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Post by Victoria Miller on Nov 2, 2015 19:43:23 GMT -5
Just as soon as Tori had been reflecting on how odd it felt to not be the driving force on an outing, the pendulum swung back her way. Her question about concessions had been meant to be polite, as well as to partially balance out the costs each party had covered today. Clearly the pendant was worth more than the girls' combined lunch so she decided it was necessary to bring that balance about. Since they weren't officially on a date or anything, spreading out the costs was a decent enough idea. She didn't want to be sending the wrong message of course. Yet there was Raion, the fierce Lioness of Vincennes, getting nervous and bowing in order to turn down the offer of unhealthy snacks. Raion was flustered! This was the kind of thing she would expect to see from a cute girl whom allowed the Queen to take the lead regularly, not from someone who was her equal. Something was occurring to the redhead - the mental process was clear on the girl's face - which brought about the most unexpected reaction. Without hesitation Tori mentally got herself back into gear as the driving force rather than one that followed.
"Then let's not worry about getting any concessions this time. I would likewise need to compensate with additional exercise if I ate any of it, no matter how tempting they might be," Tori responded with a flick of her wrist to dismiss the original notion. Before they could linger on that Tori began to reason which kind of film she should take the redhead to.
She could rule out the childrens' films they had running, since she doubted they would be of interest to Lion d'Icendie. Certain types of girls tended to like certain kinds of films, or at least certain kinds of films were better for outings with certain kinds of girls. So what kind of film would be best for viewing alongside a proud, competitive girl whom the Queen of Spica considered a true friend and equal? Both of them sought out challenges, which made the romantic films seem less likely candidates. That and they might send a romantic message before Tori was ready to have that discussion with Raion. Before she did that she'd want to feel out if Raion might be interested in girls at all. That left an action film and a horror film, which made her decision for her, since she had a plan begin to formulate the moment she stared at its flier. A challenge befitting two proud girls.
She took the flier, took Raion by the arm again and started walking toward the box office, "Then let us watch this film! I hear that it's very good, quite exciting and honestly frightening. Sounds like a challenge to me! Shall we pit ourselves against the greatest creative minds in the horror genre?"
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Post by Raion Honoo on Nov 2, 2015 21:54:03 GMT -5
Ready to roar, ready or not Ready to give it all I've got Gotta live to win, get up, get out, get even Ready to roar, ready or not Ready to give it one more shot Let the game begin, need something to believe in Ready to roar!R A I O N ╜───────╓
Everything she stood for was crumbling apart right now in her own stupid thoughts. Raion, Lion D'incindie, was blushing and acting like an idiot. This was not her. This was some demon creating a horrid example for her. She had to snuff out this terrible behavior somehow, but how? Surely there was something. This... Tora never brought out these reactions in her. Whatever was going on, she intended to avoid at all costs. She quickly took a moment to compose herself, a deep breath and straightening her posture as much as she could, she made the best effort she could to pretend that such a thing had never happened. Time to tip the scales back in her fiery favor.
"Let's do it. I never refuse a challenge." she agreed, unsure of what she had just signed herself up for in the first place. "I just hope you don't give out on me halfway through. I expect great things from you."
That's right, bring the tsuntsun back. Just in time to finally realize what movie they were going to see. She subconsciously tightened her grip on Tori's arm.
"And if you need to cling to me during the movie I won't think less of you. maybe."
╖───────╓ H O N O O
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Post by Victoria Miller on Nov 2, 2015 22:09:43 GMT -5
As expected, framing the choice of film as a challenge rather than anything strategic won over the Lioness with precision. There were noticeable changes in how the redhead acted depending on the mood, though Tori wasn't totally certain of what was going on in the girl's mind. Based on her blushing and nervousness Tori could guess that she was perhaps starting to realize this had the feel of something more than just friends hanging out. Despite that she wasn't about to push things right now. Not when there was a challenge - which admittedly the blonde was getting equally worked up about after the comments her friend made. A horror film was going to serve as their next joint challenge and it was one that Tori was confident she would not lose. She'd seen a few of this kind of film in the past and was sure she wouldn't do more than flinch at the more terrifying things.
"Of course not, and I in turn will not think less of you should you need to cling to me during the film. There is no way that the Queen of Spica is going to allow such a film to undermine the courage and integrity her reputation holds," Tori countered, smiling as she paid for the tickets and led the way into the theater proper.
Without consulting her friend she led the way toward some seats in the back and nodded, "This should be quite suitable for our purposes, don't you? In the back so that we will have easy access to the exits should the need arise. These seats look rather comfortable too.. they shall do in lieu of high backed chairs or thrones I believe."
