[ that's the easiest thing to address first as he sits down at the table, with a grin. ]
For me what's fun is interesting, and what's interesting is fun~. I don't care 'bout right or wrong, but I do care 'bout being able to do what I want. Which you could sum up in one word: freedom.
[ it's the heart of ramuda amemura on both sides, but as a word it's grand enough that he doesn't mind slipping it between all the sugar and honey as a truth. ]
I guess you could say I also like people who exhibit their own freedom, whatever that is~.
Mm! And what could matter more than freedom? If it delights you, pursue it. If it displeases you, cast it aside. Life in its simplest form is no more complicated than that, non? We are not so different in that regard.
[And is it any wonder that Ramuda never so much as bristled when glimpsing the darker corners of Lobelia's nature last week? Not that Ramuda's compass is wrongβ he simply marches to his own drum. Life, after all, is what one makes of it. Anything can become a source of joy.
He takes his seat and gestures for Ramuda to hand him a wine glass. Among the bottles he's selected, which shall he pour first? A sweet brandy, or a crisp, slightly bitter red to contrast?]
I find your candor invigorating. I suppose I needn't worry about the harsher aspects of this place eroding your resolve, but the world has a habit of turning friends against each other when blood flows freely. Do you have a means to protect yourself, mon cher?
[ ramuda hums his approval mmhmm, mmhmm β«, handing him the glass. unfortunately(?) if you leave choice up to ramuda, he'll always go for the sweeter chouce, so he'll point at the brandy. though he'll drink the wine too, if that's what lobelia goes for in the end. ]
Awww, d'ya really think someone would go after lil ol' me? [ head tilted, a cherubic expression before he laughs. ]
If ya can get me my mic, I can take care of that myself β. Though I'd also need somethin' else too, now that I think of it.
[ casually, as if he hasn't been thinking of the latter ever since he woke up here empty-handed. ]
[A man after his own heart! Lobelia reaches for the brandy, letting the liquid catch the light as he pours Ramuda's glass. His own follows suitβ he's always preferred the sweeter things in life, especially with good company.]
Oui, I do think someone might go after you, little though you may be. You have the air of a man who shines too brightly for his own good. People with light tend to draw all sortsβ moths, admirers, and monsters alike.
[A slow smile pulls at his lips as he raises his glass.]
Here's to hoping I never have to find out which you attract most, mon cher artiste. Mm, but tell me more about your microphone, and what it is you need in addition to it. I can make you no promises, but I will do what I can to help.
Cheers!!! [ you'd think they were celebrating like it was 2000 with how enthusiastic ramuda is, tilting back his glass to get a proper sip with a satisfied ahhh after. ]
Hehe, this is the good stuff. You're spoiling me! β [ he sounds happy about it, since he does know the difference between top shelf and bargain bin liquor. ]
I guess I'll have to return the favor, huh? But lemme answer your question first.
After I ask you one of my own. [ sorry, sorry, his giggle seems to say for him. ] Do you really not know anything about us at all? I know you guys said that, but I wouldn't blame you for playing innocent when everyone was all suspicious of you from the start.
Oh, but this is a date, non? Spoiling you is the expectation. You should expect no less from a beau.
[Lobelia had a feeling they'd be picking at scraps once their welcome banquet was swept off the table, so he stashed a few bottles away for safekeeping. This is how they ought to be enjoyed, besides.
In contrast to Ramuda, Lobelia takes a restrained sip from his glass, cradling the stem just so between his fingers.]
Correct! If I knew more, I would not hesitate to share. After all, we're all in the same predicament, aren't we?
Perhaps you'll write it off as conspiratorial musings... but I've given our current predicament much thought. I believe some power beyond our understanding ushered us here to make use of us in some way, like pieces arranged upon a board.
[He rolls the glass in hand, watching how the amber catches the candlelight. He wears a faint, contemplative smile.]
If this power is merely observing, we may yet have time to act. But if it intends to test us... or pit us against one another... then every choice we make may already be part of its design. What do you think, mon cher?
Hehe, you're not wrong, it is a date! But I haven't forgotten that you wanted me to chase down your body first either. Not that a lil' hide and seek isn't fun~.
