[IC] Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

[Hero]

Did she just say he was hot? Grant was actually stunned to silence as opposed to usually just being silent. No, it had to be some kinda of mistake. She had literally been abusing him all day and now she was saying he was hot. What the fuck. What the actual fuck. Where all women this crazy? He knew Nadeline was. He wasn't sure if Emiri was, too, but by the gods help Jaakuna if she was, because holy shit was Grant confused as hell. He simply drank more water, choosing to remain silent. He didn't even know how to really respond to it anyway. Then again, she'd probably hit him if he stayed quiet.

"Thanks...?" He didn't even mean for it to come out as a question, but he was just so confused.

Salvation came in the form of the waiter, whose name Grant already forgot. Nadeline bit her lip, clearly enjoying all this, and was now actually glad the two decided to tag along. "Mhm, sounds good." She said in response to Wesley's question. Grant simply nodded, trying to decipher the situation.

---

The times they were truly happy. It made sense. Emiri nodded, walking up to Jaakuna and taking his hand. Courage, huh? Yes, he was right. She'd always hold these times dear in her heart, but they were in the past. The man standing in front of her was her future. Maybe this was all meant to be after all--her own suffering, her running away, everything led up to this moment. She'd have to thank her father, she never would have seen it without him. As she looked at Jaakuna, a sound caught her attention. She looked at the door, spotting a cloaked man "Jaakuna--" She started, but she was interrupted by a stinging pain. A dagger had been thrown and lodged itself onto her left shoulder. "Ah...!" She gripped Jaakuna with one hand, pushing him out of the way. She quickly reached down, withdrawing her own dagger from her boot, and managed to parry the one meant for Jaakuna, sending it to the ceiling.

"That's not...that isn't her! We've been had!" The man called out.

[AlteredTundra]

As Grant said/questioned what Savayna had said about his looks, she grew red and just redder. She couldn't breathe, she couldn't move — everything about that moment just made her so frozen. Fitting, perhaps as she commands ice, but still it didn't make the situation any better. In her own mind, she was thinking that Grant might have caught on, but then again, with him saying what he said(or didn't say), maybe her whopper of a secret is fine fro how. Though, the relief came from the waiter who gave the special of the night for apps. Savayna had already gave her approval for it.

When everyone approved of it, Wesley would smile. "I guess we'll take that then. " Wesley said.

"Very good then, sir." He said as he bowed his departure to get the food.

When the waiter left, Wesley leaned forward to Nadeline, trying to whisper as much as he could. "So, how about the awkwardness with Grant and Savayna?" He said as he couldn't help but quietly chuckle.

Meanwhile, Savayna and Grant looked at each other. She wasn't sure what to say. Should she even say anything to him after she called him hot? Maybe she shouldn't, but she had to say something. "Um, Grant.." Her voice trailed off, "Sorry for before. I mean, punching you on the Ifrit this morning." She said something, but not what she didn't want to. She wanted to tell him that she liked him. Oh the gods, she wanted to, but words wouldn't come out. Fuck my life.

---

As Emiri and Jaakuna looked at each other, she took her hand to his. While it had the same feeling as any of the multiple times she had taken his hand, this one just made the moment all the more better. However, the moment would be cut short as Emiri would shove Jaakuna away and on that instant, he didn't understand why. When he would look to Emiri, he saw a dagger in her shoulder. He didn't know where it came from, but he looked to the door and he saw a man in a dark cloak. He didn't understand why this man was after her or even him. Though, that didn't matter. He hurt Emiri and that is something that just cannot be forgiven. Emiri was prepared, it seemed. Jaakuna heard the sound of metal on metal as another dagger. This one went to the ceiling.

Jaakuna was now in angry mode. He didn't know why these two men were here, but he didn't care. Emiri was hurt and he would induct these two guys into the hall of pain. "I really don't care who you two are, but the fact that you would attack a lady makes me sick, let me not forget to mention that she is my babycakes." Jaakuna stepped forward, fists up. "I hope you blockheads are ready." And with that, Jaakuna took off to the one at the door.

When he darted four paces, Jaakuna had jumped off of his left leg, his body soaring through the air, and a single knee rammed into the assassins' neck. This would cause the man to be sent flying backwards. On top of that, Jaakuna would jump again, and double-foot stomp the guy in the gut, which a loud yelp was released from his mouth and his consciousness gave. Jaakuna would turn his attention to the other assassin. He would wall-run, pressing off with his right leg, spinning his body once and his left leg would kick the man on the right side of his head, sending him crashing into the wall.

With both men knocked out, Jaakuna would make sure Emiri was alright. "You hurt babe?" Jaakuna said as he would ask if she was hurt at all.

