Shall we have a craic?

OUTGOING | CAREFUL | FUN-LOVING | ENVIOUS | DECEIVING 25, Military Police "Hasn' eet been jus' deadly?"

[natalia-holzman]

Niel: Dance with me. ((Couldn't help it /)//v//(\ ))

arriscas // redpandasoldier ((CUUUUUUUUUUUUTE))

Nat gave him a smile before placing out her hand for his. “What’s with the sudden need for a dance?…”

[redpandasoldier]

-

Finally, he gave her another squeeze, before putting her back down again. “Nah, I mean yer amazing.” He grinned and messed her hair a bit as he chuckled. “Seriously… thanks.” He felt touched that someone actually wanted his company, when he wasn’t one to have close friends. He had many people he knew and was social, but there was never someone who truly made him feel wanted.

[natalia-holzman]

Nat shook her head, rubbing at her cheek. “There’s really no need to thank me…I haven’t done anything…much less been ‘amazing’.” She didn’t understand why he would say such a thing. After all he was right, they didn’t know each other well. “I’m just….clinging.”

[redpandasoldier]

"Maybe you are." He shrugged and kept smiling, taking a step back, noticing the that music was long gone. "An' maybe you've done somethin'~" He trailed off, then bent down and poked her cheek. "So don't let anythin' bring yer down again, al'ight?"

[natalia-holzman]

Niel: Dance with me. ((Couldn't help it /)//v//(\ ))

arriscas // redpandasoldier ((CUUUUUUUUUUUUTE))

Nat gave him a smile before placing out her hand for his. “What’s with the sudden need for a dance?…”

[natalia-holzman]

-

Nat slowly blinked at him, her lips parted in a small ‘o’. After a few moments of silence, she nodded her head slowly and looked down. “O-Of course…silly me.”

[redpandasoldier]

He immediately regretted saying what he did, seeing the happiness vanish from her features. This wasn’t what he wanted. “Ah nonono… Please, don’t be like dat. Wat oi mean is…” He sighed, unsure of how to proceed. He wanted her to be happy, but it worried him that she wanted to get closer and he would end up disappoint her if she knew him for his real self. He wasn’t exactly the nicest person around and he knew it himself. After a short moment, he gently lifted her chin to face him. “… Are yer sure ye want me te stay?”

[natalia-holzman]

It was dumb of her to say that…she didn’t mean to slip. It was so stupid of her. Stupid, stupid, stupid. Nat shook a little as he lifted her chin, her eyes already starting to glaze over. “I…I just…don’t want…to lose anyone else. I’m tired of people coming and fading from my life. Because it eventually leaves me alone. And I don’t want to be alone again.” She sniffed. “So yes. I’m sure I want you to stay.”

[redpandasoldier]

He nodded, keeping a serious face without smiling so she’d know he was serious about this. One thing he didn’t want was hurt her feelings, especially since he had grown to like her. He wanted to make her smile, protect her, and it bothered that he was the reason she was upset. “Alrigh’, uh…” He grabbed her hands, one in each of his, and crouched down. The height difference was getting in the way and he’d rather look up at her. “If we are gonna do this, I ‘av ter do this right an’ be ‘onest…” He smiled up to her. “Ye may be a pretty bird but I want te r’mind yerr name. I’m sorry, so… tell me please? Unless ye want me to continue to call yer ‘bird’?” He wasn’t used to this at all, but he wanted to make it right for her.

[natalia-holzman]

So that’s why he kept calling her that. “It’s fine…Natalia. O-or Nat.” She flushed. “You can keep calling me ‘bird’ though…i-if you want. I don’t particularly care.” She looked down at him, feeling a little weird doing so. She was so used to looking up… Nat patted his head before drawing herself away. Still acting the fool as ever. She probably looked so pathetic before him. The swirling of bad thought came back to her, pushing herself down once more. No…she didn’t want to…she wanted to finally be better. To forget all of her heartache…to forget about Leroux, and Kon…and Herbert….and Vito….

[redpandasoldier]

He tugged on her hands playfully, wanting to grab her attention, noticing how she seemed to be frowning. “‘Ey, don’t worry. I won’t leave yer, ok? I promise… If yer don’t want me ter leave, oi won’t.” He pause, to let the message reach her before smiling. After that, he repeated her name in his mind so he wouldn’t forget it this time. “Natalia…” He got up on his feet again and brought the girl into a tight hug, pulling her off the floor. “Nope, I tink I’ll keep callin’ you ‘bird’. Suits yer! Bonny an’ free like a bird…”

[natalia-holzman]

She was a little surprised by the hug, though turned into it once she had her arms around him. “I’m pretty sure you mean young and stupid like one…” Nat held him close, waiting to be placed back down. 