[ the reception is warmer than he was expecting but ramuda isn't complaining, just noting.
he takes another drink (this one smaller, thought not quite a sip), and hums a tune. it's bouncy with a particular sort of rhythm, up and down and up again. ]
We are...and we're not β. I certainly can't control a puppet, but a puppet wouldn't be as cute as me, so I don't mind~.
And guys like Kaois can't do their razzle dazzle stuff either. So you have a pretty big edge on us! You can do do special things too, can't you?
[ looks at lobelia's jail and looks away in the way only ramuda can. ]
I agree that there's something else that's pulling the main strings, though. But I was really askin' if you knew anything more about me.
Those silly papers were spread around last week, so even if you didn't write 'em, maybe a page two or three fell down wherever your hideout is.
Ah, so that's what you meant! You wish to know what I know of you.
[Lobelia's tone turns warmer, touched by quiet amusement as he observes Ramuda over the rim of his glass.]
Curious, aren't you? But more than that, you've given thought to your own safety. That sort of prudence is quite becoming, mon cher. Not many think so far ahead when the world tilts off its axis. Most panic, or bluster, or pretend not to see the danger at all.
You, on the other hand... you make it look effortless.
[His smile curls again, easy and knowing.]
As for those "silly papers," I'd not bothered reading them. But if I had, I doubt they'd tell me anything I couldn't learn from simply conversing with you.
[ ramuda considers for a long moment; if he had one of his trademark lollipops in his mouth he'd certainly have bought that time by letting their sweetness loll over his tongue. they're far from on even footing in ramuda's eyes, but he doesn't really care about the framing or the act, or lack thereof. he just wanted it to be known that he does See even if admitting as such is a tell in itself, but well.
he can play the fool, the airhead without a care in the world when he needs to, when it's beneficial to him, but he thinks he needs to level a little if he wants to get what he wants, what he needs. if he looks at it as another game, it's not that bad he thinks. even if he kind of hates it as someone who holds everything of substance about him locked tighter than the maximum security vaults in Chuohku. ]
Then let me tell you a little something for spoiling me! I won't bore you with the why [ "I wouldn't tell you even if you begged." ] but I need to eat a special candy every so often. Without it I start to feel really icky and gross, totally bad news bears. And you wouldn't want that for me, would ya? I wouldn't be able to go on anymore dates with you then!
I had a bunch on me before I wound up here, but they went missin' like everything else.
[Extortion by candy, is it? Lobelia can't help but laugh softly, indulgently, as though the notion itself were charming beyond measure. He sets his glass down, head tilting with an air of mock solemnity.
He sees what Ramuda is doing and he hardly minds his approach. Prudence means securing your own safety long before worrying for others. He's sensible. Intelligent. Playing the fool doesn't obscure hard truths.]
Ah, so that's how it is. A hostage situation, then! My, you drive a hard bargain, mon cher artiste.
[His smile lingers, sly but good-natured.]
Rest assured, I would hate to deprive you of your sweets. It would be a tragedy to see our lovely dates canceled on account of low blood sugar, non?
[He taps a thoughtful finger against his chin, feigning consideration.]
Alas, I can't promise I'll find your confections, but if I do stumble across something that tickles the tongue, you'll be the first to know. I wouldn't want our... arrangement to fall through.
Totally, I'm glad you get it, Lobelia! β They're in a cute pink wrapper, lollipops specifically, with a special logo on the front. But if you're not sure, I'll take any and all lollipops you find, hehe.
[ it's as good of a shot as he's going to be able to take at this point; he still has some time left regardless. (even if going this long already has him concerned, but if nothing else he's wily and more durable than he looks—ichijiku can attest to that). ]
But that's 'nough about that. Or mostly about that~. Is arrangement whatcha wanna call it? What do you want, Lobelia? From me β.
[He hums, considering Ramuda's question as though it were a far more serious matter than it is. When he answers, his tone is amusedβ velvet over something sharper, like he's enjoying testing the weight of the words on his tongue.]
What do I want, hm...?
[He leans forward slightly, a smile curving slow and knowing.]
Careful, mon cherβ asking questions like that might make me think you actually mean to indulge me.
[He pauses, gaze flicking over Ramuda.]
But since you're offering... I'll settle for honesty. Not the kind printed on those silly papers, but the kind that slips through when you forget to act the fool.
[He gestures lazily, as though the exchange were sealed with a toast rather than a threat.]
