Day 12
Sora didn't know how, but suddenly the entire house knew he had kissed Constance. He HAD told Riku and Kairi at the same time, but both swore they wouldn't tell anyone (and they didn't break promises) so someone must have overheard them. Which was why he was confessing his next item to Riku when they were surrounded by people in a busy part of town. No one would pay attention to them there.
“You're going to propose?” Riku almost shouted. He really wasn't taking it well. “Sora, we have been here... less then two weeks. Haven't you ever listened to your parents engagement stories?”
“No, why? And why did you?”
“Because my cousin got married shortly before we left. I was listening to nothing BUT wedding stories. Anyway, unless the marriage is arranged, people date for years before getting engaged.”
“But I love her.” Sora started to protest. “And would you keep it down?”
“Sora, this conversation is going to attract attention no matter how loud we hold it. Look, do you have the ring? Where will you have it? How will you pay for it? What will you do with... everything once you ARE married? And what about back home? We go off for years, come back for a few days, leave again and next thing they know you're MARRIED? Your parents won't take it well.”
“Come on, they're my parents.”
“They're still not going to take it well. You didn't invite them.”
“You know I-”
“Do you know how much a big deal wedding snubs are? And your own parents? My cousin's family almost went to war over who should be invited on which side.” Riku grumbled and drank more of his tea. He half slammed his cup down on the glass table. “Look, as long as your honest and you have the ring, you should be okay.”
“Okay.... where do you get a ring?” Sora looked eagerly at Riku, who groaned and hit his head on the table.
“Why don't you ask her out first?” Riku finally grumbled as their food arrived. The whipped cream dripped wonderfully off of his fruit while Sora cut into his pastry. “You don't know her.”
“I do.” Sora replied as Riku stuffed strawberries into his mouth. “I know she's kind, and sweet and-” he was cut off by Riku snorting. “Well, she took you out of the asylum.”
“Touche.” Riku dipped his currently blueberry full fork at Sora. “But what does she like to do? Not like to do? How did she meet her previous husbands? Basically, have you often TALKED to her?” Sora did not answer. “That's what I thought. Ask her out on a date.”
“What?” Sora blinked.
“A date. Ask her out on a date. Take her out to eat. I'll loan you some money if you want.” Riku couldn't believe he was doing this, but he really didn't want his friend to just jump into this. Sora put his fork down with a Clink
“Okay. I'll ask Kenneth about good restaurants. Thanks Riku.”
**
“Look, have you seen that stupid tabby anywhere?” Riku was standing face to face with Eleanor Audley, who was behind bars. “I told her this would end badly but no... she had to go off and insist I talk to you of all people and then she has the nerve to run off? Stupid cat. So, Riku, how are you?”
“Are you a ghost?” Was the first thing Riku managed to ask. Eleanor was.... odd. She looked more pulled together then last night, and her talk was considerably more salty, but she still looked off. Her hair looked like she hadn't brushed it in months, and her clothes were patchy like how Leota's used to be. But they were also were of better quality, her dress gave off a feeling of “I haven't been to town in a while, so I fixed it myself” rather then Leota's “I'm dirt poor.”. It helped that the original dress looked like it was made of a very nice gray fabric with the patches being made of similar color and quality, and not of whatever she could find. Eleanor just sat down on the bench and pulled out a cigarette.
“No, I'm not. It's just I had heard of you. Why? Are you seeing ghosts? I promise I won't laugh if you are.” Riku didn't respond, just looked around as she pulled on the cigarette before letting out a few smoke rings. “Alright, you are. And no one believes you? It's alright, I've been there.”
“Really?” Riku tried to reign in his enthusiasm. He can't just trust people, especially when the person in question also sounds freakishly like Maleficent.
“Yep. I can see that.... never mind. Anyway, someone else trusted you before?”
“Yeah, Leota.”
“Oh! And how is that old curmudgeon?'
“She's... she's dead.” Riku swallowed and held back his tears. “Someone... someone killed her by chopping off her head.” Eleanor dropped her cigarette and ground it beneath her feet.
“Well, I can see why you're not chipper. So, what are you up to today?”
