"What were you saying? I was slow?" He flashed a smile as raindrops ran down his entire face.
At least they were at the castle's backgates, which he then set her down to open.
"I hope you don't do this often β your lifespan won't be long if you do."
β
He was surprised, but couldn't help the smirk that came over his features when she said that. Did she think she could read him completely?
"You're quite the forward little woman, aren't you, Cassandra?"
...
Cassandra moves her hand and gets in front of him, jumping backwards.
"Last one to the castle smells like cheese!"
She teased him as she sprinted up the hill and through the path, running towards the castle. She looked over her shoulder to him with a cheerful smile, laughing.
β
"You'll just catch a cold at this rate." He came closer and closer, like a soldier marching in the rain β the sound of his steps were muffled so she probably didn't notice.
At least until Raphael picked her up and tried his best to keep running.
...
β
βR-Rain?!β The noble growled under his breath, picking up the pace of their walk.
βIf we get wet, it's all your fault! You're aware of that, aren't you?β He tilted his head to the right, facing her.
β
It finally occured to him that he wasn't the only tease there. Maybe her teasing skills rivaled even that of his. It was like his words had completely backfired! The other words Raphael longed to say remained with him.
...
She ended her sentence with another smug look before turning them both back to the way they were going, locking arms with him again while walking.
"Your looks can only get you so far with me, so don't let your guard down."
She used her other hand to boop his nose.
β
βIn your dreams, certainly.β
He also reciprocated the smug smile β the kind of smile that made you want to punch off someone's face being flashed again.
Once a droplet of water fell on his forehead the smile faded.
...
β
His eyes went back to her again, wanting to see how she'd react. He was growing fond of teasing her, seeing as how she usually dealt with these teases.
β
His gaze was lowered towards her as she wrapped her arms around his. Should anyone passby, they could get the wrong idea and think the two were a couple, together like that.
But for some unknown reason it didn't make him uncomfortable or bothered.
...
"By the way, I like it more when I see that softer side of you. That's not a weakness, you know?"
She said, bumping him him her hip and gesturing he leads as she takes his arm in a feminine manner.
β
With her sudden commanding action, the man began walking and leading the way.
βDon't count on my softer side for long, it's hardly reliable.β Raphael flashed a dark smile β he had a lot in mind.
βBut you look like who can take care of yourself, no? You're hardly a baby.β
...
β
When she dusted off her dirty hand on his coat he could only voice a complaint, incredulous.
βAnd you just called yourself a lady? Don't amuse me.β Raphael needed to think of the next course of action.
...
β
His mind was soon decided.
βLet's head back to the castle. There we can discuss how we'll proceed. You certainly didn't plan on going to the cult without a proper plan, did you?β He suggested.
...