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Amelia sighed, adjusting her iconic detectives cap. She was vaguely aware of Kiara laughing at one of Gura's jokes inside the main building. Amelia smiled softly to herself. It would be nice to be in there with them, laughing at the Atlantean's joke while Kiara clutched her arm fondly. But alas, her social energy had run out for the night and she really just wanted to spend some time alone.
The detective leaned against the railing, watching the moon's reflection ripple and break over the smooth waves of the nearby lake. She had to admit, it was a pretty nice place, and the cool breeze tussled her hair in a pleasant way.
With sudden strong gust, Amelia's favourite hat was whisked away over the edge, far beyond her reach. With the mood now ruined, Amelia was ready to turn on her heel and head back inside, too tired to go looking for her hat when she had several like it.
“Humu humu. Lost something dear detective?” Amelia chuckled, sweaping a few locks of hair out of her eyes. A few stray purple tentacles curled carefully around the railing. A seperate tentacle offered the detective her hat back, which Amelia accepted gratefully.
Before she knew it, the tentacles were followed by and admittedly gorgeous woman. Ninomae Ina’nis was dressed in a formal kemono, coloured in swathes of purples with faint highlights of yellow and white. Amelia felt a little plain next to the priestess, dressed just in her regular detective’s coat (although she had let Ina tie a few braids into her hair).
“Thanks Ina, I really didn’t want to climb all the way down to grab my hat” Amelia chuckled, relishing in the way Ina hid her smile behind a gloved hand.
The two fell silent after that, happily watching the moonlit water. Ina had her fingers tented together, and she hada far away look on her face, like she was thinking. Amelia was thinking too, although she was certain it wasn’t the same as Ina’s train of thought. No, instead the detective mused on the way the silver light made Ina’s eyes shine, the way her hair moved like water in the soft breeze, the way her cheeks and ear tips were ever so flushed from the cold. Everything about her made Amelia fall head over heels.
“Do you want to dance?” Ina asked suddenly. The priestess turned her head ever so slightly to gauge Amelia’s reaction. Amelia nervously fiddled with her fingers. On one hand, she really didn’t want to go back inside where it was loud and hot and filled with people, but on the other hand, she wanted nothing more than to be close to Ina.
“I don’t know... I really don’t wanna head inside. Besides, I can’t dance for shit” Amela tipped her hat to hide her embarrassed expression. Ina just chuckled, gently lacing her fingers with Amelia’s. They both leaned into each other’s warmth.
“No no, I didn’t mean inside- I wanted to show you something” Ina’s grip and Amelia’s hand tightened ever so slightly.
Ever so swiftly and gracefully, Ina was now balancing on the thin railing, several of her tentacles making a staircase like structure. Her gloved hand was still firmly grasped in Amelia’s, and with little hesitant, Amelia hoisted herself up next to the priestess. The two shared a gleeful look before stepping over the edge, making their way down to the lake.
Even before they reached the dew tipped grass, Ina had begun carefully spinning and twirling Amelia, humming a tune with the words long forgotten. Amelia swore all other sounds stopped in favour of listening to the priestess hum.
Amelia didn’t care if anyone from the party was watching them. Amelia didn’t care if her shoes got dirtied from the mud. All that mattered to her in this moment was Ina. Said priestess muttered a few words under her breath, her halo shimmering and glowing for a fraction of a second before disappearing again. Ina opened her eyes and gazed fondly at the time traveller in front of her, Amelia returning her gaze with a similar one.
“Notice anything, detective?” Amelia was confused at the sudden question. She looked around quizzically all while trying to match the pace at which Ina was expertly slow dancing around her. Simply looking down answered her question instantly.
Instead of the dark emerald blades of grass that had vanished from underneath their feet, faint ripples twirled under them. Amelia looked on, a star stricken expression plastered on her face. Ina just watched contentedly, relishing in the detective’s wonder.
“And that’s not all” Ina crossed their noses to the point their foreheads were pressed together, their images being reflected in each other’s eyes. Ina wrapped her arms around Amelia in a tight hug, nuzzling the top of the detective’s head and smiling as the scent of lemons washed over her. Amelia had her head tucked under Ina’s chin, her tentacle bangs brushing gently across her cheek. The entire embrace gave both of them a warm fuzzy feeling.
Another soft chorus of words and the water below them started glimmering in teal and pink hues. With a swift falling motion and popping ears, it was like the two were transported into a whole new world, albeit a rather similar one.
For starters, there was no building. No background chatter of the numerous guests, no booming music nir extra lights. Instead, there was nothing but natural ambience and the bright light from the moon.
“Thoughts?” Ina mumbled the question into the top of Amelia’s head. The detective hummed at the question. Amelia wrapped her arms around Ina’s waist.
“It’s a little dark, don’t you think?” Amelia hummed happily, feeling Ina seek out her hand once more, smiling softly.
“I thought you might say that” Amelia was forced to squint as a sudden bright light invaded the area. Ina gripped her hand comfortingly.
“Sorry, sorry. I forget how bright it can be” Ina said, the light from her halo dimming like it was reacting to the priestess’ statement.
With the added light, the entire clearing was now lit up scenically. A golden white glow touched every leaf and reflected off the water in a beautiful way. Amelia smiled, taking both of Ina’s hand in her own.
“I love you” Three simple words. Amelia leaned up slightly, her breath mingling with Ina’s. The priestess felt herself smile, leaning forward so their lips brushed ever so slightly. With a cheeky smile, Ina responded
“I love you too” and with the distance between them closed.