Janet put one finger on her chin, as if in deep thought of her following question:
"Well, well. For a start. What's your birthday? I wanna know when you... graced your planet. If it can be put that way."
"Funny, funny. Well, good you mentioned, Janet, that's one thing that's interesting about us. Different planets, same way to count dates. I was born on October 28."
"Oh! Really? Close to Halloween... it must make you happy it's near that holiday."
"It does! It's my favorite. I mean, along with Christmas. Can never make up my mind to rank those two."
"Christmas is my absolute favorite! I love it. What do you like the most about it?"
"I love how it's a holiday where things get decorated with care and feelings. People invite others over, they eat and talk and they spend time together. I always thought, it's time for company and I admired the view of those who would open up about their feelings and keep dear ones close. What about you?"
"Aww... I adored everything you had to say, honey, it was sweet. I think I'd mention that, too. The comfort and company. But... you know one thing that makes me smile during that time of the year?"
"Tell me."
"I'm fascinated by the lights. Not solely because they look pretty, you see. Because of what they represent to me and how significant they feel. To me, it's endearing to have many lights shining over the houses for decoration because it's done during winter. It's a cold season. It's full of white snow and long nights. Some people would say it's not a happy or inspiring sight, rather bleak, but you wanna hear from me? I think it looks enchanting and totally beautiful. With little lights on, you can see it clearly, how a home where people reunite can be a hopeful place. It makes me think, if you leave a light on for those icy nights... you can truly see the beauty in them. You can see love."
His eyes glimmered gladly, struck with wonder at her words, his voice then turning mellow:
"Oh... you... see beauty and love there. Janet, I love how you describe things. You try to find beauty wherever you look and you try to value what could be important anywhere, noble to see things with those eyes. That's one thing I love about you."
"Thank you, dear. Thank you! I just feel this world — any world — can do really well if I maintain that kindness. Makes me happy."
"You grace this world. Which reminds me, by the way, I told you my birthday, but I don't know when your special day is. Mind sharing? Ha ha."
"April 28!"
"Mhm, that's something to remember! A beautiful day. Your planet turned brighter. Earned its most sparkly star."
"Ha ha ha, please... that's really something from you in your greatness. A Scorpio, am I right? Charming."
"Precise! And you. Let me... oh... Taurus, is it?"
"Right."
"That's interesting. I don't know how acquainted you've become with the matter, but as far as I know, our signs are complementary."
"Hold on, really? That's cute! I know it doesn't always mean things go smoothly for every two people of the signs that meet. Could be tumultuous, could not predict just how it is whatsoever. But no matter how it's defined, I feel... we've been helping each other. I'd love to celebrate any holiday with you as I've been loving those days too. It would feel wonderful and we've been mutually appreciative of the other's company. That's what I love."
"Please. I'd take Christmas or any day. It's... so great! I want this in my life everyday. Want you."
"I want you too... always."
The beautiful place where they sat seemed even better, happier. The warm breeze that brushed against their faces made them sigh in admiration. A tender feeling beyond transcendental that danced inside. For the trance to end, it took Janet a fair moment:
"Hey, Frankie... you know what I'd like to find around?"
"What... would it be?"
"A new dress. I could do with new clothes, you see, since we're spending a while longer there at the hotel. I can't spend too much money by now, though! Running short of it in my purse."
"What do you mean, running short?"
"Well, I don't have a lot here."
"Take a look at the bottom."
Janet seemed confused, but fumbled and searched the bottom of the purse.
"I... well, let me... oh, what's this little... clutch bag?"
Frank nodded in confirmation, her guess was correct. A small purple clutch bag with a golden frame. It looked fancy.
"What's inside?"
"What you've been needing to get what you want now", he chanted.
It was more than she expected.
"Let's see. Oh... my... God. This is very generous! Absurd. Lots of money."
"I slipped it inside your purse while we were all getting ready to leave the castle. It's my money. Well... it became my money at least. You don't expect me to say it was... noble."
"How did you get it?"
"I've earned a lot for a long time, ever since I arrived on this planet... uh. Gambling."
"Gambling! Really not noble. But fair! Full of surprises."
"Hope to always be that for you", he smirked.
"You're brilliant, really thoughtful. So, you did more than just spy on my belongings, huh?"
"Hey! I'd done that to help youbeforeI even thought of taking a careful look later."
"I get it, I get it! It's all good. Thank you for doing me this great favor, I'll keep it in mind. Would you mind walking with me to find someplace?"
"I'm going. You just say the word!"
