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[The next few weeks were... Well "less than stellar" would be a severe understatement. It was no surprise when pretty much everyone in their circle learned about the giant mess of a fallout that occurred between the two. Understandably, Leia had the sympathy and Alvin the flack. Even Jude confronted him and punched him when he couldn't explain himself. What confused everyone was that it was clear the two did have mutual feelings, but the one who was supposed to be an adult wasn't acting them. Rowen tried to reason with him, to give him that elderly mature advice and remind him that this was not the path he had chosen and was one they all thought he had left.

Time and time again, Balan, Rowen, Jude, and even Yurgen asked him the important question: Why not? And all Alvin could say was that it just can't. Eventually they stopped asking since it was clear that Alvin had made up his mind. They didn't agree to it, but there wasn't much they could do. Elize again did not want have anything to do with him, both hurt and disappointed by his actions.

Only Elle contacted him again, and with her usual forthright attitude, remark how stupid he was being. Perhaps it was because Elle didn't have as many deep roots with them that she was able to not be as adversely affected by Alvin's action. She had never seen him before, so it just seems weird to her. And it was to Elle he eventually caved and told about he didn't think he would be a good match for Leia—that she deserved more. When he started to say he wanted her to be happy, Elle was quick to point out that what he was doing now wasn't really helping that. It was a fair point, and one he knew himself, but he just remained silent. He was using the logic that it might be painful in the short run, but it would be better in the long.

While Alvin was on his GHS, Elle had wandered into his office and was just being a nosy pre-teen, looking through his desk. It was there that she stumbled across the long forgotten tickets, and when she pulled them out, Alvin had caught her and was about to give her a playful smack on the head as punishment. But when he saw the tickets, he froze. He remembered the circumstances as to how he acquired them...and more about that particular day. When he saw Elle notice a particularly worn and old looking letter, he quickly shut the drawer, telling her to quit being nosy. But when she asked about the tickets, he told her the truth—they were for him and Leia. The deal was if she didn't miss her deadlines, he'd take her up there. Of course...that plan was shot now, so if Elle wanted to, she could go with Leia in his place.

Of course the girl would have none of it. She quickly pulled out her GHS and called Leia, asking where she was. After that, she grabbed Alvin's hand and forcefully dragged him out, even kicking at his shin when he tried to protest (and damn did that hurt). Not long after, they were at Helioborg, and again Alvin hesitated. He knew what the girl was trying to do, and somehow his feet actually allowed his body to be dragged to it. He had avoided Leia as much as possible, keeping only minimal contact and giving her short replies to any texts or calls she gave him. So seeing her there talking with Jude and Balan made his blood run cold.

It was awkward—he could see Jude giving him the cold look and even stepping closer to Leia, as if to help protect her for whatever pain he might dish out next. Balan on the other hand was a bit intrigued (of course he would). And then Elle was shoving and pushing him toward the group. The topic of the hot springs began, and even though he tried to just give the tickets to Leia for her to do what she wanted, she refused to take them. But he was refusing to go with her because it would be a bad idea. In the end, Balan settled it by taking the tickets and actually calling the hot springs.

"You're lucky, Alfred," Balan said after he hung up. "Those almost expired and that would have been a waste. But you're both good to go now! One honeymoon suite for just the two of you. It was the only one left, so you only have yourself to blame," he added when everyone gave him incredulous looks. "Anyway, it's about time we got back to work. Let's go, Jude."

Alvin could feel the intense look his old friend was giving him. Jude would later call him not to yell, but in a tired and somewhat pleading voice told him, "Just don't hurt her anymore, okay, Alvin? I know you're better than that, so...just try talking it over?"

The days leading up to that overnight trip were heavy for him. Several times he thought about just canceling, but the pressure everyone was giving was more than even he could take. And really, he did owe Leia at least something. He had asked for time to think. Hadn't he thought enough? The very least he could do was at least finally tell her what his thoughts were about this. To apologize. But all the endings that came to his mind after that...they didn't exactly leave him feeling all that good.

