Shrinking Violet and Paper Tiger (private w/ Vlithra Qing Long)

[Forrest Waldstein]

Some time had passed since the eventful night at Quasar, albeit stressfully. Forrest's little excursion had somehow been discovered by the syndicate that operated in Quasar, making him a target for that syndicate and their allies. He chided himself for acting so rashly, deciding to lay low at Beacon and focus on his studies for a bit. Besides schoolwork, Forrest's mind drifted to Vlithra from time to time. Having unintentionally gotten on the wrong side of a crime syndicate, Forrest and Vlithra had to become a "couple" in order to give him a form of protection against harm. While he wasn't well versed in the operations of crime syndicates, he understood that everyone involved had protection in one way or another. Although Forrest isn't a criminal by any stretch of the definition, being closely associated with one extended that same level of protection to him.

Over the weekend, he received a text from Vlithra, who wanted to hang out in the city. Figuring that enough time had passed since that night, Forrest accepted the invitation. Again, wearing his out-on-the-town outfit, he certainly dressed to impress a certain someone. Vlithra told him to meet her at the corner of two different streets on the west end of the Residential District by the river. Forrest headed to the location, and made sure to arrive fifteen minutes early. After all, tardiness did not reflect well upon him. Checking his watch, he wondered when Vlithra would arrive.

She should be here soon, don't worry... Forrest mused, trying to calm his racing heart and anxious thoughts.

[Vlithra Qing Long]

The sunday after the incident…

It was raining… heavily. Two figures stood in an alleyway at the edge of the industrial district, the downpour audibly.

“Even if she claims as such, she could just be talking crap, you know? So make sure this is buried as quietly as possible, will you? She knows well that we don‘t half ass this kind of stuff so neither should she.“ one of the voices scoffs, the downpour almost drowning out his voice. Around the corner a glaring pair of eyes pierced the darkness from beneath the hooded jacket they wore. This figure had tailed one of the men and had been attentively listening in. Yet that sentence was all she needed to hear to have her worst suspicions confirmed...

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How has it come to this? this question had buried itsself deep into Vlithra‘s mind that night, coming up again and again anytime her thoughts drifted to this ever growing issue. At the very least Forrest didn‘t show himself at all outside of Beacon until now and Vlithra had been following and observing the Florist‘s activities since that day and had caught him in an exchange with a hired gun in one of his usual spots. Wether or not he intended her on finding out about this deal didn‘t matter. He was forcing her to make a choice… one she really was not sure she was ready to make...

To say she looked restless was quite fitting. Her hair seemed more ruffled than usual, combed not as intensily as she would have liked. The loose strands of hair were getting in her way, something that irritated the tigress only further and in the end drove her to rock a ponytail for the day. Her difficulty sleeping had prompted her to the rare occasion of using a bit of make up to hide the dark circles that had somewhat started to form under her eyes. It wasn‘t perfect, but it would do.
She also wore her more formal attire for this occasion. No jacket this time around, only her signature green vest with a short sleeved black button up shirt beneath, that she tucked into her black suit pants. A normal belt, steel tipped leather shoes and lastly black gloves. It was as if she was trying to make up for her hairs lack in discipline with her formal wear.

With that and the late day sun shining on her face, the tigress made her way to meet the unfortunate boy, Forrest Waldstein, spotting him eventually in the distance on the promised corner of the street she walked. He was way too early… then again… so was she.

“Hey...“ she called out as she came closer, making a small waving motion with her hand. Her voice was way softer than the last time they talked, wether that was to not startle the guy, as she walked up to him, or because of her nervousness even she didn't know.

[Forrest Waldstein]

Forrest's anxious thoughts buzzed throughout his head, wondering if he looked good enough, when Vlithra would arrive. As it turned out, he wouldn't have to wait long. Vlithra had also arrived early, making herself known more softly than normal. The softness in her voice was soothing and calm, yet uncharacteristic of the tigress. Nonetheless, Forrest was happy to see her as always.

"Hey, good to see you Vlithra..." Forrest replied, noticing how nicely she ended up dressing for the occasion. He felt his heart skip a beat seeing her so well put together.

Is Vlithra wearing makeup?... he mused, noting that it was the first time she had put on makeup. Unbeknownst to him, it was due to her having trouble sleeping, a problem shared by the woodsy Huntsman himself. Though Forrest's restlessness seemed to be alleviated by his faith in Beacon's security. Regardless of her reasons, Vlithra wearing makeup got his thoughts buzzing even more.

