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

What, those? [He just grins a bit.] I've had worse from monsters, so I think I can handle whatever you do to me.

Besides, those aren't the marks you should be worrying about.

[That grin turns into something a bit more mischievous. They both had been quite vigorous in the biting game, so how knows how they'll look in the morning.]

[ that gets her to raise an eyebrow, but once she catches his drift— ]

That's not that big of a deal, right? [ though she does draw her hand away from him to brush it against her neck and collarbone, like somehow that will let her tell how bad it will be. ] I mean, we're not keeping this a secret, are we? So, a few marks here and there should be fine.

[ not that she'll be flaunting them (if anything, she'll probably use it as an excuse to add a few new scarves to her wardrobe), but still. ]

[He's a little amused and he just draws closer to her.]

Not really, no. And I tried to keep them in less visible areas. [There will be one particular one that will remain hidden.] As for keeping it a secret, I don't see the point. I wouldn't be surprised if they're all taking bets right now on whether we'd hook up or not.

[ and cue some awkward laughter. all of their friends gathered together and betting on the state of their relationship is... kind of an embarrassing thought, but also not entirely unlikely. ]

You know, I wouldn't be surprised if that was the plan all along. [ she shifts closer, slipping an arm around him as she does. ] Do you think Balan's the type to stick two people who like each other in a room together until they snap for the sake of a bet?

[ because when she says it out loud like that, it sounds kind of. diabolical. ]

[And with zero hesitation:]

Absolutely.

Probably has even more motivation with me involved.

Yeah, I figured you'd say that.

[ given how much balan seems to like putting him into bizarre and/or embarrassing situations. ]

Kinda makes you want to mess with him a little, though, doesn't it? Like, to tell him it totally backfired, or something.

Oh? [He shifts a little to look at her.] Do you have something in mind?

I dunno! Maybe something like... telling him we talked about it and we got into a fight? [ and she shrugs. ] I'm not good at this kind of thing.

[ let's be real, he's the real smooth talker of this duo. ]

[Hah.]

Instead of making things better, it just got worse. That would certainly add to the soap opera, but i wonder if that might be a little too much. Elle seemed to be in on it, too, and I don't know if I can stand another yelling from Elize or a pounding from Jude.

[There is a slight cringe as he mentions the latter two.]

[ her idea was mostly hypothetical, but— ]

Wait, were they seriously that mad at you over this?

"Mad" is an extreme understatement. Jude didn't punch me, but I could tell he wanted to. Elize wouldn't speak to me for weeks.

Edited 2015-02-26 08:52 (UTC)

Well, you were kind of a jerk about the whole thing.

[ even if she's clearly forgiven him, if the way she squeezes him just a little tighter is anything to go by. ]

But don't worry. We can tell the truth and I bet they'll forgive you right away. And if they don't, I'll give them a good talking to myself!

Haha, thanks. [There's a small, light laugh before he looks at her again.

Really looks at her.

He reaches up to gently brush away a few strands of her hair, fingertips lingering against her cheek as his eyes focus on hers. Even in the dark he can make out her features, but perhaps it's because of all the times he found himself gazing down into it.]

I'm sorry—for everything I put you through.

[He's already expressed it before, but he feels he needs to again.]

Edited 2015-02-26 10:02 (UTC)

Hey, I told you not to worry, right?

[ she brings a hand up to lay it over the one he has near her cheek, curling her fingers around it slowly so she can hold onto it. ]

That's all in the past. [ which is true, whether he's talking about everything bad that's happened between them, or just the more recent things. ] And besides, I'm pretty sure you just made it up to me.

[ a (slightly lascivious because he's rubbing off on her in the worst ways possible) joke to lighten the mood? yep. ]

[That earns her a bit of a look before he laughs again.]

And I plan to continue making it up to you. [And he has an equally devious grin as he pulls her to him.]

Oh yeah?

[ and she allows herself to be pulled— if anything, she might even press just a little bit closer on reflex, sliding her arm around his waist loosely again. ]

How were you planning on doing that?

And spoil the fun? I'll just leave it to your imagination.

Aw, c'mon! That's no fun, either. [ for her, at least. ] Just give me a little hint!

Hmm....

[As his arms moves to fully encircle her, his fingers brush past that certain spot at her shoulder and there's a moment as he lightly traces over it. But rather than say anything, his face moves closer so that his lips brush against hers.]

Let's just say I went easy on you tonight. [His voice has that deep, teasing tone, and there's a playful nibble of her lower lip as the hand at her shoulder more firmly grips it, as if holding her to him.

Of course he's half-teasing. This isn't the only way—he has more genuine ideas. And then there's the whole actual dating scheme (even if they practically had been in so coming up with something new is going to be a challenge, as had been indicated before). But he does mean it when he says he wants to make it up to her.]

[ even if he's teasing, she can't help but feel a little flustered when he says that. between what he's saying and the way he's saying it, that kiss, and the fact that she can't quite tell if he's messing with her or not, it would be a miracle if she could keep her cool, really. ]

That was easy? [ she's going to casually cover up her embarrassment with another joke, a small smile tugging at her lips as she continues: ] Weren't you just asking me earlier if you were too hard on me?

I did, but I was holding back, too. So I'll just leave it to your imagination for the rest.

Well, good! [ and she shifts around, maneuvering herself so that she can curl closer to him, her forehead pressing lightly against his chest. ]

I mean, it's not like I mind talking about that stuff, but I dunno if I'd be up for it right now.

[ flirting a little is one thing, but hearing specifics (or thinking about it in too much detail, for the time being) would probably be just a little much for her. but also— ]

It's kinda late for that, anyway, right?

[There's a light chuckle as he relaxes alongside her.]

Dunno. I could probably go again. [He's teasing. ...Mostly.

He doesn't make any moves, however, instead enjoying the comfortable position they are in. He tucks his head slightly to rest his chin atop her head.]

But I don't mind this either. [He is feeling a bit of that tiredness, especially when that sense of contentedness sets in.]

[ he may not be able to see it thanks to their position, but that gets her to roll her eyes, even if there's some fondness behind it. she feels pretty content, too— with the way they're laying together, the fact that they can even be like this to begin with, and with the progress they've made— all things considered. ]

You better not mind it! [ and the fondness is clear in her voice, too, even as her hand slides up his back to tug very lightly at his hair. ] Just because you're getting some now doesn't mean that's all we're gonna be doing.

[ she meant what she said about wanting things to be romantic, okay. ]

[He can smile and laugh a bit.]

No, but you can't deny that it was pretty good, right?

[Teasing, teasing. And he did tell her that he would show her the adult ways of romance....]