[ And a lot of people, she thinks. Sure, this place has practically summoned all kinds of people from all kinds of places— normal humans like her or those who can almost parallel the strength of gods. This place seems a lot more powerful than everybody combined, though, which makes it very troublesome.
This ruckus Ragna's thinking about? It's going to take a lot of time and effort to organise. It can't just be one person causing mayhem and all.
But that's something for later on. Far later, when there's more information to this resort beyond what it's appeared to be. ]
I'm sure some people have more information than I do. But it doesn't look like those people are keen on sharing what they know to everybody.
[ When the population— at least, the ones who recently arrived like her— aren't all interested in leaving anyway, there really is no point to force anything. Everyone's still feeling this place out, making connections, learning what they can about everyone and this casino. Leaving this place remains to be her priority, because she isn't one to run away from her responsibilities, but she is of the same mind. Much as she'd hate to admit it to just about anyone.
If she has to participate in this casino's... eccentricities, if it means learning in the process, and if it means getting out of here in the end? Then sure, she'll play. She hasn't gotten hurt. Yet.
That's enough serious contemplation for now, though. Even if she'd like to continue exchanging opinions about this place, there really is something else they have to deal with. The painting's stated what they want for them to get out of here, and while Weiss did understand. Anything cute, anything sweet, and being stuck in a place like this doesn't really help in setting the mood. ]
So, [ Coping. Coping.
She's got a wry smile on her face when she asks: ] Are you even capable of anything cute?
[ Whether it was for some convoluted purpose or something surface-level as in not wanting such a good time to end, Ragna's also of the mind to keep this more serious contemplation as an aside for now. Besides, their conversation was beginning to bore their audience, it seems like. One of them even has the audacity to yawn? Tch, like they had anywhere to be. Unlike Ragna and Weiss. Which, practically means that...
Sigh.
Damn it. He still doesn't know what this is supposed to look like before the elevator actually moves. But if anything?
Fine. He'll do this for her. First things first however, ]
What, is Mr. "Crimson Calamity" that mean looking?
[ But they're circling the drain on this one. Even Ragna can figure that one out as he tries to match her wry smile with that of faint amusement. If he's gonna be a guest here for a while, he might as well just roll with the punches (until he can start punching back). He doubts she'll ever let him live that card down either way. ]
[ He doesn't take offence to it. Back home, he couldn't afford to let people stay close to him for long, after all. He doesn't care about his status or the height of his criminal record. Although "mean" doesn't exactly do one favours in this place. As a member of the trio pipes up once more, he less bristles this time (thanks to Weiss' presence) and more knits his brow in annoyance as his attention is divided once more. Shooting another "knock it off" look up at the paintings: ]
Hey, you want cute? Then zip it.
[ "Oh oh oh! And shy to boot~"Growl."Okay okay. Shh shh shshshshshh..." whisperwhisperwhisper...
"So. You didn't answer." ]
You want me "changing my tune" or the real answer?
[ Because the former and trying to act all lovey-dovey, flirty or actively trying to play into the hands of the Trio was gonna be fake. Fake and awkward. And the longer he looks down at Weiss, Ragna, he... ]
[ A softened sigh this time. He told her that as attractive as she looked, he wasn't into coaxing people into sex with the promise of fancy food and lodge. He was grateful for her help and what little information she had to give him. That was all still true. She even convinced him to actually try out the Casino and get some money so he didn't land in too much hot water with the staff over his room service bill. The entire time he invited her up, she even got to see a side of him that not many had a chance to in his world.
How could they? He was the SS-Class Criminal with the highest bounty on record. He was the destroyer. The Grim Reaper. All the stories about him just had to be true. He was a monster wearing human skin. It's like he has a role to play and he knows it beat by beat.
And for the first time since he got here- no. For the first time in what felt like ages even back home, Ragna felt...
Normal. And what came with this normalcy was...a little more honesty. It's not Weiss' fault either, which may be why he doesn't have any bite in his voice when he confesses: ]
I've never...flirted with anyone before. Heck, I've never even kissed someone. [ A huff, less out of annoyance and more a prelude to admittance: ] I doubt I'd even get far enough for that back home.