"... You look nice, any special occasions lined up for us today?" Forrest inquired, a bit surprised at himself for mustering the courage to eke out a compliment. Perhaps Vlithra was starting to rub off on him. Had Forrest been a much bolder individual, he might have even called her pretty. She certainly was to him after all, he just didn't have the courage to say it out loud.

[Vlithra Qing Long]

Hm… Vlithra found herself musing as she looked upon the boy. Usually Vlithra had only really seen Forrest in his combat attire, so the fact he was wearing more casual clothing for out in the town was a refreshing change of pace for the tigress. He certainly seemed dressed to impress to the tigress, if her intuition was correct. She had to admit: ...he doesn‘t look half bad.

“Yeah, though there is also something we have to discuss...“ she answered, the faintest blush beginning to form on her cheek at the compliment. Of course she would have liked to talk to him about their next move regarding what had happened, but she didn‘t want to rush the occasion. After all, there was a rhyme and reason to this location and the time she had picked, it‘s just that they now had some extra time.

“...But that can wait. I‘d first like to get a quick bite to eat, if that‘s okay with you.“ she inquired in return. If she were honest, she would have told him that she didn‘t eat anything decent yet this day, but she didn‘t want to seem desperate.

[Forrest Waldstein]

In the back of his mind, Forrest had hoped that Vlithra was impressed with his appearance. He did put a lot of effort into how he looked today after all. However, Forrest could feel his anxious thoughts go into overdrive when Vlithra mentioned something to discuss.

Something to discuss?... Forrest mused. He could certainly feel the butterflies in his stomach, a feeling that was simultaneously making him nervous but also thrilled. He would end up feeling more of the latter when Vlithra suggested they both get a bite to eat.

"Y-Yeah, that sounds great!" Forrest agreed eagerly, his heart racing more at the prospect of a dinner date with his crush. His eyes seemed to sparkle with childlike enthusiasm as his pupils dilated, turning his whole body to face Vlithra as a beaming smile split his mouth wide open. Seemingly unaware of it, Forrest leaned in just a bit towards her.

Hold on, curb your enthusiasm and match her energy. You don't wanna come off too strong... rang the rational side of Forrest's mind. Noting this, he leaned back to stand up straight and cleared his throat. Having composed himself, Forrest continued in a more calm manner.

"So, did you have a place in mind already?" he asked. Perhaps he was unaware of it, but he was speaking in a slightly lower register than normal. Enough to slip past the ears of most humans, including his own, but definitely easier for a Faunus to pick up.

[Vlithra Qing Long]

Forrest‘s eagerness was hard to miss, how could she next to his almost estatic tonal shift. She was certain that Forrest was thinking of this pretty much as a date. And… he wouldn‘t be wrong… really.

“There is this steakhouse nearby that‘s supposedly pretty good, so I wanted to try it for while.“ she explained as she turned away and started walking along the sidewalk down the street. “This way. I‘ve already reserved a table.“ she shot a small wink over her shoulder to Forrest as she then strutted ahead, one hand in the pocket of her pants.

She‘d be lying if she said she wasn‘t nervous, though there were a multitude of reasons, other than the fact that she was going out. She had been feeling some leering eyes the moment she had greeted Forrest and was scanning the streets around her within her field of vision like a night owl. Next to the typical guy or girl taking a good look at Vlithra to admire her, there were very likely the hired thugs among the civilians surrounding them. Preying on the boy the moment he steps foot in town. Just shameless.

If they try anything, there‘ll be hell to pay. Damn the Florist‘s policy if they screw this up. she mused internally like swaering an oath as she gritted her teeth in supressed annoyance, the hand in her pocket clenching to a fist. Once Forrest caught up with her though, her expression relaxed almost immediately.

[Forrest Waldstein]

Forrest blinked. Twice. He seemed to be flabbergasted that this was actually happening. It took him a moment to get his jaw off the floor after Vlithra shot him a quick wink. Forrest shook his head to get himself back in the game, but first, he pinched his cheek to determine if this was actually real.

This is actually happening! FOCUS! Forrest mused, taking a moment to psych himself up for the date he was about to go on. The fact that Vlithra already reserved a table was great, but it left Forrest feeling like he should have done more. He was bit of a coward when it came to pursuing romance, knowing how much the pain of rejection hurt him. It didn't help that he had always been very sensitive too. Perhaps he had to step up his game, and fast.

