Oh, you've made your intentions very clear from the start.
[ He's not after anything related to the game, and he just got here. Weiss isn't particularly bothered by his transparency when she didn't think there was anything wrong there to begin with. ]
But... [ She crosses her legs, places her hands over one knee. ] If you think there's something to show gratitude for? I'll take one more crepe on another day. And next time, it won't just be butter and sugar.
[ But if he really wants to show his gratitudeā¦ ]
?
[ Sheās asking for another crepe again. If thereās a next time, and he becomes an āunluckyā wildcard that happens to check in after allā¦ Thereās something blue about all that; that heās had his comfort zone just completely shattered in record time, and his very rationale put into question. Thereās a whole world waiting for him back home, for good or ill, and heās going to spend his time gambling and having sex in a haunted casino?
ā¦ Sigh.
With the right company, then: ]
Thatāll make us even then, huh. [ Hm. Sheās a bit of a brat, butā¦ ] Deal.
[ āKnock, Knock, Knock.ā ]
Huh? [ Down the hallway at the front door. ] Damn, they work fast.
[ Even the knock startles her, surprises her because it feels like it was just a few minutes ago that he ordered. But she looks at her watch and a considerable amount of time has passed. Enough at least for an entire kitchen to work on all their orders at once and finish. ]
I guess they only want the best for the Crimson Calamity. [ She gestures towards the door with a nod. ] Off you go, then.
They won't give the food to me if I'm the one who takes it.
Ha. Ha. [ At least she's past getting told to shut up again. ...that's a new nickname now, isn't it. Ragna had intended to get up to open the door anyway, but when she mentions how they won't give the food to her if she's the one who answers, his expression sours. Just fleetingly because he remembers what she told him. ]
Right. [ A beat, and quieter as he starts to leave, ] Still pisses me off.
[ Treat your guests with respect?? He might be rough around the edges, but he's already done a better job than this whole damn place has. Glancing back he just calls that he'll be back in a sec with their goods. And when he opens the door, untucked dress shirt and pants and all, he's greeted by a well-dressed waiter, all smiles and enthusiasm with an entire rolling cart of high quality goods, all kept pristine and warm with their golden-domed plate covers, the serving of iced coffee on the side as good as it'd be in any advertised window. ]
Looks like everything. Thanks. I'll take it from hereā
[ "Oh, nonsense, Mr. Bloodedge! Please, allow me to cart your order in for you and I'll be on my way." ]
No no, that'sā [ Aaand there they go! Rolling on in. Ragna may be an esteemed guest for the time being, but a Wildcard is still a Wildcard! There's some give and pull with how gung ho the staff can be for a man like him. And he just. Glares with a rough sigh. ] āfine.
[ And when the waiter does roll into the spacious main living hub of the Jack Suite, they suddenly begin to slow down upon spotting the white-haired Huntress, and their jovial expression just...drops. Whether he was already making himself comfortable with this lady or not, the fact still remains that this is a place for the illustrious. Not for...
"Do keep your hands to yourself unless Mr. Bloodedgeā" ]
The butter and sugar crepe.
[ āgives her permission? Oh my. Mr. Bloodedge was so silent walking behind the waiter that they didn't even realize they were there already.
"Ah, yes?" ]
Which one is it? [ "O-Of course, right here! As you requested!" They remove the dinner plate to reveal an oh-so-fresh serving of crepes, beautifully folded with butter still freshly melting atop at a glacier pace. ] And the earl grey cream puffs?
[ Well those are in a smaller serving dish! Looking as delicate as ever! Ragna doesn't need to ask about the Iced coffee. It's in plain sight. Now with all those things settled? ]
These are for Weiss. [ A beat. ] Give them to her.
[ And judging by Ragna's tone, just towing the line of polite yet his lower cadence commanding, they'd better do it nicely as well. ... No no! Please! He insists. They went through the trouble of coming all the way in here; go for broke! Hesitating for but a moment before resigning themselves, as the waiter is prepared to offer both the main serving of crepes and the cream puffs as an aside, he hears from behind him, a fleck of smug but oh-so-tired. ]
Service with a smile.
[ Oh this smartass. But Weiss does indeed receive her order, entrusting them to her safely before finishing with the chilled ice coffee. They promptly take their leave right after this, making sure to close the door behind them until it's finally just the two of them alone again. ]
[ Just because Weiss told him that the staff won't give her the food didn't mean he had to do that! She was just fine waiting for the food and picking it up from the cart. But the staff had to just roll into the room... And now this.
It is admittedly a little awkward especially for someone who is used to have people serving her. She grins back as the plates are served on the coffee table by where she's seated, just as forced as what she's being given. Only when the staff leaves does the smile get wiped off Weiss face. ]
That wasn't necessary. [ But what's done is done, and she isn't particularly upset! Especially when what she says next is: ] I could have told them off on my own.
[ She does, finally reach for the coffee, though. It is something she needs at this point, for the caffeine to be part of her system already so that she can get going with her day. Everything will fall into place once she's finished her coffee. ]
Why should I let someone else tell me what to do with my hands? I'll put them on you whenever I want.
[ SNRK. Don't mind her, she's just teasing and gunning for a reaction, sipping very, very loudly with her straw with her own flavour of smugness reflecting in her gaze. ]
[ Oh, if the staff had kept their mouth shut and left the cart be upon rolling it in? Chances were this exchange would have been a lot shorter. But between seeing the way lower ranks get treated firsthand, watching the desensitized, mindless drones of guests clamouring for limited chocolates and damn-near trampling somebody over them, and that little reminder he followed in behind when they were prepared to tut tut Weiss for even thinking of touching his food... Yeah, no.
Ragna's not taking that crap. He threads a gloved hand through his spiky hair again, like it was a destresser when she tells him that what he did was unnecessary. He slowly paces back and forth in front of the cart. ]
Somehow I don't doubt that.
[ She's sassy enough for it. While Weiss contents herself in reaching for her coffee, he's got his back turned as he lifts the lid on the gourmet portions of crisp Peking duck when he hears her squeeze the trigger. Aaand,
"I'll put them on you whenever I want."
Bang.
He drops the lid back on top of the Peking duck, feeling himself bristle. Just. ]
Wha?!
[ A completely different kind of bristle this time. One that sees him whipping back around to face her aaand, ]
I... Uh...
[ You not even gonna hide that smoking gun? You little... /// ]
[ Oh dear. She almost jumps out of her seat with a reaction like that, but instead, she just tenses up, back straight, one hand gripping her coffee glass very tightly. And for a good few seconds, she's just staring at him with an innocent smile on her face. 'v' ]
Okay, I'm really starting to understand why people love teasing others so much.
