[Maelle is early. Like, really early, so much that she's nearly finished her hot chocolate and the one she got for Scott is more like warm chocolate rather than hot.
She's probably overthinking. It's not the end of the world! Been there, done that. There's no reason to feel so jittery, and she's paced a little flat spot on the ground thinking on what Gustave and Sciel have told her. Ultimately, she knows she needs to just... relax.
[Despite their more... positive conversation, Scott really can't help but feel that anxiety sink into him and none of it disappears as he walks closer and closer to their designated spot. He'll probably arrive just on time at this rate, even though he left rather early, but a million thoughts are running through his mind right now. It feels like that many at least, with some of them just thinking of telling Maelle again that everything is cool and not to worry about what happened on Valentine's Day.
But eventually, he makes it. He's dressed as normal, jeans, shirt, and jacket combo and when he sees Maelle, he lifts one hand in greeting.]
Hey.
[He says, not awkwardly at all. 100%. He can imagine Sophie cheering him on in the background and she's really hopeful about this, but it's still hard.]
[She greets him with the drinks, glad to have her hands full. One less foolish thing to do. There's still her foolish thing to apologize for in person. Text is fine, but it almost feels like cheating.]
I'm sorry. Again. So... I owe you a promise, yeah?
[That uneasy feeling that's been firmly lodged in his chest slowly starts to untangle seeing her like this. She really is sorry, huh? And she has the hot chocolate as promised, even if the weather is a bit warmer now compared to last time. It's not important and finally he returns a small smile, though he's not fully confident still-- some doubt residing in him.
He isn't afraid of her running away again, but he's just entirely unsure how this conversation is going to go. Are they going to date? Or is it just... kind of weird?
However, he decides to meet her pinky finger with his, linking them and creating that small promise between them. Maybe it help reassure the both of them and everything will be fine?]
Yeah. I might be an okay friend but a really lousy [Oh no don't make her say it no the lull is too long] date.
[Was she supposed to say girlfriend? Oh, well. She bailed on that. Does dating make someone boyfriend and girlfriend immediately? Gustave, Sciel, Sophie... help???]
And I won't be offended if you do. Like I said, having... friends my age is new. Anyone actually liking me? Did you hit your head on a mission?
[She laughs, a touch strained, and perhaps only half joking.]
[It's that touch of self-deprecation that gets him to breathe out slowly, something that's both a little exasperated but still supportive as he changes their pinky swear to him slowly entangling their fingers in a handhold. It's a simple gesture overall, but maybe tilting into something a little more intimate for them, especially as he feels the warmth of her grip in his own.]
Want to know something? [...] I'm pretty new to the whole friendship and dating thing as well.
[What he's seen has been on movies, honestly. He was just a lonely outcast for most of his life.] So if I hit my head, so did you.
[Maelle's somehow still surprised when he moves to hold her hand. Abruptly, she pulls it back. Waitwaitwait.]
--hold on. It's--sweaty. Sorry.
[She wipes her palm on her thigh before quickly grabbing his hand. Now it's just clammy.]
That's so gross. Sorry.
[Maelle is sure she's hit her head at some point, but he should know better, regardless. She laughs, the neevousness feeding into a strange giddiness.]
Just, I was holding the warm drink and walking around, so... yeah. I'm not trying to make this weird. Really.
[There's an initial spark of rejection that runs quick and hot through him, the feeling rushing though so fast that he almost pulls away from her before she manages to grab him in time. But once their hands are firmly grasped, he relaxes-- mostly, because there is still that burning awkwardness that hasn't really been helped by the bumps they've had to get to this point. Not to mention, they are actually holding hands. Like, right now. And they still are.
He's very observant.
But as they continue to stand here and hold hands without any other silly things happening... it fully shifts into something nice. So, here they are?? Finally doing something even if the both of them don't know what they're doing and they're both so new to this. He's not sure how this is going to go, but at least it's good right now? He smile at her, the grin just a little clumsy.]
I think we've both made this weird, we're past that point. It's cool, it like suits us, you know?
[They're both weird teens that want to have some taste of normalcy.]
We're weird so this is going to be weird, yeah? [She laughs again a little more like her usual giggle.] Well, I'm sure Sophie is having the time of her life.
[Holding hands with boys!!! Who would have thought. Maelle gives their hands a little swing. Weird things become less weird with time, right?]
[He agrees, a small laugh finally breaking out from him that might be sounding just a little bit relieved. He would not say it's giddy though, even if that feeling might be an accurate description to how he's actually feeling right now. It's just a little embarrassing!! Still, are they actually boyfriend and girlfriend? Or does that come after a few dates? You know what, titles and shit don't matter, they will just do whatever is best and comfortable for them.
Yeah that sounds way better.