[redpandasoldier]

Finally, he gave her another squeeze, before putting her back down again. "Nah, I mean yer amazing." He grinned and messed her hair a bit as he chuckled. "Seriously... thanks." He felt touched that someone actually wanted his company, when he wasn't one to have close friends. He had many people he knew and was social, but there was never someone who truly made him feel wanted.

[natalia-holzman]

Niel: Dance with me. ((Couldn't help it /)//v//(\ ))

arriscas // redpandasoldier ((CUUUUUUUUUUUUTE))

Nat gave him a smile before placing out her hand for his. “What’s with the sudden need for a dance?…”

[natalia-holzman]

-

Nat slowly blinked at him, her lips parted in a small ‘o’. After a few moments of silence, she nodded her head slowly and looked down. “O-Of course…silly me.”

[redpandasoldier]

He immediately regretted saying what he did, seeing the happiness vanish from her features. This wasn’t what he wanted. “Ah nonono… Please, don’t be like dat. Wat oi mean is…” He sighed, unsure of how to proceed. He wanted her to be happy, but it worried him that she wanted to get closer and he would end up disappoint her if she knew him for his real self. He wasn’t exactly the nicest person around and he knew it himself. After a short moment, he gently lifted her chin to face him. “… Are yer sure ye want me te stay?”

[natalia-holzman]

It was dumb of her to say that…she didn’t mean to slip. It was so stupid of her. Stupid, stupid, stupid. Nat shook a little as he lifted her chin, her eyes already starting to glaze over. “I…I just…don’t want…to lose anyone else. I’m tired of people coming and fading from my life. Because it eventually leaves me alone. And I don’t want to be alone again.” She sniffed. “So yes. I’m sure I want you to stay.”

[redpandasoldier]

He nodded, keeping a serious face without smiling so she’d know he was serious about this. One thing he didn’t want was hurt her feelings, especially since he had grown to like her. He wanted to make her smile, protect her, and it bothered that he was the reason she was upset. “Alrigh’, uh…” He grabbed her hands, one in each of his, and crouched down. The height difference was getting in the way and he’d rather look up at her. “If we are gonna do this, I ‘av ter do this right an’ be ‘onest…” He smiled up to her. “Ye may be a pretty bird but I want te r’mind yerr name. I’m sorry, so… tell me please? Unless ye want me to continue to call yer ‘bird’?” He wasn’t used to this at all, but he wanted to make it right for her.

[natalia-holzman]

So that’s why he kept calling her that. “It’s fine…Natalia. O-or Nat.” She flushed. “You can keep calling me ‘bird’ though…i-if you want. I don’t particularly care.” She looked down at him, feeling a little weird doing so. She was so used to looking up… Nat patted his head before drawing herself away. Still acting the fool as ever. She probably looked so pathetic before him. The swirling of bad thought came back to her, pushing herself down once more. No…she didn’t want to…she wanted to finally be better. To forget all of her heartache…to forget about Leroux, and Kon…and Herbert….and Vito….

[redpandasoldier]

He tugged on her hands playfully, wanting to grab her attention, noticing how she seemed to be frowning. "'Ey, don't worry. I won't leave yer, ok? I promise... If yer don't want me ter leave, oi won't." He pause, to let the message reach her before smiling. After that, he repeated her name in his mind so he wouldn't forget it this time. "Natalia..." He got up on his feet again and brought the girl into a tight hug, pulling her off the floor. "Nope, I tink I'll keep callin' you 'bird'. Suits yer! Bonny an' free like a bird..."

[natalia-holzman]

Niel: Dance with me. ((Couldn't help it /)//v//(\ ))

arriscas // redpandasoldier ((CUUUUUUUUUUUUTE))

Nat gave him a smile before placing out her hand for his. “What’s with the sudden need for a dance?…”

[natalia-holzman]

-

Nat slowly blinked at him, her lips parted in a small ‘o’. After a few moments of silence, she nodded her head slowly and looked down. “O-Of course…silly me.”

[redpandasoldier]

He immediately regretted saying what he did, seeing the happiness vanish from her features. This wasn’t what he wanted. “Ah nonono… Please, don’t be like dat. Wat oi mean is…” He sighed, unsure of how to proceed. He wanted her to be happy, but it worried him that she wanted to get closer and he would end up disappoint her if she knew him for his real self. He wasn’t exactly the nicest person around and he knew it himself. After a short moment, he gently lifted her chin to face him. “… Are yer sure ye want me te stay?”

[natalia-holzman]

It was dumb of her to say that…she didn’t mean to slip. It was so stupid of her. Stupid, stupid, stupid. Nat shook a little as he lifted her chin, her eyes already starting to glaze over. “I…I just…don’t want…to lose anyone else. I’m tired of people coming and fading from my life. Because it eventually leaves me alone. And I don’t want to be alone again.” She sniffed. “So yes. I’m sure I want you to stay.”

