Long-lost RP Log ~ Luca
Who: Cecile, Luca Tai Ho
What: Luca promises not to go after Fred for a rematch, and Cecile finally caves and takes him to the summer festival in return. What starts out as lighthearted fun takes an uncomfortable turn when the topic of Heinz comes up.
Where: The courtyard, Budehuc ship deck
When: Late-summer evening, the day after Cecile's festival date with Thomas Summer 2006ish
Warnings: A bit of language on Luca's part, gets a bit heavy with some darker stuff implied
Why: The mun was initially too shy to post, then the log got lost in the shuffle when upgrading to a new laptop and resurfaced years later on the external harddrive. We never spoke of it again and proceeded as if it didn't happen.
Cecile: *stands at the front gates in her mother’s bright orange yukata covered in a pattern of white and yellow flowers. Her hair is pulled off to the side in a loose braid. She’s still riding on the high from her festival date yesterday with Thomas by the lake, and nothing can bring her mood down!*
Luca: *approaches quietly from behind, he’s wearing a dark blue yukata Yun made. The bottom is covered with the design of an ocean wave. He’s not used to being out of armor like this and feels uncomfortable. He stops and stares at Cecile in her orange robes* ……..
Cecile: *senses someone from behind and spins around* Oh--! *almost doesn’t recognize him in his festival robes and stares* L-Luca…? Wow, you look… so different! *flails* I knew this was a great idea! How do your wounds feel? I bet it’s light and airy, isn’t it?! *talking fast while still flailing*
Luca: *embarrassed* Tch. I look the same.
Cecile: Miss Yun did an amazing job! Wow! Wow--! *peers over excitedly* You’re like a whole new person!
Luca: *even more embarrassed by her staring* I’m exactly the same, captain. The one who looks different is you.
Cecile: Hehe, these are my mother’s old robes. I finally fit in them! *puffs out proudly even though it's a bit frayed and threadbare* It’s the only thing I have of hers...I’m so excited to wear them!
Luca: ……. You look great, captain.
Cecile: *flusters momentarily, then is struck with an idea based on the time she spent with Thomas yesterday* No no, none of that! *wags a scolding finger* You spent all that time recovering in the infirmary! This is a chance to get out and have some fun. That means for this evening, I am only Cecile, and you are only Luca. No captain, no subordinate, no titles! Just friends!
Luca: *looks uncomfortable again* Friends… But you’re my captain. Ain’t we at least keeping this place safe by attending? Or whatever it is you people do at these things..
Cecile: Nope! No patrolling! This is hard for me too, you know! But both Sir Hugo and Master Thomas insisted I have a break, so I’m insisting you have one too!
Luca: Hmph. *doesn’t like hearing about Hugo or Thomas*
Cecile: No sulking! *scolds* You’re the one who kept pestering me about coming! So now that we’re here, let’s have some fun! What would you like to do first?
Luca: Fun, huh… *looks around at all the festival goers* Where’s Fred? *reaches for his sword that’s not there and frowns remembering he’s unarmed*
Cecile: *scowls* The whole point of our bet was no fighting, remember?! Don’t you dare run off looking for poor Sir Fred! He’s still recovering!
Luca: Recovering? That bastard...I barely put a scratch on him. What the hell is he recovering from? Just point me in his direction, and I’ll have all the fun I need!!!!
Cecile: *doesn’t want to linger on the touchy topic of Fred* Nevermind that. Let’s get started! *sweeps her arms out at all the festivities across the castle courtyard. There are booths and games, and lots of people all over enjoying themselves* What would you like to do first?
Luca: …. Whatever makes the captain happy.
Cecile: S-stop that! This isn’t about me! What do you want, Luca? And don’t call me captain! No titles, remember?
Luca: Tch… *glances over at a fishing booth, he remembers Cecile mentioned something about fishing before*
((Oh man, if only we had Tai Ho here to run the fishing stall XDDD))
((I guess we could pretend he is? :P ))
Cecile: *follows his gaze* The fishing stall! That’s a wonderful idea! I love this one! *starts making her way through the crowd, struggling to push through all the people, she’s glad her yukata is such a bright color and hopes that will help Luca see her through the crowd like a shiny beacon* Stay close to me!
Luca: *pushes through the crowd with no issues because everyone gives him space* ...........… *doesn’t like watching Cecile get squished in the crowd and shoves to the front, grabbing her by the hand and leading instead* You’re going to get yourself trampled. Don’t be stupid!
Cecile: *flusters* No I’m not! I’m fine!
