Primrose's eyes sparkle in curiosity when she enters San Myshuno's Municipal Theatre, the first of many surprises that Caleb has in store for her birthday. The anticipation on her face mirrored the excitement building within her. There is a special event for Valentine's Day and the show is playing all the songs that resonate with the theme of love and romance.
One employee shows up to them when Caleb shows his tickets, a delightful expression dances on her face as she nods, leading the young couple into the concert hall. Their reserved spot, decorated with roses and scented candles, bears a full view of the stage, not too close nor too far, a perfect spot for them to listen to the music. Primrose can't help but marvel at the meticulous attention to detail. The added touch of romance, resembling the roses and flickering candles, creates an enchanting ambiance that wraps around them like a cocoon.
Caleb, ever the gentleman, pulls a chair out for her. His chivalrous action earns him a loving smile from her as well as the curious onlookers and some envious glances that Primrose is now accustomed to. She knows that almost every woman in this room has their eyes on the young lord, his handsome face and tall stature are a statement of their own. Giggling to herself, the raven head can't help but find everything around her amusing. The event is supposed to be a representation of love and romance in the form of music, yet all she can sense right now is how all eyes are pouring onto them, particularly Caleb himself.
"What's wrong, beloved?"
"Oh no…" she stifles her laugh, covering her lips with one hand "You are always the center of attention, Caleb."
"Ah, I see…"
Primrose harbors no envious feelings, even finding their antics quite amusing as Caleb sighs in return. Wrapping his arm around her small frame, the young lord motions for her to move closer as she leans on his shoulders, smiling as the event is about to start.
As the first notes of a romantic melody fill the air, the young lord rests his head on top of hers. A knowing smile forms on his lips when Primrose points out quietly that she has spotted a familiar face. Golden locks shine underneath the concert lights, the arm movements are smooth yet precise and each note coming out of that piano is executed with care. Kian on the stage is capturing everyone's attention with the way he plays his music.
"It's Kian…"
He nods, watching his brother-in-law shine on the stage along with other musicians. The music swirls around them, weaving a tapestry of emotions that resonate with their shared experiences. Primrose closes her eyes, allowing herself to be carried away by the enchanting tunes. Caleb, always attentive, savors the moment, appreciating the joy reflected in her expression.
As the performance continues, each note seems to cast a spell, capturing the hearts of the masses. The atmosphere in the theatre is filled with undeniable magic and an enchanted aura that amplifies the romantic air brought by the concert hall's acoustics.
Occasionally, Primrose steals a glance at Caleb, who is also enjoying the performance himself. The candle casts a mysterious light on his face, creating a warm glow that highlights his features. The raven color of his hair matches hers, the pale skin looks soft to the touch, and his striking silver eyes hold deep emotions that she finds herself unable to grasp.
Her heart skips a beat when Caleb notices her staring at him, meeting her onyx orbs with his silver ones. Even in the dim light, her flustered face is still visible to him and Primrose finds herself lost in those eyes, conveying a silent message that he is happy to oblige. The audience around them fades into the background as the couple loses themselves in the symphony of emotions, sharing a tender kiss in the celebration of love.
When the final notes of the last song resonate, the applause from the audience brings them back to the present. Primrose pulls away, a bashful smile forms on her lips and her eyes shine in adoration, her flustered face is a sight to behold and Caleb can't help but graze his lips on her forehead, an expression of love and comfort.
As they join the guests in a standing ovation, the young lord can't contain his amused smile when Kian winks at him playfully, a small tease to the young couple as he has witnessed everything from the stage.
Ever the gentleman, Caleb offers a hand and she gladly accepts it, he leads her to Kian as the blond steps down the staircase to meet them. A warm hug is exchanged and Lilith's husband can't contain his excitement when he wishes Primrose a happy birthday, saying how it makes Saint Valentine's Day more special to everyone, especially Caleb.
"I won't bother you two anymore. Can't steal you away from Caleb when he has spent days planning your birthday, right Brother?"
