Valerie woke the next morning. The first thing she felt was a chill climbing on her back. She rose from the blankets and glanced behind her, only to see an empty space on her mattress. She frowned as her hand lingered over the sheets, rubbing through the folds thoughtfully. She didn't expect Kane to stay the morning, but she was hoping to wake beside him. She felt cold after they slept in close contact all night...
She sighed and brought herself out of bed. She was delighted with what happened last night. Not only had the Supreme Commander returned her feelings, but everything that happened after was...icing on the cake. She couldn't believe he felt the same way. It was almost like a dream, the more she thought of it. But what she experienced that evening - within the sheets of her bed in the ungodly hours of the night - was most definitely real.
She found her dress neatly folded on a chair. There wasn't much she had to pick up and found virtually no evidence left of last night. She went into the kitchen to brew a cup of coffee. She was a little tired. And a bit sore, in a few particular areas...
As she waited, something caught her eye. She was surprised to find a note sitting on her dining table. It read: 'Good luck today'
Wearing a nice dress with her father's pearl necklace, she was impatient to get to the building. She wanted her lesson over with already so she could see Kane again...Everything before then felt like it was killing time. She met with her instructor at the door as usual. Aristide complimented her, but she brushed off his words. He noticed her impatience as she excused herself to get ready. His thoughts were suddenly swarmed with troublesome feelings.
"I'm ready."
She was in her bathing suit - still so stunning in his eyes - waiting patiently to begin. He looked at her thin frame more than he usually would and struggled to keep his focus. They began their time for the day. Her fear was nonexistent at this point - she swam freely with little trouble. Even if he was paid for another month's work of progress, he believed Valerie was at a great pace already.
Her practice for the day was over. He excused her to get changed and anxiously waited outside. She performed well today. Everything she did was with confidence, which he found attractive. He was proud of her as a teacher, but as a man, he admired her efforts a little more than professional. That brought up what he'd been dwelling on this morning. He took a seat to ponder on it further.
Aristide was unsure of asking his client out. His talk with the Supreme Commander should've assured him nothing would happen, and yet, he was unconvinced...He didn't know if there was a thing between them, but trying on his end would be an admirable effort regardless. It was better to make his move than to bite his tongue in wonder. If the worst happened, he could get her off of his mind and keep their relationship professional as it should be...
She soon emerged from the room. She was eager to leave, about to head straight for the door. He stopped her in time by jumping out from his seat. He smiled apologetically and brought his hands together. She seemed to be restless, judging by her inability to stand still at that moment. Almost as if she's got a date!
"You did wonderfully. I think you're becoming a good swimmer by this point! And to think, it was just my job to teach you..."
"Yes, I felt...inspired, today." She responded with a smile.
Her words encouraged him to carry on with confidence. "This month has been a delight with you. Our lessons are wonderful - they're different from the others I offer." The other women he worked with came to mind, but he focused on the one in front of him. "-I think you are a lovely woman. You are strong, confident, and kind. I was wondering if you'd like to go out sometime? To get to know each other better, perhaps?"
She realized what he was implying by the way he looked at her. The answer settled on her tongue - a firm 'no'. She might consider Aristide a friend past their teacher-mentor relationship, but she didn't want more than that. He was kind and somewhat attractive - no doubting that - but after what happened last night, she couldn't bring herself to make arrangements with other men. Not ones like these...
She ensured her refusal was polite. "Aristide, you are a wonderful man, but I want our relationship professional. You are an amazing teacher, and I appreciate everything you do for me. I just do not want anything more than what we currently have."
His posture deflated, the smile on his face falling. "I see."
"Don't take it personally! If you want to know me more as a friend, I would be more than happy-"
"-Don't worry about it. I had a feeling you would say so." At her confused look, he elaborated. "I assumed you and the Supreme Commander were already an item. He comes by so often to get you, and you two seem close. How happy you look while talking to him; I've seen his smile as well. The signs were obvious, looking back at it..."
She held a hand over her mouth to hide her smile. Others thought her and Kane were already a couple? They were together quite often in public. She found it flattering hearing it come from someone else. Seeing the disappointment on Aristide's face made her feel guilty, but then she remembered who exactly was waiting for her beyond this door. She'd have to wrap this up quickly.
"Thank you for the lesson today. I hope this does not change anything?"
"No, no of course not. I apologize for keeping you - you seem to be in a rush. I won't stay in your way."
With that, he stepped aside. She gave him a thankful look before leaving through the door. She didn't even look back as it closed behind her. When she found the familiar colors of black and gold waiting at the end of the path, she skipped over. Kane had been speaking with someone on his device. He promptly ended his conversation once he saw her. That was when they made eye contact for the first time after last night. There was something different about the way her heart thumped when she saw his blue eyes.
"Did your lesson go well?" He asked. She nodded enthusiastically.
"Everything went fine."
"Bene." He pulled at his gloves, admiring her dress. "Are you hungry? I'd like to take you out for lunch."
This time, she was quick to accept such an invitation. "That sounds perfect."