Luca: You’re obviously not. Everyone is taller than you.
Cecile: That’s not my fault!
Luca: … *holds onto her hand tighter and doesn’t argue with her. He’s secretly happy even though he doesn’t look it*
Cecile: *they finally arrive at the fishing stand and she rises up on her toes in excitement* Wow, it looks even better up close! I didn’t get a chance to visit the fishing booth yet, I was too busy manning my fundraising stall. I wonder what the money earned from fishing is going towards…*raises her hand to ponder, realizes they’re still holding hands and flushes awkwardly*
Luca: …. *reluctantly releases her hand* Fishing, huh. Tch.
Cecile: Eh? You’d rather not?
Luca: I didn’t say that!
Cecile: *frowns, confused by how moody he’s being. She hoped he’d be happier finally getting to attend the festival* Well then. Let’s fish! *scampers up to the stall and gives the volunteer some potch to pay for their turns, then hands Luca a small scoop with a tissue paper across the opening*
Luca: *stares at it judgmentally* What the hell is this?
Cecile: The fishing scoop, of course!
Luca: *turns it around in his hands then immediately punches a hole through the tissue paper* Heh. Weak.
Cecile: Wh...Luca, you can’t do that! *groans and hands the stall worker more potch for another scoop* You dip it into the water and try to catch a fish!
Luca: …..... *accepts the second scoop and feels bad seeing her pay for them both. He steps up to the tank of fish and stares down at them. A dark grin crosses his face, they remind him of squirming pigs*
Cecile: *tiny bit unsettled by his smirk* Watch, just like this! *leans over the tank and tries to gently scoop a goldfish up, only to have it flop around and split the tissue at the last minute* Ack! Almost had that one.
Luca: *a little upset seeing her disappointed, he aggressively shoves the scoop into the water and takes angry swipes at the fish. The paper breaks pretty much instantly* ………….Tch. Damn thing’s rigged.
Cecile: *stifles a giggle* That’s even worse! You can’t do it like that! You have to be gentle or the paper will tear right away! *hands the stall worker some more potch and purchases one more turn for him* You have to be very, very gentle! Not only will you scare away the fish, but the paper is delicate!
Luca: Gentle, huh. I don’t do gentle. And I don’t do delicate.
Cecile: Well, you’re going to have to if you want a fish!
Luca: *embarrassed* Maybe I don’t want to fish anymore. Stop wasting your money on me, captain.
Cecile: *stubbornly puts her hands on her hips and begins scolding him again in front of all the people at the fishing stand* That sounds like the attitude of a sore loser to me! I know you can get a fish if you try hard enough! And I told you, no titles!
Luca: Hmph. *gently lowers the scoop into the water with very slow movements. He doesn’t like losing in front of her. After a few moments he successfully manages to scoop up a tiny goldfish*
Cecile: See? *excited flail* I knew you could do it!
*The stall worker puts Luca’s goldfish into a bag filled with water and hands it to him. The fish is swimming like crazy and orange!*
Luca: *takes the goldfish bag and stares at it. The tiny goldfish is staring back at him* ….............….
Cecile: Look! He likes you!
Luca: It’s a girl.
Cecile: How can you tell? *headtilt*
Luca: Heh. *actually smiles a little* ……. *it’s because the fish is bright orange and reminds him of her*
Cecile: ………. *stares, she’s rarely ever seen a sincere smile from him*
Luca: *suddenly realizes she’s watching him and blushes uncomfortably* Tch. Whatever. *shoves the goldfish bag into the hands of a little kid passing by* I don’t need it.
Cecile: O-oh...... *watches the little boy run away with his new fish and cheers back up right away* That’s okay. We still have enough time before the fireworks!! Have you ever seen fireworks before?!
Luca: …… Not the kind you’re thinking of.
Cecile: *tilts her head again and almost asks, then decides not to based on his facial expression* Well, I missed the fireworks yesterday, so I’m determined not to miss them tonight! And you’re in luck! I know the perfect spot for watching them!
Luca: Why’d you miss them yesterday?
Cecile: *blushes pink and ignores him* Come on! It’s a bit of a walk! *this time takes a quieter route through a lesser-crowded area*
Luca: … *follows silently behind her. He wants to hold her hand again but doesn’t have an excuse since it’s not as crowded*
Cecile: *leads him all the way to the top of the boat behind the manor, standing at the overhang near the baths* This is the perfect spot! And best of all, barely anyone knows about it! *grins to herself*
Luca: If it’s such a perfect spot, why is it so empty?