Then she motioned for the redhead to precede her, "After you, my dear lioness. Since this was my idea I believe it only fitting that you be allowed to sit first.. and the next time we do something like this you will be the one who gets to choose the film. I'm very interested to see what you would choose."
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Post by Raion Honoo on Nov 2, 2015 22:23:03 GMT -5
Ready to roar, ready or not Ready to give it all I've got Gotta live to win, get up, get out, get even Ready to roar, ready or not Ready to give it one more shot Let the game begin, need something to believe in Ready to roar!R A I O N ╜───────╓
Certainly, the prospect of challenge was enough to outweigh her thoughts in the moment. In all honesty, she was still thinking, but it was in better terms - normal terms. If this was a real date, so be it, she thought. She was allowed to get experience so she could perhaps understand romance better anyway. Justify that cheating, Raion. And a horror movie wouldn't be... TOO bad. Surely she wouldn't crack first. It wasn't a question that she would, but she would NOT be first. She was a proud, wild animal. Untamed by social ties or spooky scary skeletons. Even if a shiver went down her spine just thinking about the shrieking skulls, and even if she felt that this movie may shock her soul, it would not seal her doom tonight.
Ha. Music.
"I can agree to that." she stated firmly. "Let's sit here. All the better to cover your cheeks when you start blushing from embarrassment when I beat you."
Tsuntsun mode activated. She made her best effort to remain composed despite knowingly sinning in a most terrible way, but she also kept justifying it as pseudo. Like back home, this was a substitute for the real thing, to allow the young women to grow used to the idea. She made mental note of that, and immediately her nerves were calmed. She decided it would be time to really test things soon anyway. If a moment caught her that scared her, but not badly enough to react to, she was likely to grab for Tori's hand in a faux casual way just to see what would happen. if she was refused, she would play it off like she was just getting comfortable. If she didn't, she would have her own war of attrition to fight about how long she could hold someone's hand for without melting.
She took her seat, and waited for the opportunity to put her challenge to herself into motion.
╖───────╓ H O N O O
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Post by Victoria Miller on Nov 2, 2015 22:57:12 GMT -5
"All the better to revel in my victory when you end up being more frightened than you could have imagined as the film progresses. A challenge it is," Tori replied to Raion's statement with a grin that was ladylike and more that of a teenager making a dare.
Tori allowed the redhead to take her seat before getting herself comfortable in the next seat over. These weren't the best theater seats she'd ever felt but they were far from the worst and definitely had padding in the right places to make her feel fairly comfy indeed. Throughout the commercials and previews which inevitably came before the actual film they'd paid for the English girl was more interested in the person occupying that adjacent seat than anything being promoted on screen. How was the Lioness going to handle the challenge of a horror film? Was she distracted by other things that had little to do with the content of that film? These and other questions swam through her head as she decided that was all gravy compared to the fact that she was seeing a movie with a pretty girl whom she held in high esteem. There was a common misconception that dates between girls in a private school were just practice with one standing in for a boy, since boys obviously couldn't attend those schools. Tori was not interested in simply pretending - she liked girls, was comfortable with that fact and ready to share it with others, provided there were no teachers around to crack down on her behavior (flirting with everything in sight).
As the movie progressed there were the expected jump scares, misleading moments and a couple of character deaths. Fairly pedestrian as far as Tori was concerned, but still mindless entertainment in fine form all together. She risked some glances over at Raion to see whether the girl was going to be able to live up to her bold statements. All the while her mind conjured images of the redhead shrieking in terror, her bravery leaving her. Of the lioness grasping her hand tightly, cuddling up with the Queen out of fear of what was going on in the film. In such a situation the Queen would be obligated to reciprocate the gesture wouldn't she? Maybe even stroke the girl's fine, beautiful hair as she sat there shielding the girl from the horrors of the undead. Very unlikely given the girl she was thinking of, but still nice little thoughts to have. In fact they made her blush a bit. If it happened, it happened, but she wasn't going to initiate any such thing. Whatever happened, it would be on the redhead to make any and all first moves.
"How are you liking it so far, Raion?" she whispered, returning her eyes to the screen.