And now, they are at the hot springs. He tried to keep a normal facade, smiling and being as casual as possible with her. But he still maintained that distance, both physically and emotionally. Of course they were mistaken as an actual couple, particularly when they were rung up and led to their room. Of course that would just...bring a lot of awkwardness to stay, so he suggests they walk around, check the place out. As is the protocol, they had to change into the yukata-like robes provided and seeing Leia...well he tries very hard not to think too much about it, for once not commenting on how she looks.

The resort is rather large. Not as large as the water park, and it has a very old, traditional Kanbalar flair. But because of the season, there are plenty of people, both from Rieze Maxia and Elympios. There are families, singles, couples. It definitely had a relaxing atmosphere.

Now if only he could actually feel that way.

As they walk, he finally glances over to her.]

So...what do you think? I have to admit it's pretty nice.

[Small talk. Small talk is good, right?]

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[Fortunately no. Though his answer may not be any less flustering.]

Would you really have wanted to kiss someone other than me? It wasn't that long between our little "date" and your confession, you know.

[Which is to imply that if she already had a crush on him...then yeah it would be impossible for her to kiss someone else.]

Besides. [And now he leans in closer to her.] You don't really seem like the kind of girl to just go up to a guy and kiss them just for the fun of it.

[ okay, he has her there. she hadn't exactly been on the lookout for guys before she confessed to him, and she definitely wasn't looking afterward. ]

Well, yeah... I guess you've got a point.

[ she shrugs a little, trying to play off the fact that this most definitely is pretty embarrassing. ]

I wasn't really checking out other guys then, and now I don't think I have to. [ because he said they can give this a shot, so... they're probably exclusive, she figures. ] I might wanna try kissing you just for fun sometimes, though.

[Given how he no longer even looks for one-night flings and his feelings about wanting to have a more committed relationship, assuming they're exclusive is a pretty good bet.

At her words, he just grins a little, closing the distance between them so that his lips lightly brush against hers as he speaks in a low voice.]

Do you want one now?

[He's teasing her as usual, especially since he's not really kissing her. But there is a rather strong desire to kiss her again. After all that holding back and how receptive she has been, it's hard not to feel that way toward her.]

[ as he closes the distance, her eyes start to slide shut. clearly she thinks he's just going to go for it, and she might actually look just a little bit frustrated when she realizes that he's just teasing her. ]

Honestly? [ if she could lean in any further without actually taking the plunge and kissing him, she would. as it is, she's teetering right on the edge, since she hasn't moved away at all since he leaned in. ] Yeah, I kind of do.

[ it's an honest answer, because she is feeling pretty receptive to all of this. she's wanted for them to be like this for a while— maybe even longer than him, since she realized her feelings first— so now that they're actually in a situation like this, she can't help but come back for more. ]

[Hearing her admission does nothing to help him. With an arm firmly around her and a hand cradling her face, fingers threading to her hair, he holds her to him as, he just responds by ceasing his teasing and pressing his lips against hers. It's not exactly a hard or rough kiss (at least at first), but there is a bit more force behind it. It's also a bit slower than the ones they just shared, a kiss that while fueled by desire also holds that deeper meaning to it.

Because this time it's less about teasing her or riling her up—it's more about sharing one and to allow those held back feelings through.]

[ she shifts closer as he leans in to kiss her, sliding her arms around his shoulders loosely as she returns it. she can tell this is a different sort of kiss, one that is less flirtatious and more emotional, and she doesn't push it into being hastier or deeper because of that (though a part of her may miss the thrill those other kisses had given her). she does maneuver herself around a bit so that she can situate herself on her knees, though. she might even be considering settling herself in his lap since it would make this more comfortable and intimate and—

before she can get very far with that idea, there's a soft knock on the door. but, because leia is the least responsible adult of all time, she's not going to pull away from him just yet. ]

[Like Alvin would pull away either. If anything, the knock does make him a little more aggressive, his teeth lightly grazing and pulling at her lower lip, as if to keep her attention distracted and on him. The whole "if they don't respond any nuisances should surely leave."