Cecile: No one knows the castle as well as I do! Well, except maybe Juan. Or Eike. I imagine most people don’t even realize this is a good spot for viewing! *waves her arms out at the sky* But it’s perfect--there’s nothing blocking our view! *pauses* Luca, have you ever been to a festival before?
Luca: …. *doesn’t mention he probably burned one down at some point* It doesn’t matter.
Cecile: It does matter! Festivals are special… they’re a sign of celebration and coming together with everyone during times of peace. It’s especially important now that the war is over, and so many new people from different places are living here.
Luca: The war, huh.....Hard to believe a place as peaceful as this having a war.
Cecile: *her voice lowers and she has a faraway look in her eyes* It did. And I hope we never have another one. We even had battles here at Budehuc. It’s one reason why I work so hard to protect the castle, even during times of peace. You never know when something bad could happen again. That’s why I love our yearly festivals. It’s a reminder that we should be grateful for what we have.
Luca: *decides to change the subject seeing her looking unhappy talking about the war* So… why did you miss the fireworks yesterday, captain?
Cecile: *flusters again and doesn’t remember to correct him* I… I told you! I attended the festival with Master Thomas yesterday! *leans against the ship railing and looks out at the crowd below by the lakeshore*
Luca: ………… Tch. You didn’t watch them with that runt?
Cecile: *quietly, more to herself than anything* I hope the wishes we made with our candles on the water come true... I wasn't able to keep count though.....
Luca: ………………….Keep count of what?
Cecile: *blurts out* Of all the days Master Thomas was gone, of course! For every day he was gone I was going to ki--- *abruptly turns dark red and remembers where she is, and whom she’s with*
Luca: ………….. *has a very good idea what she was talking about and doesn’t like it* ……………….
Cecile: *immediately looks back over the railing* I-I hope the fireworks start soon!!!!~
Luca: *grunts as his answer and angrily leans against the wall*
Cecile: *suddenly jumps with excitement as the first round of fireworks shoot up and sparkle in the sky -- blue and yellow!* Wow! Look, see?!! I told you, this is the perfect place to watch the fireworks! *sprints away from the railing’s edge and stands next to him against the wall by the baths* I’m so glad we were able to afford fireworks this year! I love all the colors… and the sounds are so exciting!
Luca: Hm. *watches her reaction instead of the fireworks*
Cecile: I hope they shoot off an orange one next!! .......... *suddenly realizes he’s not paying attention and looks at him in concern* Luca…? *frowns after a moment* ...You’re...not enjoying the festival, are you.
Luca: What? I didn’t say that. Stop putting words in my mouth, captain.
Cecile: But… you don’t seem to be having any fun at all!!! *starts counting off her fingers* You refuse to stop using my title, you gave away your goldfish, you keep getting angry, and you aren’t even appreciating the fireworks!
Luca: Tch….That doesn’t mean I’m not enjoying myself. ‘Sides, it doesn’t matter.
Cecile: Of course it matters! That’s the whole reason why I decided to take you! I want you to have fun!
Luca: What do you mean, that’s the reason? I thought the reason is because I agreed not to fight Fred! *looks a little irritated and clenches his fist, he’s still going to try finding Fred later but isn’t about to tell her*
Cecile: Well… that’s one reason. *looks back out at the next round of fireworks* But… the biggest reason is different. I wanted to thank you.
Luca: ...Thank me? For what?
Cecile: *quietly fiddles with the end of her braid* For working together with Sir Hugo to bring me home. That… that entire situation was really scary.
Luca: ...That situation. *looks even angrier* That went on for way too long. How many days were you gone?
Cecile: W-well, it’s over and done! I don’t need to think about it ever again!! I’m one hundred percent okay now! *puts on an almost too-cheery expression and looks back up at the fireworks, ignoring his question*
Luca: ………………… *can tell from her tone she’s not okay* I’m asking you, how many days?!
Cecile: *refuses to look over at him and continues staring up at the fireworks* I...I don’t remember.
Luca: You don’t remember? How do you not remember?!!!!
Cecile: I… I just don’t!
Luca: ……………………………..Captain. What happened?
Cecile: *clenches her fists at her side still won’t look over at him* I told you, no titles!
Luca: Don’t ignore me!!!! I said, what happened?!
Cecile: I’m fine! Everyone keeps asking, but I’m fine, I’m completely okay! I just… I don’t want to talk about it! We’re supposed to be having fun, aren’t we?
