"Then let pay."
Noah answered imdiately. "No."
Juniper’s eyes widened. "Why not?"
"Because," he said, tugging off the coat and folding it neatly, "I don’t want to owe you anything."
"You’re my boyfriend," she said, pouting. "You don’t owe . I’m spoiling you."
"I didn’t ask to be spoiled."
She stepped closer, clearly not giving up. "I want to. I’ve got more money than I know what to do with. Let buy you sothing nice."
"No."
"But—"
"No, Juniper." His tone was firr now, steady but not harsh. "I appreciate the gesture, really, but this is important to . I want to buy my own things. My way."
She pouted harder. "You’re really not going to let buy even a single cloak?"
"No."
Juniper let out a dramatic sigh and slumped back into the seat by the mirror. "Fine. Be boring."
He turned back into the changing room to change into his regular clothes. As he did, he heard her mutter under her breath, "Still hot though."
A few minutes later, he ca out with only two sets of new clothes in his arms. Simple, well-fitted, and durable.
He paid, cringing slightly at the total, but said nothing.
Juniper linked her arm through his as they exited the store. "This doesn’t an I’m giving up."
"It kind of should."
"Never."
He shook his head. "You’re ridiculous."
"I’m your ridiculous," she replied brightly, then winked. "Now co on. You’ve got to carry the bags while I pick out your cologne next."
"I don’t need cologne."
"Every gladiator needs cologne."
"And I very clearly rember you saying you won’t let carry bags around."
"I said that?" Juniper said with a mock gasp, a wide grin on her face. "It must have been past June. Present June definitely didn’t say that."
"Past June and present June are the sa person." Noah said, narrowing his eyes.
"They’re not." Juniper grinned. "Ask present June. She’ll know."
After a long, painful back and forth filled with mock enthusiasm and fake sneezes, Noah finally managed to convince Juniper he didn’t need cologne.
At the store, she held up a fancy bottle of sothing labeled "Midnight Valor" with a raised brow, but he shook his head firmly.
"I’m telling you, June, I like the way I sll just fine."
He expected an argunt, maybe even a tantrum. But she just rolled her eyes, muttering sothing about him having "potential, but zero sense of luxury."
Instead, Juniper redirected all her energy to trying on dresses.
The boutique had a private changing area and a long mirrored section where custors could review themselves.
Juniper dragged Noah to a cushioned seat by the display, plopped him down, and with a mischievous smirk, disappeared behind the curtain with an armful of dresses.
"I’ll be your model," she announced before vanishing. "Rate everything."
The first dress she erged in was a form-fitting red one that shimred under the boutique lights. Noah blinked, speechless for a second.
Juniper grinned. "Speechless already? That’s a good sign."
He cleared his throat and gave a shrug, trying to play it cool. "Yeah, it’s... it’s alright."
She twirled. "Just alright? Don’t lie to , Noah. I’ll know."
He gave her a more serious look, and this ti didn’t bother holding back. "You look great.x
She frowned. "Just ’I look great?’"
Noah frowned, wondering what else she was expecting him to say. "But you really do look great. It suits you better than the black dress you wore two days ago."
She bead. "You rember the black dress?!"
"Err.... Yes?" Noah nodded, confused.
Apparently, he had said the right thing, because Juniper headed back into the changing booth with a big smile on his face.
The next dress was a green halter-style one that fell just past her knees. Noah made a face the mont she stepped out.
She burst into laughter. "Too forest elf?"
"Too ’I’m trying to beco a shrub,’" he deadpanned.
Dress after dress, the show continued.
So made her look like royalty. Others made her laugh as she stepped out, only to turn back and change before Noah could say anything.
The more she changed, the more Noah relaxed.
The boutique’s lighting, the faint music in the background, and Juniper’s chatter softened sothing in him.
It felt simple. Peaceful. And, strangely, enjoyable.
He found himself offering advice. Suggesting colors. Noticing the way the clothes hugged her figure.
She asked which ones made her eyes pop, and he surprised himself by answering accurately.
Sowhere between the fifth and seventh outfit, he realized he wasn’t just humoring her. He was having fun.
Juniper stepped out in a soft lavender dress, elegant and simple, and asked, "This one or the red?"
Noah didn’t answer right away. He was busy staring.
Her brows lifted. "Well?"
He blinked. "The lavender. Definitely."
She smiled at him, sothing gentler this ti. Not teasing. Not mischievous. Just... genuine.
"Alright," she said softly. "Then I’m buying this one."
After selecting the clothes she wanted and paying, they stepped out of the shop, arms filled with neatly packed boxes and bags.
Juniper had insisted on carrying half despite Noah offering, claiming she didn’t want to "ruin his image" by making him look like her servant.
They didn’t talk as they walked through the cobbled capital streets, past the rising buzz of vendors and mages in uniform.
The air was brisk, the kind of breeze that made sunlight feel hot but bearable.
Carriages passed by, but they took their ti, making their way toward the shaded area where their own carriage waited, still drawn by no horses and manned by the sa cloaked driver, who remained perfectly still like a statue.
Noah didn’t rush. A part of him didn’t want the mont to end.
Their footsteps echoed gently along the stone. Juniper didn’t hum or ramble like she usually did. Her hand brushed his occasionally, but she didn’t reach for it.
Noah tilted his face to the sky, letting the warmth of the sun touch his skin. It was still high but beginning its descent. Ti was slipping.
He knew the hour was approaching. The monolith.
He tried to piece together the words he’d need. Tried to imagine how he’d ease into it. Maybe ntion Arlo. Maybe say it was urgent. Sothing that wouldn’t ruin everything they’d shared today.
But before he could even open his mouth, she spoke.
"You’re going to leave soon, aren’t you?"
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