[ It's difficult to set the mood and get all cute and romantic in this place, especially when what it's really asking for isn't romantic at all. It's why even asking for it—the fact that she's blatantly asking, rather than being subtle about it—does not help at all.
Still, if the painting won't shut up and won't let them leave until they do something that appeases them, then Weiss just has to try and make the most out of the situation. For now, she doesn't think about the objective too much, and would just prefer to let things be natural.
Although if he doesn't do anything cute, she might just have to force him on his knees so she can smush his cheeks with her hands and kiss him.
Ragna's response is honest, though. Vulnerable, even. Weiss can't even tease him for something like that. Not to mention, there's a part of her that can relate. Sure, she's flirted with people before, but it never really led to anything concrete. Her first kiss was in this place, and it was given to someone she doesn't even like. Not in a romantic way, anyway... ]
You and me both.
[ That's mostly to the "back home" comment. It'd take some time for Weiss to want to commit to a relationship given everything that's been going on. She doesn't sound all that bitter, though. Her commitment to being a Huntress and protecting her world comes first, after all. But she does smile up at him as a means to say he's not alone in this, and even though she's been here longer, and has therefore, had some experience in being close to people? She knows a bit of what he's feeling. ]
You should probably kiss someone you like, though. Especially if it's your first. So... here. I think this should count.
[ Handholding counts as cute, right? She thinks she heard one of the subjects in the painting say so earlier. She moves to stand on his right side now instead of in front of him, taking a deep breath, then she takes his hand in hers. ]
[ It's not that Ragna didn't know what to do— or at least, he had an approximation... The man has eyes and ears, even with the life he leads as a wandering destroyer with a bounty high enough that one could buy an island with his worth. What modicum of privacy he finds for himself in fleeting instances (that aren't interrupted by the Rabbit or something or another) grants him time to be alone with his thoughts, varying as they were. He's heard things— read things even. But Ragna has never given himself the time, it's something he's never been allotted...nor did he find himself pining for it either. How could he when he didn't even know what it felt like to touch someone without risking hurting them? He talks a big talk, and walks it well when it pertains to the perceived view everyone has of him. But the cold hard fact was that he'd already thought he made peace with saying goodbye to anything like intimacy.
And then he woke up here.
Weiss' words cut through to him, and how she can relate to him and what he's going through. It must have been the same way for so many other people here. ]
This place sure knows how to pick 'em, don't they?
[ They can go back to bickering, bantering, taunting and teasing...whatever the beginning of this was. A beginning that Ragna never would have thought of, let alone entertained with the life that he lead— or what little of it he's probably got left. Right now, she smiles up at him and flat-out disarms him in an entirely different way; the Teasing Trio would be treated to a first out of their rougher guest as his cheeks are gently dusted rose. But it's her next words that, unknowingly, challenge his own thoughts. And his inexperience shows once more, his throat clearing as he attempts to...
Protest? Bark? Clear the air? What was he even thinking? Well...if he was, his words are faster than his brain is as she moves to stand on his right side while he pipes up: ]
Hey, I didn't say I didn't like you I just—! [ He catches himself. Shit. His cheeks fluster further. Careful, Ragna. Temper temper. He's about to rant... ] What I meant was— I get what you meant, it's not like that but first anythings in a goddamn place like thi—
[ She takes hold of his right hand. ]
[ And his breath silently catches, the whole length of his arm visibly tensing as he braces himself... But the Azure Grimoire doesn't respond. It doesn't throb with waves of chronic pain. Nor does it latch onto Weiss' soul. It's just. Silent. And what looked like an initial bracing for pain and panic on his expression as he looks down at Weiss at his side...ebbs away as his gaze drifts down at their hands connected. She's holding the Azure Grimoire without consequence. No one has responded to it negatively since he got here. And without that power taking anything away from her, even through his glove, it almost feels like direct contact.
Her hand feels so small...
