No need to rush

[setlist]

little steps No matter how much they care for the other person and want to be with them, some people simply can't dive head first into relationships. Little things that form intimacy and romance, little acts we take for granted - being close, holding hands, kissing, showing affection in public - they won't or can't do...at least not right off the bat. Something in their past, their experiences, their trauma, or even their personality holds them back. For both them and the person they're "dating," as it were, this can lead to a frustrating experience. Still, steps can be taken towards letting the walls fall down. Little, tiny steps, but those can mean the world all the same. The People One With the help of a partner, one person warms up. Two Both sides of this couple are learning how to be in a relationship and to be open. The Actions Talking → A relationship can't exist if there's not some communication, so either learn to use your words or become so close you can speak without them. Spending Time → Even such mundane occurrences as watching TV or cooking together is new ground. Touching → You might just find you enjoy reaching out and touching them. Kissing → Another kind of touch, when you think about it. Cuddling → ...at least they're warm and, hopefully, soft. Sleeping → You're at your absolute weakest when you're asleep. It shows trust to doze off around this person. Public Display → It's one thing to be in love in private, but showing you care in public is a different story. Kind Words → Three little words (more or less) are all it takes. Why, then, are they so hard to get out? Sex The ultimate stumbling block to some. To be laid blissfully bare is to truly let your guard down.

Comments

LOL WHAT IS SLEEP

[his_queen]

[She didn't know how to respond to his admission of just wanting to be together. Sure, she felt the same- she had admitted it in their earlier conversation, hadn't she? But the sentiments made her feel awkward. It wasn't bad by any means, and just as she forced herself mentally to accept the fact that this was what he would be doing if she was "his girl" as he put it, he had to go and compliment her.

She blushed, and subconsciously pulled her sweater a bit more closed.]

Thank you... [Riza nodded, and took the key from its spot near the door.] We shall.

[The walk into town was mildly uneventful, but she did tell him about her friends and school mates who used to come and visit. How they had stopped visiting when her father had gotten worse for fear of spreading whatever disease he had- even though the doctor was adamant about it not being contagious. But he should be proud of her, she insisted, because she actually socialized with others her age when he was gone, even if it was just a short while.

As they neared the town square, where the festival was going on, she slowed her walking and looked slightly nervous.

Without looking at him, she hesitantly and softly took his hand.

She was scared.

Even she didn't realize how long it had been since she left the house. There were so many people ahead, and she didn't want to answer questions if any of them decided to say hello.]

I apologize, I- [She closed her eyes and took a breath, that small blush returning.] Roy, you'll... be by my side today... right?

[It was a small voice, and her eyes conveyed the fear mixed with a silent request to not let her go in the sea of people as she looked at him. As long as he agreed, her smile would return, and she would be ready to let herself have the fun she deserved.]

[his_queen]

[With an appreciative smile, she never let go of his hand- her anchor to keep her calm and safe- and pointed ahead a game that had toy rifles shooting at targets to win a prize.

She looked excited, almost like a kid in a candy store.]

They have games- look! Let's play against each other. [She smirked- teasing, finally relaxing somewhat.]

I want to see your skills, soldier boy.

[his_queen]

[As soon as he finished saying "ready," she had already aimed, and was on her second shot, then the third. Each target hit.

She raised an eyebrow at him, and set the rifle against her hip, the barrel facing the air.

Riza acted innocent, with an oblivious and curious look at him- but her eyes betraying the look, as it was all a tease.]

You mean you haven't shot yet?

[After a pause, she covered her mouth and laughed, handing the gun back to the person at the stall in exchange for a giant plush frog.]

[his_queen]

I thought you said you weren't going to go easy on me. And don't poke Akumariku. He didn't do anything to you.

[She swatted his hand away, then nudged against him.]

Your turn to choose what we do next. Maybe something you're good at this time.

[his_queen]

Such a gentleman you are.

[She nudged him again, but this time, she shifted the plush to one arm, and with her free hand, she found his hand again. She locked her fingers in his with a smile as they passed through the crowd to the game he pointed out.]

Good choice. Throwing something isn't exactly my expertise. Maybe you should win something for me?

[She blushed and almost looked away.]

Isn't that what soldiers are supposed to do for "their girls?"