[redpandasoldier]

He nodded, keeping a serious face without smiling so she'd know he was serious about this. One thing he didn't want was hurt her feelings, especially since he had grown to like her. He wanted to make her smile, protect her, and it bothered that he was the reason she was upset. "Alrigh', uh..." He grabbed her hands, one in each of his, and crouched down. The height difference was getting in the way and he'd rather look up at her. "If we are gonna do this, I 'av ter do this right an' be 'onest..." He smiled up to her. "Ye may be a pretty bird but I want te r'mind yerr name. I'm sorry, so... tell me please? Unless ye want me to continue to call yer 'bird'?" He wasn't used to this at all, but he wanted to make it right for her.

[natalia-holzman]

Niel: Dance with me. ((Couldn't help it /)//v//(\ ))

arriscas // redpandasoldier ((CUUUUUUUUUUUUTE))

Nat gave him a smile before placing out her hand for his. “What’s with the sudden need for a dance?…”

[natalia-holzman]

-

Nat slowly blinked at him, her lips parted in a small ‘o’. After a few moments of silence, she nodded her head slowly and looked down. “O-Of course…silly me.”

[redpandasoldier]

He immediately regretted saying what he did, seeing the happiness vanish from her features. This wasn't what he wanted. "Ah nonono... Please, don't be like dat. Wat oi mean is..." He sighed, unsure of how to proceed. He wanted her to be happy, but it worried him that she wanted to get closer and he would end up disappoint her if she knew him for his real self. He wasn't exactly the nicest person around and he knew it himself. After a short moment, he gently lifted her chin to face him. "... Are yer sure ye want me te stay?"

[natalia-holzman]

Niel: Dance with me. ((Couldn't help it /)//v//(\ ))

arriscas // redpandasoldier ((CUUUUUUUUUUUUTE))

Nat gave him a smile before placing out her hand for his. “What’s with the sudden need for a dance?…”

[redpandasoldier]

Niel smiled back and took hold of her hand, pulling her towards him and giving her a twirl. “Hm… Oi just couldn’t let a pretty lassy stan’ there by ‘erself whaen yer can ‘ear the bonny sound of the violin from outside~”

[natalia-holzman]

She giggled, happy to be twirling around. “Well then I can’t say no when you’re just trying to be a gentleman.” Nat rested her hand on his shoulder, though it was a bit of a reach for the small girl.

[redpandasoldier]

"Always ‘appy ter please~" His smiled widened, and noticing she was struggling with their height differences, he wrapped an arm around her waist and swung her around. It was enjoyable and he found himself laughing. "So… Wat has this wee bird been up to? Certainly look better than I last saw yer!"

[natalia-holzman]

"Ah!" She laughed as he took her, smiling bright. "Do I now?" Nat gave a shrug. "I guess I’m happier. I’ve been spending some time with a friend. And he’s really been helping me forget my worries."

[redpandasoldier]

"Indeed, ye do…" He carefully placed her back down on her feet and bent down a little. He may have not been able to help her get her mind of things back then, but it was nice to see a big smile on her face. "Glad ta ‘ear, bird. Makes hy heart flutter ter see you like this… Dun let ‘em worries get ya again!"

[natalia-holzman]

She smiled up at him. “I know, I’ll try and not let it again…” She pursed her lips. “Just…I don’t want to lose anyone again…” Nat looked at him with wide eyes. “Can you promise not to leave me?”

[redpandasoldier]

Neil nodded as he listened to her. He may not know what happened to her, but it was understandable if what she said meant that she had lost someone close to her. He'd seen what losing people could do to others and there were different levels of dealing with the situation. But then, when she asked him to promise not to leave her, he took a step backwards, in shock. After a couple of seconds, he chuckled awkwardly. "B-bird... yer barely know me." He added in his mind that he didn't even remember her name, been stuck using the 'bird' nickname since the first time they met.

[natalia-holzman]

Niel: Dance with me. ((Couldn't help it /)//v//(\ ))

arriscas // redpandasoldier ((CUUUUUUUUUUUUTE))

Nat gave him a smile before placing out her hand for his. “What’s with the sudden need for a dance?…”

[redpandasoldier]

Niel smiled back and took hold of her hand, pulling her towards him and giving her a twirl. “Hm… Oi just couldn’t let a pretty lassy stan’ there by ‘erself whaen yer can ‘ear the bonny sound of the violin from outside~”

[natalia-holzman]

She giggled, happy to be twirling around. “Well then I can’t say no when you’re just trying to be a gentleman.” Nat rested her hand on his shoulder, though it was a bit of a reach for the small girl.

[redpandasoldier]

"Always ‘appy ter please~" His smiled widened, and noticing she was struggling with their height differences, he wrapped an arm around her waist and swung her around. It was enjoyable and he found himself laughing. "So… Wat has this wee bird been up to? Certainly look better than I last saw yer!"

