>ON
"Where?" he paused a second, thinking it over. He answered, "I heard about this certain brew pub just outside the city once, apparently it is owned by the most powerful woman in the colonies now." he chuckled lightly, standing back up straight, hands still lightly rested on her shoulders.
"Oh, I wonder who such a woman would be but you up for shaking more hands today? It's the danger of public celebration, more attention... would you be up for something quieter ?" Ayana asked softly as she took into consideration the notion that she was going to have to rub palms and toast just about every round this evening.
He grinned, "I was thinking of a more private party in the brewery, not the pub...unless you can think of somewhere else?"
"I was thinking that I live in District 48 and that can afford a little bit more privacy and peaceful setting on the beach. I haven't had a chance to entertain since I've unpacked unless you'd prefer someplace else?" Ayana smiled as she looked up at Tio.
"Alright, shall we?" he offered his hand towards her, stepping aside slightly to allow her to get up on of the chair.
Ayana's smile brightened as she took the offered hand. "Sure. I'll ask Edana to bring me my paperwork in the morning so we can work on it then."
Tio smiled, his fingers entwining gently with hers. "I just realized my car is at the spaceport...." he chuckled, looking towards the door. There was still the sounds of celebration outside, the assembly was having a party of their own.
"I'm pretty sure we can get a cab back to the district, it'll help us finalize our public transportation plan ideas?" Ayana suggested playfully as she gave the Prince's hand a light squeeze as she rose from her chair.
He laughed, "Alright..." he lead her towards the door, trying to get around the crowds of people, there was loud music, champagne everywhere, a few of the government aide's were standing on top of the table. Tio chuckled.
Ayana couldn't help but giggle as she saw how big of a party was going on. She didn't relish the notion of clean up tomorrow but she knew that chance to cut loose and have fun was really what the public needed before the real work began.
He cut down one of the side hallways, reaching one of the side exits only to emerge into the massive crowds in the streets. There was people everywhere, the city was awake and there was no question in that. Finally they reached the cab stand just outside of the capital dome. Tio opened the door to one of the waiting cars for the Prime Minister.
Ayana smiled her thanks as she carefully slid into the cab and adjusted her skirt down under her. "This is a little crazy but local business should be booming."
Tio closed the door and got in on the other side, the driver inquired to Ayana. "Where to Madam Prime Minister?"
"District 48, 26 Mizunosei Boulevard, please," Ayana replied brightly back as she half watched the celebrations going on outside with a smile.
"It is good to see things in such a way..." Tio commented, looking out the window of the cab as they drove away from the capital buildings. "I believe it makes it all worth it..."
"It does but I can't help but wonder about the hangovers in the morning or having to clean up. But I guess these are things we can consider for public works projects," Ayana responded with a light chuckle as she watched Tio's face for a moment before looking back out the window. "Public holidays are definately something they have missed."
"Well, I am sure the city can handle the clean up, something tells me they will have some help from the citizens, after all this is their home now." it was not long until they were outside of Motoyoshi-cho and heading towards the 48th district. "So, you live on the beach?" he smiled, his hand settling lightly on her own.
"I thought it'd be a nice change. I love farming but I felt another living perspective was needed, it's quite peaceful in the early morning," Ayana commented thoughtfully as her eyes returned to Tio's face from the festivities beyond the window.
He moved his hand from hers as they pulled off the expressway and began heading towards her home. They pulled up to the house, and Tio transfered money electronically to the cabby's account.
"Thank you, try to enjoy the festivities if you get the chance, Sir," Ayana said politely with a smile as she opened her door, taking a step out of the cab with a little bit of a stretch.
26 Mizunosei Blvd was architecturally similar to the other houses on the street. It didn't stand out as anything very expensive or really unique, it was a modest looking two story house with a pointed, slanting roof; red brick and dark brown shutters outside the windows. The front garden looked newly landscaped- the freshly laid sod was just starting to grow. In another week or so, the lawn would have to get mowed.
Tio looked at the house, he smiled. "I like it...a testament that you have a home, rather than just a place." he walked over to her as the cab drove away, his hand taking hers again. "Lead the way..."
Ayana smiled again as she gently lead him towards the door over a cobblestone path through the center of the yard. "I'm looking forward to getting some fruit trees planted out front but I want to give the soil a chance to recover from all the construction before I start tearing holes out of the yard." At the door, she pulled a key from her purse and unlocked the door.
Tio massaged her hand with his thumb as he held it. "That farmer likes to come out in you; I am glad you have a green thumb." He peeked in as the door opened, quietly waiting to be invited in.
She pushed open the door with a smile, gently tugging Tio forward with her hand. "Please come in." The foyer of the house was set up rather simply. On one side of the door was a coat rack and against the wall on the opposite side was a small shoe rack against the wall with a small key rack hanging much higher above it. On the wall directly opposite of the door was a small end table with a mini arch of rosemary growing around a thin arch of wire in a black ceramic pot.
Tio moved along with her, the door closing behind him. He looked around at the decor, the place felt very different but in a good way, it was warm and inviting. He loved the smell of rosemary, looking to her he smiled, his eyes searching hers. The realization, that they were finally alone set in.
Ayana lightly blushed as she looked back into Tio's eyes. "I...I can give you the grand tour if you'd like. It's nothing as grand as the palace but it's home and... it has a great view. "
He smiled, he had another view in mind, if he could manage it. In the meantime, he nodded..."Well then, show the way..." he leaned forwards and kissed her lips lightly, seeing how she would respond to him this time.
Ayana was pleasantly surprised by the kiss and didn't immediately retreat like she did last time, in fact, she actually returned the kiss before she murmured, "No rush. We have time and no distractions."
He smiled, and whispered "For a change..." he kissed her again, this time more deeply, his arms wrapping around her as if they had been apart for so long, he needed to touch her, to feel her against him. His right hand moved to cup her cheek lightly as they kissed, the other remained on her back rubbing gently the upper part of her spine.
She shivered as she pressed against him, uncertain of herself as they kissed. She felt her heart race as she placed her arms around him as well, hugging him tightly as she enthusiastically returned his passion in her own kisses. It felt so reassuring to feel his warmth against her skin, but her uncertainty made her breathlessly pull back away from Tio, and look at him with a deep blush on her cheeks. "...you confuse me," she whispered softly.
He gave a quiet laugh, "Oh? Oddly I consider that to be true in reverse as well..." he massaged her cheek lightly. "How do I confuse you?"
"I..I'm not sure if I am Prime Minister for my own merits or because the Crown Prince has taken a fancy to me. Am I just a warm body for the night? That's why I'm confused, I see this handsome, powerful man taking an interest in me and my career is something I never fathomed it would become. Is this all just until someone else catches your eye?" Ayana said very quietly, unsure if she really wanted to believe the rumors that she had been hearing.
Tio sighed, "Got a place where we could sit down?"
"...Yes, of course. I have a den," Ayana turned as she lead Tio towards a large room to the right side of the house...
>PAUSE