[IC] Not Your Average Butler... [EasilyAmused x Knuxieh]

[knuxieh]

She enjoyed the sights on their way into the downtown area. It was the perfect mix of big city and small town charm. She climbed out with James’ assistance and thanked him as they walked in together to a clothing store. She knew they were here to grab her something, so she patiently waited by the fitting room while he picked out an outfit for her. This was pretty exciting. James seemed genuinely thrilled about getting to pick something out for her. He came back over and handed her the dress, to which she gasped. “Oh, wow. It feels so nice.” She giggled and went into the fitting room to get changed into the dress that James had given her.

He came back rather quickly, and looked as he had completed the whole ensemble. She picked up the bracelets, earrings, and the cute bag he picked out before putting her feet into the heels. Clearing her throat she giggled. “Now presenting; Lady Freya in James Outfit Number One.” She opened the fitting room, and gave the dress a few twirls, loving how much it flowed. “I love it.” Freya smiled and looked at herself in the mirror a few more times, looking at her shoes and then leaned down to hug James affectionately. “Thank you so much.” She kissed his cheek. “I’m going to grab you something now. And,” She gave pause and looked at him with a playful smile. “No. Dress pants. No button ups. No dress shoes.”

Freya knew these were staples in James’ wardrobe, even when he wasn’t working. She was out to change that, and made her way to the men’s section. She took a lot longer than James did in picking out something – it seemed the majority of mens’ clothes could be business casual. She wanted none of that. Completely casual for James. Not a speck of business to be found. Finally, she shrieked with delight, bringing it over. “Okay, here.” She handed him a simple white v-neck shirt with a dark wash pair of jeans. She grabbed a gray cardigan sweater, and a black leather watch. She leaned down and placed a pair of gray sneakers to match his sweater. “Alright. There we go! Go ahead,” She shooed him into the dressing room she had come out of. She had her clothes in a pile over in the corner so they wouldn’t be in his way anyway. She sat down, patiently waiting for him to come out and let her know what he thought. She was preparing for him to be uncomfortable, since she had never seen James wear a pair of jeans before since he began working for her father. Should be interesting.

[EasilyAmused]

James had laid back, lounging in the chair with his right arm stretched across the back. He felt so at ease just relaxing and being out and about with her. A smile moved across his faced as he heard her expressing pleasure in what he had picked out for her. When she came out he instantly sat upright in his chair. Wow…. She looked even better than he had imagined in those clothes. He did his best not to let his jaw drop open and composed himself to the best of his abilities as he returned her hug.

Standing up, he straightened his white vest only to have her say that there would be no dress clothes involved. He gave her a surprised look before turning his attention downward to what he was wearing. “Ladies like a sharped dress man.” He said playfully to her with a cheesy wink before taking the things she brought for him to try one and stepping into the dressing room. Folding his clothes neatly onto the changing bench he dressed himself in the clothes she had picked out for him. Simple and comfortable, not bad; dare he think he actually looks rather sharp in it. “Hm…” He said aloud before calling out. “Next in the fashion show. Sir James Noble in Fashion logo’s very own Freya Von Ryker’s original.”

At that he stepped out of the dressing room doing his best male model impression and, not to toot his own horn but he looked rather snazzy. A smile moved across his face as he took her hand and pulled her towards him giving her a hug. “Thank you, I really like it. It’s comfortable and classic.” He said with a nod as he let her go pulling on the cardigan a bit before going into the changing room and grabbing their clothes. “Shall we just by these at the register and wear them out for the day? We can put our other clothes in the car before continuing on with our day adventure.”

[knuxieh]

At his comment about what the ladies liked, she raised an inquiring eyebrow, feeling a very odd tinge in her chest. She rolled her eyes at his wink and couldn’t help laughing at him. She patiently waited, and thought about what he had said before he pulled her from her own thoughts. He was so over-dramatic and a real goofball when he wasn’t working, and she loved it. This was who James was. In all his entirety. He wasn’t super stiff, but someone who enjoyed laughing it out. She only wished she could see James like this all the time. As he stepped out and did his best model impression she shook her head. “Alright, alright. I did good.” She grinned. She blushed as he embraced her. “Well, yeah…Don’t mention it..” She mumbled.