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Post by Raion Honoo on Nov 2, 2015 23:09:02 GMT -5
Ready to roar, ready or not Ready to give it all I've got Gotta live to win, get up, get out, get even Ready to roar, ready or not Ready to give it one more shot Let the game begin, need something to believe in Ready to roar!R A I O N ╜───────╓
There were a few previews, during which she zoned herself out. There was no need to watch such nonsense.Her intense thoughts had all but faded into a more justified rationale that she allowed herself to believe wasn't making her an awful person. Before the movie began she took a deep breath, and during it she held herself fairly tense. It was the very first slow pan up to the face of the undead that got her - jumpscares were trivial, but suspense and buildup were horrifying. She immediately felt uneasy and reached for the hand of her Queen. Whatever happened after would probably make her more nervous than the movie itself. In fact, the very thought of what she was doing distracted her from the horrors quite a bit. The only time things got worse was when Tori spoke. A sound coming from her side that wasn't there before made her twitch, which knowing the challenge at hand made her blush.
"I-i'm fine!" she lied, the very next moment of undead horror causing her to squeeze the hand of the girl next to her. "J-just helping you get through!"
It took her until things had settled back on the main characters talking before she released the girl's hand, but she didn't move her own too far away. She wasn't sure what it was, but something told her that she shouldn't have let go. That thought forced her hand to stay on the edge of the arm rest, nervously debating reaching back in or falling into her lap.
╖───────╓ H O N O O
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Post by Victoria Miller on Nov 2, 2015 23:22:43 GMT -5
The Queen didn't have to wait very long at all before the redhead in fact made the first move. Just as Tori had hoped the girl reached for her hand, which was gently accepted. If in fact the fearsome lioness was indeed frightened by the suspense of the film, Tori wasn't about to scare her with a suddenly firm grip. As the film progressed she held the girl's hand to reassure her that this was fine, even if their bet was being won by the Queen herself. Raion's hands were surprisingly smooth considering how athletic the girl was and how much use the hands had likely seen as part of that all. Quite what you'd expect out of a ladylike student who'd gotten herself such a fine title from classmates at her previous school. A knot formed in the Queen's stomach as the redhead squeezed her hand and claimed she was helping Tori get through. This girl was a proud competitor who was being confronted with something she did far less well in dealing with. Was it really okay to revel in that? Tori decided she'd test what happened if she took a bit of initiative next.
As soon as the main characters' momentary peace was shattered by the undead menace, Tori took Raion's hand and asked, "Still helping me through?"
That said she risked a glance over to the redhead and added, "The special effects are actually quite good... I'm impressed."
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Post by Raion Honoo on Nov 2, 2015 23:38:44 GMT -5
Ready to roar, ready or not Ready to give it all I've got Gotta live to win, get up, get out, get even Ready to roar, ready or not Ready to give it one more shot Let the game begin, need something to believe in Ready to roar!R A I O N ╜───────╓
And sure as the movie continued, so did her nervousness. She immediately responded to the grip of Tori's hand with another squeeze as well as tucking herself closer inward toward the girl. She wasn't even protesting her defeat, as she knew better. She just allowed the moment to take hold, and in this moment, there was a dear friend next to her that was protecting her from the undead menace. She knew, rationally, that her fears were silly. But for some reason she was always weak to horror movies. Truth be told, if Tori really was interested this was the best decision she could have made. Raion didn't expose this side of herself to just anyone, and she was even clinging to the girl. It was unbecoming of the fiery girl, but she could do nothing about it. Everyone has a weakness right?
"Y-yes! Still here for you!" she lied again.
As things began to reach what she assumed would be the climax, her shoulders tensed even more and she reached over the seat and wrapped an arm around Tori for support. She knew she had been bested and her blush was as red as her hair, but as long as she was safe with Tori she didn't much care about this outcome. Well, no, she did care, but not enough to fight it. Right now security mattered more than pride, and she knew deep down that as soon as the credits rolled that notion would be reversed. But she wasn't at the credits yet. And Tori was unusually soft--
Raion, no. Bad girl. You're engaged.
╖───────╓ H O N O O
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Post by Victoria Miller on Nov 2, 2015 23:58:03 GMT -5
. Victory in this challenge was certain the moment the redhead replied that she was in fact still helping Tori get through the film. Teasing comments about the film and its special effects had helped bring out a side of the girl which Tori had genuinely not expected. Holding hands with the girl made everything infinitely more enjoyable as she half-watched the rest of the film with Raion on her mind firmly. Stealing glances in between shots showed her that the girl had conceded defeat and sought the Queen's comfort as the film rolled on. This was apparently the lioness' weakness, and Tori was happy to comfort her even if she felt a little bad about deliberately choosing something like this. Only a little. She gave Raion's hand a squeeze a couple of times just to remind her that she was still there, still offering her support even as the challenge 'continued'.
