#viraj

Gato has always been shy with you, but his thoughtfulness never wavers. Tonight he has asked you to his home for dinner, discussing his work and your life with you. He seems to loosen up after about ten minutes together; his stuttering fading away and a calmer, charming demeanor taking over. The meal was fantastic, he tells you all about his early life in Greece as he cooks his family’s recipes. 

After cleaning up, he takes your hand gently and kisses it. “I have something to show you... If you’d like?” He asks, his voice gentle and hopeful. His ears wiggle happily when you nod, his dark eyes glittering with excitement as he leads you out his back door and through the backyard fence. The cool night air is crisp but not uncomfortable, the clear night sky glittering with millions of stars above you as you make your way up the little hill behind the street. 

The clear fields sing gently with crickets and your footsteps rouse fireflies from the grass and into the air, the scene is magical as Gato sits down on the grass and pats the space next to him for you to sit. As soon as you are next to him, he paces a gentle arm around you and smiles down at you, his features lit softly in the moonlight. 

“I thought I’d bring you here to stargaze... I know all the constellations here, and the stories behind them.” He says, managing not to stammer though his nerves have begun to prickle up again. You place your hand on his and smile sweetly. “That’s a lovely idea, Gato...” You say, feeling your cheeks warm up as a big smile graces his features. “I’m glad...” The rest of the evening is spent staring up at the stars and listening to Gato ramble about the constellations, answering any questions you might have about them, and admiring each other in the pale glow of the moon.

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Its become normality having Dema pop up at your door with a bright smile and plans for an outing, he has a unique way of dragging you out of your home and to his favorite milk tea cafe. And that is precisely what he has done today, showing up at the door and dressing you up for a casual outing. 

“Now what's with the glum face, baby? You’re usually all sunshine when I pop in to treat you...” Dema sighs, putting his sunglasses on his head and taking hold of your hand. You explain that you haven’t been feeling the best lately, partway through your explanation in fact when he puts a finger to your lips and gives a caring smile. “Now sweetheart, why haven’t you said so? If I’d known I would have planned something a little more soothing...” He ponders, holding your cheek in his hand. “Well, how about I try cheering you up first, hm? Drinks first, then I have just the thing.” He cocks an eyebrow and waits for you to agree, that stunning grin he gives you coming to his face when you nod. 

Now, drink in one hand and the other in his; you walk through the mall together towards a familiar store. JC Penny’s?  “Now I know what you’re thinking, clothes? Why clothes? Well, just you wait and see. This is something I’ve taken to doing when the world has got me feeling less than fantastic.”

With that he whisks you away inside and heads straight for your specific style of clothing, looking you up and down and thinking for a moment. Within an instant, he has armfuls of clothing and accessories. “Alright, I’ll send you into the changerooms with an outfit, you put it on and come out to show me. Today we’re doing a fashion show, you’re up first with this lovely piece. We’ll take photos of every one and the winning outfit comes home with us. How’s that sound?” He says, grinning down at you hopefully.  You nod, smiling back up at him. “It's really sweet of you to do this...” “Nonsense, baby, you deserve it. Now go on in and get started, call me if you need help~” he coos, sending you off with your first set of apparel. 

Who knows how much time is spent changing clothes and striking poses, taking photos of one another with giggles and compliments between the two of you. Your mind is completely overtaken by the activity; eventually, the voting begins and the top outfits are chosen to be taken home.

“I think you looked great in everything, honey, it was so hard to choose.” Dema sighs as you head out of the store. “I could say the same about you.” You smile back, leaning in and kissing his cheek. “Thank you... I needed this.” Dema laughs softly and kisses your cheek back. “How about we grab something to eat on the way home, then talk about what's got you down?” “I’d like that...”

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The Jewel Prince’s Palace is always a cool and refreshing retreat from the blaring sun, bright silks and decorations adorn the hallways. The sounds of trickling water in the canals that border the hallways soothe you as you make your way towards the Prince’s private sunroom as per his request.

As you enter, the stunning view awaits you. The glittering turquoise pools have flower petals floating atop them, the silk tarps flowing overhead in the gentle breeze. “Ah, there you are, my darling Y/N. You’re looking radiant as always, though you look as if the heat has gotten to you? Why don’t you come sit here with me.” A melodious voice calls out to you from the water’s edge, you look to see the Summer Prince himself in all his radiance. His hair is tied back with little pins adorning the dark curls, his usual silk wrap around his shoulders and finery about his wrists, ankles, waist and neck. Viraj is always the vision of luxury.

“Hello, your majesty.” You bow gently, giving him a smile to which he returns with his own. As you approach you see his shimmering coral scales winding below the water, enjoying the coolness of it. When your feet touch the water you feel immediately refreshed, the crystal ripples lapping against your legs.

“I’d ask you all about what you’ve been up to, but right now all that matters to me is that you’re here. I’ve been dreadfully lonely without you, even if you’ve only been gone a day. It’s no fun sunbathing without you, I always keep the shade to protect your skin, must be terrible not being able to absorb all the sun.” Viraj sighs, the tip of his tail coming up to tickle at your feet to make you giggle.

“Well if it makes you feel any better, I missed you too.” You giggle, he hums and rests his head on your lap for a while. “I’m afraid you’ll never miss me as much as I miss you, my love.”

“Come, let's go to the shade before you burn~” He coos, taking your hand and leading you over to the lavish and comfortable outdoor lounging area. He sits you down in the shade, sneaking light kisses over your face. “I love you, you know? Every one of your features is more radiant and precious than any facet of a jewel...” Viraj says softly, his words heartfelt. His tail stretches out into the sun while his arms slither around you and his ear pressed over your heart.  “I love you too, Viraj...” You smile, a hand placed upon his head.