(no subject)

[reported]

[ 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. ]

Comments

[opportunitycosts]

[he had known about the Jude hang-up but if there had been anytime in-between... but apparently not. and of course, she turns the question around at him, which is something he had half-expected.]

Not really. Then again, I haven't been really looking. I figured I'd focus on the business first, make sure things get settled and all that.

Besides, I doubt I'm really ready to start the whole dating thing right now.

[he says this with nonchalance and an idle shrug, as if it's a topic he's dealt with before. he probably has, really, maybe even from some prospective ladies from lone evenings at a bar. but given his history and what he's had to deal with recently (especially that fractured dimension) ...it makes sense that he wouldn't really be looking. not even any one night stands! not that he'd tell her that because not exactly saying that to any of the guys is one thing. saying that to a girl, no matter how much of a "best bud" they are, is another.]

But whenever I do, I'll do it properly. You know, take it seriously.

[reported]

[ sometimes it's easy to momentarily forget he has his own baggage in that department, but she understands (as much as she can understand, at least), and his answer doesn't surprise her too much.

but this has the potential to get even more serious than it did before, so. she's going to try to lighten things up with a joke. ]

That's pretty deep. [ and she smiles a small, teasing smile. ] But, hey— does that mean I might get to eventually see you settle down with someone?

[opportunitycosts]

[just a laugh.]

Maybe. I'll even let you meet the lucky lady, but only if you tell me of any guys that start chasing after you. [teasing grin.] You know, to see what crazy guy actually thinks he can keep up with you. [and a playful nudge with his elbow.]

[reported]

[ well. that deal is fine with her, aside from one small detail: ]

Wait, are you saying that a guy would need to be crazy to want to go out with me?

[opportunitycosts]

I'm just saying you might be a bit of high maintenance.

[reported]

No way! I'm the exact opposite of high maintenance!

[ and now she's pouting. she might be playing it up a little to joke around, but still. ]

[opportunitycosts]

Uh huh. Says the one who kept wanting to try all the different food stalls because she couldn't just pick one.

[reported]

Hey, it's not my fault that they all sounded good. And it doesn't make me high maintenance, either!

[opportunitycosts]

[he's just going to pat her head.]

My wallet says otherwise.

[he's kidding of course. ....mostly.

but good news, they're now at the entrance of the tunnel and it's even full of decorations here, too. in fact they'll be handing out little pamphlets about the festivities that are already in full swing.]

So wanna check-in first or do you want to walk around for a bit? [and then a glance at our clothes. ...well.] Although maybe getting you dried off and warmed up first might be better.

[you know. since she got covered in all that snow.]

[reported]

[ and she immediately simmers down once she gets her hands on one of the pamphlets. she takes a moment to thumb through it before she responds. ]

Yeah, I don't know how long I'll last, otherwise.

[ because she's been getting used to the cold for the duration of their trip, but she was also a nurse, and she knows that it's. not good to walk around cold and wet like this. the idea of being in a nice, warm room is a little more appealing than it should be, anyway. ]

Why don't we check in, order something to eat, and then head back out after we're finished? That would give me plenty of time to get warmed up.

[opportunitycosts]

Sounds like a plan. I could use a bit of a break myself.

[to the inn! but as they get closer to the city, it's becoming more evident how crowded it is. it's made even worse with the addition of Elympions also arriving to check it out. it's the first time this festival has been held since the schism lifted, after all, so there's been heavy press about it, too.]

Man...it's only the first day, too. I've never seen this place so crowded, not even for the Coliseum tournaments.

[good thing they made reservations.]

[reported]

Seriously! I didn't think it'd be this crazy.

[ she even makes a quick grab for his sleeve when they hit a particularly dense crowd where the tunnel ends and the city begins, so they don't get split up. it wouldn't be too hard for her to find him, but... she's on the shorter side, so the reverse probably isn't true. ]

I guess that just means there's going to be more for me to write about, though.

[ which is never a bad thing, as far as she's concerned. ]

[opportunitycosts]

[awww she grabbed his sleeve HOW CUTE. though he's not going to think much of it. in fact it's very practical and he even moves a little closer to her, purposefully acting as a kind of shield as he pushes their way through the crowd. good thing the inn isn't too far away.]

Never can have too much material. Just remember you're writing an article, not a novel.

[and a few subtle pushes and not tripping over that kid later, they're at the inn. phew, what a trek.

except...it's crowded here, too. alarmingly so.]

...OH man, this place better not be overbooked. [because he knows that's a thing that can happen.]

[reported]

[ she looks around the lobby, and— yeah, it's worse than she anticipated here, too.

after a moment, she lets go of his sleeve and looks up at him. ]

What if it is? You'll be able to do something, right?

