Marietta (marietta_way) wrote in witchway, @ 2008-02-21 04:03:00 |
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Current mood: | romantic! |
Valentine's Day in Milan - Roger and Marietta
Who: Roger and Marietta
When: Ze day of Luuuuuve - i.e. Valentine's Day, Feb 14
Where: Milan, Brera- via Fiori Chiari and via Fiori Scuri
What: Valentine's Date
Status: Incomplete
Roger liked to surprise his girlfriends and Marietta was no exception, although he wanted to do more for her than he had for any other girl (aside from Annora). So when she questioned him that morning about what event the yellow gown was for, he simply smiled, kissed her and told her to be wearing it and ready at 6 pm to meet him in the hotel lobby.
Dressed in an well cut suit, the cologne she liked best splashed on his body, and the last gift tucked safely away in his pocket, Roger was down at the lobby five minutes before six. A couple of glamorous Italian ladies made to approach him, but he shook his head at them with a charming smile. Tonight he wasn't going to flirt with anyone that wasn't his date.
Marietta had been wooed before, certainly, but this was the first time a man had dared to go as far as buying her a dress. She rather liked Roger's confidence in his own taste, as well as his clear ability to suss out hers. The gown he'd left for her was simply stunning, and when at last she'd put it on and had perfected her hair and makeup, one glance in the mirror told her he wouldn't be disappointed with his choice. She gave her reflection a small smile, not out of vanity but out of actual happiness. For once, she felt like she was cared for by a man for reasons that didn't only happen between the sheets...and the same went for how she felt about her suitor.
At five past six, just slightly late enough to ensure that she didn't seem too eager (although, truth be told, she was - after all, where would he be taking her that would require such a dress?), Mari descended the stairs that led her to the hotel lobby. She was midway down when she saw Roger, and she stopped in her tracks, one hand distractedly stroking the banister. He looked gorgeous. He was always one to turn heads, yes, but tonight he had outdone even himself. Her heart fluttered in her chest, a feeling she still wasn't used to, and she felt a slight blush touch her cheeks as she realized people were now staring at her, wondering why this girl in the yellow dress was standing, frozen, on the staircase. She was about to take another step down when she saw Roger turn to follow the gaze of the hotel's other onlookers, and all she could do was blush a bit more deeply and offer a coy smile.
He had expected Marietta to look stunning and she definitely exceeded his expectations tonight. Roger's gaze was frankly admiring as he stepped forward to meet her, holding out his hand. His pride in her appearance was also obvious even before he saluted her with a brush of lips against the back of her hand followed by another light kiss to the lips. "Bellissimo," he murmured and then tucked her arm in his. "Ready?"
Outside the hotel waited a horse and open topped carriage with a driver who bowed deeply when Roger and Marietta arrived. Once Marietta was helped into the carriage, great care taken not to snag her dress, Roger exchanged a few quick words in Italian with the driver before settling in beside her. He draped half of his cloak around her shoulders to ward off any chill and then slid his arm around her waist. "We're heading for Brera, which has been highly recommended as one of the best spots to go today," he explained as the carriage started off.
She was pleased by the way he was looking at her. Even though she was far from unaccustomed to being admired and spoiled, the way her friendship with Roger had evolved into something else - something so much more meaningful - made her feel like he was, truly, the first gentleman she'd ever been with. He was so careful about helping her into the carriage, which was in itself romantic, and the way he kept her warm with his jacket was utterly charming.
"Brera, hmm?" she replied with a smile, leaning her head against his shoulder for a moment. "I trust your taste. Obviously it's good." She made a motion to herself, the dress and the shoes, giggling at the deliberately arrogant way she'd said it. She then tilted her head up ever so slightly and gave him a soft kiss on his cheek, careful not to leave any lipstick marks. "Then again, I daresay my taste is even better," she said with a smile, making no secret of her admiration of him. It was strange, being in Milan for what should have been a romantic moment in Cho's life, and yet here she was, with a handsome and elegant man on her own arm. She couldn't wait to see where they were going and what the night would hold.
"Most likely," he chuckled, giving her waist a slight squeeze.
Brera was known as one of the most exclusive and fashionable places in Milan, filled with boutiques, cafes and restaurants as well as many eighteenth century palaces. Tonight's destination was a restaurant known as Ristorante Rigolo which offered classic Italian cuisine and was highly recommended, especially for its fish dishes.
The carriage ride was leisurely and an excellent way to take in the city, which looked beautiful in the early evening with all the lights coming on. Roger was just thankful it wasn't raining so that all his carefully laid plans weren't spoiled. Not that he couldn't have adapted, but he was conscious of a need to make the day absolutely perfect for Marietta. Sometimes he was a bit scared that he felt this way about her, this exclusive relationship was still new territory and he was terrified (although he would never tell her) that something might happen to ruin it. However, for tonight, he put his fears aside. They had too much to celebrate tonight because not only was it the day of love, but they were in a beautiful city, she was making progress in a new career and he was the new chaser for Puddlemere.
When the carriage stopped, Roger hopped down so he could assist Marietta. He had deliberately requested the driver halt ten minutes from the restaurant so they could stroll through the area. "Welcome to Brera, cariad."
Carefully setting foot on the cobblestone ground, Mari slipped her arm through Roger's and thanked him, then let her eyes drink in everything around them. Even having just taken a quick jaunt around the world at Christmas with Cho, she was still able to be thoroughly awed by the beauty of such surroundings. Dusk was just settling over them, and there was something ethereal about the city...or perhaps it was just the company. She couldn't know that, once again, she was having the same thoughts as Roger was - the same fears about how their fling had turned into whatever it was now - and it was just as well. Now was not the time to say anything of the sort, and potentially ruin a moment she was apt to remember for years to come.
The pair walked slowly along the street, Marietta occasionally pointing at various buildings and remarking on their beautiful architecture. It truly was a glorious night, even for February, and she made a mental note to thank Roger properly for it after dinner.