However, that doesn't quite happen, because as he leans more into her, perhaps in the process of actually pushing her back, there's another knock and a voice from the other side.

"I apologize for intruding, but I wanted to clear out the table and inform you about the incoming blizzard."

From the voice, it sounds as if the woman is suspecting they are indeed in the middle of something. She even starts to say she'll come back later, but Alvin would rather she not, so with a small disgruntled sigh (because he really doesn't want to), he pulls away to stand go to the door, calling for her to wait a moment.

Though, huh, they really didn't...eat much did they. So before he goes, he looks down at Leia.]

Do you want to still eat this or should I have her take it?

[ having been in that exact position before, leia has a hard time feeling too irritated with the woman. she's just doing her job, right? and it's good to know this place has such good service, too... but that doesn't stop her from making a small, frustrated-sounding noise in the back of her throat as he pulls away, because the aggressive turn the kiss was taking was starting to get her fired up again.

she's smoothing her hair out a bit, trying to will herself to calm down, when she hears his question. ]

We can always just order a snack later if we want something else, right? [ because she had eaten a little, and (for what might be one of the first times ever) she's... not quite in the mood to scarf down a table full of food. go figure. ] If you're not gonna eat it, I don't mind if she clears it out.

I feel a little bad... I'll just ask her to box it up and we'll pick it up later. [That is, not have them come back later in the night because who knows what might be happening— Okay maybe nothing, but it's not a bad idea regardless.

So that's what he'll do, and as the woman enters the room and starts gathering the food (giving both of them little glances and a smile hovering over her lips—they must have been quite "busy" if they hadn't eaten!), she explains about the blizzard coming in. It seems like it might be a strong one, so there may be a brief power outage. But no fear! The inn has been through such weather before so they are more than prepared. Through the use of fire spirit artes, the floors should remain heated until the backup generators kick in. There is also the fireplace and there should be plenty of wood stockpiled in the storage bin nearby. But just in case, she's leaving them several extra blankets. She's also leaving some of the fruits and cold foods in the room in case they get hungry later and the staff is unavailable. She packs them up and leaves them in the food storage unit, along with some water and hot tea. And as a final reminder, their futons have already been laid out for them in the adjoining room (which also shares the fireplace).

As she gathers everything and readies to leave, she bids them a good night. Breakfast will be served in the morning, and if they ever need anything to just give them a call at the front desk.

It was all pretty standard fare, but right before Alvin closes the door behind the woman, she turns and coyly whispers to him that the rooms are "well stocked" for other amenities for the night. It takes him a moment to puzzle out what she means, but when he sees that knowing smile, it hits him. He's actually a bit stunned by it and could only stare after her before finally gathering his wits again to close the door.

Great, if he hadn't been thinking about certain nightly "activities" before, he sure is now. Coupled with the fact that they are now mutually indulging each other with those held back feelings and that they're going to be sleeping together...

...No, slow down, Alvin, definitely no, can't, that's a line you shouldn't cross just yet. Fooling around, yeah, sure, that's fine, but anything past that—

Damn his natural inclinations. He manages to mask his thoughts well enough, though, as he makes his way back to Leia.]

It's still early in the night, and I'm not particularly tired. Anything you want to do?

[It's too bad they haven't installed TVs yet here... Because it's also sinking in that if he doesn't have a distraction, he might not be able to hold himself back.]

[ she catches that smile, catches onto what the woman is probably thinking, and— are they really that obvious? the thought makes her feel surprisingly self-conscious, at least until the woman leaves.

it's not like whatever she could've been thinking was that far off the mark, but this is all unknown territory for her, even if this isn't the first time that a staff member somewhere has shot them sly looks and made assumptions like that.

and if she knew what she had said before leaving the room, she probably would've imploded then and there. luckily, while alvin was seeing her out, leia stayed behind. she'll be lounging on the floor still when he comes back, her knees drawn up a bit and a pillow hugged to her chest.

there's a moment where she almost points out that they were in the middle of something before they got interrupted, but... that's a little too much for her. especially because those looks the woman shot them didn't do anything to keep her mind from wandering. ]

Uh... I dunno! There isn't a lot to do in here, is there? [ cue some awkward fidgeting. ] Maybe we can just talk until we get tired.

