Today had to be perfect… Okay, it didn’t have to be perfect, but Blake wanted it to be amazing. He knew how his boyfriend thought. Dewi would be fretting about making everything perfect for his day with Blake, but all Blake cared about was spending it together. If he was being honest, he hopes to be able to shower his Dewdrop with affection, though he’ll be happy as long as Dew enjoys himself. Dewi Ambrosia deserves more than Blake could ever give him and yet he always focuses on trying to please his boyfriend. So Blake decides that he’ll somehow make sure their Christmas Eve date is about spoiling Dewi.

The first step is his appearance. Blake picks out an outfit he knows Dewi likes; tight black pants, his knee-high punk boots, an indigo t-shirt that says ‘If we get caught, here’s the story…’ and the fluffy black hoodie Dewi’s always complimenting him in. Next, he styles his hair just the way he knows makes Dewi stare and adds a few accessories to tie everything together. Perfect. He knows he'll never be able to look as stunning as his boyfriend, but Blake wants to look his best for Dew. Grabbing his bag, he leaves his room ready for their date.

Dewi's reaction isn't what he was expecting…. More specifically, the overall lack of a reaction. The shapeshifter barely even glances at his boyfriend before heading down to his car with his keychain. He's not rude or unkind about it, but a tiny part of Blake feels hurt that he didn't appreciate his efforts. No matter, Blake can still make their date great.

On the drive to the mall, Dewi is quieter than normal but surely he'll brighten up once they get there, right? Shopping has always been one of Dewi's favorite activities.

Still, Dew doesn't really seem to be enjoying himself. Usually he would be excitedly fluttering between the shop windows, eventually pulling Blake into any that catches his attention more than the others. The quiet boy had actually been banking on that habit as he still hasn’t gotten his Christmas gift yet… Yes, it’s really last minute at this point, but it’s kind of hard. Blake wants it to be something Dewi will love and shows him how much Blake adores him. So his plan was to pick up something that especially caught Dew’s eye during the date, but his boyfriend isn’t showing his usual behavior of excited window shopping. Instead, he’s slowly keeping pace with Blake as they walk, not really showing much interest in any of the stores.

“Dewi, sweetie, are you okay? You seem… more muted than usual.”

“I’m fine, my Love. I’m just appreciating your company.” Dewi smiles, seemingly trying to appear more energetic.

"Okay, if you say so…" Blake tries to think of something for them to do that Dewi would enjoy since he surprisingly doesn't seem to want to be shopping right now. "Hey, do you want to take a hot cocoa break? The cafe in the food court is supposed to be running a holiday cookie special, a mystery box of a dozen Christmas cookies for $7 or 2 for $12." No way his sweet tooth boyfriend will turn a deal like that down. Dewi's excitement is more genuine this time.

"That sounds like an amazing idea, Babe." As they walk to the cafe, Blake is glad that he's finally seeming to enjoy himself. Dewi deserves to be having fun. Unfortunately, the good atmosphere dissipates a bit shortly after they get their order.

Blake is watching his boyfriend over his large peppermint hot cocoa as the other boy opens the first box of cookies. Dewi is excitedly distracted by the sweets until the bell over the door draws his attention. In walks another couple, probably considered attractive, though Blake isn't interested in that kind of thing. What the dark boy does notice is how his boyfriend loses some of his spark at seeing them. He instinctively reaches out to take Dewi’s hand in his own.

“Something wrong, my Dewdrop?” He glances over at where Dewi is looking. “Do you know them?”

Dewi seems reluctant to answer. “She’s… an ex. I took her here a few times when we dated… I just… Sorry, it’s not good etiquette to talk about exes on a date. What would you like to talk about instead?”

“It’s okay, you can talk about it if you want… I don’t want you to feel like there are certain topics you can’t talk to me about. I’ll listen to whatever you want to say.” Before Dew can respond, the girl and her companion walk by with their order and sit at a nearby table. She is bad mouthing someone she keeps calling ‘Drew’. Even with the wrong name, there is enough context clues that Blake can tell she’s referring to Dewi. Even if he had been unsure, the regal boy’s uncomfortable reaction to the overheard conversation is more than enough confirmation for him.

