Private A Taste of Together

[Braze]

LOCATION: Velvet Vineyard
TAGS: Loomi

Braze couldn't contain his excitement as he prepared a surprise for Loomi. He carefully selected a perfume and a card to spray it on, its delicate scent reminiscent of blooming flowers. With a mischievous grin, he tapped a vibrant flower to the corner of the card, ensuring it caught her attention. The envelope he chose was a soft shade of pink, adorned with a subtle sheen of golden micro glitter that shimmered under the light. It was left tapped to the middle of her door to her room.
Loomi would find the inviting card inside the envelope, carefully handwritten in Braze's handwriting. The large, bold letters danced across the page, expressing a friendly demeanor.
The text on the card read:

"Hey Loomi! Guess what? I've got a special surprise for you! Wear your nicest clothes and meet me at: The letter had a date and a location written on it for the meeting place.
I can't wait to see you there!

~Yours playfully, Braze"

The day of the much-anticipated lunch date had arrived, and Braze was filled with nervous excitement. He stood in front of a mirror, putting on the finishing touches to his attire. Today, he had opted for something a little different from his usual attire, wanting to make this occasion extra special. Braze wore a sophisticated ensemble consisting of a crisp white dress shirt, neatly tucked into tailored black pants. Over it, he donned a deep blue velvet vest with golden trim, the luxurious fabric giving him an air of elegance. The vest was adorned with subtle silver buttons. He fastened a sleek silver ribbon and tied it into a bow around his collar, completing the polished look.

As he examined his reflection, Braze's gaze shifted to his hair. He had taken extra care in styling it differently for this special day. His usually wild and unruly locks were now neatly combed and swept to the side, accentuating his features with a touch of sophistication. And there, in his new padawan braid, he carefully weaved decorative jeweled beads, adding a touch of sparkle and charm to his hairstyle.

Braze admired his knee-high dress boots, appreciating the sleek and sophisticated look they added to his ensemble. The boots were crafted from high-quality, polished leather, their rich brown hue lending a touch of refinement to his attire. The supple leather gleamed under the light, showcasing its impeccable craftsmanship. He selected a leather belt with floral carvings that matched well with the boots and slipped it in place.

Braze reached for a small bottle on his dresser, a fragrance he had carefully chosen for this special occasion. The scent was a delicate blend of citrus and floral notes, evoking a sense of freshness and allure.

As he uncapped the bottle, a captivating aroma filled the air. The top notes carried a zesty burst of bergamot and grapefruit, energizing and invigorating. The heart notes revealed a bouquet of jasmine and rose, their soft and romantic essence adding a touch of elegance to the fragrance. And finally, the base notes lingered with a hint of sandalwood and musk, grounding the scent with a warm and sensual undertone.

Braze carefully applied a few spritzes of the perfume, ensuring not to overpower the subtle nuances of the fragrance. As the scent enveloped him, he couldn't help but feel a boost of confidence. He started off for the destination of the Velvet Vineyard with a spring in his step~

The café boutique exuded an aura of elegance and charm as patrons stepped inside. The interior was adorned with intricate details, from the ornate ceiling moldings to the polished marble flooring. Soft, muted tones of cream and gold dominated the color palette, creating an atmosphere of sophistication.

The café was adorned with tasteful décor, featuring vintage-inspired furniture with plush cushions and elegant upholstery. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a warm and inviting glow over the space. The walls were adorned with delicate wallpaper, displaying intricate floral patterns that added a touch of whimsy to the ambiance.

Small, intimate tables were adorned with pristine white tablecloths and adorned with sparkling crystal glassware. Fresh flowers, carefully arranged in delicate vases, graced each table, infusing the space with a natural vibrancy. The seating options included plush velvet chairs and cozy booths, providing comfort and relaxation.

A gleaming display counter showcased an array of delectable treats, including dainty pastries, artisanal chocolates, and beautifully crafted cakes. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and aromatic teas filled the air, inviting guests to indulge in a moment of culinary delight.

The walls were adorned with tasteful artwork, featuring local artists' creations that added a touch of sophistication and visual interest. Soft, ambient lighting highlighted the details and created an intimate atmosphere.

