[messerre]

let's go on a date...date

[severaly]

He was right and by holding a sharp memory which to her felt as if— if she said one thing, she was pretty sure he would bring it back up sooner or later. Crossing her arms as she stared around the vicinity, the people who walked back and forth and enjoying the festival with others. It was such a nice time to others from how she could see, within the darkness that shrouded around them but the lights that were hanging about gave her enough of a view to see what happiness was labeled upon their features. Of course, she’s visited her fair share of little festivals and hot springs and known it was a common thing for others to be excited.

Noticing that the other had headed towards a stand (which she had no choice but to notice from the fact at the connection of their hands, she gripped his own), she followed after to see what they would have available. Some of the items, she couldn't actually tell what it was but having been here for awhile, she’s acquired some of the more common knowledge of how to get by. Now Severa had the body of a goddess and well, she knew what oreos were by now but having them fried, wouldn't that put on a few pounds on her end. Not her ass, if one was thinking.

"Seems like it, they have deep fried soda." Using her free hand to point at the end of the stand where the Oreos were placed, "Did you want half a plate. I’m sure you wouldn't want all the weight going to your gut. Not many people can get a decent figure." She was only kidding.

[messerre]

     It's like her to care about her figure, and while he wasn't going to lie and claim that there wasn't any figure to care about, it wasn't as if one Oreo was going to harm her somehow... Wasn't the point of festivals indulging in things? He lives for short-term gratification, but for her, he supposes, it's different somehow. And he's probably supposed to respect that (he does, but it's not as if he'll show it openly), but he shrugs a bit, outwardly.

     He purveys what the stand has to offer, and it just seems to be fried versions of various items, from fruits to vegetables, sweets, the like. Viridian flits over the price tag, and it doesn't seem to cost too much, either, so he's more than willing to sample a few.

     "What the fuck is deep fried soda?" He doesn't bother hiding his surprise, glancing at her (and the direction which she points) incredulously, but he isn't sure if what she was talking about was real or not... He doesn't know the first step that one would take in deep-frying soda. "Alright, I'll take half a plate. You should have some, too; it's not like you have a figure to care about, anyway." Oops, was it too late to go back on his word?

[messerre]

let's go on a date...date

[severaly]

The female was pretty high standing from where she was, always wanting to do the things that she enjoyed and if she had to go with someone. Though, there wasn’t anyone else that she would find herself attending with. Only one person that she deemed worthy of even doing things for and either way, she would find herself wrapped up in this festival anyway. The male’s voice makes her close her eyes and with a shake of her head.

"Did I.." A hand raised as she tapped her chin lightly with her index finger, thinking if she had actually promised this. This was an every other time sort of thing, wasn’t it. Which she didn't mind, it was how they worked and what was more beneficial for them. Lowering her hand, she looked up at the other and contemplated what all this could have been about, why a festival all of a sudden. She still didn't trust the caretakers of this city but she knew she wasn’t going anywhere sometime soon.

"I did, I really did so I guess I could do this— this time. But don’t just expect I don’t know when I should get you something. It’s not that hard. And if i want it to be expensive— it will be expensive." Though some people saw that as a way to buy less things when they purchased highly priced items, but that wasn’t what she was thinking of doing. This was naturally her bad spending habit. "Not like any of this stuff is worth my time in buying, hmph!"

[messerre]

     "Yeah, you did. I'm sure of it." While the promise had been something unspecific and pledged several months ago, what matters is that it still applies here, and that this trip falls under it. He's surprised to hear her suggest that she'd want to buy him something, though he knows better to trust, to believe; she'd probably take it back anyway. Additionally, a gift bought with one's own money isn't necessarily a gift to begin with... Nonetheless, he knows better than to argue with her; he thinks he'll outsmart her later down the road, so for now he consents, to her bad spending habit.

     Regardless, he lifts his head, drawing his attention to the nearest stand; it seems to sell small, fried food items, a delicacy — though he'd have to approach closer to check out its contents. The scent of sizzling oil is oddly appealing, and to an empty stomach, anything smells delicious at this point. He jerks his head to the side, indicating that they should head over there, but he tugs her hand along before she has time to answer his question. "Look... There's food over there. We should start out with something to eat, huh? Do you suppose they'd have deep fried Oreos?"

[messerre]

let's go on a date...date

     Rare it was that he found an opportunity to partake in — or to enjoy — festivals as commonplace as these, though much has changed in several months, he finds. The sector is alive with warm lights and the wafting scent of various food items all blending together in a surprisingly pleasing aroma. A soft laugh emits, before he presses his hand against hers, clearly intending to pull her along, if only for tonight. After all, festivities are more exciting when spent with other people, no?

     The night is dark, though everything is lit up rather nicely, with stalls lining the sides of the vicinity. Flocks of people move to and fro, flitting from stand to stand, and even from the entrance, he can reason out what items and activities that certain stalls hold. He then turns to the side, addressing the person next to him, who he'd managed to convince to follow along.

     "Come on. You promised, didn't you?" But promises are shallow to him and but a mere play of sugar on his tongue, but they're good blackmail, that's what he finds. "My, after everything you did for me, I think this one'll be my treat, alright?" He smiles (it's crooked, befitting), tilts his head to the side in a convincing manner. "But don't buy anything too expensive."

[severaly]

Maybe her silence was enough to answer that question, the reddish tint that came to her cheeks at the idea was too much. Closing her eyes and rejecting the possibility wasn’t what she wanted to have her lingering in. Thoughts like that were better left to those who would enjoy something like that. Not like she wouldn’t.. These situations weren’t what she would find herself in. Easily avoided,

"That’s not the main concern..! You have something more important to worry about." She signaling to the cake on the table. Time and effort placed into that creation and because of that, she was sure that he better had eaten every last piece and made sure none of it became had inedible. Some people weren't too fond of the icing that would well, become hard and the texture wasn’t appealing if it felt like that. Seeing his surprise was enough for her, she deserved to see such a disbelief run across her features. 

