highfiving | (no subject)

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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?]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

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.]

[ if this is supposed to be part of the penalty, it's not a very good one, as far as she's concerned. he way he positions himself brings their interrupted kiss to mind (which isn't necessarily a bad thing, really), and she might lean toward him just a little, however unconsciously.

her voice also comes out just a little softer than normal when she speaks. ]

Aren't you gonna tell me what it is so I can decide whether I want it or not?

That's part of the punishment rule. [A very light smirk.] But I can promise you it's definitely not worse than the dare.

[ if it's not worse than the dare and it's not as much of a cop-out as asking for a new dare entirely... ]

All right, you win. I'll take it.

[There's a light smile as he leans in closer, lips brushing against hers...

And then his hands are at her sides and he's tickling her.]

[ she was more or less convinced that he was going to kiss her again, so the tickling definitely catches her off-guard. in fact, all she can do for a moment is squirm and try to hold back her laughter as she makes failed attempts at pushing his hands away. ]

That— that was totally cheap!

[ but, then again, this is definitely a better form of punishment than a kiss would have been. ]

It's called a punishment for a reason.

[But he's just laughing as he continues his attack and is absolutely merciless.]

That doesn't mean you have to—

[ and now she's laughing too hard to actually get the rest of that sentence out, squirming and twisting in an attempt to break free as her hands come up to push at his chest instead of trying to swat his hands away from her sides like they were before.

her movement combined with the fact that he's got his hands on her sides means that the sash holding her robe in place is starting to loosen, though, so if he doesn't stop, it's going to start to slip open. ]

[She might be feeling some skin because her robe isn't the only one that's loosened a bit. However, hers might be a little worse in the end because as he moves to readjust his grip to try and better angle himself, one of his hands actually slips inside her robe so that he's feeling her own skin—and his hand is actually rather close to the underside of her chest.

Uh.]

[ she stops moving as soon as she feels his hand on her skin, her eyes going wide as she looks up at him. they might have been having casual fun just a few moments ago, but the feeling of skin on skin grinds that to a halt. she hadn't thought anything of it as she was squirming around, but now that she's sitting still, it dawns on her that he's not the only one feeling bare skin, either; she's nowhere near as far in as he is (though her fingers might unconsciously slip under his robe a bit, because hello warm skin), but she can feel his chest under her hands in the spot where his robe is parted.

the more risqué parts of their situation haven't been lost on her— they have a newly established relationship, they're pretty physical with each other as it is, they have a nice room to themselves and, all things considered, they aren't wearing very much— but she suddenly feels that much more aware of where this could go. she could easily guide his hand up, or lean up and kiss him, or... well, there are a lot of things that could push them in that direction, but the real question is, is she actually ready to do that?

she isn't really sure. she doesn't even know if he's ready for them to take it to that level. so, she's going to do the reasonable thing and try to break the silence to get them back on track. ]

So, is my penalty over now?

[It is so damn tempting to do exactly what she's thinking as he's having similar thoughts. To move that hand higher, to push her down and take her mouth to his own. To push and pull away the very little clothing that separates them. He's just staring at her, these thoughts just coming naturally to mind. Given their current state, it's not that surprising.

There's a moment of hesitation, the hand at her side shifting just slightly upward. It could have been a sign that he really is going to act on those desires. But instead he moves so that he pulls away, the hand going to grab at the hems of her robes and pull it back together.

Even if he is tempted, he doesn't know if Leia is really ready for something like that. He may have spoken and teased about "adult love," but it had mostly been that—teasing. Eventually he would act on it, but he's still being careful around her. This is all still new and he still has a few of those deep rooted doubts about himself. And after his last screw-up, he doesn't want to risk another just because he couldn't control his desires.

So once he's pulled her robe together so it's not at risk of revealing more of her, he pulls farther back and clears his throat.]

Uh, yeah. Your turn.

[Although it's a little awkward now.]

[ her face feels like it's on fire when she feels his hand shift upwards, because she takes it as a sign he might actually be taking the plunge, given where her mind still is.

and then he fixes her robe instead, and she actually feels a small hint of... disappointment, maybe? but she shakes it off too fast to dwell on it, one hand coming up to hold her robe closed for just a little bit of extra security. ]

All right! Truth or dare?

[ she hasn't forgotten that he said he had been planning on choosing truth for their second round, so she's already trying to think of her question even as she asks that. ]

Truth, as promised.

[Or dared. Ish. He's trying to keep his mind from traveling, but it's taking him far longer than he liked to stop imagining what had happened, as well as back in the hot springs. He's also beginning to wonder if he should try actually moving away from her and maybe start up a fire, but his body refuses to distance itself and so he remains next to her.]

[ since he doesn't move away, she scoots closer again so that they're side to side. she's not going to lean against him as much as before, but she's still pretty close. blame her clinginess on the fact that they haven't been able to be like this for a while, probably.

there's a little bit of hesitation before she asks her question, and she lets go of her robe so she can start to fidget. ]

What were you thinking about before? [ it's kind of a risky question, she knows that much, but his first dare for her had been to go streaking, so... it can't be much worse than that. she can't help but be a little curious about what exactly he thinks of their current situation, anyway. ] You know, when we were all...

[ cue vague, awkward hand gesture that's probably supposed to signify the predicament they were just in here. ]

[If he had been drinking something, he would have choked on it and hacked up a lung. Instead he just kind of starts a little, feeling the heat rising the back of his neck.

Seriously? Seriously she'd ask something like that!? Maybe he should have expected it but at the same time...

