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[ with her latest idea for an article revolving around the different ways that people from Rieze Maxia lived, it was only right that Leia would need to do some legwork before she could start writing. even if she had been born and raised there, she didn't know all of the ins and outs of every city, and besides— research was an important part of journalism.

of course, even the best reporters needed ~~sidekicks~~ help once in a while so, naturally, she had decided to drag Alvin along on her little adventure. he wasn't bad company these days, and she figured he would be especially useful when it came to their first stop: Xian Du.

... which brings her to where she is now, knocking on the door to his room in Kanbalar's inn. ]

Hey! Are you ready? We should probably head out soon, you know.

[ she might sound a little impatient, but there's no real bite behind her words; even if they're out here on business (sort of), she's not that uptight. ]

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Yeah.

[but of course it's crowded—even more so. ...hmmmm.]

Follow me, I know a few back ways.

[of course he would.]

Why am I not surprised?

[ because, yeah. of course. ]

Go ahead and lead the way.

[ and she's going to (attempt to) follow him closely. ]

And what is that supposed to mean?

[he says with mocking offense. but he's joking. and he's slowly making his way through the crowds, bumping and slightly pushing along as he does. with the dancing a few shows starting up soon, it's really no surprise that so many more people are pouring out now. it's like the city is bursting at its seams.]

Well... you know! You seem like you know the city pretty well, that's all.

[ she would probably be able to make a better joke if it weren't for the fact that she almost just knocked into someone.

also, when should they get split up— ]

I might not have really lived here, but I've been through the city enough to know my way around.

[and she is probably the first one he's told that little tidbit about himself. it had been supposed to be part of the joke, at least.

though he's mostly looking ahead, in part due to having the need to keep his eyes forward just to get through. of course that means he won't see what's happening behind him...especially when a family group with a rather pushy mom barrels her way through, cutting Leia off.

the time is now!]

[ she's about to respond when the family cuts in front of her, and she definitely isn't the type to try to cut through them, so she takes a quick step back to avoid running into them.

she loses sight of alvin in the commotion, and she can't see him when she takes a moment to look around, either, which... wouldn't be an issue if she was familiar with this part of xian du, or if she knew how to get to the plaza from here. but she doesn't.

she pushes on in spite of that, in hopes of either reaching the plaza or running into alvin again. no dice so far, but he shouldn't be too hard to spot, and xian du can't be that hard to navigate, she figures. ]

[he had moved on for a little bit, partly due to being jostled. but when he realizes she never responded, he glances back and—]

You've gotta be kidding me—

[for Leia to get lost here of all times? quickly he scans the crowd—at least he has height to his advantage. but there's still a lot of people and a lot of them wearing hats and scarves. he has to backtrack, making his way through, even calling out to her a few times.

he just hopes she doesn't get pushed into the wrong direction.]

[ luckily, she's more or less headed in the right direction. it's dumb luck, and she gets turned around at one point when she has to avoid running into yet another group, but she also hears him call for her, which definitely helps. she even raises her voice to answer with one of her own. ]

Alvin!

[ she doesn't want to stop dead in the middle of a path, since there are plenty of people around, but she can at least stretch up to make herself a little taller so she can see over some of them (and make herself more visible, too). ]

[he's behind her, but that little bit of stretching helps.

so after a bit more shoving and not apologizing as he makes his way through, he finally manages to reach out and grab her hand.]

Finally—got you.

[man did he have to work for that.]

[ she almost pulls away when she feels someone grab her hand, but when she whirls around and sees him, she relaxes— she might even curl her fingers around his just a little, because she's relieved and kind of happy to see him, and she really doesn't want to get separated again. ]

There you are! I totally thought I lost you.

Same here. What happened? I thought you were right behind me.

[and he is going to let go of her hand? nope. in fact he just subconsciously steps a little closer to her because he does not want to have to go through that again.]

I was, but I got cut off by some kids and their parents, and then I couldn't see where you went. I tried looking around, but I guess my luck wasn't all that great.

[ not that she's very torn up about that, since it all worked out in the end. ]

Guess it can't be helped. [he raises their hand a little.] I'll have to take a page from those parents and keep my own kid close.

[slight teasing smirk.]

I'm not a kid!

[ which she demonstrates very well by pouting just a little. she doesn't try to pull her hand away, though— in fact, she might hold on a little tighter. ]

And that's definitely not how it'd look to someone who doesn't know us, either.

