[PP-F4] Painting a Pretty picture (Celes, lessa)

[Celesmeh 0]

Celes set down to her hot chocolate. She put her head down next to the hot chocolate and closed her eyes. " Bluh today is such boring day.." She said to her coffee mug. Months in this game but she hadn't broken her habit of talking to inanimate objects. She chuckled, Maggie would have poked fun at her... Meanwhile talking to her own inanimate objects.. Being here hadn't changed much.... 

 

She continued to wait for the person she was going to have dinner with... 

[Lessa 1]

Truthfully, Lessa had dreaded returning to the forth floor. There were so many memories there for her, and many of them were exactly what she had been running from. But after a couple of weeks, the girl knew she could not avoid it any longer. This was where her guild met, and it would be irresponsible not to at least stop in. The NPCs had seemed happy to see her, but their meeting room had been empty. So the woman had turned her back on the cold, empty room, and retreated to a place with a bit more life. Besides, it had been a while since she had had a cup of hot chocolate.

 

The cafe was warm and welcoming as Lessa entered, shrugging off the eternal cold of the forth floor. A few snowflakes still clung to her blonde hair, and her cheeks were pink, but she could feel the warmth seeping into her skin. It would only be a matter of time before she was completely defrosted.

 

Moving to the back of the room, she was startled to spot a familiar player. Moving up alongside the girl, Lessa greeted her. "Its nice to see you again."

[Celesmeh 0]

Celes sprang up, knocking over her hot chocolate "Oh shi- im sorry, you surprised me!"  she looked down at the hot chocolate,  "Aww man.. i guess. i should get another... You want one?" 

 

She smiled at lessa, pulled down the HUD and ordered a couple of drinks "I'm sorry for all teh trouble I caused at the party... It...It wasnt my intention...." she smiled at the blonde and offered her a seat. 

[Lessa 1]

"Oh, its no trouble at all," Lessa assured her. As she spoke, Lessa plucked a few napkins off of a nearby stand, and began to mop up the mess. When she was finished, and the used napkins were discarded, she took the seat directly across from Celes.

"Thank you for the hot chocolate." Then, her cheeks grew warm. "And thank you for agreeing to meet with me. I know things got a bit out of hand at your party. I am so, so sorry about that." Reaching a single hand across the table, she rest it lightly on the girl's arm. "Believe me when I say that Tristan will be more careful in the future. He's a Guardian, and as such, he should be a bit more conscious of the feelings of others."

"So you shouldn't feel the need to apologize. I'm the one apologizing. It was your party, and it never should have happened like that."

[Celesmeh 0]

"I just, i mean, yeah, I like you, I think youre beautiful!  But... i.. i have someone on the outside. It hurts he thinks i could destroy what i have just on a crush. Its okay to like someone, but... I didnt think he thought i was that kind of person... I just... wanted to get away from Zel." She was blushing at this point. She wasnt always this brave, btu she wanted to be honest with lessa, since she liked her.

 

"I'm sorry you got caught up in this, i appreciate the dinner though. Where would you like to go? actually how about before dinner we go to hang out somewhere first?"  she said happily.

[Lessa 1]

The honesty and raw emotion in her words warmed Lessa's heart. Even without intending to, she felt herself smiling. The blonde tilted her head slightly, all of her attention on the woman across the table. She was so bubbly and welcoming. People tell me I have these same traits, she found herself thinking. Is this what it is like to spend time with me? I certainly hope so. She's lovely.

"You're very sweet, Celes," came her reply, and she squeezed the girl's arm gently. Then, pulling back, she sat deeper in her chair. She was quiet for a few seconds, her face pensive. Then, "I do think Tristan had no intention of hurting you. He is rough around the edges, sure, but I believe he has a big heart. That is why, despite his shortcomings, I made him a Guardian." She chewed on her lower lip, trying to find the words. "If you are considering ending a friendship with him, I would encourage you to reconsider. If you're upset with him, and you have every right to be, just talk to him about it. But communication is the most important thing in any friendship. Without it, two well-meaning people will be forever at each others' throats." A shadow crossed her face as her voice grew softer. She thought of Alkor. "I know that better than anyone."

