[ Nonon's not sure how much sense Life Fibers actually make to other people, but they've mostly been a secret kept from normal people, in order to make sure they didn't panic and riot. But now, off her leash so to speak, Nonon doesn't think twice about explaining them to Cinder, someone she's just met. She needs allies anyway herself, people who can help get Satsuki back.
...Well, there's other reasons too she feels more trusting of Cinder than maybe she should. ]
I don't see why not. What's the point of wearing a perfectly tailored outfit and not showing it off a little?
[ Nonon grins a little confidently, her hand cutting through the air to make a point. Though just about all of her confidence she was using to show off is basically drained away in a single second, feeling something warm on her face, something that she needs a few moments to recognize is the girl's hand. ]
W-Well, I've got both of those in spades... [ It's not really a fair tactic, getting close to her like this, touching her, having long black hair and an intimidating presence, it hits far too many things that make Nonon's legs feel weak. But she doesn't know this woman either, and ends up taking a slow step back, looking... a little scared about what she just felt. ]
Strength, talent... a good fashion sense. You really do, have those "in spades".
[ cinder's arm drops to her side when she notices the girl back away from her. out of discomfort or fear, cinder can hardly tell but it doesn't matter. she isn't offended in the least and she makes sure that comes across in her expression. like a stray dog unsure whether to attack or heel, cinder merely stays still; allowing her to make up her choice on the matter. ]
Why so shy, all of a sudden? Don't worry. I don't think I could hurt you even if I tried. At least, tell me your name.
[ but despite what she's said, she isn't here to make a friend. she's here to collect a follower. her kindness is merely a feint. her cause nowhere near noble. but she can see that there's a flicker of use in this girl. and she hopes that somehow she might be blessed with vision. clear enough to see strength when it's offered, even if the origins of said strength are... questionable. ]
[ The problem is... Nonon felt something strange in herself that she isn't sure she likes. Not right now. Not right when she's only been here for a short time, away from the person most important in her life... who seems to bear a tiny bit of resemblance from the girl in front of her. ]
I-I'm not shy. I just wasn't expecting that. If you wanted to dance or something then you should just say that instead of touching me. [ Nonon narrows her eyes just a little, as if sizing up Cinder. She's... far too pretty than Nonon should think of someone, but her strange sort of demeanor puts her a little on edge, like she can't tell if Cinder is a friend or enemy. Mostly, Nonon's never been flirted with quite like this, and she's unsure of how to handle it. ]
Nonon Jakuzure. From Honnouji Academy, one of the Elite Four of the Student council. [ Nonon talks herself up, to make herself seem more important. Though why is she trying to impress Cinder...? ]
[ in response, cinder softens her outward demeanor. tilts her head innocently as she pushes a stray hair behind her own ear. her aggressiveness in this department has always been read as threateningly so it's an unintentional after-effect of such standard usage. cinder doesn't mind though because it's clear enough that nonon is mostly being shy and not unappreciative of her abrupt boldness. ]
Nonon... [ she pronounces it slowly. foreign names weren't unfamiliar territory but one without color basis meant very little to her. as a result, that told cinder that they weren't from the same place at all. and that's... a good thing. ] Call me, Cinder. Then how about now? Would you like to dance?
[ when the music changes into something cinder could dance to— a concerto, she assumes. mozart, perhaps?— she offers a hand to her though this time much further away from nonon's person. if she wants to feel like the knight to her queen then who is she to discourage? cinder is in a sudden shortage of people that will willingly lay down their lives for her, after all. and she can't have that. not here. ]
[ It's... hard to read this girl. Nonon can't seem to look away at all, eyes laser focused on Cinder as she moves that piece of her hair. Her hair looks amazingly soft, almost wishing she could just touch it herself... But she tries not to think about that, quickly looking away with an embarrassed look on her face. ]
You really want a dance? [ Nonon turns back, taking in a deep breath. Sure, she's danced to music like this before. She's even danced with girls. Well, at least ONE girl. She feels a little confident, until she sees Cinder looking at her like that, offering her hand.
Nonon has no idea any of the underlying reasons for this... but she doesn't care. She's happy to be given the offer. And so she takes Cinder's hand. ]
[ despite the comeback, cinder is actually quite appreciative that request wasn't shunned. when her hand is in nonon, the interaction if followed by an airy and amused hum as they stride their way to the dance floor. despite the ill-intentions of maybe some day using nonon in the foreseeable future, should cinder ever gain her trust, it's nice to... to simply partake in a dance. after all, why have the space and the music? most of her dances thus far have been power plays and while this falls under that purview, this has the added benefit of maybe being slightly entertaining.
as they reach the center, cinder does the polite thing. letting go of nonon's hand to courtesy before offering it back to her. ]
Care to lead?
