Scene #1309:

Owner	Pose
Iona Hikawa	The Hikawa Karate Dojo had long since closed its doors to the students and Iona has had the time to clean up the dojo and then prepare herself for her date with Hime. Which mostly involved a quick bath and freshening herself up after the training, followed then a good change of clothes, which in this case meant a white shirt covered by a striped purple jacket with a red ribbon on it, a long purple floral skirt and to conclude red shoes with short heels. She is waiting for her at the west side as they had agreed. Glasan is still resting inside her bag as usual, only the head peeking out, but she is faking to be a plushie. Iona is smiling in anticipation of Hime's arrival, even if there are still 10 minutes to 6pm.
Cure Princess	The Princess has been in a low-key panic since leaving the dojo. Thisishappeningthisishappeningthisishappening! She hurried back and spent most of the afternoon going through outfits with Ribbon's help. Finally she settled on one and took a nice shower. The hot water calmed her nerves a bit, but she's still not quite believing she isn't dreaming at the moment. She arrives a minute or two before six, hurring along the sidewalk and raising a hand to wave exhuberantly when she spots the other girl. Her own outfit involves a cute aqua and white top with a rounded collar and a pair of light blue leggings with slightly lighter blue clouds on them. A pair of yellow pumps finished the outfit, along with a cute white, heartshaped purse that Ribbon was peeking out of. Her hair is up and back, pinned in place with a yellow bow that matches her shoes.
Iona Hikawa	It is only when Hime actually appears that it makes the reality of the situation crystal clear for Iona and her heart starts fluttering in response. This is actually happening, isn't it? Deep breaths, Iona, you know how to stay calm in tense situations. Even if this is a special and sweet kind of tense that she definitely isn't used to. Her gaze turns to meet the bluenette's as soon as Iona hears hears her voice, and she starts walking close to the princess that has decided to be on this date with her. "You look great", Iona admires the combination that Hime has chosen, each piece having its value as expected of a fashion expert such as her. "Thank you for accepting to be with me on this date", Iona says, moving to take Hime's hand unless the shorter girl makes a sign not to. "Shall we go in then?" she officially kicks it off, her hand gently having a solid yet gentle hold on Hime's if the latter has accepted it.
Cure Princess	The girl beams at the compliment, and she does a twirl to show the outfit off for her. She then adjusts the bow in her hair. "Thanks. You look super cute, Iona-chan. Really smart choices. Really." Her heart is fluttering, too, and Ribbon is watching the both of them with wide eyes from the purse. The fairy has no idea what to do in this situation, but she thinks this whole thing might be really good for the girl. She steps closer and shakes her head. "Hey, I asked -you- out, remember? So thank you for saying yes." She lets her hand get taken, her heart doing a little hop-skip and a jump in her chest. She swallows. "Y-yeah! Let's walk around the mall for awhile. I haven't had a chance to really explore the place, so this...this should be a lot of fun!"
Iona Hikawa	Yeah, it was in fact Hime who had asked Iona out, but the purple-haired girl still isn't taking for granted that Hime is actually ''here'' despite what she had put her through. It is a definite Precure miracle. A miracle signed by Hime's full name with how much value this is carrying. Nevermind the fact that Hime is doing her best showing off her cuteness to Iona with that twirl, even if she is sure that's just what comes natural to the princess. And is a quite effective move, with Iona's usually sharp and focused gaze relaxing in a heartwarmed expression. Iona walks her in as their joined arms sway slightly while they walk. "Would you like to start with one of those three options?" Iona mentions, marking to Hime's attention a kiosk with sundaes and other dairy products, a puppy store and a small but furnished fashion store.
Cure Princess	She looks to see what she's pointing out. "Oh, wow. Choices." She chews her pouty lip and considers as she thinks about it and glances between the three options. The two girls cut quite the image for people passing by. Iona might only be 5'2", but Hime is barely scratching 4'11". And in their cute outfits and holding hands, they look downright adorable. "Fashion is more my thing. Do you like puppies? If you do, we can hang out in there for a bit, and then get a sundae? Share one, mabye?" Her cheeks color at the thought. "And then we can see what else is in store here?"
