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Post by Deleted on Mar 23, 2013 13:01:03 GMT -5
A poor, little girl was trying to make her way up the grand steps that was leading to the DWMA. She was carrying a reusable bag in her arms. By how the girl was carrying it up the stairs; it seemed like it was quite the heavy bag. She had to haul the bag up one step, and take the step it had previously occupied with her own two feet. Slowly but surely, this girl was making her way up the seemingly never-ending stairs.
Oomph. She muttered as she had stopped her assent. It felt like she had been climbing these stairs forever, continuously pushing her to go higher. Once the petite girl made sure that her bag was not going to topple over; she turned around and sat on the stairs, back against her bag. As the blue haired girl smoothed out her dress, she saw just how far she had progressed.
She was barely at the height of a second floor apartment.
This was just an afternoon that Ashley Knight had felt like shopping; with the tiny amount of money that the DWMA gave to the students of the dorms as allowance. She came back with this rather large, black bag that she herself could maybe fit in. Ashley began pouting, bringing her legs closer to her and resting her forehead on them, arms around her legs, feet on the step below.
It discouraged her. She knew that she just was not physically apt. She knew it very well. Her body was telling her that it needed rest, yet Ashley wanted to move on. Her hands clutched onto her dress. No! She had to not falter! She needed to press on! Even if she was tired, she needed to get to the academy before nightfall. With water in her eyes, the petite girl stood up and turned around. Her hands reached for the handles of the large bag and pushed her exhausted body to carry on.
[/justify]
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Tonight, I swear I'd sell my soul to be a hero for you.
Weapon Meister
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Post by August Ashford on Mar 23, 2013 14:24:15 GMT -5
"Dulcineeeeeaaaaa, Dulcineeeeeaaaaa...I see Heaven when I see thee..."
August Ashford, the Death Weapon Meister Academy's resident heroism enthusiast, strode across the pale cobblestone pavement at the entrance to the prestigious school. Such a magnificent institute of education had scarcely been conceived of by the mere human psyche: it was a thing of unparalleled beauty, every detail perfectly designed to merge together as one ethereal, harmonious absolute. From the enormous Death's Head motif overarching the main gate to the macabre candlesque structures, flying buttresses and Gothic spires, everything melded together and became as one. He was ever grateful for being a part of such a wondrous establishment, a realm for misguided and maligned youngsters such as himself to find their place in the world and make something of their most essential and excellent talents.
This place had given him a purpose, and never would he forget that so long as he remained here within its hallowed walls.
As he wandered hither and thither, devoid of purpose or intent beyond simple sentimental observation and pondering, he ceased in his tracks and peered into the near distance.
Was that...?
No, it couldn't be. That would be absurd. Last he checked, he had never before seen such a figure about here. Surely he would recall the flowing blue locks, the pallid skin, the delicate frame. He had never seen her around here before.
Surely, that was not a fellow student he had seen?
He continued watching her. Something about her gentle form, like a tiny, precious china doll, captivated him and coaxed him into observing her.
He looked elsewhere. It was improper for a young man to gaze at a lady if she did no desire him to do so. He would not be so voyeuristic. He would do the honourable thing and approach her in person. Then he could ask her whom she was and where she had come from.
As he tread over the marbled flagstones and tippled down the lengthy, magnamonious staircase, he thought he could hear something emanating from the young lady's general direction. Upon further consideration, he deduced that she was exerting some effort with regards to carrying her luggage up the enormous stairwell.
That changed everything. Now she was not merely a vulpine vagrant, she was a damsel in distress! With his priorities swiftly transfiguring into something more purposeful and his rendezvous with her becoming nothing less than his sworn and sacred duty, he picked up his cantering pace and galloped to be beside her.
"Excuse me," he said as he stepped up beside her, a gentle smile on his boyish little face, "Are you alright, M'Lady?"