Eyes closed with a proud nod, she was very happy with herself on the matter. Even in her moment where she was giving herself credit, the action that was done brought her vision back to see what it was. Oh, did he think this was funny? Wasting her hard work in such a manner, wiping it off and taking a step towards him with the index finger pointed towards, “Food is meant to be set on a plate not a person— You know what, don’t be rebellious, you have to eat it all!” Words set as she looked at the creme substance on her finger. Using her free hand to wipe away whatever she had missed, she lightly licked it away without any worries.

[messerre]

     His chuckles are airy and amicable as he sees her pout in front of him. Of course, he knows that his action would draw this sort of reaction from her; dabbling in this business for years would guarantee that. While cake isn't necessarily his favorite, it wasn't as if he'd turn it down. (He's far used to drinks of the sugary type, unhealthy snacks here and there, nothing as substantial as desserts, however.)

     "Hey, there's nothing wrong with a bit of harmless teasing, right? It's not like I'm going to leave a gift this big laying here." Emerald hues watch as she wipes her cheek, observing carefully, with a slow smirk forming all the while; his tongue swipes across his lips, perhaps in habit, and he stares for a second too long before he blinks.

     Reaching for the knife, he cuts a square of cake (neatly, cutting is his forte) and places it onto a nearby plate. He repeats this, and after putting utensils on each platter, he hands one to her, uttering a casual order; it only seems so natural. "Eat. It's pretty good, anyway. But I can't finish this all by myself."

[severaly]

A kink. The thought was.. quite something. Did she seem like the type who was into the pleasure of being partially crippled from their sight or doing it for others. Hopefully not, and would signal a sort of protest from her. "Where would you get an idea like that!? I’m not into sick things. Ugh." Of course, her words would always hold a sort of negative tone within them to show that she was serious. But even then, it was easy to tell she did not see it coming.

Now, Severa would have to look back to see if he was following. There were some people who could hardly remember the certain things set within their house. If something was removed, would they notice it or go on with their daily lives in such a way. Though this was different since walls didn't move so seeing that he held a few slip ups was nice to see.

The destination granted, the female had taken out her time to do this for him. This actually meant working a bit of over time. Upon the table, because Severa a very serious person when it came to things like this. A 12 x 18 size cake laid there upon the table, it was shown that a lot of time was taken into this pastry. The way it was designed to the various colors that littered around the icing. "Hmm I’d rather you taste it than just look at it." A smile finding its way upon her lips, possibly by the time he’s able to remove the blindfold.

[messerre]

     Well, from what he's seen, she does seem to enjoy putting others through a certain degree of trouble; he recalls well the not-so-long-ago recent memories of trips to various locations, from the fateful meet at the store, then the brief shopping trip to the card store. "Ah, well." He taps a finger thoughtfully, tilting his head upwards. "I wouldn't be so sure about that. Have you tried it before?" But of course, he speaks in jest. Maybe.

     He lifts it off with one tug, resting the fabric lightly on his forehead as the scene unfolds before him, though at first, the primary reaction that it elicits from him is a raised eyebrow. To say that he wasn't expecting something along the lines of a cake would be inaccurate, but one as large as this is not so feasible. His jaw drops, and he stares silently, eyes wide.

     (But, not all cakes are made for just eating.) Extending a fingertip forward, he swipes frosting onto his hand, then licks it off, giving the cake a taste; it seems fine, nothing out of the ordinary, aside from its size. Just then, an idea strikes him - he repeats the motion, but this time, he reaches to smear it onto her cheek, and laughs lightly when he succeeds.

[severaly]

Crossing her legs as if she held a superior air, it was quickly ruined by the male’s words had she flustered slightly. Who told him his words could get to her like this, running a shiver down her spine and bringing her features to darken more than she would have liked. There were things that made Severa go off the deep end or rather, make her feel as if she was going to die from a heart attack, looking the other way,

"Cut it out, I’m not here to play around! This is serious." She stated, finally getting to her feet after believing that the temperature had calmed. Being imitated wasn’t what she was looking for, but ah well, she wouldn't complain just yet. Walking so that she stood behind the couch, she could only frown that he was making her do all the work. Not like she didn't enjoy it, placing the fabric around his head and making sure to tie it so that he couldn't see anything else.

"Hmph! Rather than lead you, why don’t you just follow the sound of my voice!?" That was better than anything.

[messerre]

     "Really... Blindfolding me like this - are you into this sort of kink?" He smiles, the corners of his eye creasing underneath the piece of cloth, teasing at her gently while full-well knowing the sort of indignant reaction he would get. He thinks it cute, actually - he can imagine the tint her cheeks would have, the bossy way she would shout at him to stop, to shut up, to quit it, and to follow her (none of which he would listen to in his right mind, of course), but it's all the more amusing to fluster her on purpose. "Haha, just kidding."

     Slipping off of the couch, he does as she says, following the source of her voice. He knows his way around his own apartment well enough to refrain from bumping into the occasional coffee table or wall, even, though he slips up here and there, accompanying each toestub with an obligatory expletive. He's curious, to see what she has in store for him, and while he rarely follows orders from just anyone, she should be flattered, from even his joke compliance.

     She mutters out some sort of halt, and he concedes, stopping in his tracks and reaching out to the side, finding the wall that he expects, and leaning against it. "We're here, huh? Now show me," he pulls at the blindfold, slipping a finger between cloth and cheek and tugging it. "-what you dragged me here for."

[severaly]

It isn't that hard to understand what she must be here for, but since this being a few weeks passed, it could be something different. Her arms crossed before her waist, a frown visible on her lips. “Hm.” A light hum as she leaned forward and raised her brow, “Well, I’m here to spend my time,” which he should be honored, “with you, unlike some people.” The female praising the other as good company was there.

