Recently, Harveste had noticed a new spot unlocked on her list of skills. It was a surprise when she noticed it, her head spinning at first as she wondered how to go about using the new skill tree she'd apparently earned. There were certain memories she felt dance in her mind. Songs had unintentionally led her to some good friends in the game, even though she lacked actual skill within the world of Terrasphere. Perhaps that would be a good use of her time? Wandering the streets of Stokbon, she found a flyer of a famous musician being in town. With great earnest, she'd gone to the concert that was being said to be held, but somehow, the entire event had felt lackluster to her. It wasn't a total loss, however. As she sat upon a nearby bench in one of the town's more open areas, she stared at a sheet of music the musician had composed and offered her when they heard her singing one of their songs. Staring at it blankly, she mused aloud, "Mimicry is the best form of flattery, huh?" With a deep breath, she began to do some vocal exercises. Her small voice sounded only locally, but seemed to flow fairly well alongside the gentle breeze she could feel between nearby buildings. Her hands moved as she began to sing the song she'd heard, the words failing her halfway through. "I should learn to memorize...I wonder if there's anyone that could teach me a bit better? Just this doesn't feel like nearly enough..." @Kaede Hoshi
_____Kaedé had finally reached Stokbon, eyes glowing with numerous levels of excitement as she crossed into the town and began roaming around in search for her goal of the day. It was not long however until she heard someone singing that drew her to step back to see the small figure from behind. A slight devil’s grin across her face as she began to approach as quiet as possible before quickly moving her hands to press down on the girl’s shoulders and speak in her ear. ”Serenade me any more little miss and I might not be able to stop at just touching your shoulders.~” _____Her voice was mixed both playful and serious as she lightly blew into the girl’s ear before hopping over the back of the bench and sitting beside the girl with a smile. Her weapon being moved to rest beside her as she looked over @Harveste and had to resist the urge to start petting the girl’s head, well for all of a few seconds before she reached over and started doing it with a happy grin across her face. Kaedé did not care for personal space and if she was not stopped from petting the small girl she would pull her in for a hug and kiss the girl’s cheek lightly. ”If you did not match the height of my sister and I did not see flashes of her when I looked at you I might kiss your lips. Though if you’re fine with it would that be ok?” _____Kaedé's voice was purely serious as she looked at the girl happily smiling. If she was flat declined she would sigh lightly before leaning back in her seat and looking at the music sheet. ”I’d never write a song down. Sing what you feel, don’t worry if it sounds right just let it come from your heart, or wherever you want. Not gonna lie there are some good fart only songs online.” Kaedé laughed as she reached to make fart sounds with her armpit, she chose to live in the moment, and this moment called for armpit farts.
She'd nearly fallen off the bench when she felt air in her ear, having already been stunned by the hand on her shoulder. As she began to collect herself, the stranger was already sitting next to her, hand upon her head rather nonchalantly. However, even if she felt herself collected, her heart was racing faster than she remembered it being able to. Wasn't this just a game? "E-Er, while I'm flattered, a kiss of such caliber should be done with someone you have further intentions with and not I." Her anxiety had failed to let her word things properly, not that she ever had been good at it when not writing a story. She stared idly at her hands, which sat clasped in her lap, fidgeting slightly to distract her from herself. With a redness on her cheeks, she eyed the girl next to her softly. She'd just given some pretty good advice, hadn't she? Still, because of mentioning a kiss in the beginning, the smaller girl was cherry red and struggling to even mutter her thanks. As if to practice what the woman recommended, she jumped to her feet, spinning to face her with a smile, though took the hand that had pat her head to kiss it in apology for her sudden movement. "If that is so, then here's a true serenade for the kind lady." Smiling, the girl began to sing a bit more clearly- her words were quiet at first, but slowly began to resound more easily around her, though they were rather randomly chosen. She sang a story: a story of love at first sight, of loss at first kiss, and of hope for a new love to set one aflame. Her song helped ease any fear she had at the moment, but took quite a bit of energy out of her as she tried to dance with it- and, quite gloriously, tripped on her own feet until she had fallen into the woman's lap. She stopped her singing, embarrassed by her rather failed dance moves, and looked up at the stranger with a timid laugh. "E-Er, sorry. That must've been really bad, huh?"
