A week earlier, before the incident

July 28th, a special day for two felines - the second eve of their relationship's beginning.

The evening began with a surprise - a reserved dinner at the Hattere restaurant, a place Kiusa has wanted to visit for quite some time. This thoughtful gift was no less rewarded by a kiss to her mate, before they dined on gourmet dishes a-plenty.

But celebrating with only a feast would be too simple, as the second stage of this surprise was cued by the echoing vibrato of a violin.

The familiar melody filled the room and graced the ears of the Hattere's guests. The purple miss's ears twitched a bit, the memory of this song escaped through her lips, "The Vienna Blood Waltz..."

She then noticed that the other guests had gotten up from their seats, allowing the waiters to move the hefty tables to the side...leaving a clear wide-open space in the middle of this ball-room.

When she set her eyes back on Max, he was already standing gallantly in front of her; he had naught on himself save for a small smile and an extended hand.

"The music's right...the mood's good...but I'm going to need the work of art with me to finish it" He said

She smiled and giggled, "Aww honey~ you're so sweet~" The lady then took his hand and planted a quick peck on his cheek, "thank you for this, sweetie~"

Afterwards, they waltzed the night away - a style of dance Kiusa thought she would never be able to do in her life, another thing Max had taught her to love. As they danced, she noticed that occasionally, his eyes went from happy...to ones of sorrow...as if when he looked at her, his heart and mind twinged with pain.

"...Maxie...hon?"

Max snapped back to reality, "Hm?"

"Is...everything ok? You've been kind of spacing out" Her ears bent back, showing her worry.

He gave a slow nod, taking a deep breath before answering, "Yeah...everything's fine, I'm just-"

"Honey, I can tell when something's bothering you...you know you can tell me, right?"

Max became silent...stopping dead in his tracks from their dance, while the other guests continued on with their soiree. The ebon cat's eyes moved downwards, his thoughts preventing him from being able to look at her.

It was then that Kiusa placed her free hand over his chest where his heart is, "Your heart still beats, right?"

He looked up at her a bit, nodding to the strange question.

She then raised her hand that held his, "And I'm right here with you, riiiiight~?"

He smiled lightly, nodding again.

"Then...there's nothing to worry about, sweetie~...I love you."

Max's eyes regained the courage to meet her gaze, where they were happily received. Like shining, precious garnet gems - her eyes were beautiful, warm...and loving. In times of doubt...they always reminded him that he was not only desired, but considered precious to someone other than himself. Their tails then entwined just as their hands were.

"I love you too, Kiu"

Art by SilverMender

Commissioned by Naomasdarkside