Overall, the café boutique emanated an air of refined elegance, offering a charming and inviting space for guests to enjoy a memorable dining experience.

 

[Loomi]

Velvet Vineyard
Tags: Braze

Dress​

Loomi was practically having a panic attack. It had taken her a day to read Braze's ornate letter, which it seemed that the boy had taken account for. She still very much struggled to read, so it took a while for her to figure out what it was that he was trying to tell her.

Lunch. Braze wanted to go eat? Why didn't he just tell her.

Worse was how everything seemed to change when the Godoan began to make her way to the location, wearing her good dress as his letter had instructed. Slowly everything began to become so... fancy. All the surfaces were waxed and reflective, the people dressed in a manner that she could hardly comprehend. She treaded lightly, nervous from the attention that she generally attracted even in locations with stranger individuals. Poorly constructed mechanical legs, messy raven hair (even if she kept good care of it), bright yellow skin and antennae that made her status as an alien really stand out...

It was the scar mostly that she was worried about. It was such an ugly mark. It had to be the first thing people saw.

When she finally made it to this Velvet Vineyard, Loomi found herself far too nervous to step in at first. The floor looked so fancy and ornate. She'd surely ruin it, right? The sight of Braze gave her enough confidence to step in at least. He looked... strange. His white hair wasn't as fluffy, and his close seemed more elaborate than usual. The boy also smelled kind of funny, which made her antennae curl back with confusion. It wasn't bad. Just strange. Loomi began to rub her shoulder awkwardly. She really felt more out of place than anything. The Godoan glanced around to see if anyone in the restaurant was still staring before fully approaching her friend.

"H-hey," she greeted with a meek wave. "N-nice to see you..."

She really hoped he had picked a table in the corner away from the window. Loomi didn't know how much staring she could handle from people walking by, let alone within the restaurant.

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Loomi

​

Braze's face lit up with a bright smile as he caught sight of Loomi. "Loomi! You came!" he chirped with genuine excitement. "Wow, you look gorgeous too! That's a really cute dress. It looks so nice on you," he complimented her with sincerity, his eyes sparkling as he admired her.

"Come with me~ I got us a reservation for today, so we can have our own little private booth in the back," Braze said softly, gently taking her hand in his and leading her along to the table. As they settled into their seats, he couldn't help but feel a little giddy with joy to be spending this time with her.

He quickly fetched a pretty menu and offered it to her, his eyes filled with warmth and eagerness. "Go ahead and pick anything you like. Don't worry about prices either, okay? I want you to enjoy yourself today," he insisted, wanting her to feel at ease and cherished.

Their waitress approached, and Braze greeted her warmly, asking for a little more time to look over the menu. As she walked away, Braze turned his attention back to Loomi, his gaze softening. "I'm really glad you're here with me today," he admitted, his voice tender. "I've been looking forward to this lunch date for a small while~"

He couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness, wanting everything to be perfect for her. The ambiance of the restaurant was delightful, with its soft lighting and the sweet aroma of delicious food in the air. But what made the experience truly special was the presence of Loomi, someone, he had come to care for.

 

[Loomi]

Velvet Vineyard
Tags: Braze

"Wow, you look gorgeous too! That's a really cute dress. It looks so nice on you,"

"Th-thank you," Loomi stammered, becoming red in the face. "Y-you look good too."

This was all so weird. Loomi found herself being whisked away by the hand to a table in the back of the establishment that was a good ways away from prying eyes. That she was at least grateful for. The Godoan could at least relax a little without the stress of people glaring at her. He was saying a bunch of weird words she didn't understand. Reservation?

Loomi was just as dazed by the menu as her attempt to figure out what a reservation was. She glanced at it with a blank expression, tilting her head. She still couldn't read well, not that she knew what any of the words were supposed to represent. When the waitress came by, Loomi went flush red, trying to think of something on the spot.

Oh? She was leaving. A sigh of relief escaped from the teen.

"I've been looking forward to this lunch date for a small while~"

"I-I'm glad you invited me," Loomi nodded, giving a warm smile.