The revelation hits Primrose with surprise as she looks at the young lord, wondering if Kian's words are true. Caleb, sighing and shaking his head, informs the blond that Lilith is waiting for him at home before they make their way out of the theatre. The raven head, while still curious about his antic, decides not to press on. She is delighted to know about Caleb's effort and is prepared to enjoy this loving day to the fullest.
The young lord takes her to his car, opening the door to the passenger seat for her to get in. His kind offer makes her giggle, considering herself to be lucky to be pampered this much by him. As the car leaves the parking lot, the raven head expresses how lovely the concert was and is grateful for being a part of it. She mentions how this will be the perfect material for her next book, prompting Caleb to tease her a bit.
"So you DO use me as your writing material…"
"Of course I d-?! W-wait, that is not what I mean…" her flustered face is evidenced "H-he just happens to bear the same appearance as you are."
But the young lord doesn't buy it, asking her who else she has seen with silver eyes like him. His comment draws a pout from her and Primrose playfully swats his arm, saying that she has seen a lot of people with the same eye color as his. Her denial only amuses him even more as Caleb knows that she is lying. The way she bites her bottom lips says it all.
"You are a very bad liar, Primrose."
Grazing his fingers on her lips, he nudges against them a bit before pulling back and placing them on his lips. His action deepens the color on her cheeks and Primrose murmurs under her breath about how he is bullying her on her birthday.
"Are you ready to have lunch?" glancing at the clock on his car screen, he asks.
"Ah, I guess? Did you make a reservation somewhere? We can always eat at the usual place if you want." a delightful smile forms on her face "The spicy tofu dish is amazing!"
Caleb shudders at the thought of his beloved and her appetite for spicy food. Even he who enjoys a kick in his dish still finds her level of spiciness to be outrageously appalling.
"I have made a reservation." he calmly responds, masking the internal struggle as he tries to ignore the painful memory on his tongue after trying one of her favorite diners.
"Where is it?"
A knowing smile forms on his face as he pats her head gently, saying that this is the next surprise for her. Primrose raises a brow, curious and content at the same time. She wonders where he is leading her next.
The car smoothly navigates through the city, the streets alive with the hustle and bustle of urban life. Primrose can't help but steal glances at Caleb as he focuses on the road, her heart warms by his thoughtful gestures. When he makes a turn at the intersection, the raven head spots a familiar sign, she has seen this place online before.
Could it be…?
As they arrive at their destination, Caleb parks the car in front of an elegant restaurant, adorned with soft lighting and a welcoming ambiance. Primrose's eyes widened as she took in the surroundings.
"Caleb, is this…?" grabbing his arm, excitement washes over her as she stares at the restaurant in front of them "…where I think it is?"
Her editor has told her about this place many times, how they have one of the best selections of desserts in town and they are made by the famous chef Sébastien Pâtissier. To get a reservation here at Chez Llama Restaurant takes at least two months, but how…?
I might need to thank Richard later…
Caleb thinks to himself, wondering what kind of gift his butler will enjoy receiving. The couple enters the restaurant, greeted by the soothing melodies of a live piano. A hostess leads them to a beautifully set table, adorned with fresh flowers and delicate tableware. Caleb pulls out the chair for her, a gesture as gallant as ever, and they settle in for what promises to be a delightful dining experience.
"Caleb, you have truly outdone yourself!" the joyous expression on her face draws out a smile from him, Primrose beams as she scans around the place, taking in the lovely atmosphere "This is wonderful!"
"I'm glad you love it, beloved."
Gracefully accepting the menus from the waiters, he hands her one as they study a wide array of delectable options, including pasta dishes, seafood, and steak. Caleb watches her smile radiants their small table, her eyes dazzle in joy when she turns to the dessert menu. The love she has for sweets is evidenced and he can't help but chuckle at the adorable sight.
"They don't have your favorite spicy tofu dish," he looks at her amusingly "Maybe next time, Primrose."
"Of course, Caleb. We can always go to that place anytime we want." her giggles are bells ringing in his ears "I will order us the spiciest dish when we have a chance."