He swings his hand with her and... guess they've gotten past the hard part, huh? They made up, they promised each other that they'll remain friends, and now they're holding hands in the middle of a flower field. He honestly hasn't planned much after all that. Well, there is one thing, maybe.]
[There. That's better. Hearing a laugh from him helps put her at ease. It's not that serious. They're just going to have fun and hang out like they often do, just... with more affection. That's not scary. It should be exciting. It is, but Maelle's too used to her heart pounding from anxiety and life or death battles instead of... butterflies.]
Oh, yeah?
[She's amused, and she's definitely considered how she might initiate--she cam be brave, too! But in the moment just the thought makes her face turn red, and ultimately she's racing her nerves. Best not to think too much.
So, she leans in to press a quick kiss to Scott's cheek.]
[There's no visible way that Scott can hide his shock when he feels her lips press against his cheek and even though it only lasts for a couple of seconds, that feeling of surprise continues-- resulting in him just looking at her with his mouth lightly parted. He may also be blushing, just a bit. Luckily for the both of them, he doesn't even try to run away and instead a soft looking smile begins to spread across his face to replace the shock that was there before.
Instead, he looks happy. If just a little bashful, until he leans forward to kiss her back on the cheek as well. He can't be the only one standing here with that goofy ass expression, he has to get her back!! And maybe because he wants to kiss her too, this time with that reassurance that she won't run away.]
Not bad. [...] Should we uh try kissing on the lips though?
[He does look kind of cute with that goofy ass expression! Now they're both turning red, and Maelle laughs again when he asks that question. Kissing on the cheek is... well, she does that with some friends. It's not dating exclusive.]
Thanks for the warning this time.
[... though she probably would have freaked out just the same, on Valentine's. She's braver now, after a few pep talks and the fact that she's beginning to accept the fact she has a long time ahead of her. Exploring and having fun outside of the Continent is probably a good idea. Living life is probably the best thing to do with her time, now.
She leans in to plant a quick kiss on Scott's lips. It's about as brief as a kiss can be while still counting as one, but she did it first!!! So there.]
[Okay so he had this whole master plan in mind, because he just assumed that Maelle would be blushing or hesitant and wanting him to ease them into it first. So, once she presses her lips right against his, she again leaves him in a state of shock and he is definitely blushing a lot more now. His cheeks might be as red as his sunglasses at this point!!
But uh that was his first kiss and it just happened and it was so fast but it was nice because it was with someone he's dating-- Maelle.]
You--
[That's about all he can muster before he leans in first this time, with his lips pressing against hers and he doesn't pull away immediately. A kiss that's going to last more than 3 seconds is the goal now!! He is definitely feeling giddy now though...]
[Soooo maybe making a boy blush is really fun. Maelle is about to say as much when there's another kiss. Fair. She should have seen that one coming, but... it feels like a very long three seconds in which they are Very Close and she doesn't know what she should be doing, if anything, but instead of turning to flee she just abruptly laughs.]
--sorry, I... I don't know how to kiss.
[She can take down Axons and immortal beings and the Paintress, but kissing is where she struggles and while it's sad it's also very funny.]
I'm going to pass out.
[Not really, but she's laughing so much she's dizzy.]
[Laughter is still better than her running away, so he'll take it! Especially since it's a fond kind of laugh, one that is just a little embarrassed rather than outright mocking-- not that he'd expect that. It's just still nice. And maybe the fact that Maelle isn't that great in kissing makes him more relaxed too, since he is hardly the expert either.
They're learning together.]
It's okay, we'll keep practicing. Maybe we can watch some of Sophie's dumb romantic movies too.
[He assures her with a small laugh of his own, his hand just taking hers but he doesn't try kissing her again. Maybe that's enough for one meeting? She kissed him and he kissed her and they settled most of their concerns. Honestly, he could just go for some food with her right now.
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[It feels a little childish to pinky swear, but.] sure okay, if you promise not to just run off again.
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At least I chose flight over fight?
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thanks for not punching me in the face.
tomorrow then? at our spot?
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Play it off, girl.]
I knew that. I'll bring us both hot chocolate.
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yeah, cool. tomorrow at 2 then?
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[She should probably give him a little more than that.]
I'm looking forward to it, Scott.
[She is, beneath the anxiety!]
action?
same. see you then.
ACTION!
She's probably overthinking. It's not the end of the world! Been there, done that. There's no reason to feel so jittery, and she's paced a little flat spot on the ground thinking on what Gustave and Sciel have told her. Ultimately, she knows she needs to just... relax.
Not really her forte.]
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But eventually, he makes it. He's dressed as normal, jeans, shirt, and jacket combo and when he sees Maelle, he lifts one hand in greeting.]
Hey.
[He says, not awkwardly at all. 100%. He can imagine Sophie cheering him on in the background and she's really hopeful about this, but it's still hard.]
