In which Cecile vists Thomas under the pretense of assisting with his work, but she ends up confiding in him several issues which have been bothering her.
Cecile: *walks down the hallway, deciding her armor wasn't needed to help with Thomas' work, and stands in front of his door, wondering if she should knock*
Thomas: *has been checking every few minutes for Cecile, opening the door before she knocks* You're here!!
Cecile: *back-pedals in surprise* H-how did you know?
Thomas: I've... been checking for you. *blushes*
Cecile: *flushes and suddenly feels very self-conscious without her armor* I am sorry I did not come sooner. Then you would not have needed to check.
Thomas: It's all right, Cecile. I was just excited that you would be coming.
Cecile: Ah....well, thank you. ._.' What is it you would like me to do to help?
Thomas: Um... we could.... oh! You can help me find the paperwork that I have to send out to the Zexen Council. There's so much of it that it gets mixed up.
Cecile: *nods feverently* Papers sent to Zexay have pretty orange seals-!! *doesn't mention she only knows because she tried to read one XD*
Thomas: You... ah, you like orange a lot, don't you? *shuffles through papers on his desk*
Cecile: *nods brightly* It is my favorite color! Just like the sunset and flowers and Koroku and your coat and carrots...*continues as she follows him over to his desk*
Thomas: I see. I'll remember that. *smiles*
Cecile: Oh!!! *quickly hands him a small wrapped bundle* Granny Taki helped me make this for you. I would have forgotten if you had not mentioned the color orange.
Thomas: Thank you, Cecile. *takes the bundle* I'm guessing it's food?
Cecile: *nods* (Cake. XD;; She cut him a slice.)
Thomas: *unwraps it, smiling* It looks delicious, Cecile. Ah.... you want to help me eat it?
Cecile: *flushes* N-no...that's okay. I made it for you. You do not have to eat it now if you do not want to.
Thomas: *promptly eats a corner, chewing and swallowing* It's very good. Just enough sugar.
Cecile: *sighs in relief* I did everything that Granny Taki told me to do. I did not want you to get sick....again.
Thomas: You're still learning. I'm sure in time you'll be much better. *eats the cake happily*
Cecile: *flattered and embarrassed* I'm happy that you think so. .///.
Thomas: *finishes the cake* Mmm. Thank you for the delicious cake. I hope you'll cook for me again.
Cecile: *bright red with embarrassment, unable to say anything; small nod*
Thomas: *smiles, fishing out a paper with an orange seal* Ah, here we go.
Cecile: *looks at it inquisitively* What should I do with it?
Thomas: Please hold onto it until we find the other papers. There should be about four or five in all
Cecile: *nods resolutely and takes the paper, deciding to not let it out of her sight*
Thomas: *continuing to shift through his messy desk* Ah... so, how was Leona's bar opening. I'm sorry I missed it.
Cecile: *shuffles in embarrassment* Well...it looked pretty...but I am afraid I was not very helpful nor welcome.
Thomas: Oh? What happened?
Cecile: >_> Uhm....There was a lot of drinking.
Thomas: Yes, but.... you said you weren't welcome. Did... someone make you upset?
Cecile: *shakes her head feverently* I think that I was perhaps bothersome. I was concerned that everyone would get sick from drinking so much, but Lady Leona did not seem worried.
Thomas: You were only looking out for everyone, don't worry. *finds another paper, handing it to her*
Cecile: *nods and takes the paper, holding it with the other one* I suppose so...I do not think I shall visit the tavern often though.
Thomas: I don't really go by there much, either, except to listen to Nei's music.
Cecile: *smiles faintly* She is very talented--I promised to keep an eye out for Sir Toppo or Shabon if they should ever come here.
Thomas: ... Ah.... maybe we could go listen to her together sometime.
Cecile: Oh--!! :O That would be nice! In fact, I was wondering if perhaps you would think it a good idea for me to take you somewhere to take your mind off all your work. ._.'
Thomas: Take me... somewhere? *blushes* Like where?
Cecile: *fidgets self-consciously* I...had not thought that far ahead. I thought I should ask you first.