Ragna doesn't jerk his hand away. Instead, he reciprocates, squeezing it back before his hold settles on something firm yet...surprisingly gentle. ]
[ She most certainly meant that he should kiss someone he likes romantically first. Given that he's in a place like this though, it would be a challenge to do that. Still, she was thinking that the longer he could hold onto that first kiss of his here, the better. Maybe it was just a cool idea in her head. Who knows.
The panic is clear as day when he looks at her and how their she has his hand in hers, and anything she could say about his first kiss is gone for a moment. So, is it his first time holding someone's hand too? Blue eyes flitter over briefly towards the painting. One of the trio's got their chin on their hands, and the other one is biting their nails in anticipation, while the other is doing this.
That's enough looking! Thank you very much.
He might just see her looking a little flustered from that too, but the way the panic disappears from his face and just turns to something more like a calm and curious acceptance mellows her down, too. As does the squeeze of her hand. ]
You'll get used to it. [ Maybe. Weiss sure did after holding her teammates' hands at some point. ] It feels nice, when you're troubled and someone holds your hand.
[ It's a fancy idea, for sure. Was there anyone he could think of back home that he'd ever like in that way? ...at the time, no. No, probably not. He's far too thickheaded to even get hints even if they were dangled right in front of him like a carrot to a rabbit. It doesn't repulse him, however. Why else would he have been the one to squeeze her hand back? Ragna's mismatched green and red gaze lift back up around the time her own eyes flit towards the painting. What's she looking at— oh.
He follows just in time to see the third ghost stuck on the wall. His reaction is pretty similar, only his grip of her tightens and he clicks his tongue before forcing himself to look away. Focus on her. Don't pay attention to them. She's the only one here. She's the only thing that's real right now. She's...the only one he wants to give his attention to right now. If it meant getting out of this elevator and carrying on with their day. This wasn't just for him. She's counting on him too, isn't she?
So buck up, Mr. "Crimson Calamity". And what happens in this elevator? Stays in this elevator. This wasn't the time or place, and if he had it his way, no one would ever have to know but. If not with Weiss...if he's really going to find himself playing the game, some explaining his right arm was going to have to happen. But not now. ]
I haven't gotten to do this in years. [ Hold someone's hand. Jin or Saya's hand like the protective big brother he once was. ] But...
It's nice. [ He doesn't say how he's not sure he'll ever do this again back home or not. ] This feels good.
[ He hasn't held someone's hand in years, huh? It's good he's actually experienced it before, at least. Weiss would have teased him by holding his hand for the ~first time~ another time, but he's saved himself from that in the future.
It's his story to tell, and she definitely won't pry, and it's why she doesn't ask. It's enough that he agrees with her, because it does take away the awkwardness of holding someone's hand when they've got a conversation going. Even if said conversation is about holding hands. ]
You know what would be nicer?
[ "If you kissed!" ]
Cut it out, will you?!
[ WHY ARE THESE PAINTINGS HERE... Weiss is trying to have a conversation here!! She'd throw a rock at them if she could, but alas... the only thing she can throw at them is her shoe. ]
[ There was a line she was going to deliver after asking that. But now the moment is ruined and she is 100% pouting. Even when she looks at him, she just looks like a brat who has to wait in line to play on the swings. ]
[ What would be nicer than holding hands? ... She'll have to forgive him, because where they are now isn't leaving his mind open to many other options. Weiss may be thinking of making a joke, but Ragna's the one that feels his tongue thickening in his mouth when he quietly swallows and tries to keep up. He can't ask before the ghosts chime in once more. Hand-in-hand, the two white haired cacti direct their spines at the painting as he barks with her: ]
Shut up, already!
[ Aaand he's back to scowling. Great job, ghosts. You want progress? Zip it. He's prepared to apologize (for what?) and try and ask where they left off, grumpy face and all. That is until he's looking back down at Weiss whose giving him one hell of a pout. And he stops. Maybe it was the time leading up to getting back in this elevator, but holding her hand still like this as she looks like a spoiled brat who got told her favourite ice cream was sold out...
