𝖜𝖆𝖓𝖉𝖊𝖗𝖊𝖗 | ᴄᴏʀᴘꜱᴇ ʜᴜꜱʙᴀɴᴅ x ᴏᴄ | ʙᴏᴏᴋ ᴏɴᴇ

The Runny Eyeliner & Smudged Lipstick

Jack made his way to some nearby boutiques while he called and made quick reservations at a five star steakhouse just a block from the hotel. He noted the floral perfumed scent as he walked through the glass doors of one of the stores. He debated for a second asking a store clerk for help but quickly decided it would be best for him to pick something out- the memento would mean more that way. Always a sucker for the sentimental shit, huh? Jack took a deep breath in. Pushing the thoughts aside as he searched the racks for something that looked close to what she normally astonished him with from her own wardrobe. He came to a section with a few black dresses, after reviewing a few good options side by side, he felt each of them. The first one had a silky feel, it felt nice to him but he knew sometimes she had a thing about material. The fabric of the second however was much softer, like a blend of expensive cotton or jersey mixed with velvet. He thought about how she always seemed happiest when in comfortable clothing, and decided on the latter. He grabbed the right size and headed to the dreaded shoe section, slightly stopping as he saw a leather jacket on a mannequin and making a quick impulsive grab for it on the rack.

The shoes took him less time. He did his best to avoid the associate's help when it dawned on him, he hadn't once felt the anxiety of going in. Even with his mask, there was always a sense of urgency and paranoia. Now, nothing but excitement to hopefully show Violet just how bad he had it for her. It wasn't until that line of thought that he remembered when she'd confessed. Had he said it back? He swore he had, but after thinking about it, maybe he hadn't? Maybe he'd been too preoccupied with the shock of it all to get the words out? Fuck. That explains why she's still so withdrawn... how could she not know though?

He sighed and shrugged the thoughts away, she'd know when she read the letter tonight. He picked out a strappy pair, the heel seemed much less daunting than the other options, yet still screamed classy. He thought she would appreciate that. He was making his way over to the register when he spotted the jewelry section... He might as well, right? He perused the options, before having the associate take out a small bracelet in the same type of style as his chains he wore- though a bit more dainty- as well as an elegant white gold necklace with polished stones in different shades of purple and pink. He hoped she wouldn't think of the matching gesture or over the top necklace as him marking his territory too much.

Before making his way to checkout, he debated getting a few more daring items for her. It's not like she has anything holding her back but you... she said she was in love... He couldn't help but feel a bit childish as his heart skipped a beat at the memory. All this time and now he finally knew. He knew that she was at least interested in something more than friendship. Now it was only a matter of getting his feelings out verbally, since apparently his obvious unwavering obsession with her didn't make it clear enough. They still had a lot to talk through still, but he kept optimistic. He smiled to himself and cursed the slight heat in his cheeks while he browsed the options she could wear under the dress. He wasn't sure how the dress he'd picked would lay on her back so he picked out a few comfortable cotton and soft silk options for her before impulse grabbing at a more lacy one, all with different cuts and styles for however she wanted to wear it with the dress.

He met the associate at the counter with his items and checked out before making his way back to the hotel, feeling every beat of his heart in his head as he silently prayed she would approve of the options he got for her.

---

Violet was grateful to have left her makeup bag in her suitcase. After she curled her hair with the products and amenities provided in the bathroom, she dumped out all her makeup and rummaged through the items, trying to figure out which look to go for as she contemplated how the date would pan out. Like the other times she'd prepped for dates with Jack, a familiar childish giddiness swelled in her belly and chest as excitement overpowered her nerves. Even without knowing fully where Jack stood, she really did always end up enjoying her time with him. And if it still all ended up working out the last few times (as in, not very well at all), then she'd at least know- just like Markus said.