[ the startling height difference is more than obvious to cinder but she's learned from their conversation that nonon seems to prefer to be... in charge. while she sure nonon knows who's really in charge, deep down, cinder is not against letting her think that for a night. and this is the chance for nonon to impress her. as far as dancing can. ]
It's only natural for a girl to play a little hard to get.
[ Nonon pretends as she if she's not intimidated or at least just attracted to Cinder, following the other girl's lead to the dance floor. She has no fear for her skill, that's one thing she can be more than confident in. She learned how to dance sometime ago, like any other super rich girl, she had been to galas and fundraisers and balls, and had learned how to dance for them. ]
Of course. I'm sure you know what to do? [ Something about Cinder... makes Nonon think she's just as classy and cultured as she is. Or maybe that's just the teenage hormones kicking in, making her think Cinder is better than she might otherwise be. Either way Nonon finds her hand on the tall girl's hip, and holds her other hand out to take Cinder's. A box step at first seems smart, to get them both used to the song, and each other, to make sure they can move in sync... ]
[ looks who's suddenly cocky. who knows whether cinder comes from a family of riches, haute couture and other fine extravagances. but cinder easily gives the impression that she's made of all that and more, irregardless of how far from the truth. it's a fairly simple affectation to create. so for a moment, she is humorously affronted by the implication that she might seem otherwise. ]
Do I give the impression that I might not?
[ once she's led to the dance floor, cinder proves her fluidity with how promptly she takes to the steps. moving her feet to match the rhythmical movements of both the music and her partner. the flow uninterrupted by bulk and clumsiness usually prevalent in an amateur. how nice. there's a future for nonon in cinder's limited circle of friends if her aptitude in battle was similar to her penchant for dancing. ]
[ Nonon knows what she's doing as well, and even if she's shorter she leads Cinder easily. She's a fighter as much as Cinder is, having trained with Satsuki for so long in her life, having had to learn to move, to be agile, to fight, and her body is stronger for it. She moves perfectly with each beat of the song, turning Cinder as they step, her only mistakes coming from when she meets the other girl's intense sort of look directly. ]
No, it seems like you must have done this before, I think. Was your family rich, or did you just like dancing?
[ under the palm of her hand, she can sense that. arms that are toned yet soft implying strength and flexibility. even though it's merely a touch, cinder can understand where that excessive sense of confidence comes from. hard work and entitlement from brute effort. it's good to know that for a soldier she seems to have the requisite physique. it's what makes life easier for her down the road.
as their dancing continues, cinder positions her head to the side. playing coy as nonon inquires about her. cinder likes asking questions but that doesn't necessarily mean she likes getting them asked back. it doesn't work both ways when one perceives themselves as the superior. ]
Are you curious about me? [ the question is voiced playfully like she's simply teasing nonon's attraction for her rather than simply trying to avoid answering it. but this is cinder so a non-answer is good enough and basically counts. ] Let's just say, I'm good on my feet.
[ Let's be frank, Nonon can't help but notice that Cinder is touching her arm. Maybe she doesn't know what she's doing, but the fact is she can feel the other girl's fingers gently pressing into her skin... it's a little strange, but Nonon just tells herself it's not. She's danced with Satsuki before. At her 16th birthday. It felt almost like this... but different too. Cinder is just crazy attractive, and it's impossible to ignore it, even as they dance. Not that Nonon thinks of herself as anything less. ]
Do you always answer a question with another question?
[ Nonon's catching on, twirling the two of them with the music, meeting the other's eyes for a moment. She's playing it calm and cool, as best she can anyway.
Though one might say she'd be even better on her back. ]
[ which is a true enough statement. answering with a "question" is rather generous for cinder. nonon should be happy that she replied with subtle worldplay. but cinder knows she has a habit of not... sharing information and she has no reason to change that aspect of herself. cinder is rarely ever incentivized to divulge information about herself, especially during a first encounter.
having said that, she doesn't expect that same level of cautiousness from nonon. at least, not in the framework of casual conversation. with a relatively amused expression, she prepares to parrot the same question that was just asked of her. ]
And what about you? I'd imagine it takes a certain level of skill to know how to lead during a ballroom dance. Following, on the other hand, isn't all that difficult.