“Failing at talking my best friend out of marrying someone whom I'm really sure isn't who she says she is.”
“I know how that is.” Eleanor puffed. Riku looked at her. “Okay, not completely, but I do get where you are coming fro-” A loud BANG echoed outside, and Eleanor dove to the ground. “What was-” Riku looked outside.
“Just a pot that fell. So, what's your story?” Riku tried to lean back, but the wall stopped him.
“Probably similar to yours. Got into some trouble, Leota pulled me out of it, met with people, got my act together, went off... Pretty boring actually.”
“Except how you are the second or third person to predict my death. How did you-”
“Know that you are going to die? A few things, but – much like Loeta and Oona, you've met Oona, right?- Anyway, I'm a Seer. And my specialty lies in Augury and Scrying, especially water scrying.” Riku stared at her. “It means that by watching birds and the water I can predict the future really acurately. They all specialized in different things though. Oona was Tarot and bones, Leota had her crystal balls and palmistry, and you?” Her cigarette burned up, so she extinguished it under her foot and lit a new one.
“I'm sorry...”
“You, what's your specialty.”
“Look, I don't see the future. I'm just trying to figure out who you are.” Riku started to gently bang his head against the wall. She looked up when she heard that.
“And...you.... oh. That would explain it. Look, go.”
“I'm sorry?” Riku stood up and looked at the woman sitting on the wooden bench.
“You heard me, SCRAM! VAMOOSE! LEAVE! And if you find that stupid tabby, send it back to me! And Claude, tell him to come here too.” Riku blinked. “GO!!!!” And with that, she shut up and faced away from the door.
__
“KAIRI! What do you know about dates?!” Kairi looked up from her stitching as Sora raced into her room, panting for breath. He then realized that the room had a few servants and other girls in there. He blushed, and then bowed. “My apologies, may I talk to Kairi in private?”
“That's fine.” Kairi got up and walked out into the hall as the group of girls began to whisper and discuss the man in Kairi's life, the one who addressed her by first name without shame. “Why do you need to know about dates?”
“I... I...” Sora grew really embarrassed. But Kairi just looked at him and knew.
“Look. If you eventually want to propose, I have some jewelry that you can use, but ignoring how it's actually Constance's and I'm just borrowing, how will you propose?”
“There's a way?” Sora had never seen anyone propose before, now that he thought about it. “I just thought I would ask but then Riku brought up how I'll need a ring and about my parents, but only after going on dates and I don't think he means the fruit and...”
“Wait, what about our parents?”
“That they'd, well mine, be really angry since they couldn't be invited. But I can't really bring them here either...” Sora trailed off.
“Then, just propose. We'll cross that bridge when we come to it.” Kairi gave a smile. “I'm happy about you and Constance. You deserve some happiness after... everything.”
“Well, I just want to be prepared. I'm going to ask her out tonight. I'll take her to a restaurant and we'll eat food and-”
“Just don't talk with your mouth full.” Kairi gave a shy smile. “And the best of luck.”
“Kairi? Thanks.” He gave her a hug, which she gently returned. Someone cleared their throat behind them, and they whirled to see Rolly standing there.
“Ah'm sorry, Miss Kairi, but yah party?”
“Oh, yes. Thank's Rolly. “ She blushed and straightened her skirt. “Sora, I will get you the jewelry after this party. Say, around seven?”
“Yeah, sure...” Sora watched Kairi sneak back in the room, and then he turned to Rolly.
“Sorry, but what do you consider the most romantic place around here?”
–
Julia met Constance at a coffee shop in the french quarter. Constance had always liked it here. The French Quarter was unashamed of its beauty. As she waited for Julia she gazed around at the gold plated candelabras and the nice china sets. As she lost herself in her only trip with Ezekiel -oh how she loved New York- Julia sat down in the seat across from her.
“Hello again, Connie. How are you today?” She gave a little grin. “How is Sora today?”
“He's doing... well.” Julia just stared at her. “Is there a problem?”
“I saw you sneaking glances at him during your preparations for the debut party the other night.” Julia gave a rather wicked grin.