Internally she was having a panic attack. Date? What was that supposed to be? Was the lunch part or the date part important in that sentence? Loomi closed her eye for a moment, looking into the words that were stored within...

No, that was a fruit. Braze wouldn't meet her for a 'lunch fruit,' that was grammatically incorrect... probably. She was still working on grammar.

Then she remembered. Date was the thing on the calendar that showed you what the day was. So it was like time: Lunch Time. That's what time it was, seeing as they were about to order lunch. That made sense. Content that she had figured out what he was talking about on her own, Loomi's eye open and drifted back to the menu.

She still couldn't read.

"Uh, Braze," she began in a muttered tone. "I-I... can't read the menu."

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Loomi

"That's okay," Braze said reassuringly, offering a warm smile. "They have pictures, and I can read to you what each thing is." With a gentle touch, he moved to sit beside her, making sure she felt his comforting presence. Cozying up close, he opened the menu and began to read aloud each section with enthusiasm.

"Alright, let's see what they have for tea treats," he began, flipping the menu to the first page. "Here we have Rose Petal Macarons, they're these lovely pink almond cookies filled with a delicate rose-infused cream. Oh, and here's the Lavender Lemon Scones, they're light and crumbly scones with a hint of lavender and a zesty lemon glaze."

Moving on to the teas, Braze continued, "We've got the Velvet Sunset Blend, a soothing chamomile and vanilla tea, and the Ruby Berry Blast, a fruity blend of raspberries and hibiscus. Oh, and they have the Enchanted Forest Green Tea, which has a lovely blend of forest berries and green tea."

As they reached the milk tea section, Braze's voice grew even more excited. "Look, they have the Dreamy Matcha Milk Tea, it's creamy matcha goodness with a touch of sweetness. And here's the Tropical Coconut Paradise, a blend of coconut milk and tropical fruit flavors. Oh, and they also have the Wild Strawberry Milk Tea, made with fresh strawberries and a hint of wild berries!"

Finally, they reached the coffee section, and Braze continued to read with delight. "Here we have the Caramel Praline Latte, a rich coffee with caramel and praline goodness. Oh, and the Toasted Marshmallow Mocha, sounds so yummy! And don't miss the Hazelnut Caramel Macchiato, it's got a nutty twist on the classic caramel macchiato."

Braze took a moment to let her absorb the options before concluding, "Let me know if you see or hear anything that sounds nice. We can take our time, and I'll be here to help you choose whatever you'd like. This is your special day, Loomi, and I want it to be perfect for you."
He was more than happy to read off any of the options to her on the menu.

Tea Treats:

1. Petite Floral Cupcakes: Delicate vanilla cupcakes adorned with edible flowers, topped with a light rose-infused frosting.
2. Rose Petal Macarons: Pink almond cookies filled with a delicate rose-infused cream.
3. Honey Lavender Scones: Buttery scones with a hint of lavender, drizzled with sweet honey glaze.
4. Strawberry Shortcake Macarons: Bite-sized macarons filled with strawberry cream and topped with a dusting of powdered sugar.
5. Chamomile Lemon Tarts: Miniature lemon tarts with a soothing chamomile custard filling, garnished with a candied lemon peel.
6. Chocolate Chai Truffles: Rich and velvety chocolate truffles infused with warm chai spices.
7. Blueberry Earl Grey Muffins: Soft and moist muffins infused with aromatic Earl Grey tea and bursting with juicy blueberries.
8. Lemon Lavender Shortbread: Crumbly and buttery shortbread cookies with a zesty lemon glaze and a delicate lavender essence.
9. Raspberry Rose Éclairs: Light and airy éclairs filled with a raspberry-rose cream and topped with a glossy raspberry glaze.
10. Chamomile Honey Cake: A fluffy and spongy cake made with chamomile-infused batter and drizzled with sweet honey.
11. Lavender Lemon Scones: Light and crumbly scones with a hint of lavender and a zesty lemon glaze.