"Anyway. If you have plans, cancel. Your day is with me now." Her fingers tapping against her skin. “To spend that day with me should be filled with joy besides.. It’s not like I want to be here.” Maybe she did, well, she did or she would have no came in the first place.

"But for now." Pulling out a blindfold, "I need your full and undivided attention. How about wearing this. And don’t get any funny ideas…!”

[messerre]

     "Oh, should I be grateful for that?" A soft smirk is revealed, as a mock, makeshift bow is offered, before he speaks further, finding this sort of falsified anger to be downright cute, in a way... And there's no harm in joking back, and trying to summon that blush once more. "Then thank you, my dearest Severa."

     Her demand surprises him, as he tilts his head to the side and closes his eyes, feigning contemplation upon his bare schedule. "Nah, I didn't have anything planned today... But you were the one sitting on my couch, in case you don't quite remember." Despite his words, he doesn't press her further; plus, there's another situation that begs his attention.

     "Hmm— what's this?" Looking at the piece of cloth apprehensively, he crosses his arms, imitating her pose. "Alright, alright, I'll do it. But put it on me first, then lead the way."

[severaly]

Late. That’s what Severa believed this to be. Belated.

Placing her hands down on the back of the couch, the female dug her nails into fabric but not enough to officially make a tear. She was probably going to be kicked out his apartment one day if her visits entailed messing up furniture. A sigh leaving from her mouth, Severa always remembered the important events. Though, maybe she had been too busy to remember one the ones that marked a very special day for someone. How did someone of her caliber overlook this, she was upset with herself but only a bit.

"Tell me you aren’t busy."

[messerre]

     Not that he'd minded in the least. Truly, it wasn't anything important. In the end, he found such celebrations to be a hassle. After all, what point was there in indulging within the same sorts of festivities every year? At least... that's what he'd thought.

     He doesn't mind that she invites herself into his apartment a few weeks later than the marked date itself; and the way she rustles and fidgets in an otherwise silent apartment indicates her presence, so it doesn't take him that long to meet her in the living room, sitting next to her on the couch.

     "And if I told you I was?" He meets her gaze levelly for a moment, before closing his eyes, turning his head to the side to chuckle. "What brings you here, Severa?"

[severaly]

Feeling... Sassy.

[severaly]

The whole idea of this outing was to get something for someone else, she did not believe that it would include anything more. Actions stated and words said so all of this could go the way she wanted, purchasing out of her wallet so that things in the end would go to her favor. Typically, Severa wouldn't have did anything like this for anyone, but, when it came to someone like Noire, she was willing to budge. This day did not entail for her to meet someone rather tedious, level-headed and holding such a big ego. Though, there were people who were worth her time and people who weren’t, placing Proton under a category was easy. The fact that he held the qualities that didn't turn the female off in the slightest like others.

At this moment, dealing with him would become trouble but it’s not like she was scared of people like him. Hands on her hips as she took a step back, listening to his claim. She’d be ready to push him far away if need be if he was up to something but all he wanted was some time spent with her, maybe he should have thought about that before trying to gain a ‘cute reaction;’ in which she was displeased she allowed one to slip. A frown upon her features to show she wasn’t the happiest person in the world because she wasn’t, she was a bit irritated but when wasn’t she? Tapping a hand on her side as she started thinking.

Dark hues stared down onto the other, wanting to catch a trace of maybe held back laughter or a sign to see if he was joking. One could tell a lot about a person by their actions and being a mercenary, in her field, she had to watch her opponent and dodge if there was a reaction that could end her life. Not many people would understand unless they were in her disposition, but all she needed was the Shepherds to agree and that was it. Everyone was like an enemy in a sense, now it was the fact of would she let this man be an ally or not.

Fun. Not like Severa needed it! Her days have been slightly boring, well not when was with certain people but.. biting down on her bottom lip, giving her thoughts on it. Would it be fine? Just one more little measly meeting and if that one didn't work, she could just turn away and act like she never met him. Whatever he believed to be ‘fun,’ she believed she would find out soon if she went along with it. Placing her hands together and with a roll of her eyes, admitting defeat. “Hmph, you only got this second time. I don’t have time for just anyone, you know!” The look she held on her features was true to the cause, as if she was threatening him to give her a good time. "Besides, you have good taste, you should be able to give a girl like me a wonderful time. Who wouldn't?" A little praise for herself.

[messerre]

     Rarely does someone ever capture his interest in such an intriguing way, though he has little talent for discerning between temporary infatuation or something more serious beyond that. (But he's never really had any use for the latter, not even to define the fleeting fascination he held for— Ah, their identity isn't of prime importance at the moment.) When things came down to it, the last thing he'd want from her is for her to be afraid of him, and while he doesn't necessarily adopt a gentle attitude (the word 'gentle' isn't within his register of vocabulary), he does relent.

     But, despite his usual sarcastic attitude regarding most matters of life, this is one instance where he wholeheartedly wishes that she'd accept his offer; and a rare, warm smile forms upon his lips, as the corners of his eyes crease softly in contentment. And for a split second, one could call that expression— hopeful, satisfied, eager, grateful. What thanks he bears rests on the tip of his tongue and fades, however; it would be unlike him to express such sentiments.

     Of course, he expects her to have little faith in him, right now. After all, they'd just met— and the terms of this particular trip to the shopping store was laced with light blackmail, behind-the-scenes; the jacket that she'd wanted to buy several hours earlier still hangs from his left arm. "I'm glad to hear that," he murmurs, carefully removing store clothing and sorting piled fabric into two piles— purchasing, and not purchasing. Even with dabbling in his line of work, taking someone out on a date for the sake of dating was a new barrier to cross, and hesitation expresses itself discreetly through the way he rifles through organizing the two piles. But, he figures, it can't be all too different from what he usually did; he keeps himself confident, not wanting to disappoint in any way. "Yeah, yeah. I'm good at this sort of stuff."

