Before she knew it, Chero was shorter than the Nutcracker- which was saying something, because he probably wasn't more than a foot tall. "Um.." It was then that she realized she was missing a shoe. "I should really have thought that through a little more.." v_v;;
The Nutcracker laughed and picked her up in his arms. "We'll find you some new shoes. Until then, I'll carry you, Miss Chero."
Chero blushed. "Are...are you sure you want to? I mean...I might be heavy." She didn't want to say it like that, but...
"It's no trouble." The Nutcracker smiled. "You saved my life, no? This is the least I can do to repay you." He started on through the mouse hole with her in his arms, though Chero blushed the whole way.
However...
Behind the two- after they walked through the mouse hole- lay King Mukuro and his partner, the baby named Verde. "You know," Verde said, "I knew you were bad at actual combat, but I didn't think you would be outdone by a shoe."
Mukuro rolled his eyes, pushing the over-sized shoe off of his face. "I don't need you to patronize me, Verde. We're only in a partnership for convenience."
"Indeed. But it was my weapon that granted you victory the first time. You should be...more grateful." Verde smirked, but the two glared at each other for a moment before looking into the mouse hole. "Shall we rain on their...'lovely' parade?"
"Kufufu...that is one thing I agree with you on..."
"This forest has candy canes!"
Chero's eyes were wide with awe as the Nutcracker carried her through the candy cane forest. He only chuckled at her child-like amazement. "I think it would be safe to set you down now. It seems warm here- but not too warm. The candy canes might melt."
"Candy canes can melt?"
He nodded. "I remember being back home with my famagilia and I left mine out to see what would happen. It melted and tasted horrible." He laughed.
"Famagilia?"
"It means family in Italiano." He explained.
"So..." She paused. "You said you weren't a prince...then what are you?"
"Oh!" He gave her a dazzling smile. "I'm a Mafia boss."
.___. That was...interesting... "Like..the Godfather?"
He laughed, "Do I seem like the Godfather, bella?"
"No. But appearances can be deceiving." Chero answered smartly.
"Very true." He grinned, looking in the opposite direction. "I think if we keep going, we should find some help, no?"
"Yes." Chero nodded, and the Nutcracker offered his hand.
She blushed, grabbing his arm. "What do you want me to call you? I mean...I kind of want to call you Nutcracker but..."
He seemed thoughtful for a moment, looking up at the sky above them. "Ah...would you feel uncomfortable with calling me Dino?"
Chero shook her head. "I just thought it was a little...personal.."
Nutcracker Dino laughed. "It's not too personal...as long as I can call you Chero, bella."
"What does 'bella' mean?"
"Beautiful." He blinked, "Why?"
The brunette's cheeks flushed. "I...um... >//> thank you?" Their eyes met and there was silence as they suddenly became conscious of each other.
Dino blushed this time. "I...Look, a castle!"
