WHO:Emma Frost & Jean Grey WHEN: Backdated; end of rift plot WHERE: Paris WHAT: Romantic retreat in the city of love. WARNINGS: None STATUS: Complete
A vacation seemed like the best idea Emma had heard in a long time.
Orange County would probably still be standing, and Emma had given an extended break to all her employees who had been in the building when the rift had opened, since they deserved a little break. And she and Jean deserved it more.
She’d spared no expense; the private jet, expensive champagne, strawberries, the flight to Paris was smooth and arriving in Paris was met with a private car, taking them to Emma’s favourite hotel in the city, her suite reserved for her visits was the definition of decadence, with a view of the Eiffel Tower, marble features, vases of white roses on all the dressers, complimentary champagne, chocolates and truffles.
She may or may not be trying to show off for Jean, but at this point, with yet another potential death for Jean, possibly the final one considering the foreboding sense of them, Emma wanted something special for her girlfriend.
Between helping Kitty out with Sentinels and helping Emma out with the breach at her business, Jean had gotten to exercise her power set more than she had in the previous six months. It had been exhilarating, but also exhausting, and she was willing to escape for a weekend and pretend like there was nothing out of the ordinary. Just her and Emma. She was pretending to ignore there being just the one bed, but she was also beyond any sense of taking it slow at this point, too.
The flight had been fantastic, and she was just a little tipsy from the champagne, but she’d never been to Paris in this life and when she wasn’t staring at Emma she was staring at the city. And then the suite. She was pretty sure a weekend at this suite cost more than her yearly salary. She slipped her arms around Emma from behind and nuzzled her ear. “You’re going to spoil me.”
“That’s the whole idea, darling.” Emma had more money than she could possibly spend, and that was fine, she found things to do with it that would benefit people much better than her dream-counterpart did. Splurging on large suites, expensive champagne, gifts for loved ones, that was all just something she could do to her hearts content.
It just so happened that her loved ones were minimal, and those she did splurge on got spoiled rotten. And Jean was important enough to get all the finer things. “It’s a break away from real-life, it’s an escape. You’ll be pampered rotten.” Which Emma intended to make sure of.
“As long as you know I’m not in this for the money or the gifts,” Jean replied. She thought that Emma probably knew but she wanted to make sure the words were said, rather than thought. Like certain other words, it was important they were loud and clear. “Then I’m all for getting spoiled rotten.”
She stepped around to stand beside Emma and leaned against her.
Really, Jean was probably the one partner Emma never needed to worry about gold-digging being an incentive for their relationship. The fact that they were persevering through the carnage that was their relationship in the dreams spoke volumes of just how in this they were.
“I enjoy spoiling you, dear.” It was something to do with her money after all, and maybe people didn’t really know just how much of a romantic Emma was. Bestowing gifts and lavishing things upon Jean it was just an extension to that.
“And I think we both more than need this break away.” It just so happened that the city of love was one of Emma’s favourites.
That was out of the way. And it went a long way towards making Jean feel better about everything. The dreams, the cheating, the near death, the money. There was so much whirling around in her head that some mornings she didn’t know where or who she was at first. “So what’s the plan first, besides forgetting California exists.”
“Well, tonight we have a reservation at Epicure for dinner, but until then they day is our own.” Paris was a city that you could wander aimlessly in and still find some of the most beautiful places, and really, Emma wasn’t there for business this time, so too much planning wasn’t required. They could take the days as they pleased.
“I wondered if maybe a little sight-seeing wasn’t in order? Perhaps some shopping.” Because was there anything better to do?
Epicure was the kind of place Jean had only ever read about. She felt momentarily nervous. “I think we should change. It’s been a long flight and we could probably use a little bit of refreshing. Then some sight-seeing and shopping are to order.” Shopping was definitely on Jean’s list of things she liked to do. It was just a lot harder on a teacher’s salary than in her dreams.
Disregarding the notion that Jean would be paying for anything during this break, Emma just gave a soft smile. “A change might just be in order, yes.” At the least they could feel a little less like recycled air and more human about it all.
“And we can buy anything else we happen to need while we’re here.” And by we, Emma of course meant she could. There was no point in taking Jean away on a romantic vacation if the redhead started worrying about something as frivolous to Emma as money.
“I’m sure we could,” Jean said. She opened one of her suitcases. “I think I have a sundress in here. The weather is really nice.” The dress turned out, naturally, to be a shade of green, and she shook it out and held it up. “What do you think?”
“Well, you know I think you look gorgeous in anything.” And nothing, but they could leave that part unsaid, for the most part. “But that is a lovely look for you.” Especially since they should stay a little cool. The bonus of summer in France was lovely weather without stifling heat. Emma was sure she’d be able to find a similar sundress in white -since it was her own signature colour there. “There’s no point in being overly dressed to walk around.” Emma might even forego the high heels for the sight-seeing.
“Good thing I brought a pair of flats.” And about four other pairs of shoes. Even Jean had her vices when it came to fashion. Shoes and, well, hideous sweaters. Maybe Emma could wean her from the hideous sweaters. Magic 8-ball is leaning towards ‘no’.
It was a quick matter of getting dressed, and Jean was ready to go.
Following suit in the changing department, Emma slipped into a light summer dress in her usual white, her own strappy sandals with an exceptionally low heel to match. “Shall we then?” It was a lovely afternoon, and they’d be fine to wander the city before dinner.
And if they just so happened to do a little bit of shopping, Emma knew the right places to go to get things sent back to the hotel without worrying about carrying them through the city. “And if you look at a single price tag, I will stop talking to you.”
“What if I glance at one by accident?” Jean replied, taking Emma by the elbow. Her tone was light, and she was clearly teasing her. “I’d have to still endure your silence? I’ll just have to find ways to make you loud.”
Turn the flirting up? Turn the flirting up.
“Oh darling,” Emma just smirked, her arm crossing to make sure she could pull Jean in close, “You know you are always more than welcome to do that.” Because the flirting was a very welcome staple, something fun and easy. Like Emma would ever protest to that.
The Paris day was sunny and warm, without being a stifling, muggy heat like California so often was. Which only served to further brighten Emma’s mood.
She really did love Paris.
It was lovely, without all the stickyness that California had to offer. It was nice to be out of town. Avoid whatever might happen for a few days and just re-center herself. Build upon the thing that she and Emma were to each other. She couldn’t even summon up anger for their dreams, and that was probably a good sign. She glanced at Emma as they walked, then returned her attention to the city. “I think it’s required that we find some hideous knick knack or gift to bring home to friends.”
“They have exceptionally cheap and tacky gifts at the Eiffel Tower itself, little keychains and themed French gifts.” Of course, Emma tended to avoid them like the plague, but she could be convinced to go cheap and tacky to bestow a laughable excuse of a gift upon Katherine.
Of course knowing that girl, she’d like it and Emma’s idea would be a waste. Still.
“Perhaps even something not so knick-knacky for some.” Maybe. If she was in a good mood.
“Perfect,” Jean said. She gave Emma a little smirk. “You’re going to hate it there, and I honestly can’t wait to make you suffer.”
“You are a strange and cruel woman,” the but I love you anyway went unsaid for now. Although Emma was sure it would work through there when they were slightly more stable. Right then it was just about finding that balance all over again.