1117/Valentine's Day Shopping and Dinner

Valentine's Day Shopping and Dinner
Date of Scene:	14 February 2024
Location:	Fairy Drop Fashion
Synopsis:	Coco takes Yuuto out for Valentine's Day and their date takes a deep emotional turn.
Cast of Characters:	Yuuto Shiraishi, Coco Kiumi

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Yuuto Shiraishi has posed:
<PHONE> Text from Yuuto: Good morning, Coco-chan. <3
<PHONE> Text from Yuuto: We're still meeting at Fairy Drop Fashion, right?

Texts back and forth from Yuuto to Coco start off the morning, but it was only after class that the pair could meet properly for their promised Valentine's Date. The first choice was a challenge put forth. For them to pick the other's clothes.

To say that this was a challenge is an understatement. Which is why currently Yuuto is sitting on a bench outside of the shop, his phone in his hand as he scrolls through fashions on Pinterest, trying to find something he could imagine that Coco would look good in.

Which also means he's distracted and easy prey for any lurking mermaid Princesses that may want to get a drop on their boyfriends. That are totally not freaking out a little about this whole thing. It's cool. It'll be fine. Just she will be wearing what he chooses. No pressure.

It's gonna be fun.

Coco Kiumi has posed:
<PHONE> A text from Coco Kiumi: Good morning, my Prince <3
<PHONE> A text from Coco Kiumi: That's right, and we have a lot ahead of us I hope you are ready for my gift. :D

Since they are choosing each other clothes for the day, Coco hasn't chosen anything elaborate to wear, she is going to change out of it soon anyway. She has only freshened herself up and applied a bit of foundation and red lipstick after classes, and after this task is over, off the is, to the first part of their date! Not without bringing her gift with her, of course.

She smiles when she seems him looking at his phone. Who knows what he is doing. Is he looking at those reference pictures he took of her? Maybe checking their past messages to remind himself of their exchanged affections?

Either way, once she has come close enough, she gives him a hug from the side, calling out to him at the same time. "Hello, Yuuto, I hope you are excited for today, because I sure am." And then she gives him a peck.

Yuuto Shiraishi has posed:
<PHONE> A text from Yuuto Shiraishi: Looking forward to seeing you, my Princess.

Likewise, realizing that he is going to be wearing different clothes soon, Yuuto has just decided to stay in his school uniform. It's easier to just bring that home later, since it's going to be in a bag anyway.

When he goes to the screen saver on his phone, Coco will see it's a picture of her that he took when she was mugging for the camera for his reference pics. She's reached that status already.

Her affectionate squeeze to the side of him is surprising and he stiffens for just a moment before relaxing into her, taking in the kiss to his cheek like hot concrete to water, "Coco-chan, hi!" he greets in return, his arm sliding around her waist to return her hug.

"I am excited." he agrees eagerly as he returns her kiss on her cheek, that warm scent she's used to on his skin as he chuckles. "I thought our date was the gift though?" Because she had mentioned a gift.

Coco Kiumi has posed:
Coco is pleasantly surprised when she sees a picture of herself as Yuuto's screen, satisfied in the confirmation of her place in his heart (even if she knew it was wholly unneccessary from all their past dates). However! That puts her at a disadvantage since she has had no similar occasion to take Yuuto's photo. Good thing this is Valentine's Day and moreover, they are going to choose each other's clothes. Even the latter alone would suffice as an excuse.

"You mean what I said the other day?" Coco replies. "If you already knew before today, why would you think the date was the only gift, silly?" she chuckles, giving him an affectionate boop to his nose.

"I am glad you are excited too", her golden eyes shine. "I already have an idea what to pick for you. You will be super stylish, promise. Shall we go in then?" she asks, nodding towards the shop.

Yuuto Shiraishi has posed:
Maybe there will be a new picture for their phones in the future. After all, Coco wasn't in full on mugging mode for the reference pics - a couple's pic would be cute. "Because I'm terrible with surprises and trying to keep myself on my toes for later." he teases, as he nearly cross his eyes at the nose boop.