[ because what kind of parental figure holds hands with a teenager. really. ]

[the grin widens just a bit at the pout.]

Oh? I suppose you have a fair point there.

But apparently it doesn't really bother you that much. [the other image that is. because he did notice the slight tightening of her grip.]

Edited 2014-11-17 09:02 (UTC)

[ it takes her a minute to get what he means, and— is she turning a little red? yes, she is. ]

Well, yeah! Because I know that's not how it is. [ and while the idea of being mistaken for his date makes her feel embarrassed, she probably wouldn't be too angry with someone if they asked, because they have been doing things that a couple might. ] I'm pretty surprised it doesn't bother you, though.

[he just shrugs.]

People will think whatever they want. Besides, I'm sure it's not the first time.

[and already tugging her hand as he starts pulling her back to continue their trek.

he is being pretty calm and casual about it, though, and it's probably because a lot of what he said is true. that and he doesn't mind it all that much. it's something they can easily refute when asked and even laugh it off. though if he were to really think about it, would he act so casually about it if it were with any of the other girls of the group? hmmm...

of course the more superficial reason would be due to his nature and history of flirting and being with girls before.

either way, it's clear it doesn't bother him, anyway. that could be a good or bad thing.]

[ with the kinds of outings they tend to have and the way they act with each other, it's actually pretty likely.

so, she focuses on falling into step beside him (rather than behind him, since that was how she got lost to begin with) and calming down while they walk. the conversation is still kind of weighing on her mind, though, so it doesn't take very long for her to spark it up again. ]

I just thought it might bug you since I'm guessing I'm not really your type.

[ she's definitely trying to make a joke this time around, at least. ]

Oh I wouldn't necessarily say that. [is he being serious or joking?]

That gung-ho, hardworking, energetic attitude of yours is actually pretty refreshing, you know. Plus you're pretty cute. I bet if I was around your age I'd probably take some interest. [that's a teasing grin. so maybe he is joking around.

though when he was her age... ...hahahaha. looking back forward, he continues.] Honestly, I thought you would be the one who would have the problem.

Edited 2014-11-17 10:07 (UTC)

[ and that's not what she was expecting to hear. she really doesn't know much about the kinds of girls he's interested in, but she did see her fair share of presa, and with that being her only real point of reference... well. she might have jumped to conclusions.

it's easier to focus on the last bit of what he said than to tackle the rest of it, though. ]

What, you mean getting worked up because you're not my type, or something?

Partly.

[it's kind of funny since they kind of talked about his whole dating situation only a few hours ago. there's more he could say to clarify what he means, mostly the problem being, well, him in all his entirety. but that would just ruin the mood so instead he just gives a half shrug before he glances down at her.]

I wouldn't want to get in the way of an opportunity for you. You know, since you're single and there are a lot of guys who come here with young boyish hopes of getting a score or two.

[and there are his old ridiculous jokes.]

[ she'd probably swat at his arm if her hand wasn't occupied, because. wow. ]

Yeah, right! I wouldn't go for something like that in a million years!

[ which, despite her over-exaggerated annoyance, is actually true. even if she did happen across someone who was interested in her, she wouldn't go for it. she couldn't abandon her work, first and foremost, and a part of her is pretty sure this— hanging out with alvin, joking around and collecting information— would be more fun, anyway. that's something she's going to keep to herself, though. ]

[he can't help but laugh at her outburst.]

Aw come on, you're what—sixteen now? You should live your youth to the fullest! [and now he just nudges her a bit with his elbow.]

But fine, fine. What is your type, anyway? Other than short, dark haired, honor student do-gooders.

[yeah everyone knows who he just described.]

[ a year ago, that would've probably gotten a much more extreme reaction out of her, but as it is she glares up at him. even her blush is a little more subdued than it would've been before. ]

He's not the only guy I've ever liked, you know! [ ... which is definitely her misspeaking, because what she means is that jude isn't the only guy she's ever been attracted to. she's a teenager and she has eyes, so. you know. these things happen. ] Maybe I don't even have a type.

[he's still grinning.]

Whoa ho—stop the presses. Leia Rolando has liked someone else other than Jude? Now this I gotta hear.

[in reality, he's actually thinking she probably meant she's been attracted to others. but when he's already working to direct all the focus on her, well. it's only natural he'd make it worse.]