[He's noting her awkwardness, and he hasn't forgotten what they had been doing it. He would have gone straight back to it but now that his mind has wandered to what that could lead to and it's still early for them (relationship wise, who cares about time of day) and he's still settling into his acceptance of his emotions...he's also feeling a little awkward.

He does, however, sit down next to her.]

I think we've talked enough, don't you?

[Shooting down one of the few things they can do is the worst, Alvin! But he's also being truthful. After "the talk" he's kind of grown weary of it, especially since he also can't think of any topics that wouldn't spiral back to his odd behavior from before.]

Know of any games?

[ after a moment of hesitation, she scoots a little closer, leaning against his side so her head can rest lightly against his shoulder. ]

Hey, there's nothing wrong with talking!

[ especially if they're together. he's probably going to have to learn to live with her pestering him even more than before. ]

But, let's see here...

[ she gets a little more comfortable as she tries to think.

she spent the majority of her life in rieze maxia, so it's not like she's not used to entertaining herself without fancy technology, but it does limit their options, especially since there's only two of them. ]

We could always play a word game, or... I guess we don't have enough people for the really fun party games, but we could play truth or dare, or something like that, too.

[When he feels her head resting against his shoulder, there's an odd sense of comfort. As if to better support them, his arm shifts a little so that it's behind her.]

Truth or dare, huh... Sure why not—could be fun.

That's the spirit!

[ she shifts a little to playfully elbow him before settling back down. being casual like they used to be (but, at the same time, just a little bit different) is actually pretty nice, and it helps her come down from being embarrassed so she can just feel comfortable and content. if this is what being together is going to feel like, she sort of wants to smack him for hesitating so much. ]

I'll go first! [ and now she's going to lift her head enough to look up at him. ] Truth or dare?

[She really should, honestly.

He looks up thoughtfully. Hmmm.......]

Dare.

[ next time he does something that ridiculous, she just might. ]

A dare, huh? [ she saw that one coming from a mile away, so she was able to prepare herself for this kind of situation. there's only a moment of consideration before she continues: ] I dare you to pick "truth" at least once before the end of the game.

[ dares are fun and there's a laundry list of them that she's going to try subjecting him to, but the game will get boring fast if that's all he's choosing, okay. ]

Seriously? You have a chance to make me do something and that's what you get? But all right, all right. I was planning on it the next time, anyway.

[IT WAS A FEINT!]

So my turn. Truth or dare?

There's still plenty of time for that, don't worry!

[ the game won't be over after only one round, she figures, so it was worth wasting one turn. hopefully. ]

Anyway... [ hm... ] I'll go ahead and pick dare, too.

I dare you to run down the hall streaking.

[Immediately throws a big one.]

Like, completely naked? All the way there and back?

[ maybe truth or dare wasn't such a great idea... but her competitive nature won't let her back down so easily. but she doesn't want anyone to see her naked, either.

why does he have to make her life so difficult. ]

That's what "streaking" usually means, yes.

[Smirking so much right now.]

If you don't want to do it, I can give you another one or we can make things more interesting by inflicting a punishment rule.

[Yep, she really should have thought this out.]

I dunno... What kind of punishment are we talking about here? Nothing too bad, right?

[ she's still considering following through with his original dare (asking for a new one would probably be even worse than just giving up), but it wouldn't hurt to have something like that in place to spice things up a little either way. even if it could backfire horribly at some point. ]

Hm...depends on what you consider "bad."

Well, if it's gonna be worse than running around naked in public, then I'd probably say it's pretty bad.

[ especially considering that public nudity is... probably frowned upon, at the very least. ]

Well it's not that bad. Actually, you might enjoy it.

[Is he...leaning closer to her? He does shift and turn his body so that his other arm is now at her other side, and there is a rather mischievous looks in his eye.]