[ he laughs, a particularly high pitched giggle. ]
Maybe I do~. I do find you interesting, you know. And you are plenty handsome too. Plus you're certainly not boring no matter what you think that word means. [ he might have kept chattering onward, but that threat begs to be answered. ]
I don't forget β. But playing all naive and innocent has it's place up until I need to make someone go bye-bye in the Sumida or worse. Not that I can't be cute doing that either, hehe.
[ but that is a truth so to say, that only a few privileged people back home know. ]
But back to you! Sure, I'll play with you as long as it's not boring.
[ what does boring mean to ramuda amemura? well, that's for lobelia to find out because even hinting at it is something he tries to avoid. for now he'll just raise his glass for a toast—deal? ]
[He laughs quietly, not mockingβ merely delighted. There's a spark in his eyes now, interest sharpened to something keen. Whatever mask Ramuda wears, Lobelia recognizes the artistry of it. After all, he's made a lifelong study of performance.]
Ah, so you do remember the script. I was beginning to think you'd forgotten your lines.
[He props his chin in his hand, his gaze warm but knowing.]
Naive, innocent, cruelβ whichever mask fits the moment, you wear it magnifiquement. But I suspect it's the one you never take off that interests me most.
[He raises his glass, mirroring Ramuda's toast with amusement in his gaze.]
As for boring... I assure you, mon cher, that's the one sin I've never been accused of. So long as you can say the same, I think we'll play together quite nicely.
[He takes a slow sip, the faintest edge of a grin curving his lips.]
Nuh-uh! I have a good memory β. [ he sticks his tongue out playfully; is it an act? is it a mask? ramuda would probably call it a reflection, appearances suited for different places and different people.
but he has a drink to wet his lips with as he shouts kanpai with way too much zeal, sweet with a little burn but that's also part of the fun. (this is what he tells himself in the moment, at least)]
Ahhh, that did hit the spot. [ a pleased exhale, and if it's one thing lobelia will see tonight it's that his alcohol tolerance is actually insane (he will always pretend otherwise in the presence of other company) ]
But that's enough of that kinda talk, wouldn't you say? This is supposed to be a date!
Hey, I'm the one who asked first! Kinda. [ he asked and didn't ask. ]
Buuut. That depends on what a date means to you. I go on all kinds of dates! [ he's a ho because a guy has to survive in a society where men are literal property of women. ]
Some people just want company, others just want someone to hold 'em as they talk 'bout all the crappy things that happened durin' their work week, and other people want somethin extra special~.
So right back at cha! [ he does however, lean back in. not a fraction of an inch, an entire inch. because this is who he is, he doesn't do things in halves. ]
[He closes the distance by a breath, not touching, merely near enough that to show Ramuda he isn't afraid of meeting him in the middle.]
But since you insist that you asked first, it's only fair I tell you what a date means to me. I prefer simplicity: to enjoy the person in front of meβ no mask, no pretense beyond the playful ones we choose. To see their colors when they stop hiding. To savor a little honesty... and a little mischief.
[His smile curls wider, just so.]
So then, which version of yourself are you offering me tonight?
I was more honest with you already! [ no one else has seen him be much else other than a cheerful pink who flits around like a hummingbird. there are a few who probably have an inkling that he's more perceptive than he lets on, but that flash of ruthlessness has been for current company only.
all this talk of masks though...man this is giving him dejavu and that makes him feel all ughhhhh. (absolutely none of this shows on his face or in his heartbeat, he's had more than a few years and more than a few bodies to perfect how to control himself--to pick up what should be second nature to him, but isn't.) not that it changes reality though either, that he's at a disadvantage and therefore needs to reach for anything and everything he can grab onto.
in the end, it's not all that complicated. he knows what he's willing to offer and he knows what he isn't, and as long as that line isn't crossed, he'll continue to play. maybe he'll even have some fun. ]
So let's go with mischief β«. [ it should be no surprise that ramuda isn't shy, so forgive him (or don't) for him closing the remaining distance, mwah. it's a cute kiss, both hands framing lobelia's cheeks with just a bit more force than is required. ]
For now β. [ out there like a tease, because it is. there are other reflections to him, but if ramuda has his way, he'll always keep the deepest one hidden. ]
But if I warned you, what would be the fun in that? [ he says it with the lilt of a giggle but he doesn't laugh (a near thing, because he is ticklish), the weight of it more solid than any of his airy giggles. he's aware of what position he's in, he's aware of the hands on his own, he's trapped!
but he doesn't make a move to escape, nor does he look uncomfortable. his smile is if anything, amused. this is a familiar place in many ways, and ramuda amemura is equal parts stubborn as he is daring.
