The Grandmaster's Call[Cyrus, Natasha]

"Overwhelming, hm? Trust me, darlin', you ain't seen half of what my touch is capable of."

In comparison to his lighthearted approach, Natasha was far more bold in her delivery, creating a contrast between the two that drew a warm smile across her features. There were certainly multiple interpretations with which one could choose to approach her words, but in this context, it was undoubtedly voiced in response to their battle, and perhaps, by some slight extension, a playful retort to his lighthearted flirting.

What could she say? She was a charmer at heart, and hearing ego-boosting words from a handsome man with a nice voice was certainly one way of drawing that aspect of her spirit out. There was no follow-up attack as Natasha removed all aggression in her movement, a swift charge transitioned into a playful stride as she let her rifle hover in the air.

To tell the truth, Natasha didn't know what she expected from the man when they began. He was a complete unknown in that sense. Of course, even with this small sample size, she felt he was capable of great things, of rising to his true glory as a leader, one that could command the hearts of his people and the battlefield in equal measure. Was it an overly lofty goal? Perhaps. But then, Natasha would have never imagined herself housing such optimism in the past. Offering a hand to pull him upward, a playful grin curved along her lips, Natasha would address the man as she lifted him off the ground.

"Playful flirtin' aside, you put on a pretty good show out here, Grandmaster. I reckon you've made quite the impression on me today, and our people seem to think so too. Which makes me wonder... you ready to wave in the white flag or do you still got one more round in you~?"

It was a playful challenge voiced with genuine respect on her part, with no real judgment on his decision. He displayed more than enough to earn her respect in battle today. A mighty fine sample, as it were.

"Haven't I? Then perhaps you ought to show me the full extent."

Accepting Natasha's hand, Cyrus stood to meet her gaze for a moment before facing those who had come to watch, and offering a polite bow of thanks to them all. Naturally, it meant a good deal to him that anyone would have come to see him here. Whether it was simply for the sake of watching a fight, or for earnest interest in his abilities, was ultimately inconsequential. For at least this brief time, Cyrus was unilaterally certain that his presence within the Vandenreich mattered.

"Much as I might enjoy another bout, Miss Miller, I don't believe that I have quite the capacity for another meaningful bout like that. Were I to try, I think you would simply batter me around like a training doll."

Still, she was pleasant company, and Cyrus had no particular intentions of holing himself back up while the day was still relatively young.

"Shall I treat you to dinner, as a thanks for such a bout?"

He imagined most might have misinterpreted his intentions, but Cyrus wasn't one who particularly felt compelled to look to a fine subordinate exclusively in that sort of light, and he was rather careful to word his offer in a way that maintained his professional distance. He would have made much the same offer to anyone within the Vandenreich, after all.

"My, oh my, Grandmaster. When ya' go turnin' my words back on me like that, it's enough to make a grown lady blush."

Lifting him up, Natasha would hold his gaze for a minute, maintaining the infectious warmth in her smile that never failed in lighting up a room. Crossing her arms, she'd face the crowd directly as well, playfully posing her arm as though she were lifting a phantom weight. There was no way she could know what was going on in his mind right now, but she sincerely hoped he felt pride in displaying his skills, hoped he could see the potential in his own ability moving forward. There was nothing to be ashamed of in admitting defeat. If anything, she didn't particularly desire bruising him up until he could no longer operate.

That would get in the way of her plans for tomorrow, after all. How can the man enjoy a day with her out on the town if he's injured? The uproarious applause, even with the smaller crowd, was enough to show her that she, too, could be of better use moving forward. There was a city to protect, warriors to foster, and a vision to ensure. Moving forward, ceaselessly, unerringly... never pausing, always striving.

Ah, she reckoned she wouldn't have engaged in this level of optimistic thought to such a degree, but even for a moment, standing here had made her feel an ease so infinite, that she didn't care in the slightest. Turning back to him, she tilted her head to the side with a playful glint in those hazel eyes. In a charmingly warm tone, she offered her hand. For what it was worth, he was mighty fine company, too.

"Dinner sounds lovely, grandmaster. I ain't particularly ready to part with ya' just yet, and I reckon the day's still young. Why not enjoy ourselves, hm? Got any place in mind for our first date, sugar~?" An incorrigible flirt, through and through... what could she say? Old habits die hard, after all.

"Is it now? I imagine that must be a lovely sight."

Gesturing for her to follow, Cyrus maintained his pleasant smile, leading the way out toward the city itself again with a confident stride. He knew the place like the back of his hand at this stage, kept up with every change and every renovation required in a place like this. It was a great deal, certainly, but that momentous effort was worthwhile for the people of the Vandenreich.

"I believe it would be polite to know the lady's tastes before I made any decisions, would it not? Something quiet and secluded? A view of the beach, perhaps? Or would something more refined be to your tastes?"

"Keep up the flattery, and it'll become a reality soon enough, Grandmaster."

Offering that playful - yet truthful - quip, Natasha chuckled softly as she followed Cyrus back into the city. He was certainly displaying an amusing hint of charm she hadn't thought him capable of from first glance. Of course, little was her complaint. If anything, she welcomed this side of him. It was an amusing break from always observing him with that stoic mask he wore for the public. This felt more human, more genuine.

"A view of the beach actually sounds quite lovely, sweetheart. I'm not one for refined dining, truth be told. I reckon good conversation and pleasant chemistry is usually enough to please me. A handsome face is always a plus, too."

There was certainly truth in those words. Natasha valued simplicity. To say she was difficult to impress would be sincerely incorrect. Besides, he was playing to her tune quite well. It was worth shooting her own jabs back as well, no? She couldn't let herself be outdone, after all.