”Who is to say my interest do not go deeper than a kiss if permitted my fair maiden?” _____Kaede would try to reach out to rub Harveste’s cheek lightly only to be a few seconds short as the girl moved away. Hearing Harveste sing only made Kaede smile happily and close her eyes swaying slowly to the melody. When she felt Harveste in her lap she could only turn to her devil’s grin and reach to lightly grip the girl’s thigh and push up fully knowing she was not helping much or at all with her actions. ”You don’t give yourself enough credit. Live in the moment my dear, a failure now only is a delayed victory. Mind you also did a very nice job making it harder on me to resist forcing myself to kiss your soft lips and keep my hands off you.” _____Kaedé would only speak after trying to move @Harveste to sit on her lap, if the girl let her guard down or was to nervous to rebuttal Kaedé would move in for the kiss she sought, lips pressing lightly before tongue traced Harveste's lips before moving to break the kiss with a blush across her own complexion. Moving Harveste slightly more on her lap before she smiled and her blush faded a bit. ”How about we both dance and sing, my voice pales to your angelic melody to my ears, and hopefully my footing can aid you, don’t mind stepping on my toes though.~” _____Kaedé offered her aid once more in the girl’s endeavors, not missing many chances for compliments or rubbing the girl’s back lightly before she moved so they could stand. Stepping back slightly before a shallow bow and offer of her hand to further show her interest in dancing. It was not the best dance type, but ball room was always a good start in her book, both due to the simple steps, and getting so close to another person. Two birds with a single stone she hummed in her head.
It irked her how easily she was pulled into people's laps. This woman wasn't the first to give her themselves as a seat. It seemed her height complex, which she'd thrown to the wind when making a character even smaller than she was, wasn't quite as calmed as she thought. Before she could complain, however, a sensation hit her senses she couldn't understand. Lips touched her own, a gentle melody caught in her head from the unusual sensation. Turning scarlet, the feeling of a hand on her leg made her hide her face in her hands when she was able to separate her lips from the stranger. She didn't know this person, so why was she so cozy doing such things? And for that matter, why wasn't Harveste herself acting out more in protest? She unconsciously leaned her head on the woman's chest, thinking it suitable to hide her embarrassment, so that she could take the hand on her leg and hold it, keeping it from moving any further. "E-Er, I don't even know your name, miss, so doing such a thing so suddenly..." Her pulse ever quicker, she was relieved by the sudden offer to help her learn music better. Now on her feet, she was at ease knowing someone was willing to teach her. However, as the hand on her back seemed to linger, she pulled away, if only for a moment, bowing her head. "At the very least, before I have the chance to harm your feet with my two left legs...Um...May I ask your name? I-I mean, it's normal to want to know the name of te first person you kiss, isn't it?" Sure, that was a really good reason! Wanting to slam her head against something hard in regret of her own words, she felt herself fidget even more, hands tugging at the hems of her sleeves, before one pulled at her collar to ease her throat that held a large bubble in it. "I suppose asking without giving is wrong, though, isn't it? Er, I-I'm Harveste...And you are...?"
_____Kaede could only lightly laugh at Harveste’s reaction to what had happened. She just kept getting cuter and cuter to Kaede as she reached to kiss the girl’s hand lightly, lingering her face near it before she glanced up with a smile. ”A lovely name fitting of you, mine is Kaede Hoshi, and i am proud to be your first.~” With her name spoken Kaede would step in and wrap one arm the girl’s waist and the other lacing the girl’s hand and moving the other to her own waist. Moving a bit closer before she kissed the girl’s head and began the lesson. ”Just follow my footing closely ok? And a one two three, one two three, one two three four.” _____Kaedé would move her right foot slowly for one, two marked as she stepped with her left in the same direction, the third step taking a step back and swaying down slightly. After they might have managed it two time and come to the fourth Kaedé would move her hand and step back only holding @Harveste by one hand with a smile. If they managed to get through with little to no issues Kaedé would clap for Harveste for a few moments. ”And again.” Slowly moving back to the starting spot with a smile. ”A dancing soul, so soft with sway, a heartfelt met, while two twin beats.~” _____Her lyrics might seem odd or good, Kaedé just strung the words together, however her voice clearly was not for singing as she seemed to make some bad vocal choices during the small song verse. Looking to Harveste with a kind gaze as she moved to preform the fourth stem again. ”Sing what you feel, don’t think too much on how it sounds or the tone you use, allow soul to lead and heart to fill each cord.” Kaedé moved in again to slowly waltz with Harveste as she tried to listen to the girl’s song with closed eyes. _____Kaedé deep down enjoyed this time, not rushing around or forcing anything as the two seemed alone in the world, dance and song their bond that tied them this moment in countless more she wished to have with this girl and so many others, moments she felt her life had meaning and none wasted on fear or hesitation. She faintly laughed in her mind, she clearly was wishing for a fairytale.
