The moon was a crescent one, the neon signage "Midnight Mirage" standing out the most. I unconsciously wrapped an arm around her waist, which she didn't seem to mind, knowing my habits all too well. 

The red carpet entrance was flanked by ornate golden railings.

Her deep inhale reached my ears, accompanied with an actually impressed tone. 

"Wow, I already feel special," and then came the proffesional tone, "What an effective marketing strategy."

A grin spread across my face as I added my own two cents to the conversation.

"Do you wish to feel more special, m'lady~?"

She gave me an unimpressed look and rolled her eyes.

"Sure, but if it turns out bad, I'll kill you right here."

"Let's not go that far, shall we? Give me a chance, m'lady, and I'll make you feel like the happiest woman on this planet."

"Nice way of asking me out, it's not going to work anyways."

She let out a gasp as I swiped her off her feet, carrying her bridal style across the carpet. 

"Orpheus, you damn-"

"Hush, Bella Donna. You don't sound too good yelling profanities on a red carpet."

"You make it sound as if we're in a Met Gala."

"With you in my arms, even the entrance to hell is a Met Gala."

She cringed at the lines, leaning her head against my chest. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't almost falling to the ground.

 Did I make that one sound too much? Can you blame me? I'm falling too hard, it's worser than the time I sent me and my friend down a cliff thanks to my bad driving.

The lobby was an epitome of opulence, marble floors, crystal chandeliers and whatnot. My grip tightened slightly on the fiery  belle as I saw some men leave the reception with their wives and yet staring at Rose. 

They suddenly stopped in their tracks, their expressions changing to anger and fear. I looked down noticing Rose's thorny gaze as she held up the-

No, I'm not saying that one.

A chuckle escaped my mouth, reducing to a smile as the lady in my arms punched my chest in playful anger. 

"Hey, can you blame me? What you did was sick."

"Oh please, and let me down already. You smell like you've showered in perfume."

"No no, I just used your rose scented body wash," I replied as I let her down. As much as I wanted her to meld with me, I respected the independent woman just as much as I loved her. 

"What! I use it a thousand times and yet I don't reek of roses!"

"I'm sure you do, m'lady, why else would others look at you everytime you pass by?"

Rose huffed, leading me to the grand staircase with elegant and swift strides. The ironwork was splendid, the textures richly furnished.

We headed to the fine dining restaurant, "Mirage Bistro". The decor was elegant, the room lighting softly. 

Rose led me to the Piano lounge, choosing a table nearest to the floor to ceiling window to watch the cityscape. 

Her smile, the glow in her eyes as she sat on the plush velvet armchair was just- Elysian. 

There was dimmable overhead lighting, but nothing compared to the way her face glowed as the tableside candle light her face. 

The atmosphere was cozy and inviting, and I turned to gaze at something else other than Rose for the time– the acoustic guitar performance.

I ordered two Grilled Wagyu Filet Mignon, and the classic tequila, the favorites of her ladyship.

Of course, I hadn't mentioned the desert. I wanted her to take an initiative, to know if she was interested in the food.

I distracted myself from Rose for a while, although my gaze returned to the pouting face demanding attention. The acoustic guitar performance was a piece of art, a masterpiece to which I wanted to sing. 

"No, you're not going anywhere near that stage before ordering vanilla ice cream."

She frowned at my smile, her cheeks slightly red. As red as a rose. Her face shone in the dimly lit room, the tableside scented candles wafting an aroma of love in the air. Her figure, all dressed in the dress that hid her ethereal thighs, the cape coat an addition to avoid gazes-

"Owh-! What was that for!"

I rubbed at my pinched skin, watching her chuckle at me. Damn it, why did she have to break this reverie? My heart is too fragile for these attacks.

"Orpheus, I think I told you something. Where is my ice-cream?"

Oh right, ice cream. How convenient of her to have delicious delicacies and yet not let me eye a candy.

I ordered her a bowl of ice cream, too distracted with my dish and the prospect of some good ol' tequila. I glanced at the musician on the guitar, then looking at her. 

"M'lady, may I?

"Would you listen if I said no?"

"Hmm..No~"

My heart fluttered at her mellifluous chuckle and subtle nod.