Zoi didn't notice his retrieval of the box, too enthralled with the artistic complexities of the world around her. The window itself created the perfect format for this mural-like picture. It was as if her vision shifted the more she looked. The color, the value, the lines and planes and shapes. She reached out slightly, tracing a finger through the air. To her, she was tracing the outline of a building, committing its shapes, colors, and lines to memory. Her fingers seemed to dance through the air, reaching up high, dipping down low, twisting at her wrist and fingers slowly moving to follow the different parts she saw. To her, it was a perfect drawing, the start of a perfect painting. Oh, how she loved to paint when she was younger. She still studied color theory and blending and all the necessary skills to be an artist but never got to practice much due to school and her horrible life after her parents split. She stopped hearing the negative thoughts in her head, stopped smelling the inerasable tang of blood, stopped seeing anything but that drawing forming in her head. Her lips parted slightly, head cocked to the side as her eyes slowly scanned the area, seemingly falling into a wonderous trance. Too long. It's been too long.
Cas couldn't help but smile. He was beginning to notice that she would go off into her own little world. He played with the box in his hand. He didn't want to bother her, but the longer he had it, the more nervous he was getting. So instead he took it out. And stood behind her. He did want to touch her without her consent. "Zoi, I got you something. Is it okay if I put it on." His voice came out weird, but what was a guy to do when a girl makes him nervous. "I thought it would look beautiful on you. So I bought it in town." (Sorry it's short.)
(it's okay)
Zoi blinked, Cas's voice slowly pulling her out of her haze. "Oh," she said softly, as if just registering she had slipped away into her mind. He was behind her, she realized, and he sounded…off. She didn't know how to describe it, but it was different. "Oh, yeah, it's okay," she added, turning her head slightly but not a whole lot, like she wanted to look at him while simultaneously wanting to keep it a mystery. She reached up slightly and took a strand of hair, curling it around her finger. Her hair was so long, falling to mid-thigh. She's never been allowed to cut her hair as a child, even by professionals. Now that she was older, she still didn't really cut it. Trim it, but never cut.
He gathered up some of her hair and clipped the hair ornament on. The chains hung and complemented her hair color beautiful. The two leaves went down to the middle of her hair. It was beautiful, she is beautiful. "There, it looks nice." Again he grabbed her hand and took her to the bathroom to see. "I hope you like it." Cas couldn't help but smile. The excitement he felt right now was something he hasn't felt in years. He thought back and couldn't even remember the last time he felt like this. Had he ever felt like this? There was a sinking feeling creeping up, something felt off, but he pushed it down. Right now he wanted to just focus on Zoi. "If you don't like it, you can be honest." He let go of her hand when she was standing in front of the mirror. He really hoped that she would like it.
She mutely followed him when he grabbed her hand once again and took her to the bathroom. She hesitantly reached up to brush her fingers over the strange object, cool metal meeting her skin as she did so. She tilted her head and dropped her hand, waiting until Cas pulled her in front of the mirror and let go. Zoi put her hands on the sink counter, leaning forward with round eyes as she tilted her head this way and that, getting a good look at the ornament Cas had placed on her head. "It's beautiful," she whispered, not realizing she said that out loud. She leaned in more, standing on her tiptoes now. The coat had fallen by now, though the article of clothing went unnoticed by her as she admired the golden leaves and the delicate chains.
"I'm glad you like it." Cas smiled. Those words made him extremely happy. Her clothes were a bit different from the clothes here, and there was a festival tonight. Cas thought he should take her shopping and take her to the festival. It would be fun, but because she didn't like people much, maybe she wouldn't want to good. "Hey, theres a festival tonight. Music, food, lights and performances will be there. It's fun, I've been there before. Would you like to go?" He didn't want to stay in the hotel all day, plus he thought it might be good for her. He picked up his jacket that fell on the ground and set it on the sink counter. "We can go shopping and you can look around. Their clothes are made from nice cloth, though most people here wear colorful clothes. If not that's fine, I just thought it would be fun."
Her first instinct was to say no, that she'd rather stay in and avoid people, but… Zoi flicked her gaze up Cas, still looking in the mirror. He might not realize it, but he was the only person to have ever made her feel safe and comfortable. He indirectly urged her to make an effort to get out of her shell, to live life the way it was meant to be lived—not in fear, but with fun. So when she opened her mouth, the words were soft and hesitant. "I think… I'd like to go." The thing about Zoi's voice was it was always soft. It rarely rose to a yell or even a louder tone, like she was afraid of what would happen should she raise it. Perhaps a heavy hand or a counter corner. But there was also that soothing undertone, that sliver of untouched innocence and kindness that had yet to be relinquished.
