When Angels Fall

Chapter 17

We soon step onto the streets of the city. It's morning here, about eight or nine, so back home it's probably around midnight. Time zones are so confusing for me.

"Where do you want to go?" Kuzo asks, taking my hand and smiling. I pause, looking around, before I spot a store down the street. Well, more like a fancy boutique.

"Can we go to that one?" I ask, nodding that direction. "It's not too expensive, is it?" Kuzo glances at the store, then smiles.

"Not at all. I have bottomless pockets, anyway," he jokes, pulling a thick wad of euros from his pocket. My eyes widen at the cash, and I look up at him in both surprise and confusion.

"Did you maybe rob a bank when I was sleeping?" I ask. Kuzo laughs as he puts the money away.

"No, don't worry. The Nexis holds more money than any other private owner in the world. It has a seemingly endless stock."

I frown slightly. "Are you sure we're allowed to use it?" I ask anxiously. Kuzo nods with a smile.

"It's fine, don't worry. I've already checked."

I nod, relieved, and smile as Kuzo slips his hand into mine once more. We set off now, walking toward the boutique. The roads are full of morning people, who are walking about and talking to each other. It makes me smile. I notice a younger couple standing outside a bakery, and smile even more. They both seem really nervous around each other, and neither can stop blushing.

I point them out to Kuzo, who chuckles.

"Looks like they're both a bit lovesick," he comments. Even though I don't speak French, I can tell that the girl with black pigtails is stumbling over her words, and the blond boy is watching with a small smile.

Momentarily, we arrive at the boutique. I pause to look in the windows, and grin. Beautiful dresses and sleek suits are all that's visible, as well as jewelry and fancy purses and clutches. This would be any girl's dream come true. Truth be told, though, I just want to look.

We walk inside hand in hand, and I look around in awe. Dresses of every color and style are hanging from racks, draped across mannequins, and laying across tables by the fitting rooms. I look at Kuzo with a smile to see his gaze is on the suits. I chuckle and nudge him.

"Why don't you go pick out a suit?" I ask. He looks down at me before shaking his head.

"I'm not into suits. That's Abel's thing."

"Why not?" I question. Kuzo shrugs.

"Last time I wore a suit, it wasn't that comfortable," he tries to explain. I shake my head, crossing my arms.

"I'll make a deal with you," I bargain. Kuzo laughs. "You put on a suit, and I'll let you pick out the dress I try on." I hadn't planned on trying on any dresses: being fancy isn't really my thing. But I know it was the right thing to say when Kuzo brightens.

"Okay," he says with a dramatic groan, before kissing me and grinning. "But only because you're so cute." I blush strongly as Kuzo goes off to find a dress. It doesn't take long for him to come back, carrying a hanger draped with black fabric. I look at it, unsure.

"Is...that even a dress?" I ask, raising an eyebrow. Kuzo smirks and holds it out to me.

"Yes. A promise is a promise, go try it on."

I roll my eyes, but I'm smiling. So I take the dress and head into the fitting room. The dress is snug around my waist and hips, but very lenient over the shoulders. Probably because it's more of a halter dress.

It takes me a moment to straighten all the layers and get it situated, but I'm surprised by how comfortable it is. I pause to admire it in the mirror. Mid-calf, A-line, with just a hint of sparkles on the bodice. I grab my own clothes and peak out the door, looking for Kuzo.

He's not too far away, but before I can approach him, a blonde sales clerk waltzes over to him, batting her eyelashes and cooing in French. I don't have time to be angry, as Kuzo looks confused, then starts speaking in Russian. I almost snort when I see the clerk look annoyed, then wave it off and walk away. Kuzo waits until she's gone, then starts laughing. I walk over with a smile.

"What did you say?" I ask, tilting my head at him. He turns to look at me, and his jaw drops. He stares at me for a second, and I feel myself blushing.

"Um...do I look okay?" I ask quietly. Kuzo blinks a few times, then smiles before walking over and kissing me. I kiss him back, and smile when he pulls away.

"You look beautiful," he says softly, kissing my nose. I giggle, ducking my head. I'm not usually this girly, but it doesn't seem so bad.

"So, you have to try on a suit, now," I remind him. Kuzo chuckles and nods. "Alright. I'll be back." He kisses me again, softly, before heading off toward the suits. I wait patiently, watching as he scours the racks, then grabs a suit and disappears into the changing room. When Kuzo comes out, it's my turn to look stunned.

Even though his hair is still a mess, and still hanging over his face, he's managed to tame it, and he looks very dignified. I blush scarlet when he smiles at me.

"Well?"

His suit is black, which isn't much of a surprise. Black on black, with a red tie that doesn't look like it's been tied properly. It sits well across his broad shoulders, and makes him look even more the avenging angel. How ironic.

"Uh, y-you look nice," I stammer. Kuzo chuckles.

"I have no idea what I'm doing," he admits, looking down at himself. I laugh softly and step closer to fix his tie.

"You're lucky I know how to tie these things," I say, smiling, as I carefully smooth the knot. "My younger brother never learned, he always expects me to do it for him."

Kuzo smiles. "How is Mark? I haven't seen him since you moved out."

I forgot for a moment that Kuzo has always been around, just invisible.

"He's alright. He's going to come visit me next week, spend a couple days with me." I glance up at Kuzo, suddenly worried. "I'll be able to see him, right?"

Kuzo nods. "I don't see why not. I'll have to stick around, of course."

I give him a look. "Of course. You are my boyfriend, after all," I say, then blush at my words. Kuzo grins and hugs me.

"That I am."