[Dara has failed to wrap her second gift - the first, in front of family, was a new travel pillow to replace the old ratty one that Valentina regularly uses. It is black and has Val’s initial embroidered on one end and a patch of a koala on the other end. A bit of each of them. She hands the book in her hands that has a small bow set on the cover to Valentina, a small explanation fumbling out of her lips nervously.]
I just… wanted to give you something that kind of told our story and well, mostly your story of this year… [a pause] Delfi helped me find pictures for a lot of it and I just… Well, I love you and I wanted our early days together to be documented.
[Late that night, as the clock strikes midnight, Dara and Valentina are curled up in her bed within the model’s parents DC home. Valentina hands Dara a small red box, tied with white ribbon. Within it is a key, and a slip of paper upon which Valentina’s precise script lists several alpha-numerical codes. As Dara lifts the key from the little box, Valentina takes a moment to explain.]
That’s to the front door of my La Jolla home. [A pause, as her hands wrap around Dara’s that clutches the key.] Even if I am clear across the globe, you use this key. My home is yours. Because you are mine.
Location: Paris France, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
Notes: Dara dons her wings, and Valentina watches as she takes flight.
Valentina sips from her cocktail as idle chatter continues all around her. A Manhattan. All top shelf–as everything served at the VS venue tonight is. As everything Valentina Venturi indulges in life is. The cocktail isn’t her usual goto, however. When attending events like these, Valentina opted for something lighter like a blush wine, or even a French 75. Just a light warmth in the belly.
Tonight, it was going to require just a little bit more to quell the low roiling anxiety deep in her gut. The whiskey and vermouth are good for that. In her immediate area are a few faces she recognizes; some celebrities and businesspeople. One or two celebrity guests on Shark Tank give pleasant hellos. Some athletes. And a bevy of young Hollywood stars–all of whom had Delfina brimming with excitement. Meanwhile, Valentina knew there were quite a few eyes on her. She could feel them. Some hushed whispers, with Dara’s name being the only discernible word passed between them. The CEO let all of it roll off her shoulders. She had nothing to hide and nothing to be ashamed of. What she did have, was immense pride and anticipation for Dara’s ‘come back’. Though she wasn’t without nerves.
That’s what the Manhattan is for.
Ushers call for everyone to take their seats, and cameras are at the ready all along the runway. Valentina instinctively straightens her back, and rolls her shoulders. Unconsciously making an effort to appear just a little more regal, and perhaps a little aloof. Some members of the press chanced getting a comment about Dara out of herbs she made her way down the ‘pink’ carpet (Shark Tank fame allowed her to do so), but she remained tight lipped with every probing query. Dara hadn’t said anything on the record about their relationship, so Valentina wouldn’t either.
Though as the house lights dim and everyone takes their seats, she knows that’s liable to change. Very shortly.
The introduction passes in a blur of flashing lights and raucous pop music, and while Delfina’s mouth hangs open in wonderment, Valentina appears almost…unimpressed with the whole affair. Sitting calmly, back still ramrod straight with her hands in her lap. Valentina cares only for one aspect of this overture, and she’s yet to appear.
After what feels like an eternity of nonsense, the Angels finally make their way down the runway; each one of them an exquisite example of otherworldly beauty. Valentina finishes her cocktail.
Moving to set her empty glass down by her feet, she hears several gasps within her immediate vicinity, and as she sits back up, she can see the catalyst coming down the runway.
Dara.
Her Dara glides with a fire in her step; owning the entire length of the ostentatious LED runway. Wings on her back, Dara is the living embodiment of the word angelic. As she comes to the end, her hips pivot playfully, and she poses for the cameras, leaning in ever so slightly to give her trademark kiss. All at once Valentina’s mouth widens into a brilliant smile, and her eyes water, awed by Dara’s bombastic walk and the intoxicating effect her presence has on the entire venue. The resultant applause is much louder and more voracious than was offered to any of the previous models.