Around the climax the redhead tensed up even more and wrapped her arm around Tori. This was sudden and surprising enough that Tori blushed a bit herself, though she was all too ready to wrap her arm around Raion's shoulders in comfort. Resisting the urge to stroke that beautiful hair she merely gave the girl's shoulders a good rub to reassure her as the movie hit its scariest point. In the past she'd held girls close but this was different. She didn't want to scare off or hurt Raion by being too forward but she felt her heart flutter a little as she sat with the redhead in her arms. This was definitely more than a casual interest on Tori's part. With a contented sigh she looked into Raion's eyes and smiled. Quite comfortable and potentially a preview of things to come in the future. If Raion ended up liking her as well, this might have a chance. If not.. she at least had this moment. A beautiful moment she'd treasure as long as they remained friends.
"Don't worry, I'm certain they'll survive," Tori whispered, just as the main characters left alive managed to get some space between themselves and the undead, "They're strong like us."
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Post by Raion Honoo on Nov 3, 2015 0:12:33 GMT -5
Ready to roar, ready or not Ready to give it all I've got Gotta live to win, get up, get out, get even Ready to roar, ready or not Ready to give it one more shot Let the game begin, need something to believe in Ready to roar!R A I O N ╜───────╓
It wasn't that she didn't enjoy this. She quite did. The issue was that she shouldn't be enjoying this. This movie was gratuitiously violent and horrific, and she was all too aware of the potential context of their outing, meaning she was possibly cheating on her future husband with another woman to watch a biblical abomination. Had this been Vincenness, she would probably have been shunned on the spot. She was confident that her parents would strongly disapprove too. No matter how she tore it, this was sinful and she would be going to Hell if it existed. So why was she enjoying herself?
And then, finally, the screen faded to black. She had remained silent throughout the rest of the movie, clinging to Tori like some kind of tumor. The credits song kicked in and the lights began to raise, and all was well. She breathed in deeply, allowing the tension to leave her in that moment. Everything was back to--
Well, no, she was still definitely clinging to Tori. She realized this and pulled back, lowering her head and lighting up like the light on a car with how red she had become. She internally cursed herself for allowing anyone to see this weak side to her, even a close friend, and decided to immediately confront the situation.
"I am defeated. But... I hope you understand I can't let word of this get around." she stated firmly. "So I'll be blunt. What will it take to earn your secrecy?"
While she said this sternly, her eyes were betraying her words. She looked longing, almost. Like she truly hadn't wanted to let go. Then came another gesture. She turned to directly face Tori and clasped both of her hands in her own and looked her directly in the eyes.
"And... Thank you for this, all the same. I haven't, well... It's been a long time since I enjoyed a day out like this. it's been all work and public appearances. I needed this, and I doubt anybody else would have been enough to satisfy me. So you'd best be thankful you're my first choice!"
╖───────╓ H O N O O
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Post by Victoria Miller on Nov 3, 2015 21:32:05 GMT -5
Tori couldn't have been happier with how things were turning out with Raion in the wake of the film. She was still clinging to the English girl's arm as the lights came back on and the credits rolled. The majestic, proud lioness had been defeated at the challenge which Tori had set, unable to deal with the thematic suspense inherent in the genre. What really mattered to her was being able to see the redhead in a much more vulnerable setting, giving her a better understanding of Lion d'Icendie. Proud and strong as she was the girl was actually pretty cute when she was flustered by something. The blonde let her hold on as long as she needed to. For putting Raion through this she at least owed the girl some time to cool down, collect herself and think of some kind of explanation for her defeat. Saving face was important in Japanese culture; the blonde felt she owed it to her friend to allow space to do that, and didn't really plan to capitalize on Raion's defeat. So when the girl sternly asserted that word of her defeat should not get around Tori just nodded in understanding.
"You may rest assured that my lips are sealed on this issue. As this was a rather abrupt challenge which I thrust us into, there was no time to establish terms for either party's victory. Therefore I don't believe it will be necessary to purchase my secrecy," Tori reasoned, kicking herself mentally for not naming a kiss on the cheek her price. She held the lioness in such high esteem that she decided asking for such a thing wouldn't be helpful in the long run. No kiss until she knew if the girl would be interested romantically as a certainty rather than a suspicion.
Then she reached over and hugged the redhead, taking that as an impromptu reward instead - some habits died harder than others. In this case she wanted just one more moment of connection with the girl in a physical sense, a sign of her own affection for Raion. Tori let go after a moment, responding, "You are most welcome and fortunate to have the Queen as your first choice for leisure activities. It takes quite the woman to measure up to royalty and you are the only one I can think of who would stand a chance of doing so. Therefore the feeling is mutual. It is a great honor to be your first choice.. Raion."