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Post by Deleted on Mar 24, 2013 11:59:33 GMT -5
One step at a time. That was the only way for the petite girl to make her way up to the academy. Even though she barely made it one-fiftieth of the way with her bag, the young Knight was exhausted. Her arms were quivering at the exhaustion. Her legs were beginning to shake. Using all of her might, the little Ashley climbed one more step. The bag came crashing down on the step, creating a louder thud than usual. Ms. Knight was breathing heavily due to the strain it had put on her body.
A voice caught her by surprise, almost causing the poor girl to lose her balance, or what remained of it. Her quivering body was now set stiff as her head slowly turned to meet the source. The tall man was quite intimidating for her little size. Ashley quickly looked away before answering him. "I-I'm just fine!" She barked, body beginning to quiver again. "I can do this on my own!" She explained, slightly arching over her bag.
In a sense, Ashley could reach up to the DWMA, but she needed to rest. How was she going to rest, when this fellow was beside her? Ugh. Why am I being so nervous? Just… Just face him! And tell him to go away! I can do this… As the girl made sure that her bag would not collapse down the stairs again; Ashley turned around to face the tall figure. As she turned, her foot slipped off the step, causing the girl to lose balance.
"Aah…" The girl did not even have enough energy left to scream in fear as she began to fall. Would she be let to fall and tumble down the stairs; she would have more than simple bruises.
[/justify]
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Tonight, I swear I'd sell my soul to be a hero for you.
Weapon Meister
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Post by August Ashford on Mar 24, 2013 12:23:09 GMT -5
Consider the tableau: barely a fraction of the way up the steps, the young lady trips and, losing her balance, plummets. The young man at her side, significantly taller than her, watches as this happens.
And then the stark silence is broken and the girl's descent is halted in one swift instant.
August's hand found itself irreversibly, implacably clasped around the tiny girl's hand. His leather-and-steel bound hand, dwarfing hers in comparison, gripped her pale fingers with interminable force. He said nothing, just looked silently into her deep, warm eyes, a look of absolute nonplussed sentiment attached to his honest and youthful face.
Then, realising he was bearing the hand of - yes - a girl, he yelped and tugged at her sheepishly. It was enough to pull her back against him, though as he now found himself losing his footing, he toppled backwards and landed with a soft thump against the stone stairs behind him.
He groaned slightly, pressing the unoccupied hand to his head, and muttered a vague note of apology to his petite steed.
Had he the necessary faculties of observation and appropriate penchant for displaying a little dignity in public, he would have noticed that - entirely against his actual intentions - he had just pulled the young lady right down on top of him.
The first thing he noticed when he opened his eyes was her face barely a half an inch from his.
His face was, indeed, quite red upon noticing this.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 24, 2013 13:35:06 GMT -5
The young girl's eyes had shut, ready to accept her own fate; ready to be mocked by the man beside her, and any other people who would know of this. This was going to be extremely painful. Her face cringed for an impact…
She had stopped.
Ashley felt some strong, yet gentle grasp holding her hand. The petite girl's left eye opened slowly, as if she was waking up. She saw the hand, giant compared to hers, of the male holding her from falling. A moment of silence was met in between the two, eyes locked with each other. That is until the young, kind man tugged on her hand to bring her up. A shy "Ah!" was muttered from her mouth. She was much lighter than the man thought, and easily pulled against him. Now it was his turn to fall.
"AH!" She exclaimed as the pair fell on the stairs. Although, Ashley was lucky to have the kind man as a cushion, instead of meeting directly against the stairs like he did. She had frozen for a moment. Her free hand was clutching against his shirt. Pushing against him, she moved her head from his shoulder to look at him. She was about to ask if he was alright, but the distance in between their faces… Too close!!
[/color] The girl quickly dug her face in the man's chest without thinking, her hands tightening their grasps as hard as they could. Her face was flushed red. Her heart was pounding far too quickly. She had to calm down. " A-a-are you a-a-alright?" She asked, voice shaking of embarrassment. [/blockquote][/blockquote][/justify]
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Tonight, I swear I'd sell my soul to be a hero for you.
Weapon Meister
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Post by August Ashford on Mar 24, 2013 14:10:47 GMT -5
"A-ah! I'm sorry! I'm so very sorry!"