Iona Hikawa	Yeah, Iona isn't setting any record for height herself, and she is still a fair bit taller than Hime, and that too subtly influences Iona with Hime's cuteness as she weaves her fingers with Hime almost by instinct. "Sharing one later sounds nice", Iona gets a small blush at the offer, the image of her and Hime gazing at her each other's eyes while eating from the same glass a permanent fixture of her mind. And that is pivotal in making her notice just how pretty are on their own, those azure innocent eyes that are part of Hime's face. But she has asked for fashion now, so Iona walks with her in that direction, already taking a look at the offers, thinking about what Hime would enjoy the most from that selection. "Fashion is just your stile", Iona smiles, the tone making it clear it's supposed to be a compliment. "And there are quite the good number of things that look good on you."
Cure Princess	She walks with and steps into the store with her. "Well, I meant that fashion is more my thing and...I didn't wanna bore you with it...." But she doesn't seem the least bit upset about being in the store. That is until the saleswoman steps closer. "Hello, dears. Is there anything in particular I can help you find?" Faced with a stranger directly talking to her, Hime's face suddenly turns beet red, and she steps behind the other girl. "N-n-..I...I don't...I don't know. Ask...ask my...ask my girlfriend..." Oh right, this is what Hime is NORMALLY like with people. She's just gotten used to the people at school, and with Iona. Also, yes, the girl says girlfriend. They're on a date, right? That's how it works in her mind.
Iona Hikawa	Wanting to reassure her, Iona brings an arm around Hime when the bluenette starts using her as shelter from the shop's assistant. The message very clearly being that she has nothing to worry about. The last thing Iona had expected is for her to be involved in choosing what Hime would have to wear, as well as being called her girlfriend despite only being on her first date. Despite the suddenness of it, and the interesting shade of red that has started colouring the purple-haired girl's face, it is clear, that's not a title she minds as she mostly naturally addresses the saleswoman. "Y-es, please have that pink dress with the blue ribbon and the blue-yellow skirt layers", Iona settles on after looking around. "Most certainly, if you would follow me to the changing rooms", the assistant smiles at Hime as she takes hold of the chosen outfit. Knowing how nervous Hime is being, Iona doesn't move aside her arm, instead accompanying her like that towards the changing rooms.
Cure Princess	Hime mutters something else but it's lost behind Iona. She's practically hiding her face in the girl's purple hair. She holds her hand tightly. She doesn't even take a look at the dress choice, instead following along with them towards the dressing rooms. Once there, though, she finally peeks around to eye the dress and she gasps softly. "Oh! Oh, Iona-chan, it's so cute!" She hugs her arm and beams up at her, her intense shyness briefly forgotten. "See? You've got an eye for this, too! I'll try it on for you!" She lets go of Iona's hand, though reluctantly, and moves to gently take the outfit. She turns and heads into the changing room. She admires the dress in the mirror for a moment or two before spending several more changing. Once she's in the dress she admires it on her. Nodding in satisfaction, she opens the changing room door and steps out. "Thoughts?," she asks, beaming and doing a cute little pose.
Iona Hikawa	"Yes? Good to know I picked well", Iona remarks with a relieved tone when Hime expresses her appreciation of Iona's choice. Granted, Hime could sell any dress any dress she wanted if Iona had decided to pick at randomly instead of going through the process of choosing. But the former would have clearly been a disservice to Hime, something the purple-haired girl wouldn't have done. When the bluenette leaves Iona's side, the sudden absence makes her realise that in spite of the suddenness of it, the side hug with Hime was clearly way nicer than expected. Was it really necessary for her not to be there for Iona to notice? And then Hime comes outside with the dress on. Iona's heart skips a beat at the revelation that just stepped out of the changing room. She looks way too adorable and she would almost decide it has been unsafe not to take any moment to prepare to it. "You are very cute. It shines perfectly on you, Hime-chan", the purple-haired girl says, not to forget that Hime is also extremely good at selling the dress with that cute pose there. "Do you like it?", Iona asks next. "If you want, you can keep wearing it while we go to the cashier and I pay for it."
Cure Princess	She smiles happily at the compliment, and she looks down at herself, running her fingers over the fabric. She pauses then, and glances up. "Pay for it? Wait...wait. Are you...you're buying it for me?" She seems surprised by this, and the girl doesn't know how to react for a moment. Her cheeks redden all the way to her ears, before she glances at herself in the mirror. She considers, before she reaches out to grab Iona's hand, and she pulls her in beside her so she can see herself beside the taller girl in the mirror. "Mn. This one does match your outfit better. Okay. If...if you want to..." She takes a deep breath and looks up at Iona. "...Thank you. But the sundae is on me!" She moves to follow her girlfriend to the counter, hiding behind her again once the actual paying needs to be done.
