highfiving | (no subject)

[all right all right. he leads her through the stalls and they can have their silly conversations as they go through. there will probably be a stall with masks and hats, and they'd probably goof around, putting one on each other and probably taking pictures with their GHS to send to everyone. maybe even buy a souvenir or two for everyone. when Leia is talking to people, Alvin will once again just be partly listening, partly networking, and partly looking around. there's one in particular that catches his interest, but when she finishes up he'll have long completed his own little task as well.

then there's the food. of course the food. by this time they've likely worked up an appetite to try the various samples. he'll even get them a couple of packs of Gaius' Dumplings—to be eaten later before the fireworks.

time will of course fly by and while everyone starts to gather in various places for the fireworks, Alvin, while still holding her hand firmly in his, leads her down some smaller side alleys and into a carved tunnel into the side of one of the cliff walls. there's not much inside and in fact looks as if no one really passes through it often.]

This was originally used as one of the look out "towers." [and down this corner...] There are a few of them around the town, but after the wars they fell into disuse and are now just generally open to the public. But not many people really know or use them anymore. [and there's the elevator. better than taking several flights of stairs.] I happened to find it when I was...seventeen?

[ time definitely flies by, and by the time that they're in the tunnel, leia is itching to see the fireworks. not even the sort of-scolding message she got from jude in response to the pictures she sent him is able to detract from her excitement. ]

Gee, thanks for the history lesson. [ of course, she's just getting in a joke; in actuality, it's always sort of interesting to hear about things like this. ] How'd you end up finding a place like this, though?

[ because it's kind of out of the way, and she can tell it doesn't see much traffic— she hasn't seen a single person since they got here, in spite of how over-crowded the streets are. ]

You want my info or not? [just giving her a wry look, but he's also teasing a bit.] I was just looking for places to sneak around. [because everyone knows he's good at that.] Of course this was pretty much a dead end, but I liked the view. Isolated, quiet.

So I just used it whenever I need to get away and clear my head for a while.

[of course he doesn't go into too much detail as to what exactly he was getting away from or he why would need to clear his head. she could probably figure out plenty of possible and probably right guesses.]

Of course I do! I was just messing around.

[ from what she knows, she can imagine a few possible reasons he would want to clear his head sometimes (she can't imagine being stranded so far from home, or having one of her parents fall ill, and even just being alone the way he was would probably make her want to hide away from time to time), but at the same time, she has to ask— ]

... so, what kind of things would you come here to get away from?

[ it's a little blunt, but it's the only way she knows how to say it. if it hurts his feelings, she can always just offer support, she figures. ]

[huh, she actually asked. he's a bit surprised and it earns her a glance, but...

he lets go of her hand as presses his back against the wall, his arms crossing over his chest as his head tilts down slightly in thought.

there's a lot he could say. because there had been a lot he had try to just push to the side to try and not get overwhelmed. but should he tell her? risk ruining the mood? but she did ask and he did say he would answer... actually, a part of him wants to tell her. to have someone else at least hear what he's been going through.

so after a few moments of silence, with only the chains of the elevator clanking to fill the void, he finally speaks, boiling it down to one word.]

Everything.

[as if on cue, they reach the top level and the gates open, and without waiting a response, he walks out, continuing the dialogue.]

Rieze Maxia, Elympios, my missions, Exodus, Gilland—my mother. [the last two words come out a little softer.] There were times I just couldn't take it so I came up here to try and not think about anything.

[ she's quick to follow him, but she stays quiet for a moment. his words weigh heavily in her mind, and she isn't sure what to say— what can she say? ]

I bet it was pretty rough.

[ now that her hands are free, she links them together behind her back as she walks. ]

Sometimes I try to imagine going through some of the stuff that you had to deal with, and just thinking about it bums me out!

[ and she glances his way out of the corner of her eye. ]

But, you know, all of us are here for you. [ everyone in their group, that is. ] So if you ever need help getting your mind off of things, you don't have to make the trip all the way to Xian Du.

[ she especially would like to be there for him, but that... probably goes without saying, at this point. ]

[there's a small chuckle at her words before he glances back at her.]

I know, and it's appreciated. But I'll try to spare you from getting too bummed out.