[ Which is basically what she's doing right now! She should be mad, she'd never allow anyone to get away with speaking to her like this, save for one person. And... well, Cinder and Satsuki are not the same person. But for the sake of a new friendship, Nonon is allowing her to be this coy. That's what she wants to think anyway, and it's definitely not because Nonon can't bring out her full wit against this girl, at least her biting remarks are reserved, instead she's just... being coy herself. ]
Unlike you I don't see the need to hide. My family owns the largest transportation company in the world, and I was expected to learn how to dance back when I was in Elementary school. For the occasional gala where my father tried to make me dance with his business rival's sons. [ She grins as they find themselves a little closer... ] But I always refused.
[ cinder doesn't edge back when nonon breaches more personal space. they're already dancing together, this closely, so cinder has no qualms. her expression seems content like nonon's words are lyrical, especially partnered alongside this music. wealthy. strong. these are all attributes cinder might find useful in the future even if the former might not hold much value here. cinder ignores the quip at her expense and nonon should be glad that she did. ]
Boys who hail from families of affluence hold no interest for you? How.... [ starts with a "g"... and ends with an "ay"... ] selective of you. So tell me, what kind of person did you always end up dancing with? Or was no one ever interesting enough for you?
[ how many hot black-haired girls do you know... oh wait... ]
[ Short as she is, Nonon is all too comfortable with this, especially given the music being something she can actually enjoy. None of that rap or rock music, but a proper waltz. She makes sure to look up at Cinder though, so that the other girl doesn't have to just stare at her hat the whole time. No other reason! ]
I won't dance with someone I don't choose myself, that's one thing. Otherwise, I wouldn't say I have a type... [ She's lying, and playing coy just like Cinder, because hey... she's still deciding if she's gay or not. But yeah, she does very much prefer dancing with girls. ]
I just refuse to dance with boorish oafs who would rather just put their hands on me than dance.
[ something airy like a laugh (but not really) escapes her. cinder can relate. ]
That makes two of us.
[ but unlike nonon, boorish oaf and tiny girls often have difficulty retaining cinder's interest. let alone, allow them to touch her. cinder is not the kind of person one gets to touch so easily, especially in as casual an encounter as this but this has been a very... elucidating exception. eventually the classical music slows to a stop and is replaced by... dubstep? cinder doesn't really know the term but she knows she doesn't appreciate it all that much. she looks back down to nonon. ]
Care to let go?
[ obviously, cinder could easily leave now. even though she's implying nonon is what's preventing her from walking out the door, she's... testing. testing whether or not nonon... wants anything else from this interaction, shall we say. ]
[ There is... something about Cinder that has Nonon's full attention. She doesn't look away at anyone else, she doesn't even think about anyone else really. It's actually more of a surprise to her that Cinder is done, than the change of music from acceptable to disgusting. ]
...Oh, of course. [ She smiles, trying not to look like she was spacing out for a moment, letting go of Cinder and taking a step back. ]
I should probably go find my...[ She really hates to call Ryuko a friend!! ...underclassman ] and make sure she's not destroying the party.
[ underclassman? well, cinder should do the same. she's seen mercury's name listed on her device. this dance has served as a rather amusing distraction so when nonon parts, she smiles rather plainly. ]
Same.
[ normally, one would wave, curtsy or perform some sort of physical gesture to establish their goodbyes but cinder does none of those things. her head remains tilted and it's a considerable effort on her part to... well, form the words. ]
It's been... a pleasure to meet you. I hope we meet under more lively circumstances.
[ by that she means, under a circumstance with more action and violence naturally. she doesn't wait for nonon to air mutual sentiments as cinder turns on her heels. walking away and blending into the crowd until she's gone. out of the ballroom and out of view. ]
[ Did she catch Cinder's attention or not? That's what Nonon is thinking as she watches the other girl leave. She isn't even sure why she cares what that other girl thinks, but Nonon has a strange feeling in her that she's not used to... ]
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no subject
...Well, there's other reasons too she feels more trusting of Cinder than maybe she should. ]
I don't see why not. What's the point of wearing a perfectly tailored outfit and not showing it off a little?
