[ March 27th ] What's that smell?

[Lovino Vargas]

Romano breathed a heavy sigh of relief when he saw that she was, indeed, entirely unharmed by the specks of chocolate. It was almost an instinct of his, to fluster over wounds and whatnot. He could definitely call to mind all the times he had to bandage up his little brother after all the trips, falls, stumbles, and the occasional natural disaster.

But his mood lightened up significantly because Belle had called him Lovi!! Almost like a pet name! A sign of intimacy! That obviously meant that some progress was being made. Romano decided that maybe he could hold Belle's hands for a little bit longer.

At China's words, he scoffed. "What am I supposed to say then? 'Oh, sorry, I can't tell whether you're a chick or not, wanna clear it up for me?'" With a stubborn scowl, he added, "And I thought you were a girl! I'd never ask a girl something like that! Dammit, you should get a hair cut or something, it's really misleading, y'know."

[Wang Yao]

Looking up from the countertop at Belgium's words, Yao nodded and neatly folded up the washcloth. He knew the importance of keeping a clean workspace whilst cooking and it just felt natural for him to help get things back into proper order. And, it provided a nice distraction from man with the hair-curl.

The Chinese could still feel the blush on his cheeks from listening to the other. It was actually quite curious how defensive the brunette was being. But, then again, he shouldn't interfere. None of his business. "A..hair-cut..?" His breath came out in a sigh, fingers touching the ends of his ponytail. "I could, aru. But, I leave it long for my own personal reasons." Eyelids slid closed for a second before he continued. "I can handle a gender mishap or two because of it, aru."

[Belle Rousseau]

After a few moments, Belle couldn't help but wonder why he was still holding her hands. She had reassured him but his grip hadn't loosened at all. She wiggled her fingers just slightly before looking over at China, offering him an apologetic look.

"You don't have to cut your hair," she said politely before rounding on Romano again. "He knows better now. No harm done, right?"

She gave Romano an expectant look at this. She knew he was just defending himself from the mistake at the ceremony but it was probable that no one else remembered by now or even cared, not when they have other things to worry about and deal with.

[Lovino Vargas]

"Of course there's--!!", Romano started in an argumentative tone, prepared to begin another blown-up rant, but then he glanced at Belle and her expression pointed at him and his words abruptly cut short.

"Um. Yeah. No harm done," he muttered reluctantly, looking a bit uncomfortable as he did so. He didn't want Belle to be mad at him for something like this! Romano hated giving up arguments no matter how petty but he could make an exception. Finally letting go of her hands, he shuffled a little.

With a pause, he coughed up a, "Sorry, I guess?" He glanced at Belle again, as if looking for approval.

[Wang Yao]

Yao couldn't help but to chuckle quietly at the boy with the hair curl's responses and actions, hand rising up to cover his mouth slightly. It was..cute in a way? Reminded him of one of his adoptive brothers, at least.

He nodded once at the apology, offering a definitive "No harm done, aru," in response. After a few seconds, his eyes ticked to the bowl of chocolate, wondering if the liquid had solidified by now. Maybe he would get lucky enough to sample some of that world famous Belgian chocolate.

[Belle Rousseau]

With an almost proud look, Belle smiled at the Italian. She knew how he could get, how defensive and argumentative he could be. It was just in his nature. But she appreciated that he would drop it for the time being. Reaching out, she gave his shoulder a gentle pat before turning back to her chocolate. She hadn't even gotten to check the temperature before Romano's dramatic entrance and after wiping off the thermometer, stuck it back into bowl of hot, molten goodness.

"I suppose since you're here, you can be my taste tester."