Riliane called out into the nearly silent room, "Xanthic?"

The one in question was lounging on his bed reading something. "Not home at the moment."

"Oh, sorry Nivens." She corrected herself and became aware of the other two girls in the room by Olive's giggling. "Uh, think we could talk for a bit?"

"I'm guessing you mean outside?" Riliane nodded and Nivens put down the comic book. With a sigh he put a hat on to hide his ears and they walked through the hall quietly and slowly as Riliane tried not to trip. When they found a small grouping of trees outside, they stopped and leaned back against them, "So what's up?"

"Well it's, um…" Riliane couldn't quite find the right words.

Nivens chuckled, "You sound like Xanthic. Out with it already."

"Right…" She took a deep breath, "Ha- have you ever been in love before?"

"I, uh never really…" From his stammering she figured it was Xanthic talking now. "Well… I- last year we visited the Schnee's and um… I can't say Winter is unattractive…"

Riliane chuckled, "I think a Picto and a Schnee would be a great match. Though what would you do about your last names?"

"We could hyphenate?" They both laughed a little. "But why are you- Oh, there's a guy you're interested in?"

"Not exactly… Um… Do you know how to tell if a girl is interested in you?"

It took him a minute to process the question. "Oh! I-I'm sorry. I didn't realise you…"

"It's fine it's fine. I didn't think I was either until recently… But with her… I just don't know…"

"Do you get um… Butterflies when you se- talk to her? Like you just can't think straight around them?" He tried to remember what his parents had told him about their own relationship.

"Sometimes, but isn't that just me being nervous because I don't wanna say something stupid in case I'm wrong?"

"That's a good- Huh?" Xanthic cut himself off as Nivens was apparently annoyed by their conversation.

"Alright, let me point out the obvious." Nivens began counting on his fingers, but knew full well that she couldn't see it. "You should only be nervous for two reasons, either you're scared or you're embarrassed. So unless she's threatening you, which I know she's not, the only reason to watch what you say is because you care about her and don't want her to think you're weird or stupid. And since this is actually bothering you enough to ask us for help, it's serious." Riliane was silent as she took in his words. "As for if she's into you, who cares. Just go for it and worry about that later."

"What!? I can't do that!"

"Trust me, things have a way of working out if they're supposed to. If not, then you'll get over it and find someone better."

"You really think it'll be that easy?"

"That's how I've lived most of my life so far." Nivens laughed to himself, "I remember one time Blake blew my cover when I snuck off to Menagerie."

"And your parents weren't upset?"

"I thought my father would be, but he was apparently expecting it." Shrugging he started walking back to the dorm, "Like I said things work themselves out."

"Maybe… I still don't think I could just tell her though…"

"It's your loss if she moves on then."

"What!?"

"You don't really expect her to wait for you forever, do you? Celeste hardly seems to be the patient type."

"Guess I shouldn't- Wait, h-how did you know it was Celeste?"

"Oh please, the two of you are so lovey dovey I'm surprised you're even nervous."

"O-oh… I see…" Riliane replied to which Nivens continued to walk back inside with a wave. Leaving Riliane alone and wondering what she would say to Celeste.


Celeste paced outside the ROXA dorm for several minutes before sighing and returning to her own room. When she got there, she bumped into a taller form, "Hey, watch where you're..."

"S-sorry," the other figure apologized. Celeste, recognizing the voice, looked up to see Riliane.

"No, it's my fault. I was...distracted." Celeste said.

"I um, I was l-looking for you a-actually" Riliane said, having lost her short lived confidence, "O-on second thought it isn't important, I-I'm just gonna go."

"Wait I wanted to talk to you too."

"A-about what?"

"Well I wanted to tell you that I…well…I was wondering...if you wanted to...maybe… go see this new movie that I've heard about?" Celeste said the final part quickly clearly covering up her original planned question, then looked up at Riliane, eyes widened in embarrassment. "No. I'm sorry. We can…"

"No-no it's fine," Riliane cut her off with what seemed like both a sense of disappointment and relief in her voice. "It's been awhile since I've been to a theatre…" There was a pause and awkward silence until Riliane realized Celeste's concern "Oh! I-it's not a problem! My parents took me to one back home a few times, there were these special headphones and um...they had narration and uh…" Her explanation faltered "B-but I would love to go."

"Sounds great. Do you need to get anything before we go?"

"N-no, but I should tell my team where I'm going. You sh-should let yours know too."