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Post by Raion Honoo on Nov 3, 2015 23:16:12 GMT -5
Ready to roar, ready or not Ready to give it all I've got Gotta live to win, get up, get out, get even Ready to roar, ready or not Ready to give it one more shot Let the game begin, need something to believe in Ready to roar!R A I O N ╜───────╓
It was weird, how she could be so open to attack and not be attacked. She thought for sure she would be the victim of some sort of sass or wry comments, but none came, and to that she truly had no response. She was putting all her cards on counter-sass, but instead she was given a hug. One that she didn't want to reject. Instead, she felt her world evaporate into it. The horrors of the movie were a memory and she had little concern in that moment for her sins. This... Felt right. She let out a soft purr.
... And then immediately realized what she just did and recoiled, redder than before.
"A-ah! Sorry!" she hurried to say. "You're a lot more comfortable than you'd think a human being could be."
... How does that help? Think, Raion.
"A-anyway... Thank you for this. And for that. And for, well, all of it." she genuinely meant every word, and as such she decided that she was already in this far. She may as well just say it.
"Tora and I do this on dates, too, but this was more fun I think. Maybe it's because I don't have the looming pressure around me. Thanks, I needed to feel some freedom."
╖───────╓ H O N O O
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Post by Victoria Miller on Nov 3, 2015 23:55:59 GMT -5
Watching Raion attempt to determine a course of action amid her flustered state highly amused Tori, though it also concerned her a bit. There was both opportunity and danger in the fact that the girl's uncertainty on how to react to this whole outing. Should she determine that Tori had more interest in her than simply being friends she might just push the blonde away to a safe distance. Then again the fact that the girl was so red after accepting the hug suggested that she didn't mind the affection which Tori offered her. Quickness in making excuses for her actions suggested she wasn't sure if feeling affectionate back was appropriate, or that she didn't think Tori would find it appropriate. Which made the blonde smile in response - progress was progress, even if the ultimate answer was still out in the mists of mystery at the moment. Perhaps the most interesting detail was how Raion actually seemed to purr when embraced by the blonde, as if she were momentarily allowing herself to fully appreciate that sort of gesture.
"You've nothing to apologize for. I'm quite used to words of praise - though this is definitely different praise than what I'm used to. It's reasonable to assume that how comfortable I am is directly related to a careful diet and proper care of my body - shampoos, soaps, oils.. tea. All the things an Englishwoman should have in her life to truly look regal," Tori explained, playing off the girl's excuses to try and ease an tensions she might feel. Then came what wasn't quite a confession but demonstrated there might very well be mutual interest from the lioness after all. The girl realized that this was a date, and stated it wasn't one she minded that much. The iron was hot - dare the Queen strike it?
"Quite simply put, I'm more fun, aren't I? It has a different feel because I'm not someone you've known for your whole life.. who you think of as your best friend from childhood. There's no pressure on you to do this with me like there is knowing you may have to marry Tora, is there?" Tori added, trying to be as careful as she could while still taking a chance, "You deserve as much freedom as anyone else. If this was a date.. then I would be thrilled to take you anytime. You're quite remarkable, Raion."
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Post by Raion Honoo on Nov 4, 2015 0:21:25 GMT -5
Ready to roar, ready or not Ready to give it all I've got Gotta live to win, get up, get out, get even Ready to roar, ready or not Ready to give it one more shot Let the game begin, need something to believe in Ready to roar!R A I O N ╜───────╓
Her idea of a date was skewed somewhat thanks to Tora. Her idea of a date was a forced meeting to get to know her future husband and hopefully this time develop feelings. It never worked. So if this was a date... A real date... She was grateful she at least got to do one before it was too late. To be fair, she wasn't getting married until she graduated, so there was still plenty of time to be a normal girl - well, a normal girl with a big dream. But for this moment, she was a normal girl who was - admittedly - being swept off her feet. What was this? She was... no, there was no way she had a crush. She wasn't into girls. She wasn't able to fall for them. There was no way...
Immediately she began to flush red again, and on the same tick she lowered her head slightly and turned it away in a most tsun display. Was she really thinking this way?
"E-even if this was a date, it doesn't mean you've won!" she declared, immediately changing the topic back to challenge. "I said I'd go on one with you if I lost, s-so this doesn't count, okay?"
That's awful childish of you to say.
"Even if I did enjoy myself... I can't call it a date until you've beaten me!"
╖───────╓ H O N O O
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