Relief washes over the CEO in waves–Dara's confidence can’t be questioned in that moment. Neither can the audience’s reaction. Loud and thunderous acceptance.
Hello from Venturi Parisian HQ!
We’ve been busy getting ready all afternoon (“The coffee was a godsend!” ~Delfi) and we’ll be departing for the venue in a matter of hours.
In case we don’t get the chance to speak before it begins, I’m sending you all the love and luck for the show, sweetheart. Tonight will be your first walk as your authentic self. No more walls or filters to hide behind. No more calculated tiptoeing around your truth. Any nerves you’re feeling are completely normal. As is the fear. It might hinder your steps.
But the brilliance that is your true self will light the path down that runway tonight.
Notes: Dara does everything she can to make Val feel younger on the day she’s getting one year older.
Dara
Dara looks at her watch, a smiling forming on her face as she realizes it's time for her to reveal at least some of her birthday plans to Valentina. She had spent the day nervously waiting and making sure the staff had everything in order. After all, they were taking a private plane and she wanted to make sure it was well stocked for their quick flight. This had to be perfect and it had to surprise her girlfriend.
Taking a deep breath, she knocks softly on the door to Valentina's office. There are times when even a busy CEO needed to take some time off. So, Dara has arranged with Val's assistant to take her calls for the entirety of the next day. It had to be done.
"Hey, baby?" She questions softly, her voice revealing some of her nerves. As they riddle through her, she adjusts her Jacket. "It's time for you to wrap it up... we have somewhere to be."
Valentina
As always, Valentina was in the midst of a teleconference with her New York office when Dara informs her it's time to wrap it up. Despite waking up with the tacit promise to abstain from working on her birthday, that promise deteriorated fairly quickly, with CEO surmising she could eke in a meeting or two in the morning. Plus, work was a fitting distraction to getting another year closer to 50.
Faced with an impatient looking Dara Klein, the older woman hangs her head, knowing she's been caught with her hand in the proverbial cookie jar.
"I'm going to have to end this meeting prematurely. I trust everyone knows what needs to be done in time for our next meeting, yes?"
Laughter can be heard through the speakerphone receiver, along with several Happy Birthday wishes, and urgings to go disconnect and enjoy herself. Valentina, still not enthused about turning 49, brushes off the cheers. "Heh, if anyone needs me today, only contact me in an emergency. Otherwise, my assistant will be fielding my calls."
"Valentina. Go enjoy your day! We've got it covered."
With a rolling of her eyes, she ends the call, turning on her chair to face the beautiful blonde currently occupying her office doorway. "I'm ready when you are, dolcezza mia."
Dara
Dara is very obviously growing more nervous with each moment. It's early, they're about to make a trip somewhere that's Valentina hasn't beent told about, and Dara has never been one to surprise people. Her desire to make Val the happiest woman and to make her forget her age becomes stronger with every second. This woman is always so willing and so happy to give to everyone else that Dara's number one goal is to do nothing but give to her woman today.
She steps forward into the office, a smile growing on her face. This was all going to be just perfect. "Then let's get to that plane, my love," she smirks, holding out her hand for Valentina to take. The two women make their way outside to the car where their bags await them.
Once they pull up to where the plane is waiting, Dara reaches over to take Valentina's hand and she squeezes it. "Happy Birthday, Valentina," a wide smile playing on her features. "We're spending the day in Napa, doing one of the things you love doing the most - drinking wine."
Valentina
Valentina's lips widen into a brilliant smile as Dara's birthday surprise is brought to light. Napa is one of Valentina's favorite places, and indulging in the wines of the region brings Valentina an inordinate amount of satisfaction. But that's not what has Valentina grinning like an idiot on the tarmac.
With a manicured nail, she taps the tip of Dara's nose, biting her lip to suppress a spate of giggles. "You're taking me on a date..."
Dara
Biting her lip, Dara does her best not to wear the intense joy inside of her show on her face. Her first piece of the day is turning out to be exactly what it needed to be. At Valentina's words, Dara's cheeks redden.