So this is what "cute" is, huh? Capped off with Weiss spoiling what she was going to say, he can even bypass his own embarrassment of what he thought she was going to imply to begin with. ]
For what it's worth, [ he doesn't move quite yet, but the thought crosses his mind to step in front of her, both so he can stop catching the Teasing Trio in his peripheral and so he can block her view of those jackasses. ] I was gonna ask how many more crepes I'll owe you after this.
[ She's not quite sure what he's talking about now, since it's not like she's going to be lording this over him for helping him out later on. That's certainly one way to remove the pout off her face, though. ]
What for?
[ Because if this is about her helping him out here, it's not really something she'd want payment for. ]
[ Okay, now that's funny. With her free hand, she has to cover her mouth when she laughs so as to not seem rude. ]
Let me guess. That was your first time telling a joke, wasn't it?
[ Because it certainly wasn't very good. That's okay, though. He has the funniest person in all of Remnant literally holding his hand and guiding him through everything right now. He can learn a thing or two from her. ]
[ There's a sense of accomplishment that rushes through her, and she shakes her head as she huffs out another laugh. ]
I'm so proud of you. Just for that, I'm forgiving your lame joke and you won't have to actually owe me any crepes for it.
[ He brought it up... Now she can start asking him for crepes and other pastries. 😌
Much as she wants to keep laughing and telling jokes though, the painting has certainly quieted down. But the elevator isn't moving yet. ]
Anyway... [ If he hasn't blocked her view of the painting, she'll turn away from them without letting go of his hand. It's at the same time, for some reason, that the lights in the elevator dim a little. Not cool.
She lifts their hands. ] It looks like they're not letting us leave just yet.
[ He's not scowling anymore. But...now this was starting to feel awkward for him. But how awkward was this for her? The Teasing Trio weren't really going to keep them in this elevator forever, were they? Ragna may not have been the best at showing it, but...the longer he spends time with her, the more grateful he feels. To the point where actually holding her hand felt less like a necessity and more of a genuine comfort.
So much so her presence was the reason he calms down. Look at Weiss, taming a beast.
Ragna hasn't blocked her view of the painting yet, so as she turns away from them, he shuffles along while keeping his hand in hers. That's around the time that the lights dim a little. No flickering, this time. Only softer now. He might have felt a shiver run down his spine knowing that the lighting probably had something to do with the ghosts he was scared of...if it hadn't been for Weiss continuing to grab his attention. His eyes follow their hands as she makes it crystal clear that they weren't prepared to let them leave. ]
[ He really did just want to hang out. But if the trio are feeling a little extra greedy, seeing just how taut that string was being pulled on such a prickly pair, tighter and tighter... ]
[ It's a little embarrassing now, being the one who's actually talking about what to do and sort of walking themselves through it. Were she with someone else, she'd be the one unsure and hesitant about everything. It's why she doesn't look so happy to even be bringing up the situation now, nor does she seem particularly pleased or relieved that he agrees.
He says he wouldn't mind, and there's a part of her that feels bad for some reason. But there's a part of her that that's less sympathetic. The side of her that's thinking, well, he's not going to survive in this place by himself, so he's really gonna kiss and even have sex with someone some time. This is fine! ]
Are you sure?
[ She really will kiss you, Ragna, if you don't back out now. ]
[ Ragna's spent enough time internalizing his struggles, uncertainties and doubts. And when she asks him if he's sure, he's...glad. Glad that she didn't have to make him spell it out for her. Because it's becoming less about being adverse to the idea, and more accepting that until he can break free and go home like everyone else,
It was okay. He didn't hurt her. The power to "take" wasn't pushing her away from him. There would be time to really think about this power of his, what he used it for, what he really wanted it for, another time. What did he say before? That he'd continue to fight as a human to the very end? Then...so long as she doesn't break that delicate trust he's putting in her now, than he'll try. He'll try and see what it's like to feel as a human.
Besides, she spoke of how he should save his first kiss for somebody he likes. She meant it romantically, but even he knew that getting attached in a debauched place like this was a terrible idea. They ultimately needed to get out of this elevator, and she didn't look very happy now that he told her what he was accepting. He's not the best when it comes to comforting others, or putting others unease to rest. But whatever was bothering her now, he doesn't press it or ask. Instead, he answers the only way he knows how.