"Anyway," she concluded, shaking her head to rid her mind of such thoughts. "We can go wherever you'd like to go. I'm up for anything."

[Celesmeh 0]

Celes couldn't help but return lessa's smile she was happy to have this chance. When she grabbed her hand she blushed and looked away for a moment, collecting herself. "Lets not think about tristan just now, there more to it than that..." 

 

She smiled, "Alright enough about other people, today is about us!  now we have four choices, alright? We can go to a lake on the second floor, go for a swim. we can go to an oasis on the fifth floor dessert, we can go ice skating, right here, or we can go to a hot-spring on floor eight."

 

Celes smirked "Oh and one more thing"she said, pulling the HUD down and getting marshmallows for their chocolates. She put some in her hot chocolate and offered some to lessa. "If you dont have a bthign suit, we can get one, I've got a few places that seel really nice ones! of if you prefer ice skating i have some lovely earmuffs i can lend you! Its up to you boss" she said with a wink and a smile. today she was determined to have fun, and they would, for sure. 

[Lessa 1]

As she insisted they stop talking about Tristan, Lessa gave a small shrug. She had done her best to stand up for the Guardian, but Celes clearly did not want to hear it. That was her own choice, but she did note it for future reference. The woman was incredibly sweet, but did not seem to even consider the idea of coming to terms with Tristan. Regardless of whether Lessa felt the man deserved her forgiveness, a woman who was so unwilling to discuss these things could be a problem. Lessa would need to remember this for later, and conduct herself accordingly.

 

The blonde graciously accepted the hot chocolate, and sipped daintily at it until it had cooled to a more bearable temperature. Her small frame shivered as the warm liquid seeped into her system. Then, she returned her attention to the player seated across from her. "You know," she began thoughtfully, "a dip in the hot springs sounds just lovely right now." The seemingly endless supply of snow continued to pile up outside, and the sight of it through the window made her shiver again. "Yeah, I'd like to visit the hot springs. I've never been before." She felt her cheeks grow warm as she added, "I will need a bating suit though."

[Celesmeh 0]

Celes smiled "that sounds lovely! I was planning on going there with... well anyway. she sighed. Maybe youre right, talking about Tristan might be good but... he knew me so well, he saved me, btu then just... He insulted the one thing i hold sacred, you know? How do i just forgive him for that?  just say, yeah its okay you thoguht i was caparble of something terrible?  no problem?  ugh..." she put her head down on the table for a moment, collecting herself.  You notice a necklace around her neck, two spears and shield inside a beautiful opal, it momentarily catches the light...

 

"Okay, no, today, good day, nothing more. Fun times, right dear Lessa?" She got up, paying for everything (-100 col= 10213 col left). She offered lessa a warm hand. Pulling her a bit close she said "Lets avoid the clod, yes?" She said with a smile. Pulling down her HUD she pulled out two teleport crystals. "Lets go, shall we?" she said, gently handling her one. "Is this okay? You dont mind?" She asked quietly. She put her hand gently on Lessa's arm. She was woried she was moving to fast, that she night be pushing too much...

[Lessa 1]

Knowing better than to interrupt a woman mid-rant, Lessa settled back in her seat. She crossed her legs, and placed her clasped hands on her knee. Listening intently to her words, the player occasionally nodded when she connected to something that was said. Celes was clearly confused, and she completely understood what she was going through. Lessa had been through her fair share of betrayals. Regardless of intentions, she was often left feeling stung by someone she cared about. She often wondered if it was her punishment for being so warm and inviting. Some days, it felt as if she was just begging people to use her and leave. But she would not weigh Celes down with such thoughts. "You'll figure it out," she commented instead, her voice gentle and reassuring. "Give him some time. Then maybe talk with him. Honestly, just opening up and talking about it is always the best route."

