[Steven, so poor...at the same time, his knowledge of rocks could make them extra rich.
She excitedly (in a cold way) leads him towards the entrance. They'll have to make their way up now, but it's true. Everything doesn't feel quite as cold until they're actually up there.
Beautiful scenery? Check. But an icy breeze threatening their very existence, whether or not they're protected from it? Also check.]
Goodness, it's rather cold today! [No matter, she just wants Steven to focus on the sights.] What do you think?
[ he keeps up with her as they head up to the top - staying in motion keeps them warm enough, but the top of the tower tower is noticeably chilly.
he'd love to enjoy the view, but the shivering woman beside him needs to be taken care of first. he leans close without hesitation, untying the scarf from his neck and carefully wrapping it around hers. it's warm from his body heat, with the scent of his cologne lingering in the fabric. ]
I think that you could use this a bit more than I. You're shivering.
I'll be fine. And if the temperature continues to drop, we can share it.
[ he adjusts it so the scarf is tucked close to her properly, but finds himself lingering when he's close. he swears that the lights of the tower are making her eyes twinkle, and his chest suddenly feels tight.
He's very close like this, and he looks at her in a way that warms her. Her cheeks flush and she can't even pull her eyes away from his. It's almost like it was just them and nothing else.
It was a good chance for her to do as he suggested. Share the scarf. She takes one end, and starts to wrap it around his neck as well. Sure, it brings them in a lot closer, but at the moment, she doesn't at all mind.]
[ they're even closer than they were before, but steven doesn't mind it at all. things are warmer, and he's sure that it isn't just because of the scarf. ]
That's fine by me. I enjoy being close to you.
[ it's an opening statement to what he really wants to say. ]
[He's closer, she could practically feel him but...now as soon as he says that, she can feel the flush of her cheeks burn hotly and she grows a teeny bit self conscious.]
I...I do as well. I mean, I enjoy being close to you. Not that I don't enjoy being close to myself...
[She clears her throat, since she's still embarrassed, and looks out just as he does. In fact, the change in topic is rather welcome (not that she wasn't honest).]
[ his voice is softer, but he doesn't quite move closer just yet. he doesn't want to impose himself, especially seeing as he doesn't know how she'll react to this.
he takes a steady breath. ]
You've continued to amaze me since the day we met, but I've only recently been able to understand why that is. I... have feelings for you. [ absentmindedly, glances away for a moment. ] The uncertainty of our futures in Cerealia had me constantly distracted, but being home has allowed me to truly reflect on how I feel... and I've found myself at my most content when I am by your side.
[ he sighs. ]
Though I'm not sure if you feel the same way, I couldn't bear to keep to myself any longer.
[She looks a lot brighter when he says he'll take her, but then her expression goes blank, and she falls silent. But she listens carefully.
And then gradually, her face heats up all over again. She fiddles with the end of the scarf, and tries to hold eye contact. Because he must be looked at when she replies.]
I can never put it as beautifully as you did. It's ah...well, I feel the same way, Steven. I'm not sure when I realised it, but I think back and I think it was in Cerealia as well. That I knew I was so comfortable at your side that it was almost so normal that you had to be around.
[ it's really all that he can manage to say, and he feels his own face going warm as well. he honestly hadn't expected his feelings to be reciprocated - so much that his usual composed demeanor has unceremoniously dropped. ]
[ she will most definitely have to do that, because steven is Not Cool in the slightest. but even with his heartbeat getting faster, holding hands with her is new and comforting. his own hands are gloved as well, but it won't stop him from curling his fingers around hers.
the nod confirms it all, and he can't help but smile - bashfully, but completely honest. with how close they're wrapped up in the scarf together, it doesn't take much movement at all for him to raise his other hand to hold her cheek and stroke it fondly. ]
I wish I could find the words to say, but... you've rendered me speechless.
[ and he feels like an idiot for it, but hopefully she'll understand. ]
[Now their hands are all warmly attached! Though she feels a little impatience, that she wants to hold his bare hand in her own as soon as possible. But ah, one must always exercise patience. Good things will come.
She leans her head into her hand...it's almost like she's wanted this for so long. But she shouldn't be greedy, is what she told herself. And now...she can afford to be, no?
In a city that her papa dedicated to love? He would encourage it, even if she would protest.]