[ Others being her, in this case, but she isn't going to tell him that. He'll have something to get back at her with if she did! She'll just enjoy this for now, snickering behind her hand. Ragna the Grim-Reaping Crimson Calamity Bloodedge, the Emoticon of Anguish, the Raging Scarlet Cringe Machine, has nothing to fear. Especially not a tiny little girl just chilling, having the time of her life, and getting caffeinated. ]
You can relax. I'm not going to do that. I just thought it would be funny to say.
[ Funny for her, anyway.
She'll save the rest of her coffee for later, since there is a warm crepe waiting to be eaten right now. That's what she'll focus her attentions to now. ]
[ For those good few seconds, it's like their expressions were polar opposites- like his '^' to her 'v'. Stunned silence wherein Ragna would have probably barked back by now if they hadn't found themselves strapped to an overt sex casino. And the worst part about all of this? Is that Ragna was all alone. He had to fend for himself and figure out how he was supposed to react to getting teased like this. Because he sure as hell wasn't used to it compared to getting called an idiot or pathetic or any interchangeable verb from the other.
Maybe that's why he hasn't reacted with violence. But he does crack first while she gives him that bright-eyed innocent look, glaring with exasperation dripping off his words. ]
Really? I'M your breakthrough on this?!
[ He should feel honoured! Or scared. Perhaps both. Though maybe later Ragna will reflect back on this day and the time he spent with Weiss and figure it out. Surface Ragna is embarrassed and blushing. Ragna deep down was watching her snicker behind her hand, cracking up and smiling and... Never mind. ]
You just thought it'd be funny to say. [ He's gonna take that plate of Peking duck now, already sliced into bite-sized pieces. Seeing as he ordered mainly Chinese food, his order came with chopsticks along with fine cutlery. Of which he decides to go with the former for now, since these are easy to pick up. Sitting down a space from Weiss on the couch, Ragna plucks a fresh, crispy piece. ] Tease a guy why dontcha...
[ He should definitely feel honoured, and not at all scared. It's very rare for Weiss' sense of humour (?) to shine like this, even if it is at his expense. Knowing how prickly she can be though, she'll back off if he actually does tell her to shut up or something equally as harsh.
He isn't, though, so she takes it as a sign that she can keep going. ]
So, what do you think? [ Now that he's had a bite of the food. Maybe one bite isn't enough to judge how good the food here is, but it could be, depending on his tastes. ] It's pretty good, right?
The taste doesn't differ depending on what rank you are, at least. It's just the service that does.
Oh but he is. ...there's something about her type that's the scariest of all. Granted, Ragna was...used to the kind of taunting and teasing that was more on the brutal side. So maybe this is why Weiss' sense of humour (?) isn't completely discarded by him. Even if he's being a tsundere rough around the edges about it all.
Don't mind him. This is a process. A lot of this place is. Not that he's completely folded and accepted the potential hand he's being dealt yet. Despite his potty mouth and attitude? Ragna...actually has surprisingly good table manners. So when Weiss asks him how the food is, he silently raises his finger as if signalling "one sec" so he can finish swallowing.
There! ]
Yeah, it's not bad. [ Not just "not bad", ] Hate to admit it, but it's up there with some of the Chinese restaurants in Orient Town.
[ Ragna'll keep peking away at the Peking, though he doesn't scarf them down either, rather savouring them! ]
[ She has no idea what a Chinese restaurant is, but she does know what Peking duck is. Don't ask someone whose name is literally White Snow in German and named her sword Myrtenasterāyet another German wordāhow that works. It just does. It's why she doesn't ask what "Chinese" is or where Orient Town is. Maybe she'll ask another time, when she's more curious about something, but she can pick up on the context at this time. ]
It's good. I was thinking of getting something hot earlier, but I'm glad I went for a cold coffee now.
[ It's very refreshing! But it really does feel like a trap because she can just keep sipping and sipping and sipping... ]
The crepes they make are good, too. [ Not sharing, though. And she makes that painfully obvious, becauseā ] You should try the cream puffs when you're done eating, too.
[ Between what he learned under the watchful eye of the Sister, his training from Master, and his experiences travelling between Hierarchical Cities, he's picked up a lot. If she ever asks, especially as it becomes more apparent how different everyone's worlds really were, she'd find him more inclined to share. At least, try to. ]
Never actually tried a cold brew before. [ Not that Ragna was some culinary connoisseur or barista expert, but if he had to take a wager, ] I imagine it's gotta feel more refreshing.
[ Not that hot coffee was bad in any way. ]
Haven't had a crepe either, come to think of it. [ Even if he knows what they are. He won't ask for hers, but he does blink in surprise as she offers to let him try one of the cream puffs. There's four of them, delectable for their size. As he settles into the privacy of his suite with company, Ragna starts to get a little more comfortable. ] Oh, thanks.
[ There's a few more slices of Peking on his plate, the tops bubbly from the skin getting that nice crackle for a crunch which preludes the duck meat. His gaze flits over to the cart of food, but more specifically, the extra couple pairs of chopsticks tucked away away in their folded napkins. There's also forks and spoons as an option but...
He looks back to Weiss with his plate in hand. ]
Wanna try? [ A beat. ] After you've had yours?
[ Because for now, he'll save it for later and put a cover back on it to keep it warm. Next up is the fried rice. He's working his way up to the spicy tofu. ]
It's a lot stronger and tastes like chocolate. [ Or it has a cocoa flavour to it. It's different, but doesn't necessarily replace hot coffee or anything. ] It's a good pick-me-up, that's for sure.
[ She'll just have the other another time. Depending on how the day goes, she might want another cup of coffee later on, anyway.
With her butter and sugar crepe being light and sweet, it's easy to just keep eating it. It doesn't take long for her to be almost done with it, and then she'll move on to the cream puffs and back to the coffee. Her orders are on the lighter side of things, but the offer to try the duck isn't unwelcome. In fact, she could use just that before dessert! ]
Sure. Save me a slice, then.
[ Considering how much he ordered, he can probably... go through all of it in one sitting. Weiss would rather not take too much of his food if he's that hungry. But now that she got what she came here for, she could honestly just up and leave afterwards, leaving him to his own devices. She wonders if there's anything else he needs after they eat, because it does feel weird to eat and run. He did say it's all on him, and while it's a very generous offer, she has a feeling he'd have a difficult time paying for things when the bill comes in. ]
What are you going to do after you eat? You were looking around earlier but just wanted to get changed, weren't you?
[ In hindsight...he could have gone for a cup himself. But, too late to call Room Service again without making it look like he was just harassing the staff. ...Which, to be frank, he's still not feeling beholden to the House and its 'denizens'.
The truth is, Ragna can eat this all if he really wants to. But he was likely going to simply leave it for leftovers. The one time he goes against his "don't have enough money to pay" rule, and he actually feels good about it? Maybe he's more bad than he thought... Nah. Just sticking it to the resort. But he's not in the mood to harp on them right now. ]
Alright then.