 

Lessa noticed the girl's necklace, but did not put sound to her thoughts. Instead, she reminded herself to ask about it later, when there was a lull in their conversation. For now, the girl seemed ready to move, and Lessa would not hold her up. "Teleport crystals?" Lessa murmured, accepting the item and holding it up to inspect it. "I've actually never used one before." Beaming down at Celes, she added, "you'll be my first then." Blue eyes winked at the brown haired girl. Then, "I'm ready when you are."

[Celesmeh 0]

Celes winked "Your first?  Then i'll be gentle" she said with a laugh. "All you need to do," she said softly "Is hold the crystal and say the name of the village that you are going to. Florenthia is on the 8th."  She held the crystal and said, firmly "Florenthia Village!" Everything swirled around them. Celes slipped, holing onto her fading partner. Suddenly lessa was gone from her rams. She was at the gate falling through onto the ground. "Ow."

[Lessa 1]

At Celes's comment, Lessa gave a soft laugh. Shaking her head, she commented, "I appreciate your being gentle. I have no idea what I'm doing." She placed a comical amount of emphasis on the 'no,' but clutched the crystal tighter in her hand anyway. She nodded along as the woman explained the crystals, and when it was her turn, she brought the crystal to her chest. "Florenthia Villiage!" She echoed, and she closed her eyes tightly. The sensation was unlike anything that she had ever felt, but her less-than-graceful landing was reminiscent of falling from a horse. She landed hard on her backside, and her pained groan was louder than she had meant it. "I'll have to work on that," she growled to Celes.

[Celesmeh 0]

Celes rolled over to turn to her., "you aren't the only one, dear." She grunted, getting up. She offered the hound woman her hand and helped her up. Blushing a bit she said " alright, bella, follow me and we'll make it to the stings, it's a bit of a run, but I'm sure you can keep up." She said with a mischievous grin.

From that moment they moved, the city was in deep forest, parts high up in the trees. In the alleyways, the smell of cooking food and humidity permeated the air. Right, left, right, up, down, left, right. And finally a bit outside the village they arrived. An almost comically small cabin served as a place to change and talk to the npc, then go and enter the hot springs...

" here we are!" Celes turned to her friend with a smile.

[Lessa 1]

Lessa's hand found Celes's, and she allowed the woman to tug her to her feet. Brushing the dirt from the seat of her pants, Lessa sighed. "I knew that there was a reason why I did not use those things." But the smile she offered her companion showed that her comment was good-natured. And when Celes moved into a run, Lessa did the same.

It felt nice to run again. Running had been a way of blowing off steam before SAO, but within the game, there simply had not been time. I'll have to make more room for running, the girl thought to herself, savoring the heaviness of her breath, the throbbing in her legs, and the sound of her heart in her ears. It told her that she was alive, and this reminder was about the greatest gift that anyone could have given her.

The run ended far too soon, but the woman slowed to a halt beside her friend regardless. The cabin before them was tiny, and she briefly wondered if both of them would be able to fit inside at the same time. "The suits are in there?" She questioned, her voice hesitant.

[Celesmeh 0]

Celes smiled, "Yeah we go in, get suits and change. Its a small place out front theres also a small noodle shop inside. There are also rooms in the back, in case we want to just rest.  Its a small chill place. A bit out of the way of things, But i've always liked that... I...I like to explore the towns and cities, see what I find. I know restaurants, hidden inns, places to rest... I even have a friend who needed a place outside of town, I found her one too. Its... my hobby. I like finding safe places." 

 

She sighed. She  didnt want to talk about why she found safe places. How she was scared. Scared to be alone, scared to sleep. She needed those safe places. Places to hide so that she could be safe when the depression and anxiety hit. On those days she was too sick to go out. She shook the thoughts out of her head. It was time to Go nad have fun. No sad stuff. She opened the door and held it for Lessa "Lets go relax, dear. This will be our night to forget everything else. Its time to chill"

[Lessa 1]

There was something in the girl's words that suggested there was more to it than that. There was something about these safe places that Celes did not want to share. The way that her voice shook slightly, and the distant look in her eye, were giveaways. But Lessa's greatest skill had always been reading people, and determining what was and was not appropriate in any given situation. She realized that pushing the particular matter may result in hurt feelings and bad memories, so she let it be. She did, however, rest a hand on the other woman's shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze. There were no words to accompany the gesture, but she felt that was enough for now.