"Of course I am. What kind of girlfriend do you think I am?" She jokes softly, getting out of the car and rounding it to open the dark haired woman's door. "Lets go, my love. Otherwise all of the wine will be gone before we get there."
Valentina
Taking Dara's hand, Valentina allows the model to guide her onto the plane. All the while her heart flutters in excitement for the day ahead, and the CEO feels like it's her 29th birthday, rather than her 49th.
Dara
Dara's being is still riddled with nerves, though she is trying to squash them. Once on the plane, she pulls Valentina to her and kisses her fervently. There is desire within her to simply forgo plans and have her way with her, but she makes herself pull back.
"Sit," she smiles, motioning to one of the seats. "And figure out which wine you want to start with." There are three that are sitting near her - the bottle they shared at Val's on the night that they first met, the one they shared at Robuchon in Las Vegas, and the one they shared the night of Dara's birthday in Val's hotel room.
Valentina
She recognizes the wine bottles immediately, and she regards the blonde with an appreciative smile. The gesture is meaningful, with a touch of sappiness that Valentina whole heartedly welcomes. Faced with the choice between the three wines and their individual significances she doesn't hesitate, instantly reaching for the bottle from Robuchon and holding it up for Dara to take.
"This one."
Dara
Smiling, Dara takes the bottle to open it, finally feeling a few fleeting moments of peace. She likes it so far, it isn't awfully sappy. This is good. This is wonderful. Sighing light, she pours them each a glass before taking a seat beside her girlfriend and holding hers up.
"To the best woman to ever enter my life," she smiles, taking a small sip of the wine - it warming her just like her girl does.
Valentina
The wine fills Valentina's belly with warmth as she takes her sip and with the flavor comes a flood of memories of their 'date' in Vegas. The first time getting caught by TMZ.
The plane begins to taxi, and Valentina sets the glass down beside her in a cup holder, turning to face the blonde and offer the explanation behind her choice.
"I'd chosen that bottle in particular, before the other two, because that night at Robuchon, I knew beyond the shadow of a doubt, that what you wanted to share with me ran deeper than just being friends with benefits. You briefly stepped out of the closet, for me." One of her hands finds Dara's, threading their fingers together.
Dara
Dara smiles, pulling her legs up onto her seat as she leans in to Val, wanting to be closer to her. Hearing her reasoning for the Robuchon wine, it takes her by surprise. Subconsciously, Dara trusted the woman long before she ever realized. And Valentina was right. Dara stepped out of the closet and risked her peace of mind for this woman before she ever knew how much she would really feel for her. How much she really feels for her.
"It's a good pick," she smirks, her thumb caressing the other woman's hand. "You're a lot more insightful than I am, you know that? I'm not even sure I realized what that meant to me until this past week."
Valentina
"And what does it mean to you now?" Valentina presses, as the captain positions the plane for take off.
Dara
"I just..." she looks away from Val just briefly. "You mean so much to me. I think even before being out to the world, you made me so much more comfortable with who I was."
Valentina
Leaning over the arm rest, she rubs their noses together. "And just look at you now...out and proud. About to own the runway of one of the most popular fashion shows ever."
The plane finally rockets down the runway and begins its ascent. Within her chest, Valentina's heart is in an ascent of its own. Since entering her life, Dara has evoked feelings within Valentina that she hadn't felt in decades, and now as they make their way to Napa Valley to celebrate Valentina's birthday, she finds herself concurring completely with Dara's words.
Dara
Dara clings a little tighter to the hand she is holding, feeling warm within herself. She honestly never expected to feel this way about Valentina and the surprise of how much she is truly feeling is more than she can express.
"This day is not about recent events. It's about my love and her feeling like a princess," she smiles, kissing the corner of Val's mouth. "Do you have any requests for today?"
Valentina
Valentina lets out a loud yawn, and reclines back in her seat, still keeping Dara's hand clasped in hers. "At the present moment, I would love to get in a quick birthday nap..." Another yawn. "...so I'll be energized enough for this wonderful day of wine tasting and relaxation." Eyes flutter closed for a few seconds, but she opens her left, playfully glaring at the model. "Unless, of course, there are more surprises ahead!"
