Private One Day Out

[Ronja Bubblyfoot]

A Quiet and Peaceful Park
Early Afternoon
Partially Cloudy

Ronja had managed to invite Nico to her home once again, and she was decided to treasure every moment of it. A long time has passed since their relationship was known, and after showing a relentless desire to have some time truly to themselves, Ronja decided for an idea that was new for them—

Going out.

Truly, it was a very basic idea in the eyes of most of people, but with her conditions, it meant that as someone more 'vulnerable', she would be out with someone that Ronja's family considered a stranger.

"You already have... Ronja's phone location anyway... Don't you..?"

It took a lot of convincing, but Ronja managed to eventually corner Lena into silence, and eventually acceptance. The headmaid was clearly not happy about it, but for once she didn't struck Nico any glare. Her eyes brimmed with a helpless concern, even if her direly serious expression serving as a mild mask for her true emotions.

Ronja felt bad, but it was necessary. Both for her own independence, and for building trust.

"It is a beautiful day... Isn't it..?" Ronja looked to Nico fondly.

She felt like the luckiest woman in the world at the moment. The one time she managed to snatch a date outside, something she could hardly dream of a year ago, the weather was completely on their favor.

It was like the gods had listened to her prayers for once, and allowed things to go right.

There wasn't much planned, as Ronja had mustered the courage and prompted this idea out of the blue, spontaneously. They got to the nearest park, and it was one with a gentle ambience to it. There was no fanciness on it, no fountains or sculptures of any types. It was just simple paths of interlocked blocks, gardens of trees and slightly tall grass, trimmed but not enough for a comfortable walk through it, to discourage anyone from stepping on it.

A few benches here and there served as stop points with vending machines, that an elderly used as spot to feed some pigeons bread, and another had a mom watching a rowdy child from afar, seeing the kid causing trouble in some children park toys that had in a small area.

"It has been so long since I haven't come here... Even the looks of the snacks from the machines have changed..." She giggled at the triviality, then perking up when noticing an old dark brown dog of no particular breed laying on the grass carefreely.

"Oh... That one stray... It has been around for years..." Ronja pointed at it.

Despite she telling it is a stray, it looked well fed and healthy for its age.

 

[Fiora Di Angelo]

All the sweat and humilliation was for this very moment to come. To visit Ronja yet again, this time in her own terms. Her own merit and money. The restless nights were nothing compared to the sensation of freedom that offered. Yet despite that, she expected a different uphill battle, one her lover maybe already had a foot deeper into...

For that she came clad in expensive silks and with her hair done, yet not allowing herself to fall prey to fashion trends: Nico had no intention to beg but to fight for Ronja's hand, even if she had to dress up like a charming prince in order to give Lena a different impression this time around.

Colour her shocked when the abrupt decision to visit a park came by, one that even Lena, with all her preparations, planning and experience, could do nothing about given the maid didn't intervene just yet. At least not in a tangible manner. But this time she wouldn't let the pressure of a bullet on the back of her head to get to her.

So long as Ronja was happy, that crooked woman would keep her hand still.

"The day had to catch up to with you at some point." Nico smirked, unlacing the bowtie she wore now that they were left to their own devices, sighing in relief. "Had I known I would have put on something more casual for the ocassion." Something she lamented a little, given all this fluff never really fit her deep inside as it does on the outside. It was a haphazardly set-up idea, but the park itself...

She couldn't get tired of it, really, or perhaps the butterflies in her stomach were getting her all tingly and emotional for a place she has never visited before, something only present company could cause.

The simplicity of the park was it's own charm, with the most complex being the people itself present, or that one dog who simply lives his best life as one lazy grass potato. Little to no obstructions were there, and the little bits of technology were all mentioned by Ronja already, the vending machine and small trivia giving her an idea. Adjusting her blouse a little, Nico walked over to the vending machine and pulled out her wallet.

"Bet the snacks changed too. Feel like picking or should I just buy one of each?" Nico teased, pulling out a few bills just to try to insert them into the machine, with a hand resting against it as she waited a few seconds-

And then the fucker gave the money back.

"Oh come on, how did they not fix this bullcrap already..." She cursed under her breath. Despite all the fancy manners her mother so much tried to force upon her, it was hard to avoid habits, specially now that she has to fight a vending machine over their snacks, which, after a few smacks and intense attempts to flatten the dollars, it did.