The young lord shudders at her suggestion, unconsciously placing a hand on his abdomen as he recalls the burning sensation that ravished his stomach the last time he tried her favorite tofu dish. The heat on his tongue was unbearable.
"I hope you're not planning to set my taste buds on fire again…" he swallows a lump in his throat, shaking his head lightly at the unfond memories.
"Well now, where is the fun in that?" covering her lips, Primrose wears a jesting smile "Life is too short for a bland taste…"
The waiter at the restaurant is attentive, presenting them with a variety of culinary delights. When the food arrives, the raven head can't help but snap a few pictures of their dishes, sharing her lovely experience with Lilian. Primrose giggles when she receives the text from her friend, saying how envious she is and wishes that she has a lovely date with the dashing surgeon, prompting her to blush.
Caleb's smile still hangs on his face, despite the difficult times they have been through, it is in moments like this that makes him remember Primrose is still a young maiden in her twenties. Her playful banter and the smile that brights up this whole place are the contrasting expressions of how she is with him during the formal events hosted by the elites in Forgotten Hollow.
"Caleb! Desserts are here!"
Excitement etches on her face and he almost imagines her eyes turning into heartshapes as she stares at the tower of sweets presented on their table. Earlier, she still asked him to order one plate of dessert for each of them, fearing that they might not be able to finish them all. But he knows what she wants, he has caught those eyes gleaming eagerly when their waiter suggested that they should opt for a dessert tower as they have a wide selection of sweets in small bites. This translates to Primrose eating all of them without regretting not choosing one from another.
"Dig in, beloved."
A hand rests on her face as she indulges in the delicacy that is sweets, from the rich velvety chocolate cake to the creamy texture of cheesecake to the tangy taste of lemon bites and so many more. Her face flusters in satisfaction that Caleb stifles his laugh, he only has two bites and Primrose already finished her fifth one.
Motion the waiter to come closer, Caleb asks for another tower of sweets for to-go, which prompts her to stop him, saying that what she has right now is enough.
"Are you sure, beloved?" he raises an eyebrow teasingly "It's gonna take another two months for you to come back here if you are lucky…"
"B-but…"
"And the desserts here are on point for you too, right?"
She gasps, feigning offended. The notion of her just inhaling almost the entire tower of sweets is embarrassing and the waiter even recommends her to try different ones that are not currently on the table. The raven head looks at Caleb, his amusing smile never fades as she turns to her side, covering her face to hide her flustered cheeks.
"That is a low move, Caleb…"
He is teasing her love for sweet treats…
"And I love you too, beloved." chuckles at her antic, he turns to the waiter and has another sweet tower for takeout, only for the lovely maiden in front of him.
With the to-go boxes of tempting desserts in hand, Caleb and Primrose leave the restaurant, the city lights casting a gentle glow around them. They take a light stroll through the city streets, easing their full tummy before returning to the car, with the young lord takes a look at his watch, it is almost time for the main event.
Primrose asks him where he is taking her, she is not familiar with the route and purses her lips when he places a finger on his lips, another secret of the day. She leans against the window, feeling the soft glow of the lamppost illuminate against her face. The warmth of the evening lingers, and the to-go boxes of desserts nestle behind them, a sweet reminder of the delightful indulgence they had shared earlier.
As Caleb entertains her with some light banter, he wonders if Lilith, his sister, has finished the task he asks her to do. She already has his apartment keys and the delivery is settled to come tonight, Lilith only needs to receive the box and put it on his bed before he and Primrose head back home. A message appears on his phone and the raven head catches a glimpse of it, a one-word message that says 'Done' and it comes from Lilith.
"Who was it?" she asks him, attempting to play innocent.
"It's Lilith, I asked her to help me with some work." Caleb, honest as he can ever be, replies "Anyway, we're here."
The water mage takes notice of a dome structure that protrudes from the building, standing out from the surroundings. Caleb parks his car and as always, opens the door for her to step out. Primrose blinks at the vast building in front of her, the sign reads San Myshuno's Planetarium sparks her interest.
