#celestiiiia

Afternoon: Exploring the Arts District Knowing Serena’s love for creativity, Julien brings her to the Arts District. They visit a local art gallery, and Serena admires the vibrant murals painted on the walls.

Julien takes out his phone and snaps a candid photo of her admiring a painting. “What are you doing?” she asks with a playful grin. “Just capturing beauty,” he replies smoothly, earning a light blush from Serena.

Evening: Sunset Stroll in the city As the sun sets, Julien leads Serena to his favorite place in the city. They walk hand-in-hand, talking about everything and nothing, enjoying the simplicity of being together.

As he walks her back to her hotel, Julien can’t resist stealing another kiss under the city lights, the sound of distant music filling the air. “This city feels so much brighter with you in it,” he says softly.

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"Sweet moments, soft hues, and a sprinkle of joy. ✨🍓"

Outfit check ✔️ because sometimes pink is the mood. 🌸 #OOTD #MorningVibes #SoftElegance

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Credit:

@rimings - Oufit/earrings

@rheya28 - Ridgeview Apartment (Serena's apartment)

It’s an early autumn afternoon, the air crisp but not cold, with the golden light filtering through the trees. The garden café is tucked away in a lush, secluded part of Windenburg, surrounded by blooming flowers and ivy-covered trellises. The tables are scattered throughout the garden, offering a peaceful retreat with soft music in the background. Birds chirp overhead, and there’s a gentle rustling of leaves as a slight breeze moves through the air.

Julien arrives first, breathing in the fresh air as he takes in the beauty of the place. The peaceful atmosphere is a nice contrast to his usual bustling kitchen. He’s dressed in casual yet elegant attire—dark jeans, a well-fitted jacket, and a scarf, looking effortlessly put together. He checks his watch, waiting in anticipation.

Serena steps into view, walking through the garden gate, her presence as graceful as ever. She wears a cute bow top that seems to match the colors of the flowers around her—soft pastels that highlight her natural beauty. Her hair is in a slick bun, and her smile lights up the space as she spots Julien.

Julien stands up with a warm smile as she approaches.

Julien: “Serena, you look stunning as always.”

Serena (smiling warmly): “Thank you. This place is even more beautiful than I imagined. I’m glad you picked it.”

As the conversation deepens, there’s a moment where they both fall quiet. The peaceful surroundings add to the sense of calm between them. Serena’s gaze softens as she watches a butterfly flutter nearby.

Julien (softly): “It’s nice, isn’t it? Just… being here. No expectations, no rush.”

Serena (looking at him): “Yes. It’s rare for me to slow down, but I’m glad I did.”

There’s a quiet understanding between them—both have spent so much of their lives focused on their respective crafts, but here, in this moment, they can just be. The connection is undeniable.

As the afternoon begins to turn into evening, the soft glow of the setting sun casts a golden light over the garden, and their conversation lingers on. Julien stands to offer his arm as they walk through the garden, enjoying the serene environment.

Julien (with a small smile): “It’s hard to leave a place like this, don’t you think?”

Serena (laughing gently): “I could stay here all day. But I guess we have to face reality sometime.”

As Julien and Serena walk through the garden, their conversation slows, replaced by the comfortable silence of simply being in each other’s presence. The soft glow of the setting sun bathes them in warm light, and a light breeze carries the scent of blooming flowers.

They stop near a small fountain, the gentle sound of water filling the air. Serena turns to face Julien, her eyes reflecting both curiosity and a flicker of nervous excitement.

Julien (softly): “I didn’t realize how much I missed this… seeing you again.”

Serena: “Neither did I. It feels like… time stopped for a moment.”

There’s a pause, charged with unspoken emotion. Both of them are caught in the gravity of the moment, their hearts beating just a little faster. It’s as if the garden, the fading light, and the universe itself are pushing them closer together.

Julien gently reaches for Serena’s hand, his fingers brushing against hers—a tentative gesture, seeking permission rather than assuming. Serena doesn’t pull away; instead, her gaze softens, and she takes a small step closer.

Their eyes meet, and for a breathless moment, everything else fades away.

Julien (his voice barely above a whisper): “May I…?”

Serena doesn’t respond with words but with a subtle nod, her lips curving into a soft smile. Julien leans in, slow and deliberate, giving her every chance to pull away. She doesn’t.

Their lips meet in a gentle, fleeting kiss—soft, tender, and full of the emotions they’ve been holding back since the night of the charity event. It lasts only a moment, but it carries the weight of everything they’ve both been feeling: curiosity, attraction, and the first spark of something deeper.

When they pull back, their foreheads rest lightly against each other for a second, both of them catching their breath.

Serena (whispering): “That… was unexpected.”

Julien (smiling, his voice warm): “But not unwelcome?”

Serena (meeting his gaze): “Not at all.”

The moment lingers, sweet and intimate, before Serena gently steps back, her cheeks flushed but her smile radiant.

