[ 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. ]
[ What, did he finally get one over her? This wasn't a competition, but seeing the way her cheeks colour so brightly before she can look away with a pout and a huff, Ragna wonders if he was a little too straightforward. She's about the most trustworthy person he's come across so far, and he didn't even know that when he decided to invite her to his VIP suite.
An otherwordly, gilded casino resort, and Ragna's first gamble wasn't on the slots or a card table. It was on a huffy little Ice Queen who was pressing buttons on him he didn't even know existed. He'd bluntly told her that he wasn't into schmoozing the pants off someone for free shit, nice as she looked. But in his internalized thoughts, Weiss with a little colour on her face was stirring something in his chest further, all before that heat spreads when she barely gives him a chance to get a say back edgewise when she tugs him to lean down a little. ]
Tch... Words in my— [ —mouth? That's currently being shut up by the delicate press of her lips against his, his eyes snapping wide for but a fleeting couple of seconds. The sheer size he has over her keeps him mindful to stay leaning down, a large hand capturing the small of her back for her purchase against him. Those seconds pass, and any firmness she feels melts away with a sigh through his nose. Suddenly his eyelids feel heavy, closing shut as the rest of the world is drowned out, phantoms and all. It's because he's never experienced this before, firmly keeping Weiss supported against him as he does, almost protectively so, that such a soft kiss almost feels overwhelming. ]
...?
[ The only thing that jostles him back to reality is the subtle feeling of the elevator starting to move. He doesn't completely pull away, opening his eyes that appear brighter in the dimmed light as he breaks from the tender kiss first. That was it. It shouldn't mean anything. A first kiss? The hell was the point of a first kiss anyway? What made it so different from any future ones that people had? Who cares? He accepted that he had more pressing matters. He gave that all up without even being given the choice to take it.
So... Was that enough? ]
...
[ No. No, it was not enough. And as Ragna's gaze flits back to Weiss, face burning and his heart beating a little faster... No. It's not enough. And he's not talking about the elevator as he returns the favour, kissing her back as he chases the taste of her. Chaste, yet as his lips sweep against hers with a surprising gentleness, the audible little 'smack', it sounds so loud in his own head. So he doesn't stop. Not until she taps him to, the hold upon the curve of her back keeping her secure against him. ]
[ It's an impersonal kiss, but not quite done just to get this over with. More that Weiss was hoping it would be the end of it after that, so she doesn't put too much of herself to it. And when she pulls away slightly, her eyes widen as the elevator moves. She presses herself against him, almost as if to seek protection from what might happen if danger did come, even if it wouldn't. Not in a place like this.
Her gaze breaks away from Ragna's, but only for a short while. They're brought back instantly upon realising that that kiss wasn't going to set them free. And before she could speak, even make a sound to ask if he's okay, he's kissing her again. And again. And before she could notice, she's parting her lips ever so slightly, adding some wetness when she kisses him again.
It's silly to be nervous, especially at a time like this, but here she is. Her heart begins to race, the flame shared between them beginning to grow brighter, warmer. She breathes through her nose, her one hand slipping from the back of his neck to hold onto his shoulder, squeezing it. ]
[ For Ragna, it was instinctual. An approximation of what it'd be like to keep kissing someone. Couples didn't just press their lips together and be done with it. They also didn't just...go to down slobbering all over one another. Not unlike what he's seen between guests out in public at this damn resort. To that end, it leaves the man at an impasse. How much was too much? How little was too little? Uncertainty despite the fact his curiosity in exploring someone only grew stronger and stronger. Nothing that would spiral out of control in the same way he'd been warned his Azure Grimoire could.
Yet still, the press of Weiss' petite, supple and soft body lights a spark in him he'd long since ignored. And it's Weiss' lips that part ever so slightly first, a move that would have dizzied more ill-prepared recipients. Instead, it makes him feel lightheaded. Where she breathes through her nose, Ragna's response is a rumble of a warm sigh against her lips, following her lead beat for beat as his lips remain parted, only delving and sweeping should his tongue roll against hers as his hand against the back of her dress clenches the fabric slightly. Right on cue for her to take a squeeze of his shoulder.
Pay attention, Ragna. She's got both hands around you now. What about yours?
He can feel it. The elevator dragging oh-so-slowly down...but this time, Ragna doesn't stop. Weiss wasn't. It doesn't hurt to keep leaning down as he was for her, but with her finding purchase between the back of his neck and his broad shoulder, he thinks that he can do a little better for her. Must be hell trying to stay balanced on her tiptoes like this. So he bends his knees just a slight more as he leans over her, the hand on her back roaming up the back of her dress. His gloved hand, the one that she'd held before, finds itself squeezing along the back of her thigh, just below her ass. Like any more pressure and he'd be coaxing her to lift it to brush his side. ]
[ Ragna might be following her lead, but she's also feeling him out, trying to pay attention to the way he moves because she would hate to make him feel uncomfortable that he'd push her away. If asked why, Weiss would have no idea what to even say to that; maybe she just cares about people more than she lets on. With the way he holds her though, with his larger hand, even though gloved, directly on her skin, it gives her a comforting sort of warmth. This is fine, he's letting himself relax around her by letting his hands roam, and he's more than welcome to keep doing so if he pleases.