[natalia-holzman]

"Ah!" She laughed as he took her, smiling bright. "Do I now?" Nat gave a shrug. "I guess I’m happier. I’ve been spending some time with a friend. And he’s really been helping me forget my worries."

[redpandasoldier]

"Indeed, ye do..." He carefully placed her back down on her feet and bent down a little. He may have not been able to help her get her mind of things back then, but it was nice to see a big smile on her face. "Glad ta 'ear, bird. Makes hy heart flutter ter see you like this... Dun let 'em worries get ya again!"

[natalia-holzman]

Niel: Dance with me. ((Couldn't help it /)//v//(\ ))

arriscas // redpandasoldier ((CUUUUUUUUUUUUTE))

Nat gave him a smile before placing out her hand for his. “What’s with the sudden need for a dance?…”

[redpandasoldier]

Niel smiled back and took hold of her hand, pulling her towards him and giving her a twirl. “Hm… Oi just couldn’t let a pretty lassy stan’ there by ‘erself whaen yer can ‘ear the bonny sound of the violin from outside~”

[natalia-holzman]

She giggled, happy to be twirling around. “Well then I can’t say no when you’re just trying to be a gentleman.” Nat rested her hand on his shoulder, though it was a bit of a reach for the small girl.

[redpandasoldier]

"Always ‘appy ter please~" His smiled widened, and noticing she was struggling with their height differences, he wrapped an arm around her waist and swung her around. It was enjoyable and he found himself laughing. "So… Wat has this wee bird been up to? Certainly look better than I last saw yer!"

[natalia-holzman]

Niel: Dance with me. ((Couldn't help it /)//v//(\ ))

arriscas // redpandasoldier ((CUUUUUUUUUUUUTE))

Nat gave him a smile before placing out her hand for his. “What’s with the sudden need for a dance?…”

[redpandasoldier]

Niel smiled back and took hold of her hand, pulling her towards him and giving her a twirl. "Hm... Oi just couldn't let a pretty lassy stan' there by 'erself whaen yer can 'ear the bonny sound of the violin from outside~"

[natalia-holzman]

It had been days since last mission, and while Neil had taken part of it, he was one of the lucky ones to come out of it without a scratch. The casualties were high, but he never expected to hear one of his friends tell him that he saw his cousin at the medical wing. When he tried to go there, Flan looked soulless and unresponsive, so he didn't ask too many questions. The second time, as he walked around, he saw a familiar face. "Hey, birdy!" He greeted, approaching the brunette.

It had been hard on Nat. After every shift she came to be with Flan, as she was the only one who knew exactly what was going on. She tried a few times to cheer up Flan but every time it failed. Nat had given up on trying, settling for just being there. Time was the only thing that could heal right now. 

She had gotten up to take a few laps around the hall when she heard a familiar voice, looking up to see Flan’s cousin walking up. “Ah! Neil…” She gave a smile. It had been some time since she had seen him last.

[natalia-holzman]

-

She stared at Neil before looking down at the pin he placed in her hand. She wasn’t sure if this was a good gift, it might just serve as a reminder. It was really pretty though…and she did appreciate his thought of it. Flushing, she looked up at Neil with a true smile. “Thank you…you’re being much too kind to this little girl.”

[redpandasoldier]

He was beginning to think he was looking plain silly when she finally smiled, an honest smile, and he couldn’t help but smile back. Chuckling, he gazed down, his cheeks reddening quickly. It almost sounded ridiculous to his own ears that this girl managed to make him feel this shy. “Thar’s no such thin’ as too much kindness.” He grinned, looking back to her face. He didn’t think he was kind himself, and there have been moments in his life that he regretted and wished he were then.  He didn’t get along with a number of people and it was true he fooled a lot of them, but for some reason he wanted to be different with this girl. She didn’t seem too bad. “But sure feels nice ter clap a smile on dat pretty face of yers. If only I cud ‘ave a photy of it.” He wanted to flirt and say that a lot of people would go after her if they saw her smile, but he decided to stop there. Instead, he moved back and turned, pointing somewhere in the crowd. “Anyways! Thar’s more ter see ‘ere! Shall we?”

[natalia-holzman]

"My smile is nothing special." She moved to place the pin in her hair, keeping back some of her bangs. After doing so, Nat looked around for something they could do next. "Let’s keep walking then. I’m sure we’ll find something else to do. Maybe I can even pay you back for the pin…" She felt like this was too much for her and wanted to share some of that kindness back. Neil was already doing so much for her and she knew he didn’t realize how much.

[redpandasoldier]

He laughed. “N’ way are ye payin’ me back!” As they walked around he looked at their surrounding, wondering on what they could do next. It was a tad early to have a meal after all. Maybe the girl wanted to play some game at one of the stands… “See anythin’ yous would like ter bowl er do, bird?”

