"This"? I kind of feel like you're asking a dog for their paw.
[ Not quite what she was insinuating, but Bianca only blinks once, then easily places her hand in his. And then, because it still feels like he's asking her to perform a trick, her fingers sink between his own, interlacing. ]
[ her comment does get a laugh out of him. ] If you were a dog, you'd definitely be the cutest one. But, despite what people say, they're not actually man's best friend. You'd be shocked by how judgmental they actually are. [ his polarizing pet opinions aside...
is it joke, or has he actually raced away from a few dogs at a stoplight just for looking at him funny...
as she places her hand into his and laces their fingers together, he leans in, placing his lips lightly on the back of her knuckles. ]
This could actually be better for blood flow and flexibility... I think I read something like that in the Encyclopedia the other day. [ did he, though... ] We both use one hand each...
[ or they end up making a mess...
oh, right but now they have to reach the food and open up all the containers. the hardest part. ]
[ as she swings their hands together, he does grab the food with his free hand, wrestling with the top of it as he tries to get the bag open. he does it with (a lot) of trouble, but succeeds in at least getting all the plastic dishes out. ]
It might have been easier if I used my evol. [ a belated thought.
he then grabs a piece of the apple from the apple salad and holds it to her lips. damn not even a fork. ]
Oh, it's pretty simple... [ if there are any nearby candles, assuming there is one, because he'd also definitely gift her one. he gives her a wink as the wick instantly lights up.
but, as she accepts the food, he gives a smile. except, maybe his ears are a bit red, a slight abashment visible on his features. ] What do you think? [ he then points to his own mouth as if expecting her to do the same. ]
[ as much as he fronts, it's probably easy for her to see the exact moment in which it crumbles. yet, considering she probably can see through him quite well, he does open his mouth for the piece of food. maybe even like a small piece of it slide off his lips...
and onto the floor.
damn, that was his moment to have it slide down his shirt.
his failure aside, he does look back up towards her. he acts as if he had completely meant to do that. ] That's right. [ it can do other things, but what's more important than her thinking he heats things up? nothing. ] Perfect for keeping you warm on this cold night, I'd say.
[ She's not sure that it's all that cold, but she appreciates the flirting, even if she has to pause and release his hand in order to pick up the bit of food off the floor. ]
Really? Do you think you could handle having to be that close to me? I usually need a lot of warmth, being so delicate and all.
[ the fact that she releases his hand to pick up the food bits...
should be embarrassing, but he seems to just tilt his head slightly upwards, as if pretending perfectly like it hasn't happened (x2). so it helps when she moves on to the topic of her warmth, which... he seems to think works just in his favor. (the illusion of choice... delusion of thinking he's in control of himself) ]
Hmm, [ making a big show out of pondering. ] it might be hard. But, not impossible if it's me. You're in luck that there isn't anyone better for the job. [ instead of simply rejoining hands, he trails his own hand from her wrist to up her forearm, before settling on her upper arm. ]
Smart girl. It's imperative to strike a good working relationship with the person hiring me. [ him trying especially hard to roleplay as a salesman. ] If it's just a demonstration... [ since he's already within reach, he does move to wrap his arms around her from behind. gently, as if encircling something that was precious or truly fragile. the back hug works best if just so she can't see his face now.
who said he couldn't be resourceful? still, he speaks quietly into her ear, as if suddenly all the more aware of their proximity. ] The thing is, though... once you test me, there are no takebacks.
[ Oh, he's smooth. Though she can't tell if this is him being truly suave or if he's embarrassed and he's trying to prevent her from seeing his face.
But admittedly, it's also nice to have that presence at her back, something a journalist could trust to very few others, if anything. Bianca is quiet for a minute, musing on this, but then she leans back against him a little more, resting one hand lightly over his. Her head turns, slightly. ]
I don't know if you know this about me, but I'm a big believer in taking risks.
[ when she turns her head, he does deliberate on attempting to slide out of her sight. though, the thought itself was likely more embarrassing than their actual shared intimacy, and so he stays his position. his fingers curling over her arms gently. when he continues to speak, itβs still done with a certain level of confidence. his pitch isnβt done, after all. ]
Then for our brave little miss journalist, I have something extra special. Just for today. [ he lifts his hand to come up and touch her chin. pulling them in slightly closer and then pressing a chaste kiss on her cheek. ]
Can I recommend you change your favorite from apples to me?