Dara
"There are more surprises ahead, but nothing that a nap will interrupt... unless you're in the mood for some inflight sexpertise," she grins, settling further into her own seat.
She uses her free hand to play with one of Val's bracelets. "Get some rest, birthday girl." A wink.
Valentina
Valentina chews her lip in thought, contemplating the delicious offer presented. She can hardly resist the mile high club. One finger curls to dip beneath the collar of Dara's shirt, tugging her closer in order for their mouths to flesh over. Pulling apart, Valentina husks into the scant space between their lips.
"This birthday girl wants both...so go on..." She nips at Dara's lower lip. "...get on your knees, little slut."
Dara
Dara's core warms intensely as she obliges to her girlfriend's request, dropping to her knees in an almost giddy nature. She walks her fingers up Val's thighs, hooking her thumbs in the older woman's panties to start pulling them down. When she makes eye contact with Valentina, she smirks before speaking. "I'll do whatever you want me to, baby."
Valentina
"Good girl..." Valentina purrs, with a hand coming to rest on the back of Dara's head as her legs roll open. They're still in ascent, and should be seated upright with their seatbelts fastened, but caution has been thrown to the wind in favor of getting to the inflight entertainment faster.
"Oh, I think you know exactly what it is I want." Her hips begin to rut slowly. Anticipation mounting by the second for Dara's sinful mouth to be on her cunt.
Dara
A slow smile dances on Dara's face as she licks her lips in anticipation of tasting the other woman again. Tugging Val's underwear off, she drags her nails down the inside of her girlfriend's thighs, kisses dotting the same expanse soon after. She hums softly as she slowly drags her tongue through the woman's folds just once before pulling back. "Someone is eager..."
Valentina
At the first touch of Dara's warm, wet tongue to her cunt, Valentina's head rolls back over her shoulders. Jaws slack and eyes fluttering shut. Her hand applies just a little more pressure to the back of Dara's head, fueled by desire to feel more of the younger woman's mouth against her, and as Dara's skilled tongue brings Valentina to orgasm several times through out the flight, she feels herself fill with satisfaction. It's good to be the queen.
Eventually the pair find themselves curled up together on Valentina's seat; the blonde without her top, and the CEO without her skirt and panties--flung across the cabin of the small jet without a care. Both women, with foreheads gently pressed to one another, glisten in the sunlight coming in through the windows. A light sheen of sweat over their skin.
Valentina's head lulls to the side to face Dara, giving her a happy sigh. "So far? This has been a most excellent birthday, dolcezza mia."
Dara
Dara giggles softly, drawing light circles on Valentina’s chest. She always loves giving to the woman and today only feels even more successful. Kissing her temple, Dara removes herself from Val’s lap.
“Get some rest, we have a long day ahead of ourselves, my love.”
–Several hours later–
Valentina
Bellies full of both wine and gourmet food, Valentina and Dara stumble into their room for the night in the midst of a heated kiss. The day had been nothing short of perfect, with hours spent sampling wines that culminated in a surprise dinner with both of Valentina’s children in attendance. The gesture meant the world to the CEO, seeing that Dara not only cared deeply for her, but also for Orsino and (especially) Delfina.
With a jovial laugh, Valentina twirls into their room, still giddy from the wine, and she shoots Dara a brilliant smile. “Sweetheart, you have thoroughly spoiled me today.”
Dara
There has been a lot of laughter and love today. Dara’s unable to stop smiling at each and every turn, though, in part, that could be the wine. Valentina’s birthday celebration was coming to a close and there waa a sense of accomplishment and joy filling the air. Dara happily, tipsily traipses into the room behind Valentina, unable to contain the smile that has been so easily plastered on her face. The surprise of dinner went off without a hitch and it is clear that Val has thoroughly enjoyed the day.
