1. CRIMSON LANE | MXM

12 | The Koa To His Aiden.

March 15, 2016 | 6:30pm
Black Wood | Adepose Residence.

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Three blissful years have flown by since Aiden mustered up the courage to leave his old life behind and join the prestigious Dynaze. Within that time, he has soared through the ranks, blossoming into a talented junior architectural designer under the wise guidance of Mr. Jeyema Adepose. Their bond has grown stronger each day, transforming into a familial connection that Aiden cherishes dearly.

And now, on an exhilarating Sunday evening, Aiden finds himself standing outside the Adepose residence, holding a bottle of exquisite rum and a bouquet of vibrant roses. The bottle itself is a masterpiece, with its glistening glass adorned with golden letters and its cap intricately crafted with meticulous details.

Nestled in an artful cluster of neighboring residences, the Adepose home stands as a testament to Jeyema's impeccable architectural skills. With a modest footprint, the modern abode gracefully occupies a gently sloping lot. Its gradient metal roof and welcoming covered front entry evoke a touch of rustic charm, reminiscent of a barn-inspired aesthetic.

The contemporary allure of the house is further enhanced by the skillful combination of natural materials, seamlessly blending with the surrounding landscape. The interior is bathed in abundant natural light, courtesy of the numerous expansive multi-pane windows that adorn every room, infusing each space with a sunny and inviting ambiance.

Aiden's casual attire for the evening consists of a stylish red button-up shirt with a lapel collar. The solid and semi-sheer fabric gives a hint of allure without being too revealing and is paired with black jeans. His choice of footwear is a pair of vibrant red sneaker boots, adding a pop of color to his ensemble.

To complete the look, Aiden adorns himself with gold jewelry, accentuating his personal style. As his right full sleeve tattoo enters its second stage, it shines with a glossy finish, a result of diligently applying protection grease to preserve its vibrant colors. The newness of the tattoo is evident in the slightly swollen skin around it.

The door swings open, revealing Emilia Adepose, a captivating vision of grace and beauty. Her East African heritage is evident in every feature, from her enchanting brown eyes to her thick brows that frame her face perfectly. She even looks effortlessly stylish in her ditsy floral pink dress, perfect for the spring and summer seasons. With its tiered skirt with frill trim, spaghetti straps, and a flirty tie front neckline.

"Emilia," Aiden purrs with excitement, closing the distance between them. He leans in and presses a tender kiss on her right cheek, his affection evident in the gesture.

"Hey, beautiful," Aiden greets as he hands her the bottle of whiskey. "For the lady," he murmurs.

Emilia's gaze travels down to Aiden's attire, a smirk playing on her lips as she takes the bottle. "For once, you didn't wear a suit to Sunday dinner," Emilia teases, her voice laced with amusement. "I think you're starting to like us," she adds, raising an eyebrow playfully.

Aiden rolls his eyes, a blush creeping onto his cheeks as he playfully protests.

The peaceful ambiance is abruptly shattered by the boisterous clamor of youthful exuberance. The Adepose children, Lilly, a jaunty seven-year-old girl, and the mischievous twins, Tyla and Teyana, catch a glimpse of a beloved Aiden. Their eyes light up with uncontainable excitement, propelling their agile bodies towards him in a frenzy of anticipation. In a flurry of small arms, they throw themselves at him, enveloping him in warm and exuberant embraces.

Lilly, the eldest of the trio, soon notices the tattoo adorning Aiden's hand. Her inquisitive gaze fixates on the intricate design, and with a sudden burst of curiosity, she reaches out to grasp his hand. Her eyes widen as she meticulously scans every detail, captivated by the artistry etched upon his skin. Aiden, ever doting, presents Lilly with a vibrant bouquet of flowers, his tender lips pressing a gentle kiss upon her blushing cheek. Overwhelmed with gratitude, she gratefully accepts the gesture, embracing him tightly in a heartfelt display of affection.