Iona Hikawa	"I mean, it wasn't intentional for us to much, I just thought it would have complemented you greatly." Iona looks at herself and Hime, reflected in the mirror, and they definitely look great together. "Is it ok if I take a photo of the two us?" the purple-haired girl asks Hime for permission. She is so going to make it her phone's background. Iona smiles when clearly appreciates the thought of keeping that outfit on. "It's settled then", Iona caresses Hime's hand before she gives that side hug again. "It's my gift to you, because you know... You are so precious and so nice that you deserve it. And I did say I would treat you", Iona speaks clearly to the point while she pays at the register. "Ok, thank you, Hime-chan", Iona accepts the trade as they move out of the shop. "Sundae or puppies then?" Iona checks with a relaxed brow. She is feeling very at ease with Hime.
Cure Princess	She nods quickly. "Of course you can! Send it to me when you take it." She has no idea that her and Iona are going to end up with matching phone screens. Once the dress is paid for she leads her out to the main area between the shops, pausing in front of the fountain. She poses beside the girl, smiling happily as she hugs against her side to pose for the camera when she holds it out for the picture. She feels at ease, as well. After the date she'll be squealing and kicking her feet in her dorm room, but for now she's too invested in the moment to be freaking out. This is going way better then she could have imagined, and the date was only starting. "Do you like puppies, too? Then puppies!"
Iona Hikawa	Iona smiles when Hime even picks a great background for the photo before she can even pronounce a single letter. Is she hiding a talent for photography too? Or is her eye trained to pick up on the best aesthethic that comes in handy whether it's about clothes or photos. "The fountain behind us is a great touch. You have really good eyes for that kind of stuff", she squeezes her in just a bit closer, as Iona commemorares her date. "Sent it", she confirms once she is satisfied of the result, only making good on the promise to herself and setting it on her phone before leaving it in the bag. After all, she has the real deal next to her. "Puppies are very cute, almost as cute as you", Iona compliments her again. "But they are also so joyful and eager to play with you", she explains herserl further. There is also the fact she is aware this shops let's you play with them because it's good publicity, especially when the ones doing the playing are cute girls like Hime. Iona has checked on that one before coming. "Excuse me, we would be here to play with the puppies", Iona asks. It's good manners. The person in charge of the shop, a large man with a very curated beard nods to them. "Of course, the playpen is in front of you, to the right. Just close the gate behind yourselves", he reminds. When Hime and Iona will get inside, they will be "assaulted" by a group of eager labradors and beagles.
Cure Princess	She blushes at the compliment and squeezes the girl's hand. "I...thanks. We had portraits pained of us a lot back...home. I learned from seeing the kinds of settings they used for them. Just like I know what I do about fashion from the ladies who would pick my clothes and dress me..." Hime trails off and follows her to the shop, burying her face briefly in Iona's shoulder at the mention of puppies being almost as cute as she is. As soon as they are in the pen and they are 'assaulted' she giggles and releases her girlfriend's hand. She drops down to her knees and begins petting and hugging the various dogs.
Iona Hikawa	Iona gently takes hold of Hime's shoulder when she brings the Blue Sky Kingdom, kiss her forehead (which she is able to do without either rising or going lower, an advantage of their respective heights). "It's ok, Hime-chan", Iona whispers when she senses the other girl's hesitation. "We will save them. The Phantom Empire won't be able to as it pleases forever", the purple-haired girl assures her. When the puppies rush in, Iona doesn't start petting them immediately. Instead she takes a pic of Hime's smiling face and one with a weaker zoom to include the puppies. She is so pretty.
Cure Princess	The kiss to her forehead makes her eyes widen into saucers, and she freezes up for a moment. She relaxes, then, though, when she hears the girls words, and she smiles softly up at her. "We will, huh?," she says softly, agreeing. Her smile widens before she turns to the puppies. She doesn't realize Iona is taking pictures of her, as she is so focused on the puppies. After a moment or two of petting and hugging, she hefts one up in her slender arms and turns, pushing it into Iona's arms. "Look, puppy! She's cute and snuggly, too!"