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[She greets him with the drinks, glad to have her hands full. One less foolish thing to do. There's still her foolish thing to apologize for in person. Text is fine, but it almost feels like cheating.]
I'm sorry. Again. So... I owe you a promise, yeah?
[She lifts her free hand, pinky out.]
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He isn't afraid of her running away again, but he's just entirely unsure how this conversation is going to go. Are they going to date? Or is it just... kind of weird?
However, he decides to meet her pinky finger with his, linking them and creating that small promise between them. Maybe it help reassure the both of them and everything will be fine?]
So uh, we will always be friends no matter what?
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[Was she supposed to say girlfriend? Oh, well. She bailed on that. Does dating make someone boyfriend and girlfriend immediately? Gustave, Sciel, Sophie... help???]
And I won't be offended if you do. Like I said, having... friends my age is new. Anyone actually liking me? Did you hit your head on a mission?
[She laughs, a touch strained, and perhaps only half joking.]
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Want to know something? [...] I'm pretty new to the whole friendship and dating thing as well.
[What he's seen has been on movies, honestly. He was just a lonely outcast for most of his life.] So if I hit my head, so did you.
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--hold on. It's--sweaty. Sorry.
[She wipes her palm on her thigh before quickly grabbing his hand. Now it's just clammy.]
That's so gross. Sorry.
[Maelle is sure she's hit her head at some point, but he should know better, regardless. She laughs, the neevousness feeding into a strange giddiness.]
Just, I was holding the warm drink and walking around, so... yeah. I'm not trying to make this weird. Really.
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He's very observant.
But as they continue to stand here and hold hands without any other silly things happening... it fully shifts into something nice. So, here they are?? Finally doing something even if the both of them don't know what they're doing and they're both so new to this. He's not sure how this is going to go, but at least it's good right now? He smile at her, the grin just a little clumsy.]
I think we've both made this weird, we're past that point. It's cool, it like suits us, you know?
[They're both weird teens that want to have some taste of normalcy.]
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[Holding hands with boys!!! Who would have thought. Maelle gives their hands a little swing. Weird things become less weird with time, right?]
So... what now?
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[He agrees, a small laugh finally breaking out from him that might be sounding just a little bit relieved. He would not say it's giddy though, even if that feeling might be an accurate description to how he's actually feeling right now. It's just a little embarrassing!! Still, are they actually boyfriend and girlfriend? Or does that come after a few dates? You know what, titles and shit don't matter, they will just do whatever is best and comfortable for them.
Yeah that sounds way better.
He swings his hand with her and... guess they've gotten past the hard part, huh? They made up, they promised each other that they'll remain friends, and now they're holding hands in the middle of a flower field. He honestly hasn't planned much after all that. Well, there is one thing, maybe.]
Well, we could try kissing again.
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Oh, yeah?
[She's amused, and she's definitely considered how she might initiate--she cam be brave, too! But in the moment just the thought makes her face turn red, and ultimately she's racing her nerves. Best not to think too much.
So, she leans in to press a quick kiss to Scott's cheek.]
No running, okay?
[It's a joke.
But please do not.]
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Instead, he looks happy. If just a little bashful, until he leans forward to kiss her back on the cheek as well. He can't be the only one standing here with that goofy ass expression, he has to get her back!! And maybe because he wants to kiss her too, this time with that reassurance that she won't run away.]
Not bad. [...] Should we uh try kissing on the lips though?
[He'll at least ask for that first!!]
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Thanks for the warning this time.
[... though she probably would have freaked out just the same, on Valentine's. She's braver now, after a few pep talks and the fact that she's beginning to accept the fact she has a long time ahead of her. Exploring and having fun outside of the Continent is probably a good idea. Living life is probably the best thing to do with her time, now.
She leans in to plant a quick kiss on Scott's lips. It's about as brief as a kiss can be while still counting as one, but she did it first!!! So there.]
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But uh that was his first kiss and it just happened and it was so fast but it was nice because it was with someone he's dating-- Maelle.]
You--
[That's about all he can muster before he leans in first this time, with his lips pressing against hers and he doesn't pull away immediately. A kiss that's going to last more than 3 seconds is the goal now!! He is definitely feeling giddy now though...]
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--sorry, I... I don't know how to kiss.
[She can take down Axons and immortal beings and the Paintress, but kissing is where she struggles and while it's sad it's also very funny.]
I'm going to pass out.
[Not really, but she's laughing so much she's dizzy.]
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They're learning together.]
It's okay, we'll keep practicing. Maybe we can watch some of Sophie's dumb romantic movies too.
[He assures her with a small laugh of his own, his hand just taking hers but he doesn't try kissing her again. Maybe that's enough for one meeting? She kissed him and he kissed her and they settled most of their concerns. Honestly, he could just go for some food with her right now.
That's part of dating anyway, right?]