Just Us

|11|

For their impromptu date, Vinícius decided they'd eat dinner in the gazebo in the gardens, watch the sunset and then stargaze if there was time.

Pia was happy to do whatever as long as they got to spend time together. She didn't want Vinícius to feel like he wasn't needed, because she knew he was much more vulnerable to those kinds of thoughts. He had a fierce reputation to hold up after all.

The sun was still going strong. It warmed her and she felt at peace.

Vinícius pulled her onto a swing in the gazebo. It was quiet, the garden was so serene. He covered her lap with the heavy blanket he had been carrying, knowing how cold she gets.

"I like it out here," she said, listening to the gentle breeze weave in and out of the flowers.

"Is this okay for our first date?" Vinícius asked, as if she'd refuse any alone time with him.

"It's perfect, Vinícius, but you're sitting far away," she giggled light-heartedly, scooting so she was pressed against him.

Vinícius smiled, wrapping his arms around her shoulders as she snuggled closer. "I'm glad you seem to be feeling better, Pia."

"You're a big part of that, you and Ada. I want to be better for you guys," she whispered.

Vinícius kissed her forehead, giving a content sigh. "I've never been happier."

"Is your demon happy?" Pia asked quietly.

Vinícius smiled, "He's never been so calm before. My mind's at peace when I am with you and Ada."

"My mom's mate was very overprotective, almost possessive at times," she said.

"I would say I am protective," he agreed, "but I am in my own home where we know you guys will be safe. If we were out in public, it will be different."

Pia nodded, "I am glad you are here to keep us safe. Another big question, what will my duties be as queen?"

Vinícius shrugged, "These are unprecedented times. It's what we make of it. We would have to figure out how involved you want to be, and how we can set up traditions for our future generations to follow."

"I want to be involved," she stayed strongly, twisting so she could meet his eyes.

Vinícius smiled, "I think we will make a great team."

Lucy and James brought out their dinner, and they ate picnic style on the floor of the gazebo.

Pia gave a gasp of surprise and a true laugh when she saw what was to eat. "It's pizza!" she clapped her hands gleefully. "I can't remember the last time I had this."

Vinícius laughed along with her. Her joy made her features twinkle, and he wanted her to stay so happy all the time, even if that meant eating pizza everyday for the rest of his life.

"You're so beautiful," he said sincerely.

Pia blushed. "I think you're handsome," she said, her voice dropping to a low whisper as she turned away slightly.

Vinícius could feel his own blush rising. Yes, he had a scary role to play, and maybe he wasn't totally human, but that didn't make him any less affectionate. He felt emotions, too, and no one and had ever told him he was good looking before. Certainly not someone who meant as much as Pia did to him.

He turned her head back towards his, getting lost in her warm, brown eyes. They shined with love, a way that no one had ever looked at him before.

He bent his head towards hers, wrapping his arms around her shoulders to pull her gently closer. Their noses brushed first, and finally, their lips.

He pulled away without giving her a chance to kiss him back. He didn't want her to feel obligated, or regret it later because she was caught up in the moment.

"That's not fair," Pia pouted, breaking his worrisome thoughts. She moved his head back towards her, kissing him fiercely on the lips.

He kissed her back, still moving slowly. He couldn't help but chuckle at her adorable eagerness.

"Don't laugh at me," she said breathlessly. She felt so relaxed and loved in that moment, never wanting it to end.

"You're amazing," Vinícius said once more.

"You're even more amazing," she whispered, blush still staining her cheeks, accentuating her swollen lips.