"Yeah well, knowing Owen he probably already knows everything and has told the others," Celeste said, a hint of anger and concern in her voice.

"Well we can stop by my room on the way out then."

"Alright, let's go." Celeste said as she started making her way to the other girl's dorm. After Riliane had stopped in her room, the two girls made their way out to the airship dock. Climbing aboard, they sat next to each other. The airship took off, and it only took them a few minutes to reach the city. They climbed out and started making their way to the theatre.

"So w-what movie are we seeing?" Riliane asked.

"Well...listen don't tell the others, but the movie is kinda...a romance." Celeste said, rubbing the back of her neck in unease.

"Oh. That s-sounds lovely." They continued their walk in an awkward silence.

The silence continued as they entered the movie theatre and stood in line for tickets. It was a well furnished building, all velvet carpet and sleek counters. The aroma of buttered popcorn wafted in the air, making Celeste's stomach growl. She flushed a little and then cleared her throat. Riliane's lips curled upwards into a smile, "Are you hungry?"

"No," Celeste lied. Her palms were sweating and she nervously wiped them on her white pants.

"Next please." Celeste snapped out of her trance and walked up to the counter, laying her eyes on an impatient brunette in a red uniform with a permanent frown implanted on her face. "What'll it be today?" She drawled, clearly annoyed. Celeste blinked, slightly irritated by her tone but brushed over it, aware of the blonde at her side.

"H-Hi, can I have two tickets to Sweet Loving?" The woman tapped the machine on her desk. Actually saying the name of the movie made it seem painfully real. "Why did I have to pick a romance movie?" Celeste thought bitterly. "Why was this the only appropriate romance movie currently showing? Why did life hate me?" After a few brief seconds the brunette held out her hand expectantly. With a sigh, Celeste grabbed her wallet out of her pocket, about to pull out Lien before Riliane placed the appropriate amount on the counter.

"Wha-" Celeste was dumbfounded. "No, Riliane I insist. It was my idea."

"O-Oh no, I couldn't let you pay!" Riliane said nervously. "Please, let me!"

"But I would feel bad, really, I should-"

"It's my pleasure!" Riliane said loudly, clearly high strung as she slid the lien over to the woman. Celeste rubbed the back of her neck and sighed.

"A-Alright." She muttered. The woman looked like she was about to throw something at them. She slammed the tickets on the counter and crossed her arms, her eye twitching. "And one more thing," Celeste continued, "Can we have those headphone...things? They're for people who…"

"They're for blind people," Riliane interrupted with a smile.

Annoyed, the woman then ducked behind the counter before placing a black headset on the smooth surface.

"Th-Thank you," Riliane muttered, oblivious as she aimlessly searched the counter for them. With a sigh, Celeste grabbed the tickets and the headset for her and then led her over to the concessions area.

"Umm…D-Do you want anything to eat or drink?" She asked, handing her the black headphones. Riliane took them gratefully and blinked.

"Oh...uh...I'm f-fine with anything."

"Want some popcorn?"

"It's been a while since I've had that," Riliane replied with a nervous laugh.

Celeste nodded, "Popcorn it is then." Rilane moved to pay but Celeste promptly placed her Lien on the table as she forced a smile. "I'll...pay."

Riliane blinked and then smiled. "O-Okay..." Celeste let out a soft sigh. At least, if nothing else, she had bought popcorn for her. Riliane sniffed the air as it was placed on the counter.

"That smells...amazing." Celeste smiled.

"Doesn't it?" She grabbed the bag and the two wandered over to the hallway to find their theatre.

A few minutes later

"It definitely read theatre number 9," Celeste said, bent over as the two searched the floor where they had dropped the tickets.

"I'm...sorry," Riliane said with a sigh. "It's my fault you dropped them...I wasn't looking where I was going."

"Don't worry about it," Celeste reassured. "I should have...well I should have kept a better grip on them I guess."

"You think it was theatre number 9?" Riliane asked. She was trying to help search but she was looking in the wrong area completely.

"I..I think so. Guess it's worth a shot." Celeste replied.

"Do you want to just talk to them about it? I'm sure they can give us new tickets." Celeste was about to agree before she remembered the crabby ticket girl and suddenly was not fond of the idea.

"That's okay...I'm almost positive it's theatre number 9. It's already started anyways and I don't want to be there any later."

"Okay," Riliane replied timidly. The two were silent as they stood up. Celeste scratched her head as she observed the map on the wall.

"Theatre 9 should be down this way," Celeste said, clearing her throat. Riliane nodded and quietly followed her.