Straightforwardly, with a slow squeeze of her hand. ]
[ Well, there's no backing down from this now. Not that they really had a choice to begin with unless they wanted to get stuck here forever, but at least he's convinced himself that this is all... acceptable.
"You're a good First" does somehow work its way to colouring Weiss' cheeks, though. With how pale she is, he'd be able to see the bright tint of it now, but she looks away with a pout and a huff. ]
If I knew any better, I'd say you really do have a crush on me.
[ ... please forgive her. This is her own way of coping. And she's only looking away for a good few seconds after that. Any reaction he may have is going to be cut short when she looks at him again, brows still furrowed. She tugs on his hand with a little bit of force to get him to lean down a little, and if he does do that, she lets go of his hand so she can wrap both arms around his neck as she gets on her tiptoes to give him a soft kiss on the lips.
It's not quite as cute compared to romantic movies and how couples there have their first kiss, no. There's no surge of emotion, no drama. The Teasing Trio seem pleased though, if only ever so slightly. They would both feel the elevator actually moving, only stopping after a second or two, as if they've just gone down a floor. Ah, but they were up at the VIP floors, weren't they? They've still got a long descent ahead of them.
And it looks like it isn't going to move again until something more happens. ]
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[ And a lot of people, she thinks. Sure, this place has practically summoned all kinds of people from all kinds of places— normal humans like her or those who can almost parallel the strength of gods. This place seems a lot more powerful than everybody combined, though, which makes it very troublesome.
This ruckus Ragna's thinking about? It's going to take a lot of time and effort to organise. It can't just be one person causing mayhem and all.
But that's something for later on. Far later, when there's more information to this resort beyond what it's appeared to be. ]
I'm sure some people have more information than I do. But it doesn't look like those people are keen on sharing what they know to everybody.
[ When the population— at least, the ones who recently arrived like her— aren't all interested in leaving anyway, there really is no point to force anything. Everyone's still feeling this place out, making connections, learning what they can about everyone and this casino. Leaving this place remains to be her priority, because she isn't one to run away from her responsibilities, but she is of the same mind. Much as she'd hate to admit it to just about anyone.
If she has to participate in this casino's... eccentricities, if it means learning in the process, and if it means getting out of here in the end? Then sure, she'll play. She hasn't gotten hurt. Yet.
That's enough serious contemplation for now, though. Even if she'd like to continue exchanging opinions about this place, there really is something else they have to deal with. The painting's stated what they want for them to get out of here, and while Weiss did understand. Anything cute, anything sweet, and being stuck in a place like this doesn't really help in setting the mood. ]
So, [ Coping. Coping.
She's got a wry smile on her face when she asks: ] Are you even capable of anything cute?
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[ Whether it was for some convoluted purpose or something surface-level as in not wanting such a good time to end, Ragna's also of the mind to keep this more serious contemplation as an aside for now. Besides, their conversation was beginning to bore their audience, it seems like. One of them even has the audacity to yawn? Tch, like they had anywhere to be. Unlike Ragna and Weiss. Which, practically means that...
Sigh.
Damn it. He still doesn't know what this is supposed to look like before the elevator actually moves. But if anything?
Fine. He'll do this for her. First things first however, ]
What, is Mr. "Crimson Calamity" that mean looking?
[ But they're circling the drain on this one. Even Ragna can figure that one out as he tries to match her wry smile with that of faint amusement. If he's gonna be a guest here for a while, he might as well just roll with the punches (until he can start punching back). He doubts she'll ever let him live that card down either way. ]
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[ Was he expecting her to say otherwise? He's not exactly friendly looking. Weiss does not sound ashamed to be saying that to his face, either.
"Oh, but there's something cute about someone acting so distant and serious, when they're such a huge softie on the inside!"
Somehow, Weiss cannot seem to realise that those words apply to her, too. ]
So. You didn't answer.
