[ it's a genuine question! if he called out to her by telepathy, she would have been at his side in a heartbeat. but that doesn't matter now that she's here, so she doesn't give it another thought. instead, she excitedly takes his hand! ]
[Reaching out to Penny via telepathy was an option he'd considered, but there's a chance of his hidden feelings being unintentionally transmitted through. He can't have her be aware of that yet. That, and he was mostly ruminating while waiting for her.
Despite reaching his hand out first, he sort of flinches when it comes in contact with Penny's excitable hand. But, in what might be a surprising turn of event, he'll be the one leading her onto the dance floor instead, very unlike all those times where she would usually do the leading whenever they're about to go have fun together.]
[Once they're at the dance floor, he turns back to her and reaches for her other hand. The song that begins to play is a classic waltz. Good, good.]
... I'm not a good dancer, Penny, but I've been practicing. I hope you could bear with me. [If she's terrible, too, then they can be terrible at it together!]
[ though she notices the flinch, she assumes that it's just Soundwave's general awkwardness when it comes to letting loose and having fun. as his friend, it's her duty to help him through it!
though she doesn't have the programming in her for dancing, she's observed enough to at least know how to position herself and do the steps. the movement is a bit... well, robotic, but functional. ]
[Such a good girl, Penny. :) Alright, he's been practicing. Just like any challenge he's faced, he can handle this. But above all else, he wants Penny to have a good time with him... before revealing his feelings to her.]
I'll be sure to not step on your foot then.
[Said with a hint of humor. Getting into position himself, he settles his arm around Penny's waist and takes her hand in his before graciously leading her to the sway of the music. Though his movement isn't quite robotic, there's still a bit of awkwardness to it.]
Penny... I may not have been truthful regarding my not having fun tonight. I did have some fun before this. I danced with a lion.
[ at his quip, she gives him a little smirk. she knows that he'll be doing his best, and it isn't like she'll hold it against him if he steps on her foot. after all, it's made of steel! it's not like it'll hurt. ]
You did? That sounds amazing!
[ despite his fib, Penny doesn't seem to mind! she's much more interested in the fact that Soundwave did this at all, and she wants to learn more. ]
Enjoyable. Our dance was unfortunately cut short due to foibles on our parts... I suppose that's fine since we both weren't... adequate at dancing.
[He was going to say terrible, but that's a strong word to use. Actually-- he'd like Penny to know the full detail about that. It's a part of the night that was genuinely fun for him, after all. Time for a short, cute story! ... Or so he tries, he's never told a story before.]
I should mention that the lion was actually a human girl wearing a lion mask... a 12-year-old in human years, I believe. [Not an actual lion! That would be a weird experience instead.]
While I was waiting for you, a child came up to me timidly to ask for a dance. I wasn't sure how to process it at first, and so I asked if she was certain with me... a stranger. Her answer was nothing short of amusing- "It's okay. I'm a lion today."... Though I was confused by the answer, I decided to then humored the lion and accepted her request. [Thinking back to it, it's still amusing, and he can't help the soft smile from forming on his lips.]
I'll admit that her being a timid child may have influenced my willingness. Ah- and we both gave each other nicknames... I was "Ouji-sama", and she was "Little Lion-chan".
[Step-step-step-step. He pauses for a moment and cues Penny for a twirl.]
... However, what stood out to me about Little Lion was her reasoning for being a lion. She said that she's not a brave girl, and wanted to be braver for tonight... much like a lion would. Thus the importance of mentioning that she was one earlier. [...] We ended up nearly tripping ourselves after- She got excited when I commended her on her bravery for when she asked me for a dance.
She sounds like she is living up to the mask that she wore. Even if neither of you were good at dancing, it seems like you both had fun! I think that's the most important part.
[ from the way that Soundwave talks about it, it's clear that he enjoyed his time dancing. that much makes Penny happy, especially as she's twirled. it's not as graceful as it could be, but she's smiling all the same. ]
It's the sort of night where anyone can be anything. It feels... magical.
[No matter how many times he's seen Penny's bright smiles, he can't help but smile along. It's infectious, really... Still, he remains focused on leading the dance and tries to have fun in the meantime, despite his awkwardness. Up to a point at least.
Although the music is far from nearing completion, Soundwave's movements gradually slow down, and he's becoming noticeably offbeat. Before Penny could say anything to that, however, he closes the space between them and buries his face on her shoulder, to hide the flustered and agitated look he's been holding the whole time. That won't hide the subtly quiver of emotions in his whisper, however.]
Penny... There's something I want to tell you. It's... imperative that you know what it is. [Silence falls as a cold breeze passes by before he forces himself to speak again, unconsciously squeezing on Penny's hand.] Before that, we should go to a place less loud... and less crowded than here. I know a place.