However, her mind kept going back to what he said, and the odd feeling in her chest grew. “I don’t know, James.” She started, and pulled him back to her, gripping his hand gently to stop him from leaving. “Does it…matter what the ‘ladies’ like?” She whispered. “What about what I like?” She asked, giving him another look over, her cheeks flushed.

Realizing what she said, she let go of his hand and cleared her throat. “Nevermind, sorry. You’re right. Ladies do usually like a man who dresses well, however it’s nice if he can pull off both too.” She smiled. “Regardless…” she shook her head. “Let’s just wear these out.”

[EasilyAmused]

As James went to turn away from her, her lack of letting go pulled him back. His blue gaze landed on her and her question surprised him to the point that he raised his eyebrows. Interesting, apparently she isn’t aware of exactly what his feelings were. Despite how much teasing she’s done in the last couple of hours. Was she really that innocent? Did she really not understand?

After she agreed to wear the clothes out, James hesitated for a moment before deciding something. He reached down with both of his large hands, taking her small left hand in them and bringing it to his lips. He gently placed a kiss upon the back of her hand, holding it for a moment before whispering softly, “Only your opinion matters Lady Freya.” He kept his eyes closed as he spoke, his cheeks burning red over the fact that he just did that. His eyes flickered open and, while looking directly into hers, he gave her hand another quick kiss to prove his seriousness.

With that he slowly lowered her hand and picked up their clothes from the dressing room and slid his wallet into the pocket of his new jeans. Returning to her he offered her his hand and smiled. “Let’s go to the register.”

[knuxieh]

Freya looked surprised as he took her hand in both of his, looking up at him. As he kissed her hands, she felt her heart skip, and her face turn red in embarrassment. She suddenly felt silly for even feeling how she did. She knew the answer, but hearing it from him did make her feel better…She watched his face heat up and flushed even harder herself when his blue eyes met her brown ones. She looked shy and started twirling her hair around her finger. As he extended his hand, she simply nodded and intertwined her fingers with his, as he went to the register to pay for their items. The woman gave them their total, and once James had paid they returned to the car. She let go of his hand as he placed their clothes they had arrived in, into the back of the car before coming back over.

She held his hand like before, and looked around the area. There were a few fliers posted around, and Freya gave one her attention. It mentioned an event going on in the area, and a fair. She looked up at James. “Can we go?” She asked, pointing to the sign. But, they were supposed to visit and get James some new culinary equipment. “After we get your new culinary stuff, of course.” She reminded to show she had not forgotten. She always had to keep a tab on James and his stuff. They walked the street for about ten minutes and the pointed out the store for James. “There it is!” Freya walked inside and grabbed a cart, pushing it with one of her hands. “You can grab whatever it is you think you might need. We can take your old stuff and send it off to get recycled for the metal and handles.” She did enjoy being around James, and felt what could only be described as butterflies in her stomach as they walked about, a few people stopping to watch them go by.

They arrived where the knives where, and she let go of his hand, leaning onto the cart. “Go ahead. I’ll be right here.” She smiled, playing with the braid that James had done for her.

Freya had gotten some texts from Dianne asking if she was alright and why she wasn’t in class, so she happily responded to her explaining that she didn’t feel alright after what had happened yesterday evening and took the day off to kind of get her nerves about her. While she was doing this, a young woman walked up to James as he was studying the knives. James? What are you doing out there? And why weren't you in class today?" She questioned, and brushed her blonde bangs out of her eyes, the rest of her black hair falling at her shoulders. It was one of James' classmates from his cooking class. "We were all pretty worried about you, you know." She rested her hand on his arm. "I'm glad you're not hurt or anything."

[EasilyAmused]

This day was turning out to be rather fun. It was a strange feeling to be on such casual terms with someone you were supposed to be an employee for but it seemed as though he wasn’t the only one who had something other than just an employee/employer relationship in mind. He felt bad though, it was again the code of conduct for a butler to fall for his mistress or the other way around. But he wasn’t technically working today…

“Sure.” He said sounding excited about the idea of spending some time at a fair and watch some of the live entertainment they had going. They found a store that had household items and goods which made James all the more excited! The grin never left his face and his grip tightened slightly on their hand due to his thrill going to get the new cutlery.

