[open!]

[falsesmile]

Who: Ves (falsesmile) and general!
When: Day 6, afternoon
Where: The Ruined Hull
What: General exploration post!

[ The Ruined Hull has been unlocked! The go-team has been in the area for a while, the stay-team members who are so inclined have probably meandered over here somehow by now -- time to go exploring, but keep an eye on those suit power levels ♥ ]

Comments

[ex_bossily211]

[She laughs harder, reaching over to pat him on the shoulder.]

Maybe you'll find yourself a girlfriend here. Never know, dangerous adventures work in strange ways.

[She'll stop there though, because teasing is well and good but bullying isn't and she doesn't want to actually upset him.]

[ceruleo]

[ She really shouldn't have brought up the topic. ]

You think...?

[ He's bright-eyed and bushy tailed all of a sudden, a name obviously having popped into his head. ]

[ex_bossily211]

[Well, she wasn't expecting that reaction. It's not any of her business, but...]

Why, do you have someone in particular you're interested in?

[She likes gossip. What can she say?]

[ceruleo]

Um.

[ His mouth clicks shut, and a pink flush forms over his nose. He looks from side to side furtively, as if debating with himself, then leans in towards Clara. ]

Maybe...?

[ex_bossily211]

Maybe...who?

[Clara's grinning much like an older sister who's curious about something just so she can tease their younger sibling about it when the mood strikes.]

[ceruleo]

I'm not telling you anything without collateral.

[ He's not falling for it. He has older siblings. ]

[ex_bossily211]

What sort of collateral could I possibly have in a place like this?

[Reaching up, she taps her index finger against his temple.]

Go on, your secret's safe with me.

[ceruleo]

[ Ah, ah, ah. He leans his head away, brow cocked. ]

You can create some. [ He leans back in, grinning now. ] Tell me one embarrassing thing about yourself.

[ex_bossily211]

[She pulls away, looking at him like he's just said something ridiculously offensive.]

The fact that you fancying someone is the same to you as an embarrassing story's a bit childish, don't you think?

[Still, she smiles a little and relents.]

But if you must know, I only took up traveling because I fancied the man offering to take me.

[ceruleo]

[ Well, she's right, and the word 'childish' seems to make him flinch just a bit, but the cocky swagger is hard to knock off. Her story, though, truly takes him by surprise--his expression slackens, mouth falling open. He hadn't expected her to be so genuine with him, obviously. ]

That's...not embarrassing. At least I don't think so. [ It's clear he doesn't hold that against her at all, though. ] You got to travel! With a guy you like! [ He grins, easy and bright again. ] Sounds like a plus if you ask me. Did he like you back?

[ex_bossily211]

[And just like that, any smile or good humor that she's had on her face vanishes. She looks more than a little heartbroken at his question, and she gives a quick shake of her head.]

Not in the way you think he might. That's what makes it embarrassing.

[ceruleo]

[ His heart breaks for her. Impulsively, he reaches for her hand, squeezing her fingers. ]

Yeah, well. He missed out. [ He leans in again, pink blossoming on his cheeks. Barely above a whisper, he admits: ] Um, it's Ahsoka...

[ Immediately his head whips away, whole body rigid, whole face burning, letting go of her hand. ] You didn't hear me say it though, okay?!

[ex_bossily211]

[Forcing a smile on her face, she gives a little nod of her head.] Don't worry. I won't tell a soul.

[She thinks it's adorable, though. Being young and fancying someone brings back enough happy memories that her smile becomes a little more genuine.]

Are you sure you can keep up with her, though?

[ceruleo]

[ His posture softens as he realizes Clara won't make fun of him, a shy smile playing on his face. He rubs the back of his neck. ]

I dunno, probably not. [ For once, he's being honest; there's no point in doing otherwise. He's seen Ahsoka in action. ] That's kind of what I like, you know?

[ That she's impressive--he might call her inspiring, one day. But it doesn't change reality. ] Whatever. We're probably gonna wind up in the same club anyway, right?

[ex_bossily211]

Look at you. I can't imagine you having to be stuck in the same boat as me.

[This time, her smile is bright as she laughs. A hand reaches up to pat at his cheek, because it is very adorable and endearing to have him be so smitten with someone. ]

Besides, my club's meant for me and me alone. Alone and bitter, party of one. No room at the table for you too.

[ceruleo]

Yeah, yeah.

[ He ducks his head sharply with a tsk that somehow manages to communicate a wordless 'you're embarrassing me'. ]

I mean, I am pretty irresistible, right?

[ That cocky confidence is back, Lance's smile gleaming. He nudges Clara in the side, gently. ]

You shouldn't give up on yourself though, gorgeous! Plenty of fish in the, uh, desert.

[ex_bossily211]

Oh, if I were ten years younger, you'd definitely be in trouble.

[She dryly retorts, pleased that he's feeling confident once again. To the nudge to her side, she does manage a little scowl, if only because talking about herself and romance is a disaster.]

And while there may be plenty of fish lurking about, I'm not exactly...

[Desirable?

No, that's not the word she's looking for. She's got plenty of confidence when it comes to flirting, but Lance doesn't need to know that. This is about him, and not her. So she just sheepishly smiles and gives a little shrug.]

Doesn't matter, really.

[ceruleo]

Oh, come on! [ Arms akimbo, he considers her. She's way cute. She could get any guy here in a heartbeat. ] Not exactly what? You can't be shy about this stuff--you gotta put yourself out there!

[ Surely there are better role models than Lance, though. ]