[Make no mistake: Lobelia is very fond of secrets. He guards his own like precious jewels, but other people's? Their secrets are poetry, irresistible and intoxicating. Keeping them from him while holding him close will only draw out the very worst in him. But Ramuda knows that, doesn't he? Ramuda courts danger on purpose, and that fascinates Lobelia endlessly.
So he'll indulge him. He lets his hands fall away from Ramuda's only to slip to the nape of his neck, guiding him forward into another kissβ longer, deeper, but only just. Call him a tease if you wish. Lobelia savors slow pleasures, patient as a man who knows dessert tastes sweetest when it's threatened by the possibility of being the last.]
If you wanted to trap me, you should have been prepared for what happens when I stop holding back.
[ today is today and tomorrow is tomorrow, what's dangerous is often fun and what's fun is interesting. it's a tenet he lives by, because there's something he's searching for too, something that's shaped him more than years of conditioning and biology were capable of, despite their best efforts. he's always thinking about it even when he shouldn't be, even when it runs counter to his other biggest motivation: survive.
but ramuda's not really thinking too hard on it right now. he lives easily in moments (a reflection of his true nature in ways big and small), so it's easy to let himself fall into the kiss. slow but sweet, a drizzle of honey rather than a bright punch of sugar; his lips part for it just as readily. ]
Should I? All that makes me wonder is why you'd hold back in the first place.
[ he'll remove one hand, but keep the other where it is, smile all mischief (as promised). ]
[Lobelia's laugh is soft, almost self-amused. Ramuda is all impulse and sweetness, isn't he? A rare treat for someone like Lobelia. After all, few people keep his company on purpose, and for good reason.]
Hold back? If this is what you think restraint looks like, you should pray you never see the alternative.
[His fingers trail from the nape of Ramuda's neck down to his shoulder, a featherlight touch that leaves warmth in its wake. It's not possessive, not yet, but the promise of it glints sharp beneath the gentleness.]
You kiss like a man who's never feared being bitten. Dangerous, non? It makes me wonder what you'd do if I stopped tasting and started devouring.
[He leans in, lips brushing Ramuda's cheek, not a kissβ just a ghost of one, cruelly withheld.]
[ heh, it's kind of ticklish; the way ramuda doesn't quite left himself giggle is perhaps his own version of a tease. though he likes it, of course. ]
Well, yeah. But maybe I like it dangerous? β [ a rhetorical question considering, but he says it anyway as he tends to do. he cocks his head so they're closer, but holds right there. ]
Do you really need me to tell you my answer? Or do you just want to hear me say it? Hehe, not that I blame you.
I am curious. [ confidently, brightly, but notably without an overabundance of dazzle like some of his words tend to carry. it makes the words more solid, weightier, something more than a flutter in the wind. ]
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no subject
[ that's the easiest thing to address first as he sits down at the table, with a grin. ]
For me what's fun is interesting, and what's interesting is fun~. I don't care 'bout right or wrong, but I do care 'bout being able to do what I want. Which you could sum up in one word: freedom.
[ it's the heart of ramuda amemura on both sides, but as a word it's grand enough that he doesn't mind slipping it between all the sugar and honey as a truth. ]
I guess you could say I also like people who exhibit their own freedom, whatever that is~.
no subject
[And is it any wonder that Ramuda never so much as bristled when glimpsing the darker corners of Lobelia's nature last week? Not that Ramuda's compass is wrongβ he simply marches to his own drum. Life, after all, is what one makes of it. Anything can become a source of joy.
He takes his seat and gestures for Ramuda to hand him a wine glass. Among the bottles he's selected, which shall he pour first? A sweet brandy, or a crisp, slightly bitter red to contrast?]
I find your candor invigorating. I suppose I needn't worry about the harsher aspects of this place eroding your resolve, but the world has a habit of turning friends against each other when blood flows freely. Do you have a means to protect yourself, mon cher?