[ Had Weiss simply decided to up and leave now that she got what she came here for, he did say that he got what he needed, too. Some details. Some pointers. In the grand scheme of things, it really amounted to so little... But he wasn't looking at any of that. If anything, Weiss being straight with him was a welcome change of pace.
Tch. "Welcome change of pace" in a world run on sex. The hell's all there to unpack in that thought? ]
Well, my sleuthing around the lower floors accomplished jack all, so... [ Forgive him. He's still a tad lost. ] I dunno. Maybe see what I can dig up checking out the casino?
[ It isn't like knowing what this place is would equip anyone for handling every day life here. Weiss is surprised, however, that no one seems to be hellbent on leaving this place, but she also hasn't socialised much to know what everyone else is thinking.
To her, most people seem to just be enjoying themselves. As for her... while she quickly changed her tune from not wanting to play to playing every now and then, she does still know that she needs to go back home. And she'll hold onto that thought for as long as she can. It's scary to think how it feels like everyone here is going to turn into mindless players who just party, gamble, and have sex every day...
She doesn't want to be one of them. ]
Yeah, earn yourself some chips, while you're at it, too.
[ She'll have to tag along and make sure he doesn't end up playing any of the weird games. Then again, there are some of those easy ones where you sniff someone's mouth or touch their knee. It didn't seem all that bad, and it was pretty easy money! And she'll do it all even though he didn't ask.
It's not like she has anything better to do. ]
Are you normally a lucky guy?
[ With her crepe done, she stands up to place the plate on the tray. And she'll serve herself a slice of the duck, wrapping it in lettuce and then adding the sauce. ]
[ Perhaps it's because Ragna's still new, that he hasn't experienced this level of intimacy before at any stage of his life, but he's also of the sound mind to clear out of this world. Reason or no reason given, if he can help it? He wouldn't be against bailing everyone else that wanted to leave, too. The more he can take away from these degenerate son of a bitches, the better. If he found himself succumbing to these urges, the call that lingers on the edges of his mind when the 'voice' of the Azure was so quiet now... No. He can't forget himself. He's too stubborn for that. Despite the hell that his world was on the brink of being cast into now that the Imperator was awake, he still...couldn't betray them. He can't give up on Jin. He can't give up on Saya.
He can't.
...And yet. ]
Two birds, one stone, huh?
[ Despite the fact Ragna was perfectly content in letting this room service order go unpaid, he...didn't intend to do this every time. Assuming he checks in for good and that "wildcard" of his manifests different. Besides, whether or not he plays, he chippers up just a little as he's nearly finished half the serving of fried rice. ]
Why the hell not. I gotta afford your next crepe somehow.
[ Glossing over the glaringly obvious way of affording said crepe. But he's taking a turn to kid, humor dry. He still hasn't touched the sweet & sour pork or beef chow mein, but right now, he's content in wanting to try out this Ma Po Tofu. Something that he sets in his lap as the light spice request can still fill his nostrils as he takes a breath of it. This? Required a spoon. No chopsticks were going to pick up anything substantial with this soft, rich pork and tofu dish. The cream puff would cap off the heat nicely. When she queries Ragna if he's normally a lucky guy, he doesn't quite laugh, but there's a little huff when his shoulders shrug. ]
Let's just say 9 outta 10 times, I gotta make my own luck. [ Not even discussing the trauma from his past, Ragna gently blows on the spoonful of Ma Po Tofu, he admits with a half smile: ] So basically crap.
[ Om. It's so smooth that he lets the flavours dance on his palate for a moment before swallowing, a satisfying heat tingling down his throat and lingering on his tongue. Not enough to phase him though. ]
[ It's preparing him in order to have an easier time surviving this place. Chips won't get him far beyond being able to spend on certain things, but it's still a necessity! He doesn't seem like the kind of person who'd leech off other people, so it'd be best to get some chips in his account.
His agreement gets her to smile, and she even claps her hands together once. That's what she likes to hear! ]
That's the way. I don't think the crepes are very expensive, but if you win one of the games once? I think you'd be able to buy ten crepes!
[ Ragna should not spend all his chips on Weiss, but she's just giving him an idea here. Ideas, even! One: he can get a considerable amount of money to spend, two: he should consider getting her more than just one crepe.
(So much for not leeching off of people, Weiss.)
The slice of duck isn't so big, so it's pretty easy to finish. Once she's done, she grabs a napkin and wipes her hand of any crumbs and oil, then she sits back down, closer to the gifts now so she can go through them again while he's eating. May as well get busy with something while waiting for him. ]
I'd say... it's decent? [ Not at all true. She's just going through some of the other cards now as she figures out what her luck is like. ] The slot machines haven't made me do anything crazy yet.
[ Her intuition would be correct! He was more keen on handling problems by himself and involving others less in his affairs. Though, most circumstances were of the dangerous variety. Things were a touch different here... Pot calling the kettle blackā telling someone else that letting others tag in to help was okay. He wouldn't ask her to join him, but judging by the direction of this conversation? They might be heading in the same direction. Besides, all the teasing and riling him aside, she's proven to be a pretty...chill person? No pun intended. There would be ample time for Ragna to reflect back on how he felt about this girl, or any of the guests he'd happened to cross paths with here.
If this is what "misery loves company" looks like, than adjusting until he's pulled back through the Boundary, or the rabbit, or who knows interferes... It might not be so bad. It's easy to forget where he is when he's in a luxurious suite, buying someone food without the pretense of it being for sex. That is. Until they inevitably go back downstairs, and he'll find himself a touch more guarded once more. ]
Yeah? Ten whole crepes off one score? The economy's really booming here, [ he adds with a drip of sarcasm on the edge of his tone.
(...sigh room service gave her three he can't get upstaged by the staff.)
The Ma Po Tofu serving isn't huge, and since it wasn't served with a bed of rice, it's more or less like a really thick and savoury soup of sorts. And while he doesn't go slurping and scarfing it down like a pig, Ragna does find himself actually digging into this one especially. It might be the first thing besides the Peking Duck that gets completely polished off. He can feel a light dribble of sauce roll down from his lip, which he gently swipes with his thumb and quietly sucks off the end.
A satisfied, low rolling sigh... There. That's got the heart nice and warm. There's still some left in the deep plate! Of which he gestures to Weiss if she wished to try. If she declines, Ragna'll simply go back to it. ]
Anything crazy? [ His brow lightly furrows to that, in part concern but also...curiosity? ] You mean they're not just there to doll out chips if you get lucky enough?
[ Think you answered your own question there, Ragna, thinking of what this place literally wants 24/7. ]
[ Technically, this order of butter and sugar crepe counts as once even if they did serve three small ones. So imagine thirty small crepes? That's how many crepes he can get from the most basic of payouts.