She was surprised to find them casually strolling into one of the higher-end restaurants in Florenza. Thankfully, she happened to be dressed for such an occasion. There were rich couples and families sitting at the tables, chattering away while clinking their glasses. Kane opened the door for her and she was surrounded by marble and beautiful glass windows. She only had a moment to observe it all before they were tended to by a server.
Either he made a reservation in advance or he didn't need one, because they were led to a table right away. Theirs happened to be outside. They had a beautiful view of the canals nearby. Valerie didn't have to say a thing as she sat down in the seat held for her. She faced Kane across a well-set table, with the view of boats and gondolas to their right, and groups of wealthy people to their left. After their glasses of water were poured, they were left alone.
"Saying this is beautiful would be an understatement," She told him.
He didn't respond right away. He shrugged off his coat and set it on the back of his chair. She saw what he usually wore under that uniform - which happened to be a red ensemble matching the color of his ascot. It had a golden trim with buttons, beautifully detailed like his uniform. She hadn't thought red would compliment him that well, but...he still looked attractive!
"I enjoy the food they have here. We're not here for anything grand."
She cocked an eyebrow. "Why are we here..?"
"I thought something special wouldn't hurt."
She toyed with him and placed a hand on her chest. "My, a first date, so soon?"
There was a hint of amusement in his eyes. She tore her gaze away to look at her menu. All of the classic Valencian dishes caught her eye. She decided to go with something light in the end, seeing as this was a lunch date. Kane had the same thing in mind when he ordered. When they waited for their food, there was a moment of quietness. She squirmed a little, deciding to address the thing that had been on her mind all morning.
"Kane, about last night - It was more than wonderful, and I wanted to thank you for giving me a pleasant evening."
She felt pathetic for putting it so timidly. He smiled, much to her surprise. "I had a good time as well. I apologize for leaving so soon - there was a lot I had to get done."
"I found the note you left."
"I didn't want it to seem like I left in a rush."
They passed more time by gazing at the water and talking about how beautiful of a day it was. Their conversation felt natural, and for her, it was hard to believe she was on her first date with a man in years. Prior to this moment, she thought such a thing would be nerve-wracking and be quite a big deal. But as she shared insightful conversations with Kane, easily talking about their days and what they'd been up to, she felt anything but nervous.
Their food eventually arrived, disrupting their talk. Neither of them minded as the server set down their plates and politely excused himself. This was the quieter part of their time together. She took a bite of her food and 'mm'ed at the flavor. She worked more on her serving before looking at Kane. He barely touched his plate in this time. Instead, he was intently staring at the tablecloth with his hands folded. Clearly, there was something on his mind.
"There was a reason I wanted to take you here." He confessed suddenly, shifting his frame. His gaze traveled the table before eventually coming to her face. She gave him her full attention. "I never formally asked if you'd like to go out with me..?
Her heart burst in excitement. She sat up straight to address the question. She knew her answer. She would have accepted such an invitation a long time ago. He appeared somewhat nervous in this moment, his eyes having a hard time staying on her for long. She pretended to think about it, evoking a confused reaction on his end.
"I will, but on one condition." She leaned forward with a grin spread on her lips. "-You must show me your face."
He looked surprised. "My face?"
"The moment I see it, I will be your girlfriend."
He found the playful smile on her lips. He couldn't help but chuckle. The proposition wouldn't hurt - it wasn't that big of a deal to him to keep his face concealed for very long. It was a small thing to ask in return for a relationship. If this was the price, he'd gladly pay it.
"I'll take my mask off, but only in private."
She brought her glass to her lips and giggled. She wasn't expecting a 'yes', but she was more than thrilled that her little plan worked. "Of course..."
He was comfortable enough to eat. They got through the rest of their meal at a good rate, exchanging words and smiles. Just knowing that this was a date with him, and he had asked of her...she felt giddy inside, and had a terrible time attempting not to show it. By the time they were finished and back on the streets, she was incredibly eager to be alone with him again.
When they were back in her apartment, Valerie was nervous. Her mind wandered during their walk, contemplating on her and the Supreme Commander's relationship. What else could she think about? They chatted a little in that time, but he seemed to be absorbed in his thoughts as well. Once they were alone, whatever was on their mind was promptly brushed away as the two of them got comfortable.
She turned to him and smiled confidently, waiting for what was promised to her. "Anytime you're ready to show me your face, go right on ahead."
He smirked at her request. "Dying to know what I look like?"
"No stalling."
He bowed his head and brought his fingers to the edge of his mask. He began to raise it from his face, the string holding it slowly unwrapping with the movement. She felt dazed as he did this - his features revealed at such a teasing pace. It was almost like he did this intentionally. Her jaw fell agape as his mask was entirely removed and held in his hands.
Before her, she found, was the face of a handsome man. One that would have belonged to a model, she thought. She could see the things she noticed much better now - his sunken cheekbones, his sharp jawline, and his curved chin. What stood out the most were his piercing blue eyes that watched her carefully as she stepped forward. He had a widow's peak at his hairline and smiled at how adorable that was. She imagined he would have a few scars on his face - what with fighting in those wars - but everything about him seemed clean. She couldn't find an imperfection anywhere.