Iona Hikawa	Iona is going to show Hime the pictures later, if only to share how pretty she is. For now, she is not going to get in the way of her playing with the puppies, placing the phone back in her bag. Which means that her hands are free when Hime hands her one of them. "Hey, puppy", Iona smiles, pet her, "you are a cutie, you know that? I think you will find a loving family very soon." In response to her affectionate tone, the puppy barks a bit before suddenly licking both Iona's and Hime's faces.
Cure Princess	She squeals and laughs as her face is licked. "Aaaagh! Only one person is gonna get to kiss me, and it's not you," she tells the puppy playfully, entirely unaware of what she just said out loud. She hugs the puppy again and wipes her face with her hands, giggling. She watches Iona with the puppy, fishing her own phone out to steal a photo or two. "So, what kind of ice cream do you like for your sundae?," she asks, as she does so.
Iona Hikawa	"Iona smiles when she watches Hime happily react at that lick, before she awkwardly laughs at Hime's exclamation, catching on the implication. 'Hime did call me her girlfriend', she thinks, wondering if the bluenette's comment means she should be more proactive. Is she ready for such a thing? "Hime-chan, do you mean you would like...?" She doesn't end the sentence, that she doesn't even know why she asked in the first place. It was a reflex, really. Really. She is saved by Hime starting to take photos of her. Well, saved until Hime decides that's something she should answer. She only realises in time for the second photo, however, and for that, she poses for the camera. When Hime starts asking about the sundae, Iona takes that as her cue to place the puppy down. She figures it's time to go. While giving one last pet, she says "I'm a fan of plums and cranberries. What about you, Hime-chan?"
Cure Princess	She blushes mid photo taking as she realizes that was something she said out loud. "Oh. Uh. I...I mean..." She becomes flustered and slides her phone away, brushing her fingers down to smooth down her pretty new skirt. "I...well...eventually. When...when you're ready? I've never done that before but...I mean. I've thought about it." With Iona. She's thought about it with Iona. It's clear from the shy look in her eyes. "But no pressure, okay? No pressure for us. We're just gonna have fun together and enjoy eachother's company. When that stuff comes it comes." She reaches out to seize the other girl's hand again, and she leads her out of the enclosure. "Bye, puppies! Be good!" She considers her own answer about the sundae. "Vanila ice cream is my favorite. It lets you taste all the good stuff...like plums and cranberries!" She beams at that.
Iona Hikawa	That is something that Iona will have to end up considering if they end up full time girlfriends. After all that is what being in a relationship entails. And inevitably her thoughts drift in that direction, leaving Iona to imagine herself being the one approaching Hime's face, with her noticing more and more of the bluenette's beauty as her lips approach Hime's... That thought is enough to send Iona's stomach intensely fluttering with butterflies and it does cause a reaction on her face when her blood rushes towards it in response, coloring her cheeks red. She would enjoy that, wouldn't she? "I don't think it would be a bad idea, Hime-chan, so let's hang onto it for later", Iona agrees with her. She has her own things to understand. Is it Hime herself that caused that reaction, or just the thought of a romantic kiss? What are her true feelings? "That's great. We meant to eat a sundae together, so it turns out nicely. And I would love a vanilla sundae too", Iona smiles at her, leaving the shorter girl to lead her with that warm and soft hand of hers that feels just right on her own.
Cure Princess	She beams at her and nods. "Till later." Unlike Iona, she's thought about it plenty of times, already. She just never thought she'd actually be dating her. It really didn't seem real, but she was going to enjoy it to the fullest before she wakes up from the dream. What else can she do? She'll have a panic attack over how brave she was during the date later. And oh, will she ever. But, for now she leads the way to the ice cream stand. She swallows at the sight of the server and takes a deep breath. "O-one sundae, p-p-please. Vanilla. W-w-with plums and...and...cranberries and...um. The...the usual...sundae...sundae...stuff." Her voice gets smaller the longer she talks to the stranger, but it is clear that she is really trying!