By the time Forrest had caught up with Vlithra, he noticed for the briefest of moments her tense expression. He swore she was gritting her teeth, and she had her reasons for feeling that way. Forrest wasn't oblivious to the situation the two of them are in. Taking note of the pairs of eyes that passed over him and Vlithra, any of them could potentially be someone from that syndicate that operated under Quasar's roof. Vlithra's expression relaxed when he caught up with her though, unsure if it was to hide her stress from him or that his presence was soothing to her. Perhaps this would be a good opportunity for Forrest to both test the waters and to dissuade any potential spies from Quasar from making any rash decisions.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained, right?... Forrest thought as he decided to put his plan into action. Walking alongside Vlithra, Forrest moved his hand over towards hers, gently interlacing his fingers with hers. All he had hoped was that she would be okay with holding hands, and given the circumstances, he thought his chances were pretty good.

[Vlithra Qing Long]

Vlithra continued looking around the area in a subtle manner, trying to pinpoint if there were any lackeys about. And indeed there was, the tigress momentarily locked her gaze with a man sat at a bench. He hastily looks away, as if hoping she hadn‘t caught on. A sharp exhale from her followed, as if she were scoffing at him.

Wha…? She thought as she felt her heart jump within her chest at the touch of Forrest‘s hand that brushed against her own. Wether it was from shock or nervousness, her hand recoiled a bit as she didn‘t know how to respond to such a gesture at first. On one hand she wanted to pull her hand in, as she thought this was going a bit fast, but at the same time, this could be the first step. She struggled for a brief moment, up until she saw that one guy look towards them again and the tigress felt like she could seize that oportunity. She did feel more comfortable when she took charge.

“It‘s that one, right up ahead.“ she exclaimed in an eager tone with a grin as she suddenly took Forrest‘s hand into her own and started walking a bit faster, taking the lead and practically egging him on to keep the pace. She looked back into the corner of her eye to see the man stand up and seemingly leave. No doubt he was going to be back.
Nonetheless, like this she pulls Forrest to the entrance of the restaurant in question, the Prime Dine Steakhouse, where they are greeted by waiter.

“Good evening, Miss. Table for two?“ the waiter asks in a polite and welcoming tone.

“We got a reservation, under the name Qing Long.“ those were the only magic words she had to say before the waiter led them to their table within the establishment. It had a modern feel to it, with a tinge of rural tradition through it‘s decor. Charming in a way.

[Forrest Waldstein]

Forrest didn't anticipate Vlithra to recoil a bit when he reached for her hand. He very nearly felt disappointment in himself before Vlithra grabbed his hand, walking faster as she did. Forrest hastened himself as to keep up with Vlithra. Noticing that she had briefly looked over to the side from the corner of her eye, Forrest noticed the man she was looking at as he stood up to leave. He couldn't deny the possibility of them being an agent, but Forrest had no definitive proof that they were an agent of that syndicate.

"Looks like a nice place." Forrest replied just before they entered the steakhouse. The waiter greeted them and brought them over toward their table. After grabbing menus and pouring waters for the two of them, the waiter walked off to attend to other business. Taking a brief look around the place, it certainly had some charm to it. Modern, yet with a tinge of rural tradition. Forrest enjoyed the aesthetic that Prime Dine Steakhouse was going for. As much as Forrest wanted to talk about the strange man Vlithra was looking at, there was certainly a better time and place for that conversation. It was probably for the best just to have a nice date and enjoy themselves, he thought. Besides that, Forrest's mind buzzed with first date conversation starters.

"So, besides training, what else do you enjoy doing in your free time?" he asked, truly curious as to the things she liked doing.

[Vlithra Qing Long]

Once they were seated, Vlithra couldn‘t help but cast the occasional glance towards the entrance to see if anyone suspicious would be coming in. Alas there were none at the moment, so she directed her attention back to Forrest as he asked his question.

Hm… what‘s with the run of the mill smalltalk question? Doesn‘t he know what else to say? No... it‘s more likely he is just genuinely curious, given the circumstance. She mused to herself as she laid back in her chair.