"Gotcha-" She glanced back to Ronja, stepping to the side to give her a better view. There were plenty of things to choose, from chocolate bars, to chips, to random candies and sugary treats, but all from notorious brands, as it was to be expected.

"Well, you say that one's a stray and yet it looks like it eats better than I do." Even as she squints her eyes, the most 'stray' out of it is perhaps the lack of a brush. "Hmm... I don't remember seeing any pictures of a dog, or any pets around your house. You never thought about one?" Curiousity won her over, as she imagined how good the company of a pet could do to Ronja when she isn't around.

"Or is Lena scared of dogs?~" She chuckled. While comical, it just didn't seem like the kind of thing someone like Lena would be afraid of- And if it did, it would be a great tool for later!

@Ronja Bubblyfoot

 

[Ronja Bubblyfoot]

"These clothes look good on you... Don't worry." Ronja giggled. She was honestly surprised when Nico showed up looking like a prince. It did make her heart skip a bit, but at the same time, she couldn't help to notice that Nico was trying to show off a little? It only made Ronja giddier. "I would like some snacks... Something simple... Snickers are okay." She nodded at the suggestion, watching Nico engaging into a fierce combat with the vending machine, and wondering when it would end, leaning in to try to see it closely until Nico finally managed it.

Ronja clapped a few times to cheer for her girlfriend's victory.

"If something scares Lena... I would never want to meet this something... Haha..." Ronja couldn't imagine what sort of thing would scare her beloved headmaid. She was never afraid of confronting anything, and Ronja wouldn't count her scolding Lena as Lena being scared of her, but just the maid being considerate of her feelings and respecting a hierarchy.

"... But a pet..." Ronja muttered, pondering for a moment. "I've never considered it... I don't really have the energy to play with one..." She rubbed her chin.

"I used to have a pet when very young... But it was more of my parent's pet that was there when I was born..." She admitted, with her memories slowly picking the beautiful furry creature.

"... It was a very cute feline. A white tiger called Snowy. My father loved it." Ronja clasped her hands together.

 

[Fiora Di Angelo]

"Not as comfy as wearing hoodies and loose pants, but it has some pros." She had to give credit where it's due, given she wanted to limit herself to form over function this time around.

Once the vending machine finally gave in and the 'crowd' cheered and clapped, Nico took the snickers, gave them a twirl on her hand and offered it back at Ronja with a triumphant smile. "Don't worry, If it scares Lena, I'll be there to help you run the hell away from it." She exhaled a chuckle. No way she's gonna fight back anything that scares the headmaid herself.

As she let Ronja ponder over the idea for a pet, Nico turned back to look at the old mutt resting on the grass, eyeing her lover again. It didn't come to surprise her that the family had a cat of all pets, given her own family's disposition towards the felines.

"A cat would keep you company if you find the right one. They don't play around much anyway, my pare- Wait... Wait did you say TIGER?" Her voice took a leap as it's only now that she processed what the 'feline' was, given she just reacted with what most would expect it to be. Relief washed her over as her shock didn't evolve into fear. The way Ronja spoke of it, Snowy was long gone by now.

"...Damn, so much for having a dog or something. Maybe a Lizard." She added with a knowing grin plastered over her features, gaze set on the floor they were standing at just then, and the distance between it and the grass. Unremarkable, but given she wished to cut the distance with the dog, it proposed a new problem.

"How about we go and say hi to the park's fiercest dog? I can pull you there if you want me to. Don't want to wear out your arms trying to wheel through grass." She quickly offered, bandaged hand propped onto her pocket.

@Ronja Bubblyfoot

 

[Ronja Bubblyfoot]

Ronja chuckled at Nico's words. "Thank you... It would be helpful since running isn't my strength in here..." Ronja had a small smile on her lips, opening her hands to take the snickers that were being held out for her. She took the sweet and carefully opened it. "Thank you, honey..."

Her eyes then went up to Nico when she didn't even attempt to hide her surprise from the reveal. "A tiger... Yes... My father had an intriguing taste... I still don't know if that tiger was legal..." Ronja's finger went up to her lips, tapping it softly twice before she occupied her mouth with the chocolate bar, chewing it and taking her time to appreciate it while her girlfriend suggested talking with the park's dog.

Ronja's lips quirked up. "Are you trying to convince me to have a pet..?" She giggled at the idea, and she looked at the dog.

"Of course, let's talk to it..."