“Oh, but isn’t that the point of birthdays?” She asks, her features settling into a small smirk. The model takes Val’s hand and pulls the woman to her body. “And I’m not done with you yet, my love.”
Valentina
Valentina curls against Dara’s much taller frame and lets out a contented sigh at the contact. “Oh? You’re not?”
Dara
She grins, placing a soft kiss to Val’s forehead. “Yes, but first,” she speaks slowly, thinking. “I’m going to freshen up really quickly,”
Dara releases the woman, going over to her bag to retrieve a cream and gold package as well as her toiletries. On her way to the bathroom, she places the package on Val’s side of the bed, continuing on to go wash off the day.
Due to the sentimentality of the gift, Dara wants to give Val a few moments alone to take it in. In all honesty, the blonde will likely just brush her hair and teeth before returning to the bedroom. Nerves continue to riddle through her veins. She hopes this is the perfect end cap to the day.
Valentina
Subtlety was not one of Dara’s strong suits–something Valentina is growing to adore–and her eyes instantly hone in on the small package deposited on her pillow.
Slowly, Valentina lifts the little box and begins to unwrap it with a surgeon's precision. Inside the box is a beautiful golden necklace with a large smoky grey stone set in the center, halo’d with diamonds. It’s beautiful, and likely very expensive--something Valentina can appreciate. Lifting it out of the box, she soon discovers it’s not a pendant. It's a locket, and curiously, she pries it open with her nails.
What she sees inside takes her breath away; the faces of her children. Tears begin to prickle at the corners of her eyes. Dara didn’t put a picture of herself--as Valentina suspected.
Dara chose Valentina’s children.
Behind her she can hear the soft padding of footsteps, as Dara approaches, and she turns around to face the beautiful blonde. Appreciation blatant on her features.
“Are you sure I'm the thoughtful one in this relationship, sweetheart?” She muses, stepping closer with the locket in her hands. “I love it.” Turning her back to Dara, she tucks an arm beneath her thick, sable hair, lifting it to expose her neck. “Help me put it on?”
Dara
Dara has learned a lot about Valentina in the past couple of months and her favorite thing is how much she loves. Her job. Her children. Her dogs. Someday hopefully Dara. Her first thoughts of getting Valentina jewelry all revolved around her kids. There had been no question who belonged so close to her heart.
As she approaches, it is obvious that Val is swooning over the gift and that makes Dara all the happier. There’s only one thing she wanted to accomplish on this day - to make Valentina happy. If she made her forget her she, that was just a bonus.
“I’m glad… it took me three hours at the store to choose, but this was the one I found most fitting of Valentina Venturi,” she explains slowly as she steps forward and takes the locket, fastening it at the back of her girlfriend’s neck. She leans in and places a warm kiss there.
“Happy Birthday, baby,” she smiles, her heart begging her to say so much more.
Valentina
Valentina turns around to pull Dara in for a grateful kiss, overwhelmed with the treatment she’d received during her special day. In that moment, she isn't a 49 year old woman; she is a princess. Placed on a pedestal by someone with limitless love in their heart. “Today has been nothing short of magical, dolcezza mia. I love all of my gifts, the trip to Napa, my birthday dinner…all of it.”
Another kiss. “Though you are the best gift of all.”
Dara
Dara is unable to keep herself from kissing Valentina like it’s the first time all over again. She tangles her fingers into the woman’s hair, returning the kiss in likeness. “I’m no gift, you had me long before today,” she grins, kissing the corner of Val’s lips and whispering. “But I will gladly do the best I can to make you feel like this for st least a moment each day, you mean the world to me.”
Valentina
Ghosting her lips against Dara’s, Valentina, overcome with intense emotion, murmurs into the super model’s mouth;
“I love you.”
Dara
Tears. As hard as she tries to stop them, they’re there. It’s what her heart has been aching to say so often lately and now it’s obvious that Valentina is on the same page. Dara smiles just a little bit, her words soft, lingering. Eyes close as she responds.