As she learned of Kaede's name, she smiled a bit more easily, head leaning on her shoulder until she found herself pulled closer, the blush that wanted to fade failing from leaving her face. "Kaede means maple leaf, doesn't it? I rather like it." Her words were said with a hum, a happy thought having left her mind and onto the next. "One, two, three," She counted alongside her dance partner. She wasn't sure whether she was doing it right, but at least she hadn't stepped on the woman- yet. She was doing fine, until she found her right foot flopping slightly, causing her to start to fall. She hugged onto Kaede for a moment a bit tighter, catching herself that way without letting them fall. With a soft sigh of relief, she continued her lesson carefully. When Kaede sang, her spirit was far more enjoyable than her voice- but it was beautiful, somehow. It made Harveste want to sing that much more! "And the beats will meet the wind~ A whimsical wind it is~ It dances with the heart, that leaps upon a whim." Giggling, she realized her own words hadn't been anything special- but she felt lighter, and seemed to feel her steps moving a bit more easily as she joined the stranger in song. Taking a quick stop when she felt a bit tired, she got onto her toes to kiss the stranger's cheek. "You're quite the teacher, Kaede. I feel much lighter thanks to your aid."
”A teacher is nothing without a good student to teach, but I also don’t wish to be seen as a teacher. It would make my actions prior not so right since student teacher relations in such is not good.~” _____Kaedé would keep having fun with @Harveste as she moved so their lips could meet again, arm reaching to pull the girl in closer as she savored what likely would be the last kiss she could cause before she got slapped or ran away from. Her fairytale always ended before the third kiss with most, some even the first was denied or the second. A cruel fate but one she would walk and do her best to walk away standing from it. ”Sorry I can’t help myself with your lips so close, If you don’t wish for me to keep up just let me know before it eats me alive my dear.” _____Kaedé did not want to lose Harveste, however she also knew most did not like her once they grew to know just how she was. A girl who could never settle for one, always trying with so many in hopes to find her perfect fairytale but unable to commit knowing so many could be better, at the risk the best would leave her forever. If Harveste made it clear she did not approve of the stranger’s actions she would bow her head and leave the girl alone. _____If she slightly ok or set some rules down Kaedé would smile widely before trying to use her UI to send a friend request. It seemed like few told her such a positive to her question as she spun around happily for a few moments before tracing her lips recalling Harveste’s fondly and clearly showing across her face. ”I guess I should say I’m the type who lives only in that moment, never let a chance pass me by without a fight, and do what I want even if it repels people I care about…” Humming the words happily before she moved to offer a normal handshake to Harveste, like a normal person would have before kissing.
"I-It's not like it felt bad or anything!" She blurted the words out on instinct, rather abrupt and lacking any form of tact. "It just surprised me- I-I mean, who wouldn't be surprised, you know? A random pretty girl kissing you isn't something you exactly expect the moment you meet someone!" Her words a frenzy of anxiety and awkwardness, she tried desperately to hide it with a laugh, but it only showed even quicker how pathetic she was. "I actually quite understand that methodology in life. But I'm both polyamorous and jealous. Don't think you can just kiss me and get away without me wanting to keep you to myself at least a little bit!" Of course, she was teasing in this case. She didn't know this person, at least not well enough. She was honestly scared, but she could see there was no ill intent- and, the fact that Kaede had told her quite frankly her reasoning, was a good aid to heal her ails. Somehow surprised by the friend request, but gratefully accepting it. With a small smile, she accepted the handshake, before opting to get 'revenge' by jumping to hug the woman before her, arms catching around her neck to dangle the small girl carefully so she could steal the stranger's lips once more. With haste, she let go, a goofy grin catching her. "I'm at least glad my first three were with someone kind and honest. Though it might take me time to feel able to do more than that. I only touch people I like, you know. I like Kaede already, but it'll take me at least a day or two to really know you well enough to feel more at ease. Think you'll be okay with just this for now~? This and another song, if you'd be willing to listen."
”If it would allow me to stay by your side I am willing to wait years for it.~” _____Kaedé would trace her lips after the new kiss before moving to sit down and fully focused on listening to the song @Harveste had for her. She would make no attempts, no comments to tease, she simply would stop her usual selfish ways to enjoy and try to help the girl before her. It was not easy for her, that was a understatement as she had to close her eyes mostly unless the girl chose to dance, keep her hands under her legs and legs crossed. ”I think the only other advise I have left is to have fun with music. Being a robot with it never goes well, and if you can’t feel it moving you, then likely it won’t move anyone else.” _____Kaedé did not speak from trails she had with singing, to be honest it never crossed her as something to do. Fighting, training, survival skills, and studies had been her main focuses since she get free from SAO. Dancing only came into her knowledge because using her weapons was easier remembered with dance steps. Her Naginata was perfected using complex waltz dancing and some other minor mixes from her Japanese heritage, he favorite move was entirely from a French movie she MIGHT have stolen during a vacation there. _____The main point her mind was jumping around, if Harveste wanted to learn more about dances she would have a few more to offer, and if she wanted a singing partner Kaedé would try more singing if it meant time with someone who, despite her actions so far not only accepted her, but actually shocked her by starting the third kiss. Her fingers tracing her lips again as she blushed, not fully able to believe it had even happened.