Weiss is going to be in such big trouble when she finds out about the arcade and the crepe stand there. As it is, she's content with the crepes in the cafes and all. Learning that there's actually a place here that specialises in making one of her favourite snacks... oh boy. ]
Yup. You can probably get more if you play the more difficult games, though. I don't really know.
[ That is to say, she doesn't play that much games in the casino unless she has to. Every now and then, she'll sit down and play some poker, but it's really just to observe people and practice, and not necessarily to get her chips to multiply.
Some of the gifts are unfortunately in wrapping, so she doesn't open any of those. But the ones inside paper bags which she can just take what's inside, she does mess around with! One of which she almost takes out, only to chuck the bag and its contents riiiight back at the other end of the couch. If she doesn't say anything, maybe he won't ask!
But hopefully he... enjoys the very nice black and red set of vibrators in there.
It's as she tries to cover up that nothing crazy just happened that she sees him offering her some food again. She waves a hand dismissively in response. ]
N- No, thank you! [ Hah... Ha ha.......... Better change the topic real quick now. She'll just tuck her hair behind her ear and reach for the plate of cream puffs. This is what she gets for going through people's things, really... ] And the slot machines aren't just machines, yeah. You have to do something based on what you roll, and if you do it, then you get the chips in your account.
I had to touch someone's knee before!
[ And lick someone's mouth... But it's probably best not to bring that up now. She's embarrassed herself enough as is. ]
[ All the more reason for Ragna's motivation to take a shift then. He can't let the House win. He can't let them one-up him when he thinks he can do a better job of treating someone with respect. Three small crepes per one serving? Hell! He'll do six! And with enough chips, he'll find himself a portable stove and skillet and make his own crepes, damn it! Yeah, he'll override the Golden Peacock's monopoly on crepes and forge ahead with a new empire. And in order to do that, he was going to need help. His specialty in cooking was BBQ, but his horizons needed to not only be broadened, but also taste-tested too before the product can be released to the masses. And if enough guests catch wind of what they're up to, competition may only stand to become even more fierce. Kitchens may catch fire. Alliances may be forged and compromised. Hearts WILL be broken even if he never asked for this? But in the end, Ragna the Bloodedge and Weiss Schnee must remain strong if they are to transcend beyond the upper echelon of the ranks.
The King and Queen of Crepes? No. That's too paltry. They're breaching unto divine territory with this path. But neither of them will have to do it alone! ]
ā ā ā Editor's Note: To Unlock this Gag Reel ending, please select the dialogue choice that continues the conversation about the value of Crepes.)
By "more difficult", I'm wagering the tables, right? Poker, Blackjack...
[ Both of which he's familiar with! Games that require a little more forward thinking than just pushing buttons on a screen or pulling a slot lever and watching and listening to the blinking lights and sounds. Although Weiss claims that she doesn't really know full specifics, he can only infer so much from her details as well. That and assumptions make an ass out of them both. What she does with her time in this place isn't any of his business. So whatever she has to do to make herself...comfortable? He doesn't know her well, but he'd trust that's on her.
That might be him soon, after all. Doing whatever he can to be comfortable.
Ragna notices how Weiss is busying herself with the various boxes and bags, opting for the latter since those aren't wrapped or knotted with satin ribbons. He never planned on opening or taking advantage of what was inside, what with his lack of trust in this place. That's right about the time that the tiny little Schnee flings the bag and its contents to the other end of the couch. ]
Huh? [ Aaand unfortunately for Weiss, the gift bag falls onto its side, lending to the black and red vibrators peeking out. He was offering the tofu when he catches them from the corner of his eye, muttering quietly, ] Hell are those?
[ "N- No, thank you!" And timely intervention on Weiss' part! Ahhh... it's probably some weird sex thing if she was reacting like that to it. Like he knows what the hell a vibrator is. Narrowing his gaze, he moves on when she reaches for the cream puff. Right. Right. Time to reel this conversation back in. ]
"Touch someone's knee"? [ That earns Weiss a lighter 'hmph' as he wears a little smile of amusement. ] Sorry to hear that. You must've felt so scandalized.
[ She's made him feel a little more optimistic now. ... Cautiously optimistic. ]
Yeah, they pay more. But if you place higher bets, then I guess any game is the same.
[ Don't quote her on that one, though. It's not like she's a casino expert to begin with. But, it's as she said. Some are easy, some can give a good payout and can last for days in the resort. Thankfully, there's no rent to pay, so most expenses just deal with food, clothing, and other extra things.
Still, it doesn't make this an ideal place to live in!
After seeing one of his presents, maybe it would be best not to touch the rest. Ragna, the Grim-Reaping Crimson Calamity can open the rest of his presents on his own. It'll be fine! He can just do it while she isn't here, because she'd rather not know what else the resort got for him and his newly wedā wherever they may be.
Out of sight, out of mind. Eating a cream puff puts her back in a good mood, a bit more calm and collected when she responds. ]
Compared to the other things, like squeezing someone's chest? I'll take touching someone's knee any time.
[ Knee kink????? She smiles at him when a thought hits her, so before she takes another bite of her cream puff, she says: ]
In fact, I'll touch your knee all day if I have to, if it meant getting chips out of it.
That's about as straightforward as it gets. ...Until it isn't, if my hunch about these bastards is right.
[ Remember. Cautiously optimistic.
By the time he finishes the last spoonfuls of his Ma Po Tofu, he reaches for a napkin and wipes his mouth, clean as it was still. His lips tingle a little, and the spice level means that he can still feel some residual heat. If he forgets about being kidnapped like the rest of them, this is a lot more appetizing! Not bad, Golden Peacock. Not bad at all. He'll enjoy the rest later, since he can just tuck them away in the fridge like leftovers. Once he's set his empty plate aside, Weiss did offer him a cream puff so he asks, ]
May I?
[ A formality, since she'd already offered, but it's also a heads up that he's leaning over for her so he can carefully pick up one of her puffs.
"My goodness. Perhaps I might need to reevaluate my opinion of you, Ragnaā when your manners were befitting of dirt before," he can totally hear the Rabbit say, backhanding him and killing any momentum of decency out of the white-haired man.
Weiss mentioning the alternative of squeezing someone's chest usually wouldn't get colour rising to his face so easily. But even if his voice hasn't stammered or composure crumpled yet, there's still a faint redness there.