And then, her eyes went up to Fiora. "Pull me there?" Ronja muttered, then smiled mischievously, opening her arms and aiming them to Nico. "Get me."

 

[Fiora Di Angelo]

"You are welcome. Can't say I'm a fan of snickers personally or anything that ain't a pure, solid chocolate bar really. I'm very picky with sweets apparently." She commented, her mind drifting back to the vending machine. Unfortunately, no such snack in that one, given all of them had one or two ingredienst besides milk and chocolate.

But that was the least of her worries considering the not-so-legal tiger that Ronja's dad used to have. An eccentric man by the sound of it, and not one she would rather meet right now... "My mother used to have a black cat. Little bastard loved to lay on the piano while I played, always felt like four eyes were staring at me all the time." She rolled her eyes playfully, hands going into her pockets, a devious little smile on her lips forced on her face once Ronja caught up on her very direct attempts to give her some company via a pet.

But given her disposition towards the old mutt rolling on the grass, clearly the idea wasn't discarded that very instant. The twist in her offer made her exhale a chuckle, eyeing Ronja up and down as she spread her arms out to be picked up.

"Sure, hang on~" She leaned down enough for Ronja to wrap her arms behind her neck, with Nico holding onto her thighs at first, only to realize the dress would get in the way for that position. "Oops, no this won't work-" She mumbled outloud, opting instead for the ol'reliable princess carry, hooking an arm behind Ronja's knees and lifting her up with a huff & puff.

"Look at that, you getting lighter or I'm getting stronger." She teased, non-chalant body language, as if she could truly disregard Ronja's weight. Far from the truth, but it couldn't hurt to show off a little while taking them both towards the park's favourite resident.

Despite it's advanced age, the mutt wasn't without a playful side, neither did his senses go dull as it perked it's ears up and turned it's head back to the noisy pair as they got closer and closer, picking up it's stick in a possessive manner once Nico flopped down on the grass, leaving Ronja on her lap.

As soon as they did, The Mutt begun to approach with the curiosity of a pup, big boy loudly sniffing around as he pushed his nose closer to Ronja's face and started to loudly sniff as if to pick up the pair's scent, wiggling his stick around in the process. In reality, it was aiming for something else...

"Look at the size of this boy. Damn, didn't you say it was old?" A surprise for sure, but a welcomed one as this one social beast got up close and threatened to give Ronja's face a lick were it not for that wet stick between it's jaws. "It's more active than I am."

!!!

It became clear what the mutt was after: The Snickers bar on Ronja's hand! Despite his eyes being almost hidden, it had no need when it's snout wrinkled and aimed itself in search of that chocolate bar.

@Ronja Bubblyfoot

 

[Ronja Bubblyfoot]

"Sounds like a cute fellow..." Ronja smiled at the idea of a cat being there while Nico played a piano. If she had a pet, would it stop to watch her doing art and crafts? She could only wonder about it.

Those thoughts were interrupted when Nico actually decided to take Ronja on her arms, something that only made Ronja's smile grow more, letting out a faint chuckle when the first attempt wasn't that successful. When the more romantic approach was taken, Ronja giggled and looked up at her eyes. "I prefer this one anyway..." Ronja tilted her head. "Hmmm... I'm sure you got stronger... I think I even gained some weight." She muttered the last part with her cheeks reddening very faintly.

When they finally got to the grass, Ronja's face brightened up, feeling the touch of the grass in a way she rarely felt, especially since Lena was so against her laying around on the garden, and because it was a bit of a bother to get off the wheelchair and get back to it if she decided to do it by herself.

Her hand traced the grass a bit, and she looked to her girlfriend with a small smile, warmed because of their closeness while she was on her lap.

But it didn't take long, and the dog was already barging in— "Haha... Good boy..." She sank a hand and her fingers on its thick fur, caressing it while the big dog was trying to sniff her around. "He is old... I think..? I know him since I've moved in to California..."

Ronja smiled to the big dog that was looking at her, and it took a moment for her to realize the true intentions behind all that sniffing, and when she realized it—

"Ah! No..! This is bad for you..!" Ronja protested, trying to keep the snicker as far as possible, and using her elbow to gently push the face of the dog away as it tried to get closer.

 

[Fiora Di Angelo]

Nico snorted a little, shooking off her head. "Maybe you'll see him one day. He's still around, just older and lazier." She had to give him credit for being this resilient at it's age.