Thomas: I'd love to go somewhere with you, Cecile. *smiles kindly, returning to the mess on his desk*
Cecile: *flushes unknowingly* E-even if it is just to walk, I do not mind. Anything to give you peace of mind away from work.
Thomas: That sounds wonderful.
Cecile: R-really? I....I was not sure if you would mind, and things have been so busy lately...
Thomas: Yes, things are busy. All the more reason for me to take some time off, right?
Cecile: *nods assuredly* Yes, I think you are entirely correct!
Thomas: *smiles brightly, fishing out another paper* My desk is such a mess.
Cecile: Ohh, I don't think so. :O In fact, I rather like it that way.
Thomas: You like it this way? Why's that?
Cecile: *turns pink* I'm not quite sure.
Thomas: *chuckles* It certainly gives us time to talk while I look for the papers.
Cecile: *realizes she isn't doing anything particularly helpful and flails* Are you sure you do not want me to help you search?
Thomas: If you want to, you're welcome to help.
Cecile: *honored* I shall help the best I can!!!!! *immediately begins to shuffle through a pile of papers*
Thomas: *chuckles* You're always so enthusiastic at what you do.
Cecile: *figuratively stabbed with guilt* ...I...I guess so.
Thomas: There's nothing wrong with it, Cecile. It shows you love what you do.
Cecile: .... *more guilt* D-do you think, Thomas, that perhaps that isn't always a good thing? I've been wondering about that lately.
Thomas: *pauses, glancing at her* What do you mean?
Cecile: I...that is....*bites her lip, blinking uncomfortably*....I wonder if sometimes I care too much about my position and it makes people upset.
Thomas: .... It doesn't upset me.
Cecile: *looks away, ashamed* ....
Thomas: Cecile, they don't understand what your post is to you. Don't let them make you think it's wrong to care.
Cecile: *still looking away, determined not to get emotional* ....I suppose...but it bothers me.
Thomas: Truthfully, I do worry about you, but I would never ask you to leave your post.
Cecile: *more guilt* I am sorry, Thomas. ;_;
Thomas: There's nothing to be sorry about. *gently hugs her*
Cecile: *flushes darkly, still looking away, swallowing back tears* I have not felt myself lately. It's very troublesome, and I have not been very polite to anyone.
Thomas: *concerned* Is there anything I can do for you?
Cecile: *shakes her head sadly* I do not want to concern you with my troubles. Juan told me that I should pretend they are gone.
Thomas: Sometimes talking can help. Pretending everything's fine isn't a wise thing to do.... I should know.
Cecile: *swallows, losing confidence* I don't know....
Thomas: *takes her hand gently* You can tell me if you want to.
Cecile: *flushes pink and starts to cry* But I did not want to tell you--!! ;__; I am afraid.
Thomas: *offers a handkerchief* What are you afraid of?
Cecile: *determined to stop crying, but failing miserably* E-everything-!! ;_; I am not supposed to be afraid, but everything seems to make me afraid lately.
Thomas: Why? What happened to make you this way?
Cecile: *sits down in a nearby seat* I keep failing at everything I try to do. ;_;
Thomas: *gets her a glass of water* That's not true. You made me that cake.
Cecile: *sniffs, continues to cry* It's not that. *accepts the glass but does not drink*
Thomas: You mean what happened with Yuber? *pulls up a chair next to her*
Cecile: *nods slowly* That's part of it. Thomas, I...I hate him, and I've never hated anyone like that, not even Luca! ;_;
Thomas: I don't really know all of what happened between you and Yuber. Why do you hate him?
Cecile: *sips some of the water* He...he said horrible things....about you, and I shall see that he never says such things again.
Thomas: Luca has said things about me, and you don't hate him.
Cecile: *fidgets and flushes angrily at herself* I believe that he has not been in his right mind lately, so I have been forgiving.
Cecile: Also, I have said several things to him which were shameful.
Thomas: It's all right to hate people, Cecile.
Cecile: I....it makes me feel miserable about myself. And that is not all that has been bothering me. ;_;
Thomas: *nods* Go on, I'm listening.
Cecile: *quickly losing confidence and starts to cry again*
Thomas: *rubs her shoulders* It's okay, Cecile. Cry as much as you need to.