Rising to his feet, he nods. "I'm ready. I was already shopping some of their stuff through the website, but you're probably way ahead of me." he admits, chuckling a little with nervous excitement.

Once he's up, he remembers and ohs. He unlocks his phone and sends her a text.

When she gets it, it may seem cryptic, just a set of numbers and letters. "My sizes." he offers shyly, before his hand is offered to Coco, intertwining their fingers once she has his hand so they can head inside.

Coco Kiumi has posed:
Since Coco is the first one to get Yuuto's measurements and she has already admitted to having made her choice, she may as well be the one to start. Taking Yuuto's hand with an encouraging squeeze that she thinks he may need, the mermaid starts leading him inside, to the men's section.

Leaving Yuuto for a second, Coco starts zipping through the store with possibly uncanny precision, grabbing a white shirt with a breast pocket having a black rim, a jeans jacket and a pair of form-fitting black trousers.

"Here you go, please go try them now, I can't wait to see you wearing everything", she beams at him.

Yuuto Shiraishi has posed:
Wait. WAIT. As Coco gets the numbers and just zips off... Yuuto is left standing there in stunned silence, only the clothes flying into the air as Coco picks out stuff with a determined purpose.

"...I don't even think I can travel that fast at top speed, Tinker." he seemingly murmurs to himself.

Tinker, from within his watch, sighs. "Have you not figured out how hard she's fallen for you?" He sighs. "You really are dense sometimes."

"I mean, I know!" Yuuto starts to protest as he turns to start to look for something for Coco, but the first things that he is looking at, he winces. "Way too formal. We're going on a date, not to prom..."

And the the next. "Too..." the lace seems so see through. His cheeks flare a dark red. "...nope." he murmurs.

He's about to look at something else when she returns with the clothes she picked out. "T-that was fast!" He thought he'd have more time. "Okay, but I need your sizes first before I pick out anything. Kinda not fair, you know." Flat-face, blank-eyed stare at her. She's cheating.

But, he can't resist the charm his girlfriend is putting on with that warm smile and bright golden eyes. Slipping into the changing room, he waves over his shoulder. "Be right back." And he adds a teasing. "No peeking."

Uniform removed and set aside, he slips into the clothes, checking himself out in the mirror and noticing how much definition the trousers add, which only brings a new blush as he calms himself, the jacket slipped on but left unbuttoned and another glance into the mirror as he starts to push his hair around with his hand, trying to bring order to the chaos and polish himself up for the Princess.

Finally, he pokes his head out through the curtains and emerald eyes smile at Coco. "Ready?" And with that, he steps out for her, taking a small twirl so she can drink it all in. Perhaps thankful for the cut of the jacket as well.

Coco Kiumi has posed:
"I haven't forgotten, don't worry, don't worry", Coco says with a nonchalant smile when she is accused of being unfair. "I will give you mine when we are done with you." So it's not like she is being unfair, at least not the way Yuuto thought. She certainly is being unfair since she gets more time with Yuuto in the clothes she chose.

Nonetheless she acts fairly in the following minutes, staying out there behaving herself at hey boyfriend's request while Yuuto tries on what she is going to buy him. "I won't peek, I promise", she reassures him while she waits for him to done.

When gets out, she starts glancing all over Yuu, emitting noises of approval as she looks all over at him. "I knew I had found the right induments", she compliments her own work. "These clothes really bring out your best qualities, and I am not saying that lightly. You really do look even more handsome now", she grins at him before starting to rummage through her bag. "Here, my sizes", she says, giving him a piece of paper with her numbers on it.

Yuuto Shiraishi has posed:
Yuuto was being terribly self-conscious there for a moment, before Coco is introducing new sounds into their venacular and she shows her delight and approval. Of course, he would probably look good in a potato sack if that's what she wanted him to wear.