August relinquished his grasp on her and flailed his arms like a pair of suffocating salmons. To add to his discomfort, the young lady had not removed herself from his prone body - but, rather, seemed more concerned with his well-being than her own.
He had not equipped himself to deal properly with such an occasion. He was unsure of how to tackle communication and discourse between himself and people of his own sex, let alone the opposite and fairer. This would require tact, grace and a certain degree of cunning if he were to get out with his pride intact.
"You seemed troubled," he stammered, looking away from her and trying very hard not to collapse any further than he already had, "And So I felt it my duty to aid you. That's all. I did not intend to. Er. Well. You see. Ah..."
He swallowed and risked a furtive glance at her small, round face. She was awfully pretty.
Not that he was thinking about that sort of thing. No, of course not. That would be rude. Even if it was also very true.
"I am August Ashford, Weapon Meister, EAT Class. Do you have business in our fair school, M'lady?"
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Post by Deleted on Mar 24, 2013 15:07:02 GMT -5
Ashley felt the leather grasp leave her left hand as the man she was resting on began to apologise. Slowly, Ashley retracted her hand and set it beside his waist, more accurately, on the flatness of the step under him. She stayed immobile, only taking deep breaths to calm herself down.
As the man stated that she seemed troubled, Ashley tried to push herself up. He could probably tell that the girl was having a hard time doing so; her hands and arms were shaking in place. She had managed to lift herself just about an inch before her arms collapsed. Pathetic… I'm just pathetic…
[/color] " I never asked for your help…" She said, last word spoken quivering. She gave up. She rested her head on his chest once more as he kept talking. Ashley considered simply rolling off him, but she feared that the stairs were going to hurt. Not to mention how comfortable he was compared to the solid stone. " I never asked…" She sniffled. She felt like crying. The petite girl didn't want to have the kind man endure such a sight, even less having to deal with it. Her body went limp. " Just… give me a minute and be quiet." She asked of him. Ashley needed to stop thinking about her condition; even if that was what mostly kept her from moving away. " Sorry." She finally spoke. " Ashley Knight, of the NOT class, Weapon. Just a girl trying to get back to her room…" Depressive thoughts once again invaded her mind. The very last thing she wanted right now was to cry on his shoulder, literally. The young girl's body began glowing in a bright, white light. Once her whole body glowed, pieces of her form would begin detaching themselves from her body, floating into the air. And would come back down mere moments onto August's chest in the form of a black stick; hollowed out on one end, a pure white tassel attached to the other. Inside the vast darkness of her form, the faintly glowing body of the girl shone. Her hands were cupped against her face, trying to hide her tears. August would hear nothing. She was drowning her sadness into her weapon form. [/blockquote][/blockquote][/justify]
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Tonight, I swear I'd sell my soul to be a hero for you.
Weapon Meister
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Post by August Ashford on Mar 24, 2013 15:44:30 GMT -5
August watched as the young lady transfigured herself before his very eyes, configuring her corporeal being from a delicate little girl into the black stick nestled gently within his palm.
It was a glorious little thing, carved from what material he could not conceive, yet sculpted immaculately and coloured the most splendid ebony coat he had ever seen on such a weapon. Then again, he didn't even know if he had ever seen such a weapon before. He was unable to tell exactly what it was - it could be any number of things.
It was immensely lovely to look at, though. It made sense that the girl would transform into a weapon like this: since she was, as promised, a Demon Weapon, it would only make sense that she would be every bit as small and pretty as she was in her human guise.
Ashley Knight,[/color] he thought to himself, What a beautiful and magnificent name.[/color]
Something stirred in August's chest. He disregarded it, swallowing back the pupaceous butterflies flitting around in his stomach, and wrapped his fingers around the little black stick. As he began his ascent back up the steps, he noted the ivory tassel bouncing to and fro beneath his fingertips.