[natalia-holzman]

She looked around, trying to see what they could do. There were so many booths, so many things to do and see… Nat reached out to pull on Neil’s sleeve, pointing to one that was at the end of the row. “That one is doing a ring toss. We could play that!”

[redpandasoldier]

He turned to her when she pulled on his sleeve then followed her her line of sight, to where she was pointing, nodding his head when he saw the booth she was talking about. “Sure thin’! I can’t say I’ve tried dat but we can do worever yous wanna.” He started walking over, looking back behind him to make sure that she was following and not getting lost in the crowd. He then decided to get a hold of her arm to make things easy for both of them.

[natalia-holzman]

"You’ve never done it? Well then, you’re in for a treat." Nat could remember when her father first taught her how to play the game, he did so on one of his rare days off. It was one of their first bonding experiences, one that she treasured more than the rest. It was supposed to be a game for her to play with her other friends, if she made any, but instead just perfected the craft herself. Though it had been years since she last played. "I’ll be a bit rusty, so you don’t have to worry about me the upper hand."

[redpandasoldier]

"Am up against a pro, am I? Like de sound o' a challenge." He winked at her just as they reached the booth. Niel took a moment to watch other people play and see if there was a catch, some sort of strategy to winning it. He heard of the game, but he never tried something of the sort. While he sort of regretting it trying it before, having his first time with another seemed like a nice experience itself. "Ay take it you like this kind o' thin'? Maybe dis wun in particular?" He asked, turning his head to look at her.

[natalia-holzman]

It had been days since last mission, and while Neil had taken part of it, he was one of the lucky ones to come out of it without a scratch. The casualties were high, but he never expected to hear one of his friends tell him that he saw his cousin at the medical wing. When he tried to go there, Flan looked soulless and unresponsive, so he didn't ask too many questions. The second time, as he walked around, he saw a familiar face. "Hey, birdy!" He greeted, approaching the brunette.

It had been hard on Nat. After every shift she came to be with Flan, as she was the only one who knew exactly what was going on. She tried a few times to cheer up Flan but every time it failed. Nat had given up on trying, settling for just being there. Time was the only thing that could heal right now. 

She had gotten up to take a few laps around the hall when she heard a familiar voice, looking up to see Flan’s cousin walking up. “Ah! Neil…” She gave a smile. It had been some time since she had seen him last.

[natalia-holzman]

-

She stared at Neil before looking down at the pin he placed in her hand. She wasn’t sure if this was a good gift, it might just serve as a reminder. It was really pretty though…and she did appreciate his thought of it. Flushing, she looked up at Neil with a true smile. “Thank you…you’re being much too kind to this little girl.”

[redpandasoldier]

He was beginning to think he was looking plain silly when she finally smiled, an honest smile, and he couldn’t help but smile back. Chuckling, he gazed down, his cheeks reddening quickly. It almost sounded ridiculous to his own ears that this girl managed to make him feel this shy. “Thar’s no such thin’ as too much kindness.” He grinned, looking back to her face. He didn’t think he was kind himself, and there have been moments in his life that he regretted and wished he were then.  He didn’t get along with a number of people and it was true he fooled a lot of them, but for some reason he wanted to be different with this girl. She didn’t seem too bad. “But sure feels nice ter clap a smile on dat pretty face of yers. If only I cud ‘ave a photy of it.” He wanted to flirt and say that a lot of people would go after her if they saw her smile, but he decided to stop there. Instead, he moved back and turned, pointing somewhere in the crowd. “Anyways! Thar’s more ter see ‘ere! Shall we?”

[natalia-holzman]

"My smile is nothing special." She moved to place the pin in her hair, keeping back some of her bangs. After doing so, Nat looked around for something they could do next. "Let’s keep walking then. I’m sure we’ll find something else to do. Maybe I can even pay you back for the pin…" She felt like this was too much for her and wanted to share some of that kindness back. Neil was already doing so much for her and she knew he didn’t realize how much.

[redpandasoldier]

He laughed. “N’ way are ye payin’ me back!” As they walked around he looked at their surrounding, wondering on what they could do next. It was a tad early to have a meal after all. Maybe the girl wanted to play some game at one of the stands… “See anythin’ yous would like ter bowl er do, bird?”

[natalia-holzman]

She looked around, trying to see what they could do. There were so many booths, so many things to do and see… Nat reached out to pull on Neil’s sleeve, pointing to one that was at the end of the row. “That one is doing a ring toss. We could play that!”

[redpandasoldier]

He turned to her when she pulled on his sleeve then followed her her line of sight, to where she was pointing, nodding his head when he saw the booth she was talking about. "Sure thin'! I can't say I've tried dat but we can do worever yous wanna." He started walking over, looking back behind him to make sure that she was following and not getting lost in the crowd. He then decided to get a hold of her arm to make things easy for both of them.