"Awesome." He looked over at her and scanned her clothes once more. "Though we'll have to get you more appropriate clothes." Even Cas was planning on wearing festive clothes that they sold around this time of year. Though usually he wouldn't wear this kind of thing, he thought it would be fun. And with Zoi by his side, he knew it would be. Is this a date? His face turned bright red just thinking about it, Zoi was a cute girl, and he liked her, but he hasn't known her long and wanted to take things slow. Who knows, maybe they are better as just friends. "You want to go shopping?" Cas wasn't worried about money, he had plenty, so Zoi could get whatever she wanted. Plus he was going to pay to play games and eat lots of good food.
Zoi bit her lip, noticing his red face in his reflection in the mirror but not knowing his train of thought to create such a blush. Maybe he has a girlfriend he's planning on meeting up with… she thought, feeling her heart sink at the probability. That's strange. She never felt that before, and it was slightly confusing. She tilted her head while mentally shaking it, considering his question and his comment on her clothes. "Is there something wrong with what I'm wearing?" she asked, though there was a hint of something jovial in her eyes as she met Cas's gaze in the mirror. Looking at him through the mirror was less daunting than directly facing him. "Even so," she added with a ghost of a small smile, "I wouldn't mind a shopping trip. It's been a while since I've done that."
"Nothing is wrong with your clothes. I think you look good." Cas looked away and cleared his throat. Why can't I be cool around her? "Anyway, it's not like that. Like I said, there are some bad people around here, so I'd rather you dress in something that shows a little less…. skin." He looked over at her and couldn't help but look her up and down. She was beautiful and he was starting to like her more, still though, he barely knew her. He walked out of the bathroom knowing that she saw him look her up and down. How embarrassing. He put his jacket back on and fixed his hair. "Alright, let's go look around. See if you like anything."
Zoi's cheeks heated up when she caught him looking up and down her body, and her eyes fell before she could see him walk out of the bathroom. "…Oh," she breathed, then tried to smother how flustered she was with a tiny smile aimed at Cas—once she located him. "That makes sense." She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, admiring the ornament on her head for a few seconds longer before joining Cas. She stood slightly off to the side, out of reach but still in a way that kept them both in each other's line of view, as if she didn't want to be caught off guard and didn't want him thinking she was sneaking around him. Zoi nodded in acknowledgment of his last statements, eyes crinkling some in a hidden smile.
Cas walked to the door, but not before grabbing his wallet. Money wasn't a problem, so he hoped Zoi would just pick whatever she wanted without holding back. He was excited to see her try stuff on. People crowded the halls, getting ready for the festival. They wore many colors it was almost hard for Cas to see where he was going. "Zoi, I want you to stay close to me." How she did that was her choice. Hold his hand grab his clothes, he didn't care.
(I imagine the clothes like this https://pin.it/tblxu3raruntg4
https://pin.it/xxtakekv47ppag sorry it's short.)
(it's okay)
Zoi made a small noise of surprise when she saw the crowded halls, and she barely even registered Cas talking before she latched herself onto him, her hands grasping the sides of his shirt as she pressed probably a little closer than she intended, her arms partially wrapping around his waist. She felt a hint of embarrassment at her actions, but she couldn't help it. She didn't want to get separated from Cas, and she definitely didn't want to get lost in this sea of color—however beautiful it was—and people. Zoi tried her best to be far enough away from him that she didn't hinder his stride as they walked, but she quickly learned that the throng of festive people was probably doing more hindering than she was. Still, she didn't want to be a burden, so she hesitantly backed off of him without letting go.
People greeted them with smiling faces. The kids pulled their parents with excitement for the festival. It was still pretty light out, and the festival didn't start till sun down, so they had plenty of time to shop. The main room was even more crowded. People from all over cane to this festival, and this hotel was the nicest, so it made sense that people would come stay here. "We're almost out." He led her through the crowd finding the best route through. Once out the doors it was much more open and less stuffy. The breeze felt nice, but it was definitely going to get a lot cooler when the sun goes down. So a warm outfit would do best. "Alright to the shopping square." It was a bit of a walk, but it was a seller town. Many stands stood out on the streets with a variety of things to sell. So, you were always looking at something amazing. "If you see anything at any of the stands just tell me."
