#ravein

RAVEIN | SIVEIN | XIVEIN ♪

an in-nature for terms that have the shared characteristics of being atraverdeine/autoninly dark green &/or related in nature!

an in-nature for terms that have the shared characteristics of being exsiverdeine/autoninly light/pastel green &/or related in nature!

an in-nature for terms that have the shared characteristics of being luxiverdeine/autoninly bright/hot/vibrant green &/or related in nature!

Continued from [x] with @fightingthetides

Since Ravein did not move from his place after she had waved to him, Nunnally assumed he was not interested to interact with her. As sad as it did make her, she was sure she would accept his decision and wouldn't invade his personal space. Nunnally didn't look in his direction anymore; instead she sat on the bench, her arms hugging her legs, she looked at the park and people passing by. Trying to imagine who they were. A funny thought suddenly hit her that they also might be looking at them. At Nunnally and Ravein. But none of them would have an idea of who they were. The former assassin and the mafia princess. They did not look for who they were. These names that life had given to them seemed like a title of a book (definitely a romantic novel). Or perhaps a movie. But not the reality. Right? Reality was not that ridiculous. But it was a reality and nothing could ever be done about it.

Deep in her thoughts, she didn't notice when her phone started to buzz when the message arrived. It only took another buzz (and another message; a lucky coincidence) to make Nunnally look at her phone. Her lips turned into a bright smile when she read the message from Ravein. But again she did not look in his direction. Her gaze locked at the screen she was trying to figure out if she knew the address. And if she’d be able to get there in about 25 minutes that were left. She knew – more or less – the area, but the actual address did not tell her much. She did not want to actually google it…it would leave some traces in her phone. Nunnally started to be really cautious about Ravein. Perhaps even paranoid? She could not tell, but in his situation, it’s better to overreact. At least that was what she agreed with herself and decided to follow as her personal rule. There was no-one who knew about her and Ravein (perhaps apart from Roberto), but he was not here and he did not know what she she was doing and how she was behaving. She was on her own.

When finally she looked at the bench, where Ravein had been sitting just a few moments ago, there was already no-one there. He probably went to their meeting place. The girl considered switching off her phone, but that probably was not the best idea. Perhaps he’d send her new directions? Change the meeting place? Paranoid! She was becoming paranoid. A bit perhaps but that was good paranoid? Right? She stood up and started to walk slowly out of the park. In the opposite direction than she expected Ravein to walk away. (“Nunnally stop it”) – she scolded herself internally – (“But I am just worried about a friend.”) – she replied to herself. As no matter the whole situation, the tensions and the misunderstanding, Nunnally considered Raven a friend. And someone she should protect.

Continued from [x] with @fightingthetides

She knew she should not have left home that night. She had been warned that there were some tensions between the gangs, but Nunnally was the one to always assume things were better than they truly were. Or at least that was her way to lie to herself that she was not a part of a dirty world, illegal business and violence that was all part of her family. So, she went out. An obvious mistake. One that might turn out deadly. Stumbling across some morons from the competing gang put her probably in more danger than she thought. But then an unknown shadow came to her rescue.

A simple word – "okay" – was difficult to understand. She was lying on the pavement in the dirt with a streak of blood going down her cheek. She had hit herself when they pushed her on the wall. ( “Okay? Is he asking if I am not hurt…?) – she thought to herself.

“I…I think I am fine. But they really scared me. I…I am not sure what they wanted from me. Thank…thank you for saving me, Mr…” – she stood up still feeling dizzy. It was a dark alley, one that perhaps she should not be in, but there was enough light to see the man’s face. He was definitely s stranger, but a stranger that was bringing familiar vibes…

“Do…do we know each other?” – she asked, but Nunnally was sure it was her imagination bringing her some delusions. After all she hit her head and was bleeding. But the images would not go away…the sounds of shooting, the cries, the chase, her accidentally getting trapped in the middle of something…something she did not understand, a threat, a lie, a note, a small bunny doll, she still had it...

“I…I know who you are! I remember you…” – she suddenly screamed. But did she remember?

“I…I am sorry…” – she instantly apologized – “I am probably wrong, but are you the one that gave me a bunny doll?”

-

Ravein had returned holding the box of chocolates and he showed them off to Roberto. He was excited to have gotten a gift from a friend and he wanted to show his family.

The older man looks at the handmade chocolates and he doesn’t need to ask to know that Ravein hadn’t prepared something himself for the day. Valentine’s day probably didn’t register high in his consciousness anyways with how socially inept he was having been away for so many years.

It was understandable, yes, but that didn’t mean it was acceptable either.

If someone was treating you well, you should return the favor. Nunnally had been understanding and patient with Ravein, and Roberto wasn’t going to let Ravein simply accept the gifts without also reciprocating in his own way.

He’d suggested for the ex-assassin to prepare something as well to gift to his generous friend.

Taking the elders words to heart, Ravein asked to borrow the kitchen so he could bake some cookies. It was a recipe he remembers baking alongside his mother years ago. A family recipe of sorts.