Teas:

1. Enchanted Rose Black Tea: A fragrant black tea with notes of rose and a hint of vanilla.
2. Starry Night Herbal Blend: A calming herbal tea made with chamomile, lavender, and mint.
3. Emerald Green Sencha: A refreshing green tea with a light grassy flavor and a touch of sweetness.
4. Golden Sunrise Oolong: A smooth and floral oolong tea with a golden hue.
5. Moonlit Jasmine White Tea: Delicate white tea scented with jasmine blossoms, offering a subtle floral aroma.
6. Velvet Sunset Blend: A soothing chamomile and vanilla tea.
7. Ruby Berry Blast: A fruity blend of raspberries and hibiscus.
8. Enchanted Forest Green Tea: A lovely blend of forest berries and green tea.

Milk Teas:

1. Matcha Magic Latte: Creamy matcha green tea latte sweetened with honey and served with a dollop of froth.
2. Rose Lychee Milk Tea: A delightful blend of rose-infused black tea, lychee fruit, and creamy milk.
3. Vanilla Almond Chai Milk Tea: A comforting mix of almond, vanilla, and chai spices in a velvety milk tea base.
4. Honeydew Boba Milk Tea: A refreshing milk tea with sweet honeydew flavor and chewy boba pearls.
5. Mango Coconut Thai Iced Tea: A tropical twist on the classic Thai iced tea with mango and coconut cream.
6. Mango Passionfruit Green Tea: A tropical green tea blend with the bright flavors of mango and passionfruit.
7. Wild Berry Hibiscus: A refreshing herbal tea featuring tangy hibiscus and a medley of wild berries.
8. Peach Oolong: A fragrant oolong tea with the natural sweetness of ripe peaches.
9. Caramelized Apple Spice Rooibos: A comforting rooibos tea with the comforting taste of caramelized apples and warm spices.
10. Dreamy Matcha Milk Tea: A creamy matcha goodness with a touch of sweetness.
11. Tropical Coconut Paradise: A blend of coconut milk and tropical fruit flavors.
12. Wild Strawberry Milk Tea: Made with fresh strawberries and a hint of wild berries.

Coffee:

1. Caramel Macchiato: A classic espresso drink with steamed milk, vanilla, and a drizzle of caramel.
2. Mocha Madness: Rich espresso combined with velvety chocolate and topped with whipped cream.
3. Cinnamon Spice Latte: A warming latte with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a dusting of cocoa.
4. Velvet Vineyard Brew: A signature coffee blend with a smooth, medium-bodied flavor and a touch of hazelnut.
5. Hazelnut Caramel Macchiato: A nutty twist on the classic caramel macchiato, infused with rich hazelnut flavor.
6. Toasted Marshmallow Mocha: A decadent mocha with the indulgent taste of toasted marshmallows.
7. Caramel Praline Latte: Smooth espresso with creamy caramel and the delightful crunch of pralines.
8. Iced Coconut Vanilla Latte: A refreshing iced latte with the tropical essence of coconut and the sweetness of vanilla.

Lunch-style Options:

1. Garden Harvest Salad: Fresh mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, avocado, and candied pecans, drizzled with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette.
2. Quiche of the Day: A flaky pastry crust filled with a variety of savory ingredients like spinach, mushrooms, and goat cheese.
3. Caprese Panini: Slices of juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves pressed between ciabatta bread and served with a side of mixed greens.
4. Pesto Pasta Primavera: Linguine pasta tossed in homemade basil pesto sauce with sautéed vegetables and grated Parmesan.
5. Velvet Vineyard Croissant Sandwich: A buttery croissant filled with honey-glazed ham, Swiss cheese, and Dijon mustard, served with a side of house-made potato chips.
6. Chickpea Salad: A refreshing salad with chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and feta cheese, drizzled with lemon herb dressing.
7. Margherita Pizza: Thin crust pizza topped with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil leaves, and a drizzle of olive oil.
8. Sesame Ginger Noodles: Chewy noodles tossed in a savory sesame-ginger sauce with crunchy vegetables.
9. Balsamic Glazed Chicken Sandwich: Grilled chicken breast glazed with balsamic reduction, served on ciabatta with arugula and sun-dried tomatoes.