Her face had turned all red as Ronja giggled, her first try to pick her up all but a failure, only to recover momentum the second she switched positions. Her lover admitting her preferences helped the cheery smile on Nico's face to grow and remove itself from doubt. "Oh, really? No more Snickers for you then!" It was her turn to play tease, poking her abdomen with her right index. "You look cute all the same, this just means I get more to hug." Lena would never allow her to go down unhealthy gains anyways, and it wouldn't hurt Ronja to gain a speck of weight given her conditions. Beats a sickly, skeletical Ronja any time of the day.

Watching the secluded rich girl finally touch some grass and smile like it were part of an adventure through Arcia was a gleeful experience, empathy running high on Nico, her hand reaching to rub her beloved's cheek affectionately a moment before the big boy itself approached them both with a mix between curiosity and hunger.

"Someone's been taking care of him, he doesn't smell like a street dog. I'd know, couse they reek of garbage." Plenty of them where she used to live. Save for the leaves that only now begun to slide off his fur, it was particulary easy to slide one's fingers through it, something both got a feel of as they petted the big boy himself. "He looks pretty happy though. Maybe he likes you-" It certainly wasn't just happiness, as the old mutt still held the charm of a hungry puppy.

Watching Ronja struggle to keep that big head away with her elbow and keep the snickers at a distance just had her breaking into a laughter, just a few seconds close to tears as the big boy retaliated by leaning it's snout a bit to the side, dropping the stick on her lap, and aiming to lick Ronja on the cheek in an attempt to overwhelm and convince her with affection.

"Hold your ground, he's trying a new strat!" She chuckled, playing spectator here rather than helping her out. "Can't reach out the stick though, unless you distract him a little longer." Of course she could, but where would be the fun in just cutting the interaction so abruptly..?

@Ronja Bubblyfoot

 

[Ronja Bubblyfoot]

"Inviting me to your home..?" Ronja asked, tilting her head to Nico, continuing her tease that her beloved was trying to suggest her invitations all the time.

She chuckled at the potential punishment of no snickers, that was followed with the appreciative words Ronja loved. "You are a sweet talker, Nico..." She looked at her with a small smile, and with her attention back to the dog that was so eagerly trying to take the snicker away from her, Ronja could only roll her eyes a bit. "Taking care of him... But not teaching him how to behave... Ah!" Ronja squeaked surprised at the tongue that ran over all her cheek.

"I am trying—" Narrowing one of her eyes, Ronja laughed quietly at the ticklish affection of the dog, trying to push him away and eventually changing the strategy and hugging him softly.

"Of course you can reach it... Nico..!" Ronja protested, knowing Nico was just fooling around. The situation was probably being funny to her, and Ronja had to agree, it was funny.

But at the same time, she was actually worried for the dog if he managed to snatch the snicker, that had all the poisons a dog would want.

 

[Fiora Di Angelo]

"What? Nono! I-" She huffed, only then catching up on what Ronja was doing- Of course, it was her fault for wording it out like that. The idea was anything but repulsive at this point! "I said maybe! If the furball doesn't care for traveling. You got a piano at home so, he can chill there next time I visit you." Confident in assuming all pianos worked the same for that cat. Maybe, maybe not.

When her lover called her out, Nico blew back a kiss and a wink to declare herself guilty. "It's the truth, and you can't prove me wrong~" She giggled, as their back and forth got interrupted by 70 kgs of pure muscle and saliva, her smile widening as they both went on to struggle, all while she had Ronja to shield her from it's drool.

"Ronja used 'The Hug'. it's very effective!" The quick switch in tactics clearly had the doggo on a bit of a pickle, as it couldn't reach that tasty Snickers anymore.

And Instead. it opted for it's second target, to Nico's dismay...

She had no wiggle room to avoid it's licks anymore, groaning as she struggled now with the behemoth to keep it at bay with one arm, while the other reached out for the stick on Ronja's lap as her girlfriend complained and punished her hubris inadvertingly so. "Here boy, look at this!" She wiggled the stick right next to it's face. Like a cat with a laser pointer, the mutt followed every single motion it did on the air, all until she thrusted her arm back as far as she could and-

"CATCH!"

!!!

As fast as a bolt, the monster dog ran off to find the stick, jiggling ears and barks becoming a tad distant as it started to look on... The wrong direction. The stick had landed near a bush it seems, and it would have a hard time to reach it.