"Are we going to do stargazing?"
"Indeed we are, beloved."
Offering her a hand as she accepts it with grace, Caleb makes his way into the planetarium, explaining how there is a celestial event that is happening tonight.
"My, you are well informed…" she giggles, her eyes sparkling in joy as she looks at the vast canvas of stars above "What a spectacular view…"
The planetarium's dome transforms into a canvas of cosmic art, with galaxies swirling and constellations coming to life. They find a comfortable spot, away from prying eyes and Primrose wastes no chance snuggling against his tall frame, gazing mesmerizingly at the breathtaking picture in front of her. Ever the gentleman, he takes off his coat and wraps it around her small shoulder, knowing how the cold weather of winter can be a disadvantage for his beloved.
The raven head shivers and expresses her gratitude for his kindness, a gleeful smile playing on her lips. With the knowledge he has accumulated for almost 300 years, Caleb points out constellations, sharing stories of myths and legends associated with the stars. With each celestial he presents to her, Primrose's face lights up even more. The planetarium's simulated sky burst into a radiant display of colors, mirroring the grandeur of the cosmic ballet.
The gentle tune that plays in the building mirrors the tranquility within her, they have been through so many things together and moments like this make her cherish their relationship even more. Caleb's gaze never leaves Primrose, savoring the joy reflected in her eyes. Despite the magical beauty of the stars and galaxies that embrace them, her smile shines brightly in the celestial sanctuary.
As the celestial event reaches its conclusion, Caleb and Primrose linger a bit longer in the planetarium, absorbing the beauty of the simulated night sky. A tender gaze, a light touch, and a smile adorn adorably on their face as the young lord seizes the heightened moment and leans in for a gentle kiss.
Primrose blushes when she hears a kid's voice pointing them out, a mother's concern as she hushes her child to leave them alone, but Caleb doesn't stop. The cold fingertips graze her cheeks, yet each touch feels warm against her skin. To share such a wonderful moment under a beautiful canvas of stars like this, Primrose feels like her heart would burst. The sheer happiness she feels mirrors the smile he wears on his face and she can sense butterflies in her stomach. The soft red hue on her cheeks deepens its color when the young lord pulls her into an embrace, whispering tender and loving words that are only meant for her.
"I love you, Primrose." smiling against her hair, he continues "Happy Birthday to you, beloved…"
Caleb walks her out to his car, fingers lacing with one another. She follows him behind, eyeing his tall stature as he leads the way out of the planetarium. The lingering warmth on her skin and the tender touch of his hand on her make her heart skip a beat, the young lord has gone out of his way to ensure today is the best birthday yet for her and she is touched by his unwavering love. A smile grazes her lips as she picks up her pace before circling her arms around his, leaning on his shoulders.
"How are you feeling?"
"Wonderful, Caleb. Everything is so magical…" her grip tightens "Thank you so much."
"Of course. Anything for you, beloved."
Driving through the city, Caleb chooses a scenic route, the city lights twinkling like distant stars. He engages in easy conversation with Primrose, they share laughter and exchange glances, adding a touch of magic to the night. The car smoothly navigates through the city, and Primrose can't help but marvel at the thoughtful surprises Caleb has orchestrated throughout the day. The sparkle in her eyes reflects gratitude, love, and every bit of joy she has experienced today.
When they finally step foot into the apartment building, the young lord asks Primrose to stay over at his place tonight. The raven head agrees, completely oblivious to his knowing smile. As the door closes behind them, Primrose sighs in contentment and removes the heels she wears throughout the day. The torturing devices leave her feet and she immediately slips on a pair of indoor slippers.
"You should have told me that your feet were hurt, Primrose." Caleb raises a brow as he puts the sweet treats in the fridge.
"And have you taken off my heels? No Caleb!" she pouts, pointing out the obvious height difference between them "My neck would hurt a lot if I didn't wear them."