[Hero]

As Jaakuna would take care of their would-be opponents, Emiri needed to get the damn weapon out of her. She tried just pulling, but it seemed to have gotten in deep. She let out a small groan of pain, but she grasped it firmly with one hand. She then bit on her finger as hard as she could. Mentally counting in her head, she pulled out the dagger. She managed not to scream or cry, but by the gods did it hurt. She writhed a bit, shuddering as the pain seared throughout her body, but after a moment, she was fine. She put her hand on her shoulder and managed to use her power to heal it. As her boyfriend asked if she was okay, she held the dagger in her hand, covered in her blood.

"I'm fine." She stated, examining the weapon that had gotten her. "Apparently, however, I was not the target." She stated, going over to her would be killer. She put her dagger back in her boot and held the other tightly. With one hand she slapped the guy several times until he startled awake. "Good morning, sunshine. Who sent you?" She asked him, her voice a low growl.

The man stared at her incredulously, though he realized she had his dagger in her hand. "I don't know what you're talking about! We were just here to rob the place!"

Emiri shook her head, though she pointed the dagger at him. "That's one strike. This house has been abandoned for years. Try again." She told him.

"It's--It's true, they say there's a valuable mirror here! A high ranking soldier lived here!"

"Hmm, nope. Strike two." She pressed the dagger's point into his neck. He gulped, breathing heavily. The once gentle violet eyes were now dangerously narrow, her expression devoid of all emotion. He knew she would kill him if she didn't like the next answer. Taking in a breath, he felt himself shaking. Emiri smirked lightly, pressing the dagger into him harder. "Come on darling, amuse me." She dared him, a vicious glint in her eye.

"I--I--I don't know! I swear! I just did what they told me to do! They said some girl would be here and to kill her! That's all!"

"What girl?"

"Some blonde girl, I think she's royalty or something, but I swear, that's all I know!"

Nadeline. "Are there any more of you? Are you attacking anywhere else tonight?"

"No! It was just me and him! That's it!"

Emiri took the dagger off his neck, slowly backing away. She then lifted the dagger, and stabbed it onto the floor next to him. "If I ever see you again, that dagger will be dug into your throat." She hissed. "Get out of here and take your friend, too."

The man scrambled to his feet, though he did heave his ally over his shoulder, and the two fled the scene. Emiri crossed her arms, thinking to herself. She didn't think (or rather, hoped) her father wouldn't know about this, but since when did Nadeline ever visit her old house? Still, they were all safe for tonight, if the enemy was going to mobilize again, it wouldn't be until tomorrow. She picked up the dagger from the floor where the guy left it. She let out a sigh, turning to Jaakuna. "Sorry you had to see that." She mumbled, blushing slightly. She had wished he would never have to see that side of her, ever.

---

Wesley had noticed it, too. Oh thank the gods, because Nadeline could not keep this to herself at all. She cheered inwardly, though she tried to be discreet about it. She lightly kicked Wesley under the table, though that was more to stop him from chuckling; it almost made her want to laugh, too. "She totally likes him." She informed Wesley rather smugly, though she had to bite her own tongue to prevent herself from erupting into giggles. Oh, this was much too good. "She's just in denial. Or maybe she doesn't know how to admit it."

Grant stared at Savayna as she apologized. Okay, now this was getting weird. From insisting on a rather demeaning nickname to suddenly getting all flustered and nervous, what in the world of Ivalice was going on? He also caught wind of both Nadeline and Wesley quietly snickering between one another. This whole 'pick on Grant thing' was not funny anymore. Still, it'd be rude to not at least acknowledge her apology. "It's fine." He responded, now looking at Savayna and giving her his full attention. She seemed to be struggling with something.

[AlteredTundra]

Nadeline had kicked WEsley underneath the table. He lightly grunted as it actually hurt, but then she would go on to say what Wesley suspected. However, if Grant felt the same was the million-gil question. Though, a guy like Grant would probably not have a freaking clue about what Savayna was struggling to put out there. Wesley chuckled, but he would stop himself after a few little sounds came out in fear that Nadeline would kick him again. "Do you think Grant feels the same way?" Wesley asked in quiet tone.

After Savayna had apologized, she was hoping for some advancement of conversation, but all he said was that it was fine. It's fine? IT'S FINE!? ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME!? THAT'S ALL YOU HAVE TO SAY! Savayna couldn't believe this guy. All he had to say were those two words(three if you split one of them). Seriously, was this guy not tuning into obvious signs. Shit, Savayna didn't want to go out and say it, but Grant wasn't making it easier on her. "Go ahead and ask. I know you want to." Savayna said just hoping for some real response and not some short answer crap.