So there's definitely some awkwardness on his end. He initially turns to look at her but then has to glance away because he knows what he had been thinking—still thinking, too, no thanks to that question. With a hand pressed against the back of his neck (his usual tell that he feels uncomfortable) he just answers with a very light and unenthused laugh.]

Ha ha...you sure you want to know something about that?

[He knows he has to answer but...well maybe it's his way of making sure she really want to know. Maybe give her a chance to back out.]

Well... yeah! I wouldn't have asked otherwise, right?

[ even if the fact that he's hesitating is making her feel a little more awkward. if his mind was wandering to the same sort of things as hers, though, she can kind of understand why he wouldn't be eager to spill the beans. so, she lightly bumps her shoulder against his in hopes of lightening things up a bit. ]

Yeah, I know. Just...making sure.

[Well. Hm. Uh. How to...uh...hm.

After a moment of some heavy consideration he decides he should just answer.]

Well...I was actually thinking about going for it, and I might have if you hadn't said anything.

But it's probably a good thing that you did. I'm honestly not sure if you—or us—are ready for that kind of thing yet.

[He's not used to the whole "talking" about how far or fast a relationship should go given how he's, well, never had to deal with that so this is definitely new territory for him.]

Edited 2015-02-09 05:19 (UTC)

[ her eyebrows shoot up as he says that. even if she had been thinking the same thing, and even if she had sort of been expecting his answer to be something along those lines, actually hearing it is a completely different story— especially if he wanted to do it so much that her question was the only thing that stopped him.

that thought makes her face start to heat up again, because... well, it means he really is interested in her like that. even if there has been a steady stream of signals, actually hearing him confirm it outside of teasing her is kind of weird, anyway. while she's confident about her looks overall, she also knows where she's lacking; her features may have grown more mature over time, but she's still on the cuter side, and her figure isn't bad, but she's still no milla. which is... definitely the kind of girl she's assuming he's into. that doesn't really help matters, either. ]

Yeah, I know what you mean. [ she takes a breath before continuing: ] I'm kind of surprised you're that interested, but I thought about going for it, too.

[ she's not going to delve into why she's surprised, because that's too heavy of a topic for her to broach on her own, though. ]

I dunno for sure if I'm ready, but it's pretty tempting.

[He's also a little surprised by her answer and admission that she's tempted herself. Somehow it even makes him feel a bit awkward hearing it. It's a good thing in some respects, and in a way it should be expected. Leia is a teenager and practically a grown, young woman. Though what makes it a little odd is probably the lingering effects of how their ages are different and how he didn't really think about her thinking the same things. Which is why when he started thinking of her differently, he had initially felt uncomfortable since it had seemed a little..."wrong" at the time.

But there's another part of her answer that strikes him, and he can't help but look at her.]

Is it really that surprising? I thought it would have been obvious by now.

[Especially after what happened back at the bath. It's true he has held himself back before, but...yeah.]

I think I deserve an award for being able to hold back for this long.

[Because bath. And their current state. And then what just happened.

...Yeah he really does deserve an awward.]

[ she shakes her head a bit, shifting to draw her knees up and rest her chin on them. ]

I guess it's just kind of weird to hear you say it. [ like hearing him say it instead of teasing her about it or hinting at it with the way he treats her somehow makes it more "real". ] And besides, I'm not very... va-va-voom, you know what I mean?

[ it's a pretty simple admission, but even if it's natural to have some insecurities, actually voicing them is a different story. sure, she's made offhand comments about her chest (or lack thereof, compared to some people) over the years, but seriously bringing up something she's self-conscious about? that's new territory, given that she tends to stray away from talking about deeper things to begin with, especially when they involve her problems and not someone else's.

on the other hand, mutually supporting one another is part of what being in a relationship is all about, so... as weird as she may feel about actually saying these things, it's probably for the best. ]

[There is a definite quirk of the brow at her last comment. True, she might not have a large chest or extreme curves, but as eye-catching as those assets can be, his own personal aesthetics ranged quite a bit. It was less about the "look" and more of how they "moved" and somehow when it comes to Leia...everything about her had become attractive. Which is...a bit weird if he really thinks about it. It's one thing to just notice and "feel" these things, it's quite another to think about the actual meaning behind it.

He's also a bit surprised that she does feel self-conscious about her looks. He's—well, why keep this internal?]

No, not really. [He might be toeing a dangerous line here, but the arm closest to her slides behind her as he leans closer.] You know I've always thought you were a cute girl, but actually fairly attractive as well. Slim, gentle curves—and I definitely think your chest has matured a bit. [Is that a teasing grin? Yes that is. Of course he would make complimentary statements turn a little pervy.] And since I'm still under the "truth" bit, I guess I should tell you that there had been a few times where I actually might have thought about kissing you.

Like back at the gala.

[He's leaning closer to her now, voice lowering a bit.]

And I wouldn't feel that way if I didn't think you were attractive.

[ that does bolster her confidence a little, even if the comment about her chest sort of makes her want to elbow him, because really? so she finds herself leaning in slightly, too, her expression softening a little as she does.

though... all the way back to the gala? that's definitely a surprise, even if she had felt attracted to him, too, at that point. ]

Well, I was pretty dressed up. I can't really blame you. [ and she smiles as she says that. ] And I'd probably be lying if I said I wouldn't have been into it.

[ she doesn't know if she had felt anything past a typical sort of attraction to him at that point— and even if she had, it wasn't something as serious as what she feels toward him now— but with how things had gone between them that night, she's almost sure she wouldn't have hated to be kissed by him. ]

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i lied.

screams

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