Must be the spice. (:
It's a light conversation, but on the topic of where to touch others, Ragna can't help but let his thoughts trail. Normally he would keep a tighter lid on those thoughts and feelings, and he was about to say something when Weiss puts the cherry on top of her little kneedy train of thought. ]
Huh? [ Oh that. Is a good distraction from said internal thoughts. Day 1, maybe Day 2 Ragna might have barked, back straightening with a boisterious "WHOA!!" or "Where the hell did that come from?!" ...over knee touching. But she already got him flustered before, cheeky little "getting her hands all over him" remark and all. And it's not like she was randomly throwing herself at him for a joke. Words? He can handle those, tempering himself with a long, deep sigh. So despite the fact he's got a little blush, ] At least I figured out where you want to put your hands on me.
[ It's the more normal games that aren't normal here. It doesn't take long for someone to grow doubtful that there isn't a catch. Ragna has every right to think that way. ]
Yes, go ahead.
[ The cream puffs are pretty good! Weiss does like this particular flavour a lot since she tried it, but she's pretty sure the other pastries in Great Tit! are a lot better. Too bad they're all shaped like actual tits, and she can't be caught eating those around anyone...
His reaction to her touching his knee isn't as explosive as the way he reacted earlier. Is he growing? Adapting? Or maybe it wasn't embarrassing enough. God- she just thinks one of her own teammates would have a kick out of all this. ]
Oh, definitely. I'd have you sit down while I'm settled on the floor, fingers splayed as I just get in there, touching your knee all over.
[ She clears her throat. Her next words have a bit of a dramatic flair to it, clearly exaggerated. ]
"Mister the Bloodedge, what beautiful skin you have. I didn't know that I knee-ded you until todaā hahaha! [ That's the sound of her breaking character and losing her shit before she could even finish the joke. ]
[ Speaking of which? It's his turn! Ragna...usually doesn't get the chance to try such fancy looking dishes. These would be more up Rachel's avenue in terms of elegance. But...that didn't mean it made it something he was against trying. In fact, as he takes a bite off the end of his cream puff, his eyes seem to briefly light up. He can't say he has a sweet tooth, but this earl grey? It adds a nice twist on the whole dessert. He simply hums his approval to her before he takes a bigger bite.
What a big big mistake.
"Oh, definitely." accompanied by what she says next. He stops chewing, letting the cream puff just melt a little in his mouth as he finds himself staring back at her. Wide-eyed, a muffled noise of an "Mnā!" Sitting down, this girl settled on the floor beneath him, fingers splayed as she gets all up in on his knee. His knee.
...and if those hands slipped, sliding further over or along the inside of his thighāā ]
?!? [ There's a visible tremble in Ragna's eyes for a moment as he muffles behind sealed lips before forcing himself to swallow down the cream puff. Audibly. It wasn't just his face that was burning red again, but for the first time since he got here? Heat. Spreading through his chest as he prepares to lambaste her for...something. Saying anything right now more akin to barking because he suddenly feels like he's losing his grip. ] Hey, the hell's withā!!
[ "Mister the Bloodedge, what beautiful skin you have. I didn't know that I knee-ded you until todaā" aaand she's losing her shit because of her pun that does not go over his head. And suddenly that bubbling urge to bark dissipates, simmering...simmering... ]
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[ He's not after anything related to the game, and he just got here. Weiss isn't particularly bothered by his transparency when she didn't think there was anything wrong there to begin with. ]
But... [ She crosses her legs, places her hands over one knee. ] If you think there's something to show gratitude for? I'll take one more crepe on another day. And next time, it won't just be butter and sugar.
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[ But if he really wants to show his gratitudeā¦ ]
?
[ Sheās asking for another crepe again. If thereās a next time, and he becomes an āunluckyā wildcard that happens to check in after allā¦ Thereās something blue about all that; that heās had his comfort zone just completely shattered in record time, and his very rationale put into question. Thereās a whole world waiting for him back home, for good or ill, and heās going to spend his time gambling and having sex in a haunted casino?
ā¦ Sigh.
With the right company, then: ]
Thatāll make us even then, huh. [ Hm. Sheās a bit of a brat, butā¦ ] Deal.
[ āKnock, Knock, Knock.ā ]
Huh? [ Down the hallway at the front door. ] Damn, they work fast.
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I guess they only want the best for the Crimson Calamity. [ She gestures towards the door with a nod. ] Off you go, then.
They won't give the food to me if I'm the one who takes it.
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Right. [ A beat, and quieter as he starts to leave, ] Still pisses me off.
[ Treat your guests with respect?? He might be rough around the edges, but he's already done a better job than this whole damn place has. Glancing back he just calls that he'll be back in a sec with their goods. And when he opens the door, untucked dress shirt and pants and all, he's greeted by a well-dressed waiter, all smiles and enthusiasm with an entire rolling cart of high quality goods, all kept pristine and warm with their golden-domed plate covers, the serving of iced coffee on the side as good as it'd be in any advertised window. ]
Looks like everything. Thanks. I'll take it from hereā
[ "Oh, nonsense, Mr. Bloodedge! Please, allow me to cart your order in for you and I'll be on my way." ]
No no, that'sā [ Aaand there they go! Rolling on in. Ragna may be an esteemed guest for the time being, but a Wildcard is still a Wildcard! There's some give and pull with how gung ho the staff can be for a man like him. And he just. Glares with a rough sigh. ] āfine.
[ And when the waiter does roll into the spacious main living hub of the Jack Suite, they suddenly begin to slow down upon spotting the white-haired Huntress, and their jovial expression just...drops. Whether he was already making himself comfortable with this lady or not, the fact still remains that this is a place for the illustrious. Not for...
"Do keep your hands to yourself unless Mr. Bloodedgeā" ]
The butter and sugar crepe.
[ āgives her permission? Oh my. Mr. Bloodedge was so silent walking behind the waiter that they didn't even realize they were there already.
"Ah, yes?" ]
Which one is it? [ "O-Of course, right here! As you requested!" They remove the dinner plate to reveal an oh-so-fresh serving of crepes, beautifully folded with butter still freshly melting atop at a glacier pace. ] And the earl grey cream puffs?
[ Well those are in a smaller serving dish! Looking as delicate as ever! Ragna doesn't need to ask about the Iced coffee. It's in plain sight. Now with all those things settled? ]
These are for Weiss. [ A beat. ] Give them to her.
[ And judging by Ragna's tone, just towing the line of polite yet his lower cadence commanding, they'd better do it nicely as well. ... No no! Please! He insists. They went through the trouble of coming all the way in here; go for broke! Hesitating for but a moment before resigning themselves, as the waiter is prepared to offer both the main serving of crepes and the cream puffs as an aside, he hears from behind him, a fleck of smug but oh-so-tired. ]
Service with a smile.
[ Oh this smartass. But Weiss does indeed receive her order, entrusting them to her safely before finishing with the chilled ice coffee. They promptly take their leave right after this, making sure to close the door behind them until it's finally just the two of them alone again. ]
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It is admittedly a little awkward especially for someone who is used to have people serving her. She grins back as the plates are served on the coffee table by where she's seated, just as forced as what she's being given. Only when the staff leaves does the smile get wiped off Weiss face. ]
That wasn't necessary. [ But what's done is done, and she isn't particularly upset! Especially when what she says next is: ] I could have told them off on my own.