He might be a little smitten with his Princess. Then she's rummaging around the bag and pulls out something that guys typically only imagining happening with a pretty girl.

The holy measurements of hotness. They practically glow with an etheral yellow light in his hands. One could almost hear the angelic choir.

He quickly snaps a picture of them to commit to memory and will destroy the paper evidence. And he wanders off. He's not as fast as she is. Every once in a while, he steps out with something. He lifts it up as if seeing how it will look on her. And then back into the lost forest of fashion he goes, seeking out something else.

Finally, after several minutes, he comes out, returning the princess with an outfit.

A cute little floral dress that's strapless with a smocked bust, empire ruched waist, two side pockets, and a maxi flowing swing hem that goes to mid-calf. The cream colored dress has imprints of bright little tropical flowers on it and it matched with a peach-colored lace sweater that ties at the front, just below the bust. It's offered to Coco for her approval.

Coco Kiumi has posed:
Coco's eyes twinkle with amusement at the reaction Yuuto is having at receiving her measurements. Guess what she is giving him later today actually is her second gift to him. It's certainly a good thing for Yuuto that she feels flattered both on a mental and physical level when it comes to spending time with Yuuto. Makes her confirm to herself that Yuuto really is the one that she wants to be with, no matter what.

The mermaid delicatedly takes the clothes Yuuto is offering her, giving her boyfriend a smile. She looks at the dress with the charming floral pattern first, analysing the design choices Yuuto has prioritised. The strapless choice certainly has her approval, while she looks at the length of the hem with suspicion. She probably would have liked it to be a fair bit shorter, even if the swing hem helps reduce the unsettling feeling.

The ruched waist doesn't really do anything for her one way or the other, but she definitely appreciates the cascading way adopted by the empire style.

Equally thoughtful is the snug material of the smocked bust, that definitely goes hand in hand with the feeling provided by the empire waist. And the side pockets don't seem to be too apparent. Neither are they uncomfortable to use despite having been clearly made with low visibility in mind.

And the sweater ultimately receives her approval too, sliding in perfectly well over the dress, and the peach and yellow colour combine together with taste.

Having passed her check, she tells Yuuto a "be right back", before heading to the changing rooms and folding the clothes she is wearing in a neat pile as she replaces them with the dress and sweater. She gives herself a nod of approval as she gazes into the mirror, before taking her old clothes and walking back to her boyfriend with the obvious question: "How do I look?"

Yuuto Shiraishi has posed:
It's become obvious by now that Yuuto only has eyes for Coco. It's been a little scary for him at times, but in the last couple of weeks, it's settled into something more familiar and he finds himself enjoying every moment he gets with her.

Watching as the mermaid appraises his choices, when he notices her look at the longer length, he chuckles. "I was considering something a bit more daring, I mean, I have no problems with seeing your legs." he admits with a small blush and amused undertone.

When she disappears to try on the clothes, he waits outside while she changes. A few little paces. Nervous energy to work out.

When he hears the ruffle of the curtain announce that she's returning as well as the melodious voice asking him...

'How do I look?'

That is such a loaded question. And Yuuto turns his emerald eyes to his girlfriend. She looks good. Damn good. He doesn't even need to give it words, the smile on his face, the shine in his eyes, the subtle straightening of his postures, they are all signs of the positive reaction that he has to her appearance. But it's missing something. And when he realizes what it is, there's a flash of surprise on his face.

Shaking that off quickly, he finally remembers to give his opinion. Well. The first opinion was already the obvious tell on his face. The second is to find his words. "You look amazing, Coco-chan." he admits. "I mean... you always do. Just... I feel like I need sunscreen the way you glow." A lame attempt at flirting, but the intention is there.

Coco Kiumi has posed:
And she had no problem with showing them off, if the boots she picked at their first date was any indication to Yuuto. Alas, this is what he picked, so that's what she will wear. "Next time, dare a bit more", she smirks noticing his blush.