     Gingerly lifting a set of clothes from the seat of the chair, he heads towards the register, but not before turning once, to ask her to follow along. "You coming-- with your wallet? Or what?"

[severaly]

it's going down, we're yellin' timber

[severaly]

Contemplating her decisions, she was a Shepherd, now this wasn’t what any of them were about. So hearing things like this spoken so casually, though he had all his rights to speak in such a manner though the proper placement of his finger against her chin in such a manner, she would have smacked it away (gently.. maybe) but luckily the other was fast enough to remove it himself. Now if he believed he was getting away with that, if he truly thought that was ‘OK.’ he surely thought wrong. People with their opinions, what was right and wrong, this place held no sense of law against that, did it? Either way, as much as it brought the female to be a bit instilled with fear, it was going to be that way wasn’t it? The tone he had stated this in. At times it was unbelievable but then.. then again, it just didn’t matter.

"You know, there’s no need talking about that at all. You’re with me and I’m not going to listen to that the entire way." She could have just dragged him a long, but he did have such a big ego. It was a type of confidence not many people had so seeing that he knew what he wanted. Though, in her little actions, she was surprised to see that he didn’t even take his hand away. The way he acted over such a small thing allowed the female to close her eyes, taking in how promising the event was for the moment. Even bringing a smile onto her features, only if it was just for a second; this was something she was taking in.

The stroke of his finger against her skin, to even moving their arms as they walked. She was almost sure that this had to be a joke, him.. allowing something like this? As much as she didn’t find it embarrassing but listening to him did she speak up once more, "What.." She had to get her priorities in order, "No.. well someone had to be forward, there’s no sense in just waiting for someone to make the first move, right?” Right. If she wanted to get something done, she had to do it herself. “Now don’t go thinking anything!” Then again, what was he suppose to think? Nice going Severa, what a smoove move.

Once they had gotten to the entrance, at the moment that Proton had went about retracting his hand. At first, Severa hadn’t actually budged to release him until realization hit her in the face, showing that they had no need to hold each other’s hands anymore. Truth be told, she really didn’t want to let go but would she ever voice that, possibly not. It could have been because from how warm he was and things of that matter but her thoughts came to an end as he spoke to her, questioning on what was he suppose to do now. Was he truly asking someone who had no idea of modern times, well modern as this got. Taking in how he stated his request, genuine and such, “Do I have to do everything for you?” Sure, that could have came out way better but, she just couldn't allow it.

"Well first, we’re going to go inside. Then you find what you think is best for me, now if I go in there and pick my own card I might as well make myself my own Valentine. But since you always seem to know what you want and how to get it, why don’t you get me the best thing." A wink given towards him as she quickly walked towards the door once someone was coming out just for her to pass by them to get inside, once that was done and facing the glass window had she waved her hand in order to signal for him to follow as well.

[messerre]

     "You just might have to, you know," he responds, taking her cue and following her into the store. She explains something, but he only half-listens, as he takes in the contents of the shop. Aside from the cards that they'd arrived for, speckled memorabilia lined the shelves of the aisles, consisting of chocolates, cards, hearts — enough to make a person sick. Or content. Depending on what suited their tastes.

     "I've never done anything romantic, per se. To be honest, I found all of that sort of crap a waste of time." A light shrug, coupled with a slight sigh, as he bends his arms into the air, stretching them, as he yawns. His gaze falls upon the multitude of chocolates nearby, ranging from white to dark, and all sorts of variations in between. Apparently, chili and chocolate was popular this year, though he didn't understand why.

     Nor did he have any intention of buying her anything beyond what he came here for. After all, he wouldn't want to imply something that wasn't there. "Wasting the time to woo someone over without having some sort of ulterior motive? Huh." He glances off to the side, a wry expression on his face, though he tilts his head, looking at he floor as he speaks, anywhere but at her. "No thanks, that's energy that I could've put in somewhere else."

     "At least, that's what I used to think." His murmur is purposely audible enough for her to catch, but before she can react to his words, he ducks past her, reaching for a decorative card at the top of the shelf, gently placing a hand on her shoulder to guide her aside. Looking up, he tiptoes, to grab the tip of a card and tug it down (He wonders why it's up so high, but that matter is of no importance.), successfully lifting it from its compartment.

     Flipping it open, he peers at the words inside, ignoring the gaudily cheesy cartoon decorations on the inner flap. It didn't seem too bad, but Severa had wanted the best, right? And a man of his standing would not allow himself to lose to that challenge. He lifts his head again, to ask her a question. "Is it supposed to be a surprise?"

[severaly]

Feeling... Sassy.

[severaly]

Oh. Well, it was better off that way wasn’t it? Not that she was offended that the other already knew which way to go. It was possibly obvious that Severa lacked something and that was the knowledge of modern time. It was slightly embarrassing to her but this was her fate, wasn’t it? It was a push or shove lifestyle and if she wanted to understand, she’d have to push herself or shove other’s out the way to learn. This deep thought was only brought from how the other showed her where the changing rooms were. Now, it was correct of her to shoo the other on to go change as she thought about his words of prior, did he think he was funny. She wasn’t causing any sort of problems at all, though it was hard for people to understand that.

Now, as she thought about the situation they were in, the female with the click of her tongue, turned around to check something. The people that wandered back and forth within the store drowned out her curiosity, seeing who was with who and what people’s choices were. It was a sad day when she noticed someone picking up a plaid shirt, oh, she was not so fond of that. Voices being heard as she turned to see who was calling out to her. The voice led her back towards the changing room, a cross of her arms before her as she leaned forward.

Was there a surprise, the way he hid behind the curtain, a brow raised as she finally came to a stop and at the exact same time did the curtain slowly drop down. What she was shown had taken her aback just a bit, it really did look good on him. Leaning up correctly and hands finding their way on her waist, “Well, look at you.” Her voice laced with a promising tone, liking what she was able to see. Even asking him to turn around to get a whole view of the outfit. “I don’t want to say I’ve outdone myself but, this is the best I’ve ever seen.”