Iona Hikawa	Iona tightly squeezes Hime's hand when she demonstrates courage by trying to order for both of them. It's great that she is trying to get there at her own pace, and the tacit approval of the taller girl will hopefully serve as encouragement. Then there is the moment they have been moving forward ever since earlier, when they are sharing the sundae with each other. Of course, the server assumes that the sundae is for Hime, so only one spoon is provided, leaving Iona with the onus of correcting the wrong impression. "Actually, we would need a second spoon, both of us are eating the sundae." She really did just announce they are on a date out loud, didn't she? Well, there is a chance people will think they could just be stingy, but Iona is very well aware of what the predominating impression will be. She is quite fine with it however as she goes to take a seat, setting the sundae perfectly between the two of them. This is the time to try one of the most classic romantic moves, isn't it? That's typically what ends up happening on dates, Iona thinks, as she lifts a bit of the sundae with her spoon and offers it with anticipation to Hime.
Cure Princess	She beams as Iona corrects the girl. She walks with her to the table and sits down across from her, the sundae between them. She picks up her own spoon, and pauses when Iona offers her a taste of what's on hers. She blushes and leans forward, eating it. She lets out a happy little 'Mmmm!' "It's so good! Here!" She gets a spoonful and offers it up to the girl, her cheeks still pink and her heart racing. "I told you, kind of, that I've had a crush on you for a bit. Even when we...weren't friends. But back then it was just really confusing in my head and made me feel uncomfortable," she admits. "It made my breakdowns even more embarassing. But...when things got fixed and we became friends it just...it just...didn't feel uncomfortable, anymore," she admits, her voice soft as more spoonfuls are gently exchanged. "But I never could have hoped this would be happening."
Iona Hikawa	Iona has a slight frown when Hime brings up the behaviour she used to have not too long ago. Back then she was too stuck in her own pain to see how she was unfairly hurting Hime. And the fact the shorter girl is saying she had a crush for her ever since back then... Iona just didn't know how she could very well have ruined this happy moment they are sharing now. "You are very strong, Hime-chan", Iona says. She knows she has already apologised to Hime, but that doesn't mean regret disappears just like that. And in the first place, this day is Hime's own merit. And her heart skips a bit when she sees that happy face accepting her spoonful of sundae. "I am glad you aren't hurting anymore, and that you actually chose to give me this chance. Today was beautiful, and if it happened, it's all thanks to you. And I want to continue seeing you. Because, as of now, I actually think that I want this relationship to persist." Iona then smiles when Hime reciprocates her own gesture and offers a bit of the sundae too, moving forward to take the spoon in her mouth. "Delicious, I can see why you love the vanilla", that gesture having charged her eyes with sparkles of happiness, the frown completely inexistent.
Cure Princess	She catches that frown on Iona's face, and she bites her own lip softly. She immediatly regrets bringing it up, and she is about to apologise when Iona speaks. Her look of worry softens, and she smiles a bit. She nods. "There are times when I do, of course. But it's never because of you or anyone else, really. It's just...home, you know? But everyone...except my roommate...have been really welcoming and kind." Her smile widens when she's told that Iona would like to keep dating her, and she nods quickly. "Yay! Good. Me too. The first of lots of dates, then. You don't mind if I gush about having a girlfriend to people, do you? You know I'm bad at keeping my mouth shut." More spoonfuls are exchanged, and the girl appears in no rush. "I didn't think you'd say yes, honestly. Not because I think you're mean or anything, but I wasn't even sure if you liked girls at all, or could...you know...see me like that. But I knew I couldn't forgive myself if I didn't at least tell you how I felt."
Iona Hikawa	Iona is glad that Hime has found many friends, and she knows that they are just the friends someone as kind as Hime deserves. She severely needs a break from the vexations of the Phantom Empire. "The first of lots of dates, yes", Iona gladly confirms, and then there is the request to let Hime tell everyone she has a girlfriend. Wouldn't that make it official? What if she doesn't actually see Hime that way? Can she really take such a gamble? Iona doesn't want to hurt her again, so she doesn't answer at first her own heart held tightly in the grip of worry. But, she has been so happy today, and that smile has only ever triggered in Iona sentiments of joy and fulfillment. ... Hime deserves this, and if Iona is that one, she is extremely willing to protect the bluenette's happiness. The happiness of her ''girlfriend''. "I didn't know my own feelings in that regards, but when you asked me out, there was something that prompted me to say yes. Is that attraction? I think so, and that's why I have been here, today", Iona explains, holding Hime's hand in hers. "I guess I just discovered that about myself, so yes, you can call me your girlfriend in front of everyone you want." Another spoonful of sundae is then offered to Hime.
