[ Five // Video // Action in Alexandria ]

[ultrawaves]

[Now that the initial tide of monsters has been dealt with, Quistis has chosen to investigate the damage done to Alexandria, it being one of the nearest cities to where Garden's residents had taken up arms during the Lunar Cry itself. The city itself is livable, but she notes the obvious damage done to the houses along the cobblestone street she is

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[ultrawaves]

[She nods once.] I don't mind at all. My younger students called me "Miss," though the bulk of them used "Instructor." Personally, unless I'm on the job, I prefer just Quistis. Noah, then.

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[ultrawaves]

[She laughs, though part of his answer in particular catches his attention.] Do you like cards? You may have to learn to play Triple Triad now that you're here. I give you fair warning, though, I've only been defeated a handful of times in my card-playing career. I remain the reigning champion at Balamb Garden, have been for years.

[She inclines her head at his question.] Favorite color? Orange, though I suppose that's fairly obvious. [Particularly that rosy-orange color she's always wearing.] No surprises there, really.

Now you. Favorite book?

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[strays_pride]

[He got himself a laughing Quistis. Somebody is looking might proud.]

You shall gave to teach me sometime. [He raises an eyerow at her comment about being champion] Would you know? Judge Zargabaath said the same thing to me when we sat down to play Faram's Fist. It was the best 20,000 gil I ever earned, and the look on his face was utterly priceless.

[He nods in response to her answer] Orange suits you. It is a most flattering color for your complexion, and it brings out your eyes very nicely. [Noah forces himself to tone down the flirt. Even if it is completely accurate.]

Favourite book? The Remotallion by Nu Mou historian and philosopher T'ullak. It's an epic poem chronicling the journey of the hero Remoteh and his travels with the brethren gods Mitron and Chaos before the latter was cast down for rebellion. [And if there is a personal correlation that he draws from the characters, it is never mentioned

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[ultrawaves]

[She smirks.] I'll take that bet. If you pick it up quickly, all the better. It's been a long time since I've played someone who was actually a challenge. [Of course her deck came to Gaia with her, as it's always on her person -- even though she didn't get many chances to play, personally, during the Ultimecia crisis.]

[She blushes noticeably at the compliment. If she hadn't caught on to his motives beforehand, she might be starting to now, however matter-of-fact he might have sounded there. It's been a long time since someone has complimented her in such a way, without referring to themselves as a Trepie -- a group she found flattering, but a little creepy at times. She nervously tucks a few stray locks of hair behind her ear, hoping her hand will cover the blush, though it's spread a bit too far to do so.]

So you like epic poems. There aren't many where I'm from, but I've been enjoying looking into Gaia's history and literature since arriving here. Their classic fiction is very much to my tastes.

[The blush in her cheeks cools a

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[strays_pride]

I shall be delighted to meet it. I hope that I will not fail your expectations.

[The blush is delightful, but that look after answering his questions.... Damn, she was every bit as smart as he had given her credit for, and then some. Which under normal circumstances would be excellent, but when you are trying to earn someone's affections... Well. Honesty is the best policy.]

I have ever liked the crisp taste of fresh apples.

[He may be able to turn this to his advantage. His smile is both wry and sweet, in the stereotypical 'you caught me' expression.]

Here's a question, how long did it take you to discover that had an ulterior motive, namely to enjoy your company? [He leans his head slightly tilted on his elbow, the humor clearly glinting in his eyes. Way tone up front.]

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[ultrawaves]

[Her face flushed again. At least her being oblivious had amused and not annoyed, she supposed. It could have been worse. She shook her head quickly, taking her teacup in both hands and raising it to her lips as she made an effort to regain her composure.]

It did take until now. That is, I knew we were enjoying each other's company, but hadn't realized there might be... special interest.

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[strays_pride]

Which is still faster than a lot of people.

[It seems so soon, but there were rumors running about some groups of people setting up dates, and damned if he wasn't going to make sure that Quistis knew exactly what he'd thought. He'd lost everything before, but he wasn't about to lose this before he even got a chance.]