And it's true that Coco doesn't need to wait for an answer. It's all over him, and that glow that he says is risking to give him burns is nothing compared to the happy expression she gets when he forwards how much he is into her.

And by the time he has finished using his words, Coco has reached him to give him a quick kiss to his lips (really not thinking much of the advanced PDA), before nuzzling her nose against his. "You are so special and sweet", she says, sustaining a prolonged eye contact with Yuuto, windows and links to each of their respective soul.

"Now that we are dressed for the date, just let me pay for the clothes real quick, and we can go to Korma Chameleon to grab a bite, unless you would like to go somewhere else", Coco proposes with a squeeze of Yuuto's hand.

Yuuto Shiraishi has posed:
"I'll start daring a bit more when we get deeper in our relationship." Yuuto retorts, setting out that dare upon her as she approaches and returns her kiss, a light press of them together, even with the brief public display before he pulls back, his eyes locked upon hers.

Then she mentions taking care of the clothes and he shakes his head. "I said we'd pay for the other's outfit that we picked out." he reminds her, finishing out his wallet so he can collect the tags from Coco's clothes to pay for them.

A little nuzzle back to her neck, a light kiss there before he pulls back - a cunning play on his part.

He returns the squeeze of hands, before grinning a little crookedly. "I thought you were picking everything today." he teases. "And I was supposed to come up with White Day." Because they are clearly going to still be together then. "That said, I'm fine with Korma."

Coco Kiumi has posed:
Mission failed, she will get Yuuto next time. Coco was hoping that Yuuto would focus on the prospect of their meal and her holding his hand would have kept his attention off of the price.

Coco likewise takes the price tags off of him and goes to pay for her side, also picking up a bag to place her school uniform in.

"I am'" picking everything today", she remarks. "That's why I suggested the Korma first. But when it comes to food, it's just as important that the cuisine is welcomed by both of us, else it spoils the date", she explains her behaviour.

"But since you are good with it, I shall whisk you to Korma", Coco jokes like she is bringing him there with the wind, going out of the shop after Yuuto has paid for his side.

Yuuto Shiraishi has posed:
Metaphorically speaking, she's already swept him off of his feet. Yuuto can only chuckle as Coco reminds him that she is very decisive when it comes to them, and he really has no problems with that. It's a short trip from the Fairy Drop fashion to the Korma Chameleon.

But when they arrive, he insists on opening the door for the Princess before she gets a chance to, trying to be a little more forward with his romance of her. A grin is given to her as he holds the door, waiting for her to pass by so that they can find a place to be seated.

Coco Kiumi has posed:
"Thank you, my gentleman", Coco comments when Yuuto holds open the door for her, then waits for him to come inside, three steps away from the entrance. Taking a seat at an empty table after he has done so, Coco starts talking as soon as he sits down.

"So, how was the first part of our Valentine date? Regarding me, I am perfectly satisfied with my choices and it was a fun challenge", the mermaid gives out her opinion.

When an employee passes by their table, Coco gives out her order. "I would like the Thali jal pari menu, except the spicy vegetable mix. Please, give me a mild one."

Yuuto Shiraishi has posed:
Once they are settled in their seats, Yuuto considers the menu as they talk and he offers her a grin. "It was." And he gives her another appraising look and he smiles. "I'm very pleased with my choice." he admits to her. "And you can wear it without the sweater in the summer." Because that was part of the plan.

As Coco makes her order, he offers up his own after hers. "I'll have the beef makhani, plese." he offers, making note when Coco makes sure to be rassured that her meal is mild. She doesn't like spicy foods. Something for him to keep in mind for the future.

"I've been considering putting a post on the board to make miniatures for the RPG Club." As she had suggested. "I figured I'd do that after I'm done with your statue though, I don't want to overload myself with tasks and your statue is what I want to dedicate my time to."