"Not as fun when I'm on the end of it." She laughed, rubbing a hand against her face to wipe off the wet stains. "I'd finish that snickers if I were you before the big boy comes back. We'll get you something healthier to eat later." It wouldn't be a walk in the park without some refreshments, and not so far from here there was a man selling sandwiches and drinks on a stall, almost as classic as the ones found decades ago.

"But for now, come 'ere." Without warning, Nico wrapped her arms on a hug just like Ronja did with the park's dog, leaning back enough to drop her back on the grass and let her girlfriend rest against her chest, before gently turning to the side so she could also lay on the patch of green next to her.

"How's it feeling to be outside for longer than five minutes?" A warm smile set on her lips as she asked.

The barks kept coming as the poor mutt relied on it's sight now to track down the stick, jumping from side to side next to the patch of earth he swears he saw the stick at...

 

[Ronja Bubblyfoot]

Ronja casted a very mild glare at Nico when she continued to fool around. There was no actual anger hidden in her glare, but she tried to made it clear that she really mean she needed help with the dog, especially now that it could get the snicker at any moment. Thankfully, the dog changed his target and it finally made Nico get into action, washing Ronja's heart with relief when the big dog had its attention drawn to somewhere, and something, else.

A relieved sigh escaped her lips, and Ronja rested her hand over her chest before looking at Nico. "Really... I really should..." She quickly tried to reach for her snicker, but before she had the time to actually go for a bite, the sudden hug made her squeak with wide open eyes.

"Nico?!"

Soon her gaze met the sky, and her back with the softness of her girlfriend.

Her cheeks flushed slightly, as much as her usual pale could allow her to, and when she got to lay on the grass, she sighed and looked at Nico's eyes with a pout. "Really, you are hopeless..." She protested, and then took a bite of the snicker, leaving a small piece of it while chewing and considering Nico's question, letting the refreshing touch of the grass take over her senses and gently holding the last piece of the snicker to touch on Nico's lips softly, inviting her to eat it.

"... Mmm—" Ronja swallowed. "— It is wonderful... It has been so long since I've done it... It isn't the same as the backyard. Even if that is very big."

 

[Fiora Di Angelo]

It's a shame big boy himself aggro'd on her, but it wasn't like Ronja was about to let her stall any longer. Those glares meant business despite being far from mean. Her smile couldn't die off, on-brand with her as the large hound went to chase after his stick.

And for them? The soft, cushiony embrace of the grass and eachother's touch, for as short as it was given her intention all along was to let Ronja lay down next to her rather than on top, mouthing a kiss back at that pouty expression her lover struck back with. "Can't help it, I had a case of deja vu." Excusing herself with her own dreams. With that solved, she went over to eliminate all evidence of the chocolate bar once Ronja pushed it against her lips, chomping down on that last piece before licking her lips.

"Already forgot what I said about snickers, hun?" Munching as she speaks. But she wouldn't let her preferences get in the way of their little moment. "Well while I don't mind your backyard, I hope we can keep going out for walks. Helps spark my creativity, too." She let her back hit the grass yet again, eyes set onto the skies above, thumbs twirling one against the other anxiously so. "I haven't gotten a lot of time to keep working on your projects, but it should be fixed in a month at most." Passion and hope was all she could work with now, and that's what she had to express the most right now. "I'm... Playing the piano again for my mother, byt he way. It's a bit stressful but hey, it paid the trip here! And it will be some extra funding to kickstart the electrical Aidling prototypes once we get some drafts done. We just need to toy with the idea a bit more in-game."

It was a bittersweet sacrifice, but she gauged the price worth given all it implied. "Hell, maybe Lena gets off my back once she sees I look like some random, bitch-faced rich girl."

To meet Ronja more often, to go out more often-

WOOF!

To get interrupted by dogs more often too, with the park mutt's return casting a shadow over both of them, dropping the stick on Ronja as it wagged it's tail expectantly, making Nico cringe and groan outloud as saliva begun to dangerously drip from it's maws, forcing her to tilt to the side to avoid it.

"Sit boy, SIT- AAAAJHK" She pulled her most commanding tone, but no matter how much she digs her 'intimidating pinkette' act, the dog ignored her as if she didn't exist in the first place and attacked yet again, lunging with a flurry of mlems on Nico's face, closing her eyes as she pulled her arms up to defend herself.

@Ronja Bubblyfoot

 

[Ronja Bubblyfoot]

Ronja closed her eyes with a small pout. "It is your punishment..." She declared, giving no hears to Nico's retort about the snickers.