Theatre 9 was at the back of the theatre and the slot where the movie showing was usually listed was gone.

"Let's...go in I guess." Celeste muttered as she opened the door. Darkness embraced them as they entered the room. Neon lights lined the stairs, beacons in the dim light as the two aimlessly scrambled for open seats. The large screen in the front of the room spanned across the entire wall, illuminating the theatre as the two sat down.

There was a single girl on screen with her back to the camera. Her arm moved slightly and a soft noise—which was most likely scribbling—could be heard. Riliane placed her headphones on her ears and adjusted the settings, relaxing immediately as the tension went out of her shoulders. Celeste placed the bag of popcorn between them and then rested her chin on the palm of her hand. Hopefully this was the right movie. Although even if it wasn't, it didn't really matter, as long as Riliane was next to her. Celeste's lavender eyes flicked to the blonde. So this was it then, she had to confess sometime during this movie, while the others weren't here to interfere. Her fingers rapped against her armchair nervously.

The girl on the screen looked up, her hair falling onto her back. Then she looked over her shoulder, her eyes sliding to the camera. She was quite attractive, with her long chestnut hair and pale blue eyes that were the color of the sky. The camera moved to another girl, blonde with piercing green eyes, who had entered the scene. Her hands were clasped behind her back as she engaged the brunette in conversation.

"Good morning Abigail." She greeted with a smile. The brunette did not smile in return.

"Linnet." She turned around promptly. The blonde's smile faded slightly and she nervously tucked a strand of hair behind her ear before walking offscreen. Abigail, the brunette, waited until her footsteps faded until she turned her head to watch her go. Her dark lashes shadowed her pale blue eyes that were filled with an emotion Celeste couldn't quite pinpoint. They lowered slightly. The scene faded to black.

About twenty minutes had passed before Celeste, who was already bored, reached for the popcorn bucket and grabbed a handful. "This is undoubtedly the wrong movie," she thought as she munched on it. She had seen the cover of the one she had planned to watch and these two girls were unfamiliar to her. However, Riliane didn't seem to notice or care. She reached for a handful of popcorn at the same time Celeste did. Their hands brushed together and a surge of electricity went up their spines, making them flush profusely. The two instantly pulled away, pink.

"S-Sorry…" Riliane muttered.

"No...problem." The two were embraced in awkward silence. Riliane tightly interlocked her fingers together. She could have not been more aware of the girl who was sitting beside her. "How close is she?" Riliane thought. "Is she flustered too?" During times like this, she liked to imagine what the person was doing, what they looked like, little details that her semblance couldn't quite pinpoint; the nervous biting of the lip, the skittish flick of eyes. Maybe...maybe Celeste was even looking at her? The blonde flushed slightly. She was suddenly aware of how close their hands might be on the armrests. Riliane's fingers moved towards the girl beside her. Maybe…maybe they would accidentally touch. But after a few seconds of nothing, Riliane retracted her hand, feeling foolish. She decided to listen to the audio in her headset and start paying attention to the movie. After all, Celeste had been kind enough to invite her to it.

Riliane had been right about one thing though, Celeste's eyes had been on her, and they hadn't left. She had lost focus of the movie completely, too busy with watching Riliane. Her eyelids lowered as she silently observed the blonde out of the corner of her eye. Riliane's cheeks were a light pink, almost a peach. Her lips pursed slightly as she blinked twice, her long eyelashes fluttering rapidly. Celeste could see the reflection of the movie in her large grey eyes, as if they themselves were a screen that she could watch it upon. She almost wanted to. Celeste's eyes slid down to the armrests, where their hands were a mere inches apart. There was a slight movement, almost so small that she didn't catch it, but Riliane's fingers moved towards her. Celeste swallowed. Timidly, as if almost afraid, Celeste's hand rose above the blonde's, about to clasp it before Riliane took her hand away. Celeste flushed and then looked down, her hand returning to her lap.

There was something in the air. Almost a kind of...electricity. It was heavy and palpable. They both felt it as it weighed down on them, making their hearts beat rapidly, making their cheeks pink. It felt like they were walking on tightrope, one step away from making the wrong move. It was an acute awareness of each other, the kind that you can only experience when you're with the one you like. It was impossible to ignore.

"Alright Celeste," the blue haired girl thought, "It's now or never." She tapped her fingers against the armchair once more.

