[ whether it's his driving that leaves much to be desired, or the sheer speed in which he goes, he arrives at her house within half an hour. the food procured, including dessert, he does end up just letting himself. while he knows the door is unlocked, he does seem to make a show of his arrival.
is it to be polite, or is it because he's extra? it's a mystery...
dramatic and not at all shy about being in her home, he announces— ] Cutie, I'm home! [ crying at lads nicknames, but that said he does sound genuinely happy to be there. he closes the door unceremoniously behind him before setting the items down on the nearest counter. ]
[ Bianca is not rich, so it's more like a smaller apartment, but all the same? Aside from all the piles of paperwork and newspapers and other articles strewn about on flat surfaces, it could be a lot worse.
And she'll trot into the main area now, jacket hanging off her shoulders as she stretches, apparently just as happy to see him. ]
Bubbles! [ People she's fond of get nicknames. Sorry. ] That was super fast! Did you break a few speed laws?
[ the familiar nickname does get a small chuckle out of him. though, maybe he's all the more pleased by the warm reception he receives. her apartment may have not been large, but it felt comfortable, and every part of it felt her her. so it was hard not to find himself looking around, as if gleaming some pieces of knowledge simply by existing in this space. ]
Of course not. You know there is no better law-abiding citizen than me. [ except, something in his smile and tone suggests that... it isn't completely true. ] But, maaaybe I went just a little above speed limit. I couldn't have you starving, after all.
[ he reaches over, as if to further secure the jacket on her shoulders. ]
The wrong idea, or the right idea? I figure I should make it extra clear so there's no misunderstanding. [ he says while idly putting his hand under his chin, as if he had carefully and painstakingly put a lot of thought into his grand scheme of ... going 10-15 over speed. ]
Then do I have to be worried about giving you too much energy and nothing to spend it on?
What do you mean "nothing"? There's a ton of injustices Yours Truly could be channeling that energy towards solving, or I'm sure there are plenty of other things that you wouldn't mind me being enthusiastic about...
[ injustices. listen, the only injustice here in rafayel's eyes is the fact that they haven't held hands yet today. he's a simple fishie. ]
Other things? [ but, that said, he snaps his fingers, almost suddenly as if "remembering" something. ] Oh, what do you know, there is something only you can do that requires your immediate enthusiasm. [ thankfully he can solve his own problems.
with that he holds a hand out, his palm facing upwards. ]
"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. ]
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is it to be polite, or is it because he's extra? it's a mystery...
dramatic and not at all shy about being in her home, he announces— ] Cutie, I'm home! [ crying at lads nicknames, but that said he does sound genuinely happy to be there. he closes the door unceremoniously behind him before setting the items down on the nearest counter. ]
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And she'll trot into the main area now, jacket hanging off her shoulders as she stretches, apparently just as happy to see him. ]
Bubbles! [ People she's fond of get nicknames. Sorry. ] That was super fast! Did you break a few speed laws?
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Of course not. You know there is no better law-abiding citizen than me. [ except, something in his smile and tone suggests that... it isn't completely true. ] But, maaaybe I went just a little above speed limit. I couldn't have you starving, after all.
[ he reaches over, as if to further secure the jacket on her shoulders. ]
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[ This is in no sense scolding as she grins up at him, fondly. ]
But I'm far from starving, you know! Your favorite justice lover is brimming with energy!
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Then do I have to be worried about giving you too much energy and nothing to spend it on?
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[ She's versatile. ]
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Other things? [ but, that said, he snaps his fingers, almost suddenly as if "remembering" something. ] Oh, what do you know, there is something only you can do that requires your immediate enthusiasm. [ thankfully he can solve his own problems.
with that he holds a hand out, his palm facing upwards. ]
How about you start with this?
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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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