[natalia-holzman]

It had been days since last mission, and while Neil had taken part of it, he was one of the lucky ones to come out of it without a scratch. The casualties were high, but he never expected to hear one of his friends tell him that he saw his cousin at the medical wing. When he tried to go there, Flan looked soulless and unresponsive, so he didn't ask too many questions. The second time, as he walked around, he saw a familiar face. "Hey, birdy!" He greeted, approaching the brunette.

It had been hard on Nat. After every shift she came to be with Flan, as she was the only one who knew exactly what was going on. She tried a few times to cheer up Flan but every time it failed. Nat had given up on trying, settling for just being there. Time was the only thing that could heal right now. 

She had gotten up to take a few laps around the hall when she heard a familiar voice, looking up to see Flan’s cousin walking up. “Ah! Neil…” She gave a smile. It had been some time since she had seen him last.

[natalia-holzman]

-

She stared at Neil before looking down at the pin he placed in her hand. She wasn’t sure if this was a good gift, it might just serve as a reminder. It was really pretty though…and she did appreciate his thought of it. Flushing, she looked up at Neil with a true smile. “Thank you…you’re being much too kind to this little girl.”

[redpandasoldier]

He was beginning to think he was looking plain silly when she finally smiled, an honest smile, and he couldn’t help but smile back. Chuckling, he gazed down, his cheeks reddening quickly. It almost sounded ridiculous to his own ears that this girl managed to make him feel this shy. “Thar’s no such thin’ as too much kindness.” He grinned, looking back to her face. He didn’t think he was kind himself, and there have been moments in his life that he regretted and wished he were then.  He didn’t get along with a number of people and it was true he fooled a lot of them, but for some reason he wanted to be different with this girl. She didn’t seem too bad. “But sure feels nice ter clap a smile on dat pretty face of yers. If only I cud ‘ave a photy of it.” He wanted to flirt and say that a lot of people would go after her if they saw her smile, but he decided to stop there. Instead, he moved back and turned, pointing somewhere in the crowd. “Anyways! Thar’s more ter see ‘ere! Shall we?”

[natalia-holzman]

"My smile is nothing special." She moved to place the pin in her hair, keeping back some of her bangs. After doing so, Nat looked around for something they could do next. "Let’s keep walking then. I’m sure we’ll find something else to do. Maybe I can even pay you back for the pin…" She felt like this was too much for her and wanted to share some of that kindness back. Neil was already doing so much for her and she knew he didn’t realize how much.

[redpandasoldier]

He laughed. "N' way are ye payin' me back!" As they walked around he looked at their surrounding, wondering on what they could do next. It was a tad early to have a meal after all. Maybe the girl wanted to play some game at one of the stands... "See anythin' yous would like ter bowl er do, bird?"

[natalia-holzman]

It had been days since last mission, and while Neil had taken part of it, he was one of the lucky ones to come out of it without a scratch. The casualties were high, but he never expected to hear one of his friends tell him that he saw his cousin at the medical wing. When he tried to go there, Flan looked soulless and unresponsive, so he didn't ask too many questions. The second time, as he walked around, he saw a familiar face. "Hey, birdy!" He greeted, approaching the brunette.

It had been hard on Nat. After every shift she came to be with Flan, as she was the only one who knew exactly what was going on. She tried a few times to cheer up Flan but every time it failed. Nat had given up on trying, settling for just being there. Time was the only thing that could heal right now. 

She had gotten up to take a few laps around the hall when she heard a familiar voice, looking up to see Flan’s cousin walking up. “Ah! Neil…” She gave a smile. It had been some time since she had seen him last.

[natalia-holzman]

-

She stared at Neil before looking down at the pin he placed in her hand. She wasn’t sure if this was a good gift, it might just serve as a reminder. It was really pretty though…and she did appreciate his thought of it. Flushing, she looked up at Neil with a true smile. “Thank you…you’re being much too kind to this little girl.”

[redpandasoldier]

He was beginning to think he was looking plain silly when she finally smiled, an honest smile, and he couldn't help but smile back. Chuckling, he gazed down, his cheeks reddening quickly. It almost sounded ridiculous to his own ears that this girl managed to make him feel this shy. "Thar's no such thin' as too much kindness." He grinned, looking back to her face. He didn't think he was kind himself, and there have been moments in his life that he regretted and wished he were then.  He didn't get along with a number of people and it was true he fooled a lot of them, but for some reason he wanted to be different with this girl. She didn't seem too bad. "But sure feels nice ter clap a smile on dat pretty face of yers. If only I cud 'ave a photy of it." He wanted to flirt and say that a lot of people would go after her if they saw her smile, but he decided to stop there. Instead, he moved back and turned, pointing somewhere in the crowd. "Anyways! Thar's more ter see 'ere! Shall we?"