((sorry, things have been rough lately and I've been slowly picking at different roleplays. I'll get there, I promise))
(No that's totally cool. I just didn't know if you gave up on thos or not.)
Zoi looked on with wide eyes, taking in all the colors and wonders around her. She didn't let go of Cas's shirt, though her grip was less desperate as she clung to him, her cheek pressed against his shoulder. Her eyes darted back and forth, taking in all the strange but beautiful sights that held her captive with stolen breath. "I–can't possibly know where to start first," she breathed, looking up at Cas with those wide eyes, an almost childish wonder shining in the bright blue.
Cas loved that look, he thought it was adorable. "Well, we can start with the street markets, and of you don't find anything there we can move to the stores." Cas looked down to make sure she was still holding on to him. Unlike earlier this morning, more people were in the streets getting ready. Cas had only been to this festival once before, but he enjoyed it. He figured he should look for a outfit as well. He walked down the streets leading Zoi. Many shops stood in the streets and he went to the first one to see if she would like anything.
Zoi, one Cas started to lead her through the streets, transferred her grip on him. She let go of his shirt, though she quickly slid her hand into his, keeping close to him. It felt almost natural to her, being this close to him and staying by his side. With others, she would've been too jittery and shy to cling to them like this, but her hand fit so well in Cas's palm, and she felt at ease as she rested her head against his shoulder, a small smile on her lips. She looked all over as they walked, examining different people and clothing and trinkets. "It's truly beautiful here. You're lucky."
"Hm, lucky? I guess." What Zoi didn't know was that Cas was being used as a weapon for war for the king. And he didn't want her to know. Like everyone else that was close to him, she would leave as well. His life was some fantasy, but if she wanted to believe that, then he would keep up the act. "I'll be buying myself an outfit as well, so if you want to match we can." What am I saying, I sound like a little girl. He felt she was definitely going to get turned off by that.
"I'm stuck with my father," she grumbled, clearly not happy about that particular arrangement. He wasn't even her father by blood—whoever her mother had slept with was her biological father. She didn't know if she would've rathered being with him or the heavy hands that awaited her whenever she did something minor to upset the man back home. Just the thought of that gave her chills, and she unconsciously clung closer to Cas as she looked up at him, a small smile on her lips. She was automatically retreating back into herself because of her traitorous thoughts. Cas. Think of Cas. Think of his beautiful eyes and that soft-looking hair. Think of his kindness and willingness to work with you. Think of his concern for your safety and his compliments. Think of Cas. She released a slightly shaky breath, then nodded and managed a slightly brighter upturn of her lips. "I think it'd be cute if we matched."
Cas saw a bit of a frown on Zoi's face. He stopped and turned to face her. Even though she was smiling now, he took his finger and touched the spot in between her eyebrows. Leaning down he smiled, "you're going to get wrinkles if you frown too much." He gave her a playful smirk and stood back up. "I like your smile. Whatever it is you're worrying about I'll listen." He continued to walk, this time grabbing her hand. Comforting her was his number one goal at the moment. "What colors do you like?"
Zoi flicked her eyes up when Cas stopped and pressed his finger to her forehead. Her cheeks flushed a faint pink at that smirk, then his comment on her smile. "Oh…" she breathed, then happily fitted her hand in his. She debated on telling him a little about her home life, but she didn't want to ruin the good moment between them. "I–If you're still willing to listen, I can tell you later. I don't want to make you worry right now." She unconsciously ran her thumb up and down the back of his hand as she thought about what colors to choose. Eventually, however, she lifted her shoulders up to her ears with a soft smile, looking up at Cas as she said, "I'm an artist—I love all colors."
Worry, huh? He felt there was always something off. She never talked about herself, and the way she acted, no normal person who grew up with a good, or even decent childhood acted like that. "I see.. I'll wait till you're ready to tell me." Pushing her to tell him would only make things worse. "Well, do you know what colors look good on you?" He wanted her to choose, but Cas thought that light colors would look good on her, as long as it's not white or a pale pink, it would wash her out too much. He felt so comfortable holding her hand and wished it was like this everyday. He had never felt like this before. Looking over at her, he wondered what it was about her the made him so crazy. "Come to my shop, it has the best clothes in town!" A man shouted and Cas looked over at the clothes. They did seem to be well made.