[ One eyebrow quirks, a little playfully. He's still so ready to play it safe, it seems, teasing but ultimately out of reach. She's familiar with that, doing much the same, but they're testing the waters a little more these days, aren't they? ]
That's asking a lot of me, you know. Apples are pretty important, after all.
[ Her brand! The thing that brings her joy! Absolutely delicious! A perfect symbolism of allure and forbidden knowledge, the truth at the expense of ignorant bliss--
Bianca tilts her head up just slightly, challenging. ]
So if I consider that, are you finally going to let me kiss you properly, Bubbles?
[ whatever composure he may have regained in the past minute seems to slip through his fingers like sand in an hourglass, or much like a slippery fish that refuses to be caught. in spite of it, he also feels his heart beating erratically as he releases his hold over her. this time gradually moving to turn her around.
it's a gentle motion as if he were taking care of something especially fragile. even if he knows that she is quite the opposite in many ways. she was always so full of energy and a certain vivacity for life he may have gradually lost over time. then again, he didn't tend to spend much time truly getting know humans.
when they're finally facing each other, he's purposely avoiding her gaze. just a bit. he knows if he looks, he loses here. but, maybe he was okay with that, too. it really was an annoying set of feelings. which is why he gives a small sigh. ] You... [ he almost wants to pinch her cheek, but it's a desire he temporarily puts to rest. but, it looks like all his efforts in holding back... down the drain. ]
So you're selling your love of apples for a kiss? [ he plays with a strand of her hair that frames her face. ] I almost feel sorry for them. [ a slight shift in topic once again, and yet his proximity to her shows that he's not disagreeing, either. ]
[ It wouldn't be the first time someone's wanted to pinch her cheek in a clear reprimand and it probably won't be the last, but Bianca's not about to be fazed. He's got to be embarrassed, and that's adorable, the way he won't look at her. The way he still tries to be a tease, toying with a strand of her hair, but she'd like to think she's got him a little better figured out now.
He's fussy and whiny and too hot for his own good, but he's also really endearing in an awkward sort of way. It's not that hard to throw him off his rhythm, much to her delight, and she grins, resting her palms against his chest as her fingers tap out a playful little rhythm. ]
Depends on the kiss, I guess. I shouldn't really commit until I know what I'm getting into, right? Imagine if I did and then you slipped away!
[ ... Which she's considered. Maybe he doesn't want to deal with someone this excitable and energetic. She knows she can be a lot. ]
[ her words hit a nerve, if just because they're absolutely right. his eyes widen slightly, before he shakes his head, as if to physically brush off whatever she might have said. ] If I did, then would you give chase?
[ he looks down at her hands against his chest, and he feels a bit warm. while he's a bit worried that his erratic heartbeat can probably be felt against her palms, he does try and relax. ... it doesn't work. though, he does eventually settle his eyes back on her. his own flush of abashment aside, there's no such shame when he leans in, this time to place a kiss on her forehead, and then her cheek. ]
But, even if you didn't... [ he halfheartedly wonders if she might have been just as anxious as he was despite her usual energy? it's a brief thought that imbues a semblance of resolve within him. you know, aside from the thoughts of her not chasing after him. such sobering considerations... ]
It might be a little too late for you.
[ ... and finally instead of his usual teasing he cants his head slightly and presses his lips against hers. it's a chaste kiss, barely a breath against her lips, before he pulls away ever so slightly, as if deliberating if he can go for a second. ]
[ If it's a little too late for her, she thinks, then it means he wouldn't be up to slipping away in the first place. He wouldn't put her through the effort.
It's far too fleeting to be any kind of satisfying, and Bianca peers at him with darkened blue eyes, before her hands go from flat against his chest to curling her fingers into the material of his shirt. Snagging. Hooking. Her smile remains in place. ]
Has it ever occurred to you, Bubbles, in all of your teasing and pulling back...
[ And speaking of pulling, she tugs now, hauling him into another kiss. One she just barely parts from, to murmur directly against his mouth-- ]
That it's been "a little too late" for me for a good while now?