A chuckle escapes his lips as Caleb seizes the opportunity to pick her up and spins her around, her joyous laughs are melody to his ears. Even if she is much shorter than him, he finds her adorable that way.
Primrose continues her talk about today's event, how she loves all the musical pieces in the morning, the delicate treats she had in the afternoon, and the breathtaking celestial views of the night. A blush adorns her face as she snuggles closer, hiding in the crook of his neck and expressing her gratitude for bringing her on such an amazing adventure today.
Caleb tightens his grip around her, smiling in return as he tells her that the smile on her face is everything he wants to see for her birthday, that smile that lights up the whole room. Eyeing the door to his bedroom, a surge of excitement rushes in him as he wonders how Primrose will react when she sees what he has in store for her in there.
"Primrose, can you do something for me?"
"What is it?"
"Cover your eyes, just a little bit." Caleb instructs her "And no peeking, beloved."
She blinks a few times, unsure if he is jesting or being serious, but she obliges and covers her eyes with both hands. She can feel his lips graze her hair, a murmur of thank you lingering in her ears. The sound of footsteps echoes in the still air and the young lord says nothing, continuing his path to the bedroom. Primrose can hear a clicking sound, an ominous sound of a door opening, and how she is set down on his soft, fluffy bed.
"You can open your eyes now, Primrose."
Removing her hands, she looks at him, confused at why he asks her to do that. Caleb's fond smile doesn't fade and he motions for her to follow his finger. She raises a brow at his odd request but listens to his instructions, what is welcoming her on the bed is the biggest, most fluffiest stuffed animal that she has ever laid eyes on.
"Caleb!" she squeals in a childlike manner "What is this?"
Circling her arms around the cute, fluffy creature, her eyes sparkling in joy and disbelief. It's a plush bear, its fur soft to the touch, and it wears a ribbon around its neck. She hugs it tightly, feeling the comfort and warmth it provides.
"I assume that you enjoy your new cuddly companion." her infectious excitement brings a smile to his face "Happy Birthday, Primrose."
"Oh, Caleb, it's perfect!" she exclaims, her face painting with gratitude. "Thank you so much!"
The young lord watches with a tender gaze as Primrose enjoys her new companion. He can see the genuine happiness radiating from her, and it warms his heart to know that he has succeeded in making her birthday special.
Caressing her soft raven locks, Caleb picks up the blue rose on the side table and places it on her hair, admiring the gorgeous velvety petals against her luscious strands. Primrose hugs the bear tightly, feeling herself engulfed in a powerful sense of love. The dates they share, how much effort Caleb has put into this day, the giant teddy bear, and the rose on her hair, everything becomes too beautiful and Primrose slowly overwhelms with emotion.
"Beloved, what's wrong? Are you hurt?"
She shakes her head, hot tears still rolling down her face. How lucky can she possibly be to have such a caring and loving partner like Caleb by her side?
Her silent question somehow becomes verbal and the young lord chuckles, trapping her between him and the birthday gift, carefully not squishing the flower on her hair. Brushing away her tears, he whispers comforting words in her ears, soothing the overly emotional raven head.
"I love you so much, Caleb…" she hiccups, uttering her confession "Thank you for everything…"
The adorable sight tugs his heartstrings and the young lord brings her down on the bed, lying together as he trails kisses from her forehead to her eyelid to her cheeks to her nose and finally captures her lips in a tender kiss.
His hand tangles in her raven locks, embracing the sweet moment as Caleb deepens the kiss, smiling against her lips when she reciprocates by wrapping her arms around him. His fingers graze her cheeks, brushing away any falling tears before lacing their hand together, tightening his grip as an answer to her confession.
When he pulls away, Primrose's blush deepens its color as she hides in the crook of his neck, overwhelmed with emotions and how thankful she is for today's events.
"I love you too, beloved." stealing another soft peck on her lips, he smiles "May every day in your life be as joyous as today, Primrose."
Under the soft glow of the bedroom lights, they find solace in each other's presence, the oversized teddy bear becomes a cherished companion in their cozy haven, basking in the warmth of their shared love.