[ like. charm one of the receptionists into giving them a room. ]

i honestly don't remember half of what i wrote in my tag up there LOL /4am tagging sob

[opportunitycosts]

I did make reservations, but... Well don't worry, I got this. Just wait out in the lobby and watch our things.

[not that he doesn't want her company, but there's some jostling up there at the desk and it would probably be easier and safer for her.

but he has a very bad feeling that their two separate rooms are going to be asked to become one to help accommodate others, if it hasn't already.]

same though orz

[reported]

Alright. Be careful up there, okay?

[ and she gives a quick wave before she moves to a slightly-less-crowded area in the lobby, where she'll patiently wait for him. ]

[opportunitycosts]

I got it, don't worry.

[and he returns the wave before bracing himself. it's going to take him longer than anticipated, and by the time he finally makes his way back to her he's not only starving but now feels like he needs a nap.]

Well I have some good news and bad news. Good news is, we have a room.

[reported]

[ when she sees him, she moves to meet him. she's pretty hungry herself, and she wants to get warmed up and possibly changed, so she's kind of relieved to see him. but— ]

Great! And what's the bad news?

[ she has a feeling she knows what he's going to say, but it's worth asking anyway. ]

[opportunitycosts]

It's a room. [sighs as he rubs the back of his neck.] As I thought, they really overbooked it, so they're trying to consolidate rooms with parties. So we're bunking together.

On the plus side, I managed to get a pretty good discount on everything here. It's like you're on the "kids stay for free" rate. [half smirk.]

Anyway, that's not a problem, right? It'll be just like old times.

[except usually it's either the guys and girls are separate or it's the whole group in one.]

[reported]

Well... I guess it's better than nothing.

[ it's a little new, since she's used to sharing with milla and elize or their entire group, but it's not like they haven't spent their fair share of time alone lately. just. not like this. ]

Go ahead and lead the way. I'm dying to relax a little before we head back out.

[opportunitycosts]

I already ordered us some food, too, so that should be there soon. [but yes. relax that would be ideal.

so after handing her her copy of the keys and slinging his bag over his shoulder, he once again makes their way through the crowd. it's calmer up the stairs and down the hallways.]

By the way, did I mention we're near the top floor?

[indoor elevator time. because they must exist.]

And we're at the front of the building, so we'll have a pretty good view, too.

[not that it matters THAT much given the short time they're there, but when it comes to traveling, Alvin always tries to get the best possible he can afford. it may or may not have to do with how he always needed a good view after long days of the past (as well as quick escape routes).]

[reported]

[ she follows him after tucking away her keys and gathering up her own things. ]

Seriously? That's awesome!

[ she doesn't intend on spending too much time indoors, naturally, but having a room with a nice view never hurt anyone, and the fact that they'll be eating soon does wonders for her morale. ]

I knew it was a good idea to bring you along with me.

[ and the elevator dings open, and she quickly steps out. ]

[opportunitycosts]

Don't think I haven't forgotten how you're basically using me for info.

[said with a wry look, but it's in good humor. down the hall, a quick right turn, avoiding some other people who are either checking in or making their way out to go to the festivities, and they're at the room. fortunately, two separate beds so no awkwardness there. it's a bit on the smaller side, but still cozy. the windows are already open, allowing the cool but fresh breeze to filter through along with the sounds of people below.

though it's the colder season, Xian Du's spirit clime is still in effect, allowing it to be much warmer than back in Kanbalar, so once inside, Alvin is setting down his things and taking off his coat before heading over to the window.]

All right, we got a balcony! [a common structure found on all of the buildings in the city, and just an easy swing over and one can easily stand on it. not that he will at the moment.

but there were colorful banners and tenants waved and rustled in the air, some even draped from outside their own room. and if one should go out, it truly is a good view. a little peek around the corner would reveal the large coliseum off in the distance. but most importantly, they can see all the stalls lining the streets and boats floating along the river, all filled with various goods and people.]

[reported]

[ leia, on the other hand, makes a beeline for one of the beds, and flops down onto it, effectively claiming it as her own; she's in the process of shrugging off her coat when he mentions the balcony. ]

Nice!

[ she peels off her gloves, dropping them onto the bed beside her coat before she crosses the room to take a look for herself. the view is nice— nicer than xian du normally looks, even— and the sight of the bustling crowd and bright decorations makes her smile. it's really festive, and in spite of being hungry and in need of some rest, she's already itching to get back out there. ]

Sharing won't be too bad, with a nice room like this.

[ and she holds up her hand for a high five. ]

[opportunitycosts]

[and he grins as he returns that high five.]

Nope. Not bad at all.

[and there's a knock on the door.]

And perfect timing on the food.

[he'll be moving away to answer and tip the guy who...really looks like he could need it. but with warm food and comfy beds, they can now just sit back and relax for an hour or two, or however long they need.]