It was times like this that his impeccable memory came in handy. He wanted for her to enjoy the cookies as fresh as they could possibly be, so he made sure to bake the cookies the day before the next time they were set to meet up again.

He baked a batch of sugar cookies and chocolate chip cookies, the latter being a rarer delicacy for their household. It was saved for special occasions.

Cooled cookies were arranged in a cute container (courtesy of Roberto who went out to purchase one), ready for tomorrow.

-

The next day

-

Ravein was waiting for Nunnally to arrive. She wasn’t late, he was simply too early. He had the tendency to arrive early to ensure the coast was clear and to stake out any possible dangers to either of them. If he were to find anything suspicious, he’d contact her to let her know of a location change.

He was looking out for both of their safety. Today, everything seemed safe, so there was no location change needed. When Nunnally arrives, he awkwardly holds out the container for her.

On top of the container is a small note written: [Belated Valentine’s day] [Mother’s recipe]

Hopefully, she wouldn’t be too mad that he was a bit late… and hopefully she also enjoys the taste.

She didn’t give Ravein chocolates, because she expected something in return. Nunnally wanted to show him her gratitude; it was her way to express he was special to her. He was that kind of friend that Nunnally had not had for a long time. When she had learnt that her father was a part of a mob (actually the one in charge), and her old life had been taken away from her, she had been forced to cut ties with most of the people from “back then”. And these relations that perhaps might have been maintained, she had rejected herself.

When Nunnally was now thinking about it, she was not sure why she had done so. Perhaps to protect them? Or perhaps she didn’t want them to remind her the happy “old life” she had and lost? Or perhaps to punish herself? Because she was ashamed of who she was. And of what her father was doing (but deep inside she still loved him and would never find enough strength and courage to reject him completely). She despised where “her” money was coming from (and yet again she could not live without the wealth and comfort that her father's money could offer). And on the top of that, the guilt that was often put on her for being the cause of her mother’s death…

Or perhaps she was simply naive. She was not even 18 when all that happened and no-one cared about anything else but her safety.

It was odd, but Ravein's presence was evoking these feelings that she thought she had lost forever. She was not able to understand how it was happening, but it w a s happening. What’s more, she was even able to re-connect with her father thanks to Ravein. At least a bit more. Perhaps understand him better? Not that Nunnally really knew how (and why) he had become what he was. Ravein was a good person (she was sure of that), and yet he did what he had to. Many people would condemn him for that. She didn’t. She couldn’t. She would protect him.

If ever asked, Nunnally wouldn't be able to describe these feelings; some of them she might have not fully realized, but they were there, and they had led her into the kitchen to prepare these chocolates for her friend. For Ravein. And she did have fun making them. She was a true artist she had never realized she was. And she was glad Ravein accepted her gift, and confirmed they were friends.

But she was, indeed, slightly surprised when she got his invitation to a meeting next day. Yes, they were meeting regularly, but usually not that often. It would be dangerous for him in her eyes. And she couldn't have changed her antics rapidly in order not to rise any suspicions in her father’s eyes. Or more importantly in the eyes of his staff.

She arrived there in time. Slightly early actually. Wearing the new dress and a long sweater she thought he might like.

“It’s so…” – she started to talk but stopped seeing Ravein being slightly awkward. And then noticing a small box being handed to her. And a note.

“Ravein…!” – she exclaimed surprised, but happy; she was feeling her eyes becoming wet but for once she didn’t care about it. She took a box standing there frozen for a few moments. Out of pure happiness.

“Thank you, Raven…” – she finally said; her happiness clearly audible in her voice – “Happy belated Valentine’s Day to you as well.” – she said as she stood on her toes and placed a quick kiss on his cheek.

“Come on…” – she urged as she took his hand and pointed towards the bench so conveniently being placed nearby. It was like an invitation for them to sit down – “We’ll have to try these cookies together. It’ll be less fun to eat them alone...”

“You’re full of surprises, Ravein…” – she said opening the box – “Oh, they’re so pretty that it feels almost like a shame to eat them!” And then she remembered what the note said: -- "Did you often eat them as a child? Did you mum actually teach you how to bake?"

("I have never known mine"); she wanted to say, but Nunnally also did not want to spoil the moment. There would be other time when she could tell him the story of her life.

Ravein receives the box, looking the box all over initially, as it was a habit of his to inspect everything carefully. It didn’t mean that he didn’t trust her, nor did he suspect that she had done anything foul to the box. It was just an old habit that hadn’t died yet. He finally gets around to opening the box to hear the music being played. He recognizes it to be the tune that she was humming that day in the kitchen.

It must’ve meant something special to her if it was made into a music box as well that she gifted him. Of course, he didn’t miss the single chocolate in the shape of a bunny in the small space of the box. He really enjoyed bunny motifs, even if that seemed weird given how he looked. He smiles gently, cradling the piece of chocolate in his hand, finding it difficult to want to eat it. Maybe he should just keep it as is for as long as he can?

Gently, he sets the box down and picks up his notebook, his preferred mode of communication.