She grabbed a cart and he followed beside her acting like a kid in candy store and it wasn’t long before they found the section with the cutlery. While she was lost in her phone he began to examine the sets they had available. While the debate went through his mind of whether he should get the kind he wanted or the less expensive version since the Von Ryker family was paying for it, a voice appeared next to him, and it wasn’t Freya.

“Oh.” James’ expression moved to one of surprise that a fellow classmate was present in the store. He listened to what she had to say and gave her a polite smile. Though when her hand rested on his arm he removed it as quickly as it happened before stepping a short distance away from her so that the sudden interaction wouldn’t happen again. “I appreciate your concern but I’m fine.”

“Since you don’t seem busy, why don’t we go get some coffee…” The young woman pressed taking a closer to him in an attempt to close the gap between them.

Again, James stepped back from her just as quickly as she approached him, “I’m flattered Rachel…”

“It’s Rebecca,” She sounded almost insulted that he didn’t remember her name.

“Rebecca, but I’m actually out with someone who’s very special to me.” He said with a stern nod, as he grabbed the cutlery set he really wanted and nodded to his classmate. “I appreciate your concern for me and the rest of the class as well but someone very important to me needed my support today and no one goes above the importance of her. Good day I’ll see you in class.” With that he left the girl standing there to walk over to Freya.

Placing his choice of cutlery into the cart and placed his large hand on the small of her back with a soft smile. “Shall we go pick out things for the apartment?”

[knuxieh]

Rebecca’s thin eyebrows moved to one of surprise, and her nose wrinkled in slight distaste as he stepped away from her. He didn’t even remember her name! The nerve! James quickly grabbed cutlery set and swiftly left. She scowled, not really used to being brushed off. Watching him walk away, she watched as he walked over to Freya and immediately narrowed her eyes at the fact that James’ hand rested on this girls’ back. Lower back! What was that? She moved closer, and heard him ask about the apartment. Uh – what?

This infuriated Rebecca, and she pulled out her lime green bedazzled phone out of her oversized purse and dialed a number, tapping her foot impatiently. “Hi girls. It’s Becca. Guess who I found outside of class today? – James. Looking super effing cute as usual. He wasn’t in his normal attire though. It was more on the casual side. His butt looked really good in the jeans, I wish you could have seen it. I should have snapped a picture.” She frowned, scolding herself. “Anyway. I’ve got a code Pink. He’s out with a girl.” A gasp came from the other side of the line. “I know, I know. But I don’t even think we have that much to worry about. She’s real ‘Plain Jane’. I mean, my Nana would wear what she’s got on. Like – who wears matching prints on all their accessories and clothing? Old people.” She laughed pretty nasally. Giggles came from the other side of the line. “Regardless. The Official James Noble Fan Club has to stay strong during these dark times. He got a new cutlery set.” She shrugged. “And there’s talk of apartment shopping. It just has bad news on it all over. Our James is too good for this.” Agreements chimed in, and Rebecca ended the phone call.

Freya heard the cutlery get placed into the cart, and jumped a little as his hand pressed against her back. “O-Oh. Hey James.” She smiled. At his apartment shopping question, she looked down at her hands, fidgeting with the cart handle. “Actually,…I was wondering if I could get some knives and things, too?” She asked, and pointed over to a section she had been eying. “I didn’t want to just leave and you not know where I went off to.” She smiled, and pushed the cart over, picking out a small knife set and a few other cutlery gadgets. “Cute, but functional.” Freya giggled, holding the set out to James for approval. He had been through many knives before, and the store had good quality knives, but she still wanted his final say-so. “We can totally go apartment décor shopping after we check out.” She nodded. When they had gotten everything settled, she pulled a bright pink card out with silver accents and swiped it effortlessly. The cashier bagged their things respectively and thanked them for their business. Freya grabbed the two bags, and walked outside with James.

“Did you make sure to get the one you really wanted?” She asked, looking up at him as they headed out the door. Once outside, she looked around. “Maybe we should have moved the car with us,” She giggled. “I don’t think the walk to the car would kill me. Or, do you think we should just keep hopping between stores?” She asked. “Your choice, James.”

[EasilyAmused]

He felt bad for making her jump but he felt like he had a point to make to the outside world, he wasn’t here to run into someone else or to make a new connection. He was here to be with Freya and enjoy the day out. As she loaded things into the cart he couldn’t help but smile. She was so innocent in her ways and so true to herself that it made his heart flutter. She may not fully know who she is, or have the confidence she really should for the incredible person she is but in time she will build that confidence she really should have had all along.

