highfiving | (no subject)

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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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[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.

Wait, so it's not always that cool?

[ way to crush her dreams. ]

Now I didn't say that.

Then how does it usually measure up?

...Normal?

[a slight shrug.]

I guess I never really paid too much attention. But the tribal crests were new. Well, at least I've never seen them before.

Well, they were definitely a nice touch! I bet people will love reading about them.

[ and even if it's not as cold as it was when they were on the highlands, a chilly breeze sweeps through the area, causing her to sneeze. she's also leaning against him a little more now. ]

[he feels that cold breeze and looks at her when she sneezes.]

Guess that's our cue to head back. The streets should be less crowded by now, too.