Cecile: *buries her face in his coat and sobs* This is horrible--I shall never forgive myself for behaving like this--!! ;___;
Thomas: Don't bottle in your anger. Just let it out... you'll feel better.
Cecile: It is such a foolish thing to be upset over, but ever since speaking with Granny Taki I've felt worse about it--!! ;__;
Thomas: Why is that?
Cecile: *feeling foolish, but continues to cry* It just is--! ;__;
Thomas: *shakes his head* And it doesn't make you feel better knowing that I'm here for you?
Cecile: I should feel all the more miserable if you were not, but at the same time it makes me feel worse~ ;_;
Thomas: *feels hopeless, not knowing what to do*
Cecile: *sobs* I know you will think I am foolish for being so bothered by this, but I cannot help it--! ;_;
Cecile: ItoldGrannyTakithatafewmonthsagoIwenttovisitLucaandhewasalittleniceforabitsoIfeltgladforhimbuthewentandstolemyfirstkissfrommeandIhatedhimforitbutIthinkthatperhapshewasnotinhisrightmindatthetimebutitbothersmesomuch--!!!! ;______;
Thomas: .... *takes a deep breath* Yes. I understand
Cecile: *flushes in shame and embarrassment* He had no right to steal it from me. I...I wish I had it back.
Thomas: I know how you feel...
Cecile: *horrified* Did Luca steal your first kiss too? o_o *pales*
Thomas: Er... no. I was... ah, with Kinnison for a while, remember?
Cecile: *blinks uncomfortably and looks away* I remember. I...I promised to myself then that I should not be bothered by my foolish feelings.
Cecile: *smiles faintly* And you were happier than I ever saw you before. I had no place to feel what I felt then.
Thomas: I owe you an apology, Cecile. I hope you can forgive me for not realizing I loved you sooner.
Cecile: *flushes darkly* I am at fault as well, I suppose. I...I was convinced that I was foolish in feeling that way towards you, and ashamed. I forgot about it rather well for a while.
Thomas: *strokes her hair, smiling* My point is that you can be upset, let it all out, then... let it go.
Cecile: *bright red* I...ah... ;//////; You are not upset at me?
Thomas: Why should I be upset? It doesn't sound like the kiss was welcome.
Cecile: *turns red in embarrassment* I did not expect it at all. I felt sick afterwards.
Thomas: So there's no need for me to be upset.
Cecile: *small nod; wipes her face with the handkerchief he offered earlier* I am luckier than I ever though.
Thomas: Anyway, that's the first and only time you'll be kissed by someone else.... *blushes* I hope.
Cecile: *flushes darkly* I will never let my guard down around him again.
Thomas: *smiles* I'm glad to hear it.
Cecile: *still flushing* I do not think it would be so much of a problem if I let my guard down around you, however.
Thomas: No... I don't think so, either.
Cecile: *nods in relief, not knowing what else to say*
Thomas: *after a comfortable pause* Are you feeling better?
Cecile: *small nod* Much better than before. *smiles sheepishly* Thank you.
Thomas: I'm glad to help. ^_^
Cecile: *pauses for a moment, then rises from her seat and gives him a tight hug*
Thomas: *returns the hug, rubbing her back*
Cecile: I am more convinced than ever before that you deserve a break from work--it is the least I can do for you. *sighs*
Thomas: Thank you, Cecile. I appreciate that.
Cecile: *breaks away, her face bright and flushed* I shall see to it that you have the nicest break from work ever--!! :O
Thomas: *chuckles* It will be nice as long as I'm with you.
Cecile: *blushes* ...I am afraid I did not help you much with your work today, unfortunately. ._.
Thomas: Ah... well, to tell you the truth, I scattered the papers on my desk on purpose, just so we could spend time together.
Cecile: *blinks in surprise, then turns dark red*
Thomas: *blushes, looking embarrassed* Ah... I'm sure I'll find something I actually need help with.
Cecile: *resolutely* I shall help you to take your mind off your duties, since I am not much help with paperwork then.
Thomas: *blushes even more* I.... okay.