Coco Kiumi has posed:
"That was a very good idea", Coco agrees when he says he intended for it to be good year-round, even if the sweater wouldn't be enough during the harsher winter days.

When Yuuto notes he would like to start doing some work for the rpg club, Coco's thoughts go back to Amy. "You should get back into contact with Amy then. She could give you some tips as to what prioritise, as well as what are the typical games they play there."

On the matter of Amy... "There are magic fighters that know I am Coco and Yellow Pearl Voice both, so do we start acting as some sort of battle couple if happen to be in a fight with you? Because due to the Veil people might start thinking I am cheating on you with Propel."

Yuuto Shiraishi has posed:
Oh yeah. Yuuto's clothing choice is totally a spring summer thing. But it's what Coco reminds him of. Warm lazy days where you can just be in someone's company forever and not realize it - or be bothered.

"I'll see about it. Just not right now." A wink at Coco playfully, before she switches the topic from light to something far more serious. He draws in a little breath, his eyes cast down to the watch he wears on his wrist.

"I mean, people know that you're dedicated to one person." he admits. "I don't know if we should open with hi, I'm Propel and Yuuto... but..." he reaches up, scrubbing at his jaw thoughtfully. "...if you have that much of a trust with someone that they know you for both parts and you feel that you can share who I am with them, I'm open to it." he finally decides.

"After all, I'm pretty sure that Yellow Pearl is going to flat out kiss that Steam Sentinel, and I don't want people to think you're cheating on me." A pause, and he adds, "Especially if we're talking about me being your Consort."

Coco Kiumi has posed:
That could be a way around it", Coco admits. "But I don't want you to think that you have to reveal yourself to people you would be awkward with." Coco reaches over to squeeze his hand.

She is glad he would consider that for her, but one's identity is a precious part of oneself, and while she is admittedly a little uncaring of that as far as it concerns herself, since she is a public figure under the sea, she just can't be asking Yuuto to act the same way.

"I don't want to force you down one way or the other, but I want you to think about it well, because once you have revealed your identity to someone, there is no going back", the yellow mermaid warns him.

Yuuto Shiraishi has posed:
But that's thing. Eventually, he will have to. Or figure out what to do. "If we're serious about you wanting me by your side, Coco." Yuuto admits quietly, "Especially as you are a Princess, and a public figure. I said already I wanted to be there." His hand squeezes hers. "I want noone to doubt how you feel about me. Or how I feel about you. So. We'll address it as it happens. Your trust in others is a big part of you. I realized that when you took me to your world after we met. It's one of the things I adore about you the most, Coco." Not My Princess, or Coco-Chan. He's grounded and serious and understanding the situation.

"I do not want to be a weakness to you. And you having to hide any part of us seems like it would do that. I'll follow your lead." he promises her. "Because I believe in you. And I know you're going to do what is just and right and I'll be right there next to you." His hand squeezes hers. "In every role thst you may want me to be in, my Princess." There is no going back - there is only stepping forward with her.

Coco Kiumi has posed:
As always, the dedication that that Yuuto shows Coco is just too precious to her, too dear to her heart. There are a lot of things going on in their relationships that one could point to as proof of their affection - how much they mess around together, how much they enjoy each other's hobbies, how much they are clearly into each other, how much they want the other to be there with them - but if there is one thing that would be universally agreed upon, how much they strive to want the best for each other would be it.

"Thank you, Yuuto", Coco whispers. "It won't be easy living with who you are known to everyone all the time, but anybody dares lay so much as a single finger on you with malicious intent, they better be prepared for a barrage of Live Stages straight to their faces."

Then she gives Yuuto a smile. "But these are all hypotheticals, we are here to celebrate the two of us today, not become paranoid. So in that regard..." she says turning towards her bag and bringing out a small package.

"I have something for you. The gems are something I have gathered myself from the seafloor these days", she explains, pushing the little box to Yuuto's side of the table. When Yuuto opens it, he will find a ring whose silver band is adjustable and is encrusted with garnets and tourmalines. "Happy Valentine Day, and I love you, Yuuto".