 

[Loomi]

Velvet Vineyard
Tags: Braze

Loomi sat sort of dazed as Braze scooted closer and began reading the menu. There were so many words, all of which sounded... good? She didn't know. Weird food names and drinks described in manners she wasn't familiar with. It was hard to wrap her head around. The Godoan did hear one word she recognized however...

Toasted Marshmallow Mocha

That was the fluffy thing. She liked that. Her antennae would perk up at the mention of it, not too dissimilar to an animal's ears perking up upon hearing an interesting sound.

The food itself also looked... odd. Odd was a good word. She didn't recognize most of the dishes. Wait, no. She knew one. That picture had noodles. Loomi thought they were noodlies, but Braze had been quick to correct her, which she still was kind of embarrassed about. It made her wonder what other foods she had been saying wrong. Regardless, Loomi had her order ready to go. Now all she had to figure out was what was even going on. It all just seemed so elaborate. More and more the Godoan began to feel out of her element.

"I-I'm... lost," she admitted, tilting her head to the side. "D-do we let them know when we're ready?"

Her good eye darted around for a moment, looking towards the few visible patrons.

"Do... y-you think people are staring at me?" Loomi asked in a hushed tone.

She looked so strange. They had to be, right?

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Loomi

​

"D-do we let them know when we're ready?"

Braze nodded and smiled standing up and waving her over. "Excuse me miss~" He tried to wave to get her attention.

"Do... y-you think people are staring at me?"

"Hmnn? No... I don't think so," Braze reassured, his voice soft and comforting. "Why would anyone be staring? People come here to enjoy coffee and sweets; I think they are far too self-absorbed to really care about what we're doing." He grinned playfully. "Besides, you're cute. If they are staring, it's because you look so nice."

As they settled at their table, Braze's eyes sparkled mischievously as he pulled out a neatly folded handkerchief. With a flourish, he unveiled the utensils and started to playfully weave a spoon and fork together, creating a small sculpture. He then balanced them with a toothpick on one of the water glasses, turning it into a little piece of art.

As Braze confidently waved the waitress over, she approached with a warm smile. Her name was Aria, a Twi'lek with striking blue skin, adorned with subtle white tattoos that complemented her features. She had a gentle presence and an aura of professionalism about her. Aria was dressed in an elegant uniform, a blend of cream and deep blue colors, reflecting the ambiance of the Velvet Vineyard. Her lekku, the head-tails unique to Twi'leks, were adorned with delicate silver jewelry that glimmered as she moved.

"Hello there! Welcome to the Velvet Vineyard. My name is Aria, and I'll be your server today," she greeted them politely. "What can I get for you today?"

Braze smiled warmly at Aria, appreciating her friendly demeanor. "Thank you, Aria. We'd like to order now, please."

Before they proceeded with the order, Aria seemed to notice Loomi's slight unease and gently asked, "Is there anything I can assist you with, dear? Don't hesitate to let me know if you need anything. There's no need to worry, my dear. The Velvet Vineyard is a place where everyone can feel welcome and comfortable. We're here to make sure you have a delightful experience."

Braze seemed to hush allowing Loomi to make her order first as he busied himself adding odd sweetener packets to his water glass.

 

[Loomi]

Velvet Vineyard
Tags: Braze

"Besides, you're cute. If they are staring, it's because you look so nice."

Loomi sighed, smiling a little. He wasn't aware of how out of place she looked at all. It was nice, at least, having company not bothered by her scars or weird mechanical legs. She tried to make herself more comfortable as their waitress arrived, a rather pretty woman. The Godoan's heart sank a little. Everyone here was so... normal? Appealing to the eye? She still felt so out of place.

"Is there anything I can assist you with, dear? Don't hesitate to let me know if you need anything. There's no need to worry, my dear. The Velvet Vineyard is a place where everyone can feel welcome and comfortable. We're here to make sure you have a delightful experience."

"I-I'm okay," Loomi insisted, brushing her hair out of her face. "J-just new to all of this, I guess..."