Cure Princess	She cannot read minds, so she doesn't know the uncertainty and nervousness that Iona is going through. It's something she went through for awhile before actually asking her out, but she doesn't know that. By this point Hime is secure in her feelings. She squeezes the other girl's hand back, and she nods. "Well, I'm glad you did. I'm having a great time. And seeing you smile is just...it's really the best thing in the world," she admits. "You're so tense and stressed-out so often, pushing so hard to...do all the things you do. So, I really like to see you being able to enjoy yourself." She beams at the other girl, her slightly chubby-cheeked face seemingly made for smiles like that. She leans in to claim the offered spoonful before offering another one back. "So, I chose stores so far. It's your turn next. Where do you want to go in the mall?," she asks.
Iona Hikawa	There is a whole side to Hime that Iona has been learning about recently, and Iona is certainly certainly seeing it working today. Because well, it took very little for the bluenette to zero in on some of the things about her despite the relatively little time they spent together in their everyday lives. "I guess I do have the habit to invest a lot of times into perfecting things and pragmatism, and that is quite likely to cloud my sight at times." Which specifically happened with Hime. Iona gives Hime the last spoonful of sundae, then gives the bluenette a smile. "But of course, I have my hobbies too, and you may be able to guess some of them. And with that regards there is a shop not too far from here, that I think you will like." And with their sundae over, Iona cleans up their table and pays the establishment. It's time for the next step of their date. With Hime's hand still held into hers, Iona starts walking with hee towards a nearby shop: "The Stars and You", whose window alone explains its purpose where the name doesn't suffice. One half is full of toys, glow-in-the-dark star stickers of all shapes and forms, star projector, kaleidoscopes, plush toys based on astronomy and various quizzes and board games on the same subject. The right half of the window is instead full of more high-brow instruments: telescopes, mounts, sky watchers, heater rings, cleaning kits and more.
Cure Princess	She leans forward to catch the last spoonful and smiles, catching a hint of missed ice cream on her lip with her thumb. She giggles and climbs to her feet. She watches as her girlfriend pays for the sundae. The server can't help but smile a bit as she sees the way Hime watches Iona from behind. With Iona faced away, that nervousness shows through, but the hope in her eyes that this will work is clear. In addition, she is clearly admiring the taller girl, and the woman finds it precious. Young love? She doesn't know, but it makes her happy. When the purple-haired girl returns to her she reclaims that hand. She stood back a bit while she paid, because she was tumbling through her thoughts. She was all smiles and precious looks, but she was nervous. This was her first date, afterall, and a good part of her really admired Iona. And beyond the simple admiration there is that fondness that can easily grow to love in a young heart. It scares her, and it excites her. Plus, it gives her a moment to admire her, like the server noticed her doing. Iona -is- stunning, afterall. When she returns she returns her hand to the other girl's and starts walking with her. "I'm excited to see what it is! I know about some of your hobbies, sure. But...it's different seeing you in your element that isn't martial arts and stuff..." She trails off as she is led into the shop, and her eyes widen. "Whoa." She looks in awe as she looks around with the other girl. She lets Iona lead, since this is HER shop, and she seems happy to do so. "Everything is so cool. I love the sky and stars. I mean...um...for obvious reasons. Different then yours, but...I grew up so close to the stars..."
Iona Hikawa	Iona doesn't really catch what the server is smiling for, or who at: she just assumes that she has gotten happy news while they were busy eating their sundae at that table. She is completely unaware of how adorable Hime looks behind her, though, she has heard that limpid giggle that almost turns her heart to mush. Which is actually plenty positive, because now that they have broken out of that rhythm they had fallen into with the sundae, the impact of what they have been doing hits her, exploring this new territory with Hime and finding out exactly where her feelings lead. And there is also the apprehension to make sure the experience is exactly as good as it should be, though for her to get reassured on that front she only needs to glance at the bluenette at Iona's side with that precious smile. Now that they have reached the stop, Iona is about to show Hime what her hobby is about, but first, she picks one of those kaleidoscopes laying in a specific section of the shop and gives it to Hime. "Hime-chan, why don't you look through this? They have really beautiful patterns in there." And then the bluenette starts talking about the Blue Sky Kingdom, and Iona picks up on the vibe, asking her "What does the Blue Sky Kingdom looks like?" Maybe she can find a location at which a location would show a sky similar to the one she longs for.