[ She does, finally reach for the coffee, though. It is something she needs at this point, for the caffeine to be part of her system already so that she can get going with her day. Everything will fall into place once she's finished her coffee. ]
Why should I let someone else tell me what to do with my hands? I'll put them on you whenever I want.
[ SNRK. Don't mind her, she's just teasing and gunning for a reaction, sipping very, very loudly with her straw with her own flavour of smugness reflecting in her gaze. ]
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Ragna's not taking that crap. He threads a gloved hand through his spiky hair again, like it was a destresser when she tells him that what he did was unnecessary. He slowly paces back and forth in front of the cart. ]
Somehow I don't doubt that.
[ She's sassy enough for it. While Weiss contents herself in reaching for her coffee, he's got his back turned as he lifts the lid on the gourmet portions of crisp Peking duck when he hears her squeeze the trigger. Aaand,
"I'll put them on you whenever I want."
Bang.
He drops the lid back on top of the Peking duck, feeling himself bristle. Just. ]
Wha?!
[ A completely different kind of bristle this time. One that sees him whipping back around to face her aaand, ]
I... Uh...
[ You not even gonna hide that smoking gun? You little... /// ]
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Okay, I'm really starting to understand why people love teasing others so much.
[ Others being her, in this case, but she isn't going to tell him that. He'll have something to get back at her with if she did! She'll just enjoy this for now, snickering behind her hand. Ragna the Grim-Reaping Crimson Calamity Bloodedge, the Emoticon of Anguish, the Raging Scarlet Cringe Machine, has nothing to fear. Especially not a tiny little girl just chilling, having the time of her life, and getting caffeinated. ]
You can relax. I'm not going to do that. I just thought it would be funny to say.
[ Funny for her, anyway.
She'll save the rest of her coffee for later, since there is a warm crepe waiting to be eaten right now. That's what she'll focus her attentions to now. ]
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Maybe that's why he hasn't reacted with violence. But he does crack first while she gives him that bright-eyed innocent look, glaring with exasperation dripping off his words. ]
Really? I'M your breakthrough on this?!
[ He should feel honoured! Or scared. Perhaps both. Though maybe later Ragna will reflect back on this day and the time he spent with Weiss and figure it out. Surface Ragna is embarrassed and blushing. Ragna deep down was watching her snicker behind her hand, cracking up and smiling and... Never mind. ]
You just thought it'd be funny to say. [ He's gonna take that plate of Peking duck now, already sliced into bite-sized pieces. Seeing as he ordered mainly Chinese food, his order came with chopsticks along with fine cutlery. Of which he decides to go with the former for now, since these are easy to pick up. Sitting down a space from Weiss on the couch, Ragna plucks a fresh, crispy piece. ] Tease a guy why dontcha...
[ Cronch goes the bite. ]
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[ He should definitely feel honoured, and not at all scared. It's very rare for Weiss' sense of humour (?) to shine like this, even if it is at his expense. Knowing how prickly she can be though, she'll back off if he actually does tell her to shut up or something equally as harsh.
He isn't, though, so she takes it as a sign that she can keep going. ]
So, what do you think? [ Now that he's had a bite of the food. Maybe one bite isn't enough to judge how good the food here is, but it could be, depending on his tastes. ] It's pretty good, right?
The taste doesn't differ depending on what rank you are, at least. It's just the service that does.
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[ A little sarcasm to garnish her plate of sass.
Oh but he is. ...there's something about her type that's the scariest of all. Granted, Ragna was...used to the kind of taunting and teasing that was more on the brutal side. So maybe this is why Weiss' sense of humour (?) isn't completely discarded by him. Even if he's
being a tsundererough around the edges about it all.Don't mind him. This is a process. A lot of this place is. Not that he's completely folded and accepted the potential hand he's being dealt yet. Despite his potty mouth and attitude? Ragna...actually has surprisingly good table manners. So when Weiss asks him how the food is, he silently raises his finger as if signalling "one sec" so he can finish swallowing.
There! ]
Yeah, it's not bad. [ Not just "not bad", ] Hate to admit it, but it's up there with some of the Chinese restaurants in Orient Town.
[ Ragna'll keep peking away at the Peking, though he doesn't scarf them down either, rather savouring them! ]
How's your coffee?
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It's good. I was thinking of getting something hot earlier, but I'm glad I went for a cold coffee now.
[ It's very refreshing! But it really does feel like a trap because she can just keep sipping and sipping and sipping... ]
The crepes they make are good, too. [ Not sharing, though. And she makes that painfully obvious, becauseā ] You should try the cream puffs when you're done eating, too.
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Never actually tried a cold brew before. [ Not that Ragna was some culinary connoisseur or barista expert, but if he had to take a wager, ] I imagine it's gotta feel more refreshing.
[ Not that hot coffee was bad in any way. ]
Haven't had a crepe either, come to think of it. [ Even if he knows what they are. He won't ask for hers, but he does blink in surprise as she offers to let him try one of the cream puffs. There's four of them, delectable for their size. As he settles into the privacy of his suite with company, Ragna starts to get a little more comfortable. ] Oh, thanks.
[ There's a few more slices of Peking on his plate, the tops bubbly from the skin getting that nice crackle for a crunch which preludes the duck meat. His gaze flits over to the cart of food, but more specifically, the extra couple pairs of chopsticks tucked away away in their folded napkins. There's also forks and spoons as an option but...
He looks back to Weiss with his plate in hand. ]
Wanna try? [ A beat. ] After you've had yours?
[ Because for now, he'll save it for later and put a cover back on it to keep it warm. Next up is the fried rice. He's working his way up to the spicy tofu. ]
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[ She'll just have the other another time. Depending on how the day goes, she might want another cup of coffee later on, anyway.
With her butter and sugar crepe being light and sweet, it's easy to just keep eating it. It doesn't take long for her to be almost done with it, and then she'll move on to the cream puffs and back to the coffee. Her orders are on the lighter side of things, but the offer to try the duck isn't unwelcome. In fact, she could use just that before dessert! ]
Sure. Save me a slice, then.
[ Considering how much he ordered, he can probably... go through all of it in one sitting. Weiss would rather not take too much of his food if he's that hungry. But now that she got what she came here for, she could honestly just up and leave afterwards, leaving him to his own devices. She wonders if there's anything else he needs after they eat, because it does feel weird to eat and run. He did say it's all on him, and while it's a very generous offer, she has a feeling he'd have a difficult time paying for things when the bill comes in. ]
What are you going to do after you eat? You were looking around earlier but just wanted to get changed, weren't you?