"So um...Riliane." Celeste whispered, not looking at her. "I've been thinking lately." She cleared her throat, glad that the theatre was dark so the blonde couldn't see her flush. "You've...always been really nice to me. You're so brave and honorable and...I-" She cut off and swallowed. "I just wanted to say that...well I don't want to pressure you into replying or anything, so if you're uncomfortable with this, that's okay, really." She nervously tucked a strand of blue hair behind her ear. Her hands clenched into her fists. "Say it!" With a deep breath, Celeste mustered up the remains of her courage, squeezing her eyes shut. "Riliane...I...I like you!" The room seemed to spin as her heart thudded violently. "...A lot. I've liked you for a while actually. And I understand if you don't feel the same way...but I-" She looked at the blonde passionately and then blinked. Riliane wasn't looking at her at all. Her mouth was agape, her eyes glancing to and from the screen she couldn't see. Slowly, Celeste glanced at the screen and then froze.

The screen was showing the same females that had been shown before, except now they were madly kissing and in a dark bedroom. Celeste stared at it dumbly. Riliane only became more and more red as the scene progressed. The brunette pushed the blonde onto the bed before she kissed her neck and grabbed her hand, kissing her wrist, her eyes not moving from the green orbs that peered back at her. After a few more steamy seconds, Riliane finally took off her headphones, her cheeks inflamed. Eventually, it got to the point where Celeste stood up and grabbed Riliane's wrist. Hurriedly, the two got out of the theatre.

Not knowing what else to do, as they didn't want to go back in the theatre and it was too late to watch their actual movie, the two returned to the main lobby. The crabby girl was still there and didn't ask them any questions as they placed the headset on the counter and walked outside.

"I guess that was the wrong movie then." Riliane said finally, her cheeks still pink, still picturing when they had- She shook her head and stopped thinking about it.

"Yuuuup." Celeste said, on edge. If she knew that it'd turn into that she wouldn't have stayed.

The date was officially a disaster. Riliane had paid for it, they had lost the tickets, Riliane hadn't heard her confession, and they had both experienced...that. They walked down the streets back to the airship. Celeste angrily kicked a rock on the sidewalk, restraining her vigorous urge to punch something. Of course she just had to have asked her to a movie in the first place. Why couldn't she had done something simpler? Something that wouldn't have gone as terrible as this? Celeste sighed and then glanced at the blonde, worried that she was permanently traumatized. "Listen...I'm sorry. I had no idea that would show-"

"I-It's okay!" Riliane said nervously. "I wasn't paying all that much attention to it."

"Still though...I...I'm sorry." Despite herself, Riliane smiled a little.

"It's okay Celeste, really. I-It wasn't your fault...Besides, it was still nice being with...you." The last few words came out of her mouth without her wanting them to, and she flushed. Celeste's eyes widened slightly and she swallowed. The two boarded the airship back to Beacon and sat next to one another, their hearts still thudding, aware of how close their hands were.


Once back at beacon they walked in awkward silence to the dorms. Stopping outside CODE's room Riliane turned to Celeste, "Well… At least we had fun?"

"Well it probably would have been better had we of actually gone to the right movie."

"True…" After a few more seconds of silence Riliane started again as if it say something but stopped short, returning to silence.

"Hey Riliane?"

"Yes?'

"Did you happen to hear anything other than the movie while we were there?"

"What do you mean?"

"Oh, n-nothing then. Don't worry about it. I mean it's just- w-well… I actually just remembered I have um… things to do so-"

Her feeble excuse was never completed as Riliane was finally able to do what she had wanted to for awhile now. She leaned down and gently pressed her lips against the corner of Celeste's mouth. Instantly realizing this she corrected herself to be covering the shorter girl's lips with her own. Celeste didn't react, how was she supposed to when her brain just stopped working. Riliane pulled back, "U-um, sorry… I guess he was wro-"

It was her turn to be cut off as Celeste placed both of her hands on Riliane's cheeks and pulled her down to give a kiss of her own. "I've been wanting to say 'I love you' all day, idiot."

Riliane was about to reply but was interrupted by a cry of surprise as the door behind them suddenly swung open and several of t

heir friends spilled out onto the floor. There was a brief silence. "Oh, funny meeting you here," Owen chuckled from his place next to D'art on the floor. He scratched his head and gave them his best smile. Celeste and Riliane were unamused. The blue haired girl took a few steps towards them and then bent over, her lavender eyes twitching with annoyance.

"And just what were you doing?" Celeste demanded.

D'art and Owen exchanged glances before D'art looked at his leader. "Erm...I can explain."