Cure Princess	She takes the kaleidoscope and beams at the taller girl. She holds it up to her eye and looks through it. She shifts through the various visions and ooohs and aaahs softly. "It's so pretty!" She hands it back as she considers the question. She chews her lip a bit as she thinks about how to word it, exactly. "Green, rolling hills dotted with thick forests. They surround a walled city with high, white towers and gorgeous architecture. It's so pearlescent that if you're far away, the sunlight hits it, and you can see it for miles and miles, even in the middle of the day." She smiles softly. "At night the skys unfold like a curtain. Stars and blackness as far as you can see in every direction. So, so many stars. You can't see the stars in Tokyo. Not really. But there? It's...it's impossible to describe..." Sadness creeps into her voice, but then she looks up into Iona's eyes, and the sadness fades. She smiles and leans in, laying her head against Iona's shoulder. "Sorry. Close, I know. But...I was sad. You make me...not...not sad. I'll step back if you prefer it. I...I don't want you to be uncomfortable, Iona-chan."
Iona Hikawa	Iona is positively delighted when Hime enjoys the kaleidoscope. She pointed her towards it in the hope the charming images would ammaliate her in the hopes they would, after all. And so, she adds it to the list of things to buy for her. This is a very special occasion, and she had a bunch of coupons to burn anyway. If Hime keeps using it, Iona will tell nothing to the bluenette, but in case she makes a sign of putting it away, Iona will intervene. Looking at her with an affectionate smile, she will tell her "Please, hold onto it, Hime-chan, no need to part from it yet." Of course, she is not telling her what she plans to do with it yet. Iona leans down when Hime starts to demonstrate her sadness and homesickness, kissing her forehead once more, then bringing her delicately in a hug, intending to warmly instill happiness with her affection. "You could never make me uncomfortable, Hime-chan. Today was happy for me, so I want to make you just as happy. I know it may not be the real thing, but I am in the Astronomy club", she whispers to Hime's ear. "I know where to find a place to see the stars, just you, me and the night sky."
Cure Princess	She blushes at the forehead kiss, and she wraps her arms around the other girl in the hug. She leans into her, relishing her closeness and softness. She feels safe, and she feels good. "I'll hold onto it, then," she says softly, hiding her beet red cheeks against the other girl's shoulder. She smiles softly. "It's a good day, isn't it?" After a few moments she reluctantly lets go, and Iona can see that blush on her cheeks. She clears her throat and grins up at her. "That sounds like an awesome excuse for a date. I bet Begumi-chan's brain is going to melt when I tell her about us." She giggles and glances about the shop.
Iona Hikawa	"Yes, this is a vey good day", Iona smiles, her eyes glinting towards her girlfriend, because her expectations have been certainly blown out of the water. And there is something that is certainly resonating with the depths of Iona's being this soft cocoon the two of them are forming. It's comfortable, sweet and gives her a feeling of being really connected to Hime. "You are right, Hime-chan, that sounds like an awesome date", Iona smiles warmly. And she certainly knows her way around a telescope, so she won't disappoint Hime. She already knows what to prepare to make sure she gets the best vision of the night sky ever. The imagine of Hime's smile in Iona's mind is all the more powerful for this conviction, and together with the knowledge that she is responsible for that sweet blush on Hime's cheeks, her feelings all swirl together in a omogeneous mass. She is totally smitten, isn't she, Iona recognises as her own cheeks burn up. "Who is Megumi-chan?", the purple-haired girl asks, 1 second away from wanting to show Hime what the bluenette is making her feel if not for Iona latching onto that unknown name. "A friend of yours?"
Cure Princess	She lightly leans on Iona's side as they slowly stroll around the shop and talk. She takes in the sight of the various posters, gadgets and thingamabobs. Now and again she lightly squeezes Iona's hand, as if to assure herself that yes, she is really there. She smiles at the question. "Oh, she was my first friend after I came here, when I was living with Blue-sama still. A nice girl. I was a total mess back then, though. Just...really selfish and self-absorbed. I was a bad friend, but she didn't give up on me. I haven't had a chance to see her much since I started to go here. Only once or twice. I think you'd like her. Just not as much as you like -me-." THat is said in a playful tone, as she gives the taller girl's hand another squeeze.