No, that didn't make any sense. She should just order. Yeah.

"I-I'll get the ginger noodles and the marshmallow mocha, please," she finally said.

Her heart was going to beat out of her chest. This was so embarrassing. She was probably ruining this for Braze. He had seemed so keen about making this experience as fun as possible and here she was being a nervous mess.

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Loomi

​

The waitress at the quaint cafe, named Aria, beamed at Loomi as she jotted down her order. "Sure thing, sweetie, I'll get that right out for you, my love," she replied in a friendly, caring tone, her eyes sparkling with genuine warmth as she offered Loomi a soft smile. Aria had a calming aura, making patrons feel at ease and cared for.

Braze, feeling a mix of excitement and curiosity, ordered his treats from Aria as well—a plate of freshly baked cookies, a savory chicken sandwich with a hint of spiciness, and a refreshing fruity tea adorned with 'pearl' add-ins. After taking their orders, Aria left them alone, giving them some space and privacy.

As they got their drinks, Braze observed Loomi's decadent drink with a touch of awe. "Oh, wow, your drink looks so decadent! I bet it tastes amazing," he exclaimed, marveling at the whipped cream and the beautiful toppings of melted crispy marshmallow, graham cracker crumbs, and drizzled chocolate. However, beneath his excitement, Braze sensed that something might be bothering Loomi.

His concern growing, he gently asked, "Hey... are you okay?" He leaned in closer, peering into her eyes with genuine care. "Is this too much for a first date?" he inquired, his voice soft and understanding. Braze wanted to make sure Loomi was comfortable and enjoying herself, and if something was amiss, he was ready to make any necessary adjustments to their plans.

 

[Loomi]

Velvet Vineyard
Tags: Braze

"Hey... are you okay?" He leaned in closer, peering into her eyes with genuine care. "Is this too much for a first date?"

"I-I don't know," Loomi sighed, "M-maybe, I guess. I-I don't really understand what's going on, a-and everything seems so... weird. Fancy, l-like way more than I'll ever be. All of this is just... I don't know, foreign, I guess."

She sighed, hanging her head. He kept putting emphasis on the word date, but she honestly had no clue what that even meant now. It wasn't time specific cause "first time" made no sense in this context. It was just human culture, she supposed, and more and more Loomi was beginning to realize how ill-equipped she was to engage with such a thing.

"I'm just confused," she lamented. "I keep winding up completely out of my depth, a-and it's all just confusing."

The Godoan pouted a little, brushing her hair out of her face again.

"Sorry," the teen apologized. "I didn't mean to bring the mood down..."

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Loomi

Braze listened attentively to Loomi's concerns, understanding her feelings of confusion and being out of her depth in this new and unfamiliar experience. He reached out offering a reassuring smile with his palm up across the table as if offering her the opportunity to hold his hand so he could further reassure her.


"It's okay, Loomi. I understand that all of this might be new and confusing for you," he said softly, trying to put her at ease. "But you know what? Dates are like magical adventures! They're like going on a special journey with someone you care about, exploring new places and trying new things together. It's like making happy memories with a friend, and it doesn't have to be fancy or extravagant. It's all about enjoying each other's company and having fun. Sometimes it's just fun to get all dressed up and look nice for the other person. It just feels nice. Uhh... Hmnn... Getting dressed up is like playing dress-up, but in real life!" Braze exclaimed with childlike enthusiasm.

"It's like becoming a different character just for a little while. You get to wear all these fancy clothes that make you feel like a prince or princess, and it's so much fun!"

He gestured to his own outfit, which he had put some effort into for their date. "See? I'm wearing this cool vest thingy, and it makes me feel like a dashing hero~ And look at you, you're wearing that cute dress, and it's like you're a magical forest fairy or even a princess! It's like we're in a storybook, Loomi. We're the heroes of our own little adventure, and getting dressed up is like putting on our hero costumes. It makes us feel special and confident, and it's just fun to pretend and imagine. And you know what? I think you look absolutely amazing in that dress. It suits you perfectly, and you look like a real-life princess. You don't have to worry about being fancy or not."