Luca: *stands in front of her so she can’t ignore him and suddenly slams his fist into the wooden wall behind her so hard it splinters*
Cecile: *startled jump* Wh-what?! Luca, what are you doing?!! Don't just go punching things! I can't see, you’re blocking the fireworks!
Luca: *leans over her, pinning her in place* That’s not important!! I don’t care, I don’t want you to look at the fireworks. Don’t ignore me. What happened, captain?!
Cecile: *avoids looking at him* Th...that’s selfish of you!
Luca: You already know I’m selfish. Stop ignoring me dammit!!!!!!!!!! Did he hurt you?!?
Cecile: I’m fine! I told you already!
Luca: How do you not remember?! How do you not remember how many days!? That filthy PIG..… *his fist against the wall starts to tremble* Did he hurt you?! Did he touch you!!!? Did…did he… *feels sick and remembers the violence against his mother long ago*
Cecile: *confused* What…? *finally looks up at him in concern* What are you talking about? I...I’m okay, I promise! Would I be here if I wasn’t?
Luca: …………………..*continues staring back down at her and breathing heavily with anger*
Cecile: Luca… Are...you okay?
Luca: ………………...*too furious to respond, all he can think about is killing Heinz*
Cecile: *glances at his fist still pressed against the wall behind her and hesitates for a moment--she has no idea what to do but suspects whatever is upsetting him is serious* Luca. I’m okay. I...I’m okay. I’m right here, see? *reaches up and presses her hands against his chest in hopes it will bring him back to reality* See?
Luca: *finally snaps out of it and looks back down at her* S...sorry, captain…
Cecile: No titles, remember? *tiny smile* See? Everything is okay. It doesn’t matter what I can or can’t remember, as long as I’m okay, right? You should have more faith in me!
Luca: ...…Cecile….. *brings his other hand up and holds the side of her face*
Cecile: Wh… *flusters* Th...that’s right! Finally! N-no titles!!
Luca: ………..*brushes his thumb across her cheek*
Cecile: ….. *starting to panic and turns red* L...Luca? Luca, I’m okay? See? *presses her hands against his chest again as he pushes closer in attempts to wake him up again* So...so let’s watch the fireworks, okay?
Luca: …… *leans down and lightly kisses her, at first hesitantly and awkward, then pulls back and kisses her again with more emotion*
Cecile: *freezes in place, her heart thundering in her ears--this isn’t what she expected at all, and she’s completely unprepared as her mind goes blank*
Luca: *removes his other hand from the wall and holds her face in both hands, slowly running his fingers through her hair as he kisses her a third and fourth time. Each one is bolder than the last and almost desperate*
Cecile: *closes her hands against his chest and stares at him breathlessly when he pulls back* W..wh...why?
Luca: …….Five….. *murmurs against her lips before kissing her again*
Cecile: *dizzy and bewildered, her face burns like it’s on fire and her knees seem like they’ll give out from underneath her, he’s kissing her more intensely than she’s ever done before with Thomas* F...five…. five what…?
Luca: *draws back again still holding her face. His breathing is unsteady* Five days...
Cecile: Wh...what...what are you talking about…!??!
Luca: You…...you were gone for five days.....you might not remember, but I do...
Cecile: *a slow sense of realization dawns on her… the number of days, the number of kisses, it’s just like…* Wh… you...you can’t…
Luca: ………. *runs his thumb along the side of her face as his nose brushes against hers, he wants to keep kissing her*
Cecile: L-Luca, you… you can’t…! *withdraws her hands from his chest in a panic* I… I can’t…!
Luca: …….*catches his breath finally and pulls away* …………..
Cecile: ………. *clutches at the cuffs of her sleeves, not even noticing the fireworks anymore* This...this wasn’t supposed to...
Luca: *turns away from her* ………...You’re right, captain. I’m sorry.
Cecile: W...why, Luca? That’s… that’s not… that wasn’t...I don’t understand...
Luca: *depressed* Forget it. Forget this ever happened.
Cecile: *motions to reach for him for a moment, then holds back out of fear he’ll resume where he left off* W...Why--!?
Luca: Why what? Nothing happened.
Cecile: …………
Luca: …………….. I’m sorry...for interrupting the fireworks for you, captain. You’ll probably want to go find Thomas and watch them with him.
Cecile: …………. *flushes red and covers her face with her hands*
Luca: ……….*wants to turn around but decides not to and walks away*
Cecile: *her knees finally give out and she slides down against the wall until she’s kneeling on the deck of the ship* What… what just happened…?