[He doesn't say anything more. Pulling himself away, he quickly turns around to gently drag Penny off the dance floor with him-- to the Memory Tree. Though he seemingly continues to be in his usual cool demeanor, the cold breeze might act as an indication of his agitation.]
[ the act of him stepping closer doesn't surprise her, but him burying his face in her shoulder does. she naturally puts her arms around him in a hug in case something is wrong, but she's not sure if that's what's going on here. maybe it is, but... call it a hunch. ]
Oh, okay. Sure thing! [ a beat. ] Is everything okay-
[ but before she can voice the questioning inflection, she is dragged! ]
[Even if she completed the question, he'll just say he's "fine" and be completely dismissive right after. The hug helped to calm himself a little though.
Anyways-- After a timeskip dragging, they arrived at the front of the memory tree. Soundwave holds her hand for a moment longer before releasing it, dropping his arm to his side, clenching his fingers. His back is still turned to her.
His chest is pumping hard inside, anxious, but he can do this. He just needs to open his mouth and confess. That's all. Just confess. Releasing a deep breath, he turns to look Penny properly, eyes flaring and voice quivering-]
Penny... I'm... I'm in love with you!
[There. Inadvertent yell confession. His hand clamps around his elbow and his eyes fall to his feet out of fear of rejection. But it's clear he's genuine- evident by the light blue orbs appearing around his head.]
[ to be honest, Penny isn't sure what to expect from this. it must be something important if Soundwave is taking her somewhere other than the dance floor - he definitely has her undivided attention, but there aren't any expectations on what he'll say to her.
needless to say, she isn't really sure what to think. the confession has her tilting her head curiously, not quite sure what he means. ]
[Ah... Somehow he's both surprised and unsurprised that Penny doesn't get it. Her innocence's part of her nature isn't it- of course he'd need to be explicit with her... It gets him to smile just a little. But still, even if this presents an opportunity for him to back down and have their relationship remains the same, he soldiers on.]
It means I...
[He trails off, fingers tightening around his elbow. It's difficult to tell what expression he's currently wearing with the mask and bangs hiding most of his face. What's apparent is Soundwave shifting his weight from side to side.]
I... have no doubts that we love each other as friends, Penny. I still do... But I recognized another form of love I have for you-- a love on a different level than that of friendship. It's more... intimate. [His mind wanders back to a word Ciel said to him.]
What I'm trying to tell you is... I have... romantic feelings for you.
[ though it helps somewhat that he's explicit, the notion still confuses Penny somewhat. this is something completely foreign to her - the "love" that she understands and feels is of a familial sort for her father and friends. what Soundwave is describing doesn't seem to fit that at all. ]
I'm... not sure if I understand.
[ there's a look of regret in her eyes as she meets Soundwave's. it isn't quite a "rejection", but she definitely can't return something that she can't comprehend, can she? ]
But I can tell that your feelings are strong. [ they're resonating with her crystal, too. she can't ignore that. ] If it's okay with you, can I take some time to think about them?
[The look of regret in Penny's eyes is enough to break eye contact with her, his gaze wavering as he looks away. Although he had mentally prepared himself for an answer like that, for some reason hearing it makes him feel even more frazzled.
Even so, he understands...]
I'm fine with it. Take as much time as you need, Penny ... I will wait for your answer. And whatever it is, I will accept it.
[He wants to apologize to her for springing something like that out of nowhere, too, but he ends up biting his metaphorical tongue instead and continues to stare elsewhere.]
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soundwave.
[ it's a genuine question! if he called out to her by telepathy, she would have been at his side in a heartbeat. but that doesn't matter now that she's here, so she doesn't give it another thought. instead, she excitedly takes his hand! ]
It's time to start having fun! Let's go!
no subject
Despite reaching his hand out first, he sort of flinches when it comes in contact with Penny's excitable hand. But, in what might be a surprising turn of event, he'll be the one leading her onto the dance floor instead, very unlike all those times where she would usually do the leading whenever they're about to go have fun together.]
[Once they're at the dance floor, he turns back to her and reaches for her other hand. The song that begins to play is a classic waltz. Good, good.]
... I'm not a good dancer, Penny, but I've been practicing. I hope you could bear with me. [If she's terrible, too, then they can be terrible at it together!]
no subject
though she doesn't have the programming in her for dancing, she's observed enough to at least know how to position herself and do the steps. the movement is a bit... well, robotic, but functional. ]
That's alright. I trust you!
no subject
I'll be sure to not step on your foot then.
[Said with a hint of humor. Getting into position himself, he settles his arm around Penny's waist and takes her hand in his before graciously leading her to the sway of the music. Though his movement isn't quite robotic, there's still a bit of awkwardness to it.]
