With her hand intertwined tightly with the younger man's, Rhajat continued to survey the area with her scrutinising eyes, curious as to where Percy was leading them. Percy didn't respond with a direct answer; he only reassured her that they would reach the location shortly.
After a few more minutes of silent wandering, they came upon a small hill - a mound of lush, green grass overlooking a flowing creek. Situated at the top of the mound was a large oak tree, standing tall and proud away from the rest.
Upon reaching the trunk of the tree, Percy came to a stop, prompting Rhajat to do the same. Releasing his hand from hers, he turned to her with a jovial smile and gestured around him.
"This is a place Ace and I like to visit from time to time. Me and him can seriously spend hours here just hanging out and having fun; rolling down the hill, exploring in the creek, y'know? This tree is…well, it's sort of a special place, and I thought it would be a nice spot for us to just sit and talk."
During his explanation, Rhajat took the time to survey the landscape. Although she didn't have much experience exploring outside, the feeling of comfort and seclusion she experienced was something she hadn't felt in some time, and the grand tree towering above them provided a suitable amount of shade from the sun with its lush foliage.
"But it's OK if you don't want to", he continued, "I know you said you wanted to go someplace quiet, and this was the first place I thought of. But if you want to go someplace else, we can; I don't mind."
After taking another glance at the scenery below her, Rhajat nodded assertively. "It's fine."
Smiling appreciatively, Percy took a seat beneath the tree, folding his hands politely in his lap. Rhajat followed, settling with her arms wrapped around her knees.
Another session of uncomfortable silence graced them as the two young adults sat quietly, neither of them prepared to break the silence or initiate a conversation. The closest semblance to an exchange were the awkward and bashful expressions shared between them.
"You look really nice today" announced Percy.
Rhajat averted her eyes. "…Thank you."
"I'm sorry that I haven't been more talkative this afternoon. I really want to speak with you, I really do…it's just", he laughed nervously, "it's just I've…I've never had a girlfriend before so I don't really know what to I'm supposed to say."
"It's alright" she reassured with a serious demeanor, "you haven't done anything wrong." Rhajat hesitated, "…I've very much enjoyed myself this afternoon."
"Seriously? Wow, that's a relief!" The young man smiled bashfully. "W-well, thanks…I'm having a really good time too."
Rhajat acknowledged before rubbing her arm uncomfortably. "And please don't be discouraged about that. I don't have any experience with relationships either."
"Oh, really? You don't?"
She shook her head softly.
"Well" he announced casually, "I guess we're both new to this whole 'boyfriend/girlfriend' thing, huh?"
Rhajat responded quietly. "It would seem."
After another session of silence, Percy apprehensively approached Rhajat with another question.
"Look, I don't mean to sound childish but I was just wondering if there were any, y'know…rules…you wanted to establish before we do anything else?"
Rhajat furrowed eyebrows. "Rules?"
"Well, not really rules exactly", he shrugged bashfully, "I just – like I said, I've never had a girlfriend before so I'm still not too sure what I'm supposed to do."
Concerned, Rhajat observed a disheartened expression develop on his face.
"I know you still find me a little annoying and difficult to be around, and you really don't like it when I'm so…excited and energetic…so I was just wondering if there was anything else you didn't want me to do when I'm around you…because I really don't wanna make you uncomfortable."
Upon hearing his unexpected confession, an uncomfortable feeling of guilt and remorseful enveloped Rhajat, resenting herself for ever insinuating that she disliked the boy or his attitude. Exhaling softly, she turned to him with an earnest expression.
"I don't find you annoying."
Percy slowly returned to her curiously.
Rhajat folded her arms. "Despite what I've said in the past, I have always found your optimism and enthusiasm very inspiring."
The young man stirred bashfully. "You have?"
Rhajat nodded weakly. "I too am very excited about this relationship", she sighed softly before continuing, "but I understand you may have some expectations of me - of some activities and experiences you wish for us to share now that we're together." Rhajat hesitated. "I'm sorry…I'm just not ready for anything like that, not just yet".
She struggled to express her thoughts. "I don't want us to rush into anything that we may not be prepared to handle, and I don't want to put that kind of pressure on you. This is an entirely new experience for me, and I don't want to waste it so carelessly…so I really hope we can just take the time to become better acquainted with one another before we do anything else."
Overwhelmed and embarrassed, Rhajat gripped her knees and turned back to her boyfriend, expectant for a response. However, rather than an objection or protest, she was greeted with his typical jovial smile.
"Phew", he whistled, "I'm so glad one of us had the guts to say that because", he shrugged bashfully, "I'd want nothing more than that too."
Conflicted, Rhajat bit her lip. "You would?"
Percy nodded eagerly. "Yeah - I mean - I really don't mind at all taking our time; honestly, I'd seriously prefer if we did. This whole relationship thing is kinda overwhelming, and I'd really love for us to take this slowly too – to, y'know, get to know each other a little better before we move on to other stuff."
As her mind tried desperately to process everything he professed, Rhajat felt a faint warm sensation grace her cheeks as she smiled appreciatively, touched and relieved by his words.
"…Thank you, that means a lot to me."
Percy waved his hand dismissively. "It's fine, I'm just glad to hear we both feel the same way." The young wyvern rider smiled sincerely. "I really like you, Rhajat".
"…I like you too, Percy."
After another session of silence, a whimsical smile developed on Percy's lips. "So" he began casually, "can I kiss you?"
Rhajat recoiled with discontent. "What? No!"
Her response prompted a laugh of hysteria from her companion, evidently amused by her reaction. Smiling impishly, he adopted an exaggerated pout. "Aww, still too early for that? Oh well, guess I'll just have to wait."
Rhajat exhaled with defeat. "You may, however" she announced, "hold my hand again."
Upon hearing her words, Percy didn't hesitate to eagerly wriggle himself closer and offer his hand excitedly. After exchanging a weak smile, Rhajat accepted the gesture as the two gently intertwined their fingers once more and returned to admiring the scenery.
Excitedly, Percy gently squeezed her hand.
After a brief moment, Rhajat gently squeezed his.
Free at last, they took your life / They could not take your pride
In the name of love / What more in the name of love?