She lifted herself from the bench, arm extended towards his end, and he took her precious hand. Their contact was firm beneath his cape. They walked together through town, and he couldn't contain the heavenly feeling of walking this close to her. Of amazing himself that they were strutting in harmony, grinning and holding hands.
She found a clothing shop of her taste. Her eyes lit up.She was so beautiful.
"Do you want to enter with me?" She inquired.
"I... think I'm staying here and waiting. But I'll sure be glad to see your fabulous new look."
"Thanks, I'll make sure of it! Wait for me", she laughed and gave him a light kiss on the cheek.
Entering the place, the blonde was greeted by a young woman in a beige dress, sporting a short feathered cut for her auburn hair.
"Hello, young lady. How can I help you?" She smiled politely. Janet smiled back:
"Hi, I was just looking for a new dress, a simple one, do you have any strapless models in... yellow?"
"No. Excuse me. A simple one? Miss, I'll respect your choice if you run with it, but let me say. I've got a model that suits you entirely in mind. And it's nothing but simple, you got the looks of a princess!"
"That... that is so kind! Which one do you have in mind?"
"Here, take a look. It even matches the hairdo and the rose attached to your hair", she said, guiding her client to a corner.
Janet was impressed at the sight of a gorgeous floor length bouffant gown in dandelion yellow, sweetheart neckline shaping the front, with pink rose heads attached to the hem in wavy patterns. She gasped, but the enthusiasm gave place to a fanciful comment of hers not fully calculated.
"It's... it's the most wonderful gown ever! Pretty and fancy, oh, this one paired with a blue corset... wow..."
"A corset, you say? You like those as well?"
"Well, I do like them! But... no, miss, look. I said that because my man who's waiting for me outside, he loves them. It's his style and... it suits him well."
"Wait, so he likes to wear them himself?"
"Yes! They look amazing on him. I know you might not hear that often, but it's fun to dress yourself freely, right?"
"It's certainly something unusual around me, but you're correct! Why not try it out when it matches your style?" The saleswoman nodded happily.
Frank was giddy with expectancy for the woman that would leave through the door soon. He lifted his feet slightly, glanced to both sides, then to the front of the shop.
Oh.
Janet — his Janet — stepped out and looked like a dream come true. His jaw dropped instantly. The long yellow dress fit matchlessly on her, the half up half down hairstyle he'd given her touching her shoulder and falling down her chest, where there were sprinkles of glitter. The pretty roses did not go unnoticed, yet she was the prettiest one to bloom before his eyes. He ran to her.
"Good... Lord. You're wondrous! You're a true princess, you look way more than beautiful!"
She smiled against his hand that caressed her cheek, then her shoulder.
"Darling! The compliments are very much appreciated. But it's your turn to get inside, now."
"W-what?"
"Here, come, you can take off your cape and I'll show you something beautiful I found for you to wear!"
"I... this is great! Me?" He said and saw her nod eagerly as she clutched his hand and walked through the place with him. He carried the cape he removed in one of his arms, smiled corteously at the saleswoman and entered the fitting room with his lover.
"Sit down and I'll help you with this one", she said graciously and pointed to a corset resting near him. She'd picked that one for him, and it matched his taste indeed!
It was a very sparkly navy blue corset, pointed heart shape on the front, with subtle rouge pink decorations and a small ribbon matching their color attached.
"Janet. You... thought of this for me", he said, not exactly a question, but more of a shy, contented statement. She seemed to have fun with him being smitten and flattered, aiding him on undressing and then lacing up the new attire on his chest. He seemed... discomposed, jumpy at the intimacy, she predicted it would always seem new to him. But now, now even more, because she'd been the one to pick something for him to wear. Her mouth was close, considerably close to his neck and shoulder. Apparently by instinct and by her comfortable state, she couldn't help but let her hand slide down his back and feel the skin there. That ended in his slight gasp. She presented to him a white feather, one that likely fell off random items being sold, and then placed it on the back of his head to complement her work. His new look was all done, too, and Janet took a second to stand back, appreciate the sight.
His emerald green eyes glistened at her piercing stare. He clasped his own hands on top of his lap and sighed, face slightly rosy from agitation. A hint of a smile appeared on his lips, and it turned into a whole grin once she giggled at him. They thanked the auburn-haired woman, paid her, took his cape and the old clothes inside a bag she gave them and left, preferring to maintain their new fashion as they walked outside.
"You look so gorgeous", she called out for his attention and let her shoulder bump against his arm.
"All for your sight. Thanks. But look at you..."
"Yeah. I look amazing too. Ha ha. Where should we go to now?"
He glanced at the sky. Then, at her, biting his bottom lip in determination. She blinked at him, tilted her head to one side and he beamed.
"I know a place."