---

When Jaakuna made sure that Emiri was fine, she would struggle to get the dagger out of her arm, but she finally did. As that would be concluded, she would go over to one of the guys and pretty much bitch-slap the guy until he woke up. She would ask him why they were here attacking her and Jaakuna. First he said they were here to rob the place and obviously that was false. Then they said something about a high-ranking soldier living here. Again, that was false. It finally took some good old life threats to get the guy to admit the truth. The real reason why they were here was to kill some blonde woman of royalty. Jaakuna was hearing him and he tried to put it together. He kept on thinking about even as Emiri told the guy to get his friends and scram.

When they left, Emiri told Jaakuna that she wished he never had to say that. She acted as if it was bad. JAakuna didn't think it was bad at all. "Don't be silly." He said smiling, then taking her in his grasp. "That was the sexiest thing I've seen you do!" He yelled, lifting her up by the waist, and spinning around. He then proceeded to kissing her.

[Hero]

Emiri was more than relieved to hear him say that. She couldn't help but giggle, though once he stopped kissing her after a moment, she took his hand again. "Why don't we head on back?" She suggested, leading him out of the house. "I think it's been an eventful evening as it is." She said, pocketing the dagger. Once they were all together, she would make sure she would inform the rest of the group on the events that had transpired. But for now, she wanted to enjoy the rest of the evening with Jaakuna. She was almost glad they were attacked, in a weird sort of way.

---

Seriously, this woman was driving him crazy. Obviously she had something she really wanted to say but was either just not wanting to say it or she enjoyed confusing the hell out of him. Grant narrowed his eyes at this point, just about having enough of this. What exactly did she want him to ask? What exactly did she think he wanted? Because obviously he just wanted to have dinner and make sure Nadeline behaved herself, but obviously Miss Glacie had an entirely different idea of doing so. What he really wanted to do was ask her what the fuck was going on, but for one reason or another, he put a lid on it. Nope, nope, he needed to be the bigger person. As always. Just like on the Ifrit.

"I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about." He told her straightly. "You've been acting strange the entire day, so unless it has to do with that, I have absolutely no idea. If you have something to say, why don't you just say it already?"

Nadeline raised both her eyebrows, though she looked at Wesley. Obviously they might just get his answer sooner then she thought.

[AlteredTundra]

Jaakuna agreed with Emiri. After the entire day that they had, both good and bad parts, perhaps heading back would indeed be the best thing for them to do. Besides, the walk back would do the both of them good. So, as Emiri would take his hand, they would exit her old house and head back the way they came. In the amount of ten minutes and about six hundred paces, they found themselves in the middle class district, still hand-in-hand. Jaakuna was smiling and it seemed she was too. "You know, despite what happened with those two men, I'm really glad we took this walk, and I'm really glad you showed me your old house." Jaakuna said as he turned his head and smiled to her. He would then look to the sky. "Maybe someday, when things are better, you and I can visit my old house." Jaakuna said as a single tear formed in his eye. He then began looking back ahead of him.

---

Oh boy, here it was. Savayna was asked the big question. Of course, she expected it. Grant was probably getting angry and he just wanted to know. Savayna didn't know how to respond to that. She wanted to tell him exactly what was going on, oh the gods she wanted to, but how could she put it into words? She had been thinking how she could admit it to him in a way that wouldn't come out corny or anything of the sort. Even now, when she looked at him, she couldn't form the words. "Well, um, you see.." She began, knowing she just had to spit it out. "I'm finding myself, I mean..."She continued, but how could she spit it out. OH JUST TELL HIM! Her inner-self was screaming at her. "I LIKE YOU A LOT!" She blurted, but once she did, her face became redder than a plump tomato. OH GOD! OH GOD! OH GOD! OH GOD! She couldn't believe she said it and even worse, she said it so loud that people were looking at her. Kill me now.

As Wesley looked in shock, he could only imagine the glee that Nadeline was feeling right now. "Well, it seems that we have our answer." He whispered quietly to Nadeline.

[Hero]

Nadeline looked like someone who was just told she had one a million gil. If she was next to Wesley she would have pinched him. Luckily for him, he was out of her reach. But she couldn't believe what she was hearing. She looked at Grant, who was nothing less than probably more shocked than both Nadeline and Wesley were. Where the hell did this come from? Suddenly, Grant felt all three of them looking at him, waiting for an answer. Oh dear gods what had he done to deserve this? He wasn't expecting this at all. Not even in his wildest imagination did he imagine it. Then again, it did explain a lot. The hitting, screaming, the breasts, the...whole day. For whatever weird reason he felt somehow strangely relieved, but now he had another issue at hand.

Grant reached for his water and took a sip.