“He kissed me.” Constance admitted as she took a sip of her coffee. “Are you going to say anything?
“Did... did you kiss him back?” Julia was ignoring the large chocolate pastry in front of her. Constance gave an internal smile. Julia LOVED chocolate.
“Yes, I did.”
“Constance, are you going to enter into a relationship with him? It's rather sudden, I admit, but your year is up. He's... quite a bit younger then you though. Do you like him?” Constance rolled the question over in her mind for a while.
“I suppose so. He is rather... endearing.” She finally admitted. Julia waved her hand in a “go on” gesture. “He's very enthusiastic in whatever he does. He enjoys life. He's friendly, loyal, innocent, and doesn't hide the fact he's interested in me, but not for my money.” Which was most particular, now that Constance thought about it. Money was one of the best reasons to get married.
“Is he rich?” Julia asked as she finally cut her pastry open. Constance could smell the warm bread as she tore her own pastry apart.
“He's never said, but he must be. When I met him, he held this giant golden key – stop laughing, it didn't look nearly as tacky as it sounds- and he hasn't used it or mentioned it since. If he can lose a key that size then he must not care about it so...” Constance sipped her coffee again, but poured some fresh cream to turn it a beautiful shade of chocolate.
“He sounds like a nice catch, other then the age difference. I just have one question.” Julia smiled impishly as she leaned over the table. “Was he a good kisser?” Constance turned a deep shade of red.
**
Constance sat at her desk, looking at bills. It was, actually, her desk. It had been brought here through each of her five husbands. She looked it over as she signed yet another bill for oil. A notch from testing out her most precious possession, her initials with each of her husbands, the wood dented from writing letters on it, the ink stain from when she learned how to write. Her world was built to be high class, but this was the one thing she allowed herself that... wasn't.
Well, and Sora. Him and that wonderful Golden key of his. Ever since she had invited him in, her life had changed. Always helping, trying to learn, being cheerful, unabashedly but silently wooing her. The house was much more interesting after he arrived..
Yes, and let all the trouble start. She was too far invested to stop it now, but still... they were distinctly... odd. All of them. Well, Riku was crazy. But Kairi and Sora were just so naive it was very creepy.
She gave a sigh and pushed the bill away. She needed air. She grabbed her now white coat (oh, the pleasures of not being in mourning anymore. Clothes any color she wanted!) and wandered out onto the grass. She looked around. Riku appeared to be coming back from his day in town. He was musing, that was never good. She could hear laughing from Kairi's room, that must be the girls she had invited over. Well, Kairi was making connections at least. What good is a lady unless she has a retinue? Kairi could steal the heart of any man she set her eye on, she had proven herself to be smart and charming. As she mused she walked into the garden and saw Sora who was also killing time.
“Oh! Constance...” he blushed and rubbed his head. “I'm sorry, I didn't see you there... how are you doing?” Constance smiled. He must be worried since this was the first time they had met intimately since the kiss.
“I'm doing well. And what are you up to this evening?”
“Killing time.” He shifted on his feet near the garden patch of flowers. She had always liked Orchids... “Look, do you want to sit down?”
“I would be most grateful.” She curtsied, and they sat down on a white cast iron bench. “So, how have you been doing?”
“Fine just... missing you.” he blushed again, then appeared to gather up his courage. “Constance... I don't really have much. I don't belong here, more then you know, and a few years ago my entire way of life changed. But...” He fidgeted some more. “It's nice here. “
“Thank you, it is a nice house.”
“No, it's more then the house. It's.... peaceful here.” Considering the minor riot that had happened yesterday over the new laws, Constance privately wondered where he came from that this was peaceful. “And... you're here. May I ask a few questions?”
“Oh my.” Constance placed her hand over her heart. “Am I being interviewed now?”
“No, it's... I was talking to Riku earlier and he said that I needed to know more about you.” A blush rose to his cheeks. “He's a year older then me, he knows more about this kinda stuff.”
“What kinda stuff?” Constance asked sweetly. “It's only fair I get to ask you questions.” Sora turned more cheerful after a second.