[ the sudden callout surprises him. not for her ability to surmise that's what it was, but that the idea that it had been perfectly unspoken between them for some time, only to come to the surface now. the hue of her eyes somehow makes him think of the way the water looks with the sunlight penetrating behind it. he doesn't attribute the ocean and its wonders to most individuals, but...
he finds for her, he does.
... and just like the ebb and flow of the ocean, he finds himself returning back to her as if he'd never had any intentions of leaving in the first place. with her fingers hooking him closer, he almost forgets how to breathe when she pulls him back. ] I, I didn't... [ "mean to," he wants to say, but he also moves to deepen their kiss. rafayel's hand gently comes up to touch the back of her neck, as his tongue slides against her lower lip. as much caution as he may have practiced before, it's almost like he loses sight of that in the way their breaths intermingle.
he doesn't pull away now. except to slip out: ] Then we'll have to keep it that way. [ he leans in to get another kiss in, clearly not wanting to part form her, but he eventually does add. ] Am I officially yours now?
[ He's really the cutest when he's surprised. When all of his smooth words leave him, like bubbles drifting upwards in the water to vanish once they reach the surface. It's clear when Rafayel is unprepared and to a journalist like Bianca, it reads as vulnerability.
... She hadn't been able to protect someone who had been so openly vulnerable with her once, despite her best efforts, and maybe Rafayel isn't someone who needs her protection at all, but she isn't going to take that vulnerability for granted. Or the way he keeps coming back, kiss after kiss, deeper and lingering with each passing breath. He could drag her into his undertow, if she's not careful.
But oh, wouldn't that be a thrill of its own?
A laugh escapes, bright and fond; he's staying where he is, and that means she can slip her hand into his hair, anchoring them further. ]
Yeah. I'll take your deal. Once you've had a taste of the forbidden apple, you can't go back to how things were before... Hope you're ready.
[ It's amazing either of them still has breath for a conversation, especially because she's moving back in, seeking his tongue with hers. A way to seal the contract, maybe. Or maybe she's just really wanted this for a while and intends to enjoy the opportunity to its fullest.
[ he can't help but focus on each minute change in the way her fingers might move, or the way in which their breathing might match up, even for that split second. he feels like every one of her actions has a way of filling him up, leaving him both satisfied, and contradictorily also desiring more. the fact that she's reciprocating is more than enough for him. it speaks volumes in place of any strong words of affirmation. it's a sign of conviction in and of itself.
no, he hardly needed any of that if she was within his grasp like this. his hand drifts from the back of her neck to her upper, then lower back. whatever reservations he may have one possessed at one point almost seems entirely made up compared to how much bolder he is. his judgment may be clouded, but her words do tickle him. not unlike the way her fingers in his hair does. ] So you're not just big and strong, but brave, huh?
[ they're words, mostly teasing, as some of his initial abashment seems to have died down.
all the more when he feels the way her tongue slips in; his own tongue warmth against hers as he opens his mouth, savoring her taste. his hand still on her lower back, they do pull her closer, his lower body pressed right up against her. ]
If you're not careful, I could end up taking you somewhere you don't expect.
[ he means bed, but listen. he likes to play stupid games... ]
[ He's a lot bolder now. It makes sense; they hadn't really solidified any kind of relationship, just teased at it. Pushed and pulled. With this agreement between them now, she's starting to see just how passionate Rafayel is when his own capricious and teasing words aren't holding him back.
And she's delighted by it, the way it feels to have his hand make the journey from her neck to the small of her back, pulling her against him to the point where there's no room to allow any kind of gap. Bianca likes being able to learn him in different ways. How he tastes. How his mouth fits against hers. The shape of him pressed against her, which is definitely demanding more of her attention. ]
You're promising me a surprise scoop? You really know just what to say to a reporter, don't you? We're more about the unexpected, you know.
[ She's aware he means bed. Or at the very least, he could mean something else and she'd still be entirely up for it. ]
So why don't we see just where you'll be taking me, Rafayel?
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[ Not quite what she was insinuating, but Bianca only blinks once, then easily places her hand in his. And then, because it still feels like he's asking her to perform a trick, her fingers sink between his own, interlacing. ]
How's this?
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is it joke, or has he actually raced away from a few dogs at a stoplight just for looking at him funny...
as she places her hand into his and laces their fingers together, he leans in, placing his lips lightly on the back of her knuckles. ]
This is much better.
