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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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[ 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.]

That's not what I meant!

[ though, if she ever did like someone else, he would probably be the first one she'd tell about it. ]

Jude's just... not the only guy I've ever thought looked good, that's all.

Okay then, what makes a guy attractive to you?

[and don't mind him as he pulls her a little to him to avoid oncoming foot traffic as they continue to continue on. he does it in such a subtle and natural way she might not even notice. the way he's taking them is crowded, but much less so than the main roads. it seems that other local Xian Du citizens had similar ideas as him. still, it allows them to not only breathe but at least walk at a casual pace.]

[ if she notices that he pulled her closer, she doesn't say anything. instead, she goes quiet so she can consider his question. it's not something she has an immediate answer to, because it's not something she really sits down and thinks about very often (if ever). ]

I guess their personality is important. You know, how we get along, how he treats me— stuff like that can make a guy pretty attractive. Good looks are a bonus, though.

[ and then she looks up at him. ]

Why are you so interested in this, anyway?

What? Can I not be interested in a friend's interests? [griiiiinning.] I meet a few young, good looking guys when out working. I could probably set you up on a date pretty easy.

So, you're grilling me about what I like in a guy because you want to set me up with someone?

[ ... she doesn't sound very convinced. ]

And because I'm curious.

[real reason right there.]

You're just feeling nosy, aren't you?

[ because that seems a lot more plausible than him wanting to hook her up with someone. then, after a moment: ]

Why don't I ever get to ask you questions like this?

[ and she elbows him a little. ]

I don't remember you ever really trying.

[the better question is: why does he always tend to skirt around the topic and redirect.]

Why? Interested?

Yeah, kind of! We're friends, but I don't really know that much about you.

[ not even smaller things, like the types of questions he's been asking her. ]

Wouldn't you get curious if you were in my shoes?

Well given that you're a reporter now, I'm not too surprised.

[though more about him, huh...]

Well I did say I'd be more honest and open about myself. [to a degree.] Guess if you really want to you could.

That's the spirit!

[ and she grins up at him. ]

So, what kinds of questions am I allowed to ask?

[ because as curious as she might be, she also doesn't want to pry too much. things could get awkward if she pushed him to say too much at once. ]

You're not going to start asking them now are you?

[not exactly the best setting. but he still answers her question.]

But...hm, guess that's a tough one, huh. [it's not that he's intending to keep secrets, it's more of...well. some things are just topics one doesn't talk about easily, though in some ways it has gotten easier. like getting it off his chest.] I guess whatever you think you can handle. You already know my past isn't pretty, so just be careful where you dig.

Nope, I'll spare you that much.

[ and it's not just because this is an awful place to have a serious discussion. she also wants to take her time and think of some good questions. ]

You'd better believe I'm going to ask them as soon as the time is right, though!

[a slight wry look and half wondering if he's going to regret this.]

Just don't turn it into some news piece, all right?

Come on, you know I'd never do that.

[ she might get way too into hunting down her next big scoop sometimes, and the sordid life of alfred vint svent would be a great title for an article, but she has tact. ]

Anything you tell me stays between us, all right?

I'm holding you to that.

[he does give her hand a slight squeeze, indicating that he really does trust her and just half-joking around. but seriously don't publish anything.

unless it's to say he's the most eligible bachelor.]

Anyway, we're almost there.

[and so they are! once again the crowds are crowing as the cross over and approach the central plaza. a lot of lights, music, chatter, and, of course, dancing.]

[ ~~they're cute—~~

her excitement grows as they approach the plaza, and by the time they actually get there, she looks really happy. she even picks up her pace, so it's a good thing she still hasn't let go of his hand. if anything, she's holding it tighter than before. ]

This is seriously awesome!

[ she's never seen anything quite like it. leronde may have had a few traditions of its own, but it was nothing like this, and trigleph couldn't really compare, either. ]

I wasn't expecting it to be like this. [ and after she takes a look around, she turns so she can look at him. her excitement (and her sudden change of pace) has her a little bit breathless. ] I don't even know what I'm going to write about first.

[ the atmosphere, the crowds, the dancing itself— she wants people to know about all of it, but she also knows that brevity is her friend, so. ]

[~~the most—~~

he's letting her take the lead, matching her pace fairly well. he's also watching her expressions change. it's a bit amusing, and without realizing it he's also grinning a bit, which only widens as he hears her comments.]

Well, maybe instead of just watching and writing about other people do...

[only now does he release her hand, both now placing themselves on her shoulders as he turns her to face the crowd of people dancing through the square.]

How about giving it a go instead!

[and PUSH. she's going to find herself right in the middle of a circle, and rather than breaking the pace, a woman grabs her hand and starts spinning her into the pattern. fortunately there are other people who have no clue what the hell they're doing and are just moving and clapping their hands as they try to keep along. it's not too complicated of a dance—just circles as people step and bounce in time to the music while clapping and swinging around with their partner before it moves forward for an exchange.

and Alvin? well he'll just be smirking on the sidelines with his arms crossed over his chest.

she probably should have seen this coming.]

[ because she trusts him, she doesn't see the push coming. she actually lets out a surprised yelp as she stumbles into the circle, and if it weren't for the fact that she was immediately swept up by the crowd, she would probably be glaring daggers at alvin right about now. instead, after a moment of hesitation, she works to keep up with the people around her.

if she thought watching the dancing was fun, actually participating in it surpasses her expectations. she bounces and twirls along with the other people in the circle, switching partners on occasion, and by the time she decides she's had enough (because it's more taxing than it looks, okay), she's almost as happy as she was before. she doesn't even look irritated when she breaks away from the crowd so she can make her way back to alvin. ]

You could've just asked me if I wanted to give dancing a try, you know!

[ and all of that movement jostled her hat a little, so she's going to. casually take a moment to fix it. ]