I will not lie to you. I enjoy your company a great deal. But I enjoy your company because I like you, and your mannerisms, and your intelligent and thoughtful imput on anything. And your smile and your laughter.

[This is the hard part, and for all that he's a man of almos thirty-seven, he feels like a young boy talkin to his first crush. He turns away slightly.]

I hope you do not mind.

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[ultrawaves]

[Her face begins to cool again, and she folds her hands in her lap as she composes herself.]

Of course I don't mind. I don't see any reason why I should. [A girl would be a fool to mind being paid such sweet and honest compliments, after all.] Though I feel very silly for not having noticed sooner. I enjoy your company as well, Noah. You're very sweet to say those things.

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[strays_pride]

Now it's Noah's turn to flush slightly, IN A COMPLETELY AND UTTERLY MANLY WAY, HONEST.]

It's just the truth. I'm surprised you haven't been told more often.

[He regains his composure as well, he's had practice, after all. Noah gently reaches out a hand to touh her arm as the other hand dives into a hidden pocket to retrieve something.]

Admittedly I was not planning to tell you so soon, but I am glad a got this when I found it. It reminded me of you.

[He places the object on the table. It's a crochet rose, which he carefully smooths out the petals of, before almost shyly offering it to the former Instructor.]

If it seems too soon, consider it a gift between friends.

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[ultrawaves]

[She looks openly surprised by the gift, carefully picking it up with both hands and smiling as she examines it. It's much more practical than real flowers, something she truly appreciates. Real flowers are beautiful, but wilt so quickly. This one, on the other hand, will last forever.] Oh, it's lovely. Really, thank you.

[She looks up at him.] Is it too soon? I... wouldn't know. It seems fine to me.

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[strays_pride]

I... I am glad that it pleases you.

[Noah clasps her hands. She has no need to doubt this. He won't let her.]

Only if you think it fast, Quistis; it is entirely up to you. I would not seek to push you too quickly that you would be uncomfortable. I leave this entirely up to you, to go as quickly or as slowly as you wish it.

[It's corny, and sentimental, but he raises her hands to his lips and kisses them lightly.]

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[ultrawaves]

[She looks a little at a loss when he takes her hands, but has no objections. Her eyes widen when he kisses her hands and she colors again very quickly, though she is obviously flattered by his actions.]

You are a gentleman. I would like to continue on as we have been, then. [Her voice is soft, cautious, and her lips curl upwards into a smile.] Only this time, we're on the same page. How does that sound to you, Noah?

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[strays_pride]

That. [He punctuates with one last kiss before setting her hands down gently.] Sounds far too wonderful to be anything but a dream.

[He smiles a bit ruefully. Noah makes a move to stand and help Quistis to her feet as well.]

As much as I would be content to stay here forever, I fear we must get back to the duties that await us outside. Shall we go?

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[ultrawaves]

I have to say. [She laughs.] You have quite a way with words.

[She accepts his help, placing her hand in his as she gets to her feet, carefully closing the fingers of her other hand over the crochet rose.]

Yes, I'm afraid duty calls. I won't be able to stay in Alexandria much longer, unfortunately. I'll need to be getting back to Garden shortly.

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[strays_pride]

Aye, that has always been it's tendency. Calling, and interrupting.

I doubt that I shall be staying long either. I had planned to help out on the continent some more, but my brother needs me in Narshe, and I had promised I would join him. I hope to assist him all that he requires. It will be a nice rebuilding of the relationship.

[He smiles gently. It's a very happy thought, and the dawning realization that he may have someone to share it with makes it all the sweeter.]

I hope that we shall soon be able to meet like this again. And please, feel free to call me anytime you wish. I would be delighted to help you should you need it, or even simply have a chat.

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[ultrawaves]

I wish both you and your brother the very best. It sounds like this time spent together can only be good for you.

[Her spirits flag a bit as they approach the door and step out into the street, if only because the thought of all the people who need assistance after the Cry is so overwhelming. Still, she does her best to mask it with a smile. It's work she's glad to be doing, after all.]

I hope so, too. When things have calmed down a bit, maybe? [Her smile softens a touch.] Feel free to call me, as well. I would be very happy to hear from you.