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But she huffs out a bright laugh in return as he kisses her knuckles, shaking her head. ]
But now I'm not gonna want to let go and how am I supposed to eat like this?
[ She says. She still has the use of one hand? ]
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[ or they end up making a mess...
oh, right but now they have to reach the food and open up all the containers. the hardest part. ]
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[ As she swings their hands together, cheerily. ]
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It might have been easier if I used my evol. [ a belated thought.
he then grabs a piece of the apple from the apple salad and holds it to her lips. damn not even a fork. ]
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[ As she gamely parts her lips to accept the piece of apple from his fingers.
Listen, she's not shy. ]
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but, as she accepts the food, he gives a smile. except, maybe his ears are a bit red, a slight abashment visible on his features. ] What do you think? [ he then points to his own mouth as if expecting her to do the same. ]
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So what you're really saying is that you know how to heat things up?
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and onto the floor.
damn, that was his moment to have it slide down his shirt.
his failure aside, he does look back up towards her. he acts as if he had completely meant to do that. ] That's right. [ it can do other things, but what's more important than her thinking he heats things up? nothing. ] Perfect for keeping you warm on this cold night, I'd say.
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Really? Do you think you could handle having to be that close to me? I usually need a lot of warmth, being so delicate and all.
[ Sure. "Delicate." ]
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should be embarrassing, but he seems to just tilt his head slightly upwards, as if pretending perfectly like it hasn't happened (x2). so it helps when she moves on to the topic of her warmth, which... he seems to think works just in his favor. (the illusion of choice... delusion of thinking he's in control of himself) ]
Hmm, [ making a big show out of pondering. ] it might be hard. But, not impossible if it's me. You're in luck that there isn't anyone better for the job. [ instead of simply rejoining hands, he trails his own hand from her wrist to up her forearm, before settling on her upper arm. ]
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[ Just saying! Listen sir she's gonna call your bluff or she's gonna make you act, one way or another. ]
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who said he couldn't be resourceful? still, he speaks quietly into her ear, as if suddenly all the more aware of their proximity. ] The thing is, though... once you test me, there are no takebacks.
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But admittedly, it's also nice to have that presence at her back, something a journalist could trust to very few others, if anything. Bianca is quiet for a minute, musing on this, but then she leans back against him a little more, resting one hand lightly over his. Her head turns, slightly. ]
I don't know if you know this about me, but I'm a big believer in taking risks.
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Then for our brave little miss journalist, I have something extra special. Just for today. [ he lifts his hand to come up and touch her chin. pulling them in slightly closer and then pressing a chaste kiss on her cheek. ]
Can I recommend you change your favorite from apples to me?
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That's asking a lot of me, you know. Apples are pretty important, after all.
[ Her brand! The thing that brings her joy! Absolutely delicious! A perfect symbolism of allure and forbidden knowledge, the truth at the expense of ignorant bliss--
Bianca tilts her head up just slightly, challenging. ]
So if I consider that, are you finally going to let me kiss you properly, Bubbles?
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it's a gentle motion as if he were taking care of something especially fragile. even if he knows that she is quite the opposite in many ways. she was always so full of energy and a certain vivacity for life he may have gradually lost over time. then again, he didn't tend to spend much time truly getting know humans.
when they're finally facing each other, he's purposely avoiding her gaze. just a bit. he knows if he looks, he loses here. but, maybe he was okay with that, too. it really was an annoying set of feelings. which is why he gives a small sigh. ] You... [ he almost wants to pinch her cheek, but it's a desire he temporarily puts to rest. but, it looks like all his efforts in holding back... down the drain. ]
So you're selling your love of apples for a kiss? [ he plays with a strand of her hair that frames her face. ] I almost feel sorry for them. [ a slight shift in topic once again, and yet his proximity to her shows that he's not disagreeing, either. ]
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He's fussy and whiny and too hot for his own good, but he's also really endearing in an awkward sort of way. It's not that hard to throw him off his rhythm, much to her delight, and she grins, resting her palms against his chest as her fingers tap out a playful little rhythm. ]
Depends on the kiss, I guess. I shouldn't really commit until I know what I'm getting into, right? Imagine if I did and then you slipped away!
