....I am somehow unsurprised."
The rest of the afternoon is spent in bliss. Viktor has a playful wit that I don't think I ever fully appreciated in the game.
Maybe I wasn't paying attention, or maybe he never used it, but now, every little gesture or word of his draws a smile to my lips, and sends butterflies to my stomach.
The tea is delightful, and the baked goods are absolutely incredible, especially the fluffy strawberry cake and the orange tart. We take our time sampling different varieties, discussing them in depth.
When Viktor comments on the raspberry filled cookies, I promptly insist on buying an entire box and having them shipped to him, much to his bafflement.
When our meal ends, we head out together, arm in arm. He escorts me home and watches as I disappear into the house.
I hear his voice just before the door closes. "Until next time, my dear Ophelia."
I manage to make it to my room before I break down into excited squeals.