Still, though, as slow as she's being, she's also starting to forget how and why they got into this situation to begin with. Instead, her thoughts linger more on the way their lips brush against the other's, sending shivers down her spine. Their tongues meet and she opens her mouth a little more, pressing herself against him a little more, seeking him out for a deeper kiss. When there's an opportunity to breathe, she takes it, only drawing a breath in very quickly before she's back to kissing him. There's still no urgency or desperation, but with the way she takes a step back once her feet are on the floor, her hand on his shoulder bunching his shirt in her hold as she pulls on him yet again, she gives him a sign to keep going. To keep kissing her, holding her, making her forget about the world as she uses him as a shield from the rest of it. And with her back pressed against the wall, there's nowhere else for her to go but closer to him. ]
Why do you... have to be so tall?
[ She murmurs it in between kisses—the makings of playful banter—just because she thinks he's leaning down a little too much that that isn't going to be comfortable for him in the long run. Any other time, she might suggest he sit down just so they can even the playing field a little, but in a space like this where there aren't any furniture but the painting that hangs on the other side of the wall, there's no way to do it. ]
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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...
2/3
[ 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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An otherwordly, gilded casino resort, and Ragna's first gamble wasn't on the slots or a card table. It was on a huffy little Ice Queen who was pressing buttons on him he didn't even know existed. He'd bluntly told her that he wasn't into schmoozing the pants off someone for free shit, nice as she looked. But in his internalized thoughts, Weiss with a little colour on her face was stirring something in his chest further, all before that heat spreads when she barely gives him a chance to get a say back edgewise when she tugs him to lean down a little. ]
Tch... Words in my— [ —mouth? That's currently being shut up by the delicate press of her lips against his, his eyes snapping wide for but a fleeting couple of seconds. The sheer size he has over her keeps him mindful to stay leaning down, a large hand capturing the small of her back for her purchase against him. Those seconds pass, and any firmness she feels melts away with a sigh through his nose. Suddenly his eyelids feel heavy, closing shut as the rest of the world is drowned out, phantoms and all. It's because he's never experienced this before, firmly keeping Weiss supported against him as he does, almost protectively so, that such a soft kiss almost feels overwhelming. ]
...?
[ The only thing that jostles him back to reality is the subtle feeling of the elevator starting to move. He doesn't completely pull away, opening his eyes that appear brighter in the dimmed light as he breaks from the tender kiss first. That was it. It shouldn't mean anything. A first kiss? The hell was the point of a first kiss anyway? What made it so different from any future ones that people had? Who cares? He accepted that he had more pressing matters. He gave that all up without even being given the choice to take it.
So... Was that enough? ]
...
[ No. No, it was not enough. And as Ragna's gaze flits back to Weiss, face burning and his heart beating a little faster... No. It's not enough. And he's not talking about the elevator as he returns the favour, kissing her back as he chases the taste of her. Chaste, yet as his lips sweep against hers with a surprising gentleness, the audible little 'smack', it sounds so loud in his own head. So he doesn't stop. Not until she taps him to, the hold upon the curve of her back keeping her secure against him. ]
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Her gaze breaks away from Ragna's, but only for a short while. They're brought back instantly upon realising that that kiss wasn't going to set them free. And before she could speak, even make a sound to ask if he's okay, he's kissing her again. And again. And before she could notice, she's parting her lips ever so slightly, adding some wetness when she kisses him again.
It's silly to be nervous, especially at a time like this, but here she is. Her heart begins to race, the flame shared between them beginning to grow brighter, warmer. She breathes through her nose, her one hand slipping from the back of his neck to hold onto his shoulder, squeezing it. ]
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Yet still, the press of Weiss' petite, supple and soft body lights a spark in him he'd long since ignored. And it's Weiss' lips that part ever so slightly first, a move that would have dizzied more ill-prepared recipients. Instead, it makes him feel lightheaded. Where she breathes through her nose, Ragna's response is a rumble of a warm sigh against her lips, following her lead beat for beat as his lips remain parted, only delving and sweeping should his tongue roll against hers as his hand against the back of her dress clenches the fabric slightly. Right on cue for her to take a squeeze of his shoulder.
Pay attention, Ragna. She's got both hands around you now. What about yours?
He can feel it. The elevator dragging oh-so-slowly down...but this time, Ragna doesn't stop. Weiss wasn't. It doesn't hurt to keep leaning down as he was for her, but with her finding purchase between the back of his neck and his broad shoulder, he thinks that he can do a little better for her. Must be hell trying to stay balanced on her tiptoes like this. So he bends his knees just a slight more as he leans over her, the hand on her back roaming up the back of her dress. His gloved hand, the one that she'd held before, finds itself squeezing along the back of her thigh, just below her ass. Like any more pressure and he'd be coaxing her to lift it to brush his side. ]
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Still, though, as slow as she's being, she's also starting to forget how and why they got into this situation to begin with. Instead, her thoughts linger more on the way their lips brush against the other's, sending shivers down her spine. Their tongues meet and she opens her mouth a little more, pressing herself against him a little more, seeking him out for a deeper kiss. When there's an opportunity to breathe, she takes it, only drawing a breath in very quickly before she's back to kissing him. There's still no urgency or desperation, but with the way she takes a step back once her feet are on the floor, her hand on his shoulder bunching his shirt in her hold as she pulls on him yet again, she gives him a sign to keep going. To keep kissing her, holding her, making her forget about the world as she uses him as a shield from the rest of it. And with her back pressed against the wall, there's nowhere else for her to go but closer to him. ]
Why do you... have to be so tall?
[ She murmurs it in between kisses—the makings of playful banter—just because she thinks he's leaning down a little too much that that isn't going to be comfortable for him in the long run. Any other time, she might suggest he sit down just so they can even the playing field a little, but in a space like this where there aren't any furniture but the painting that hangs on the other side of the wall, there's no way to do it. ]
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