[It wasn't much, but it was more of an acceptance to him- yes, he can call her as much. At least here and now. Maybe if they sent him to war, she could be the bright spot in the darkness. She could only hope.]

[his_queen]

[Oh she saw it. She definitely saw the ball hit the man in the back of the head. She looked shocked for a moment until the man waved his hand, and she allowed herself to laugh.]

Smooth, Roy. I'm so [In between laughing.] incredibly flattered.

[She finally finished her laughing fit and took his hand again.]

Why don't you pick something that will remind me of you when you leave? I think... That would mean more.

[his_queen]

[She was shocked and slightly confused for a moment when he handed her the dog plush, but as the joke clicked in her head, she smiled and shook her head.]

He's you.

[She hugged it close before setting the dog into the frog's arms so it was easier to carry.

She blushed again when he offered to buy her something.]

Roy, it's enough that you're paying for the games, I don't think you need to waste your money on me.

[It already felt strange when he bought her food and necessities, but those were just that, necessities. This wasn't necessary or practical at all to get a gift.

She just wasn't used to things like that.]

[his_queen]

[Riza bit her lip when he essentially put her on the spot with the woman at the stall and attempted to refrain from frowning. Instead, she took a small breath and looked incredibly serious as she looked over the wares.

If she was going to be forced to get something that wasn't necessary, she would make sure it meant something to her.

Some things were gaudy, some seemed like they would break with a touch, some were too expensive for her tastes... but she noticed a small brooch.

It caught her eye in a way that made them sparkle.

A single bird in a cage.

It shined, and she hesitantly reached for it, afraid of the price as it wasn't advertised. That was never a good sign. She whispered.]

It's beautiful.

[She wanted it, and it showed in her eyes as her hand still just hovered over it.]

Roy, if it's too much, I can find something else.

[his_queen]

I-... Roy, you... you really didn't have to.

[She looked between him and the bag, then nodded.]

Yes, I would love to. I don't think I've ever worn any accessories besides... [Her hands moved to the earrings she wore that were another gift from him.

She handed him the plushes she held in exchange for the small bag and opened it carefully, pinning the brooch to her sweater at the very top, almost like tying her sweater together at the neck with it.]

My mother used to wear them like this when she didn't wear her necklace to go out.

[She smiled and touched it gently before looking at him, and suddenly hugging him.]

Thank you.

[It was whispered against his shoulder, and she lingered there for a moment before letting go with a blush.]

[his_queen]

[She took the plushes back, and slid her arm into his, instead of just her hand.

Time passed as they played a few more games- never quite as lucky as the first two games, but close... but maybe they were distracted by the animated conversation he pulled her into. The smile that didn't leave her face except to tease him, even as they ate festival foods that somehow ended up with bits being thrown at the other among laughter.

Before long, the sun was beginning to set. She had protested that she needed to get home, but when he set her plushes on the ground, and twirled her into a dance where the music played, the thought slipped her mind. Fireworks started, as nighttime fell upon them, and despite saying that she needed to leave, her eyes stared in awe at the bright colors and art in the sky.

They had found a secluded patch of soft grass to sit, and he made her lay back to see the show better.

She shivered, and leaned against him, her head now on his shoulder, any hesitance from before almost completely gone after the day she had being a normal girl with feelings for a boy that liked her back.]

It's gorgeous...

[his_queen]

[At his question, she blushed and looked up at him.

And nodded slowly, speaking in a small whisper.]

Yes.

[Her eyes caught his, and she looked nervous, but ready.]

[his_queen]

[She was grateful for how slow he took the action, and when his lips touched hers, it felt like a surge of electricity rushed through her.

She parted her lips and allowed him entry holding his shoulders for leverage.

When he broke the kiss, she breathed fast, still blushing, and held his hand in return.]

It was amazing.

I think... [She whispered, and looked down, embarrassed by her next words.] I'd like to kiss you more.

Lolol I used the icon version xD

[his_queen]

[She closed her eyes and made a quiet noise as he trailed kisses on her skin and on her lips, that blush still there, never leaving.

When they broke this kiss, she smiled at his look, and laughed at his words.]

That sounds perverted.

[It was another tease and she laughed and kissed his lips quickly, then sat up properly and stretched, her smile only slightly fading.]

It's getting late and we've been gone longer than I wanted to be.