Watching her swipe the card without a care in the world made him feel guilty for picking the most expensive set, but when it came down to it. It had everything he wanted/needed and was the best quality that he’ll get a massive amount of use out of for the longest period of time. Had anyone else been in his situation with a girl who had as much money as Freya did, they might have just filled the cart with stuff and made them pay for it… the thought of that brought back the uncomfortable night they had to deal with when it came to Alex.

When they stepped outside, James reached over and grabbed the two bags from Freya and took a gentle hold of her hand, lacing his fingers in with hers. “I think we can just keep hopping between stores. We’ll make a final trek back to the car before going to the fair.” A reassuring smile moved across his face as he gave her hand a small squeeze. “And yes I got the kind I wanted. They should prove to help make the meals I create for you even more delicious. Now,” His attention moved from her back to the streets. “Where to next?”

[knuxieh]

Alex sneezed somewhere off in the distance. His eyes narrowed in confusion. Someone was talking about him…

Freya moved to take the bags, going to say that they weren’t even heavy but he had already taken them and took her hand. She smiled shyly, and nodded at his decision. “Good, because you know we would totally go back in there and I would pick out what I think you may even need and it would have been even more than that,” She giggled. Freya spared no expense towards James. He had always looked out for her and money wasn’t an issue for her. She wasn’t sure where to head to just yet, but simply began walking with James, gently swinging their hands back and forth and hummed to herself.

She was clearly having a wonderful time. A few blocks later, she turned to her left and saw a home décor store. Or at least one of them. “Let’s try going in there.” She smiled, and checked the roads before they had crossed together. Upon entering they were greeted, and given a cart for their bags, and for any items they might pick up while they were inside. “Let’s jump right into it.” She giggled as she pressed herself a little closer to James before venturing further into the store. She picked up a good assortment of things, and got James’ input. They were in there longer than she intended and once they checked out, she glanced at James. “Hey, James do you want me to ask if they can just deliver the stuff to the apartment? I don’t want you to feel like you have to keep carrying tons and tons of bags.” She asked, Rebecca had come out of what seemed like nowhere, but was still far enough away not to really become a problem for Freya, anyway. “I think a candle or two would be nice…” She thought aloud, glancing at a store outside the doors for candles. She had swiped her card to pay for, and waited for James to decide if he wanted them to ship it or to carry it himself.

[EasilyAmused]

This was such a wonderful day, despite the encounter with his classmate that left him feeling a bit awkward. Maybe he was too harsh on her but he didn’t want to give her the wrong impression to someone. Oh well it couldn’t be that bad right? A smile moved across his face as they walked hand and hand down the road.

She found a place she seemed to like and James followed suit with her into the store and it wasn’t long before they had a cart full of things his apartment lacked and decorations to make it feel more homey. “Well it would mean we could find more goodies because I wouldn’t be much of a gentleman if I made you carry more than your purchase.” He said with a chuckle. Of course if she wanted to carry the bags he’d let her but his first goal would be to make sure she’s comfortable. “Maybe delivery isn’t such a bad idea.”

When her attention moved to the candle shop across the street so did his and he couldn’t help but grin. “They also sell bath oils. Let’s see if we can find some matching candles and bath oils for your bath tonight.” He responded in a soft manor, his hand resting gently on her lower back once again while she gave the instructions to the people behind the counter. Leaning over he whispered in her ear, “The candles and the bath oils are my treat though.”

[knuxieh]

The saleswoman waited as Freya entered the address into the computer and they left the bags with her so they could be delivered. They were told they would be out before the business day was out and Freya nodded, thanking her. At the mention of bath oils, she smiled, remembering that amazing bath that had James had prepared for her from before when they first had a little bit of miscommunication. She felt his palm pressed against her lower back again, and her cheeks gained color, but she didn’t flinch this time. However, as she was talking with the woman he leaned over and his breath tickled her ear, sending shivers up her spine.