---

As they walked back, Jaakuna suggested that sometime they visit his home. She wouldn't mind that. He was happy, so she was happy. She hooked her arm around his and laid her head on his shoulder. She wondered if there was anything he wanted to do. She got an idea as she watched him look at the sky. "Follow me!" She told him, and ended up running, pulling him behind her. They weaved through the streets ending up before a small, protected lake smack dab in the middle of the plaza. Within was a grand fountain, the water spilling out of it colored differently due to different magicite. "Watch." She told him, pointing to the plants around the lake. Within seconds, several dragonflies started fluttering around, their wings clear and colorless. As they flew above the water, their wings reflected off the magicite's color, making them look like multicolored fireflies.

[AlteredTundra]

He really had nothing to say about it, about what she said? Like nothing at all? WHAT THE FUCK! She was livid with him right now. Truly, she wished she hadn't apologized for punching him cause she really wanted to punch him, kick him, choke him out — just something to get her anger out. Seriously, was he not even going to acknowledge that he heard her. Savayna didn't even know what to say or do. She wanted to kill him, but yet, as she looks upon his face, she gets all flustered. She could feel something stirring around inside her. She really didn't want to make the mistake of punching him and ruin any chance of actually being with him, but seriously? She just can't get over the fact that he said nothing.

She looked at him, took a hold of his water, took it away from him, and looked at him once more. "Are you seriously not going to say anything?" She said sternly. "You knew something was wrong, so obviously you care enough to ask, but when you get the answer, you don't even want to address it." She said as she huffed and puffed. "Ugh, you're such a big meanie!" She said as she got up from her seat and went to the ladies room.

Meanwhile, Wesley looked to Nadeline and a low whistle came from his mouth. If that wasn't a big 'fuck you' to Grant, then Wesley didn't know what was. Wesley spoke to Nadeline. "Uh, maybe you should go check up on her." Wesley said quietly.

---

When Jaakuna had spoke about going back home someday and showing Emiri his it and actually showing her it. Not like before when they were there as prisoners. He wanted to shower her with the glories of what it is like to be an Archadian. He wanted to show her that Archades is called one of the best cities of Ivalice for a reason, he wanted to show her what he once called home. He wanted to show her his roots and what became the foundation of who he is in the here and now. As he would think about all of that, Emiri would tell him that she wanted to show him something.

As Emiri would lead Jaakuna to somewhere, they would soon find themselves at a lake with a fountain in the center and there were several dragonflies flying and flapping their tiny wings above the lake. Their bodies would reflect from the colors of the magicite in the lake. the dragonflies would take on hues of all colors. It was such a marvelous sight to behold. Jaakuna was so amazed by all of this. He knew that Stigma had marvelous things about it, but truly he's seeing that this city does have things that Archades could never have.

Jaakuna looked to Emiri with a rather michevious grin. "Wanna take a dip?" He smiled, somewhat tugging at her near the lake.

---

In the ladies room, Savayna had walked in, huffing and puffing. She was so angry at Grant and she didn't know why. Maybe the fact he said nothing really hurt her more than she thought it would. Perhaps him saying nothing really meant a lot. She would look into the mirror, tears slowly forming, but she would wipe them away before anyone who walked in would see. She then looked at herself in the mirror. "Who are you kidding? He's a freaking prince and you're just the whore of Archadia. Even Jaakuna wouldn't stick around for you." As she looked at herself in the mirror, she felt insignificant to the likes of Nadeline and Emiri. The two of them are both happy and here Savayna was, thinking that a Prince of Rozarria would fall for her.

[Hero]

Meanie? How the hell was HE the meanie? Gods, it was like everything he did was wrong! How was he supposed to react to something like that, anyway? "I'm done." Grant announced, pushing his chair out and getting up. He proceeded to stomp off, clearly confused, somewhat upset and annoyed.

"Oh no." Nadeline scrambled out of her seat, hesitating. Oh no, Savayna, or Grant? Well, not like Savayna was going to escape through the bathroom window or whatever, right? She grabbed Grant's arm, planting her feet on the ground and trying to stop him. This wasn't how it was supposed to turn out like at all! "Please! Stop! Grant, come on!" She pleaded with him, doing everything she could to physically stop him from leaving. "You cannot just leave the situation like this! It's wrong! Reconsider!"

"Leave me alone! I've had enough of everyone!" He told her, clearly frustrated.

"I know, but--but you cannot just leave! I beg you, stay here, I'll...do something, or..."

Grant managed to wrench his arm free of Nadeline, and he turned to her. "I'm sure as entertaining as it might seem to you, Nadeline, I'm not amused. At all. This entire day I've been name called, hit, beaten, humiliated, everything I do ticks off one person or another, and now once again I'm screwing SOMETHING up because, in case you haven't noticed, I have no idea how to even respond to anything!" He yelled. "I'm not you! I don't go around screaming my feelings to the heavens and giggle at the first sign of romance, alright?! I don't even understand how I feel, how can I expect to respond so quickly to something that was literally just dropped on me?!"