“Ugh, I always hated going out with him. All our dates were to places with food and he’d constantly eat like a pig. You’d think as a model, he’d be trying to lose that extra weight instead of stuffing his mouth at every opportunity.” Blake notices the person in question literally lose weight at her words as he sets down the cookie he was about to eat. He takes Dewi’s free hand, squeezing it lightly in an attempt to distract him from that good-for-nothing’s comments. “And don’t even get me started on his idea of a relationship. He was always wanting to do things with me, dragging me along to something new all the time. Like, can’t you ever just go do something by yourself? Or maybe do what I want to do when we’re together?” Yeah, no, Blake was not going to let Dewi hear any more of this filth.

Screw his anxiety, he gets up and walks over to the rude girl’s table. “Sorry to interrupt, but you are being kind of loud and I was curious. Are you talking about the model Dewi Ambrosia?” When she nods, Blake gives her a disbelieving once over with a smirk. “Oh, it’s just hard to believe that he used to date you. I guess he must have had pretty low standards back then. Well, enjoy your date complaining about the gem that got away to your current boyfriend. If you could keep it down, that would be appreciated. Some of us are trying to enjoy the cozy atmosphere and your voice is ruining it.” He doesn’t even pay attention to her reaction as he walks back to his Dewdrop and kisses his cheek before sitting down.

Dewi looks a bit better, though it’s obvious that he’s still affected by the girl’s words. That just simply won’t do… “You know, she’s wrong. About all of it. You’re perfect just the way you are. I love how passionate you get about things you like and the joy you get out of sharing those things with me. You’re always so considerate of your partner’s desires and while I sometimes wish you’d put your own wants first more often, it’s part of what makes you who you are… She obviously isn’t worth your time if she couldn’t see how wonderful you are. What’s important is you’re with someone who appreciates you now.” Blake takes a strand of Dewi’s long hair that had lost some of its color at the tips since that nuisance entered, and kisses it. “I love you, Dewi. Don’t ever forget that.” He smiles against the hair he hasn’t let go of yet, noticing the deep red color starting to grace the tips of his boyfriend’s hair. His Dewdrop is blushing.

He finally lets the hair fall back into place to return to sipping his hot cocoa. It is slow, but Dewi eventually starts to get back his energetic atmosphere as they enjoy their treats. Soon enough, they are back to shopping, now with Dewi more like his usual self. Oh, he is still holding back, probably trying to make sure to go at Blake’s pace, but Blake keeps doing small things to encourage him to be a tiny bit more selfish. Finally, he makes a choice about his Christmas gift for Dewi.

This time it’s Blake dragging Dewi into a shop. Pulling him through the store for Royal Crows, he stops in front of the accessory counter. “Pick one.” Dewi looks confused. “One of the rings. Or if you’d rather have a necklace or bracelet, that’s fine too. I’m going to buy it for you as a reminder that I plan on marrying you someday and I vow to do my best to make you happy every day before and after I do. I’ll get you something even nicer when I properly propose, but I want you to have a reminder until I can afford it that there’s someone who loves you for you.” Dewi still seems unsure as he looks over everything.

“Can… can I pick out something for you as well?”

“I would like that very much. Something I can wear to show that I am yours, always.” Blake says the last word softly as he affectionately hugs Dew from behind. “What did you have in mind?”

Dewi makes this adorable sound of surprise before hesitantly pointing at a particular set. The ring of the set is a fully blooming blue rose with the vines making up the band. There is also a matching choker, in addition to a fancy cloth wristband embroidered with a similar motif. It is… perfect, just like his beloved. Blake buys all three pieces without a second thought.

As soon as they leave the store, he takes out the ring to slip onto Dewi’s right hand. “A perfect accessory for my prince.” He kisses each finger tip before taking out the wristband to put on himself. “I assume you intended for the wristband to be for me…?”

“Of course. It’s the only piece worthy of you without distracting from your charms.” He suddenly leans against Blake and his voice gets lower. “Do you mind if we go home? I’m tired of sharing you with the world, especially when you’re wearing such a treat of an outfit…” Oh… oh… It’s Blake’s turn to blush. He had noticed the special outfit, he’d just decided to put that observation to the side for the sake of their date…

“Shh… If Santa heard you saying things like that, it’s probably not too late to move you to the naughty list.” Blake teases once he starts to get back his composure.

“If I’m not already on the naughty list, I don’t mind getting a ton of coal for saying it. I already got the best gift I could wish for…” He pulls Blake close. “You.”