[natalia-holzman]

It had been days since last mission, and while Neil had taken part of it, he was one of the lucky ones to come out of it without a scratch. The casualties were high, but he never expected to hear one of his friends tell him that he saw his cousin at the medical wing. When he tried to go there, Flan looked soulless and unresponsive, so he didn't ask too many questions. The second time, as he walked around, he saw a familiar face. "Hey, birdy!" He greeted, approaching the brunette.

It had been hard on Nat. After every shift she came to be with Flan, as she was the only one who knew exactly what was going on. She tried a few times to cheer up Flan but every time it failed. Nat had given up on trying, settling for just being there. Time was the only thing that could heal right now. 

She had gotten up to take a few laps around the hall when she heard a familiar voice, looking up to see Flan’s cousin walking up. “Ah! Neil…” She gave a smile. It had been some time since she had seen him last.

[redpandasoldier]

-

He merely chuckled and led the way, feeling proud of himself for a bit. The market was as crowded as he expected, though it wasn’t nearly as crowded as on a normal day. There were various items for sale - food, toys, accessories, etc. - and the atmosphere of the enthusiastic people was indeed much better than at the medical ward. With a smile still playing on his lips, Neil pulled Nat towards a stall that caught his attention. “‘Ay, look at dis…” He showed her to a booth that sold small gifts. “Deez ones look cute!” He pointed to some tiny music boxes. Then he looked over to the tiny felt plushes and decorated felt berets. “Deez all look hand-made and are good quality…” He looked at her and his smile widened. “Wa’ do yous find de cutest?”

[natalia-holzman]

As they walked around, she smiled when they got to the center of the markets. There was so much to see and smell, it was enough to overwhelm and distract her. It was actually enjoyable… Nat looked over when Neil pointed out a stall, smiling. “Oh wow…” she picked up a beret, trying it on. “These are some cool things…” She kept looking around until her eyes fell on a hair pin, one decorated with little jewels as blue as his eyes….Her heart gave a falling beat as she reached out for it, her fingers gently running over it. 

[redpandasoldier]

He watched the girl silently, his smile softening as she looked around and tried the accessories on. It was cute and he was glad to see her appear to look somewhat happier, even if it wasn’t much. He paid close attention to what she would pick up, how her eyes would glint with curiosity and fascination, waiting to see if there was any particular item that would catch her eye. He raised an eyebrow when she reached for a blue jewel-decorated hairpin, his smile widening. “Mam’ we’ll take dat one please.” He said, money in hand, as he turned his head to talk to the woman behind the booth table, just as she finished selling an item to another customer.

[natalia-holzman]

Nat’s head snapped up, frantically looking up at Neil. “Ah! No! Y-you don’t have to!….” She scrambled a little to get to his side. He shouldn’t have to, not for her. It wasn’t worth it…

[redpandasoldier]

Neil let out a laugh and messed up the girl's hair as he handed the money over. "Haha, but oi want to!" He turned away for a moment to receive the hairpin, then grabbed one of the girl's hands and placed the accessory in it gently. "Call me selfish, but I just canny 'elp meself. An' if it really bothers yer that I'm buyin' something for you, take it as a trate from a senior. Yer shud 'ave seen the luk on your face when you saw it." Feeling a bit embarrassed himself, he stepped back, releasing her hand and coughed to hide the fact that he didn't look as cool as he'd hoped. "I might not be able ter make yer smile, but yer just looked so pretty then... Oi mean, happy! An' oi want yer ter smile!"

[natalia-holzman]

It had been days since last mission, and while Neil had taken part of it, he was one of the lucky ones to come out of it without a scratch. The casualties were high, but he never expected to hear one of his friends tell him that he saw his cousin at the medical wing. When he tried to go there, Flan looked soulless and unresponsive, so he didn't ask too many questions. The second time, as he walked around, he saw a familiar face. "Hey, birdy!" He greeted, approaching the brunette.

It had been hard on Nat. After every shift she came to be with Flan, as she was the only one who knew exactly what was going on. She tried a few times to cheer up Flan but every time it failed. Nat had given up on trying, settling for just being there. Time was the only thing that could heal right now. 

She had gotten up to take a few laps around the hall when she heard a familiar voice, looking up to see Flan’s cousin walking up. “Ah! Neil…” She gave a smile. It had been some time since she had seen him last.

[redpandasoldier]

-

He merely chuckled and led the way, feeling proud of himself for a bit. The market was as crowded as he expected, though it wasn’t nearly as crowded as on a normal day. There were various items for sale - food, toys, accessories, etc. - and the atmosphere of the enthusiastic people was indeed much better than at the medical ward. With a smile still playing on his lips, Neil pulled Nat towards a stall that caught his attention. “‘Ay, look at dis…” He showed her to a booth that sold small gifts. “Deez ones look cute!” He pointed to some tiny music boxes. Then he looked over to the tiny felt plushes and decorated felt berets. “Deez all look hand-made and are good quality…” He looked at her and his smile widened. “Wa’ do yous find de cutest?”