“There is the batting center I go to sometimes, but with the great weather recently I‘m more about watersports such as wakeboarding and jetskiing at the moment. I got a friend who owns a shop down at the beach where you can rent the stuff you might need. Can only recommend.“ she explained with a grin on her face. Surely such hobbies would come to no surprise.

[Forrest Waldstein]

Forrest was genuinely curious, and even though it seemed like an innocuous question, it served a greater purpose than it appeared to at face value. In addition to learning something new about his crush, it was also to keep up appearances should any suspicious agents begin to observe them. Above all, Forrest wanted to help take the stress off of Vlithra. He figured as long as they can both have a good date together and not worry too much about possible agents, then they'd have nothing to worry about.

"Interesting, I didn't know you were into baseball," Forrest began. Training and watersports were expected, given that they've both been to the beach and trained together before. Baseball was a new one that he hadn't heard before.

"I always wanted to try it out when I was a kid. I never had time though, my great-grandfather put me through constant, rigorous training since I was five. I only had the weekends to relax, but even then, I'd spend at least one day over the weekend with my mom." he continued, smiling softly as bittersweet memories of home came flooding back to him.

[Vlithra Qing Long]

Vlithra listened intently to what Forrest had to say about his youth life. Interesting to say the least. It sounded like he had been raised by his grandfather Sylvanus for the majority of his time instead of by his father. She didn‘t know what exactly Forrest‘s family dichotomy was, so she didn‘t push the topic any further. Last thing she‘d want is to bring up a bad topic by asking about his father, she‘d definetly would if Forrest were to ask about her own father, ...even if she was going to tell a white lie.

“Maybe I should bring you along next time. It‘s quite the relaxing activity when you just swing at the batting cages with someone around to talk to. Used to do that back in the day.“ she explained in a tone that almost made her sound like she was reminiscing on some good times spent with close friends. Indeed she did do that a lot, though the friends in question were also mostly her gang colleagues, so there was a natural kinship that made them get along very well.

“I gotta say though, it sounds like your old man pulled you through a worse wringer than my mom did. My training started when I was eight. Are kids trained, like… extra early at Oakhearth?“ she inquired her face expressing more than just genuine curiosity as she leaned forward to prop up her chin on her hand.

[Forrest Waldstein]

"Yeah, that sounds fun." Forrest replied with a grin. Given her tone, her enjoyment of the activity was undeniably genuine. Plus, it was always good to hear Vlithra wanting to spend more time with him. Forrest noticed her face turn into one of curiosity propping her chin on her hand as she asked her question.

"I was kind of a... special case..." Forrest began, chuckling a little.

"Silvanus was always the 'if you want something done right, do it yourself' type. He took me in when my mom got sick, intending to make me a capable warrior through his own training regiment. Normally, kids in Oakhearth can enlist in a youth program for the Rangers, the volunteer militia of the town. The youngest I've seen them take in is fifteen year olds, and they're taught various survival skills, though they aren't trained in combat until they turn eighteen." he explained.

[Vlithra Qing Long]

“I see.“ Vlithra commented. She could sympaphize with him, being trained from such a young age and all, resonated with her. Her own interest with training did start with 8 though he rmother officially started training her at 14 years. There was one difference here. Vlithra is a combat prodigy who grew up in a harsh profession and had to adapt to it. Forrest got where he is through constant hard work of a war veteran.

Before she could think about it further though a waiter came up to the two, brandishing a small notepad and a pen. “Have you two decided what you would want to eat?“ the young gentleman asks.

[Forrest Waldstein]

As Forrest heard the steps of the waiter from around the corner, it occurred to him that neither of them had the chance to look at the menu. Looking over towards Vlithra, she didn't seem to be ready to order either. So naturally when the waiter asked what they wanted to order, Forrest piped up.

"I think we need another minute do decide." Forrest replied. With a nod, the waiter walked off. Picking up the menu, Forrest quickly perused it.

Filet mignon sounds good, but is that too expensive for a first date? Ooh, what about porterhouse? I think that sounds pretty good. Forrest mused briefly before making a mental note of his decision. He figured that he could also order for Vlithra when she decided. Being a gentleman could earn him some brownie points with her, at least in his mind. Forrest patiently waited for Vlithra to decide what she wanted before asking another question.

"So, what's your family like?" he asked.