[a slight joke—the kind he always does to try and redirect things. the walk from the elevator to the door to the outside isn't a long one, and when he opens it, there's a strong, cold blast of air. at this point he takes her hand again.]

All right, watch your step. The steps are carved in, so they might be a little slippery. But after that, we'll be at the top.

[although they're outside, the view out to the city is obscured by the thick trees and brush that hug and grow along the cliff's rocky slope. and although some of the lights and sounds from below could be faintly heard, it's rather quiet. and cooler, but not too cold that it would be unbearable.]

[ it surprises her a little when he takes her hand, but she curls her fingers around his nonetheless; when she steps outside, she holds on a little tighter. ]

You're not going to let me fall, right?

[ which is almost a joke, but not quite. she genuinely does trust that he would at least try to keep her from slipping. that doesn't mean she's going to be reckless, either, though. as they make their way up, she keeps her eyes trained on the steps, and walks a little slower than she typically does. ]

I'm holding your hand, right? [it would seem that is the reason why he took it.] But don't worry, I got you.

[fortunately there aren't that many steps, just about a single flight. and once they're up top, it opens up to reveal the flat roof of the "tower." short, rough rocky walls surrounded the top with some indentations serving as signs of where past scouts would set their telescopes to look about the city. a small, stone bench had been constructed to the side, some wild flowers and ivy vines creeping over the walls, further proving how little attention is given to this place.

but from here, the sky was completely open, the stars and moons seemingly within reach. and if she were to look over the ledges, she would see the entire city of Xian Du down below her, the lights of the festival dancing and flickering into the night.]

[ she stays quiet for the rest of the short trip to the top. once they get there, however: ]

You can seriously see everything from up here.

[ the sky in particular seems appealing to her, if the way she's looking up at it is anything to go by.

she doesn't linger in one place for too long, though. instead, she picks up her pace and leads the way to the bench, because that seems like the best place to watch the fireworks from. ]

It's even worth being a little cold!

[ and their timing is right on the money, because as she's setting the bag of souvenirs she bought down beside the bench and pulling her coat on, the fireworks start up. it's a little loud, but their position means that the view probably makes up for that. ]

[he lets her lead, thoughts already drifting as a few memories of visits past resurface. but they don't last for long, broken by her cheerful force and excitement. before he could even respond, there goes those fireworks booming above them. and fireworks being fireworks, he can't help but be distracted, his attention turning more to them. it's only after the first couple does he glance down at her.]

Told you it was a good spot.

[there's a bit of his old confident grin.]

I might have to keep it in mind for the next time I'm in the area!

[ she grins up at him, but her attention is drawn back to the fireworks pretty quickly. it really is a good spot. on top of having a nice, clear view of the sky, it's also empty— aside from the two of them, of course. compared to how crowded the streets below them are, it's kind of refreshing after such a long day.

after a few more fireworks are set off, she gently pats the bench beside her. there's not too much room, but... ]

Why don't you take a seat, too?

You sure it won't feel too crowded?

[but he'll take that seat anyway. they had been walking a while, so a little rest would be nice. so scoot on over, Leia, adult man taking up some of that space. though it also means that he has to put his arm behind her, but not around her. his hand just grips the edge of the bench as he leans back a little.]

Not too cold for you is it?

[ she does try to shift around a little to make room for him, but the bench is a small enough that the most she can really do is scoot over a few inches and fold her hands in her lap.

... she's kind of regretting not grabbing those gloves before she left. ]

I'll be fine! [ her nose and ears are starting to turn a little red, but it's nothing too bad. ] What about you? You're not regretting giving me your scarf, are you?

[ it's a joke, but two scarves probably would come in handy in weather like this. ]

I think the scarf you gave me is a lot warmer, actually. [a half-grin. but he does notice her flushing a bit. after thinking for a moment, he shrugs off his long coat.]

Here.

[whatever distance she tried to make is about to be undone as he moves closer to her and pulls his coat to wrap the both of them, giving her more of it since he can handle it better. of course this means this arm is around her shoulders now, but she can deal with it, right?]

Don't need you catching a cold on me.