Her expressions then softened at her girlfriend's words and reveal, albeit a tingle of worry lingered in the back of her mind. "So you are playing the piano again..? I need to listen to it more..." Her lips pursed. "... But it has been stressing..? Why..?"

The question left her mouth, and a sigh escaped her.

"You know I can help you to come here whenever you want, right..?" Ronja tossed a reminder, one that Nico most likely already knew, but she decided to reinforce it either way, since it seemed this wasn't an option Nico has ever resorted to.

Shaking her head, Ronja looked at Nico. "Lena isn't a shallow person... Clothes... Manners... Nothing of that matters to her when judging someone..." Ronja's shoulder that wasn't on the grass shrugged.

But suddenly, the dog barged in again, and Ronja's concerned expressions faded away momentarily, being replaced by a faint smile and a giggle. "You are a very excited boy, aren't you?" She watched the dog 'attacking' Nico, and gently brushed her fingers on his fur and neck.

As soon as the 'attack' calmed down, Ronja would add: "Our project doesn't need to be rushed... Don't worry too much about it... It will be perfect..."

 

[Fiora Di Angelo]

"Your punishments are so cruel..." She sniffed, faking herself at the verge of tears with a hand resting over her eyes, only to drop it and the act itself as Ronja's curiosity shifted over to her activities, a conflicted smile forced through that question As she was reminded of a few details she forgot to fill in.

"I can always send you the demos!" Nico wagged a finger, dropping her hand down to the grass after that initial cheer in her voice, "I'm not in good terms with my mom, never will. But it pays, so I just gotta bite my tongue." She sighed, turning herself to the side with one hand supporting her head. "I know you can, but like it or not, you know it's not a good impression for anyone to see their daughter spend a shitload of money for some low income bitch like me. And more importantly, I need to keep myself busy when I'm not playing the game, or I'll really just rot away on a couch." A light-hearted tone tried to pad the admittance in her voice. It was hard to loosen the grip on how addictive Terrasphere could be, something she guesses Ronja knows very well by now.

An audible 'Tsk!' followed as Ronja explained Lena under a different light. "Yeah well, she really wanted to see past the surface of my head that's for sure." Finger guns shot to make her point clearer, distracting her from the incoming colossi...

Fortunate for them, park boy was panting by now. Full of energy but no endurance thanks to it's age, the petting even dissuaded him from keeping up his play as he decided to flop next to the pair, remaining still so long as he had a hand on his fur, his maws opening wide for one lazy yawn as his tail wagged quietly from side to side.

"Excited is an understatement..." She groaned, turning on her belly to better reach out for the mutt, flickering her hand quickly across the fur on it's head for some rapid-fire brushes, eyes all on Ronja as she gave input on their little project. "I know I know, but it's always nice to keep tabs with it. Constant is always better than bursts." She waved her hand around in dismissive paraphrasing.

"You know what I need though? Some of your art pieces. Copies or whatever. Helps me get some inspiration if I have a piece of yours with me. I share my demos, you share some art... Sounds like a good way to motivate us both, don't you think?" She smirked, stretching out a hand as if to shake it for a made-up business deal.

@Ronja Bubblyfoot

 

[Ronja Bubblyfoot]

"Demos aren't the same as listening in person..." Ronja smiled, but it fainted as she heard Nico speaking about her mother, and everything else that came with it. The lingering oppression, and Ronja knew Nico enough to know she was far from enjoying the situation she was in.

"You are not a bitch..." Ronja rolled her eyes. "... I understand where you are coming from... but are you sure that is okay, Nico..? This may sound tolerable now... But what about later? Bottling it all up..?" She gave her girlfriend a worried gaze.

Ronja wasn't one to try to meddle on someone else's business too much, after all, she didn't knew what was running in Nico's mind. But she couldn't hide her concern about it, especially since she doubted her girlfriend was doing it because she actually wanted.

"I've already talked a lot to Lena about it... She promised she won't do something like that again..." Ronja shook her head in disapproval to Lena's past actions.

The dog eventually caught the up, easing the mood for a moment while Nico suggested an exchange of creativity. Ronja smiled, pondering about it while watching her girlfriend showering the dog with affection, and Ronja shifted her position to try to give it some attention too, while she pondered about Nico's suggestion. "I like the idea... I can sure give you my art pieces... No copies though..." She said. "You don't deserve just copies... I will make some thinking of you..."