[Vlithra Qing Long]

Vlithra was about to tell the waiter that they hadn‘t looked at the menu when Forrest did it just a moment before she could. She felt something stir in herself in that moment, but she couldn‘t exactly tell what. In any case, she too picked up the menu to look upon the choices available. Filet mignon, tomahawk, ribeye, porterhouse… they even had surf and turf and of course the houses special, prime rib. There were many good choices here. In any other occasion she would have probably went for tomahawk, but this time…

Porterhouse it‘ll be. She mused to herself, just in time for Forrest to ask about her family. She was just about to put down the menu, but decided to keep perusing it to hide the smal frown that had formed. She really did not like talking about family, but since Forrest talked about his…

“My family is… a fractured bunch. So much so it can barely be called a family, if you think about it. There really are only two people that I‘d consider real family.“ she said with a sigh, the frown in her face vanishing just as she put down the menu. “For starters, there is my mother. A mercenary from a young age, born in a time where rules for becoming a huntress were very strict. At the very least she could make meets end on the streets of Mistrals lower layers. And then there is my uncle Jay Qing Long, my mothers brother in law, who had a kind enough heart to pull her out of the myre of the lower levels.“

[Forrest Waldstein]

Putting down the menu, Forrest listened to Vlithra explain her family situation, though he began to notice his growing feeling of regret for asking that question. Although he couldn't see the frown on her face, perhaps it was the tone of her voice or the sigh that gave it away. Vlithra at least answered the question, but Forrest made a mental note to avoid the subject in the future. Although Vlithra mentioned being from Mistral, Forrest decided to not press that subject either, figuring it would elicit a similar response.

"Ah I see, your uncle sounds like a good man." Forrest replied with a gentle smile, relieved to know that she had at least one good family figure to look up to. That being said, he quickly thought of another conversation topic to switch to.

"Do you enjoy listening to music? If so, what genres do you like?" he inquired.

[Vlithra Qing Long]

“He is…“ she mutters beneath her breath. She felt like she wanted to talk more about him. Like how he is genuinely the father she never really had and so on. Hell, she barely can remember her fathers voice when he would hum her a song she liked, his face meraly a blur in her memory from almost 17 years ago. But Forrest changed the topic, either because he realized anyway that Vlithra doesn‘t like the topic of family or simply wanted to not pry further. As she listened to his inquiry she shot a glance over to a waiter, raising her hand at a him to signal that they are ready to order.

“Music.“ she repeats, her eyes fluttering shut for a moment as she formulates an answer. “It‘s mostly a mish-mash in terms of genres that I like. I can be fascinated by any song that has a good rythm and isn‘t obnoxious… or classic music… that‘s the only genre I don‘t like really.“ she remarks, seeing that the waiter is finishing up his current task and is about to make their way over. “I really do like songs that give you the motivation and kick you need to push further. Rock and metal does well in that regard, but if I want to relax listening to jazz is also pretty great.“ she finishes with a contend smirk, as if the change in topic had been very welcome.

By the time she finishes her answer the waiter had returned, flashing his pen and notepad again. “So, what will it be Miss?“

“I‘ll get a porterhouse steak with a fried potato side dish and a salad. No garlic please.“ she remarks in an extra poignant way and narrowed eyes. The waiter, understanding, hurriedly notes it down, the pen flashing across the paper with grace.

“Okay. Noted. And you Mister?“ he asks as he turns to Forrest to take his order.

[Forrest Waldstein]

Again, Forrest gave Vlithra his undivided attention as she relayed her answer to his inquiry. As she explained her taste in music, Forrest found himself agreeing with her sentiments. Noticing the content smirk form on her face, Forrest knew he did the right thing by switching topics. Before Forrest could reply, the waiter made his way over to take their order.

“I‘ll get a porterhouse steak with a fried potato side dish and a salad. No garlic please.“ Vlithra said to the waiter poignantly and with narrowed eyes.

No garlic... Forrest mused. He couldn't help but think back to a conversation with his mother about his late father. Rowan had a reputation for being a ladies' man before Hazel set him straight, and he knew the moment Hazel ordered a dish without garlic that the date was going in the right direction. She thought it was funny at first, but it made sense in retrospect. So when the waiter posed his question to Forrest, there was only one way he could answer...

"I'll have the same, please." Forrest replied to the waiter with a smile, scribing the order on his notepad before walking off.

"Seems like our music tastes are pretty similar, though I've also been listening to a lot of lo-fi music lately." Forrest added.