Her eyes widened and she looked at him once she had given the woman the information. “O-Okay..” She tucked some hair behind her ear and as they walked over to the candle store, she gently put her arm around him, clutching some of the excess fabric to hold onto. Entering the store, the scents of all kinds of candles hit them. She went over and spent a great deal of care and time into selecting what candle she wanted. She picked up a small carrying basket since the items inside the store weren’t going to be super large or heavy. In the end after searching, she couldn’t decide on just one, and ended up picking up five of them. The fifth one was more so for her own personal enjoyment, though than for the entire apartment. It had a really deep just…masculine smell that she really enjoyed. “They should have this as a cologne.” She giggled aloud. As she turned to James, she looked a bit guilty. “I can pay for the candles, James. I ended up wanting more than just the one.” She offered, and looked at her selection. “I think I would only want oils for Pink Sands and Beach Walk, anyway.” She smiled. When it came to her paying for James she had no problems, but when James was going to pay for something of hers, she was always trying to be a bit more careful on spending. But, she wanted all of them.

[EasilyAmused]

She was so adorable going around the candle shop. Especially when she put her arm around his waist; this was starting to feel more like a date day than just a day away from it all. He wrapped his free warm around her shoulder and continued through the store with her. She had a great taste in scents as she picked out a good share of things to enjoy. He couldn’t help but feel some eyes were on them but when he’d scan the area to look for anyone acting odd, he didn’t see anything. Mentally shrugging to himself he went back to enjoying the walk around with Freya.

Soon she declared she was finished and they went to the counter. “I’ve got it, don’t worry.” He said in a soft reassuring voice as the cashier rang up the items and put them in the bag. He paid for it with ease and took that bag now holding three. “So,” he began as they stepped outside and he looked around. “How about we go drop this stuff off in the car and then go get some fair food?” His voice was happy and upbeat and his smile twinkled as he looked down at her, his arm resting gently on her shoulder as they walked. He… he could get used to this.

[knuxieh]

Eyes were watching them, but quick to disappear before they were noticed. Pen scratching and notes were being taken. Hearing they were headed to the fair, a quick phone call was made.

James paid for the candles and oils before she could protest, and she walked out with him, her arm going around his waist again. “That sounds pretty fair to me,” She smiled. “Although…” Freya looked in the direction they had come from. “I will need to stop at that department store and pick up a pair of flats if we’re going over there. My heels will totally sink into the dirt and that wouldn’t be fun for either of us.” She giggled. Feeling his arm around her shoulder, she couldn’t help smiling. This was amazing. Right now, it didn’t feel like they were employer and employee – but simply James and Freya. The way she wanted it to be.

"Food sounds really great right now. I'm starving," She giggled. The walk back to the car was pleasant, and there was a cool breeze every now and again. “Today has been really great so far, James. Thanks for taking the day off for me.” She thanked him as they walked, squeezing him a little tighter for a moment. He didn’t have to take off, but he did and she appreciated it. The streets had their fair share of foot traffic, but something was making Freya uneasy and she pressed herself even closer to James, her voice barely above a whisper. “I think…someone’s following us.” It was hard to tell if she was just being paranoid or not, since there were other shoppers in the area.

“Unsure what vehicle they arrived in just yet. Keeping an eye out. Using crowds as cover. Stand your ground at the fairgrounds, and do what needs to be done. Plain Jane is planning to switch from heels to flats.”

[EasilyAmused]

When she said she wanted to stop somewhere to get flats he nodded. “Alright but just to be clear, if you snack into the mud I would pull you out and carry you just like last night. I’m not afraid to do it.” He said with a cheeky grin down to her as he gave her shoulder a small squeeze and the two started towards the car. Her concern about someone following them seemed to be a shared feeling but he wasn’t going to let her know he had been thinking the same thing.

“It’s okay,” He spoke softly and reassuringly, “I’m here so you have nothing to worry about. But I’d recommend making sure to hold my hand whenever possible so we don’t get separated.” He stated with a cheeky grin. After dropping their things off in the trunk of his car, he locked it and the two of them popped back into the store to get her some flats. Once the shoes were changed out they placed them in the truck of the car and started towards the fairgrounds.

“Did you know?” James started as they got into the fairgrounds and went to the food stands. “Having food at festivals actually began in the medieval times? It was traditionally to trade either the currency of the time or a product for the food at the festival because the food was considered some of the highest quality available. Since everyone was out to impress the nobles and royals that came by they were always trying to show their best.” When it was their turn at the front of the line James gave a big smile. “Hi, I’ll take a corndog and a block of fries.” Pulling out his wallet he handed his card to the cashier so that Freya couldn’t argue before giving her his full attention. “What would you like?”

