Golden, 6

The limousine pulled up at the carpeted entrance of the gallery. Several bored photographers lined the runway that perked up when they saw the multi-millionaire exit the car. They exclaimed out loud when he extended his hand towards his date and began snapping photos like crazy.

Elly stepped out and took a moment to adjust herself, curling her tail behind her and accepting Shota's proferred arm. They walked casually inside while he was stunned at the calm fashion she handled being on display. This was wonderful, because she was tested time and time again by the wealthy socialites within, many of the women making snide comments about her status. After Elly neatly turned several of their jibes against them, however, they stuck their noses in the air and ignored the couple.

They strolled through, gazing at all the art on display until they reached the one he had been waiting for. Shota pointed at the piece, done by his favorite artist. He was excited to share it with her.

"I own several of her paintings," he told Elly proudly. "The symbolism in these always astounds me - all the tiny little details make sense through the whole scene!"

Elly squinted at it, staring first this way and then that. "This one's a bit sad, though, isn't it? It's not quite as romantic as it seems at first. The dark shadows and choice of colors seem ominous." She shivered.

He frowned as he looked closer. She was right; the longer one viewed it, it felt cold though the look the couple was exchanging was warm. "That's actually very sad," he murmured. "Maybe we can ask her why she painted it."

"Oh? Is she here?"

"Around the side - you see the figure in the all over black bodysuit?"

"Ohhh," she nodded. "Silhouette. I should have known by the signature."

"Yes. She wears a voice modulating mask as well, so don't be surprised when she speaks." He waved the bottom-heavy figure over and she immediately pressed her hands to his.

"Mr. Aizawa! You came. And you brought a date. Welcome, welcome." The voice box was scratchy sounding and completely disguised her tone. Introductions went around and hands were shook. Then the oddly dressed artist pointed at the painting. "Did you have any questions or comments about my latest work?"

He frowned a little, rubbing at the back of his neck. "It's not like your usual pieces," he admitted. "I thought it was a happy work at first, but then Ches pointed out the symbolism."

"Yes," she murmured. "Life takes you where it wants, though, without regard to our feelings ... and so does art."

Elly paused, then cleared her throat nervously. "Can I ask you something a little different?" Silhouette nodded, so she went on, "Is it hard to see out of one of those suits? It looks like it would be scary to wear."

"It's not so bad now," the artist laughed, "but you should have heard me the first time I tried to wear it for an extended period! It can get very claustrophobic. I was freaking out and had to keep running to the bathroom to pull the mask off for a few minutes so I could relax."

They chatted for awhile longer and then she excused herself to talk with a potential buyer. Shota nodded goodbye and they wandered around to the refreshment table.

"She seemed off tonight," he murmured.

"Maybe she's jealous you brought me." Elly laughed softly.

He sighed, frowning as he glanced over his shoulder at the dark figure. "Maybe. We usually talk a lot more."

She watched him carefully, a plate with small, sculpted fruit chunks in one hand. "Hey, maybe you're making me jealous," she teased.

"What? Oh, no. Uh, sorry. I did ask her out once, but she declined right away. I had thought we enjoyed each other's company, but she was either taken or not interested."

"You asked her out without knowing what she looked like?"

He shrugged. "Like I said, we enjoyed each other's company. Or so I thought."

Elly purred and placed her free hand on his shoulder. "She missed out," she told him quietly. "But I'm kind of glad, because that meant you found me."

Shota smiled at her. "You know I enjoy being with you, right?"

"Yep! This is fun. After we snack, we should check out the sculptures."

"That's an excellent idea." He watched her fondly as she nibbled on a piece of pineapple. He wasn't that hungry, but he forced himself to eat a couple of pieces of cheese and fruit slices. Then, champagne flutes in hand, they wandered the gallery until they grew tired.

"Want to call it a night?"

"Mmm," she agreed, hiding a yawn behind one hand. "I don't usually drink, so it must have hit me hard."

"You only had one," he reminded her gently as they waited outside for the limousine to pull up. It was breezy but not cold so they didn't mind. The stars were twinkling in the night sky above and all in all, it was a romantic setting.

"One was all it took." She grinned at him, tucking a strand of hair back from where it blew across her face.

The shiny black car pulled up and he opened her door for her, then crawled in afterwards.

"I hope you're not too tired," he murmured, sliding a hand up her thigh as the driver pulled out onto the main road. "I have some ideas for more fun when we get back to the hotel."

"Oh?" The furry triangles of her ears straightened, perking fully up out of her hair.

"Uh huh." He kissed her neck, his hand wandering, while she giggled breathlessly.