[Vlithra Qing Long]

“We have many similar tastes it seems.“ she exclaims, taking a sip of the water they had been poured. In that moment her eyes narrowed as she saw the man that had watched them before enter the restaurant who then, after a small chat with a waiter at the entrance, simply headed to the bathroom. He was probably pretending to need to use the bathroom. It almost visibly irked her, almost… she tried ot not make it noticable as she set the glass back down.

“Lo-fi is also alright. But like said... I prefer jazz.“ she simply stated, not really knowing how to continue the conversation. She knew how to motivate her thugs back in the day or to show presence with her choice of words… but dating… she had no experience at all.

[Forrest Waldstein]

"That's fair, jazz is good too." Forrest responded.

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The rest of the date went on, Forrest doing his best to provide enough conversation topics to keep things going. The food was quite delicious, and the service was outstanding. At the end when the bill came, Forrest would've paid for the whole thing had Vlithra let him, but she didn't. Ultimately, they compromised by splitting the bill equally between them. Once the bill was handled, the pair left Prime Dine Steakhouse, their date coming to a close. By now, the sun was beginning to set, providing a picturesque backdrop of yellows, reds, and purples in the twilit sky.

"Thanks, Vlithra. I had a great time. Need me to walk you back to campus?" Forrest offered, beaming with raw, unadulterated joy. It was only right for Forrest to offer, Hazel and Silvanus had raised him not just as a scholar and a warrior, but also a gentleman.

[Vlithra Qing Long]

“Actually,...“ Vlithra interjected after Forrest‘s offer, her tone one of slight urgence. “…there is something I would like you to see. Follow me.“ she continued, motioning for Forrest to follow her. With her belly filled and sated thanks to the delicious dish they had eaten she led the way, her hips swaying ever so slightly noticable as she walked to the bridge that ran across the river.

The one guy who was spying on the two was also back at it again, sitting down at a bench that had a direct view to the bridge they were approaching.

“I gotta ask you something.“ she asked, not bothered to look over her shoulder to Forrest as her steps carried her onto the bridge. Her voice was a bit shallow, maybe a bit somber with a smallest hint of nervousness as she put forth her inquiry. “If you were forced to make a decision that you aren‘t even sure you could make yet… would you still press on? Or would you run from it?“ she asked, halting at the middle of the bridge. She gave Forrest a few moments to give his answer.

After a few moments she turns to lean with her elbows on the railing of the bridge to face the sunset and look upon it‘s almost fantasy seeming scenery. The sky and clouds are red, yet still tinged in the bright yellow of the setting sun, but also draped in the velvet violet mantle of dusk. This was probably a scenery that her uncle would love to put into a tattoo motive. Vlithra waits patiently for Forrests answer, though for some reason… not looking directly at him.

[Forrest Waldstein]

"Oh, um, sure." Forrest replied, a bit off guard at the sudden, albeit subtle urgency from Vlithra's query. His gaze picked up the slight sway of her hips, causing him to blush and quickly look away. Regardless, he followed her onto the bridge that ran across the river. He also noticed that same guy from before on the bench.

It's that guy again, just play it cool and we'll be fine... Forrest reassured himself.

“I gotta ask you something. If you were forced to make a decision that you aren‘t even sure you could make yet… would you still press on? Or would you run from it?“ Vlithra posed her question in an emotionally complex, poignant tone. It was a deeply profound question, he thought. Forrest stopped to think for a moment, genuinely contemplating such a profound and philosophical question. Vlithra then turned to lean on the railing of the bridge to admire the beauty of the sky.

"That's a... good question. If I was in such a situation... I'd fall back on something that my great-grandfather told me. Whenever I had trouble making a decision, he'd always tell me this: Action is the cure to fear." Forrest replied. He then joined Vlithra's side, taking in the stunning canvas in the sky. Looking east, Forrest could see the moon low in the sky, its unbroken side facing them both.

"The moon is beautiful, isn't it?" Forrest spoke unconsciously, totally unaware of the words that had just left his mouth.

[Vlithra Qing Long]

“I see. Then I can move on, fearlessly from now on.“ Vlithra commented in response to Forrest‘s answer, seemingly ignoring his words about the moon. He was right, sometimes a leap of faith was necessary. She exhaled deeply, the storm in her mind calming to a soothing spring breeze. She turns to Forrest, her hand raising to cup his cheek and turn his face to hers.