1/2
[ He doesn't take offence to it. Back home, he couldn't afford to let people stay close to him for long, after all. He doesn't care about his status or the height of his criminal record. Although "mean" doesn't exactly do one favours in this place. As a member of the trio pipes up once more, he less bristles this time (thanks to Weiss' presence) and more knits his brow in annoyance as his attention is divided once more. Shooting another "knock it off" look up at the paintings: ]
Hey, you want cute? Then zip it.
[ "Oh oh oh! And shy to boot~" Growl. "Okay okay. Shh shh shshshshshh..." whisperwhisperwhisper...
"So. You didn't answer." ]
You want me "changing my tune" or the real answer?
[ Because the former and trying to act all lovey-dovey, flirty or actively trying to play into the hands of the Trio was gonna be fake. Fake and awkward. And the longer he looks down at Weiss, Ragna, he... ]
2/2
How could they? He was the SS-Class Criminal with the highest bounty on record. He was the destroyer. The Grim Reaper. All the stories about him just had to be true. He was a monster wearing human skin. It's like he has a role to play and he knows it beat by beat.
And for the first time since he got here- no. For the first time in what felt like ages even back home, Ragna felt...
Normal. And what came with this normalcy was...a little more honesty. It's not Weiss' fault either, which may be why he doesn't have any bite in his voice when he confesses: ]
I've never...flirted with anyone before. Heck, I've never even kissed someone. [ A huff, less out of annoyance and more a prelude to admittance: ] I doubt I'd even get far enough for that back home.
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Still, if the painting won't shut up and won't let them leave until they do something that appeases them, then Weiss just has to try and make the most out of the situation. For now, she doesn't think about the objective too much, and would just prefer to let things be natural.
Although if he doesn't do anything cute, she might just have to force him on his knees so she can smush his cheeks with her hands and kiss him.
Ragna's response is honest, though. Vulnerable, even. Weiss can't even tease him for something like that. Not to mention, there's a part of her that can relate. Sure, she's flirted with people before, but it never really led to anything concrete. Her first kiss was in this place, and it was given to someone she doesn't even like. Not in a romantic way, anyway... ]
You and me both.
[ That's mostly to the "back home" comment. It'd take some time for Weiss to want to commit to a relationship given everything that's been going on. She doesn't sound all that bitter, though. Her commitment to being a Huntress and protecting her world comes first, after all. But she does smile up at him as a means to say he's not alone in this, and even though she's been here longer, and has therefore, had some experience in being close to people? She knows a bit of what he's feeling. ]
You should probably kiss someone you like, though. Especially if it's your first. So... here. I think this should count.
[ Handholding counts as cute, right? She thinks she heard one of the subjects in the painting say so earlier. She moves to stand on his right side now instead of in front of him, taking a deep breath, then she takes his hand in hers. ]
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And then he woke up here.
Weiss' words cut through to him, and how she can relate to him and what he's going through. It must have been the same way for so many other people here. ]
This place sure knows how to pick 'em, don't they?
[ They can go back to bickering, bantering, taunting and teasing...whatever the beginning of this was. A beginning that Ragna never would have thought of, let alone entertained with the life that he lead— or what little of it he's probably got left. Right now, she smiles up at him and flat-out disarms him in an entirely different way; the Teasing Trio would be treated to a first out of their rougher guest as his cheeks are gently dusted rose. But it's her next words that, unknowingly, challenge his own thoughts. And his inexperience shows once more, his throat clearing as he attempts to...
Protest? Bark? Clear the air? What was he even thinking? Well...if he was, his words are faster than his brain is as she moves to stand on his right side while he pipes up: ]
Hey, I didn't say I didn't like you I just—! [ He catches himself. Shit. His cheeks fluster further. Careful, Ragna. Temper temper. He's about to rant... ] What I meant was— I get what you meant, it's not like that but first anythings in a goddamn place like thi—
[ She takes hold of his right hand. ]
[ And his breath silently catches, the whole length of his arm visibly tensing as he braces himself... But the Azure Grimoire doesn't respond. It doesn't throb with waves of chronic pain. Nor does it latch onto Weiss' soul. It's just. Silent. And what looked like an initial bracing for pain and panic on his expression as he looks down at Weiss at his side...ebbs away as his gaze drifts down at their hands connected. She's holding the Azure Grimoire without consequence. No one has responded to it negatively since he got here. And without that power taking anything away from her, even through his glove, it almost feels like direct contact.
