Afternoon shopping

[Leyna de Somerville]

"Material," I told him, trying to sound wise. I nodded to the owner, a woman I had had many transactions with as I led Nic to a section of yellow ribbons.

"Young girls usually get ribbons made less costly materials as they tend to see more wear and tear, like these," I said, picking up a set of pretty satin ribbons and showing him before replacing them. "At Catalina's age, she wants something more grown up… like these." I picked up a set of yellow velvet ribbons the color of daffodils. The velvet was as soft as a kitten and had a beautiful nap to it.

[Nicanor de las Aragonia]

Smiling and nodding like an attentive student I took the ribbons, letting my hands run subtly over hers as I drew them away. Feeling the fabric lightly I said, "She'd love them then and they're still young enough to make me feel like she's still young." Leaning over I whispered in her ear, "They're almost as soft as your skin."

[Leyna de Somerville]

I felt the flush of passion as he whispered in my ear.

"We’re supposed to be shopping for Catalina," I said quietly, even as I leaned into him. "These are nice too." I picked up a set made of honey colored silk with white flowers stitched into them.

[Nicanor de las Aragonia]

Sighing, I grinned apologetically. "I know- my apologies." Taking the ribbons I looked at them. "These are all lovely- how do you ever manage to pick only a few?"

[Leyna de Somerville]

"You obviously have never seen the trunk full of hair ribbons I have at home," I said with a chuckle.

My eyes drifted to the display of blue ribbons, looking for ones that would perfectly suit the dress Nic had given me.

[Nicanor de las Aragonia]

"No, I haven't," I said back with a grin. "But maybe I will."

Seeing her glance over I kissed her on the forehead. "I think I have the lesson down- you go look, I'll just pick out a few more things."

[Leyna de Somerville]

Blushing softly at being caught, I handed him the ribbons I was holding and kissed his cheek.

"Thank you, I'm sure I'll still be there when you're done picking," I said with a grin and then hurried over to look.

[Nicanor de las Aragonia]

Smiling, I watched her walk away and then turned back to the display. Yellow ribbons abounded from racks and I set myself to picking the softest and prettiest ones I could find. Finally having chosen, under extreme duress, four more after the ones she'd picked, I walked over and stood behind her, wrapping my arms around her shoulders.

[Leyna de Somerville]

Leaning back into his embrace, I held up a set of extra long ribbons that perfectly matched my dress, even down to being velvet.

"Look what I found," I said, grinning happily.

[Nicanor de las Aragonia]

She was happy and therefore so was I. "They look lovely," I said as I brushed a kiss across her temple. "What are your plans for them?"

[Leyna de Somerville]

"Next time I wear this dress I'll braid my hair and weave them in," I told him. I turned my head and looked at him. "Once you move in you're going to get to put up with all my silly girl routines and habits."

[Nicanor de las Aragonia]

"I think I can handle it for the privledge of being around you more," I answered with a grin. "I'm sure there are some habits of mine that you will have to get used to as well. Still, at least I don't snore."

[Leyna de Somerville]

Raising my eyebrows I made a noise of surprise.

"You don't? When was the last time you heard yourself sleep?" I asked him.

[Nicanor de las Aragonia]

Raising a brow I said, "Never, but I have it on some very good sources. Are you saying I do?"

[Leyna de Somerville]

"And who perchance are these good sources?" I teased, leaning against him more.

[Nicanor de las Aragonia]

"Well, several who would prefer to remain anonymous and Emilio at least," I said with a teasing grin. "You still haven't mentioned whether or not I actually do."

[Leyna de Somerville]

"You sleep like a sweet angel," I said, smiling and bumping against him with my hip.

[Nicanor de las Aragonia]

Moving a hand to her face I stroked her cheek with my thumb. "So do you, amor," I said with a grin.

[Leyna de Somerville]

Blushing, oh gods would I ever be able to not blush around him?, I told him, "We should pay for these so we can see what else to find for Catalina."

[Nicanor de las Aragonia]

Nodding in agreement I took her hand and led her to the counter where I lay down the ribbons I'd picked out. "What do you think of my choices, oh-wise-and-great-ribbon-expert?" I teased.

[Leyna de Somerville]

"You are a quick study, my apprentice, these are beautiful. She will love them," I told him, smiling.

[Nicanor de las Aragonia]

"I'm glad you're pleased," I said teasingly as the shopkeeper approached and I payed for the ribbons, including Leyna's. "Where should we go next?"

[Leyna de Somerville]

"The candle store," I said. "It's just around the corner."

[Nicanor de las Aragonia]

Nodding in understanding I led Leyna out of the ribbon shop and onto the street. "I love you," I reminded her teasingly as we walked. "This really is going to take all day, isn't it?"

[Leyna de Somerville]

Laughing, I slipped my arm through his as we walked.

"Not if you don't want it to," I told him, smiling. "I thought the candle store and then perhaps the herbalist's for some bath oils. Then w should be done, it will make a nice collection of gifts for her."

[Nicanor de las Aragonia]

"I will concede to your superior wisdom in the matter," I replied with a smile.

Turning the corner I saw the shop and led her over. "Is this the place?"

[Leyna de Somerville]

"It is indeed," I said. "She'll need some candles for around her bath."

I looked up at him. "Do you want me to go pick some out and you can stay here and keep thinking of her as eight?" I asked him gently, only teasing a little

[Nicanor de las Aragonia]

Scoffing, I said, "I think I can handle it, thank you very much." her comment had stung slightly, but not in a painful way- more in the way of a limb waking up, a realization. "Lead on."

[Leyna de Somerville]

I lead him in to the candle store. "I know she likes yellow, is there a scent you know she likes?"

[Nicanor de las Aragonia]

"Flowers, sweet-smelling ones, not roses though- that's the most of a hint I can give you," I said apologetically. "It wasn't something I paid a terrible amount of attention to. The only reason I remember about the roses is because she hates to walk through that part of the garden in the summer because its scent is so strong."