Penny... I may not have been truthful regarding my not having fun tonight. I did have some fun before this. I danced with a lion.
[It was fun.]
no subject
You did? That sounds amazing!
[ despite his fib, Penny doesn't seem to mind! she's much more interested in the fact that Soundwave did this at all, and she wants to learn more. ]
What was it like?
no subject
[He was going to say terrible, but that's a strong word to use. Actually-- he'd like Penny to know the full detail about that. It's a part of the night that was genuinely fun for him, after all. Time for a short, cute story! ... Or so he tries, he's never told a story before.]
I should mention that the lion was actually a human girl wearing a lion mask... a 12-year-old in human years, I believe. [Not an actual lion! That would be a weird experience instead.]
While I was waiting for you, a child came up to me timidly to ask for a dance. I wasn't sure how to process it at first, and so I asked if she was certain with me... a stranger. Her answer was nothing short of amusing- "It's okay. I'm a lion today."... Though I was confused by the answer, I decided to then humored the lion and accepted her request. [Thinking back to it, it's still amusing, and he can't help the soft smile from forming on his lips.]
I'll admit that her being a timid child may have influenced my willingness. Ah- and we both gave each other nicknames... I was "Ouji-sama", and she was "Little Lion-chan".
[Step-step-step-step. He pauses for a moment and cues Penny for a twirl.]
... However, what stood out to me about Little Lion was her reasoning for being a lion. She said that she's not a brave girl, and wanted to be braver for tonight... much like a lion would. Thus the importance of mentioning that she was one earlier. [...] We ended up nearly tripping ourselves after- She got excited when I commended her on her bravery for when she asked me for a dance.
no subject
[ from the way that Soundwave talks about it, it's clear that he enjoyed his time dancing. that much makes Penny happy, especially as she's twirled. it's not as graceful as it could be, but she's smiling all the same. ]
It's the sort of night where anyone can be anything. It feels... magical.
no subject
Although the music is far from nearing completion, Soundwave's movements gradually slow down, and he's becoming noticeably offbeat. Before Penny could say anything to that, however, he closes the space between them and buries his face on her shoulder, to hide the flustered and agitated look he's been holding the whole time. That won't hide the subtly quiver of emotions in his whisper, however.]
Penny... There's something I want to tell you. It's... imperative that you know what it is. [Silence falls as a cold breeze passes by before he forces himself to speak again, unconsciously squeezing on Penny's hand.] Before that, we should go to a place less loud... and less crowded than here. I know a place.
[He doesn't say anything more. Pulling himself away, he quickly turns around to gently drag Penny off the dance floor with him-- to the Memory Tree. Though he seemingly continues to be in his usual cool demeanor, the cold breeze might act as an indication of his agitation.]
no subject
Oh, okay. Sure thing! [ a beat. ] Is everything okay-
[ but before she can voice the questioning inflection, she is dragged! ]
here we goooo
Anyways-- After a timeskip dragging, they arrived at the front of the memory tree. Soundwave holds her hand for a moment longer before releasing it, dropping his arm to his side, clenching his fingers. His back is still turned to her.
His chest is pumping hard inside, anxious, but he can do this. He just needs to open his mouth and confess. That's all. Just confess. Releasing a deep breath, he turns to look Penny properly, eyes flaring and voice quivering-]
Penny... I'm... I'm in love with you!
[There. Inadvertent yell confession. His hand clamps around his elbow and his eyes fall to his feet out of fear of rejection. But it's clear he's genuine- evident by the light blue orbs appearing around his head.]
I'M KEEPING THIS ALIVE
needless to say, she isn't really sure what to think. the confession has her tilting her head curiously, not quite sure what he means. ]
In... love?
<3 <3 <3
It means I...
[He trails off, fingers tightening around his elbow. It's difficult to tell what expression he's currently wearing with the mask and bangs hiding most of his face. What's apparent is Soundwave shifting his weight from side to side.]
I... have no doubts that we love each other as friends, Penny. I still do... But I recognized another form of love I have for you-- a love on a different level than that of friendship. It's more... intimate. [His mind wanders back to a word Ciel said to him.]
What I'm trying to tell you is... I have... romantic feelings for you.
no subject
I'm... not sure if I understand.
[ there's a look of regret in her eyes as she meets Soundwave's. it isn't quite a "rejection", but she definitely can't return something that she can't comprehend, can she? ]
But I can tell that your feelings are strong. [ they're resonating with her crystal, too. she can't ignore that. ] If it's okay with you, can I take some time to think about them?
no subject
Even so, he understands...]
I'm fine with it. Take as much time as you need, Penny ... I will wait for your answer. And whatever it is, I will accept it.
[He wants to apologize to her for springing something like that out of nowhere, too, but he ends up biting his metaphorical tongue instead and continues to stare elsewhere.]