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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

"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....]

[ and she takes the bait. ]

Hey, I already said it was pretty awesome! I'm not gonna stroke your ego any more than that.

[ he's also not going to be showing her the adult ways of doing anything for a long, long time if he keeps this up. ]

And besides, it doesn't matter how good it was. I still wanna do other things, too. [ she pulls away just enough to look up at him, and her face might be just a little red at this point, because talking about her Ideal Romance™ like this is. kind of. embarrassing. the fact that he's being a jerk doesn't help, either. why does she like him. ] You know, like, going on dates, spending time together, talking about how things are going in our lives... Normal couple stuff!

[ even if "alvin" and "normal couple" probably don't even belong in the same sentence. ]

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<small.[He is rather amused by this.]

Aw come on, we'll do that stuff, too.

[He raises his arm a bit, propping his head against his hand as he looks at her.]

But actual dates... Been a while since I've had to really think about those.

[It's not that he doesn't know of or about the dating scheme, nor does he not know how to construct a proper date. It's more that he just hasn't had to actually be on a real date since his time with Presa, and even those had been small affairs. Going out for dinners, shopping trips around Fennmont... While doing those kinds of things are normal, somehow he feels like he wants to try for something else with Leia.]

You know, it's a good thing I already know your preferences.

Edited 2015-03-01 06:47 (UTC)

Well, that's one big plus to falling for your best friend, right?

[ even if the romantic angle of their relationship is new, they've known each other for years at this point, so they get to skip out on the tentative, getting-to-know-each-other stage of dating where they would learn those things. she's been through this song and dance before (sort of), but the fact that she gets to actually put what she knows about him to good use is... kind of a nice thought, actually. ]

But I bet there's stuff even you don't know about me. [ because she hasn't told him about her sappier plans for the future and things in that vein, at the very least, since she never had anyone to think about having that sort of future with. ] And I know there's still stuff I don't know about you.

Fair point—but I can at least make a few guesses. [Since that's the kind of thing he's had to do before. Still, he also knows he might get it wrong, but...]

Learning more about each other, huh... [Again he's thoughtful.

That is definitely something he had been very guarded about before. He had told Presa snippets about himself, but she had been the one who shared more about himself than the other way around. Of course, back then he had reasons to hide it. Now? ...Not so much.] Sure you won't change your mind and want to leave me after learning the dark truth of my past? [He's half-joking, and...half being his old self of being openly negative and cynical about himself.]

Come on, you don't really think that I'm that kind of girl, do you?

[ his past— the bits and pieces she knows about it, at least— may not be pretty, but the beginning of their time together wasn't the greatest, either. his numerous betrayals, the way he (almost literally) stabbed her in the back, specifically... could he really tell her anything worse than that?

she doesn't really know, but she also doesn't seem too bothered by that thought. ]

I don't care about your past. I wanna know more about it, but I'm not going to hold any of that stuff against you.

[He had a feeling she would say that, so there's only a light smile in return.]

So that just leaves finding out your little secrets... I wonder how much I could fish out from your dad, but now that just reminds me that we're going to have to tell your parents, aren't we?

[There's a slight cringe at that thought. Even if her parents were normal this would be...a delicate issue. The fact that her mother is Master Sonia just made it a hundred times worse.]

I don't even wanna think about that!

[ she groans— which might be a little dramatic, but still. between how much older than her he is, the fact that he's the first guy she'll be introducing to them, and... basically everything about the situation, it's going to be a doozy. ]

Dad might not mind too much in the end, but Mom's going to kill me. [ and she shifts closer so that she can bury her face against his chest, holding onto him just a little tighter. ] Are you sure you're not going to leave when you realize how hard she's going to want to kick your butt?

[ and now she's definitely being dramatic. hopefully. ]

If I do end up running away, I'll at least take you with me.

[.....Sadly, that's actually not as much of a joke as he initially intended it to be. But he does think about it for a moment.]

Guess I'll just have to sit down and take it—at least if I want to get on your mother's good side... If that's even possible.

[There is definitely a lot about them and himself that could set off the giant bomb that is Sonia.]

Don't get me wrong, she's nice once you get to know her! [ she's just. strict. and serious. add the fact that leia has still been skimping on visiting to the mix and the chances of it going badly (at first, at least) are... pretty high. ] I bet if you pull out all the stops and lay the charm on super-duper thick, she'll soften up a little.

[ on the other hand, knowing that he intends to meet her parents makes her feel pretty happy, so she gives him a small squeeze. ]

I guess the fact that you're willing to deal with all that means you're taking this pretty seriously, though, huh?

Well...yeah. [He does feel a little awkward, thinking about this. The fact that he is thinking about it is also something he didn't really expect.]

I said I was going to be, right?

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I SWEAR I FIXED THAT HTML WTFFF

I DIDN'T EVEN NOTICE IT UNTIL AFTER THE FACT, DON'T WORRY

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