Another step forward just to admire how the clothes looked perfect on the other. She was absolutely thrilled that her picky nature was able to do some good though, the moment she went to silence and warm air brushing against her ear, words speaking a request that brought the female to lightly— lightly place her hands on the male’s chest and push a bit of distance between them. It wasn’t something she was expecting or to hear, to be honest. Her cheeks were only a bit crimson from his words, “One, you didn't have to be that close to ask, and two, what do you need to see me for!? Anyway.. anyway. You don’t need me to help you with your clothes all the time. Ugh.” Looking off to the side, the female could not allow herself to fall for such things, besides, who did she look like meeting up with a stranger every now and then?

[messerre]

     It is one of the rare times that he obeys orders from someone that isn't his immediate superior, spinning on his heel several times for her to admire. From the corner of his eye, he watches her expression; how her eyes widen with amazement and her mouth hangs open at the right level of impressed and awed brings a soft smile to his lips. To him, she's rather simple, consisting of few surprises and mainly just loud noises, but there is something interesting about her— and for that reason, he decides that he'll humor her for a bit longer.

     "I'll have to agree with you on that. This isn't half-bad, girl." He nods contently, lining his fingertips with the edges of his jacket and tugging forward, lightly adjusting its position on his shoulders. It was unlike any outfit he had seen; but then again, what time did one have to go looking for outfits when uniforms were the primary mode of dress? With a slight wink, he adds, "It might just be me making this whole outfit look better, you know." Though, if he put to use what he's found out about her since this brief trip, he assumes that she'll deny it.

     And that was fine. He had all the time in the world, anyway.

     He laughs when she shoves him away, hastily setting his foot back to secure his footing against the ground so that he wouldn't trip backwards. He leans against the doorframe of the changing room, aligning its upper arm against its surface. "But I wanted to see that cute little reaction, Severa. How else was I supposed to drag it out of you?" 

     He's come across people like this in his line of work all the time, the ones who overwork them expressions over the tiniest of things; they were usually the most irritating, and met their deaths most quickly. But he finds it impossible to associate her in this clump of people, and so, he refrains from doing so. How odd, for her to believe that the basis of his words was for clothes... "Mmn, no, that's not what I meant. I'm pretty good at picking out my own clothes, thank you." His response is curt, and casual, as he dusts off a stray speck of dust from the black fabric of his sleeve.

     "But I was thinking, not just for clothes, but for... fun?" He proceeds cautiously, now, minding his wording. "It's just a one time thing, anyway. It won't be anything risque, not unless you want it to be. So what do you say? Will you agree to meet me a second time?"

[severaly]

it's going down, we're yellin' timber

[severaly]

What a big mistake was what she believed in the back of her mind, she could have avoided this but she didn't. He was right (sadly) that she did offer him the card, if she was that against it, she could have ripped it up, trashed it or give it to someone else. But that didn't happen, she willingly handed it over but that didn't mean anything, like prior, she just wanted to get rid of it. In the end, both cards were horrible but she wouldn't dare sympathize with him in any sort of agreeable notion. Allowing this whole thing to go through one ear and out the other, hearing him speak the female perked up just a bit.

"If you don’t demand, it just shows you don’t want anything. Besides, things don’t come to you so easy in life." Words given as she was content with them, her eyes scanned down towards the hand that was coming towards her. Sometimes she would smack their extension away, usually not caring for people who were trying to be friendly of sorts. She had to keep in mind that she did ask for this so it was no turning back, having him agree that she was pretty decent wasn’t enough but she knew she’d work him for a better card.

Her decision set in mind though with a bit of hesitation before grabbing his own, now if this was going to be done. It had to be done the right way. This meant fingers had to be intertwined just for it to look correct, now if he was going to treat her the correct way to a card that was as good as her, this is how it needed to be done. Since she took the first step in this action, it didn't bother her any but if he was thinking of letting go, that was not happening at all.

"Hmph, if you let go, you won’t hear the end of it… so do not you dare.." Even allowing him to know how things would go, if he was so persistent on holding on her hand, he better had stuck with it. Her free hand rest against the front of her body and hand hooking onto her waist. Not even looking at him since staring off to the side was her best bet for anything, a slight bit of embarrassment and anger possibly mixed on her features, She was more so upset with herself than him, that was not a smoove move on her part. Maybe.

[messerre]

     "Oh, honey..." He gently traces her chin with the end of a gloved finger, tipping her face upwards to look at his. "I don't demand for what I want, no. Demanding, as scary as you try to make it sound... it's just really 'asking' for something from another person. Aha, that's not the game I play." Spinning in a circle on his heel, he suddenly turns back towards her. "I make them grovel at my feet by any means necessary. Hearing them beg for their lives... That's the kind of shit I fucking live for. Gross, isn't it?" A sharp, harsh laugh is barked out, as he sighs the remainder of his laughter out.

     As much as he claims that surprise never gets the best of him, he is caught off-guard as she clasps his hand, and rather forcefully, too— as if she didn't want to let go, and a strange mis-beat runs through his heart and courses through his veins, as he suddenly becomes all-too aware of his breathing— in, out, in, out— and his proximity to her. He takes a moment to recollect himself, and it is only for the briefest of seconds that he loses his composure— but he's sure that she's caught it.

     Eyes soften in their expression as he practically purrs, his gaze resting upon her hand. "Ah, how forward of you..." A thumb brushes over the back of her hand softly, as he hums, faintly, in contemplation; it is not within his intention to let her hand go, despite her back-up threats. He keeps his hand intertwined with hers the rest of the way there, even going through the liberty of swinging it gently. It isn't very far to their local card store, where a variety of greeting cards are offered for perusal. His steps come to a halt, however, when he reaches the doorway.