Had the girl really found it so difficult to attempt such a feat? Was climbing this set of stairs really such a Herculean task for her?[/font]
Perhaps there really are damsels in distress in this world...[/color]
"Excuse me, Ms. Knight? Not to be too forward with my line of thinking, but may I inquire as to what sort of weapon this is?"[/b]
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Post by Deleted on Mar 24, 2013 17:14:13 GMT -5
Something was felt. Ashley slowly stopped sobbing. Something felt warm. It was a nice feeling. She could feel their souls matching; his warming hers. It was soothing. Her hands wiped away the last of her tears. Slowly, her hands met each other against her chest; her expression changed to a calmer, slightly happy state. She wasn't one to think about first meetings and fate, and quickly shook her head as she did.
Please, just call me Ashley.
[/i][/b] She stated calmly and slowly; incorporeal voice resounding within August's head. It's a blade. A very tiring one, at that.[/b][/i] The girl paused for a moment. She would let her comment sink in August's mind before continuing. I use the wavelength of my Meister, and amplify it; shaping it into a blade. Of course, this tires both the Meister and me after prolonged use… The stronger the Meister's soul, the longer I can project the blade. There's still a limit at which I can actually hold the form of the blade, I know that much…[/b][/i] She stopped there with a sigh. Just like she was physically; the weapon's complete form would tired meager students quickly. She also left out the fact that she had the complete control over the length of the blade, and could cut-off the energy to the blade, or surge energy into it without the person's consent. Something nagged her. This could work. This August fellow was not an ordinary NOT student, but an EAT student! "This could work." That simple phrase became a sort of mantra, until Ashley realized something. Whatever you do: DON'T. LOOK. IN THE BAG. OR I SWEAR I WILL MAIM YOU WITH YOUR OWN POWER![/i][/b] She did not want for this young dashing man to look at what was inside. Of course, for August; the bag would be easy to carry compared to Ashley's strength. She did not want for him to judge her on her own physical qualities. Two boxes of shoes, school materials and a few clothes… any other person would have been able to carry these around just fine. Ashley just realized what she had said to August. Thankfully he could not see the face filled with fear she had plastered against her face. Oh-oh-oh-oh-- I'm sorry! I'm-I'm terribly sorry! I just-- uh-- just--… j-just don't look inside it…[/b][/i] She was completely flustered. If her soul could turn red in embarrassment, it would have definitely done so. [/blockquote][/blockquote][/justify]
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Tonight, I swear I'd sell my soul to be a hero for you.
Weapon Meister
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Post by August Ashford on Mar 24, 2013 18:07:10 GMT -5
August nodded, taking in everything that the young lady was saying. As she spoke, a strange sensation overcame him - almost like a faint tingling in a part of him he couldn't quite put his finger on; metaphorically and literally speaking. Perhaps he ought to have paid more attention in class. He could learn something, perhaps, just perhaps.
The girl's voice played sweet merry melodies in his sojourning, traipsing mind like a celestial harp. Stranger even than the knot he felt in his stomach and the dull throbbing he felt in his lower back was the peculiar disturbance he felt in a more base, yet somehow transcendent, part of his very being; but a pleasant disturbance all the same. He wanted to hear her voice a little more. He enjoyed listening to people as a rule of thumb, of course, but this girl's very pitch seemed a little more finely tuned to his particular sense of harmony. He felt at ease when she spoke.
And that was all before she had said it.
Blade.
The magical word. In that instant, a thousand images flashed and danced before August's eyes, a tremendous cavalcade of splendid beings and fantastic possibilities. A blade - and not just any blade! This one was special. She could control it, he inferred from her brief summation, through willpower alone. Imagine such a weapon! Oh, if he were a less honest man, he would surely covet such a wondrous power!
He scarcely even noticed as she assaulted his senses and honour with such a vocal battery as she did. He was simply too overcome with the idea of what this blade could be. He desperately, truly, absolutely desired to know. He muttered a quiet - yet, all the same, wholly legitimate - comment of clemency regarding her prior outburst and wondered if she knew anybody else in this school.
A NOT student. He wondered what her opinion on adventure was.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 24, 2013 20:29:46 GMT -5
August never reacted to her threat, or at her begging for his pardon. She stayed silent for a few moments before she felt her fist shaking and eye brow twitching. HEY! Are you even listening to me? HELLOOOO? Ugh. It's like he's gone into another world or something.