"But..." She bit her lip as he stormed out. Damn it, she lost him. She looked at the bathroom and went to it, cautiously opening the door. "Savayna, dear, are you alright?" She asked nervously.

---

Jaakuna enjoyed it. That much made her happy. It was an all natural light show, what more could they possibly need? She wanted to watch the dragonflies for a while, but it seemed he had other ideas. At his suggestion of going in, she shook her head, though she recognized that smile of his. She tried to dissuade him. "No, I've had enough of water for one day." She admitted, trying to resist his tugging. "And I don't even have a change of clothes."

[AlteredTundra]

“Who says anything about clothes?” Jaakuna winked, obviously he wasn’t meaning for them to wear clothes. Though, maybe at what Jaakuna said it and the way he said it wasn't exactly clear, but he was trying to lure her to the lake. With no one around, it's not like that they would get caught or anything. Besides, Jaakuna felt being a little naughty. "It's not like anyone is around to find us out." He said winking.

---

Wesley couldn't believe what kind of mess this turned out to be. First it was all fun and giggles, but now it just sucked. Savayna called Grant a meanie, he walked off, well not after letting Nadeline have an earful of what he really was thinking. He would go on to state that he'd been hit, kicked, made fun of, humiliated, and all in one day. Wesley couldn't help but feel bad for Grant. For some reason, Wesley blamed himself for this slightly. He would at least try to fix it. So, he would also get up, but he would go after Grant.

As SAvayna found herself crying and she noticed Nadeline walked in. She tried her best to wipe her tears, but a woman like Nadeline would automatically notice them. Savayna couldn't hide them either. She looked to Nadeline, hands on the counter. "I-I don't know. I just told a guy that I liked him and he didn't say nothing, not even rejecting them." She said as a self-pity laugh came out. "Maybe expecting anything to come from Grant's mouth was too much. He is, after all, a prince, and I'm just the Whore of Archadia." She again, found herself laughing at her own self of how pathetic she sounded.

Meanwhile, Wesley caught up with Grant just outside the restaurant. "Grant! Wait a minute!" Wesley yelled out as he would try his best to stop Grant. "What's going on?" He asked concerned for his friend.

[Hero]

Nadeline bit her lip nervously as Savayna cried. Boy, she was not used to this sight at all. The woman was usually so strong and tough, but she had been reduced to a puddle of tears. Not that she blamed her! The entire thing just turned out so wrong. She prayed to the gods that Wesley would convince Grant to come back, because she sure couldn't. Uh oh, did that mean she wasn't going to be able to convince Savayna, either? No, she could do this, Grant was just an idiot. A lonely emo idiot. Damn, he was right, they really had been picking on him too much. She remembered her mother's words, and she lightly patted Savayna's back.

"You are not a whore. Status has absolutely nothing on emotions." Nadeline told her sternly. "If it did, I would not be here, literally: my father is a prince, but my mother is commonborn, so I'll have none of that." She informed her."You're right on one thing, expecting anything out of Grant was too much. Remember what Mother said? He just isn't good at putting his feelings into words, remember? And you really surprised him...You surprised everyone, I think."

---

This entire thing was a bad idea. Reia be damned, Grant had half a mind to just go back to the castle and resume his life. As he heard Wesley call out to him, he considered ignoring him, though by the time that thought crossed his mind, he had already caught up. He stopped in his tracks, looking at the other dark haired man. "What's going on? You tell me what's going on!" He exclaimed, exasperated. "The entire day from the very beginning, she sucker punches me, ridicules me, teases me, insults me--now all of a sudden she drops this bomb on me, and I--" He stopped, realizing how loud he was getting. He took in a deep breath before continuing. "This was just a bad idea waiting to happen. I ask that you and Nadeline forgive me, but I've had enough. I'm not going to fall for it, there is absolutely no possible way she can be serious after the actual hell of a day she has put me through--and even if she was I...I...don't even know how to respond."

---

Emiri's jaw dropped. Swimming without clothes? In public? Did people actually do that? No wonder Jaakuna seemed so eager. He seemed very set on doing it, though. It was true that the place was practically empty, but she was just so unsure. Still, the way he looked at her meant he was going to keep asking until she said yet. She felt her cheeks turn red, though she temporarily avoided his gaze for a moment as she stared out into the lake. "I...I suppose it wouldn't hurt." She mumbled as he pulled her along.

[AlteredTundra]

When Nadeline spoke, Savayna's eyes widened, even though there were still tears falling from them. Though, by the time Nadeline had finished, she managed to get them under control. Though, the words of which she spoke, Savayna disagreed with some of them. "You're wrong. I am a whore. I slept with both Princes of Archadia and I spent the latter half of my teenhood sleeping around just to prove a point." She said,"Yeah, maybe expecting Grant to say anything was too much, but what else was I supposed to do? I pretty much outed my feelings to him and now I feel so fucking stupid for even saying anything." She said, realizing that her tears didn't stop. Much like the happiness inside her, the tears kept on falling and falling. Though, in response to what Nadeline said of what her mother said, Savayna got a few words out. "And him sipping his water was what? Him just ignoring it all." Savayna was just dumbfounded on what to do at this point.