[ Nonon grins a little confidently, her hand cutting through the air to make a point. Though just about all of her confidence she was using to show off is basically drained away in a single second, feeling something warm on her face, something that she needs a few moments to recognize is the girl's hand. ]
W-Well, I've got both of those in spades... [ It's not really a fair tactic, getting close to her like this, touching her, having long black hair and an intimidating presence, it hits far too many things that make Nonon's legs feel weak. But she doesn't know this woman either, and ends up taking a slow step back, looking... a little scared about what she just felt. ]
no subject
[ cinder's arm drops to her side when she notices the girl back away from her. out of discomfort or fear, cinder can hardly tell but it doesn't matter. she isn't offended in the least and she makes sure that comes across in her expression. like a stray dog unsure whether to attack or heel, cinder merely stays still; allowing her to make up her choice on the matter. ]
Why so shy, all of a sudden? Don't worry. I don't think I could hurt you even if I tried. At least, tell me your name.
[ but despite what she's said, she isn't here to make a friend. she's here to collect a follower. her kindness is merely a feint. her cause nowhere near noble. but she can see that there's a flicker of use in this girl. and she hopes that somehow she might be blessed with vision. clear enough to see strength when it's offered, even if the origins of said strength are... questionable. ]
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I-I'm not shy. I just wasn't expecting that. If you wanted to dance or something then you should just say that instead of touching me. [ Nonon narrows her eyes just a little, as if sizing up Cinder. She's... far too pretty than Nonon should think of someone, but her strange sort of demeanor puts her a little on edge, like she can't tell if Cinder is a friend or enemy. Mostly, Nonon's never been flirted with quite like this, and she's unsure of how to handle it. ]
Nonon Jakuzure. From Honnouji Academy, one of the Elite Four of the Student council. [ Nonon talks herself up, to make herself seem more important. Though why is she trying to impress Cinder...? ]
no subject
[ in response, cinder softens her outward demeanor. tilts her head innocently as she pushes a stray hair behind her own ear. her aggressiveness in this department has always been read as threateningly so it's an unintentional after-effect of such standard usage. cinder doesn't mind though because it's clear enough that nonon is mostly being shy and not unappreciative of her abrupt boldness. ]
Nonon... [ she pronounces it slowly. foreign names weren't unfamiliar territory but one without color basis meant very little to her. as a result, that told cinder that they weren't from the same place at all. and that's... a good thing. ] Call me, Cinder. Then how about now? Would you like to dance?
[ when the music changes into something cinder could dance to— a concerto, she assumes. mozart, perhaps?— she offers a hand to her though this time much further away from nonon's person. if she wants to feel like the knight to her queen then who is she to discourage? cinder is in a sudden shortage of people that will willingly lay down their lives for her, after all. and she can't have that. not here. ]
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You really want a dance? [ Nonon turns back, taking in a deep breath. Sure, she's danced to music like this before. She's even danced with girls. Well, at least ONE girl. She feels a little confident, until she sees Cinder looking at her like that, offering her hand.
Nonon has no idea any of the underlying reasons for this... but she doesn't care. She's happy to be given the offer. And so she takes Cinder's hand. ]
I thought you'd never ask. [ How cliche! ]
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[ despite the comeback, cinder is actually quite appreciative that request wasn't shunned. when her hand is in nonon, the interaction if followed by an airy and amused hum as they stride their way to the dance floor. despite the ill-intentions of maybe some day using nonon in the foreseeable future, should cinder ever gain her trust, it's nice to... to simply partake in a dance. after all, why have the space and the music? most of her dances thus far have been power plays and while this falls under that purview, this has the added benefit of maybe being slightly entertaining.
as they reach the center, cinder does the polite thing. letting go of nonon's hand to courtesy before offering it back to her. ]
Care to lead?
[ the startling height difference is more than obvious to cinder but she's learned from their conversation that nonon seems to prefer to be... in charge. while she sure nonon knows who's really in charge, deep down, cinder is not against letting her think that for a night. and this is the chance for nonon to impress her. as far as dancing can. ]
no subject
[ Nonon pretends as she if she's not intimidated or at least just attracted to Cinder, following the other girl's lead to the dance floor. She has no fear for her skill, that's one thing she can be more than confident in. She learned how to dance sometime ago, like any other super rich girl, she had been to galas and fundraisers and balls, and had learned how to dance for them. ]
Of course. I'm sure you know what to do? [ Something about Cinder... makes Nonon think she's just as classy and cultured as she is. Or maybe that's just the teenage hormones kicking in, making her think Cinder is better than she might otherwise be. Either way Nonon finds her hand on the tall girl's hip, and holds her other hand out to take Cinder's. A box step at first seems smart, to get them both used to the song, and each other, to make sure they can move in sync... ]
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Do I give the impression that I might not?