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Awww, d'ya really think someone would go after lil ol' me? [ head tilted, a cherubic expression before he laughs. ]
If ya can get me my mic, I can take care of that myself β. Though I'd also need somethin' else too, now that I think of it.
[ casually, as if he hasn't been thinking of the latter ever since he woke up here empty-handed. ]
no subject
Oui, I do think someone might go after you, little though you may be. You have the air of a man who shines too brightly for his own good. People with light tend to draw all sortsβ moths, admirers, and monsters alike.
[A slow smile pulls at his lips as he raises his glass.]
Here's to hoping I never have to find out which you attract most, mon cher artiste. Mm, but tell me more about your microphone, and what it is you need in addition to it. I can make you no promises, but I will do what I can to help.
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Hehe, this is the good stuff. You're spoiling me! β [ he sounds happy about it, since he does know the difference between top shelf and bargain bin liquor. ]
I guess I'll have to return the favor, huh? But lemme answer your question first.
After I ask you one of my own. [ sorry, sorry, his giggle seems to say for him. ] Do you really not know anything about us at all? I know you guys said that, but I wouldn't blame you for playing innocent when everyone was all suspicious of you from the start.
no subject
[Lobelia had a feeling they'd be picking at scraps once their welcome banquet was swept off the table, so he stashed a few bottles away for safekeeping. This is how they ought to be enjoyed, besides.
In contrast to Ramuda, Lobelia takes a restrained sip from his glass, cradling the stem just so between his fingers.]
Correct! If I knew more, I would not hesitate to share. After all, we're all in the same predicament, aren't we?
Perhaps you'll write it off as conspiratorial musings... but I've given our current predicament much thought. I believe some power beyond our understanding ushered us here to make use of us in some way, like pieces arranged upon a board.
[He rolls the glass in hand, watching how the amber catches the candlelight. He wears a faint, contemplative smile.]
If this power is merely observing, we may yet have time to act. But if it intends to test us... or pit us against one another... then every choice we make may already be part of its design. What do you think, mon cher?
no subject
[ the reception is warmer than he was expecting but ramuda isn't complaining, just noting.
he takes another drink (this one smaller, thought not quite a sip), and hums a tune. it's bouncy with a particular sort of rhythm, up and down and up again. ]
We are...and we're not β. I certainly can't control a puppet, but a puppet wouldn't be as cute as me, so I don't mind~.
And guys like Kaois can't do their razzle dazzle stuff either. So you have a pretty big edge on us! You can do do special things too, can't you?
[ looks at lobelia's jail and looks away in the way only ramuda can. ]
I agree that there's something else that's pulling the main strings, though. But I was really askin' if you knew anything more about me.
Those silly papers were spread around last week, so even if you didn't write 'em, maybe a page two or three fell down wherever your hideout is.
no subject
[Lobelia's tone turns warmer, touched by quiet amusement as he observes Ramuda over the rim of his glass.]
Curious, aren't you? But more than that, you've given thought to your own safety. That sort of prudence is quite becoming, mon cher. Not many think so far ahead when the world tilts off its axis. Most panic, or bluster, or pretend not to see the danger at all.
You, on the other hand... you make it look effortless.
[His smile curls again, easy and knowing.]
As for those "silly papers," I'd not bothered reading them. But if I had, I doubt they'd tell me anything I couldn't learn from simply conversing with you.
no subject
[ ramuda considers for a long moment; if he had one of his trademark lollipops in his mouth he'd certainly have bought that time by letting their sweetness loll over his tongue. they're far from on even footing in ramuda's eyes, but he doesn't really care about the framing or the act, or lack thereof. he just wanted it to be known that he does See even if admitting as such is a tell in itself, but well.
he can play the fool, the airhead without a care in the world when he needs to, when it's beneficial to him, but he thinks he needs to level a little if he wants to get what he wants, what he needs. if he looks at it as another game, it's not that bad he thinks. even if he kind of hates it as someone who holds everything of substance about him locked tighter than the maximum security vaults in Chuohku. ]
Then let me tell you a little something for spoiling me! I won't bore you with the why [ "I wouldn't tell you even if you begged." ] but I need to eat a special candy every so often. Without it I start to feel really icky and gross, totally bad news bears. And you wouldn't want that for me, would ya? I wouldn't be able to go on anymore dates with you then!
