#opng

Charlie blinked as she and Vaggie stepped out into the light of the Entertainment District. "That was fun! It's great to be able to see you again, though!" She smiled at her girlfriend beside her, drinking in how good she looked in her Valentine's outfit.

Vaggie chuckled, bringing her hand up to cup Charlie's cheek. "That was the only downside." She stood up on her tiptoes to place a gentle kiss on her lips. "You look beautiful."

"So do you." She leaned into her hand before turning her head slightly to lightly kiss her palm. "Sooo, I was thinking..."

"Want to go for a walk?" the fallen angel asked at the same time, and Charlie blinked in surprise before beaming.

"That's what I was going to ask!"

Vaggie grinned, dropping her hand to intertwine their fingers instead. "I'll take that as a yes, then."

Together, they navigated through the bustling Entertainment District until they came to a park.

"This is still one of my favorite spots," Vaggie remarked softly, a gentle smile on her lips as she regarded the park where they'd had their first date.

"Oh, yeah? Mine's over here." With a mischievous grin, Charlie tugged her girlfriend to the back corner of the park, behind an outcropping of rocks. She effortlessly backed Vaggie up against the rocks, facing her as she braced her free hand beside her head. "I recall making a pretty good memory right here," she purred.

Vaggie laughed and released her hand in order to wind both arms around her neck. "I think I might need a reminder."

She flashed her a brilliant smile before she leaned in and kissed her, softly at first, but then she deepened the kiss with a hum. She swayed forward, pressing her body up against the fallen angel's, while her hand reached into her back pocket, gripping the ring box that was concealed there. The kiss lasted for a minute more, and then Charlie pulled back, tugging gently at Vaggie's bottom lip as she did and earning a breathy sigh.

"I think that went a little better than the first time," Vaggie observed, her voice a touch lower than before.

The princess gave a hum of agreement, and then took a deep breath, steeling herself for what she was about to do. "What would you say to making another memory here?" she asked a bit breathlessly, and then she knelt down on one knee, holding the ring box out in front of her. "Vaggie, you have brought more into my life than I can even begin to say. You have stood by my side through thick and thin; you've offered support, protection; you've made me stronger, made me better. I know I wouldn't have been able to make it through the last couple of years without you, and I never want to be without you ever again. There's no one I'd rather laugh with, cry with, realize my dreams with. So, will you do me the honor of being my wife?" She looked up at Vaggie's wide-eyed face through the haze of tears as she opened up the ring box, revealing the amethyst ring inside, the kite-shaped gem outlined in gold.

Vaggie raised a hand to cover her mouth, blinking rapidly. "Charlie..." She reached into her own pocket, pulling out a small box. With a huff of laughter, she opened it to reveal a gold band with a square ruby set in the center.

Charlie's eyes flew wide. "Oh!"

They both dissolved into laughter as Vaggie sank down to her knees in front of her and then pulled her into another kiss. After just a couple seconds, she pulled back, fixing Charlie with a joyful smile. "Charlie Morningstar, will you marry me?"

"Yes!" she immediately squealed. "Yes, absolutely, yes!"

She slipped the ruby ring onto her finger, and then held out her own hand for Charlie to slide the amethyst ring onto hers. "I love you, baby."

"I love you, too."

"Well, I think the openin' went great. Still ain't my favorite day, but it was a good distraction from it all."

"The place was a hit, babes - everyone is talkin' about it. And I had a great night, too."

"It was lit!"

"Oh, my Valentine's Day was wonderful."

"Yeah, I liked the restaurant! It being pitch black made someone less worried about being caught in a compromising position in public."

"It was actually quite good."

"Obviously, our night was pretty great."

"I... kinda? I mean, I'm not feelin' worse, but..."

"But you still didn't like the gift."

"No, it was beautiful. I just... what, are ya' tryin' ta' win me back, or somethin'?"

"I don't know. Maybe. Would that be so bad?"

"Yeah. You're supposed ta' be focusin' on you, not me."

"I'm focusing on being the kind of person you deserve."

"I don't want that. I don't want ta' be your next identity. I don't wanna be showered in gifts the same way Val did wheneva' he hurt me. I just want a friend. A friend that I can count on ta' be honest, to show me the kinda person he really is without some kind of gimmick ta' hide behind. And I'm sorry if you want more, really, but right now I... don't. I thought I was gettin' back there, but this whole thing has shown me that maybe I shouldn' have put that expectation on myself. I can't keep havin' this hangin' over my head. And it ain't fair ta' ya' to get your hopes up for somethin' that... that might never happen."

"... Right. Guess that's probably fair."

"Husk..."

—bird anon

"Thank you!"

"Alright, step right up to See No Evil, Pentagram City's hottest new restaurant, owned and operated by the cities hottest new Overlord! Check our little black book to add on any additional services, and then your hostess will lead you to your table where you'll dine in pitch black to fully enjoy the sensualities of your other four senses. Please turn off all light sources and refrain from emitting any glow."

"Still can't believe you actually got me promotin' somewhere I can't even take pictures of the food. But at least the front is sinsta-worthy!"

(obviously Pentious is not here)

"It's fuckin' awesome! You did a great job with this, Angie! C'mon bitch, let's go get seated."

"It really does look incredible, Angel!"

"Yeah, it's great! We'll, uh, pass on the additional services, though."

(Vox art by moth9768 on bsky)

"As far as gimmicks go, I must say, I am rather fond of this one."

"You would be. You don't have to turn your whole face off."

"Will you still be able to eat?"

"Yeah, my mouth can still be there without being lit. It'll be a real shame not being able to look at you both, though."