     "What are we supposed to do now...?" A question is uttered to himself, more than anything, and he releases her hand from his, now, raising a finger to brush back stray, verdant bangs from his face. "Say, I've never done anything this nice for anyone before. Even before, I've always left the card-getting to one of my many underlings... So if you could, kinda.. prompt me along, help me out, I'd appreciate it a lot."

[severaly]

Feeling... Sassy.

[severaly]

When the mercenary walked up to the man with the hat in his hand and she said to the man, with the hat in his hand. “Hey.” Her words falling into a bum bum bum type of silence. "Got any other recommendations?" She waited for what the other was willing to say, she did of course like what he chose but she didn't want him to remember some other girl if she wore it. Whether he liked her or not, it was the fact she wanted to be her own person. This slowly reminding her how she was by her mother and left a sour taste in her mouth. Furrowed brows at the thought before shaking her head, she didn't have to think of that now of all times.

"Well, it doesn't have to be as long as you don’t make it one. Besides, I credited you in having good taste. Keep it up." Turning from him as she then gave a quick phrasing that if he liked it, why not purchase it for himself. It was a nice looking piece but her complex only pushed it away, sadly she was missing out but then again, it would just have to be that way. If there was something she could change about herself, that was partially one of them but hell, she shouldn't think about changing herself for something as dumb as this.

Now it was her turn to find him something, one step after the other which brought her towards another area. Looking at the various outfits, she bit her bottom lip as if trying to decide what she could show to him that he would like. Looking at the jeans, she glanced back over to him for only a matter of minutes. She should have told him to come on over, though that wouldn't have been enough as she made herself vocal.

"Do they have a changing room here?" Inquiry placed towards him, she waited for him to at least reply before she went about searching. Closing her eyes in her thoughts, "Finding you a full outfit would be ideal for me in a way. Just that one piece won’t be enough."

[messerre]

     Eyes are rolled sarcastically as he flips the hat back onto the vertical accessory rack, adjusting its position once it lands. "You're the one making it a problem. What's it to you, anyway?" He bites his lip in mild frustration as he turns back towards her; his tone is edgy and sharp as he squints in her direction. Though, he wouldn't press if she insisted that she didn't, not wanting to ruffle her entirely. After all, despite the bickering, as well as her bizarre, touchy personality, he was still finding this to be somewhat of an, oddly enough, fascinating outing. 

     He watches as she rummages through a rack of denim jeans, shoving away this from that, noting her satisfactory taste in fashion. As they were all of the slender sort (the baggier ones tended to fit rather loosely on his thin frame), he waits patiently until she finally unhooks a hanger from the overstuffed rack and hands it to him. And as she begins to inquire about a changing room, he places his hand lightly on her shoulder, murmuring that he's already a step ahead of her, as he slips into a nearby empty changing room, expecting her to wait somewhere outside.

     "Hey, hey." He waves her over with a soft call, and a light, inwards curl of his finger. The other one holds the remainder of the curtain in front of him, shielding a good portion of him from view. "C'mere for a second." Once she approaches, he allows the rest of the drapery to fall, revealing a nice outfit: a dark shirt, the one he started with, the fur-lined hoodie overcoat that she'd pointed out to him earlier, and a set of black jeans, with a studded belt outlining its waist. Overall, he finds it nice, and notes her good taste in fashion. Once she walks closer, he dips his head a little, placing lips next to her ear, to whisper softly. "Do you think this looks nice? I might wear it, for, you know." He grins a little, hopes she will agree with his unspoken request. "Our second outing. Certainly, you don't think this is the last time I'll ever want to see you?"

[severaly]

Feeling... Sassy.

[severaly]

The remark at her age, she didn't mind since she knew how people were to dress, even going by her own ideals to cover up. Showing so much skin, how much to let be seen, what outfit would match a person’s body type and so on were what she lived by when it came to wardrobe. Some were talented when the subject arise, a few were sadly in desperation for a little help and then there were those who just could not be fixed. She knew which class she fell in and for the other, his previous gear before throwing on the coat was substantial and passing. A pause in her step, she gave the male’s name a thought. It wasn’t different nor was it normal, it was it’s own type but even learning that he had a second one was rather plainer than the former.

"Proton.. Lance.." A hum leaving from her lips as she took another step forward, his request to just be called Proton was heard but would she object to such a matter? Hands behind her back, locking onto one another as she was ready to further the distance between the two. Her thoughts hanging between her decisions broken at the time with a small spin on her heel, a hat placed upon red locks. At this action, she was unsure of what to say.

"How am I to see if you’re in the way!?" Her inquiry given that was always laced in a vehement manner, allowing him to pull down on the article of clothing as her hands raised, digits lightly wrapping around the fabric of the gloves he wore, pushing his arm up so that she could regain her vision to see him, "Gawds, Proton, I don’t know if that’s a good or bad thing." Her grasp wasn’t tight at all, though she did show a frown upon her features. Wanting him to quit pulling down the hat in such a way, her free hand, in an attempt to move him away so that she could at least take a peek within the mirror.

"I might need to push you a little more away, you’re hogging all the view." The hand that released her captor now pointed at the mirror with an index finger, taking in his form and hers. Amber optics agreed with the sight as she shot a wink to herself, "Well.." Hands placed upon her waist now, trying to see how the hat looked from a side view, she was pretty proud that she hadn’t gained any extra weight during her stay here but that wasn’t important, "If I remind you of someone, might as well put this back. I don’t want to be some shadow of another person, hmph, nice try in picking something for me." Regardless of speaking those words, the female still remained with the hat placed upon her head.