"I'm the type who you'd only get rid of if you lie to me. I don't really mind someone liking more than one person...I'm actually quite similar." Laughing a bit, the girl used this fact and sung her mind, spinning in place until she got dizzy and laughing as she fell onto the bench again. She sang while sitting, deep breathes strangely hard to notice outside the movement of her stomach, which moved with each puff. The vocal lessons were kicking in again, along with her regular breathing exercises. "Oh how I do love one~ How I love all~ I cannot believe it, so I struggle and crawl. I cry as I find my heart skip's a beat. Why, oh why, do so many make it leap?" Her words made her cringe. She still needed practice to make her song really feel 'right', but she felt strangely at ease even as she said such distraught things. "I have loved and have lost, but truly at what cost? It's better to have loved at all. So I'll love and I'll live, much love I will give, to one and then to all." A deep sigh escaped her as she finished her bizarre solo, leaning against the person she'd been rather bold with as it was, finding it easier to rest that way. She no longer sang, just spoke softly, looking up every so often when she saw Kaede tracing her lips. She giggled a bit, endeared by her new friend's red cheeks. "I was raised in a fairly traditional home, but I'm far from traditional myself. I've always had an interest in girls, and I tend to fall in love really quickly, and usually not with just one person. So...I can really understand. Though I'm a bit strange, I think. I love lots of people, but I still get jealous when I see them loving others as they love me. I'm a hypocrite that way. But..." Embarrassed herself now, she unknowingly grasped the woman's hand, humming a bit. Her hum seemed to stir soil near the bench, growing a flower out of nowhere. Had she been using her naturamancy without thinking? Letting go as quickly as she'd grabbed her, Harveste took the plant from the ground and stood up, putting the newly plucked bloom in Kaede's hair. "I'm surprised my favorite flower grew so suddenly, but even more so, it fits you so well!" The flower was small, with a plethora of red petals curled inward ever so slightly. A rare red lily, which fit in with the pink cheeks she seemed to stare at. "Lycoris radiata- the spider lily. For some reason, people call it a death flower, but considering I read they usually grow after a storm, don't you think they symbolize life much better? A strong urge to live brightly...I think it fits you that way. And it's cute like you, too, y'know?"
_____Kaedé was having such a hard time keeping herself from touch or embracing Harveste. The way the girl sang, her actions, and her words all reached and seemed to pull at Kaedé's desire to do more than just kiss the girl, but she also knew she had to resist, even if this was a moment she might never get again, she wanted to respect her last words of waiting until @Harveste let her and not act on her urge. A shallow gulp as she rose to stand and got her weapon. Hand lightly tracing her new accessory as she smiled at Harveste while getting her weapon set correctly. ”I would love to stay around, and maybe get to know you more… However my urge to try and strip you and make love to you is extremely high after the kindness you showed me and that song. I don’t wish to destroy our bond after I already said I would wait… maybe our next meeting I can invite you out to eat so my hands have a distraction and we can talk.” _____Kaedé would wink and playfully move her shirt down a bit to have it resting around her waist. Her chest covered by bandages as she waved and started to walk away to prevent her urges from breaking free. ”There will be another chance… It’s not like with Athea…” Mumbled words as she kept walking away unless she was stopped by Harveste asking her something or grabbing hold of her.
When Kaede bluntly mentioned her inner intents and her attempts to hold back for her sake, Harveste moved to grab her wrist, kissing her cheek with a cautious jump- or rather, tug. Smiling a bit, she hugged the girl easily, though cautious not to hug to tightly onto her. "It's a promise then...Or a date. Okay? You can't forget!" She felt herself giggling a bit frantically as she let go, spinning around and dancing a few feet away. "I'll make sure to message you soon. Next time, I'll have a better song for you, too, so be ready Kaede! Okay? I don't know this Althea, but I do know you, and...I know I want you to smile lots more from now on! I'll work hard to see it, so be ready!" Prancing off with a rather large grin s goofy as could be, she sang along her way down the road. She didn't notice herself growing flowers at spots, her song flowing on the wind as a dandelion's spores. She didn't even notice it when the system tried to tell her: the 'Music' skill had been earned.