[natalia-holzman]

As they walked around, she smiled when they got to the center of the markets. There was so much to see and smell, it was enough to overwhelm and distract her. It was actually enjoyable… Nat looked over when Neil pointed out a stall, smiling. “Oh wow…” she picked up a beret, trying it on. “These are some cool things…” She kept looking around until her eyes fell on a hair pin, one decorated with little jewels as blue as his eyes….Her heart gave a falling beat as she reached out for it, her fingers gently running over it. 

[redpandasoldier]

He watched the girl silently, his smile softening as she looked around and tried the accessories on. It was cute and he was glad to see her appear to look somewhat happier, even if it wasn't much. He paid close attention to what she would pick up, how her eyes would glint with curiosity and fascination, waiting to see if there was any particular item that would catch her eye. He raised an eyebrow when she reached for a blue jewel-decorated hairpin, his smile widening. "Mam' we'll take dat one please." He said, money in hand, as he turned his head to talk to the woman behind the booth table, just as she finished selling an item to another customer.

[redpandasoldier]

"Did you mean any of that?"

"Huh??" Neil raised his eyebrows, startled by the reaction of someone who he hadn’t noticed was right beside him. He had finished talking to someone not too long ago, but the conversation didn’t go so well for him and he happened to shoot insults at them inside his head. Or, at least, he thought he had. He hoped she didn’t he was badmouthing her. Certainly ‘dumbass gobshite’ and ‘lickarse pox’ were words that weren’t thrown around commonly, but he hoped she didn’t hear the ‘b’ word. "Mean wat?"

[natalia-holzman]

It had been days since last mission, and while Neil had taken part of it, he was one of the lucky ones to come out of it without a scratch. The casualties were high, but he never expected to hear one of his friends tell him that he saw his cousin at the medical wing. When he tried to go there, Flan looked soulless and unresponsive, so he didn't ask too many questions. The second time, as he walked around, he saw a familiar face. "Hey, birdy!" He greeted, approaching the brunette.

It had been hard on Nat. After every shift she came to be with Flan, as she was the only one who knew exactly what was going on. She tried a few times to cheer up Flan but every time it failed. Nat had given up on trying, settling for just being there. Time was the only thing that could heal right now. 

She had gotten up to take a few laps around the hall when she heard a familiar voice, looking up to see Flan’s cousin walking up. “Ah! Neil…” She gave a smile. It had been some time since she had seen him last.

[redpandasoldier]

-

Something about her voice seemed off and he looked at her. He frowned when he noticed that she didn’t seem to be enjoying the moment as he was, as her smile looked clearly forced. “‘Ey… you okay, bird…?” He stopped so he could face her properly, though he was growing concerned, wondering if she felt sick and needed to stop by somewhere.

[natalia-holzman]

He was much more perceptive than she gave him credit for. “Yeah, I’m okay.” If she didn’t say as much, he might question why and she didn’t want to say. Not that she even could. She made a promise not to tell, even if he left her… “I’m just…really worried about Flan…”

[redpandasoldier]

He didn’t know how well this girl knew Flan but he didn’t buy her reason. He simply stood there and stared at her. “Ay you sure?” Not that he was pressuring her, since he really had no plans to make someone uncomfortable by spilling things they didn’t wish to, but he couldn’t help but question her when she looked shaken. She definitely looked better minutes ago.

[natalia-holzman]

"Yes, I’m sure." Nat smiled, this time it was more true. "The most you could do is to keep me occupied." She was sure that would work, it had to.

[redpandasoldier]

He seemed satisfied with her answer and nodded with a smile on his face. “Dat I can do. C’mon, sweets…” Before they continued on their way, he offered her an arm, just in case she felt bad again. The market had to be close by now.

[natalia-holzman]

Graciously, she accepted his arm, giving a little laugh. He was trying so hard, and yet it was effortless. It brought a slight warmth to her heart once more, making her feel a little better. “Thank you, Neil. It means a lot to me.”

[redpandasoldier]

He merely chuckled and led the way, feeling proud of himself for a bit. The market was as crowded as he expected, though it wasn't nearly as crowded as on a normal day. There were various items for sale - food, toys, accessories, etc. - and the atmosphere of the enthusiastic people was indeed much better than at the medical ward. With a smile still playing on his lips, Neil pulled Nat towards a stall that caught his attention. "'Ay, look at dis..." He showed her to a booth that sold small gifts. "Deez ones look cute!" He pointed to some tiny music boxes. Then he looked over to the tiny felt plushes and decorated felt berets. "Deez all look hand-made and are good quality..." He looked at her and his smile widened. "Wa' do yous find de cutest?"