I had a bunch on me before I wound up here, but they went missin' like everything else.
no subject
He sees what Ramuda is doing and he hardly minds his approach. Prudence means securing your own safety long before worrying for others. He's sensible. Intelligent. Playing the fool doesn't obscure hard truths.]
Ah, so that's how it is. A hostage situation, then! My, you drive a hard bargain, mon cher artiste.
[His smile lingers, sly but good-natured.]
Rest assured, I would hate to deprive you of your sweets. It would be a tragedy to see our lovely dates canceled on account of low blood sugar, non?
[He taps a thoughtful finger against his chin, feigning consideration.]
Alas, I can't promise I'll find your confections, but if I do stumble across something that tickles the tongue, you'll be the first to know. I wouldn't want our... arrangement to fall through.
no subject
[ it's as good of a shot as he's going to be able to take at this point; he still has some time left regardless. (even if going this long already has him concerned, but if nothing else he's wily and more durable than he looks—ichijiku can attest to that). ]
But that's 'nough about that. Or mostly about that~. Is arrangement whatcha wanna call it? What do you want, Lobelia? From me β.
no subject
What do I want, hm...?
[He leans forward slightly, a smile curving slow and knowing.]
Careful, mon cherβ asking questions like that might make me think you actually mean to indulge me.
[He pauses, gaze flicking over Ramuda.]
But since you're offering... I'll settle for honesty. Not the kind printed on those silly papers, but the kind that slips through when you forget to act the fool.
[He gestures lazily, as though the exchange were sealed with a toast rather than a threat.]
Fair trade, don't you think? Your truth for mine.
no subject
Maybe I do~. I do find you interesting, you know. And you are plenty handsome too. Plus you're certainly not boring no matter what you think that word means. [ he might have kept chattering onward, but that threat begs to be answered. ]
I don't forget β. But playing all naive and innocent has it's place up until I need to make someone go bye-bye in the Sumida or worse. Not that I can't be cute doing that either, hehe.
[ but that is a truth so to say, that only a few privileged people back home know. ]
But back to you! Sure, I'll play with you as long as it's not boring.
[ what does boring mean to ramuda amemura? well, that's for lobelia to find out because even hinting at it is something he tries to avoid. for now he'll just raise his glass for a toast—deal? ]
no subject
Ah, so you do remember the script. I was beginning to think you'd forgotten your lines.
[He props his chin in his hand, his gaze warm but knowing.]
Naive, innocent, cruelβ whichever mask fits the moment, you wear it magnifiquement. But I suspect it's the one you never take off that interests me most.
[He raises his glass, mirroring Ramuda's toast with amusement in his gaze.]
As for boring... I assure you, mon cher, that's the one sin I've never been accused of. So long as you can say the same, I think we'll play together quite nicely.
[He takes a slow sip, the faintest edge of a grin curving his lips.]
Γ notre arrangement, then.
no subject
but he has a drink to wet his lips with as he shouts kanpai with way too much zeal, sweet with a little burn but that's also part of the fun. (this is what he tells himself in the moment, at least)]
Ahhh, that did hit the spot. [ a pleased exhale, and if it's one thing lobelia will see tonight it's that his alcohol tolerance is actually insane (he will always pretend otherwise in the presence of other company) ]
But that's enough of that kinda talk, wouldn't you say? This is supposed to be a date!
no subject
A date, bien sΓ»r! Forgive meβ your enthusiasm is infectious. One drink and already you're turning the evening into a festival.
[He tips his glass toward Ramuda, a slow, appreciative gesture, eyes warm with mischief.]
Very well, mon cher artiste. No more musings on masks or mysteries. Not when you're so eager to get to the good part.
[He leans in just a fraction, voice velvet-smooth.]
So tell me... which part of our date were you hoping to begin with?
no subject
Buuut. That depends on what a date means to you. I go on all kinds of dates! [ he's a ho because a guy has to survive in a society where men are literal property of women. ]
Some people just want company, others just want someone to hold 'em as they talk 'bout all the crappy things that happened durin' their work week, and other people want somethin extra special~.