[ ... Which she's considered. Maybe he doesn't want to deal with someone this excitable and energetic. She knows she can be a lot. ]
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[ he looks down at her hands against his chest, and he feels a bit warm. while he's a bit worried that his erratic heartbeat can probably be felt against her palms, he does try and relax. ... it doesn't work. though, he does eventually settle his eyes back on her. his own flush of abashment aside, there's no such shame when he leans in, this time to place a kiss on her forehead, and then her cheek. ]
But, even if you didn't... [ he halfheartedly wonders if she might have been just as anxious as he was despite her usual energy? it's a brief thought that imbues a semblance of resolve within him. you know, aside from the thoughts of her not chasing after him. such sobering considerations... ]
It might be a little too late for you.
[ ... and finally instead of his usual teasing he cants his head slightly and presses his lips against hers. it's a chaste kiss, barely a breath against her lips, before he pulls away ever so slightly, as if deliberating if he can go for a second. ]
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It's far too fleeting to be any kind of satisfying, and Bianca peers at him with darkened blue eyes, before her hands go from flat against his chest to curling her fingers into the material of his shirt. Snagging. Hooking. Her smile remains in place. ]
Has it ever occurred to you, Bubbles, in all of your teasing and pulling back...
[ And speaking of pulling, she tugs now, hauling him into another kiss. One she just barely parts from, to murmur directly against his mouth-- ]
That it's been "a little too late" for me for a good while now?
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he finds for her, he does.
... and just like the ebb and flow of the ocean, he finds himself returning back to her as if he'd never had any intentions of leaving in the first place. with her fingers hooking him closer, he almost forgets how to breathe when she pulls him back. ] I, I didn't... [ "mean to," he wants to say, but he also moves to deepen their kiss. rafayel's hand gently comes up to touch the back of her neck, as his tongue slides against her lower lip. as much caution as he may have practiced before, it's almost like he loses sight of that in the way their breaths intermingle.
he doesn't pull away now. except to slip out: ] Then we'll have to keep it that way. [ he leans in to get another kiss in, clearly not wanting to part form her, but he eventually does add. ] Am I officially yours now?
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... She hadn't been able to protect someone who had been so openly vulnerable with her once, despite her best efforts, and maybe Rafayel isn't someone who needs her protection at all, but she isn't going to take that vulnerability for granted. Or the way he keeps coming back, kiss after kiss, deeper and lingering with each passing breath. He could drag her into his undertow, if she's not careful.
But oh, wouldn't that be a thrill of its own?
A laugh escapes, bright and fond; he's staying where he is, and that means she can slip her hand into his hair, anchoring them further. ]
Yeah. I'll take your deal. Once you've had a taste of the forbidden apple, you can't go back to how things were before... Hope you're ready.
[ It's amazing either of them still has breath for a conversation, especially because she's moving back in, seeking his tongue with hers. A way to seal the contract, maybe. Or maybe she's just really wanted this for a while and intends to enjoy the opportunity to its fullest.
Hers. She really likes the sound of that. ]
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no, he hardly needed any of that if she was within his grasp like this. his hand drifts from the back of her neck to her upper, then lower back. whatever reservations he may have one possessed at one point almost seems entirely made up compared to how much bolder he is. his judgment may be clouded, but her words do tickle him. not unlike the way her fingers in his hair does. ] So you're not just big and strong, but brave, huh?
[ they're words, mostly teasing, as some of his initial abashment seems to have died down.
all the more when he feels the way her tongue slips in; his own tongue warmth against hers as he opens his mouth, savoring her taste. his hand still on her lower back, they do pull her closer, his lower body pressed right up against her. ]
If you're not careful, I could end up taking you somewhere you don't expect.
[ he means bed, but listen. he likes to play stupid games... ]
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And she's delighted by it, the way it feels to have his hand make the journey from her neck to the small of her back, pulling her against him to the point where there's no room to allow any kind of gap. Bianca likes being able to learn him in different ways. How he tastes. How his mouth fits against hers. The shape of him pressed against her, which is definitely demanding more of her attention. ]
You're promising me a surprise scoop? You really know just what to say to a reporter, don't you? We're more about the unexpected, you know.
[ She's aware he means bed. Or at the very least, he could mean something else and she'd still be entirely up for it. ]
So why don't we see just where you'll be taking me, Rafayel?
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