[/i][/color] August didn't seem to be listening to Ashley anymore. He was hearing her, she knew that much. After all, she was talking to him directly in his head. She wondered if he could even ignore the voice she forcibly shoved into his head. A small smile formed on her lips as she sighed. Geez. Something got his spirits up.[/i] She stated to herself, hands resting against the sides of her waist. Now that Ashley thought about it, her mood vastly improved as well. What was the reason for this sudden change? She had been crying barely minutes ago, and now she was smiling. Maybe it was just a spur of the moment. Maybe something else was supporting her mood. The girl shrugged it off and happily stayed quiet as August led them up the stairs to the DWMA. [/blockquote][/blockquote][/justify]
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Tonight, I swear I'd sell my soul to be a hero for you.
Weapon Meister
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Post by August Ashford on Mar 27, 2013 5:34:24 GMT -5
By the time August reached the apex of the staircase, he was in as good a mood as he had had ever been. The added factor of having done a good deed for a total stranger had given his already bright spirits an extra, practically elevative, boost. He yawned and gave his arms a meager stretch before holding the black stick out in front of him and giving it a gentle smile.
"Well, Ms. Knight,"[/color] he said, nodding at the vast entrance in front them "Here we are! I suppose this is where we take our leave, then?"[/color]
He sighed inwardly a little. He had rather enjoyed their brief time together, even if it had been for even less than a half hour's worth of their mutual time. He couldn't help but feel that the girl was a little - well, vulnerable. She could barely make it a mere percentage of the way up the stairs of her own accord, and he knew all too well that this school was notoriously labyrinthine in its esoteric layout. He had found himself wandering in the absolute antithesis of his intended location more times than he could count, and the less said about his ill-advised stumbling into the laundry room at well past midnight, the better. He shuddered at the mere recollection and pushed the sordid anecdote aside.
He took the opportunity as it presented itself to him to examine the black stick in further detail. Now that he considered it, what sort of blade was this? She had endeavoured to explain to him its inherent nature; what did she say again? I use the wavelength of my Meister...shaping it into a blade. His face took on a blank, vapid expression of animal concentration as he attempted to wrap his mind around such a concept. Was such a feat even possible?
Then again, before he had come here, he had never even conceived of the Grim Reaper or Meisters or Demon Weapons or anything of the sort. He had learned so much in his short time here. Perhaps this was just something else he would become accustomed to in time?
A thought offered itself up to him. It was a devious thought, a sly little inkling that crept up on and nudged him gently at the base of his faintly fragmented, considerably coalescing conscience. He felt a slight twinge of shock and awe at himself for even considering such a thought - but it prodded at his ideas like a beautiful, mischievous little elf and refused to abandon him. He was not ordinarily one for taking such initiative.
And, yet...
"Ms. Knight,"[/color] he said suddenly, barely even aware as the words flew out from between his lips. He couldn't retract it now. Take the plunge, his mind told him. Leap of faith. "I would...that is to say...I would like to suggest a modest proposal!"[/color][/b]
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Post by Deleted on Mar 27, 2013 7:24:51 GMT -5
With one last sigh emanating from the tiny weapon; Ashley stayed quiet as the two ascended to the top. Somehow, for some reason, Ashley felt glad that this sort of event occurred. In the dark abyss which resided her shining soul, Ashley slowly moved to cuddle her legs, closing her eyes and a gentle smile resided on her lips. The Weapon wanted to stay like this forever. She had never been this happy-- been this much at piece, to even begin thinking about parting.