[knuxieh]

At the mention of him carrying her again if she did get stuck in a place she wanted to get out of, she gently nudged him and giggled. "Be careful, you might summon something you don't want." She was relieved that he squeezed her shoulder, seeming to put away her thoughts. But she trusted James, and gave his hand an extra squeeze in response to his joke. “Yeah, I would hate to lose you.” She smiled. She soon got changed into the comfortable flats and they were in the car, headed towards the fairgrounds. She was pretty surprised that they had gotten there so quickly.

Freya listened as James began giving her information on fairground food beginnings, much to her delight. She loved learning new things, both mundane and extraordinary. “No, actually I didn’t.” She giggled. “I’m not sure I could part with anything I have on right now for food. I’m glad we can just pay with currency instead.” She sighed with relief. She had gone to grab her wallet after James began ordering, but he knew her all too well, and had given the cashier his hard instead. This earned him a look from Freya but she looked up at the menu. She hadn’t really had much fair food – much less any food that wasn’t made by James or local maids and butlers. She was taking a bit of a long time to decide. She wasn’t sure how any of it would taste. “Uhm..”

“Hey! Can you hurry up! Some of us wanna eat before next year!” A rather rude man exclaimed a few patrons down the line.

“S-Sorry..” Freya began to fidget. “Uhm…Uhm..C-Can I…” Her eyes kept scanning the menu chart. “C-Can…I have..uhm…t-two of your..chicken sandwiches?”

The woman at the register raised her eyebrow, leaning down to hear her better. “I’m sorry, darlin’ I can barely hear you. Can you repeat that for me, please?”

She rubbed her arm, her nerves getting to her. “Y-Yes! I want..two of your sandwiches. T-The chicken ones. B-But I don’t want..any cheese on it. And c-can you add ketchup to it please?”

She seemed more than happy to oblige, seeing that she was already having a bit of a hard time, giving the gentleman who had spoken up a dirty look. “That all for you, honey? Anything to drink for you folks?” She asked, noticing that James didn’t ask for anything to drink. “You’re gonna want something for all those fries you got, hun.”

Freya nodded. “Yes..please.” She looked at James. “Did you want to split..the fries? I-If not I can get my own.” She said, and looked at the cashier. “I-Is there a way to upgrade the size of the fries?” She asked, to which she nodded. “O’course.” She rang Freya up for a drink, and looked at James. “Are you two splitting a drink as well, or two separate ones?” Freya’s cheeks burned a little and she looked at the ground, grabbing James’ hand as she buried her face in his shoulder from embarrassment. She was trying to calm her nerves, and kept drumming her fingertips against the back of James’ hand that she was holding.

[EasilyAmused]

Freya was never good in public, not that she never enjoyed it but that she doesn’t do well around a bunch of people she didn’t know. James, on the other hand, was completely fine with it and made himself a good moral support for her. The lady behind the counter seemed to understand Freya’s timid nature and he gave her a grateful smile for her kindness. When she mentioned about the drinks he laughed softly. “She wouldn’t get a drink if we shared, I’m kind of a drink hog. But at least I know. However I will gladly share my fries with this lovely lady so why not make it a large fry. I’ll have an iced tea.”

When they were finished ordering, James got his card back and guided her to the pickup window where they were handed their food. Grabbing the nearly overflowing tray of food while grabbed the soda, he placed a bottle of ketchup to use and looked towards the nearly empty open seat. “Wherever you’d like to sit is good with me.” He said softly giving her a sweet grin as they started towards the seating area, he followed her lead.

[knuxieh]

Freya was glad to be out of line, and looked around, pointing out a pair of seats in a booth set up not too far from where they were. She had gotten a juice of sorts, and sat down, looking around at all the people around, playing with her straw as she couldn’t really focus on one thing. Frowning, she shook her head and pulled one of her sandwiches she had ordered out and began eating it and blinked in surprise. She had to stop herself from talking with her mouth full because she wanted to get what she had to say out, and motioned for James to give her a minute before swallowing. “James, this is actually really good! I mean, it’s totally different from what you make at home…but it’s good!” She smiled, seeming to forget her nerves and enjoy the food that they had ordered, sipping on her drink and eating the french fries.