Cecile: *scratches the back of her head, not quite sure what else to say* Should we clean up the rest of the papers anyway?
Thomas: Yes, all right.
Cecile: *nods and folds up the handkerchief, knowing he probably won't want it back after she used it XD;;*
Thomas: You can keep that if you like. *cleaning the papers*
Cecile: Oh...thank you. *smiles in embarrassment* I shall wash it clean and keep it nice.
Thomas: *nods, smiling at her*
Cecile: *quickly runs over to help finish sorting out the papers* So....does this mean you do not need any of these Zexen documents? ._.
Thomas: Er... not really. ^_^;
Cecile: Ah...okay. *hands back the two sheets he gave her earlier* ^^;
Thomas: *takes them back, adding them to the much neater pile of papers*
Cecile: *watches him intently*
Thomas: *shuffes papers, stalling*
Cecile: *continues to watch, unaware that she's staring*
Thomas: *glances up and meets her stare shyly*
Cecile: *flushes darkly* I-I-I-I'm sorry; I was just watching.
Thomas: *smiles shyly, blushing* I know. It's okay.
Cecile: *bites her lip and turns around shyly* Now you do not have to worry about my watching.
Thomas: I don't mind you staring at me. It's.... flattering.
Cecile: *still facing away* It makes me feel funny.
Thomas: Yes, but I don't think it's a bad thing.
Cecile: It isn't?
Thomas: Not to me. *smiles*
Cecile: *turns back around* Then I suppose I can watch you, if you do not mind or do not need my help.
Thomas: I'd rather talk with you than work.
Cecile: *turns pink* I do not mind.
Thomas: Then it seems to me that the best way you can help me is if you come by and make me take breaks.
Cecile: *pauses in contemplation, then slowly nods* Yes...that does sound like an effective solution.
Thomas: Okay, then it's settled. *happy*
Cecile: *nods resolutely* I think that I shall enjoy helping you out in that sort of way.
Thomas: *blushes* Good. *doesn't know what else to say*
Cecile:....*pauses hesitantly, then shyly kisses him*
Thomas: .////.
Cecile: *backs away after a moment, flustered* Does that help? .////.
Thomas: *stares at her, dazed* Yes.
Cecile: *burns dark red and backs away insecurely* I...uhm...uhhm..... thank you for letting me speak with you.
Thomas: *blushing* I'm always glad to see you.
Cecile: M-me too. .///////.
Thomas: *shuffles his feet, decides to shyly kiss her back*
Cecile: *flushes breathlessly* --!! o////////o
Thomas: *is now the insecure one* Ummm
Cecile: *still startled; decides she will have to bring him a larger piece of cake next time*
Thomas: A... are you okay?
Cecile: *nods slowly, bright red* Yes....I think you deserve more cake next time.
Thomas: ... *blink* Er... okay.
Cecile: You shall have to find other ways to take breaks from your work while I am on patrol though.
Thomas: I'll think of something.
Cecile: *nods, still slightly uncoordinated* Think about where you might like to go next time I visit. I am not very good at planning that sort of thing. v////v
Thomas: I'll do that. *smiles, still blushing*
Cecile: O-okay then. .////. I...I have to get back to my post. Juan will make fun of me later for leaving it so soon after I got it back.
Thomas: We wouldn't want that. You'd best go, but.... be sure to come see me again.
Cecile: Oh, of course I will!! *feverent nod*
Cecile: *smiles* Thank you again for listening to what was troubling me.
Thomas: I'm always here for you. *smiles*
Cecile: *flushes faintly* I am as well--if anyone gives you trouble, let me know right away!! I will take care of them. >(
Thomas: All right, Cecile, I'll do that.
Cecile: *nods shyly and turns to leave*
Thomas: .... um.... well... bye. *feels lame*
Cecile: *turns around half-way over the door threshold and smiles brightly*
Thomas: *fiddles with his hands, not knowing what else to say*
Cecile: *smiles, flushed* Do not worry--I think of you often while on patrol.
Thomas: .... *blushes* Oh. I'm... really glad.
Cecile: *smiles happily and waves to him*
Thomas: *waves back shyly*
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