Actions speak louder than words.
[She's still a little shy, so she's not sure if she should kiss him yet. But she could take it step by step, as she stands on her toes to press their foreheads together.]
[ the way that she has to stand on her toes to reach him is nothing short of adorable, and he doesn't want to put that effort to waste. it's been a long time since he's had a true moment of intimacy like this.
at this point, his voice is little more than a smooth whisper. ]
You'll have to forgive me for being forward... but if it's all right with you, I'd like to show you how I feel.
[ even when they're so close that their lips are just barely touching, he still feels the need to ask. ]
[She's glad he agrees, that he understands how they're trying to show their feelings. And she's completely relieved that he too had the same thought.
He didn't even need to ask, but it was nice that he did it all the same, because now she anticipates it and it excites her that they can grow closer. She nods, just barely, and her lips draw even closer. He may ask, but she could always meet him half way. A relationship is teamwork, anyway.]
[ with how close they are already, there's really no mistaking what to do next. but even with his best attempt to be smooth, he's a little overeager in moving in and (finally, finally) pressing their lips together. there's no fireworks or incredible spark, but that's to be expected - they're both calm, old souls. instead, there's a rising warmth that envelops the moment, with only the two of them bearing witness to it.
he raises a hand to gently caress her cheek, which falls when he pulls away. but even when he does, he keeps close to her to stay in that warm moment. ]
[It doesn't matter when he's overeager, because she meets him with quiet vigour. In fact, she did have to hold back to in order not to show that she was this excited for this, but eventually even an old soul who has waited for so long wanted to kiss him with all she could give. At least, gently. There was something about this moment that was calm and tranquil, even if it felt like all the sound in the world has escaped and all that was left was just their presence.
Vietnam cups his hand as it reached up to touch her face, a tiny smile on her lips as she turns to kiss the palm of his hand. It's warm, just like he is, and just like how she feels.]
[ despite the surprise, he doesn't shy away from the kiss she places on his hand. it's soft and endearing, fitting with the intimate moment they're sharing. they're on one of the busiest buildings in the world, but it feels like only the two of them exist in this moment. ]
Are you warm?
[ it's asked with a smile, despite knowing the answer. between their shared scarf and the warmth of the moment, how could she not be? ]
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She excitedly (in a cold way) leads him towards the entrance. They'll have to make their way up now, but it's true. Everything doesn't feel quite as cold until they're actually up there.
Beautiful scenery? Check. But an icy breeze threatening their very existence, whether or not they're protected from it? Also check.]
Goodness, it's rather cold today! [No matter, she just wants Steven to focus on the sights.] What do you think?
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he'd love to enjoy the view, but the shivering woman beside him needs to be taken care of first. he leans close without hesitation, untying the scarf from his neck and carefully wrapping it around hers. it's warm from his body heat, with the scent of his cologne lingering in the fabric. ]
I think that you could use this a bit more than I. You're shivering.
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It's rather comforting.]
But you will be cold too, no? I can't have you get sick on me when you are my guest...
[She really tried to toughen up but then she shivers once more.]
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[ he adjusts it so the scarf is tucked close to her properly, but finds himself lingering when he's close. he swears that the lights of the tower are making her eyes twinkle, and his chest suddenly feels tight.
she really is beautiful. ]
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He's very close like this, and he looks at her in a way that warms her. Her cheeks flush and she can't even pull her eyes away from his. It's almost like it was just them and nothing else.
It was a good chance for her to do as he suggested. Share the scarf. She takes one end, and starts to wrap it around his neck as well. Sure, it brings them in a lot closer, but at the moment, she doesn't at all mind.]
Why not do it now?
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That's fine by me. I enjoy being close to you.
[ it's an opening statement to what he really wants to say. ]
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I...I do as well. I mean, I enjoy being close to you. Not that I don't enjoy being close to myself...
[You know what, she'll shut up.]
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[ it's said with an amused smile, but he's telling the truth - to know that she enjoys being close to him eases his nerves some.
he's silent for a moment. his eyes look to the view for a moment, taking it in. ]
There really are many similarities between Lumiose and Paris... but I find myself wondering about one in particular.
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What similarity is that, Steven...?
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You see, Lumiose has two unofficial nicknames: the City of Lights.... and the City of Love.