Her hand feels so small...
Ragna doesn't jerk his hand away. Instead, he reciprocates, squeezing it back before his hold settles on something firm yet...surprisingly gentle. ]
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The panic is clear as day when he looks at her and how their she has his hand in hers, and anything she could say about his first kiss is gone for a moment. So, is it his first time holding someone's hand too? Blue eyes flitter over briefly towards the painting. One of the trio's got their chin on their hands, and the other one is biting their nails in anticipation, while the other is doing this.
That's enough looking! Thank you very much.
He might just see her looking a little flustered from that too, but the way the panic disappears from his face and just turns to something more like a calm and curious acceptance mellows her down, too. As does the squeeze of her hand. ]
You'll get used to it. [ Maybe. Weiss sure did after holding her teammates' hands at some point. ] It feels nice, when you're troubled and someone holds your hand.
[ Ragna, please call her senpai. ]
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He follows just in time to see the third ghost stuck on the wall. His reaction is pretty similar, only his grip of her tightens and he clicks his tongue before forcing himself to look away. Focus on her. Don't pay attention to them. She's the only one here. She's the only thing that's real right now. She's...the only one he wants to give his attention to right now. If it meant getting out of this elevator and carrying on with their day. This wasn't just for him. She's counting on him too, isn't she?
So buck up, Mr. "Crimson Calamity". And what happens in this elevator? Stays in this elevator. This wasn't the time or place, and if he had it his way, no one would ever have to know but. If not with Weiss...if he's really going to find himself playing the game, some explaining his right arm was going to have to happen. But not now. ]
I haven't gotten to do this in years. [ Hold someone's hand. Jin or Saya's hand like the protective big brother he once was. ] But...
It's nice. [ He doesn't say how he's not sure he'll ever do this again back home or not. ] This feels good.
1/2
It's his story to tell, and she definitely won't pry, and it's why she doesn't ask. It's enough that he agrees with her, because it does take away the awkwardness of holding someone's hand when they've got a conversation going. Even if said conversation is about holding hands. ]
You know what would be nicer?
[ "If you kissed!" ]
Cut it out, will you?!
[ WHY ARE THESE PAINTINGS HERE... Weiss is trying to have a conversation here!! She'd throw a rock at them if she could, but alas... the only thing she can throw at them is her shoe. ]
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... I was going to make a joke about your knee.
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Shut up, already!
[ Aaand he's back to scowling. Great job, ghosts. You want progress? Zip it. He's prepared to apologize (for what?) and try and ask where they left off, grumpy face and all. That is until he's looking back down at Weiss whose giving him one hell of a pout. And he stops. Maybe it was the time leading up to getting back in this elevator, but holding her hand still like this as she looks like a spoiled brat who got told her favourite ice cream was sold out...
So this is what "cute" is, huh? Capped off with Weiss spoiling what she was going to say, he can even bypass his own embarrassment of what he thought she was going to imply to begin with. ]
For what it's worth, [ he doesn't move quite yet, but the thought crosses his mind to step in front of her, both so he can stop catching the Teasing Trio in his peripheral and so he can block her view of those jackasses. ] I was gonna ask how many more crepes I'll owe you after this.
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[ She's not quite sure what he's talking about now, since it's not like she's going to be lording this over him for helping him out later on. That's certainly one way to remove the pout off her face, though. ]
What for?
[ Because if this is about her helping him out here, it's not really something she'd want payment for. ]
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[ Okay, now that's funny. With her free hand, she has to cover her mouth when she laughs so as to not seem rude. ]
Let me guess. That was your first time telling a joke, wasn't it?