He leaned in a bit, looking into her eyes with warmth and sincerity. "And you, Loomi, are amazing just the way you are. You don't have to be anything other than yourself. I think you're perfect just as you are, and I'm really happy to be here with you."

Braze gently squeezed her hand, reassuring her further. "We don't need to worry about what other people might think or expect. Let's just enjoy this time together and do whatever makes us happy. It's a date, but it's also just us hanging out and getting to know each other better. We can leave and go somewhere else if you feel overwhelmed or like this isn't fun. I don't mind ditching my original plans if you're not having fun."


He grinned, trying to bring some lightness back to the conversation. "So, what do you say? Let's make this our own adventure, and if anything feels overwhelming, we can do something else? "

 

[Loomi]

Velvet Vineyard
Tags: Braze

"I... think I understand," Loomi frowned, but she quickly sighed and tilted her head in confusion. "W-well, not really... But..."

She sat up, straightening her posture.

"I-I want to be happy with the way I am," she decided. "A-and I want you to be happy with the way you are. M-maybe people find it fun to dress up and go to fancy places with the people they care about, but I-I think that maybe it can be just as real to do that anywhere. Perfection seems like a really high bar to hit, y'know? Maybe if the purpose of a... date-thing is to get to know someone better we don't need to pretend, or focus on making sure everything goes just right."

Maybe all of that was a bit too profound, but it felt right. Loomi was already bad at putting her thoughts into the world, so she at least wanted what it was she was saying to feel real.

"I'd be just as happy hanging out with you anywhere," the teen insisted. "You don't need to make your hair look all straight, or use a lot of... money," she hesitated for a moment with the mention of money, still unclear about how exactly it was used, "We can have an adventure anywhere. I-I think that's worth something, probably."

Probably sounded too unsure. She needed to actually say something conclusive with whatever it was she was trying to say here. Loomi didn't need to think for long. She already knew what she wanted to tell him.

"I wanna do what you wanna do," Loomi affirmed. "As long as we both get to be us."

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Loomi

​

Braze listened attentively to Loomi's heartfelt words, her thoughts resonating with him in their simplicity and honesty. He admired her genuine approach to the concept of a date, finding comfort in her desire to be true to herself and to him.

"Well, yes we can go anywhere and do anything. There are many different kinds of dates. But the main idea is to just enjoy the company of someone you like. I like dressing up; it's fun, and something I don't normally get to do. But it's a fun, and refreshing thing to try. You don't have to pretend to be something you are not either. We could go for a walk together, and just talk, or have a picnic in the gardens at the temple, or even spend time at the archives and study together. Those are all different kinds of 'date themes', or ideas. " Braze tried to explain sitting back and crossing his arms in a thoughtful expression.

"I'm doing something I find enjoyable; and I'm trying to invite you to share that experience with me. " Braze explained. "You don't have to commit to any one idea either; if you aren't enjoying it we can always change plans and go watch a movie together or something else you think would be more fun to try."

 

[Loomi]

Velvet Vineyard
Tags: Braze

"I-If this makes you happy, then I wanna try this with you," she decided. "I... I'd like to stay. Besides, we haven't gotten our food yet."

And Loomi hadn't had her Marshmallow Mocha yet. It was good. Very good. She had practically inhaled the marshmallow before sipping up the mocha with a look of delight on her face. Before long there was nothing more than an empty cup before her, the china completely dry of the liquid that had once been within.

"Woah," Loomi muttered, looking at the cup with confusion. "That... w-was really good. I... can I get another?"

Was she allowed to do that?

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Loomi

​

"Of course, you can Loomi." Braze stated with a smile.

The waitress soon arrived with their food. She placed the plates before them with a warm smile and a friendly demeanor. Braze thanked her, and made the request for another mocha for Loomi, ensuring it was just how she liked it. He couldn't help but feel a sense of happiness in seeing her enjoy the little things.

"Glad you like it. It's based on a treat traditionally made around campfires. Maybe we can spend one of our downtime days at a beach so you can see the ocean, and when it gets dark, we can make a campfire and tell scary stories and make s'mores," Braze suggested, his voice filled with excitement. The idea of spending quality time together and creating new memories seemed to spark joy within him.