---

Wesley was thankful that Grant stopped to at least hear him out, though Grant did most of the talking as he would state how he was punched, teased, insulted, and just about everything that could tick off someone. Wesley chuckled. "Grant, didn't you ever have someone crush on you when you were a kid? This is how it was. They would tease you, insult you, and sometimes even physically hurt you." Wesley felt bad for Grant, though. "Savayna is, well she's a little aggressive, but trust me when I tell you this that is serious in all of this." Wesley said, "If you want to know how serious she is, just go ask Jaakuna. If anyone knows how Savayna is when it comes to feelings, he would know, they are ex-wife and ex-husband after all." Wesley continued, "Though, now that begs the question..How do you feel about all of this? Even more importantly, how do you feel for Savayna?" Wesley asked, slightly raising his right eyebrow.

---

Jaakuna was thoroughly surprised that Emiri agreed to the late-night skinny dipping session, but he did see the look on her face as she would turn red and turn away as he would lead her to the lake. In minutes, their clothes were off and inside the lake they went. The water had a perfect balance of cold and warm. It felt so nice and Jaakuna would run his head underneath the water to get his hair wet and as he came up, he saw Emiri just staring at him. The way the colors from the magicite looked and the gleaming moon shined upon her body, Jaakuna was just breathless. And then he kissed her, taking his hands on her head and he tilted his head slightly to the side and locked his lips to hers. If there was ever the perfect moment to kiss her, it would be now. The skies are dark, stars lighting up said skies, moon shining light upon the night, and the dragonflies still around. It was something straight out of a sappy romance novel and Jaakuna was embracing every bit of the moment as much as he could.

[Hero]

Nadeline would not touch the girl's sex status with a ten foot pole. It was only now that she did realize, however, that she was absolutely terrible at comforting people. Damn it. Where was Emiri when you needed her? She cleared her throat, hoping to try again. "Grant is just a very confused. I promise, if perhaps you both sit down and properly explain the situation, then,,,everything would get cleared up. I believe this can be resolved with a simple explanation, it's all just a big misunderstanding." She told her. Boy was she terrible at this.

---

"I have absolutely no idea what you are talking about. We are not children. I'm...I'm not like you all. I have a hard enough time as it is understanding people as a whole, nonetheless understanding myself. I'm sure most men would have reacted better to this situation, but I'm not like them." Grant told Wesley. He had found the situation amusing but Grant didn't. Not at all. He was confused and frustrated and would much rather just crawl under a rock and die. "I don't know how I feel. How does one react to someone treating them violently the entire day and then suddenly confess? Everything she has done has proven that she loathes me. I would have been fine with that. I don't know how to handle this sudden epiphany she has had. And I am well aware she is serious which begs the question of why would she just blurt it out like she did?"

[AlteredTundra]

Did Nadeline really believe that what she said to Grant was just another way to make him feel bad? Savayna really didn't know how to respond to that. She was as serious as she is that she's a female. Savayna meant what she said. Though, Savayna does have to agree that her and Grant did need to sit down and talk this out. It would do no one good if either of them just keep on dodging it. Sure, it just happened, but maybe what they both needed was to just clear all of it out so there wasn't any confusion or misunderstandings.

She looked at Nadeline, and spoke. "I agree, we do need to sit down, but it wasn't a misunderstanding. I meant what I said to him. Ugh, but why did I even have to have these feelings?" She would let out an 'oh my god' groan. Throwing her hands up in the air, she would face the opposite direction and began to pace back and forth, and all the while she would speak. "I mean, come on! It's all his fault you know. He just had to toss me up in the air when we all were playing Chicken Fight and then catching me in his arms like I was his woman or something." She went on and on while still going back and forth. "I spent the entire day giving him such a hard time, so why the hell do I feel so strongly about him? ARGH!" She let out another loud groan.

---

When Grant spoke, he would try his best not to chuckle, not even in the slightest bit. It was hard though. Grant didn't know the kind of woman Savayna was and even though he hasn't known her for very long, he had observed her behavior and he had gathered that she does show kindness, but in very aggressive ways. Maybe Grant hadn't caught onto that. Or maybe he was so lost in confusion that he couldn't see it clearly. Wesley would try his best to at least persuade Grant to just let her explain.