[messerre]

     "How about no— I'm here to stay. There's all this space over here." He gestures towards the area of empty floor next to him with a light shrug, eyes passively glancing in her direction, lips pursed into an unreadable expression. "Make yourself comfortable, I'm not in your way— hey, what the fuck do you think you're doing?" Surprised by her sudden grip, he yanks his arm from her grasp, despite how lightly she had touched it, an inherent shift in the casual manner with which he regarded her less than five seconds ago. "Look, I know I'm supposedly handsome to you and all, but keep your hands to yourself." He dusts his hands off, as though his gloves had been dirtied somehow. Nonetheless, he steps aside, allowing her to look.

     Spectating as she examines the white hat in the mirror, he curiously watches as she glances and adjusts it several times on her head, until it sits correctly. A light chuckle escapes him as he sees her wink at herself in the mirror— typical, of a teenage girl. It was kind of cute, sassy, confident... At least, those were words that she probably wanted him to think, but he wasn't so impressionable.

     "I never said that it was someone that I liked seeing. I just thought it'd look nice." His tone grows sharply cold as he crosses his arms in front of his chest, caught off-guard at her offended state. It doesn't make sense to him, why she dislikes the idea of living in someone's shadow so much. And the person whom Severa resembled, with that hat... While she'd been a pretty face, he could not come to tolerate the girl who had destroyed everything he had worked for, though such potential intrigued him— it intrigued him to use it to his benefit. But Severa had none of that.

     He smartly whisks it off of her head, tracing its edges with his fingertips. "If you really don't like it, then we don't need to get it." His gaze follows the stitching along the accessory's underside. "That shouldn't be a problem, right?"

[severaly]

it's going down, we're yellin' timber

[severaly]

She wasn’t satisfied to say the least, after all the explanations she was given from various people none of them slightly added up. Who was sugar coating the subject and who was just being serious was beyond her, a sigh leaving from her lips, "Don’t get carried away, I could have thrown it on someone else than you." It was just a chance of luck she had happened to run into him, her right arm laying across her stomach and hand resting upon her waist. Digits tapping against her side as she contemplated on what snide remark to state upon his ego, there was nothing that killed his self esteem— not even a very bad card. She hadn’t even checked it so whatever it said was for his eyes only.

"You can say handsome to flatter yourself, but maybe it matched your attitude, as well." Enjoying her own little addition, mental praised was given for herself as she wonder what type of reply would leave from him. Not that it mattered, she was more concerned to once again with minding her own business. At the moment as she decided to take her leave, seeing a card thrown in her sight wasn’t what she expected. Looking up towards the male’s gaze, waiting for him to do something funny and or irritable that would bring her to a scowl, yet there was nothing.

In his words from before, they had to look like something to gain anything, "Do you really think I want something from you, I’m most likely better off without it." A roll of her eyes as she wanted to do nothing with it but he was intent on her having it. Once having hold of it, the female had to use both hands to open it’s envelope and take a look at what it read, her eyes closing as she tried to figure what it could have meant. Allowing her processing of it, "Gawds, what is this awful card? Are you a beaver cause dam? What is this supposed to mean!? Is there something wrong with my face?! I don’t look like those horrible things. But then again, you’re right. These are terrible, ugh.”

A shake of her head as she held onto the card as ugly as it was, she’d find something to do with it soon. "You should get me a better one, if you’re true to what you say, I think I’m beautiful enough to get an outstanding card, don’t you think?"

[messerre]

     "You could have, but you still gave it to me. Not that I even wanted it, though. The fact that I've stopped right now, to even waste my breath on you... Mmm, it's such a waste of time." As though it bothered him, a sigh passes through his lips, inadvertently pleased, despite how tacky, cheesy, and hideous the card was.

     Her tongue was as sharp as her reflexes, as noted earlier, but the words that she spoke regarding his attitude sail over his head. For one of an organization like his, caring about attitudes, or emotions in general, was excessive, and unnecessary. As long as the job was completed, no one looked beyond its completion— and in that world, it was near impossible to be that kind person that everyone idealized— and why would anyone even want to? Kindness, generosity... Those didn't belong in a world rife with crime.

     "Hey, I never asked for this cheap piece of shit from you, either. What do you think this is, some goddamn charity for the single?" he snaps, his tone imbued with its usual level of irritation. His verdant eyes are slanted narrowly in annoyance, as he flicks the reinforced piece of paper between his fingers, before pocketing it, reminding himself to figure out whether he would keep it, or throw it away, afterwards.

     His gaze rests upon her face, watching as she reads the one that he handed her, wondering how she would react, though her indignant reaction is nothing that he'd imagined. He tries to hide his laughter at her angry response to the card, but he fails; he figured that she would be unsatisfied to some degree, but he hadn't expected it to be so... comical.

     "A bit demanding, aren't you..?" Contemplatively, a finger comes to rest upon his lip, in thought, looking her over one more time, in silent judgment, before he relents. "Alright, then. I say you're pretty enough to get a half-decent one." His hand, gloved in white fabric, reaches for hers. "Let's go find you one that you'll like."

[severaly]

it's going down, we're yellin' timber

Today was one of those days that everyone was getting ready for, even if the news of going back home was willing to tear some people apart. She didn’t enjoy the constant things pushed upon her from certain people, having to reject this item and the next thing because she didn’t want anything to do with it. But passing by a card shop, she couldn’t help but TAKE a card since the person giving them out would not leave her alone. Hearing that she was to give it to someone, she was annoyed with doing just that.

She believed she could humor this, never had she done something like this before and a sigh leaving from her lips. She decided that if she was able to send something to her Father (like those flowers), than this would be just as good. Looking around for someone to just dump it off to, she was surprised to see someone walking about the city. She thought he was more of a guy who stayed inside of stores, critiquing people on whoever came in.

"Hey." Wanting to catch his attention, the female held out a white envelope towards the other, his name wasn’t even written on the front with a card inside. "I don’t get how this day works but you deserve something, don’t you?" She asked, “Not like you care or anything, but I’d rather get rid of it so here.” Waiting for him to take it, the female did look off to the side to stare at something else that wasn’t him, besides, she had better things to be doing than this.

