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Julian had told you to get ready for tonight and to wear something fancy. You were curious on what he was planning and as you finish up your outfit he knocks at the door. You smooth down your outfit and head for the door.
Julian is leaning on the door frame when you open it. “Hello darling- I- my you look amazing. You always do but wow”. You chuckle as he stumbles over himself “thank you”.
You look him up and down and notice him wearing the same outfit he wore for the masquerade but without the mask. “You look amazing too”. You remember when he danced with you on those tables back then. It made your heart race and you were clueless to how well he could dance. It made you fall in love with him even more.
Julian offers you his hand “shall we?” You smile before taking his hand as you two walk out. He leads you through the city. “Where are we going?” He flashes you his wide grin “you’ll see”. He pulls you closer now holding you by the waist as you two walk.
Julian leads you to the flooded district. You feel confused until you see a boat decorated with candles and flowers. Your eyes widen at his thoughtful date plan “Oh Julian”. He smiles seeing your appreciation and surprise. “Everything for you darling” yet he doubts himself blushing “you like it?” “Yes Julian I-…” you look at him, the surprise replaced with a soft caring look “I love it. Thank you.” You take his cheek into your hand caressing it. His blush turning to a warm smile “I’m glad. Now come on.”
He steps onto the boat, still holding your hand as he guides you to step in after him. You notice the food on the table: a vary of your favourite foods as well as a few desserts. “Wow you really put a lot into this”. Julian smiles softly caressing your cheek. Your gaze snaps back to him. “Of course I did” he kisses your cheeks.
The two of you sit down next to each other staying close as the gondolier rows you along the river. He picks up some food with a fork and gestures it to you. You take a bite of the food enjoying the delicious flavours that hit your tongue. “Did you make all this?” He blushes hoping he didn’t mess up “I did with some help from Mazelinka and Portia. They’re better cooks than me. Do you like it?” “Yes thank you babe” you kiss him. “Did Mazelinka and Portia also cook or just try to guide you?” “Well they just helped out telling me what to do. I wanted to put the effort in for you”. You smile “well you did great Jules”.
As you share more food, Julian recounts one of his many adventures. You continue eating as he stands up acting out the fight scene dramatically. You love his dramatic self even if he’s a bit of a goof sometimes. You laugh at his dramatic gestures of being hit and swooning. “But then I jumped out of the way as they charged towards me leaving them tumbling into the sea! And that my dear is one of my many tales from my time at sea. Always as slippery as an eel I suppose”. You find yourself smiling widely amused and entertained.
Julian steps back beside you taking a seat. He pulls you onto his lap as a rush of energy takes over him. He kisses you pressing his lips hard against yours. “Enjoy the story?” “Yes. You are always entertaining Julian”. He gives you that mischievous glint “well I need a way to keep you on yours toes and for you to find me oh so very dashing”. You roll your eyes at his exaggeration and laugh with him.
Julian scoops up some dessert in his spoon and feeds you, the sweet goodness making you content. “Seriously Julian thank you for this. You put a lot of thought and effort into this I can tell. I love you.” He has that happy calm expression on his face “I love you too my dearest and I’m so glad. You deserve the best.” Julian leans in and your lips meet his gently. “You taste sweet” “so do you”. You share more kisses while caressing each other.
When you pull away you grab your spoon and feed him some dessert too; yet some remains on the corner of his mouth. “You’ve got some on your mouth”. He wipes his thumb across the wrong side “here?” “No” you reach up and wipe it off “right here”. He smiles at your gesture feeling flustered by the small act. You return his smile and clean the dessert off.
“Need a refreshment? I brought a few drink options.” You choose one and he pours it for you. He leans back enjoying his drink looking out at the river and the night sky. “Ah this refreshing night ride is perfect isn’t it? The cool breeze, good company” Julian looks to you peaceful. “Oh and I uh also brought my vielle if you’d like some music accompaniment”. You smile “sounds good”.
Julian grabs his vielle and starts playing a slow, peaceful, romantic song. You watch as he plays enjoying his musical talent. You find yourself feeling even more comfortable and lean against him with your head on his shoulder. Julian blushes from the small touch even though you’ve shown him much more affection in the past.
Once the song comes to a close Julian suggests dancing together. “On a boat?” you chuckle. “What if we fall over?”
Julian takes your hand “Well I’ve got you. And even if we did we can always laugh about it later.” You look down shaking your head amused. He pulls you up “come on. One dance? If you’ll indulge me” he grins widely. Always with the theatrics. “Okayyy. But if I fall over I’m blaming you!” “Yeah yeah you can get me back if you want. Now, shall we?” he smiles gently taking your hands. Your gaze softens feeling his affection. He wraps an arm around your waist and leads you in a gentle sway.
You’re just focused fully on him as he guides you along the floor of the gondola. You trust him. He seems to guide you with ease, likely due to his sea experience and hidden talent for dancing. You move closer to him wanting to wrap your arms around him. He does the same yet dancing this close is a little difficult. “You know it’s a bit difficult to move like this” he teases. You press your head against his chest contently “mmh I don’t care”.
His gaze softens and he rests his head above yours giving your head a few kisses. He mumbles against your hair “I love you, you know that?” You nuzzle your face into his chest further “I love you too. And thank you. This date has been amazing”. Julian smiles to himself “I’m glad”.
“Do you wanna head back? We could cuddle up in bed, enjoy each other’s touch more intimately. I mean by cuddling in bed together. I like holding you close…in our bed where we’re safe and sound and comfortable”. You smile, a little amused by his over-explanation on his intentions. “Sure. Sounds good honey”.
Once you arrive back to where you left off from, Julian takes your arm and walks you back home. As you reach the door he softly presses you against it and kisses you gently. “I love you” he mutters quietly as he pulls back looking into your eyes with such adoration. You blush “I love you too”.
Julian takes your hand as you settle back inside, the moonlight illuminating the room. You both discard your clothes and settle into bed, Julian instantly pulling you closer. “Mmh you’re so perfect. I love you so much” he says quietly. You kiss between his collarbones “I love you too”. He keeps his arms wrapped around your back, your bare chests pressed comfortably against each other.
Your eyes close as you feel yourself falling comfortably into a sleepy state. Julian caresses your hair “just sleep my love. I’ve got you”. You look up at him smiling sleepily. He places a soft kiss against your lips and you hum happily. “Mmh goodnight Ilya. I love you”. He smiles pressing his face against the top of your head while caressing your hair “I love you too darling. Sleep well”. You press your face against his neck with your arms wrapped around him as he holds you tight as you drift off into sleep.