"Relaxation sounds perfect," she commented gently, smiling. "Believe me, I need it too." Then, with a wink, she slipped past Celes and into the small building. The woman had been correct - it was far larger on the inside. With fleeing thoughts of the TARDIS, the blonde's smile grew. At least a year in the game had not managed to detract from her nerd tendencies.

She was greeted almost immediately by racks filled with swimsuits of all sorts. Immediately, Lessa drifted toward the pink bathing suits, shifting between a variety of styles. When she finally glanced back up at Celes, her cheeks wore a similar shade. "Sorry." Then she giggled. "Its sort of my color."

[Celesmeh 0]

Celes laughed, truly laughed for the first time "I can tell!" she walked through the bathing suits and looked through them, picking a deep teal coloured one and a red one. They were both bikinis that showed generous amounts. She had never minded, back home she went to the beach a lot, she loved the warmth and the sun. She had done her best to keep fit and look good, but that had stopped in the game. Now it was all she could do to feel comfy in her body now. But still, these colours had always looked goo against her darker skin.... 

 

"I cant choose, what do you think?" she asked the blonde. Her insecurities shining through...

[Lessa 1]

The girl's laugh was a beautiful, melodic sound that brought a smile to Lessa's lips. When the young woman selected a couple of bathing suits, and asked the blue-eyed blonde for her opinion, Lessa dragged her lower lip between her teeth thoughtfully. "Hmm," she murmured, studying both options for a full thirty seconds. Then, "the red one! I don't think that I've seen you in red before. But I bet it would look gorgeous with your hair, and your skin tone."

Then, suddenly, she blurted out, "would you mind if I tried the teal one?" With a sheepish smile, she added, "it is sort of cute. I like the ruffles a lot. It really isn't my style," she motioned to her pink skirt, "or my color. But hey, when in Aincrad, right?" Her twist on the age-old 'when in Rome,' was cheesy, but it had some truth to it. If she were to branch out, this would be the place to do it.

[Celesmeh 0]

Celes grinned as she handed her friend the teal one, "I bet youll look amazing in it!" She said, pulling down her HUD and changing into the red one. "Pefect! While you get changed i'll go order us some food for later, that way we'll be all set!" she walked off, leaving lessa alone to change. i dont want her to feel uncomfortable, so i can do this and maybe get us something nice...

 

 arriving to the npc she ordered a room with two futons, along with looking at the food menu...

 

...

...

. . . 

 

damn. 

 

. . .

 

I never asked her what she wanted...

 

she though before ordering essentially everything on the menu (-1000 col, 9646 left).

Walking back to the waiting area she sat down, twiddling her thumbs until the other woman came out...

[Lessa 1]

Accepting the bikini with a nod and a smile, Lessa watched her friend disappear toward another part of the building. Now alone, she had a bit of time to reflect on what was happening. It had been a long while since she had gone out to enjoy herself like this. There were no discussions about boss battles, no talk of strategy, and no sense of urgency here. It was nice, to say the least. And perhaps it was exactly what Lessa needed to crawl out of this rut she had fallen into.

When she was reunited with Celes in their room, she had already changed her clothes. The teal bikini was not as revealing as the one Celes wore, but it still left little to the imagination. Back home, Alyssa preferred the additional coverage of tankinis and one-pieces. But Celes had assured her it would look good, so she had given it a shot. She did, however, wear a white, lace cover-up over the whole ensemble. It fell to the mid-thigh.

Blue eyes widened as Lessa noticed all of the food. "My gosh," she murmured. Then, glancing back to Celes, she gave her a good-natured grin. "Hungry, are we?"