[ Because it certainly wasn't very good. That's okay, though. He has the funniest person in all of Remnant literally holding his hand and guiding him through everything right now. He can learn a thing or two from her. ]
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Look, not all of us got a burning need for comedy. [ A beat. ] Or as you'd probably put it...
[ Good god he's a neural net processor. A learning computer. ]
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As I would put it...?
[ Go on. ]
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A burning kneed for comedy.
[ Yeah? You liking this shit, ghosts? ]
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I'm so proud of you. Just for that, I'm forgiving your lame joke and you won't have to actually owe me any crepes for it.
[ He brought it up... Now she can start asking him for crepes and other pastries. 😌
Much as she wants to keep laughing and telling jokes though, the painting has certainly quieted down. But the elevator isn't moving yet. ]
Anyway... [ If he hasn't blocked her view of the painting, she'll turn away from them without letting go of his hand. It's at the same time, for some reason, that the lights in the elevator dim a little. Not cool.
She lifts their hands. ] It looks like they're not letting us leave just yet.
1/3
[ He's not scowling anymore. But...now this was starting to feel awkward for him. But how awkward was this for her? The Teasing Trio weren't really going to keep them in this elevator forever, were they? Ragna may not have been the best at showing it, but...the longer he spends time with her, the more grateful he feels. To the point where actually holding her hand felt less like a necessity and more of a genuine comfort.
So much so her presence was the reason he calms down.
Look at Weiss, taming a beast.Ragna hasn't blocked her view of the painting yet, so as she turns away from them, he shuffles along while keeping his hand in hers. That's around the time that the lights dim a little. No flickering, this time. Only softer now. He might have felt a shiver run down his spine knowing that the lighting probably had something to do with the ghosts he was scared of...if it hadn't been for Weiss continuing to grab his attention. His eyes follow their hands as she makes it crystal clear that they weren't prepared to let them leave. ]
Yeah...
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[ Popcorn munching intensifies from the peanut gallery. ]
3/3
I wouldn't mind.
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He says he wouldn't mind, and there's a part of her that feels bad for some reason. But there's a part of her that that's less sympathetic. The side of her that's thinking, well, he's not going to survive in this place by himself, so he's really gonna kiss and even have sex with someone some time. This is fine! ]
Are you sure?
[ She really will kiss you, Ragna, if you don't back out now. ]
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It was okay. He didn't hurt her. The power to "take" wasn't pushing her away from him. There would be time to really think about this power of his, what he used it for, what he really wanted it for, another time. What did he say before? That he'd continue to fight as a human to the very end? Then...so long as she doesn't break that delicate trust he's putting in her now, than he'll try. He'll try and see what it's like to feel as a human.
Besides, she spoke of how he should save his first kiss for somebody he likes. She meant it romantically, but even he knew that getting attached in a debauched place like this was a terrible idea. They ultimately needed to get out of this elevator, and she didn't look very happy now that he told her what he was accepting. He's not the best when it comes to comforting others, or putting others unease to rest. But whatever was bothering her now, he doesn't press it or ask. Instead, he answers the only way he knows how.
Straightforwardly, with a slow squeeze of her hand. ]
You're a good First.
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"You're a good First" does somehow work its way to colouring Weiss' cheeks, though. With how pale she is, he'd be able to see the bright tint of it now, but she looks away with a pout and a huff. ]
If I knew any better, I'd say you really do have a crush on me.
[ ... please forgive her. This is her own way of coping. And she's only looking away for a good few seconds after that. Any reaction he may have is going to be cut short when she looks at him again, brows still furrowed. She tugs on his hand with a little bit of force to get him to lean down a little, and if he does do that, she lets go of his hand so she can wrap both arms around his neck as she gets on her tiptoes to give him a soft kiss on the lips.
It's not quite as cute compared to romantic movies and how couples there have their first kiss, no. There's no surge of emotion, no drama. The Teasing Trio seem pleased though, if only ever so slightly. They would both feel the elevator actually moving, only stopping after a second or two, as if they've just gone down a floor. Ah, but they were up at the VIP floors, weren't they? They've still got a long descent ahead of them.
And it looks like it isn't going to move again until something more happens. ]
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