She pulled him in and wasted no time. She kissed him, her lips connecting with his and her hand traveling to his neck to make sure he doesn‘t pull back. He was shy after all, so she didn‘t want him panicking out of fear and simply shoved him into the cold water. As he said, action was the cure to fear. The setting sun was shrinking down the river on the horizon, draped in the violet-red sky. A scenery for the ages.

As she kisses Forrest she does look for a moment past him to see the man that had been spying on them getting up and leaving, pulling out their scroll it seems. She then let‘s up with her hand, allowing Forrest to break the kiss if he needs to.

[Forrest Waldstein]

"Vlithra? What are you-" Forrest began, a bit surprised when she cupped his cheek and went in for a kiss. A flow of emotions overwhelmed his mind and his heart began to race when he realized what was happening. Although caught by surprise, Forrest did not resist or pull away, he trusted her after all. Surrendering himself to the moment, Forrest closed his eyes and simply enjoyed the kiss. Although Vlithra let down her hand, Forrest continued for just a moment longer before separating his lips from hers.

Holy shit, am I dreaming?... Forrest mused in shock. He still felt his heart pounding, his labored breathing, his face hot with a crimson blush. He could feel his body, trembling and weak, struggling to stand. If he was dreaming, how come it felt so real? Taking a second to mentally process this, he turned his attention back to Vlithra.

"That was... that was... nice... thank you..." Forrest spoke, definitely tongue-tied but still managed to create an intelligible sentence. It was a lot to take in, and hard to believe it actually happened. His crush just kissed him... but why?... She didn't seem all that interested in him before, but why now? That was a problem for future Forrest to figure out, but for now...

"Can we... kiss again?..." he asked.

[Vlithra Qing Long]

“Listen, I...“ she starts, but needs a moment to formulate her words correctly. “…I‘m willing to give this a try. Not because of some clandestine plan or… some obligation to protect you...“ she went on, her cheeks flushing with red that almost mirrored Forrest‘s. “...but because I want to explore these feeling that I have now.“ she admits, the pressure on her chest slowly but surely vanishing as it makes way for a soothing warmth.

It give her the guts to go for another kiss to re-experience that feeling and to oblige Forrest's request. It‘s all so… surprisingly sensual and gratifying, yet so difficult to determine if that‘s from genuine love or just from full blown relief. Either way… Vlithra feels happy, visible to Forrest once she breaks the kiss after a while again.

“You know… not once in my life have I ever really thought about dating... let alone loving... someone before. So this pulling feeling in my chest has really been… distracting… for me, to say the least.“ she explains with a giggle in her voice, a rare smile on her face. Vlithra is showing a side of herself she didn't even knew herself she had.

[Forrest Waldstein]

Forrest held eye contact with Vlithra as he listened, his pupils notably larger than normal. Forrest was inclined to believe her words, especially with the rush of emotions and hormones going through him at the moment. Then, Vlithra went in for another kiss. Forrest's heart once again kicked into high gear as he felt himself once again reexperience the rush of passion and carnal desire that came from kissing her. Lost in a sea of raw, intense pleasure, Forrest lost himself to the moment once more, wishing such a moment would last forever. Alas, Vlithra broke the kiss after a moment.

"I know the feeling all too well. You are dangerous to me, Vlithra." Forrest teased flirtatiously with a soft chuckle and a warm smile. It seemed that Forrest was also showing sides to himself he didn't even know he had.

[Vlithra Qing Long]

Vlithra too chuckled at Forrest's tease as she rested her head on his shoulder. She looked once more for that figure that had allegedly walked off to see that they are truly gone. Relief settled in. With this the Florist and by extension her family will know not to lay a hand on Forrest whatsoever. She eventually straightened her posture again, her gaze locked with Forrest's.

"Hey now. Don't go getting addicted to me yet." she answered with a chuckle in her throat. She eventually regains some composure and stops being so giddy. She clears her throat. "Just don't go prattling on about it back at Beacon, alright? Just because we're a couple now doesn't mean you get bragging rights." she adds with a more softer tone in her voice. A kind warning, but a warning nonetheless. On the horizon the sun is slowly setting, the skies darkening more and more as the light grows dimmer and dimmer.

"What do you say? Should we head back?" she asks even though she is pretty sure that Forrest would like this go on further.