What: Luca promises not to go after Fred for a rematch, and Cecile finally caves and takes him to the summer festival in return. What starts out as lighthearted fun takes an uncomfortable turn when the topic of Heinz comes up.
Where: The courtyard, Budehuc ship deck
When: Late-summer evening, the day after Cecile's festival date with Thomas Summer 2006ish
Warnings: A bit of language on Luca's part, gets a bit heavy with some darker stuff implied
Why: The mun was initially too shy to post, then the log got lost in the shuffle when upgrading to a new laptop and resurfaced years later on the external harddrive. We never spoke of it again and proceeded as if it didn't happen.
Cecile: *stands at the front gates in her mother’s bright orange yukata covered in a pattern of white and yellow flowers. Her hair is pulled off to the side in a loose braid. She’s still riding on the high from her festival date yesterday with Thomas by the lake, and nothing can bring her mood down!*
Luca: *approaches quietly from behind, he’s wearing a dark blue yukata Yun made. The bottom is covered with the design of an ocean wave. He’s not used to being out of armor like this and feels uncomfortable. He stops and stares at Cecile in her orange robes* ……..
Cecile: *senses someone from behind and spins around* Oh--! *almost doesn’t recognize him in his festival robes and stares* L-Luca…? Wow, you look… so different! *flails* I knew this was a great idea! How do your wounds feel? I bet it’s light and airy, isn’t it?! *talking fast while still flailing*
Luca: *embarrassed* Tch. I look the same.
Cecile: Miss Yun did an amazing job! Wow! Wow--! *peers over excitedly* You’re like a whole new person!
Luca: *even more embarrassed by her staring* I’m exactly the same, captain. The one who looks different is you.
Cecile: Hehe, these are my mother’s old robes. I finally fit in them! *puffs out proudly even though it's a bit frayed and threadbare* It’s the only thing I have of hers...I’m so excited to wear them!
Luca: ……. You look great, captain.
Cecile: *flusters momentarily, then is struck with an idea based on the time she spent with Thomas yesterday* No no, none of that! *wags a scolding finger* You spent all that time recovering in the infirmary! This is a chance to get out and have some fun. That means for this evening, I am only Cecile, and you are only Luca. No captain, no subordinate, no titles! Just friends!
Luca: *looks uncomfortable again* Friends… But you’re my captain. Ain’t we at least keeping this place safe by attending? Or whatever it is you people do at these things..
Cecile: Nope! No patrolling! This is hard for me too, you know! But both Sir Hugo and Master Thomas insisted I have a break, so I’m insisting you have one too!
Luca: Hmph. *doesn’t like hearing about Hugo or Thomas*
Cecile: No sulking! *scolds* You’re the one who kept pestering me about coming! So now that we’re here, let’s have some fun! What would you like to do first?
Luca: Fun, huh… *looks around at all the festival goers* Where’s Fred? *reaches for his sword that’s not there and frowns remembering he’s unarmed*
Cecile: *scowls* The whole point of our bet was no fighting, remember?! Don’t you dare run off looking for poor Sir Fred! He’s still recovering!
Luca: Recovering? That bastard...I barely put a scratch on him. What the hell is he recovering from? Just point me in his direction, and I’ll have all the fun I need!!!!
Cecile: *doesn’t want to linger on the touchy topic of Fred* Nevermind that. Let’s get started! *sweeps her arms out at all the festivities across the castle courtyard. There are booths and games, and lots of people all over enjoying themselves* What would you like to do first?
Luca: …. Whatever makes the captain happy.
Cecile: S-stop that! This isn’t about me! What do you want, Luca? And don’t call me captain! No titles, remember?
Luca: Tch… *glances over at a fishing booth, he remembers Cecile mentioned something about fishing before*
((Oh man, if only we had Tai Ho here to run the fishing stall XDDD))
((I guess we could pretend he is? :P ))
Cecile: *follows his gaze* The fishing stall! That’s a wonderful idea! I love this one! *starts making her way through the crowd, struggling to push through all the people, she’s glad her yukata is such a bright color and hopes that will help Luca see her through the crowd like a shiny beacon* Stay close to me!
Luca: *pushes through the crowd with no issues because everyone gives him space* ...........… *doesn’t like watching Cecile get squished in the crowd and shoves to the front, grabbing her by the hand and leading instead* You’re going to get yourself trampled. Don’t be stupid!
Cecile: *flusters* No I’m not! I’m fine!