[ once she's led to the dance floor, cinder proves her fluidity with how promptly she takes to the steps. moving her feet to match the rhythmical movements of both the music and her partner. the flow uninterrupted by bulk and clumsiness usually prevalent in an amateur. how nice. there's a future for nonon in cinder's limited circle of friends if her aptitude in battle was similar to her penchant for dancing. ]
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No, it seems like you must have done this before, I think. Was your family rich, or did you just like dancing?
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as their dancing continues, cinder positions her head to the side. playing coy as nonon inquires about her. cinder likes asking questions but that doesn't necessarily mean she likes getting them asked back. it doesn't work both ways when one perceives themselves as the superior. ]
Are you curious about me? [ the question is voiced playfully like she's simply teasing nonon's attraction for her rather than simply trying to avoid answering it. but this is cinder so a non-answer is good enough and basically counts. ] Let's just say, I'm good on my feet.
[ ha ha ha. do you get it... ]
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Do you always answer a question with another question?
[ Nonon's catching on, twirling the two of them with the music, meeting the other's eyes for a moment. She's playing it calm and cool, as best she can anyway.
Though one might say she'd be even better on her back.]no subject
[ which is a true enough statement. answering with a "question" is rather generous for cinder. nonon should be happy that she replied with subtle worldplay. but cinder knows she has a habit of not... sharing information and she has no reason to change that aspect of herself. cinder is rarely ever incentivized to divulge information about herself, especially during a first encounter.
having said that, she doesn't expect that same level of cautiousness from nonon. at least, not in the framework of casual conversation. with a relatively amused expression, she prepares to parrot the same question that was just asked of her. ]
And what about you? I'd imagine it takes a certain level of skill to know how to lead during a ballroom dance. Following, on the other hand, isn't all that difficult.
[ says a leader to a henchman. ]
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Unlike you I don't see the need to hide. My family owns the largest transportation company in the world, and I was expected to learn how to dance back when I was in Elementary school. For the occasional gala where my father tried to make me dance with his business rival's sons. [ She grins as they find themselves a little closer... ] But I always refused.
no subject
Boys who hail from families of affluence hold no interest for you? How.... [ starts with a "g"... and ends with an "ay"... ] selective of you. So tell me, what kind of person did you always end up dancing with? Or was no one ever interesting enough for you?
[ how many hot black-haired girls do you know... oh wait... ]
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I won't dance with someone I don't choose myself, that's one thing. Otherwise, I wouldn't say I have a type... [ She's lying, and playing coy just like Cinder, because hey... she's still deciding if she's gay or not. But yeah, she does very much prefer dancing with girls. ]
I just refuse to dance with boorish oafs who would rather just put their hands on me than dance.
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That makes two of us.
[ but unlike nonon, boorish oaf and tiny girls often have difficulty retaining cinder's interest. let alone, allow them to touch her. cinder is not the kind of person one gets to touch so easily, especially in as casual an encounter as this but this has been a very... elucidating exception. eventually the classical music slows to a stop and is replaced by... dubstep? cinder doesn't really know the term but she knows she doesn't appreciate it all that much. she looks back down to nonon. ]
Care to let go?
[ obviously, cinder could easily leave now. even though she's implying nonon is what's preventing her from walking out the door, she's... testing. testing whether or not nonon... wants anything else from this interaction, shall we say. ]
no subject
...Oh, of course. [ She smiles, trying not to look like she was spacing out for a moment, letting go of Cinder and taking a step back. ]
I should probably go find my...[ She really hates to call Ryuko a friend!! ...underclassman ] and make sure she's not destroying the party.
no subject
Same.
[ normally, one would wave, curtsy or perform some sort of physical gesture to establish their goodbyes but cinder does none of those things. her head remains tilted and it's a considerable effort on her part to... well, form the words. ]
It's been... a pleasure to meet you. I hope we meet under more lively circumstances.
[ by that she means, under a circumstance with more action and violence naturally. she doesn't wait for nonon to air mutual sentiments as cinder turns on her heels. walking away and blending into the crowd until she's gone. out of the ballroom and out of view. ]
no subject
[ Did she catch Cinder's attention or not? That's what Nonon is thinking as she watches the other girl leave. She isn't even sure why she cares what that other girl thinks, but Nonon has a strange feeling in her that she's not used to... ]