 

[Fiora Di Angelo]

Sly, Nico winked back at her "Demos when we are far away, private concerts when I'm visiting." She added, her smile slowly muting itself off as Ronja questioned her decision, understandably so.

These concerns were met with a nod, a smile with a mix of seriousness and optimism. "It sounds stupid I know. Putting myself in a shitty position like that." Nico paused, her right hand reaching out for Ronja's, "But I need this. I want to see you at least once every month and more if It can be helped. I really need it." She squeezed, fingers interlocking with her lover's "To spend more time together, be it in here or in that game. It's very relaxing, y'know?" Her tone a tad lighthearted, cheery even. It killed the stress to separate herself from her duties.

Most importantly, to make sure Ronja was safe and sound, given their play-time discrepancies, and the psychological effects the accursed game could have, some she already feels victim of.

Nico had to walk back a few steps mentally once Ronja painted the maid and herself on a different light. "Did you?" She questioned at first, shooking her head a bit, a giggle escaping from her mouth as she bit down her lower lip to keep it in. "Damn, now I'm spooked. The idea of you making Lena sit her ass down and make her change her mind... You really are my knight on a steel steed, huh?" Warmth painted her face on a faint blush, her left hand reaching out to coup one of Ronja's cheeks.

Their pampered third-wheel dropped to the side like a lump, tongue propped out, the grass behind it wiggling about as his fluffy tail wooshed up and down.

"Counter offer: You keep a copy." She smirked, her hand moving around on circles across the mutt's side, "You got a gallery made out of 'em, sort of. I'll be damned if we left it incomplete because of me." She sped up, petting the doggo faster, with some of his hair sticking to her sleeves in the process. "And in exchange, yeah, you get my demos, and I'll even record some of my raw work for you. Granted, that one probably won't sound as good." She rolled her eyes. Creation process could be just as messy with tech as it is with music, and in her case, that tends to be both given her work on their little bots.

 

[Ronja Bubblyfoot]

"Okay... Now I am seeing the advantages..." Ronja giggled, looking at Nico with a gentle smile, that slowly shifted to a concerned one once again. She did what she could to keep it perked up, but she couldn't help but voice her opinion. "... I understand what you mean... And I truly appreciate it..." She tilted her head slightly, looking at Nico's eyes and returning the squeezing affection.

"But I really think you will need to find something better..." Ronja said, pausing for a moment and clearing her throat. "... Besides... I can't keep you a secret from my parents forever... At some point, I need to tell them..." She looked at Nico.

"Lena certainly didn't tell them about us yet... I know my father well... He wouldn't be able to be chill about it..." Despite her words, she didn't seem to have a dire expression on her face. Instead, her lips pursed a bit, as if she was suppressing a smile, or a giggle.

Ronja then paused, and showed Nico a death glare when she joked about being spooked.

But then she smiled innocently again, especially when her beloved's hand touched her cheek. Ronja rested a hand over Nico's hand, and smiled to her, keeping a hold of it when it moved away from her cheek, and giving a gentle kiss on its back. "Sometimes I need to take this role, right..?"

Her eyes then shifted between the mutt and Nico, nodding. "Alright, then we have a deal... A promise." Ronja enphasized.

 

[Fiora Di Angelo]

Nico muffled a sigh, hanging her head low for a moment before smiling back at Ronja. "I know I know, It's just the best I could get right now." Rolling her shoulders in a shrug, she continued. "Who knows, I just need to suck it up for a little and keep myself from going crazy while at it and maybe things will improve." She laughed.

And then she snapped her fingers, pointing one back at Ronja, boasting confidence as she brought up the topic of her parents "See, that's an advantage here too. Now I look like some rich snob, so your parents can't have an issue with me. It's either 'Trashcan Nico' or 'snob Nico', and I think we both know which one wins out a first impression for your parents." Despite not knowing them, it was just common sense that being presentable trumped looking and acting like a raccoon. Granted, she didn't get rid of the last part as of yet.


"Wait, what's so funny?" Hesitant in her smile despite the kiss on the back of her hand. Nico can tell there's a joke somewhere around here rather than some grim thought about meeting her dad, "I mean, Lena not telling your family ain't a surprise to me if you pulled that look on her. Can't always play nice, gotta be rough sometimes." That mean looking glare is more than enough proof that Ronja could be scarier than a magia with a railgun, for sure. "But spill the beans come on! What's up with your dad?" She hoped Ronja would comply, least she has to resort to more extreme tactics.... Such as tickling her into talking.