Luca: You’re obviously not. Everyone is taller than you.
Cecile: That’s not my fault!
Luca: … *holds onto her hand tighter and doesn’t argue with her. He’s secretly happy even though he doesn’t look it*
Cecile: *they finally arrive at the fishing stand and she rises up on her toes in excitement* Wow, it looks even better up close! I didn’t get a chance to visit the fishing booth yet, I was too busy manning my fundraising stall. I wonder what the money earned from fishing is going towards…*raises her hand to ponder, realizes they’re still holding hands and flushes awkwardly*
Luca: …. *reluctantly releases her hand* Fishing, huh. Tch.
Cecile: Eh? You’d rather not?
Luca: I didn’t say that!
Cecile: *frowns, confused by how moody he’s being. She hoped he’d be happier finally getting to attend the festival* Well then. Let’s fish! *scampers up to the stall and gives the volunteer some potch to pay for their turns, then hands Luca a small scoop with a tissue paper across the opening*
Luca: *stares at it judgmentally* What the hell is this?
Cecile: The fishing scoop, of course!
Luca: *turns it around in his hands then immediately punches a hole through the tissue paper* Heh. Weak.
Cecile: Wh...Luca, you can’t do that! *groans and hands the stall worker more potch for another scoop* You dip it into the water and try to catch a fish!
Luca: …..... *accepts the second scoop and feels bad seeing her pay for them both. He steps up to the tank of fish and stares down at them. A dark grin crosses his face, they remind him of squirming pigs*
Cecile: *tiny bit unsettled by his smirk* Watch, just like this! *leans over the tank and tries to gently scoop a goldfish up, only to have it flop around and split the tissue at the last minute* Ack! Almost had that one.
Luca: *a little upset seeing her disappointed, he aggressively shoves the scoop into the water and takes angry swipes at the fish. The paper breaks pretty much instantly* ………….Tch. Damn thing’s rigged.
Cecile: *stifles a giggle* That’s even worse! You can’t do it like that! You have to be gentle or the paper will tear right away! *hands the stall worker some more potch and purchases one more turn for him* You have to be very, very gentle! Not only will you scare away the fish, but the paper is delicate!
Luca: Gentle, huh. I don’t do gentle. And I don’t do delicate.
Cecile: Well, you’re going to have to if you want a fish!
Luca: *embarrassed* Maybe I don’t want to fish anymore. Stop wasting your money on me, captain.
Cecile: *stubbornly puts her hands on her hips and begins scolding him again in front of all the people at the fishing stand* That sounds like the attitude of a sore loser to me! I know you can get a fish if you try hard enough! And I told you, no titles!
Luca: Hmph. *gently lowers the scoop into the water with very slow movements. He doesn’t like losing in front of her. After a few moments he successfully manages to scoop up a tiny goldfish*
Cecile: See? *excited flail* I knew you could do it!
*The stall worker puts Luca’s goldfish into a bag filled with water and hands it to him. The fish is swimming like crazy and orange!*
Luca: *takes the goldfish bag and stares at it. The tiny goldfish is staring back at him* ….............….
Cecile: Look! He likes you!
Luca: It’s a girl.
Cecile: How can you tell? *headtilt*
Luca: Heh. *actually smiles a little* ……. *it’s because the fish is bright orange and reminds him of her*
Cecile: ………. *stares, she’s rarely ever seen a sincere smile from him*
Luca: *suddenly realizes she’s watching him and blushes uncomfortably* Tch. Whatever. *shoves the goldfish bag into the hands of a little kid passing by* I don’t need it.
Cecile: O-oh...... *watches the little boy run away with his new fish and cheers back up right away* That’s okay. We still have enough time before the fireworks!! Have you ever seen fireworks before?!
Luca: …… Not the kind you’re thinking of.
Cecile: *tilts her head again and almost asks, then decides not to based on his facial expression* Well, I missed the fireworks yesterday, so I’m determined not to miss them tonight! And you’re in luck! I know the perfect spot for watching them!
Luca: Why’d you miss them yesterday?
Cecile: *blushes pink and ignores him* Come on! It’s a bit of a walk! *this time takes a quieter route through a lesser-crowded area*
Luca: … *follows silently behind her. He wants to hold her hand again but doesn’t have an excuse since it’s not as crowded*
Cecile: *leads him all the way to the top of the boat behind the manor, standing at the overhang near the baths* This is the perfect spot! And best of all, barely anyone knows about it! *grins to herself*
Luca: If it’s such a perfect spot, why is it so empty?