[ and he looks back to her, this time looking somewhat shy. ]
I can't help but wonder if Paris is the same.
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Vietnam clears her throat and shuffles on the spot, so he can feel the tug of the scarf.]
W-well, Paris is just like that. France prides his capital on being the City of Love, and if people find love in it, it brings him great joy.
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[ a part of him regrets going this far, but it isn't as if he can back out now... he had a plan with this, and he's going to stick with it. ]
Then I suppose there's no better setting for me to say what I've been meaning to for some time now.
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[Though, now she wonders what he is about to say, since it seems important? She turns to give him her full attention.]
What is it, Steven?
guess who remembered her credit card info
[ his voice is softer, but he doesn't quite move closer just yet. he doesn't want to impose himself, especially seeing as he doesn't know how she'll react to this.
he takes a steady breath. ]
You've continued to amaze me since the day we met, but I've only recently been able to understand why that is. I... have feelings for you. [ absentmindedly, glances away for a moment. ] The uncertainty of our futures in Cerealia had me constantly distracted, but being home has allowed me to truly reflect on how I feel... and I've found myself at my most content when I am by your side.
[ he sighs. ]
Though I'm not sure if you feel the same way, I couldn't bear to keep to myself any longer.
YASSSSSS
And then gradually, her face heats up all over again. She fiddles with the end of the scarf, and tries to hold eye contact. Because he must be looked at when she replies.]
I can never put it as beautifully as you did. It's ah...well, I feel the same way, Steven. I'm not sure when I realised it, but I think back and I think it was in Cerealia as well. That I knew I was so comfortable at your side that it was almost so normal that you had to be around.
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[ it's really all that he can manage to say, and he feels his own face going warm as well. he honestly hadn't expected his feelings to be reciprocated - so much that his usual composed demeanor has unceremoniously dropped. ]
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How do you even be cool when you're confessing to each other like this, and on the tower of love, no less!
Vietnam nods again, this time reaching to take Steven's hand, holding it warmly in hers. Warm enough anyway, with those fluffy gloved hands.]
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the nod confirms it all, and he can't help but smile - bashfully, but completely honest. with how close they're wrapped up in the scarf together, it doesn't take much movement at all for him to raise his other hand to hold her cheek and stroke it fondly. ]
I wish I could find the words to say, but... you've rendered me speechless.
[ and he feels like an idiot for it, but hopefully she'll understand. ]
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She leans her head into her hand...it's almost like she's wanted this for so long. But she shouldn't be greedy, is what she told herself. And now...she can afford to be, no?
In a city that her papa dedicated to love? He would encourage it, even if she would protest.]
Actions speak louder than words.
[She's still a little shy, so she's not sure if she should kiss him yet. But she could take it step by step, as she stands on her toes to press their foreheads together.]
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[ the way that she has to stand on her toes to reach him is nothing short of adorable, and he doesn't want to put that effort to waste. it's been a long time since he's had a true moment of intimacy like this.
at this point, his voice is little more than a smooth whisper. ]
You'll have to forgive me for being forward... but if it's all right with you, I'd like to show you how I feel.
[ even when they're so close that their lips are just barely touching, he still feels the need to ask. ]
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He didn't even need to ask, but it was nice that he did it all the same, because now she anticipates it and it excites her that they can grow closer. She nods, just barely, and her lips draw even closer. He may ask, but she could always meet him half way. A relationship is teamwork, anyway.]
Please show me, Steven. You need not ask.
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he raises a hand to gently caress her cheek, which falls when he pulls away. but even when he does, he keeps close to her to stay in that warm moment. ]
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Vietnam cups his hand as it reached up to touch her face, a tiny smile on her lips as she turns to kiss the palm of his hand. It's warm, just like he is, and just like how she feels.]
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Are you warm?
[ it's asked with a smile, despite knowing the answer. between their shared scarf and the warmth of the moment, how could she not be? ]
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Wait a minute, why is it, that this normally quiet, shy girl, suddenly got a mischievous twinkle in her eye?]
Just a little bit cold.
[So it appears that despite the warmth, despite the rosy hue on her cheeks telling himself, that she's trying to invite him to come a little closer.
Good heavens.]
(no subject)
STEVEN DON'T LEAVE
in this house we tag three months later
HECK YEAH WE ARE GOOD AT THIS /HIGHFIVES
(no subject)