"What would happen if we met..? Wait, don't tell me-" Her hand turned gently so in a halting motion. "Let's get something to eat first, I know a place that sells sandwiches around here-"

!!!

The bark from the large doggo startled her at first, sighing off as she ruffled his head "Guess this knucklehead is coming with us, too. There is this torpedo sandwich I wanted to try out, but I heard it's best for two people," Facing Ronja once again, Nico slowly propped herself to a sitting position, hands stretched for her lover to grasp and help herself to a similar stance. "Yeah I did research a little before coming here, don't bully me. I wanted to be ready for anything, including the possibility I got here at night and needed food." And sandwiches was the best course of action, of course.

@Ronja Bubblyfoot

 

[Ronja Bubblyfoot]

"My father is quite a character... He is even the reason I'm here, with just Lena as a trustworthy company..." Ronja explained more about her parents, realizing that they never really dived too deep into that topic, though that would eventually become something important, especially if they wanted a good first impression.

"My mother on other hand... She is far more cautious. She wanted to move in with me, but my father convinced her to stay in Germany... She would probably be someone that would be bothered by a 'trashcan Nico', but... I think she will be more bothered by the fact you are a woman..." Ronja offered an awkward smile. It felt wrong to admit such a thing, but she couldn't change her mother's mind so quickly, especially when she was already all grown and it was hard to change prejudices from someone that carried them through so many years.

She did as Nico told, and didn't say anything else, smiling faintly at the barking dog.

"I guess... He won't really let us be alone, hm..?" She chuckled, then looked at Nico, taking her hands to go back to sitting.

"No bullying... It is very sweet of you." Ronja reassured. "Let's have this Torpedo Sandwich then... It does have a very impactful name..."

 

[Fiora Di Angelo]

Arms folded, Nico listened at the clashing differences between Ronja's father and mother, rolling her eyes at the lady's pet peeve over her gender, "So your dad's the dangerous one and your mom's the one who will be judging me every step of the way. Different mindsets, so I like my odds!" Nico pointed out, brimming with confidence. "Well, my mom sorta knows about you. She knows i'm seeing someone but not much else. I'm sure she will like you, which isn't to say she will be a saint, mind you..." She cleared her throat. Hardly could that crusty bag of bones be nice to others except in her own way, "Buuut, probably won't be as bad as I make her up to be."

Just a glance back to the woofer confirmed Ronja's suspicions, as the dog stared at them expectantly. "It's fine by me since- Shit the wheelchair!" Her eyes went wide, cranking her head back and sighing of relief as her eyes found it where they left it, with one hand resting over her chest as if to keep her heart from breaking free. "Phew- Yeah, that sandwich sounded like something we could share. Besides something tells me Lena doesn't let you eat sandwiches for some reason." Not like sandwiches didn't have a place in some rich girl's diet, but certainly nothing as rustic as a 'torpedo sandwich' in a random

Propping herself up to full height, Nico stretched her hands down at Ronja, grabby gestures included. "Buckle up hun." She smirked, giving a moment to prepare herself before Nico would lift her up in a similar fashion as before, heading over to the wheelchair.

---

Woof?!

"This dumbass keeps getting in the way- SHOO, SHOO!" Annoyed was just a way to put it but fortunately not enough to turn the wheelchair into an earthquake simulator for Ronja in an attempt to get the beast startled. The thought did cross her mind though, at least a little.


The struggling ceased when they came to form a line behind a set of people, all waiting patiently for their orders infront of a stall. Unlike those on Terrasphere, this one was far more vehicle-shaped, and the employees were but two women alone clad in colourful oranges and fading reds. To the sides, several rows of tables and benches for people to sit and enjoy their meals. First things first: They did sell drinks, yes, as everyone seemingly had one with their distinctive giant sandwich logo printed on it.

"Looks like we gonna be eating good here." Sheer clientele alone proved her right and brought a relieved smile to her face, locking eyes down with Ronja as she leaned to the side for her lover to not crank her neck backwards just to look at her. "So! what do you want on the sandwich?" Nico perked her eyes over to the line, carefully repositioning both of them a little closer now that the line begun to shift. "I'm not allergic to veggies though so I don't mind, but we can do half-half if you think I won't like it."

@Ronja Bubblyfoot