Cecile: No one knows the castle as well as I do! Well, except maybe Juan. Or Eike. I imagine most people don’t even realize this is a good spot for viewing! *waves her arms out at the sky* But it’s perfect--there’s nothing blocking our view! *pauses* Luca, have you ever been to a festival before?
Luca: …. *doesn’t mention he probably burned one down at some point* It doesn’t matter.
Cecile: It does matter! Festivals are special… they’re a sign of celebration and coming together with everyone during times of peace. It’s especially important now that the war is over, and so many new people from different places are living here.
Luca: The war, huh.....Hard to believe a place as peaceful as this having a war.
Cecile: *her voice lowers and she has a faraway look in her eyes* It did. And I hope we never have another one. We even had battles here at Budehuc. It’s one reason why I work so hard to protect the castle, even during times of peace. You never know when something bad could happen again. That’s why I love our yearly festivals. It’s a reminder that we should be grateful for what we have.
Luca: *decides to change the subject seeing her looking unhappy talking about the war* So… why did you miss the fireworks yesterday, captain?
Cecile: *flusters again and doesn’t remember to correct him* I… I told you! I attended the festival with Master Thomas yesterday! *leans against the ship railing and looks out at the crowd below by the lakeshore*
Luca: ………… Tch. You didn’t watch them with that runt?
Cecile: *quietly, more to herself than anything* I hope the wishes we made with our candles on the water come true... I wasn't able to keep count though.....
Luca: ………………….Keep count of what?
Cecile: *blurts out* Of all the days Master Thomas was gone, of course! For every day he was gone I was going to ki--- *abruptly turns dark red and remembers where she is, and whom she’s with*
Luca: ………….. *has a very good idea what she was talking about and doesn’t like it* ……………….
Cecile: *immediately looks back over the railing* I-I hope the fireworks start soon!!!!~
Luca: *grunts as his answer and angrily leans against the wall*
Cecile: *suddenly jumps with excitement as the first round of fireworks shoot up and sparkle in the sky -- blue and yellow!* Wow! Look, see?!! I told you, this is the perfect place to watch the fireworks! *sprints away from the railing’s edge and stands next to him against the wall by the baths* I’m so glad we were able to afford fireworks this year! I love all the colors… and the sounds are so exciting!
Luca: Hm. *watches her reaction instead of the fireworks*
Cecile: I hope they shoot off an orange one next!! .......... *suddenly realizes he’s not paying attention and looks at him in concern* Luca…? *frowns after a moment* ...You’re...not enjoying the festival, are you.
Luca: What? I didn’t say that. Stop putting words in my mouth, captain.
Cecile: But… you don’t seem to be having any fun at all!!! *starts counting off her fingers* You refuse to stop using my title, you gave away your goldfish, you keep getting angry, and you aren’t even appreciating the fireworks!
Luca: Tch….That doesn’t mean I’m not enjoying myself. ‘Sides, it doesn’t matter.
Cecile: Of course it matters! That’s the whole reason why I decided to take you! I want you to have fun!
Luca: What do you mean, that’s the reason? I thought the reason is because I agreed not to fight Fred! *looks a little irritated and clenches his fist, he’s still going to try finding Fred later but isn’t about to tell her*
Cecile: Well… that’s one reason. *looks back out at the next round of fireworks* But… the biggest reason is different. I wanted to thank you.
Luca: ...Thank me? For what?
Cecile: *quietly fiddles with the end of her braid* For working together with Sir Hugo to bring me home. That… that entire situation was really scary.
Luca: ...That situation. *looks even angrier* That went on for way too long. How many days were you gone?
Cecile: W-well, it’s over and done! I don’t need to think about it ever again!! I’m one hundred percent okay now! *puts on an almost too-cheery expression and looks back up at the fireworks, ignoring his question*
Luca: ………………… *can tell from her tone she’s not okay* I’m asking you, how many days?!
Cecile: *refuses to look over at him and continues staring up at the fireworks* I...I don’t remember.
Luca: You don’t remember? How do you not remember?!!!!
Cecile: I… I just don’t!
Luca: ……………………………..Captain. What happened?
Cecile: *clenches her fists at her side still won’t look over at him* I told you, no titles!
Luca: Don’t ignore me!!!! I said, what happened?!
Cecile: I’m fine! Everyone keeps asking, but I’m fine, I’m completely okay! I just… I don’t want to talk about it! We’re supposed to be having fun, aren’t we?
