highfiving | (no subject)

[ after their "date", leia really does take the time to think about everything that happened, from the tension, to the kiss, to the dream that she can only vaguely remember. she even talks to elize about it, since... well, the rest of their group is compromised of people who are probably too busy to play advisor for her (like rowen and gaius), or people it would be way too awkward to talk to about this with (like jude and alvin himself). she's even a little quieter than normal when it comes to contacting alvin, and she definitely doesn't try to drag him out as much— especially not when she finally admits to herself why she's been so weird around him lately.

she likes him. not as a friend, or even as a best friend, but as something more. she's been through this whole song and dance before, which makes it worse, in a way. trust her to fall for her best friend again, right? and that's not even touching on the issues they've had in the past, or the fact that he's... a lot older than her, or any of the other reasons that tell her that this is probably something that she should keep to herself for the moment.

quiet as she may be toward him, though, that doesn't stop her from calling him up and asking if he'd like to spend new years together, and when she gets an affirmative answer, she can't help but feel a small thrill even if she knows she probably shouldn't. unlike her birthday, this isn't being framed as a date. as far as anyone but her is concerned, this is just two friends casually spending a holiday together, but just knowing that they'll get to do something like that really does make her happy.

that doesn't stop her from putting a little extra effort into her appearance, either— when the big day rolls around, even if she doesn't get very dressed up, she does spend time in front of the mirror fussing over her appearance for one of the first times in her life. while she would normally toss her hair up into a quick bun and call it a day, she actually opts to wear it down for once, combed out carefully so that it falls around her shoulders. she picks out her cutest sweater and shorts combo, too, because even if the weather reports say it's going to be chilly and potentially a little rainy, a small part of her wants to impress him. for him to think that maybe she's actually pretty cute.

she even gets to their decided meeting spot a little early (surprisingly, probably), an umbrella in hand, just in case the reports were right and it starts to drizzle at some point— it's already a little cloudy, so it's a very real possibility. she's pretty antsy about this meeting, too, if the way she keeps checking her GHS is anything to go by. she's only been waiting for him for a few minutes and there's still plenty of time to walk to the area they talked about watching the fireworks from since it's not too far away, but still. she kind of can't help herself at this point. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[He is a bit surprised when he feels her hand on his, and he looks over at her. He's also not sure if this is really just a "crush," but...it would be easier if that's what this is. Still, it's hard for her. He knows that. He knows she's been through this before, and...

There's some hesitation of his own. His hand wants to turn and take hers. To give that little squeeze back. There's just so much of him that wants to go to her, but again he has to hold back. Instead he just allows his fingers to lightly brush against hers, at least giving some indication that it's a welcomed gesture. After all...this might be the last time they be this intimate. Maybe they'll still hold hands, but if they do, it's likely not for a while. Not after this. Not...after knowing how she feels.]

Yeah...I know. I just... [He still feels bad about it. Almost guilty. He's about to say more, but his GHS starts going off. He plans on ignoring it, but then it just keeps going off. Slightly irritated, he thinks it's Balan.] Sorry, let me tell him to shut up for a second.

No problem! Take as much time as you need.

[ there's some of her typical, casual self, because someone blowing up alvin's GHS isn't awkward for her at all— she doesn't laugh at it like she normally might, but she doesn't look like she might burst into tears, either, so that's an improvement.

of course, once he actually turns his attention to his GHS, she's going to start considering taking her leave. it's a good opening and it's getting late (even if she's not tired by any stretch)... maybe she'll be able to slip away and explain herself later? she moves to stand, to see if maybe she'll be able to get away with it.

if he's going to try to stop her, here's his chance. ]

[He just flashes her an apologetic grin before turning to reach for his GHS. Yep, it's Balan. ...And apparently a few texts in the process, which is why his ringtone had been going off. There were a few from Elle but also Elize. And he has a sinking feeling he knows what they're about.

When he finally answers his GHS, that feeling only plummets when he hears his cousin's voice.

"About time, Alfred! Or am I interrupting your little date?"

Damn that Balan—

He grits his teeth, already telling him to knock it off as he turns to look back at Leia, half wondering if she heard. But by the time he does, she's gone. He had managed to delay long enough to miss that chance. Panicking he stands, hastily hanging up on his cousin and quickly stepping out of the area they had been sitting. By now the place had cleared out, the couples likely having already gone to continue somewhere more private. It makes it easy to spot her back heading toward the exit.]

Wait— Leia!

[ ... and busted. again. she hears him and turns, but she's not going to make any moves to close the distance between them. instead, she fishes her own GHS from her pocket and then points to it (he should be able to understand what she means by that, right?) before turning her attention to it and continuing on her way out of the area.

and, after a moment, his GHS will have a few new messages from her: ]

sorry for bailing on you like that (シ_ _)シ 

im getting kind of sleepy and i think i want to make myself a midnight snack before bed (´〜｀*)

dont be a stranger though ok? (´・ω・人・ω・`) lets get together and watch that dvd of yours soon!!! ＼（＾ ＾）／

[ and even if her reason for leaving isn't really true, that last part is genuine, at least. ]

[Through the GHS? Seriously? He moves toward her, but she's already texting and moving away from him. He also isn't sure if he should really follow her. Maybe she just wants to be away from him for a while, which he could understand, but...

When he does receive the message and hastily flips the device open to read it, his grip tightens. He can tell those are all excuses, the emoticons only aggravating him for different reasons now. She's forcing herself. He knows it. And it only drives that stake of guilt and pain further.

Even though he rushes out, he knows he's too late, a knowledge confirmed when he finds the streets completely empty. And then there's the question of why he feels so frantic about this. He's the one that cut it off. What is he trying to do now?

An aggravated hand runs through his hair as he looks back down at the message.

dont be a stranger though

lets get together and watch that dvd

His free hand clenches into a fist and slams into a nearby light post. Dammit, why is he so aggravated by this? Why does reading these words, the knowledge that she's hiding how she really feels frustrate him?

In the end, he finally texts her back.]

yeah i'll let you know when i'm free

text me when you get home

[He almost sends another apology, but he deletes it. Instead he stares at the unopened texts from the other girls and calls Balan.

He needs a drink.

A lot of them.]