Yuuto Shiraishi has posed:
She could probably steal his heart right now and Yuuto would just easily hand it over. "It's not going to be easy, you're right. But it is something that I wanted to do with you." Yuuto admits quietly. The threat of protecting him from all harm makes him chuckle softly.

"My darling Coco, we're supposed to protect each other." he points out with amusement, before he nods at her assessment. It is about them today. And then she sets out a gift.

Before he could respond to everything though, the food arrives, and it's all set down for them, just as the waitress notices that Coco is breaking out a ring box. She may have gotten the wrong idea and gives a squeal of surprise before disappearing again. Oh no.

Yuuto, on the other hand, is stunned. Not a bad stunned. It's a good one, especially after he opens the box, listening to her story as she explains it to him. His eyes sparkle with his affection for her as he lifts his eyes to her. "So... what does this mean?" he asks her softly, because his mind is racing the possibilities. Is it a promise ring? That they're going steady? Engaged?

He lifts the little ring from it's box, studying it, the inscription, all the work she put into it. And then he offers it her. Not to give it back. But for her to decide where she wants to place it.

Coco Kiumi has posed:
"Yes, you are right, we will protect each other", she agrees confidently. "One must fight when it comes to love. It just so happens that our case will be literal", Coco smirks fondly at him.

And then the food arrives, with barely the time for it to be placed onto the table before the waitress disappears with a squeal, leaving Coco to stare at the running figure awkwardly. "Well, so much for being able to give you my Valentine gift in peace." But what fault does she have if she wanted to put her personal contribution by seeking the gemstones herself?

"It means that I love you, and there is nobody in the entire world that could take that place. And so, I went through all that effort to give you gems I retrieved myself, and I don't agree with this country's practice of giving chocolate, because I want my gift to last, just like what I feel for you", she comments.

And now comes the time to show Yuuto where she wants that ring to be. So she gently takes hold of his left hand and slides the ring towards the ring finger, making slow clicking adjustments as she puts it in place.

Yuuto Shiraishi has posed:
"Yes, well that's how we met..." Yuuto starts to say, the whole moment weighing on him. He met her when she saved him in a fight and he turned around and helped her. And from that... to this. It's only been a couple of weeks. But it's felt longer. And right.

The retreating waitress is glanced at, but Coco starts to relay her story. That she's tghe one that retrieved the stones. That she did all the work. And that her gift is meant to last much much longer than chocolate.

And when she takes his left hand. He doesn't withdraw it. Instead, he watches as the ring is slipped on his finger, and it clicks into place, securing itself on the base of his left ring finger. His cheeks darken, as the realization settles in.

And quietly, he lifts his gaze to hers, his emerald eyes meeting her golden ones before he stands up, coming around the table. Standing before her, he leans down and cups both of her cheeks and kisses her.

A serious, deep, very affectionate kiss that lingers for several moments - nearly a minute before he breaks away, and he presses his forehead to hers, "I love you too, Coco." he admits to her quietly. And then his smile is downright giddy. "Oh my god, I'm in love with a Princess." he whispers to her. As if she didn't know.

Coco Kiumi has posed:
And Coco doesn't let Yuuto do all the work. When he kisses her passionately, so does she answer back in kind, letting her feelings get the best of her, pouring all her love, trust and affection, in that single kiss, way too short and longer than eternity at the same time.

"Oh my Aqua Regina, I am love with my the most wonderful person in the world", Coco quips back playfully, gently parting the bangs that fell out of place and covered that forehead he pressed against hers, in a gesture that is warm both figuratively and literally, that warmth that she appreciated so so much.

"And that most wonderful person will be my future Prince, one whose side I will never leave, because there is nobody as sweet, as passionate, as skilled, as artistic, as lovey, as trustworthy, as dedicated as him for that. So thank you for existing, Yuuto."