Luca: *stands in front of her so she can’t ignore him and suddenly slams his fist into the wooden wall behind her so hard it splinters*
Cecile: *startled jump* Wh-what?! Luca, what are you doing?!! Don't just go punching things! I can't see, you’re blocking the fireworks!
Luca: *leans over her, pinning her in place* That’s not important!! I don’t care, I don’t want you to look at the fireworks. Don’t ignore me. What happened, captain?!
Cecile: *avoids looking at him* Th...that’s selfish of you!
Luca: You already know I’m selfish. Stop ignoring me dammit!!!!!!!!!! Did he hurt you?!?
Cecile: I’m fine! I told you already!
Luca: How do you not remember?! How do you not remember how many days!? That filthy PIG..… *his fist against the wall starts to tremble* Did he hurt you?! Did he touch you!!!? Did…did he… *feels sick and remembers the violence against his mother long ago*
Cecile: *confused* What…? *finally looks up at him in concern* What are you talking about? I...I’m okay, I promise! Would I be here if I wasn’t?
Luca: …………………..*continues staring back down at her and breathing heavily with anger*
Cecile: Luca… Are...you okay?
Luca: ………………...*too furious to respond, all he can think about is killing Heinz*
Cecile: *glances at his fist still pressed against the wall behind her and hesitates for a moment--she has no idea what to do but suspects whatever is upsetting him is serious* Luca. I’m okay. I...I’m okay. I’m right here, see? *reaches up and presses her hands against his chest in hopes it will bring him back to reality* See?
Luca: *finally snaps out of it and looks back down at her* S...sorry, captain…
Cecile: No titles, remember? *tiny smile* See? Everything is okay. It doesn’t matter what I can or can’t remember, as long as I’m okay, right? You should have more faith in me!
Luca: ...…Cecile….. *brings his other hand up and holds the side of her face*
Cecile: Wh… *flusters* Th...that’s right! Finally! N-no titles!!
Luca: ………..*brushes his thumb across her cheek*
Cecile: ….. *starting to panic and turns red* L...Luca? Luca, I’m okay? See? *presses her hands against his chest again as he pushes closer in attempts to wake him up again* So...so let’s watch the fireworks, okay?
Luca: …… *leans down and lightly kisses her, at first hesitantly and awkward, then pulls back and kisses her again with more emotion*
Cecile: *freezes in place, her heart thundering in her ears--this isn’t what she expected at all, and she’s completely unprepared as her mind goes blank*
Luca: *removes his other hand from the wall and holds her face in both hands, slowly running his fingers through her hair as he kisses her a third and fourth time. Each one is bolder than the last and almost desperate*
Cecile: *closes her hands against his chest and stares at him breathlessly when he pulls back* W..wh...why?
Luca: …….Five….. *murmurs against her lips before kissing her again*
Cecile: *dizzy and bewildered, her face burns like it’s on fire and her knees seem like they’ll give out from underneath her, he’s kissing her more intensely than she’s ever done before with Thomas* F...five…. five what…?
Luca: *draws back again still holding her face. His breathing is unsteady* Five days...
Cecile: Wh...what...what are you talking about…!??!
Luca: You…...you were gone for five days.....you might not remember, but I do...
Cecile: *a slow sense of realization dawns on her… the number of days, the number of kisses, it’s just like…* Wh… you...you can’t…
Luca: ………. *runs his thumb along the side of her face as his nose brushes against hers, he wants to keep kissing her*
Cecile: L-Luca, you… you can’t…! *withdraws her hands from his chest in a panic* I… I can’t…!
Luca: …….*catches his breath finally and pulls away* …………..
Cecile: ………. *clutches at the cuffs of her sleeves, not even noticing the fireworks anymore* This...this wasn’t supposed to...
Luca: *turns away from her* ………...You’re right, captain. I’m sorry.
Cecile: W...why, Luca? That’s… that’s not… that wasn’t...I don’t understand...
Luca: *depressed* Forget it. Forget this ever happened.
Cecile: *motions to reach for him for a moment, then holds back out of fear he’ll resume where he left off* W...Why--!?
Luca: Why what? Nothing happened.
Cecile: …………
Luca: …………….. I’m sorry...for interrupting the fireworks for you, captain. You’ll probably want to go find Thomas and watch them with him.
Cecile: …………. *flushes red and covers her face with her hands*
Luca: ……….*wants to turn around but decides not to and walks away*
Cecile: *her knees finally give out and she slides down against the wall until she’s kneeling on the deck of the ship* What… what just happened…?