Julien: “I’ll wait as long as it takes to see you again, Serena.”

Serena (playfully): “I’ll make sure it’s not too long this time.”

They part ways with hearts a little lighter, the memory of the kiss lingering like the scent of the garden flowers, and both knowing that their connection is just beginning to bloom.🌻

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IT WAS THE FIRST DATE DAMN! Couldn't keep their hands off each other for one second. 😭😒

Credit:

Julien’s Request

A few days after the charity event, Julien can’t stop thinking about Serena. Instead of risking being too forward, he decides to reach out in a respectful way.

He contacts the event organizer and says

"Good afternoon, I had the pleasure of catering your recent charity event in Windenburg. One of the performers, Serena Mayes, left quite an impression on me. I was hoping to stay in touch and continue the conversation we started that evening. Would you be able to ask if she’s comfortable sharing her phone number with me?"

The organizer agrees to relay the message to Serena.

Serena’s Decision

When Serena receives the request, she’s surprised—but intrigued. Julien had been polite, charming, and sincere at the event. After a moment of consideration, she agrees to share her number with him. It’s rare for someone to leave such an impression on her, and she’s curious to see where it might lead.

Julien’s First Message

"Hi Serena, This is Julien Laurent, the chef from the charity event. I wanted to thank you again for your stunning performance—it was truly unforgettable. I hope this message finds you well. If you’re free sometime, I’d love to reconnect and hear more about your journey in ballet."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ First Text Conversation

After Serena agrees to exchange numbers, Julien initiates the conversation with the thoughtful message we established earlier. Here’s how their conversation might unfold:

Julien: Hi Serena, This is Julien Laurent, the chef from the charity event. I wanted to thank you again for your stunning performance—it was truly unforgettable. I hope this message finds you well. If you’re free sometime, I’d love to reconnect and hear more about your journey in ballet.

Serena: Hi Julien, It’s lovely to hear from you! Thank you for the kind words—it was a memorable evening. I’d be happy to catch up. Let me know if you’re ever back in Windenburg.

Julien: I’m already looking for an excuse to return. Windenburg has its charm… but I think it was your performance that made it unforgettable.

Serena: That’s very kind of you. I’ll admit, it was a surprise to hear from you. Are you always this charming, or was it just Windenburg’s magic?

Julien: Only when inspired. 😊 What about you? Has ballet always been your world, or is there another side to Serena Mayes I’ve yet to discover?

Serena: Ballet has been my world for as long as I can remember. It’s my passion, my discipline… but I’m beginning to realize there’s more to life than just the stage.

Julien: I’d love to be part of that ‘more.’ Would you be open to meeting again? Maybe something less formal than the event? Dinner, coffee… or even a walk through Windenburg’s gardens?

Serena: I’d like that. There’s a cozy café near the river that’s perfect for a quiet conversation. How does next Saturday sound?

Julien: Perfect. I’ll count the days until then.

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The elegant lounge is alive with chatter, glimmering lights, and soft classical music. Serena’s performance has just ended, leaving the audience in awe. Julien, standing near the dessert table, watches her descend gracefully from the stage.

Julien’s Inner Thoughts: How could anyone not be captivated? Yet why does it annoy me that every pair of eyes in this room saw her dance? That beauty should’ve been mine alone to witness.

He takes a deep breath, adjusts his chef’s jacket, and approaches Serena, holding a small dessert plate.

Julien: (Offering her the plate with a warm smile) “You were magnificent up there. I thought I’d bring you something sweet to match such a stunning performance—a Tiramisu, inspired by grace itself.”

Serena: (Smiling, taking the plate) “Thank you, Chef…?”

Julien: (Lightly bowing) “Julien Laurent. And you are?”

Serena: “Serena Mayes. The dessert looks beautiful—I’m almost afraid to ruin it.”

Julien: (Chuckling) “Don’t be. A dessert, like a dance, is meant to be savored, even if it’s fleeting. Though, I have to admit…”

Serena: (Raising an eyebrow) “Admit what?”

Julien: (A hint of playful frustration) “I wish I’d been the only one watching you perform. Sharing that moment with everyone else felt… unfair.”

Serena: (Laughing softly) “Unfair? That’s a first. Most people are happy to share art with others.”

Julien: (Shrugging with a grin) “Maybe I’m selfish. Or maybe I’m just a chef who likes his meals—and his moments—all to himself.”

Serena: (Teasing) “Well, lucky for you, the stage is all yours now. Though I’ll warn you, I don’t share my desserts either.”

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mmyeah! The first meeting! Iktr get you a woman that inspires you lol.😂

Credit:

And so it begins… Welcome to Grace & Fire!🩰❤️🧑‍🍳 . . . . . . . . .

Credit:

@sunnisani - Julien Laurent (I love him)

@rheya28 - Ballet studio/cafe build (in polaroid)