In awe, she placed her hand on his cheek. Her touch was warm on his skin. Her fingers trailed over his lips. He smiled uncertainly once she withdrew.
"Nothing special, is it?" He asked. She shook her head.
"No, it's everything. You are so...so attractive..."
Her hands grew shaky. Their close contact was making her breath run short and her heart beat rapidly. She looked down and reached for the mask in his hands. He allowed her to take it. She observed it and brought her thumbs along the beads. She got curious enough to flip it over. Her eyes traveled the inside until she noticed some handwriting at the bottom. She leaned forward to get a better look, and read the word aloud:
"Gaz...pacho?"
Kane noticed where she was looking and promptly took it back. She frowned feeling it out of her hands. "-Who's Gazpacho?"
"-Gazpaccio." He corrected. "He...is my father."
"Oh, right. You mentioned he made that mask."
He nodded before looking at it and setting it aside. She smiled seeing he didn't put it back on. She enjoyed her second gaze at his face. Of course he'd be hiding such beautiful looks under that mask...she hadn't expected anything else. She brought her hands along his jaw. It was nice to gaze in his eyes properly. Not that she didn't find some appeal in his mask - it was the most beautiful one she'd ever seen - but it was pleasing to see this man as he truly was.
She leaned forward and he took the message. They closed their eyes as they kissed. It was new for her to lay her palm on the side of his face without feeling something in the way. She whined when he pulled away. He was leading them to the couch so they could get comfortable. She sat close to him on the cushions - a habit that would form quickly, she was sure.
"I remember when my mother got to touch your face before I could." She reminisced as she caressed his cheek, laughing. "Then she tried getting under your mask."
"I recall she said my skin felt like satin."
"Oh, but it is. It's so soft-" She rubbed her fingers along his cheek. "-She was right about everything. You are striking, in every way possible..."
"You give me a lot of flattery." He commented, guiding her hand away. He held her face in his own hands. "You are just as attractive to me...your face is beautiful - how round your jaw and cheeks are...your skin as warm as your smile; Not to mention those eyes of yours. I could dream about them all day."
Normally, she'd feel overwhelmed at such words - but right now, they felt genuine. She closed her eyes as his thumb went along her chin. He laid another kiss delicately on her lips. She enjoyed every second of the contact and looked at him dreamily as he pulled away. The moment her eyes left him, those thoughts came back. What she had been thinking about on their walk...
"Kane?" She said his name so quietly he leaned in to hear her better. "I was thinking of this, on our way here-" She motioned between them. "And I have so many questions. I like to think this changes little, but it's the opposite..."
"Is there something troubling you?"
"Would us dating change me joining your navy? I wouldn't want to leave you to serve. I know it's important, as it is my duty to protect Valencia, but...after everything we built-"
"-Yes, that is something I considered." He interrupted, holding his hands together in thought. "I hope you understand why I wouldn't want you risking your life overseas...especially when I know I can control that?"
"Am I going to be discharged?"
"Keeping you as my subordinate is only going to give us problems. I'd have to remove you from my system if we are hoping to make this serious."
She felt conflicted at this information. Her face underwent many expressions handling this news. "But what about being your 'promised soldier'..? All the potential I had? I feel as if it would be throwing it all away..."
He noticed her distress and cupped her chin, making her stare into his eyes. "Not at all. I initially thought you a soldier, but I want you for other things. I want you by my side, rather than below myself."
She looked at him in wonder. He continued:
"You still have potential. I'd be more than happy to teach you myself. I can offer any lesson you want - marksmanship, fencing, combat, sailing - I'm professionally trained in it all."
"-Lessons from you? That sounds like an honor..."
"And a better alternative than sending you away."
She frowned, her hand coming to the pearl necklace she was wearing. Her fingers felt their smooth surfaces in thought. "I dreamed of avenging my father through your navy. Abandoning that feels wrong..."
"I don't mean to make this seem like you're choosing between me or your dream. The fact of the matter is - I can still offer you what you want to do. We can fight pirates together after I teach you everything I know."
"You mean that..?"
"I told you how I worry they will eventually come to Valencia. We can work to eradicate them." He lowered his head. "It is your choice. You can either fight alongside me, or serve in my navy. I leave it entirely up to you."
She sat there to seriously think about it. She got a flashback back to what happened on that boat. She nearly drowned herself before ever arriving at Florenza. Kane saved her then - but the memory left her humiliated. Was she even capable of the latter anymore? What he offered was a million times better than any training could be. The best part was - she could be together with him...by the side of the most powerful man in Valencia. One that undoubtedly caught her affections. That alone made the answer obvious.
"I would be honored to be trained by you."
"And it will be an honor to work with you." He grasped her hand in his own. "To begin a relationship with you is my greatest pleasure."
Her feelings were entirely mutual. She rested her head on his shoulder. She made her choice between him and Aristide, and she was happy with it. Even though this one cost her previous plans, there were many opportunities coming her way. Being involved with such a wealthy, strong, and admired man was merely the benefit of it all...
Kane brought her closer so she could lay on his chest. She played with his insignia in this time, enjoying the peaceful quietness that laid upon them for several minutes.
This is the decision she's made, and she knows it was the best one.