Iona Hikawa	Since they are on the subject of looking at the night sky, Iona gathers the following nearby items: a telescope, some solar filters, a raised bench and some converters. "These are some of the important tools I use when observing the sky. The solar filters can be applied both on a camera and a telescope" - Iona demonstrates it, by using the telescope she is carrying. "That will allow us to safely observe the Sun, either normally or during a solar eclipse. The converters are instead used with professional cameras, allowing them to reach the approximate definition of a telescope. This is the typical method for getting those beautiful shots of the night sky." In a spur of bravery, Iona adds "You need none of these tools to capture the most beautiful sight that is right now in front of me", Iona confesses. All signs on Iona's face point to complete and utter sincerity. "People change, Hime-chan", Iona moves to comfort her. "You changed, and I changed, we are both better people than we used to be. I would love to meet this Megumi, if she was able to bring out this side of yourself from deep within you." Because it was always there, Iona holds as her convinction. But Iona also has a confession to make. "Hime-chan, I may use a Pretty Change Mirror like you, Mio-san and Aki-san, but Blue doesn't know I exist, and I didn't use a Love Crystal to first become Cure Fortune. Do you still accept me as your teammate?"
Cure Princess	She follows along with the girl and watches her gather the various items, looking curious but clueless. "Oh, very cool," she says, smiling as it is demonstrated. "That's all really interesting. I don't know anything about this kind of stuff. It's nice to hear you talk about it, though. You really love it, and I think it's cute." The confession of her beauty makes her blush, and she laughs and hides her face for a moment. "Ack! Okay! Haha, I get it! Thank you..." She calms down and takes a deep breath, the girl beaming. "Really. Thank you. I wish I had that kind of poetry to spout at you. I'd never shut up." She pauses. "...Well, I'd shut up less then I do now." The comfort works, and she leans into the side of the other girl, hugging her from there. "...Thanks. We both have, that's true." She blinks, then, at the second confession. She looks confused. "Of course you're my teammate, Iona-chan. You're one of us. Who cares how you became one? And you're mine, too. So...if anyone gives you guff about it, you let me know!"
Iona Hikawa	"Thank you", Iona bashfully smiles when she gets complimented on the her love for astronomy. "Thank you, it does mean a lot to me, coming from you." And those feelings, she really is going to mark them as a crush at the very least, right? There is no denying that. "You are so incredible, Hime-chan", Iona tells her. "I will be sure to tell you that", she adds with a smile, noting how the circumstances have turned now. But that's what a relationship is like, isn't it? They are there to confide in each other. "I know for sure I am crushing on you at the very least", Iona declares.
Cure Princess	She smiles and looks rather giddy at all the compliments. She's a princess, afterall, she loves being praised. "You're really, really great, too. And...thanks. For this." She gestures around her vaguely, as if she means the date in general. She tucks blue hair behind her ear and looks up at the other girl. A crush. Is that was Hime has? She doesn't know. She just knows she thinks about Iona often, and anytime she does she feels happy. She knows that being around her makes her heart do little jumps. She knows that this date has meant a lot to her, and it's all the little things. "Good. My plan is working, then," she says playfully. She leans in and rests her forehead briefly against Iona's shoulder, as if afraid to look at her. "...Me too. On you, I mean. Obviously."
Iona Hikawa	Iona's heart skips a beat when Hime confirms the reciprocal crush she too is feeling, even if it really shouldn't come as such a surprise, and yet to her heart, it does. There are really no words with a sound sweeter than that to Iona, and she is certainly happy to hear those words, feelings of affection and desire to protect that precious girl in front of her mixing equally in her chest. "I am glad", she sighs content, releasing all the tension she didn't know she had been holding in. "Guess that actually makes me your girlfriend completedly, and I will have to introduce you to Grandpa eventually. I think he will like you. He is the man that let me hear you out earlier."
Cure Princess	She smiles at that and nods. She gives that hand a squeeze, and briefly fights bringing it up to give it a kiss. But that's too early, she thinks, for her purple-haired protector. The last thing she wants to do is spook her. "I'd love to meet him!" Hime takes another slow look around the shop before she turns back to Iona. "Okay, so what's next?"