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[ In hindsight...he could have gone for a cup himself. But, too late to call Room Service again without making it look like he was just harassing the staff. ...Which, to be frank, he's still not feeling beholden to the House and its 'denizens'.
The truth is, Ragna can eat this all if he really wants to. But he was likely going to simply leave it for leftovers. The one time he goes against his "don't have enough money to pay" rule, and he actually feels good about it? Maybe he's more bad than he thought... Nah. Just sticking it to the resort. But he's not in the mood to harp on them right now. ]
Alright then.
[ Had Weiss simply decided to up and leave now that she got what she came here for, he did say that he got what he needed, too. Some details. Some pointers. In the grand scheme of things, it really amounted to so little... But he wasn't looking at any of that. If anything, Weiss being straight with him was a welcome change of pace.
Tch. "Welcome change of pace" in a world run on sex. The hell's all there to unpack in that thought? ]
Well, my sleuthing around the lower floors accomplished jack all, so... [ Forgive him. He's still a tad lost. ] I dunno. Maybe see what I can dig up checking out the casino?
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To her, most people seem to just be enjoying themselves. As for her... while she quickly changed her tune from not wanting to play to playing every now and then, she does still know that she needs to go back home. And she'll hold onto that thought for as long as she can. It's scary to think how it feels like everyone here is going to turn into mindless players who just party, gamble, and have sex every day...
She doesn't want to be one of them. ]
Yeah, earn yourself some chips, while you're at it, too.
[ She'll have to tag along and make sure he doesn't end up playing any of the weird games. Then again, there are some of those easy ones where you sniff someone's mouth or touch their knee. It didn't seem all that bad, and it was pretty easy money! And she'll do it all even though he didn't ask.
It's not like she has anything better to do. ]
Are you normally a lucky guy?
[ With her crepe done, she stands up to place the plate on the tray. And she'll serve herself a slice of the duck, wrapping it in lettuce and then adding the sauce. ]
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He can't.
...And yet. ]
Two birds, one stone, huh?
[ Despite the fact Ragna was perfectly content in letting this room service order go unpaid, he...didn't intend to do this every time. Assuming he checks in for good and that "wildcard" of his manifests different. Besides, whether or not he plays, he chippers up just a little as he's nearly finished half the serving of fried rice. ]
Why the hell not. I gotta afford your next crepe somehow.
[ Glossing over the glaringly obvious way of affording said crepe. But he's taking a turn to kid, humor dry. He still hasn't touched the sweet & sour pork or beef chow mein, but right now, he's content in wanting to try out this Ma Po Tofu. Something that he sets in his lap as the light spice request can still fill his nostrils as he takes a breath of it. This? Required a spoon. No chopsticks were going to pick up anything substantial with this soft, rich pork and tofu dish. The cream puff would cap off the heat nicely. When she queries Ragna if he's normally a lucky guy, he doesn't quite laugh, but there's a little huff when his shoulders shrug. ]
Let's just say 9 outta 10 times, I gotta make my own luck. [ Not even discussing the trauma from his past, Ragna gently blows on the spoonful of Ma Po Tofu, he admits with a half smile: ] So basically crap.
[ Om. It's so smooth that he lets the flavours dance on his palate for a moment before swallowing, a satisfying heat tingling down his throat and lingering on his tongue. Not enough to phase him though. ]
How about you, Weiss?
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His agreement gets her to smile, and she even claps her hands together once. That's what she likes to hear! ]
That's the way. I don't think the crepes are very expensive, but if you win one of the games once? I think you'd be able to buy ten crepes!
[ Ragna should not spend all his chips on Weiss, but she's just giving him an idea here. Ideas, even! One: he can get a considerable amount of money to spend, two: he should consider getting her more than just one crepe.
(So much for not leeching off of people, Weiss.)
The slice of duck isn't so big, so it's pretty easy to finish. Once she's done, she grabs a napkin and wipes her hand of any crumbs and oil, then she sits back down, closer to the gifts now so she can go through them again while he's eating. May as well get busy with something while waiting for him. ]
I'd say... it's decent? [ Not at all true. She's just going through some of the other cards now as she figures out what her luck is like. ] The slot machines haven't made me do anything crazy yet.
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If this is what "misery loves company" looks like, than adjusting until he's pulled back through the Boundary, or the rabbit, or who knows interferes... It might not be so bad. It's easy to forget where he is when he's in a luxurious suite, buying someone food without the pretense of it being for sex. That is. Until they inevitably go back downstairs, and he'll find himself a touch more guarded once more. ]
Yeah? Ten whole crepes off one score? The economy's really booming here, [ he adds with a drip of sarcasm on the edge of his tone.
(...sigh room service gave her three he can't get upstaged by the staff.)
The Ma Po Tofu serving isn't huge, and since it wasn't served with a bed of rice, it's more or less like a really thick and savoury soup of sorts. And while he doesn't go slurping and scarfing it down like a pig, Ragna does find himself actually digging into this one especially. It might be the first thing besides the Peking Duck that gets completely polished off. He can feel a light dribble of sauce roll down from his lip, which he gently swipes with his thumb and quietly sucks off the end.
A satisfied, low rolling sigh... There. That's got the heart nice and warm. There's still some left in the deep plate! Of which he gestures to Weiss if she wished to try. If she declines, Ragna'll simply go back to it. ]
Anything crazy? [ His brow lightly furrows to that, in part concern but also...curiosity? ] You mean they're not just there to doll out chips if you get lucky enough?
[ Think you answered your own question there, Ragna, thinking of what this place literally wants 24/7. ]
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Weiss is going to be in such big trouble when she finds out about the arcade and the crepe stand there. As it is, she's content with the crepes in the cafes and all. Learning that there's actually a place here that specialises in making one of her favourite snacks... oh boy. ]
Yup. You can probably get more if you play the more difficult games, though. I don't really know.
[ That is to say, she doesn't play that much games in the casino unless she has to. Every now and then, she'll sit down and play some poker, but it's really just to observe people and practice, and not necessarily to get her chips to multiply.
Some of the gifts are unfortunately in wrapping, so she doesn't open any of those. But the ones inside paper bags which she can just take what's inside, she does mess around with! One of which she almost takes out, only to chuck the bag and its contents riiiight back at the other end of the couch. If she doesn't say anything, maybe he won't ask!
But hopefully he... enjoys the very nice black and red set of vibrators in there.
It's as she tries to cover up that nothing crazy just happened that she sees him offering her some food again. She waves a hand dismissively in response. ]
N- No, thank you! [ Hah... Ha ha.......... Better change the topic real quick now. She'll just tuck her hair behind her ear and reach for the plate of cream puffs. This is what she gets for going through people's things, really... ] And the slot machines aren't just machines, yeah. You have to do something based on what you roll, and if you do it, then you get the chips in your account.