Letting Grant finish speaking, Wesley would then talk. "As i have said, Savayna is very aggressive and can be violent at times. Maybe she didn't know how to say it. When we were waiting for the food to come to our table, Nadeline and I caught onto something was eating her up. " Wesley said scratching his head, "Maybe the two of you should sit down and talk about it. I don't know if anything will come of it, but maybe doing that will make things a little better. At the very least, maybe your confusion about the matter will actually ease up somewhat." Wesley said, unsure whether or not it would work. However, he did want Grant to at least give Savayna the chance to explain herself.

[Hero]

Grant threw his arms in the air in clear defeat. "Yes of course. And then when I get maimed I have you to thank. Really." Grant muttered, clearly unhappy. Without waiting for Wesley, Grant walked back into the restaurant, though he noticed that nearly everyone was looking at him. He promptly ignored them all, sitting back down and crossing his arms. As a waitress walked by, he waved her over. "Drambue Rusty Nail. Now. No ice." He barked. The waitress immediately went to the bar, and within minutes came back with his requested drink. He downed the entire thing in a manner of seconds, and he held out the cup for the waitress. "Another." She nodded, taking the cup and leaving Grant to mope.

---

Awww, Savayna was actually cute when she was flustered. She was so confused and for whatever reason Nadeline found it absolutely adorable. It looked like whatever Grant did to (accidentally) charm her worked. She wanted to say it was her own fault for that little boobie stunt she tried on the beach, but knew better than that. This was something straight out of one of her novels...except the recipient was usually a man that understood the woman's feelings. Grant was a...very special case. And when she said special she meant clueless. She coughed slightly, attempting to try once again to comfort Savayna. "Well, for now, why don't we head on back to the table? I'm positive that we can all just...sweep this under the table. Then after dinner, you both can properly discuss in private and clear the air. Yes?" She suggested hopefully.

[AlteredTundra]

Both Nadeline and Wesley seemed to have persuaded Savayna and Grant to come back to the table. Though, when they all walked from outside and the bathroom respectively, eyes were all on Savayna, Nadeline, Grant, and Wesley. Though none of them quite the dirty looks, there were some raised eyebrows and some whispers here and there. Anyone with a perfect set of ears could hear them just whisper things like "Look it's them", "What's up with them?", and "Who are they?". Savayna would just ignore them. She had much more important things to focus on. She would heed what Nadeline said about just letting the previous topic slide for now and Grant and Savayna can talk about it privately.

As they all were at the table, Grant seemed determined to get wasted or at least, drowning whatever emotion he was feeling in copious amount of alcohol. Wesley made a note of it, but Savayna wouldn't mention it. Instead, she would join Grant in that endeavor. "Waiter! Get me some Whiskey neat, and make it a double please." Savayna said, as the waiter would, in minutes, bring her a drink. She, like Grant, downed that in seconds. She wasn't competing with him, but she was just as...well angry(maybe) at him or at herself. "Gimme another." She yelled out and thus the drinks would keep on coming and coming.

Wesley could only watch in slight discomfort as Dominic would come with their apps. "Um, guys — the apps are here." WEsley nervously said.

Savayna looked over quickly. Wesley snapped back. "WOO-HOO!" Savayna yelled out as Dominic would set the plates down.

The waiter would then speak. "What would you lot have for your Entree course?" Dominic asked.

Wesley looked at the menu. "Come back in five and we'll tell you." He told Dominic.

"Very well then sir." Dominic said as he took his leave.

As Dominic left, Wesley would look to Nadeline and then to his menu. After looking at it slightly, he looked back to Nadeline with an apologetic look. 'Sorry this was the worst first date ever." Wesley said, apologizing to Nadeline

[Hero]

Awkward was not the right word for what hung in the air as the four reoccupied the table. No, that would have been too light of a word. Nadeline watched Savayna and Grant rather nervously, as if expecting one of them to explode at any minute. Grant had decided to start on alcohol, with Savayna shortly following; though she dared to think that Grant was doing a much better job at recomposing himself. He looked entirely as expressionless as usual, though she did swear she heard him lightly humming as he drank. She winced lightly as Savayna yelled in her ear and started wondering if maybe she should cut them both off from drinking. She caught Wesley's apologetic look, though she would wave it aside as she mimicked him, looking at her menu,

"I've had worse." She told him, though every once in a while her eyes would dart from her menu to each person at the table.

Grant hummed lightly to himself, his head leaning against his hand. He had his eyes closed as his middle finger traced the edge of the glass. Whenever someone needed courage, his father always suggested good spirits and a frothy beer. Too bad he had neither of those. That and he didn't much like the taste of beer anyway. Once in a while he would open his eyes to look at Savayna, trying to figure out her game, but he'd never look for too long lest he incur her wrath (again). True, he had been the one to ask what was wrong, but her aggressiveness was something he was not used to. Emiri was always so soft and gentle, and even earlier today her actions were more on the caring side. If he had to guess who between Savayna and Emiri liked him hypothetically, he would pick Emiri. But of course, the reality was that it was Savayna. The question was, what was he going to do with that information?