"Well, Ms. Knight,"
[/color]The Weapon's eyes opened slowly. She knew what was coming. As much as she didn't want this time to come, it did sooner than expected. "Here we are! I suppose this is where we take our leave, then?"[/color] The smile parted, leaving in its stead a slightly frowning expression. She did not want to leave. Her arms clutched after her legs tighter as did her thoughts about parting ways with August. It was comfortable within his possibly capable hands. Something was warming her up, like a giant blanket wrapped around her being; blocking all the coldness of winter time, even inside the house. When one is far too comfortably placed in their cozy bed to even think of getting up… And how she seemed to be floating around in this dark space-- or was she lying down on her side? She did not know, or cared to know. Ashley just did not want to leave this feeling. However, good things had to come to an end eventually. She knew full-well that she could not have this moment forever, or even asking August to help her until they reached the girl's dorms. What would the other girls talk about if they saw Ashley bringing this kind, young man as an escort back to her room? --No. She had to leave. Reluctantly resolving her will, the ebony hilt began shining bright once again. Tiny particles of light danced out of the light, falling into her original shape almost like petals. The glowing faded, letting the colors taint her body and clothes. Her head hung low, avoiding to showing her discontent face to this gentleman. " August--" She finally spoke after his little outburst. It wouldn't take a genius to hear the sadness in her tone. " I told you to just call me Ashley…" The petite girl looked at the gentleman's face with a neutral expression, though her insides were squirming with sadness. " What is it, August?" She asked, both hands extended before her, showing her palms to the man. If he was going to keep talking, then she had to make sure that August was not in the clouds anymore, and would not leave with her bag like an idiot. [/blockquote][/blockquote][/justify]
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Tonight, I swear I'd sell my soul to be a hero for you.
Weapon Meister
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Post by August Ashford on Mar 27, 2013 12:48:49 GMT -5
He inhaled. This was not something he ordinarily said, nor even conceived of saying, especially not to such a gentle and honest young lady. He felt almost...crass saying it to her.
Yet he caught his breath and steeled himself and spoke all the same.
"Ms. Kn-...Ashley,"[/color] he began - and then, finding he had not the words to express what he desired to say in his mind and heart and soul, stopped speaking for a moment, and sought the words. He choked back his hesitant nerves and forced himself to look her square in the eyes.
Oh, sweet mother of mercy, those eyes.
Brave face. Do your thing. Be a hero.[/color][/font]
"Ashley Knight! I, August Ashford, champion of the common folk and hero of the people - I mean, um, at least, that's what I would very much like to be, you understand, yes - do solemnly propose to you, from the core of my very soul..."[/color]
No, not like this. If he was going to say it, he would have to be honest and humble. August, being unfamiliar with setting aside his fondest and wildest dreams, swallowed and - mistaking her gesture for something else entirely - clasped her hands, pulled her closer and looked down into her timid little eyes.
"Ashley," he said, "Will you join me as a Weapon partner, M'Lady?"[/b]
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Post by Deleted on Mar 28, 2013 11:23:38 GMT -5
Ashley stood there, almost like a statue, waiting for August to do something; preferably giving her bag back. " Y-es August? What is it?" She said, extending the "yes" word to push August on to say something. And now she was back to doing the statue, waiting for the man to speak up. The fact that he finally used her first name did make her happy, but not enough to bring a smile on her blank face. August spouted words that made Ashley to become utterly confused, and an expression to match. Her response fell down to two words: " Eumm… What?" His grand presentation crumbled down to childish mutterings and stuttering. " August. English. Not gibberish." By the time she said that, August grasped her hands and held them together. A light blush tainted her otherwise pale face as he drew her closer. Did he… Did he just propose to me?!?
[/i] Her face turned as red as a tomato. Ashley quickly hung her head, trying to hide this reaction from August. Hello~. Brain to Ashley. He's asking you to be his WEAPON partner, not his LOVELIFE partner! I repeat- Brain to Ashley!
OH! I heard you just fine! Still--[/i] She needed to answer him. Who knew what this stalling would do to this poor gentleman's head. " I--" Feelings were caught in her throat. She cleared her throat before looking up at August, face still slightly red and decorated with the happiest smile. " August. I'd love to." She answered sincerely. Her heart was filled with glee. She knew the consequences of such a proposal. And she knew it too well-- missions, getting hurt, maybe fighting other students… but those things paled in comparison to spending more time together. But for now: " U-um… August? Could I have my hands, and my bag back now?" [/blockquote][/blockquote][/justify]
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