I had to touch someone's knee before!
[ And lick someone's mouth... But it's probably best not to bring that up now. She's embarrassed herself enough as is. ]
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The King and Queen of Crepes? No. That's too paltry. They're breaching unto divine territory with this path. But neither of them will have to do it alone! ]
Editor's Note: To Unlock this Gag Reel ending, please select the dialogue choice that continues the conversation about the value of Crepes.)
back to our regular scheduled peacockery
[ Both of which he's familiar with! Games that require a little more forward thinking than just pushing buttons on a screen or pulling a slot lever and watching and listening to the blinking lights and sounds. Although Weiss claims that she doesn't really know full specifics, he can only infer so much from her details as well. That and assumptions make an ass out of them both. What she does with her time in this place isn't any of his business. So whatever she has to do to make herself...comfortable? He doesn't know her well, but he'd trust that's on her.
That might be him soon, after all. Doing whatever he can to be comfortable.Ragna notices how Weiss is busying herself with the various boxes and bags, opting for the latter since those aren't wrapped or knotted with satin ribbons. He never planned on opening or taking advantage of what was inside, what with his lack of trust in this place. That's right about the time that the tiny little Schnee flings the bag and its contents to the other end of the couch. ]
Huh? [ Aaand unfortunately for Weiss, the gift bag falls onto its side, lending to the black and red vibrators peeking out. He was offering the tofu when he catches them from the corner of his eye, muttering quietly, ] Hell are those?
[ "N- No, thank you!" And timely intervention on Weiss' part! Ahhh... it's probably some weird sex thing if she was reacting like that to it. Like he knows what the hell a vibrator is. Narrowing his gaze, he moves on when she reaches for the cream puff. Right. Right. Time to reel this conversation back in. ]
"Touch someone's knee"? [ That earns Weiss a lighter 'hmph' as he wears a little smile of amusement. ] Sorry to hear that. You must've felt so scandalized.
[ She's made him feel a little more optimistic now. ... Cautiously optimistic. ]
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[ Don't quote her on that one, though. It's not like she's a casino expert to begin with. But, it's as she said. Some are easy, some can give a good payout and can last for days in the resort. Thankfully, there's no rent to pay, so most expenses just deal with food, clothing, and other extra things.
Still, it doesn't make this an ideal place to live in!
After seeing one of his presents, maybe it would be best not to touch the rest. Ragna, the Grim-Reaping Crimson Calamity can open the rest of his presents on his own. It'll be fine! He can just do it while she isn't here, because she'd rather not know what else the resort got for him and his newly wedā wherever they may be.
Out of sight, out of mind. Eating a cream puff puts her back in a good mood, a bit more calm and collected when she responds. ]
Compared to the other things, like squeezing someone's chest? I'll take touching someone's knee any time.
[ Knee kink????? She smiles at him when a thought hits her, so before she takes another bite of her cream puff, she says: ]
In fact, I'll touch your knee all day if I have to, if it meant getting chips out of it.
[ 'v' ]
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[ Remember. Cautiously optimistic.
By the time he finishes the last spoonfuls of his Ma Po Tofu, he reaches for a napkin and wipes his mouth, clean as it was still. His lips tingle a little, and the spice level means that he can still feel some residual heat. If he forgets about being kidnapped like the rest of them, this is a lot more appetizing! Not bad, Golden Peacock. Not bad at all. He'll enjoy the rest later, since he can just tuck them away in the fridge like leftovers. Once he's set his empty plate aside, Weiss did offer him a cream puff so he asks, ]
May I?
[ A formality, since she'd already offered, but it's also a heads up that he's leaning over for her so he can carefully pick up one of her puffs.
"My goodness. Perhaps I might need to reevaluate my opinion of you, Ragnaā when your manners were befitting of dirt before," he can totally hear the Rabbit say, backhanding him and killing any momentum of decency out of the white-haired man.
Weiss mentioning the alternative of squeezing someone's chest usually wouldn't get colour rising to his face so easily. But even if his voice hasn't stammered or composure crumpled yet, there's still a faint redness there.
Must be the spice.
(:It's a light conversation, but on the topic of where to touch others, Ragna can't help but let his thoughts trail. Normally he would keep a tighter lid on those thoughts and feelings, and he was about to say something when Weiss puts the cherry on top of her little kneedy train of thought. ]
Huh? [ Oh that. Is a good distraction from said internal thoughts. Day 1, maybe Day 2 Ragna might have barked, back straightening with a boisterious "WHOA!!" or "Where the hell did that come from?!" ...over knee touching. But she already got him flustered before, cheeky little "getting her hands all over him" remark and all. And it's not like she was randomly throwing herself at him for a joke. Words? He can handle those, tempering himself with a long, deep sigh. So despite the fact he's got a little blush, ] At least I figured out where you want to put your hands on me.
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Yes, go ahead.
[ The cream puffs are pretty good! Weiss does like this particular flavour a lot since she tried it, but she's pretty sure the other pastries in Great Tit! are a lot better. Too bad they're all shaped like actual tits, and she can't be caught eating those around anyone...
His reaction to her touching his knee isn't as explosive as the way he reacted earlier. Is he growing? Adapting? Or maybe it wasn't embarrassing enough. God- she just thinks one of her own teammates would have a kick out of all this. ]
Oh, definitely. I'd have you sit down while I'm settled on the floor, fingers splayed as I just get in there, touching your knee all over.
[ She clears her throat. Her next words have a bit of a dramatic flair to it, clearly exaggerated. ]
"Mister the Bloodedge, what beautiful skin you have. I didn't know that I knee-ded you until todaā hahaha! [ That's the sound of her breaking character and losing her shit before she could even finish the joke. ]
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What a big big mistake.
"Oh, definitely." accompanied by what she says next. He stops chewing, letting the cream puff just melt a little in his mouth as he finds himself staring back at her. Wide-eyed, a muffled noise of an "Mnā!" Sitting down, this girl settled on the floor beneath him, fingers splayed as she gets all up in on his knee. His knee.
...and if those hands slipped, sliding further over or along the inside of his thighāā ]
?!? [ There's a visible tremble in Ragna's eyes for a moment as he muffles behind sealed lips before forcing himself to swallow down the cream puff. Audibly. It wasn't just his face that was burning red again, but for the first time since he got here? Heat. Spreading through his chest as he prepares to lambaste her for...something. Saying anything right now more akin to barking because he suddenly feels like he's losing his grip. ] Hey, the hell's withā!!
[ "Mister the Bloodedge, what beautiful skin you have. I didn't know that I knee-ded you until todaā" aaand she's losing her shit because of her pun that does not go over his head. And suddenly that bubbling urge to bark dissipates, simmering...simmering... ]
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