The prospect of sharing a campfire and some delicious s'mores by the beach felt like the perfect way to bond and enjoy each other's company in a relaxing and delightful setting.

 

[Loomi]

Velvet Vineyard
Tags: Braze

"Maybe we can spend one of our downtime days at a beach so you can see the ocean, and when it gets dark, we can make a campfire and tell scary stories and make s'mores,"

"That sounds nice," Loomi nodded with a smile. "I... I'd like to see the ocean."

Their food was here, and Loomi wasted no time digging into her pasta. It was amazing. Her eye dilated with delight as she began to stuff her face in a polite but childish manner. She was still a child after all, despite the rather sad and terrible life experience she had suffered through. It was easy for even her to forget that sometimes.

Braze would no doubt be hit with a wave of overwhelming joy and compassion.

"This is so good!" she exclaimed, "Did you try yours yet?"

It was almost as if a switch had flipped inside her brain.

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Loomi

​

Oh yeah, Braze had ordered food too... he looked at his meal and plucked up a sandwich, and took a few bites. " Mnnn... Yes I like this a lot "
He took a sip of his tea and moved to offer Loomi one of his freshly backed cookies which looked like flowers. " These are macarons. They go with tea really well. " He said sliding her one on a napkin. " Try it. " He encouraged before taking a bite out of one of the others.

" Mnnn~ I could eat these forever but I'd probably not be fit anymore. " He murmured as he sat back and relaxed into his chair. He looked about and admired the floral decorations and chirped,

" This is nice. " He stated with a content sigh.

 

[Loomi]

Velvet Vineyard
Tags: Braze

" Try it. "

Loomi eyed the napkin, plucking up the 'macaron" and sliding it into her mouth. Almost immediately her lone good eye seemed to shimmer with delight, her smile growing larger. It was delicious.

"I love them!" she chirped, her head swaying with excitement.

She could hardly contain herself. All of this good food was really starting to get to her. The energy of it all was elating, bringing her mood up considerably. She was having a great time, and the stresses that had been weighing on her had seemed to completely vanish by this point. A sigh did emerged when Braze expressed that he was full. She had had a lot of fun. It was a little sad that they'd be leaving soon.

"Yeah," Loomi nodded. "It is nice."

She tilted her head, giving a warm smile.

"Thank you," the Godoan added. "I've been able to try so many new things... I don't know if I ever would've done them if I hadn't met you. I... I'm glad we did."

The teen was fortunate to have so many good friends. Even with the bleakness of her past, she was certain that she wouldn't change her life for anything, not if it meant losing this. She was happy. That was all that mattered.

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Loomi

​

Braze beamed at Loomi, his eyes sparkling with genuine happiness. "I'm glad to have been able to get you to try something new," he said, a sense of accomplishment evident in his voice. Seeing Loomi enjoy the new experience brought him immense joy.

As they finished their delightful meal, Braze couldn't resist ordering a few extra treats to go. He requested a selection of cookies and another type of dessert, eager to continue the sweetness of the moment beyond the confines of the café.

"I'm glad you enjoyed it. We can always try again and just come dressed normally if you like, or grab something to go if you really liked what you got, or try something new even," he suggested, his enthusiasm for future adventures shining through. Braze was always open to new experiences and making the most out of every opportunity.

With the tab paid and their cute packages in hand, Braze stood up with a stretch, feeling both satisfied and invigorated from their time together. He turned to the waitress, expressing his gratitude for the delightful treats they were taking with them.

"Think Ko Vuto might like to try some of their teas?" Braze asked Loomi. He seemed ready to accompanny her back to her room and walk her home once all was said and done.

 

[Loomi]

Velvet Vineyard
Tags: Braze

"I'm sure Ko would love them," Loomi noted.

Ko did rather enjoy his tea. A warm smile did come to her face as Braze seemed to indicate that he was ready to go. She had fun, but this place was way too fancy for her. Loomi liked the idea of going back.

"I'm ready to go," she informed him with a nod.