Once they finished, Freya looked around again at the fairgrounds. She was a slow eater and by the time she was done, she was already looking forward to getting on rides. Whenever she went to an amusement park, she usually got the wrist band that let you go on however many rides you wanted for however many times you wanted. Once the trash was taken care of, she held James’ hand again and headed for all sorts of rides throughout the evening. They had gone on a roller coaster, a drop zone, a spin-gravity thing, and a gentle swing ride. At the end of it all, the sky had gotten pretty dark out, and there were some lights lit up. Staff spotted them together, and called out to them. “Fair closing soon! End your night on the Ferris Wheel! Perfect Views!” Freya gasped. She had not been on a Ferris Wheel before, and jumped with delight. “Oh! Oh! Can we, James?” She asked, looking at the Ferris Wheel that was now lit up with all sorts of colors and patterns.

[EasilyAmused]

When she had gone through her mini-panic attack at the house, saying she wouldn’t be able to eat other people’s food after his own, he was slightly concerned she was serious. But hearing that she was enjoying the food made him grin as he munched away on his corn dog. This was a good day out, a day both she and him needed. He seemed to find himself relaxing more and more around her. Being able to be himself more and more and not having to wear the butler face as often as he did when he was at the mansion. She said she wanted to be friends but this felt much more like a date than it did two friends hanging out. Or maybe he was just overthinking it.

They spent their time going on rides, playing the silly little games and laughing a lot. As night time rolled around the city lit up as the fair drew to a close. Smiling down at her as she expressed wanting to get on the Ferris wheel he nodded. “Alright let’s go.” Taking her once again by the hand he led her to the Ferris wheel where they climbed on and he sat opposite of her not wanting to make her uncomfortable. “The city should be beautiful at night.” He said with a nod as the Ferris Wheel began to climb. “I wonder if we can see the campus from here. Or the manor.”

[knuxieh]

Freya was so glad that he agreed, and they got into the carriage. She watched as he sat across from her and wondered if he just wanted the space. That was crazy, though. They had been pretty close all evening. The Ferris Wheel ascended higher and higher, and Freya looked out, seeing all the lights from the city. She turned around in her seat, her knees on the chair under her as she looked out in awe. “This is beautiful. I don’t even know if I could recognize home from here even if I wanted to.” She giggled. It got to a point where the Ferris Wheel slowed to a stop. They weren’t directly at the top, but maybe a car or two from it. Looking over at James, she thought about something for a few moments, and decided that since the Ferris Wheel had stopped, she got up and sat next to James. Once she was beside him, she wrapped her arms around his waist, feeling the warmth coming off of him. “There.” She smiled. “That’s so much better. I was starting to get kind of chilly with the night air moving around.” She giggled. She let her head rest on James’ shoulder and sighed in content.

“Today was really amazing James, I mean it.” Freya grabbed his free hand and began fiddling with his fingers. “I wish it didn’t have to end..” She finally said after some silence between the two of them. "...James," she began. "I really enjoy seeing you be yourself. I love it. You're such a goofball and your smiles are contagious. I'm really glad you're relaxing around me.." Her warm brown eyes looked up at him. "What about you, James? You think today has been pretty good, right? You know - besides you getting new knives." She laughed lightly, and thought for a moment. "What are you going to do when we get back home?"

[EasilyAmused]

As she was looking out the opening he was looking at her. And when she said ‘this was beautiful’ he spoke without thinking. “Yes, yes it is a beautiful view.” Of course he wasn’t referring to view. Realizing that he was staring at her, he quickly turned his attention to the lit up city. Soon he felt a presence next to him and as she wrapped her arms around him he wrapped his arm closest to her around her shoulders and gently rubbed her arm.

Upon her statement that she had an amazing day today he couldn’t help but beam as he overlooked the city. What a wonderful thing to hear. A small happy sigh left him as he turned to look down at her as she asked him some questions. “I had an amazing time today.” He laced his free hand in with hers and brought it up to his lips. Gently his whispered, “Thanks for giving me the day off; I couldn’t think of a better way to spend my day off.” With that he gently kissed the top of her hand once again before linking his fingers into hers.

“I was thinking I’d run you a hot bath and make a fresh cup of hot coco for you to enjoy after your bath. Does that sound nice?”