"I can't wear that," Murrue huffed, folding her arms defensively across her chest. "It's too….too...," she turned around, not wanting to look at the dress her friend was holding up. Mwu had made plans to take her to the restaurant atop the hotel they were staying at, wanting to show her the best the city had to offer. Upon hearing the news, Erica had insisted on taking her shopping for a dress to wear for the occasion, but she hadn't expected her to pick out something like this.
"Oh you can and you will," Erica's blue eyes sparkled mischievously, amused by the bright crimson that was staining her friend's pale cheeks. "Oh c'mon, it's gorgeous," she gestured at the silken dress she held up, the fabric deep red, complete with a plunging neckline and short hem.
"I never said it wasn't," the brunette sighed. "Can't you find something a little more….conservative?"
"Nope," the red haired woman stuck out her tongue, clearly enjoying herself. "You know you'd look great in it."
"Why did I agree to come here with you?" Murrue sighed heavily. Her friend was right, the dress was beautiful. It just wasn't something she was used to wearing, preferring to stick with things that weren't so….revealing.
"Because you know that I have excellent taste," Erica laughed, only adding to her best friend's annoyance. After more incoherent grumbling from the younger woman, she decided a different tactic was needed. "Don't you want to look nice for your date?"
"Of course I do!" the darker haired woman shouted. "It's just that….I've never really worn something like that."
"C'mon, Murrue," Erica grinned wickedly. "Live a little. Besides, you'll knock his eyes out."
"Fine," she huffed, hating to admit defeat. "I will blame you if things don't go well though," she grabbed the dress out of the older woman's hands, quickly disappearing into the shop's dressing room.
"That means if it goes well, I get the credit," Erica laughed, her teasing met with more incoherent complaints. She had to smile, her friend's relationship with the blonde progressing quite nicely. They had spent the last few weekends together, each time the brunette returning with a happy smile plastered across her face.
"How does it look?" The dressing room door opened slowly, Murrue nervously peeking around the wall before slowly stepping out.
Erica whistled in admiration, a proud smirk tugging at her lips. "You need to listen to me more often," she teased, causing the younger woman's blush to return with a vengeance. "Really though, you look incredible. He won't be able to take his eyes off you."
"You….you think so?" She spun around, looking at herself in the full length mirror. This wasn't what she would have chosen for herself, but she had to admit, the dress did suit her.
"I know so," the older woman grinned, clearly pleased with her work. Her friend had been smiling so much more now, and the thought that maybe she was responsible turned her grin into a rather proud smirk. "Besides, you never know what it might lead to."
"Erica!" Murrue shrieked, hurrying back into the changing room, shutting the door rather loudly behind her. "I'm not you."
"Oh don't tell me you haven't thought about it," she raised an eyebrow, sometimes catching her friend with a faraway look in her eyes while she should be working.
"Mind your own business," the brunette scowled, quickly making her way to the register, well aware that her cheeks must match the dark red dress.
--
Mwu gently knocked on the wooden door, nervously straightening his tie outside her room. He had wanted to show her a special night, offering to take her to the world famous restaurant famous for its spectacular view of the city and gourmet dishes.
"I'll be there in a second," he could hear her soft voice muffled by the walls. Just as she said, the door slowly crept open, slowly revealing the one standing inside the room. "Hi," she nervously peeked up at him, her heartbeat pounding in her ears.
"Hi…," he wanted to say more, but words failed him. His throat suddenly turning extremely dry, he could only stare, his mouth agape. She looked beautiful. Stunning, really. Her dark hair was clipped up, a few wavy tendrils framing her delicate face. Her crimson dress accentuated her sultry figure perfectly, clinging where it needed to, but otherwise floating, showing off her long, slender legs.
"Do you like it?" She glanced up into his azure eyes after doing a little staring of her own. He wore a dark blue shirt that matched his eyes, topped off with a black tie to match his suit. He knew what looked good on him, and he clearly loved showing it off.
"You look amazing," he smiled, still unable to take his gaze off her. Reaching across, his fingertip gently traced her velvety cheek, the simple gesture earning him a low purr of contentment. He bent down, cupping her chin before claiming her lips in a rather heated kiss.
"Thanks," she smiled, her lips still tingling from the intense exchange. "You look pretty amazing yourself," she giggled, playfully tapping the end of her boyfriend's nose.
"Ready?" Mwu held out his hand, she quickly interlacing her fingers with his, the two disappearing into the elevator.
--
"How did you become an architect?" Mwu sipped his glass of wine, still unable to take his eyes off his girlfriend. The setting only added to her beauty, the soft candlelight making her appear ethereal. Their dinner had been perfect, the two of them getting the best table, offering a view of the beach on one side, downtown on the other. They had been able to watch the sun slowly set before night fell, stars and the city lights now illuminating the dark sky in a dazzling display.
"My dad," she smiled, swirling the glass of wine she held in her slender fingers. "He used to take me to work with him sometimes. I was hooked pretty much instantly," she explained, remembering how her father had shown her around his busy office, pictures of buildings they had designed decorating the walls.
"You made a good choice," he smiled gently, the compliment and his intense gaze causing her cheeks to flush slightly. "You've got real talent for it."
"Thanks," she muttered nervously, confused how one simple glance could send her heart racing. "I think Mom wanted me to follow in her footsteps into teaching. Guess I just have too much of Dad in me."
"I think my dad wishes I was more like him," he sighed. He had always been able to see it. The disappointment in those icy blue eyes had always been there. He was never good enough, constantly being told what he could've done better. He knew the only reason he was to get the business when his father left was the embarrassment that would likely ensue if the company was turned over to outside hands. "I was never ruthless or arrogant like him. I think he blames it on Mom."
"Well I like you just the way you are," she smiled, gently squeezing his hand, the simple gesture causing his smile to return.
"That's good to know," he downed the last of his wine before standing up. He had gotten the idea during dinner, watching a few couples dance to the soft music coming from the stage. "Wanna give it a try?" He held out his hand, grinning at her wide eyes.
"But…I….I haven't done this in ages," she muttered nervously. "I'm not sure I even remember how."
"It's alright," he smiled gently before pulling her up, grinning at her squeak of surprise. "Pretend it's just us."
He was right, she had to admit. Resting her head on his shoulder, she relaxed into his embrace, the two swaying to the music in the dimly lit room. "Thanks for tonight," she whispered, his arms tightening around her slender waist.
"I should be the one thanking you," he whispered, emphasizing his words with a kiss so intense it made her knees go weak. Neither caring who was watching, she wound her arms around his neck to deepen the exchange. Maybe Erica was right again, but that didn't seem to matter so much right now. She would let her friend have her victory later. For now, she would just savor the moment of being here, wrapped in his comforting embrace.