No, he knew what he needed to do. And on his fourth Nail, he got the courage to do it, too. After finishing it, he lightly placed it down on the table. Pushing his chair out, he stood up, looking straight at Savayna. "Let's go." He told her, beckoning her to follow. "Wesley, Nadeline, enjoy the rest of your evening." He told them as he walked out once more. Though this time he was perfectly calm and composed.

[AlteredTundra]

There was an awkward silence for about a few minutes. WEsley and Nadeline couldn't help but stay silent for those few minutes. It would soon end however. Grant would look to Savayna and her to him. He would simply stand up and utter the two words 'let's go' as he beckoned her to follow him. Downing the drink that she just got, she followed him, waving goodbye to Wesley and Nadeline.

Wesley looked to Nadeline slightly confused and nervous, but relieved. For some reason the two of them leaving actually was a good thing for both pairs. It meant that Wesley and Nadeline could enjoy their date without anything else interrupting it. Like, without any other negative vibes. And also, it was good for Grant and Savayna. They could finally all talk it out, and either put whatever is between them to rest or start whatever is between them. Now, as they sat across from each other, Wesley would smile. "So, I guess we're alone now." He smiled still, "Let's get our food now, shall we?" He said looking down at his menu.

Meanwhile, Grant and Savayna were walking down the street. Savayna didn't know how to approach this. She couldn't possibly know what Grant was feeling or what she could say. Maybe she should just apologize. Yes, that sounded like a good idea. "I-i--" She began to speak, but her breath was short. "Um, I'm sorry, bout...well everything. And you're not a meanie or a pussy or a pervert." And there she was, apologizing. She didn't know why she was, but anything was better than the silence that plagued the air. Savayna just looked down, arms locked at her center.

[Hero]

Nadeline watched the pair leave curiously and turned back to Wesley. That had been somewhat unexpected. She then found herself actually laughing a little, no doubt the previous laughter she had been holding in the entire evening. Once she let it all out she let out a sigh, putting the menu down. Wesley was right though, now that they were alone she could finally relax and not have to worry about Grant hovering and complaining about everything she did. She smiled at him, placing her chin in her hands as she shook her head. "Would you think less of me if I admitted it was somewhat of a relief?" She asked him, a slight hint of guilt in her voice. "I mean...it was terrible, but I would much rather have it this way."

---

Grant had no idea what to do or where to even go. He just walked. Luckily for him, Savayna had followed...which was good, otherwise he would have just looked like a rude idiot. And then she spoke. And apologized. Boy was he glad to have been out of there, last thing he wanted was Nadeline shooting him looks and whatnot. He did match Savayna's pace as they walked, hands in his pockets. The alcohol was kicking in, and he felt great. Still stoic, but great. It hit him that he needed to respond. He coughed lightly, shaking his head. "It's fine, no need to fret over such trivial things. Though I do appreciate it." He responded, though he decided he needed to return the favor. "I must apologize as well for my...lack of a response. Though I decided it could be discussed in private." He paused. "By private I mean away from...them." He corrected himself quickly.

[AlteredTundra]

When Grant spoke and accepted her apology, Savayna actually was glad that he did. Then, he would also apologize about not responding to Savayna's admission to him. He wanted to do it in private and away from Wesley and Nadeline. Savayna was so relieved to hear that. It wasn't just cause that he actually wanted to address it and not brush it off, but the fact that he wanted to do it just with her made her feel happy of sorts. However, she did know that they had to talk about this seriously; though she had no idea how to bring it up without feeling nervous or awkward.

They continued down the direction that they were going, the silence continued for a minute or so, and she would speak. "So, uh, how do you--I mean, what do you feel about it?" She nervously asked.

---

When Nadeline admitted that she was relieved that they left, Wesley was semi-happy to hear that. He let out a very relieved, yet nervous laugh. He also didn't want to sound horrible for being glad that they were gone. The fact that both of them were laughing meant that they were thinking the same exact thing. Hearing her also say that she preferred it this way, Wesley nodded in agreement. He couldn't think of any other way for the night to proceed than how it is going along right now.

Wesley kept looking at her and he spoke. "So, shall we order our dinner then?" Wesley said letting the remaining laughs fade off.

Not long after that happened, Dominic came back. "So, are you two ready to order now?" He asked.

Wesley laughed, "Yeah, I think we are." He said. Wesley looked to the Menu just once more to get the specifics of what he wanted. "I'll have the Seared Chocobo Breasts and the salad with a tomato vinaigrette." He said.

"Very well then." Dominic said jotting it down on his paper pad. "And for the miss?" He said.