[Thank you]

They’d arranged to meet up today, and he had also arranged for a gift as well. He flips a few pages in his notebook.

[Wait]

He reaches into the pocket of his jacket and pulls a small box of spoons that had chocolate formed around the rounded part of the spoon. He hands them to her before flipping through his notebook again.

[For hot chocolate. Put in warm milk]

In essence, if she were to dunk the spoons into a warm cup of milk, the chocolate would melt to make a delicious cup of hot chocolate. A bit late, considering hot chocolate was best for the winter season, but he knew that Nunnally enjoyed her warm milk beverage… so maybe this would be an appropriate gift. Sometimes, you may want something a bit sweeter, and this would be a good alternative.

A genuine smile forms on her lips that brightens her usually pale face. But it's not only her lips; her eyes are smiling too. They are now like a cloudless sky in summer. Clean and bright.

A present? For her? She has not expected that. These are so cute! Perhaps sweets aren't really her thing, but even she sometimes wants a change. Nunnally can imagine how the chocolate on the spoon melts; how white milk is being turned into that - firstly - brownish colours, and then to deeper and deeper brown. It’s a bit like painting in her mind. It's beautiful, and she starts to paint in her imagination.

And then Nunnally realizes her silence has lasted for too long. Perhaps Ravein has already started to think she doesn't like the present. Oh, that is not the truth at all. She likes it a lot! But perhaps her face and her shining eyes can tell him her honest emotions. He's observant, but then inexperienced with emotions...

“Thank you, Ravein. This is a really cute present…”

“I've been imagining how it will melt in warm milk. Just imagine all these shades of brown and the changing pictures it will create!” – Nunnally isn’t sure if she has told Ravein that she likes drawing. And painting. Or if they have had no occasions to talk about his and hers hobbies. Thinking about that…she is rather curious what he likes doing just for fun. Not that she does a lot of things just for fun.

“We need to try these together one day.” – it is so exciting to have someone to share simple joys with; even if their relation is such a complicated one. Her and Ravein. A mafia princess and an ex-assassin…? Could someone imagine something weirder? More dangerous. Nunnally isn’t sure. Though there is always in her mind a lingering threat that they could be discovered and divided. Or worse… Though the question was who could bring more danger to another.

Oh, it doesn’t matter; she scolds herself. She cannot solve the issue. And neither can Ravein.

“Do you mind if I take your arm?” – she asks; this time remembering Ravein doesn’t like to be touched without a warning (or rather without a permission) – “A walk? Or are you cold and prefer to head inside? I am sure a lot of places is having a deal for two during this day.” – she laughs – “For couples, I mean…”

“…but we can always pretend we are one…” - she doesn't mean it to embarrass him or to get serious. It's just for fun.

If i'm not to late- for Ravein. Purple= Something he's fairly certain of. Grey= what he isn't certain of. Explanations: He's 5'11" and he isn't sure if that's considered 'tall' as he knows there is a conception that guys under 6" aren't tall (lol). He enjoys reading, but doesn't own a lot of books- for obvious reasons. He didn't mark down the chess one because he actually wasn't taught how to play, so he can't play LOL He won't get mad if she wins if that counts. He wasn't sure about what she meant by 'cage' but he would let her do whatever she wants. He's dangerous (for reasons we know) so he marked gray for Red flag and [bold, daring, dangerous]. Everything else shouldn't need any explanation I think, but feel free to ask if you want anything clarified =w=

She stares at the bingo card. Quite pleased. One bingo. But she thinks there should be more. Ravein’s definitely tall. And if he’s willing to lift her up, she’ll be more than pleased. She also feels he’s spoiling her. Perhaps not in an average way, but he does. She’s smiling. She knows they were meant to meet. Ravein makes her life better: --

“We’ve got a bingo there, Ravein.” – she says perhaps in a bit too exciting way; she’s not romantically into him (at least not yet?), but she wouldn’t mind if that was actually happening. These things should be taken slow though, especially with the man with the past and presence like Ravein's. But she also isn’t sure if she’s ready for this relationship, for any relationship – “I know it’s just a foolish game, but the results...the results seem nice.”

A short pause.

“Perhaps you’ll allow me to take you out for a date? It could be fun.” – her voice is a bit shaky and full of hesitation, but after all why not? A date is not a relationship, yet.

// Mun’s comments:

Ravein is definitely tall as for Nun’s standards. She is about 5’3’’ (160 cm) so she’s pretty small anyway. I think almost everyone is taller than her, but the question is: would he enjoy lifting her up sometimes. I definitely think he should mark the book square purple; it’s obvious he has no place to keep books. But just wondering if he has just one that he carries with him?

This bingo was actually made for Nunnally’s human verse (and we’re writing her mafia verse together), and I think that Ravein could get even more bingos with “his” version of Nun. But they’re similar enough as Ravein is all about the gentle Nunnally, uncertain of herself and full of hesitation. I wonder (based on this bingo) if a romance between them is even possible, but if so, I guess that would be extremely slow burn on both sides.