forum In Fair Verona // Modern Romeo and Juliet // Private RP - CLOSED

Started February 05, 2019 by @blue_topaz

tune

“If you insist, but don’t be afraid to tell me if anything is wrong.” I tried my best to console her, hoping dinner would help cheer her up a bit as we entered the building.

Everything is wrong.

I cracked a tiny, wry smile, hoping to break the tension with some of my sarcastic humour. "Paris, I'm the daughter of Angelo Capulet, I can handle myself on a date."

I smiled broadly in return, glad to see her lightening up a little. “Must you always tease me?” I jested softly. “I can’t think of witty replied that fast. I need time!”

His smile hurt to see—I was giving him hope that neither of us could afford. "Take your time, then," I answered, pushing a hand through my hair. "Let's see if you can come up with something smart enough."

“I think I’ll leave the wit to you.” I let my smile soften as we walked towards the back of the restaurant and up a flight of stairs. I shared a quick nod with the manager to let him know we were here, but otherwise remained focused on Juliet.

I placed a hand on the railing as we climbed up the stairs, focusing my eyes on the steps in front of me. I didn’t want to look at him again… it just hurt too much.

The night air hit my face, granting me a reprieve I didn’t realize I needed. I released Juliet’s hand, leaving her side to pull out her chair for her.

"It's nice up here," I told him softly after seating myself, tugging anxiously at one of my sleeves beneath the table.

I paused, surprised that she had spoken up. “I’m glad you like it…” I echoed softly, looking up at the sky. “I really love this spot.”

"The sky is beautiful tonight.." I murmured in response, unsure of what to say. "Isn't it?"

“Isn’t it?” I agreed, looking up at the sky. “On one of my first solo missions I had to camp out under the stars for days in a forest. They aren’t the same here in the city…” I trailed off, the bittersweet tang of nostalgia stifling anything clever Inplanned to say.

I traced an absentminded circle into the surface of the table, sighing slowly as I counted off each constellation in my head. “There’s Libra…” I ended up murmuring, pointing upwards. “I take it you love the outdoors?”

“You could say that. I never used to, it’s a recent development.” I ran my hands through my hair, taking a seat across from Juliet at the table. “I get sick of all the secret meetings and bars sometimes. I can come out here and feel… clean.”

"I understand what you mean…." I murmured, offering a small nod. "I've got a little….. place, where I go if I need to be alone. A bit like here, I guess.."

I nodded in understanding. “Maybe we can go there sometime.” I suggested lightly, perhaps a bit too hopefully for my own good.

No. No, no, no.

The ice cream store was my safe haven—why had I even told him about it?

"Yeah," I answered quietly, "Maybe."

“I feel like we hardly know anything about each other.” I admitted, turning my full attention towards her. “Forgive me for being a little distracted tonight, I’m afraid I’m not feeling my best as of the moment.”

"You probably feel that way," I stated calmly, "Because we don't really know anything about each other. This is the second time we've seen each other in our entire lives. And don't worry about it. you don't have to…. pretend, around me. If you're not feeling well, I don't mind."

I smiled weakly. “I appreciate your empathy, but you’re not the one I have to worry about reporting back.” He inconspicuously nodded his head towards a waiter. “My mother has eyes.”

“Ah.” I nodded in understanding. “When we’re alone, then. Also, Paris, I was thinking…..”

Slowly, I raised my eyes to his. “If this.. relationship is going to work, we need to set some boundaries.”

“Of course.” I nodded. “I was hoping to save logistics for when they become inevitable, but it’s probably wiser to deal with them now.”

My shoulders relaxed imperceptibly.

“I’m… I’m going to be very blunt with you, Paris. I hope you don’t mind.” This was a huge risk to take…. so why was I taking it?

“I don’t want to have sex with you. This is only the second time we’ve ever spoken. Furthermore, I’m seventeen and you’re four years older than me. So until we know each other better, at least until I’m out of high school, please keep your hands above my waist.”

I blinked in surprise, wordless for a minute or so out of sheer shock and embarrassment. “I—I…” I took a moment to collect myself, plastering on a neutral expression. “I don’t believe that we be of issue at all until after we are married anyways. Negotiations and preparations like this take time.”

“I’m glad we see eye to eye, then,” I answered smoothly, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. Seemingly unfazed, I arched an eyebrow. “Anything you’d prefer I didn’t do?”

I considered this for a moment. If my parents found out I’d taken any sort of offer I’d be beaten raw. “No, I believe I can trust you.” I declined polietly.