Author's Note

Splitting this one into two parts for the sake of convenience. Wanted to show off a more thoughtful and creative side to the relationship. Don't worry. There will be sexy times. I just wanted to try a more mature variation this time. The vampire shit and hardcore fucking was easy. Writing something relatively normal that's still interesting? That's hard - really hard.

Staying Classy (Part 1)

The couple's next role-playing session required planning in advance. It just so happened an art exhibit was scheduled for the following week in town. It was to take place at a university located in the western end of the city. That morning, Harmonic slicked back his mane with a fresh bottle of gel. He donned his nicest suit and tie. While formal dress wasn't his preferred style, he had to admit, it didn't look half bad. Atmospheric seemed to agree with the sentiment.

"You look handsome." She complimented.

Harmonic was left speechless at the sight of his bride. She'd chosen a baby blue dress paired with a light red shade of lipstick - a hue she reserved specifically for special occasions.

"What's the matter? Cat got your tongue?"

Harmonic shook his head in response.

"You look incredible."

"So your face tells me. If we don't separate soon, we might be tempted to blow the whole thing off."

"Nah. I know better."

"But do I is the question."

"Today's all about you, my love."

"I'm in your hooves."

"I better get going. I love you."

Harmonic kissed his wife on the cheek, leaving her to wait until he arrived at their rendezvous.

A quarter to noon, Harmonic messaged Atmospheric. Rather than immediately respond, she chose to play her own game. She strolled through the hall, exited the house, locked the door, and spread her wings.

"Let's see how fast I can hunt you down."

In a flash, she vanished. The air current carried her in a manner similar to the lifestream.

Atmospheric descended in front of the university doors. She followed Harmonic's instructions detailing where to find him. Inside, she took a set of stairs which led to a lower level of the structure. It didn't take long to find the exhibit.

"So many pieces. I wonder what he'll make of them..."

Atmospheric searched around, taking her time to admire the scenery while she looked for her husband. She found him by the northernmost wall examining a rather intense piece.

"A fan of abstract art I see."

Harmonic peered over his shoulder. The moment he noticed Atmospheric next to him, his expression softened.

"Partially abstract," he corrected, "It's sort of a blend of freeform mixed with more concrete ideas. It's a pretty popular style these days."

"Oh? And I suppose you would know a thing or two about it?"

"My apologies. I didn't mean to come off as rude."

"Not at all. My husband's an artist. I know how they can be."

"You're married?"

"Yes. We recently made the decision to conceive."

"He sounds like a very lucky man."

"I'm not sure which one of us is luckier."

"I suppose time will tell.'

"Indeed. Now, tell me more about this painting."

"Well, there's the less obvious symbolism of the pond and lily pads. I can only speculate, but if I had to guess, I would say they represent deep emotional thought. The pads themselves suggest chaotic organization, as in the subject's thoughts have been gathered together, but in a messy way. The focused gaze of the eyes seems to support this interpretation."

"So basically it's about someone trying to get their life together."

Harmonic nodded, impressed at how quickly she had articulated his words.

"In layman's terms."

"If it's not too much trouble, would you mind showing me around? I'm new at this whole art appreciation thing."

"No trouble at all. I'd be happy to assist an aspiring connoisseur."

"(Smooth. You're surprisingly well-versed in this fancy stuff.)"

"(Mom taught me how to conduct myself in the presence of high society. I didn't really care at first, but with you around...I dunno...Something's different...)"

"(I like it. We should do stuff like this more often.)"

"(Whatever your heart desires.)"

"(Such a gentleman.)

Atmospheric reciprocated her husband's affection from the now bygone morning. She had no idea where this well-spoken, mild-mannered side of him came from, but she wanted to see more.