[messerre]

     Valentine's Day.

     A pity, that he wasn't back at home right now, to accept the countless number of valentines that he received each year. He usually spent this day off, for the sheer influx of cards and chocolates that appeared in his office needed tending to, and it would be wrong to order someone else to do it. After all, where else would people willingly offer you free chocolate?

     What a pity, he thinks to himself, as he pulls his hat slightly over his forehead. As he makes his way down the sidewalk, some passerby (presumably a worker for a card shop, or maybe someone with a bad card?) shoves a card into his hands before he can do something abou tit. Irritably, he pries the card open; the line written on it makes him snort, at how ridiculous it is.

     He looks up just in time to save himself from colliding with Severa, and his first instinct is to snap at her, angrily muttering something along the lines of 'Watch it!', or 'What are you, blind?', but such vehemently spoken words vanish on his tongue when she hands him a card. He turns it over, viridian hues reading the words on its surface: You're a royal pain in my ass.

    Instantly, he thinks of something that he could say, though he casts it aside, finding it too vulgar for her ears; and then he wonders why he even cares in the first place. If this were any acquaintance, he wouldn't have minded offending them so brashly, but...

     He shrugs it off, trying to forget about the brief lapse in judgment, and answers her question, instead, squinting incredulously at her. "Do you really not know how Valentine's Day works? It's a day where you sit back and if you're pretty enough, people offer you things." Clearly wrong, but she didn't seem to know better. He smirks at her, holding the card she'd given him between two of his fingers. "Glad you find me handsome enough to give me this, as shitty as it is."

    "Oh, is that so? Here, take this one, then. Someone just gave it to me. Like yours, I'm guessing." He hands the card he'd been given by the storekeeper to her, refusing to allow her to reject it, relenting only when it was in her grasp.

[severaly]

Feeling... Sassy.

[severaly]

First off, she hand’t seen herself as the type to do this much for someone, it could have been the fact that she cared for Noire’s well-being. The female had gifted the mercenary with various material to keep warm when winter had fell upon them, so this was Severa’s turn to give back those favors. It was tough to see the archer worked so hard because of the conditions that were brought upon them and everyone else. Just because of that small feeling of kindness, here she was trying her hardest to please a man in order to gain back what was mostly hers. Besides, she knew what looked good upon a person’s body, hence why she always nagged at Cynthia or even Kjelle for playing around like boys.

As he sauntered over, part of her had to play by the rules that were given and yet she wanted to make her own. Watching him place the fabric onto his body, taking it into account as she did her own analyzing of the coat. Hopefully he could see her look of dismay from the mirror, how couldn’t she know types, she was practically the only one who knew anything about fashion. Everyone else walking about like uncivilized barbarians or showing way too much to the public. "What, did you not put any faith in me, I looked at you hard enough to pick something acceptable." Taking a step forward, watching her efforts being only a bit praised.

"Does it fit well enough?" Question asked as she crossed her arms before her, she was sure if there were any complaints he wasn’t afraid to speak them up. Constantly, her mind ran though the fact that there could be something else to fit with the coat that was chosen, maybe a certain shirt or a nice pair of jeans. Severa also kept in mind this was all on her budget so even if he liked it, she didn’t want to hear any negative comments to leave from his lips when he had the chance to ask for one size down. In her own defense, she could have checked but she thought against it. He had words, he could speak.

At the sudden show that she had done good (which she believed that wink to be) the teen had turned her back to him in her wait and mild embarrassment. "I bet you flash those at anyone once you get your way." He could keep all his winks to himself, it wasn’t that she needed anything like that. She just knew that she was good at what she did. That still didn’t take away the fact that she would have to continue searching for clothes that he’d like. Wouldn’t she? This was the whole reason of even coming to this shop in the first place. Upon his question of her name, she had forgotten that she hadn’t even given it away. “Hey, isn’t it rude for you to ask me my name, you should give me yours first.” A turn of her head as she gave eye contact with his own, a hand pushing back crimson locks of hair,

"It’s Severa, and if you forget it, I’ll make sure to give you something worse that you won’t forget." How dare he ever forget the name of a female who was willing to buy his things all for a coat that she could have spotted at another store.

[messerre]

     "I hope you took a good look," he replies, offhandedly, tucking a stray curl of green hair behind his ear. "For someone of your age, you aren't half-bad at this fashion business," he comments, glancing at himself in the mirror. The threat in her words merely evokes a slight laugh from him, who brushes it off easily. "Severa, hmm?" He allows the name to sit on his tongue as he broods over it, judging it mentally, before he shrugs, finding nothing wrong with it. It was just a name, after all. "Not bad, not bad at all."

     Eyes brighten slightly, picking up her cue. "I should probably introduce myself too, right? It wouldn't be oh-so polite of me to leave you hanging." Gesturing to himself with a hand pressed lightly against his chest, he spins in a circle on his heel, coming to a sharp stop right in front of her. "My name's Proton. Or Lance, I guess. I go by either, though I'd prefer if you called me Proton." He nods contently, satisfied with his response. "It's been too long since I went by Lance, anyway." Additional words are murmured more to himself than her, and he doesn't expect her to overhear, though there was no harm if she had.

     "Look— Ah, hold on for a second." With short notice, he runs a contemplative finger over his lips, an idea striking him at the right instant. Darting over to a nearby shelf, he snags a white hat, much like his own, aside from the color and the fact that a visor projected from beneath it, and places it on top of her head, angling it so that it sits just right, with her twintails flowing out beneath.

     "What do you think? It's pretty, right?" He rests his hands on his hips, clearly proud of his find. "Say, when you wear that, you remind me of someone... Nah, it's nobody important." Clearing his thoughts with a shake of his head, he deftly flips up the price tag, scanning it for an estimate. He tugs the front end of the hat down her forehead, with a wry smile. "Let's get this, too."