schwarzen | inbox for prismatica

[ There's a lot of uncertainty that crosses his mind before he furrows his brow, hesitates, and continues following her.

Perhaps he should just let things lie, but he is nothing if not direct. ]

Because you wish to, or because you think it best for my sake?

[ She’s already on the move as he starts talking, but she doesn’t make it more than a few steps before she’s stopping again, twisting her head to peer at him over one shoulder, eyebrows raised. ]

You looked hesitant just now. I didn’t want to push too far.

[ Because they are still acquaintances more than friends and she’s not willing to alienate him right from the get-go, not when she’s come to enjoy the company of everyone on the Grandcyper – Siegfried included – so much. ]

That's awfully considerate for someone who doesn't mind apparently stealing kisses.

[ He doesn't sound angry about it though, more amused if anything. He takes a few steps forward and walks by her side again, slinging the bag of merchandise over his shoulder once more as they continue.

The conclusion he reaches as to why Rosetta must have done such a thing, however, confirms that he is the worst most dense character ever and I hate him. He smiles. ]

I'm aware that the currency here is generated through physical contact, so you needn't worry. You'd like to buy a few more things, wouldn't you?

[ If she's at all offended by his words she doesn't show it, a comfortable smile still firmly on her face as they saunter down the streets side by side and her attention swings from one stall to the next.

He has a point about the Chroma, but also—she sighs, almost chagrined by his continued ignorance. ]

Do you really think that's the only reason I act as I do?

[ Look, she likes shopping as much as the next girl but she wouldn't saunter up to any old man and plant a big fat one on his lips. ]

[ That actually does surprise him, drawing his attention away from a strange octopus statue in one of the stalls. ]

Oh, was I wrong? I didn't want to presume anything.

[ That blush? it might be creeping back in. ]

Not entirely - I do like shopping.

[ While they're on the subject of things she likes, let her just take a quick moment to peer up at him coyly. ]

I also like seeing you blush prettily like that.

[ One day she'll stop teasing him but today is not that day. Hopefully he takes it as well as he's taken everything else so far. ]

Surely I'm not the first woman to have showered attention on you?

[ All of the training and every battle victory he's experienced couldn't have prepared him for someone like Rosetta.

He clears his throat, though that doesn't help, because his face merely burns warmer. At least he's the type to keep his composure together, for the most part. ]

You are the first to do so so... boldly.

It leaves me uncertain as to how to respond. I don't typically take such gestures lightly, but...

[ For once, he's having some difficulty figuring out how to finish his thought. But he doesn't mind? But he's become more comfortable with the idea of showing such affection more casually? All of the above?

All of it sounds so...

Help. ]

[ She'll take that as a compliment.

But this isn't about her and the various habits she's adopted over the past several years, both good and bad. There's clearly something else on his mind that he isn't ready to articulate. As curious as she is, she doesn't push him on the subject, having maybe finally decided that she's pushed him around enough for the next half hour. ]

But...? [ She leaves it hanging there briefly, an invitation extended and left open should he find the right words. ] Is it something you want to become more comfortable with?

...

[ And now he's becoming a person more likely to share personal information with an acquaintance. Things really have changed so much. ]

I was in a different world before this one, a strange land that wasn't in any of the Skydoms. I was there against my will, similar to how we were brought here.

[ It's a lot to throw at a person at once, and maybe she doesn't see where he's going with this, but he continues. ]

To make a long story short, the culture of their society was particularly focused on sexuality. [ Actually the contract stuff was a lot more bothersome, but he leaves that part out for now. ]

So, in a sense, I suppose I was forced to become more comfortable with the idea of being closer to others. For better or for worse.

[ She turns fully as he speaks, head canting ever so slightly to the right as he tells her of his time in an even stranger place than this one. Her smile's gone by the time he finishes, replaced by something more bittersweet. ]

I'm sorry, Siegfried. I think it's wonderful if you can be physically comfortable with those who are dear to you&mddash;but not at the expense of your own comfort and choice.

[ And choice is something that's become so important to her, now that she has it.

Rosetta thinks on it a little, then waves a hand to the hubbub that surrounds them. ]

Now that we're here, what are you comfortable with?

Heh. That was hardly the worst offense this world committed. But it's fine. Here's to hoping this one is more hospitable to temporarily reside in.

[ Besides, if there's one thing he hates, it's someone else feeling worry or sympathy for him. So he's quite eager to change the subject, even though it did feel quite freeing to confide in someone else what he and others had been through.

The irony of her asking now, after she'd helped herself to his personal space, makes him smile. ]

No need to worry. If something makes me uncomfortable, I'll let you know.

[ He offers her his hand, proposing a different way of strolling through the market rather than simply walking side by side. ]

[ Better late than never, she's learned that much at least over the course of her lifetime.

If nothing else she's thankful he's taking things so well now and she takes the metaphorical olive branch of his outstretched hand and entwines her fingers with his. Sorry if he wanted something more platonic, this is the life he signed up for willingly hanging out with her. ]

It certainly is quite lively here. [ Her glance slides to him sidelong. ] Is it true that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach?

[ AKA is it time to try the weird market stall food on display. ]

[ He doesn't mind, not only because he initiated, but because he's reminded that company like this is nice. The envious stares he receives (and he does notice them, for once), remind him that he's quite lucky.

Besides, they are literally making chroma as they walk. The only way this can be ruined is if Rosetta packs so many things onto him that his hand becomes unavailable. ]

That sounds like a valid route regardless of gender, don't you think?

[ He looks around, zeroing in on a crepe stall. ]

You wouldn't happen to have a sweet tooth, would you?

[ She follows his gaze to the crepe stall, eyes brightening at the delicious crepes being handed out. ]

How did you guess?

[ Not that Primals technically need to eat, but she's always been happy to partake of the social custom of eating with friends. And there's no denying it - skyfarer food can be quite delicious sometimes. ]

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