“Yeah, you're right. Um...what do you like to do?”
“All this fuss over a rather innocent question? I like to walk in my gardens, read my books, I sew to pass the time but I'm not as fond of that. And sometimes...” She lowered her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “I go into the kitchens to learn how to cook.” She broke out giggling a little. Sora chipped in too. “Your turn.”
“Oh, okay. I like to explore, meet new friends...” he rubbed his newly cut brown hair. “and I'm really liking Harriet's cooking.” Constance gently put her hand on Sora's. They both blushed and went quiet for a second. “Maybe you can cook for me sometime? I'd love to taste your food.”
“I'm flattered, but I burn rice.” Actually she was having issues with her crème Bruelee. “Do you cook?”
“No, not really. But, because of your library, I'm getting into reading some more. 'Count of Monte Cristo' is getting really interesting.” Sora closed his hand around her own. She leaned on his shoulder a bit.
“Why?”
“Well, who doesn't dream of being redeemed and finding treasure on a deserted island?” Sora admitted.
“Yeah... treasure...” Constance's eyes half closed as she felt the sun's heat on her skin. “If you could buy anything in the world, what would you get?”
“Hmm...” Sora pulled his feet up a bit as he thought. “Well, I can think of a few things, but... I can't tell you.” Constance gave a sly smile.
“Please tell me” she purred. “I promise I won't tell.” Sora shifted a bit uncomfortably. “What if I told you first?” She batted her eyelashes and giggled a bit seductively. “I would buy...how about... some cake?” She smiled. “A large chocolate cake, topped with sugar and strawberries...”
“Okay, that does sound good.” Sora agreed. He placed his hands on her arms. “How about some milk to go with that cake?”
“And how about honey dripped cheese spread on top of pears?” Constance shot back.
“That has nothing on a large hot croissant, spread with butter and served with peaches.”
“Or Harriet's pie.”
“Or Harriet's pie.” Sora agreed. “How is she so good?”
“She's had a lot of practice.” She settled herself more into Sora's side. “What are your skills?”
“Oh,nothing much really.” he seemed like he didn't want to say something. He gently pushed Constance back on her seat. He looked around and got down on one knee. “Constance Hatchaway, I love you. I love you more then anyone I have ever met or ever will meet. Will you marry me?”
Constance paused just long enough.
“But, Sora, I don't know much about you.” She giggled. “I mean, what if you were...” she paused to think of the most illogical thing. “Some sort of serial groom?”
“Well, I promise that won't happen. Constance, you are smart, funny, sweet, kind, gentle, and anything and everything I could want in a woman. Please at least consider it.” Constance waited again.
“Yes, Sora Lockheart, I will marry you.”
–
Sora didn't know what to say immediately, so he stood up, gathered Constance in a large hug, then kissed her again. The second kiss of his life, and it was even better then the first. His hand twisted down into hers and he held it as he withdrew.
“Sorry I don't have a ring. I've been thinking about proposing but I hadn't gotten one yet.” Constance kissed him again, then whispered in his ear.
“I forgive you.” She gave one of her rare smiles, the one that made you feel like you were the only person in the worlds. “Now... how shall we plan this out. I say the sooner the better.”
“I agree. I can't wait to live the rest of my life with you.”
–
“Well, that could have gone worse. Oh, what am I saying. Constance wants to chew him up and spit him out!” Riku was sitting on what passed as Leota's grave. It was... underwhelming. Just a headstone with her name really, and her face (which Riku was grateful for) but all in all... this was the only place he could really talk, even if she didn't answer back. “I wish you were still here. I do. Then I could get some idea on how to deal with all of... this.” With a sigh, he lay back on the grass. It was just so quiet here. No hallucinations, no people buzzing around. Just him and his thoughts.
“Well, all you really need to do is ask.” Riku sat up so quickly he almost tipped over. He stood up, turned around, and saw Rolly standing nearby, holding something. But that hadn't sounded like Rolly. “What, you don't want to say hello?”
“LEOTA?” Indeed, in Rolly's hand he held a crystal ball, and in that ball was the very pale, very spiritual, very green head of Madame Leota.