Beautiful Synergy

[ She couldn't believe that they'd actually been roped into this, but here they are, at a ball. Here she is, wearing a dress.

Her mother was never going to let her hear the end of it.

If it weren't for Rapunzel's big heart they might not even be in this boat, but... even Piper found it difficult to say no to this particular side quest. A young man of no particular station wanted to win the hand of the daughter of a baron, who was hosting a ball in order to find a suitable match. What started off as simple tips and lessons to help prepare the guy for the challenges he'd face in dealing with high society (thanks largely to Cassandra and- to everyone's surprise -Piper) had somehow turned into them attending the ball AS WELL for moral support. He was convinced he wouldn't be able to do it if he had to go alone and he'd needed someone of Rapunzel's standing to vouch for him to even be permitted to attend. The baron had agreed on the sole condition that the princess herself attend (to bolster his reputation, and Piper could see why he needed it). The rest of them had been roped in as a result, if just to make sure nothing shady went down.

But now that whole situation has resolved itself and while both the new couple and Rapunzel and Eugene share their dances, the rest of them have slipped off to various areas of the estate for their own various reasons.

Cassandra kept close to keep an eye on things, Lance and Hookfoot had excused themselves to the refreshments table, and Piper isn't sure where Varian had gotten off to, but for her part she needed some fresh air.

Things have been akward between she and Varian for days now, even though their relationship seemed to finally be SOMEWHAT on the mend after their last serious talk. She knew that Eugene had opened up his big mouth about her feelings for the alchemist (needless to say Piper is planning her revenge and biding her time for when her fellow reformed thief least expects it), but she also knew that Varian's priorities were somewhere else entirely. Since he hadn't approached her about it yet she had to think she'd assumed correctly.

Did they need to talk? Absolutely. Piper just... wanted to take her mind off of everything for a while, at least until he was ready.

The gardens of the estate offered just such a relief, and seeing an opportunity, Piper had taken advantage of the excitement over events coming to a head to slip off. There's a pathway from the edge of the gardens leading up to a railed gazebo surrounded by flowers, wild and colorful. The view overlooking the enormous pond and lit fountain at the edge of the estate easily makes it the centerpiece, and it's here that Piper comes to rest. With her arms braced against the railing she looks out over the swans floating over the top of the otherwise glass like surface. The stars overhead sparkle back on the surface of the dark water like a mirror, and Piper's thoughts drift as she stares down into it and her own reflection. ]

Comments

(+)

Oct. 9th, 2019 02:28 pm (UTC)

2/2

[Piper let out a breath then, closing her eyes. It was embarrassing to think about putting her thoughts into words, but the more she focused on how he made her feel the stronger the urge became anyway, until it finally felt like she couldn't keep it in anymore. Maybe they'd just been spending too much time around Rapunzel's group, or maybe she'd finally cracked, but whatever the reason was Piper finally broke the silence hanging between them just before the breaking point. Her voice rang out, soft and tentative at first, but surprisingly sweet and clear.]

Living in my own world... didn't understand, that anything can happen... when you take a chance!

sonrises

Oct. 17th, 2019 11:36 am (UTC)

[Knowing Piper has been an adventure all its own, really - in part because of her amazing spirit, in part because of what they've gone through together, and... Also because of the way he cares for. He's been slowly putting the pieces of realizing that together, and it's now that it crystallizes. When she pulls away, he feels almost lonely - even though she's still right there.

This is new territory for Varian, all things considered, and... He doesn't hate that. He usually doesn't like what he can't explain, but this is a good kind of unknown. Piper has always seen the things in him that he's wanted others to see - even when he didn't quite see them himself. It's both scary and thrilling.

And when she sings in that gentle way, his heart - as cliche as it sounds - skips a beat. He's smiling more easily tonight than he has in months and months. And when he opens his mouth, he almost says so many things... Before he realizes that there's really just one thing he needs to say. Or rather, sing.]

I never believed in what I couldn't see. I never opened my heart... To all the possibilities.

Nov. 10th, 2019 05:41 pm (UTC)

[ It surprises her when Varian answers in kind. She'd half expected him to ask what she was doing. He's not the kind of guy who'd MOCK someone pouring their heart out, but she wouldn't have blamed him for being weirded out, if he had been.

But instead he responds by admitting his own romantic shortcomings, but in a hopeful note. Piper's heart skips a beat in answer. It brings a tentatively hopeful smile to her face. Now their voices meet, sharing the same thought. ]

I know that something has changed, never felt this way!

[ They really have been through it all together, haven't they? Or at least a heck of a lot. From the Meet Cute to adventures of all sorts, the lowest of lows, and now, maybe the highest of highs. And where most people might have run away screaming after learning about what sort of baggage she came with, Varian stuck around... He'd seen things in her that she'd always wished others would see, too. Amazing, really, how they seemed to fill those voids in one another. ]

Nov. 23rd, 2019 12:27 pm (UTC)

[He can't help a small, warm smile when he notes her look of surprise. It's a little surprising to him that maybe she didn't expect this, even after all this time - and all they've been through together.]

And right here tonight, this could be the start of something new!

[That she's stood by him, no matter what... It means the world to him. No one has ever been so supportive of him, at least, not so obviously. It's what he's always wanted. Someone to believe in him.

And of course, he believes in Piper just as much. She's amazing - not someone he puts on a pedestal, though, the way he does with his father, or used to do with Rapunzel. They're lives are different, but there's something about her that he relates to, and as a result, their connection is strong.]

Jan. 30th, 2020 07:20 am (UTC)

[Connecting with another person on this level was scary for her at first, but the more time she'd spent getting to know Varian the more she realized that he just had a way of putting her at ease. It didn't matter that their interests laid in opposite directions, in fact, if anything she'd always felt all the more drawn to him because of it. He was passionate about science, but he cared about people, too. That was where they met in the middle, at least to start.

Sure, his sense of humor could be a little corny at times, and there were moments when he forgot that the people around him weren't well versed in science and alchemy, but those things were just... so damn heartwarming and charming and him. Just like his compassion and unwavering bravery and loyalty. All the things that made up the whole, and he owned every bit of it, just so earnestly, unapologetically, confidentally Varian. She admired that about him, so much, the fact that he could be so confident in who he was, the things that made him him. Had she ever told him? She definitely should after this.]

It feels so right to be here with you! And now, looking in your eyes...

[Here Piper reaches for one of his hands again, taking it into her own.]

I feel in my heart...!

Edited 2020-01-30 07:20 am (UTC)

Profile

Navigation

♫ •||• Taking the Plunge

Comments

2/2