So right back at cha! [ he does however, lean back in. not a fraction of an inch, an entire inch. because this is who he is, he doesn't do things in halves. ]
no subject
Oh my... So many dates, so many roles. You make it sound as though you've charmed half the world and survived the other half. Company, comfort, confession... quel Γ©ventail! A lesser man might be intimidated.
[He closes the distance by a breath, not touching, merely near enough that to show Ramuda he isn't afraid of meeting him in the middle.]
But since you insist that you asked first, it's only fair I tell you what a date means to me. I prefer simplicity: to enjoy the person in front of meβ no mask, no pretense beyond the playful ones we choose. To see their colors when they stop hiding. To savor a little honesty... and a little mischief.
[His smile curls wider, just so.]
So then, which version of yourself are you offering me tonight?
no subject
all this talk of masks though...man this is giving him dejavu and that makes him feel all ughhhhh. (absolutely none of this shows on his face or in his heartbeat, he's had more than a few years and more than a few bodies to perfect how to control himself--to pick up what should be second nature to him, but isn't.) not that it changes reality though either, that he's at a disadvantage and therefore needs to reach for anything and everything he can grab onto.
in the end, it's not all that complicated. he knows what he's willing to offer and he knows what he isn't, and as long as that line isn't crossed, he'll continue to play. maybe he'll even have some fun. ]
So let's go with mischief β«. [ it should be no surprise that ramuda isn't shy, so forgive him (or don't) for him closing the remaining distance, mwah. it's a cute kiss, both hands framing lobelia's cheeks with just a bit more force than is required. ]
no subject
Then he laughs, a low sound that curls between them like smoke.]
Mischiefβ
[He echoes, tasting the word on his tongue as though it were a drink they shared.]
So this is the version of you I get. The daring one. The one who acts before he thinks.
[His hands lift, slow and deliberate, to cover Ramuda's on his cheeksβ not removing them, only holding them in place.]
You know... I think I rather like him.
[He leans in just enough, noses nearly brushing, his smile softening into something almost intimate.]
Though next time, mon cher artiste, you should warn a man before you steal his breath.
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But if I warned you, what would be the fun in that? [ he says it with the lilt of a giggle but he doesn't laugh (a near thing, because he is ticklish), the weight of it more solid than any of his airy giggles. he's aware of what position he's in, he's aware of the hands on his own, he's trapped!
but he doesn't make a move to escape, nor does he look uncomfortable. his smile is if anything, amused. this is a familiar place in many ways, and ramuda amemura is equal parts stubborn as he is daring.
so, what next? ]
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So he'll indulge him. He lets his hands fall away from Ramuda's only to slip to the nape of his neck, guiding him forward into another kissβ longer, deeper, but only just. Call him a tease if you wish. Lobelia savors slow pleasures, patient as a man who knows dessert tastes sweetest when it's threatened by the possibility of being the last.]
If you wanted to trap me, you should have been prepared for what happens when I stop holding back.
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but ramuda's not really thinking too hard on it right now. he lives easily in moments (a reflection of his true nature in ways big and small), so it's easy to let himself fall into the kiss. slow but sweet, a drizzle of honey rather than a bright punch of sugar; his lips part for it just as readily. ]
Should I? All that makes me wonder is why you'd hold back in the first place.
[ he'll remove one hand, but keep the other where it is, smile all mischief (as promised). ]
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Hold back? If this is what you think restraint looks like, you should pray you never see the alternative.
[His fingers trail from the nape of Ramuda's neck down to his shoulder, a featherlight touch that leaves warmth in its wake. It's not possessive, not yet, but the promise of it glints sharp beneath the gentleness.]
You kiss like a man who's never feared being bitten. Dangerous, non? It makes me wonder what you'd do if I stopped tasting and started devouring.
[He leans in, lips brushing Ramuda's cheek, not a kissβ just a ghost of one, cruelly withheld.]
Tell me... are you curious enough to find out?
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Well, yeah. But maybe I like it dangerous? β [ a rhetorical question considering, but he says it anyway as he tends to do. he cocks his head so they're closer, but holds right there. ]
Do you really need me to tell you my answer? Or do you just want to hear me say it? Hehe, not that I blame you.
I am curious. [ confidently, brightly, but notably without an overabundance of dazzle like some of his words tend to carry. it makes the words more solid, weightier, something more than a flutter in the wind. ]
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