[ oh. well. her shoulders might go tense at first, but she doesn't shrug him off or push him away, so that's a good sign. ]

Jeez, you're starting to sound like Jude.

[ which actually means he sounds like a mom. she starts to relax after she says that, though— she might even shift just a little bit closer to him, so his jacket won't have to cover as much space. ]

I'll seriously be fine, you know. I'm tougher than I look!

Uh huh. [just a teasing grin.] You know, most girls would just answer cutely and say thanks.

[ she almost makes a remark about how most girls don't get babied like this but. she can stop being difficult, just this once. he's been pretty nice to her through all of this, after all. ]

All right, all right! Thank you, Alvin.

[ she even tears her eyes away from the fireworks so that she can smile up at him. ]

Is that better?

[he is not babying her, he's being a good friend and gentleman! also, he may have wanted an excuse for extra warmth.

but he chuckles.]

Okay, nevermind. It's actually weirder when you do that.

How was that weird? I was just saying thanks!

[ and now she's going to turn so she can look out toward the fireworks again— no more smiles for him. ]

[he's about to answer, but at that moment the fireworks began to pick up momentum, indicating the start of the big finale. and like all finales, it has all the biggest and loudest fireworks exploding, illuminating the night sky. with them being so high, it's even louder and brighter. they're not just simple plain ones, either, with some choreographed to form designs and symbols of the various tribes of Auj Oule and other patterns.

it's breathtaking, and even Alvin is more than impressed as he forgets their little conversation (or rather, his continued teasing), and just stares up, almost mesmerized. for a moment he recalls a memory of years past—of the first time he watched this same spectacle with his mother. she had been well enough then to at least sit by the balcony. it had been a rare moment, one that never happened again.

he may or may not tell Leia this later, but in truth he had been hesitant and secretly dreading coming up here. afraid that those more despairing, dark memories would come flooding back. but instead, all his mind is full of are the bright lights and the surprisingly bright presence beside him.

and it's not bad.

not bad to finally have some good memories of this city. to be reminded that an outlook can change if he lets it.

so unconsciously he gives her shoulder a small squeeze, pulling her just a little closer to him as he leans against her. he's unaware of his actions, his eyes only focused on the fireworks and the thoughts that drift through. but there's a light smile there. a genuine one.]

[ the first of the bigger fireworks actually manages to startle her a little, but once they get going, she gets used to them pretty quickly. it's nice and, like most of what she's experienced in xian du, it's all very new. it's easy to forget about what they were talking about as she looks up, though she does briefly think that she's glad they could watch it from up here, instead of from the streets, or their room.

however, when she feels him squeeze her shoulder, it takes her out of the moment. she opens her mouth to say something— whether she wants to complain or joke, she doesn't know, because her train of thought stops short when she glances at him and sees how he looks. she sees him smirk, tease, and grin all the time, sure, but the look on his face definitely seems different from that. so, instead of kicking up a fuss, she actually scoots a little closer to him.

after a moment of hesitation, she even lets her head rest against his shoulder, because the fireworks are starting to come just a little slower now, likely signaling the end of the show, and it's easier to relax when they're not going off in such quick succession. ]

[he only vaguely registers the slight weight against his shoulder, but he neither thinks much about it or even glances down at her. it's. comfortable. surprisingly so. maybe it has to do with the fireworks, which somehow always magically keep people so enthralled yet at ease at the same time. maybe it has to do with the warmth generated between the two of them. maybe it's the mood or maybe something else entirely, but for the first time since he ever stepped foot in this city, he feels relaxed. calm. content.

he almost feels a little regret when the last few fireworks die away and the sound of cheers and applause soar upward to their little lofty perch. but only a little. he then glances down at her with a grin.]

So what did you think? Cool, right?

[ when he finally breaks the silence, she lifts her head from his shoulder so that she can look up at him. she doesn't bother pulling away, though— it's warm, she's starting to feel a little sniffly again, and if she's being honest with herself, she kind of likes sitting like this. ]

Yeah, it was really something. I had pretty high expectations, and it totally blew them out of the water!

[ she mirrors his grin. ]

I guess that means you liked it, too?

I have to admit they were pretty impressive. They really outdid themselves—probably to show off to the Elympions.