journaler | ✿ IC CONTACT

[Sousei's a very matter-of-fact person, Leia's come to find, and that's how she takes it. She's reassured, even, at his offer, and of course, she's gladly going to take it.

She just can't help but worry a bit herself.]

Won't that be difficult in this storm?

[Would it be...? Yeah, probably. But even so, he just turns and starts to walk, offering up after a moment--]

I'm not concerned. There are reasons I have to return to my apartment, and so I will.

[Leia follows closely behind before matching his pace. She'll study his expression for a quiet moment--the first quiet moment she's had in a while--and of course, her curiosity leads her to speculate about what those reasons might be.

How should she ask...?]

You sound pretty concerned to me.

[About said apartment--or more likely, someone in it?]

[Stop calling him out on these things!! He pauses for a moment, arching an eyebrow at that.

... ... ...]

However, I will see you to safety before I continue on my way.

[Did he just ignore her observation yes he did.]

[He's so subtle. But that's also pretty sweet, so for the time being at least, Leia will let it go. She's hit the nail on the proverbial head anyway.]

I really appreciate it.

[...]

If you get into trouble, don't forget about the gels I gave you.

I won't get into trouble.

[Wow, someone sure is confident--though a moment later, he adds simply:]

But I won't forget.

[Ah...

For now, though, he'll start walking.]

Would you prefer to return to your home, or to a place with more people?

[Leia follows behind him, quietly for a time. She looks indecisive and thoughtful. It'd be easier to know the answer to that if she could actually get in touch with anybody...]

I don't really know...

[She pulls out her CereVice, in hopes that something might have changed--but other than text messages that she hasn't gotten any responses to, it's just a brick. Dead weight, until this weather passes.]

But there are a lot of people here, aren't there? [Sounds like she already knows the answer to that, at least.]

[A lot of people in the mall? Well, yes, he can't deny that one. But that's not exactly what he was thinking, mostly because--]

There are--but they are scattered. Thrillseekers, people intending to fight alone or with a small group, and the like. There aren't people intending to set up a small, safe area solely for defense here.

[Which makes sense, since this is basically right in the middle of enemy territory at the moment.]

You are already tired. It would not be wise for you to join a group like that.

[She'd been one of those people, and they both know it at this point. His words definitely strike a chord, but she's determined not to feel guilty about it. She knows her own limits...

If she doesn't, who else would?]

I'll be okay.

[...Probably. She intends to dial it down on the fighting, at least, when she can.]

If there are people who are trying to set up a safe spot, then I should find them. They probably don't have enough manpower.

...Or girl-power!

Yes, that's a sensible plan. [Also what he was hoping she would go for, really. A tired fighter is better off with a large group of people, assisting with the defense, than going out as a lone wolf and possibly getting into trouble.

Girl-power.

... .... .. .well, she's not wrong.]

If there is such a gathering of people, it won't be in this mall. There is nowhere to hide from the monsters here. Perhaps in one of the other buildings along the road. One that is easy to access, most likely.

[Quietly, Leia nods. As it stands now, it's pretty hard to tell where the roads begin and end, but... they'll manage. She just kind of hates the fact that he's right--because she knows there are plenty of people still fighting for their lives here.]

I found one unlocked on the way here. I... think I remember where it is.

[Maybe others like her and IV have found it, too.

She hopes so.]

[And, simply, he nods. At some point, after all, they have to all do what is best for their own survival, if only to not cause trouble for other people.

But he'll still accompany her there.]

Lead the way.

[Because there are other dangers out in the snow even now. (sousei has joined your party!)]

[At that, Leia glances around, opting to keep her guard up until they can find the exit. It's a lot easier to fight now with Sousei at her side, so elves really give them any trouble. They're more of a hindrance than anything else.

When they do reach the doors, she stops to stare for a moment. She can see that the blizzard hasn't let up any.]

... Ready?

[She turns to Sousei.]

Yes, of course.

[At least there's no hesitation to be found on this loser's end of things. He simply pushes open the doors and strides on out, so... coming, Leia?

Truly, these buzzkills are all the same.]

[The buzziest buzzkill to ever buzz, but then Leia wouldn't have it any other way. Probably. It wouldn't be the Sousei she's come to know.

She nods, albeit drawing in breath in anticipation.

Like pulling off a bandaid, right? Just get it over with. She draws her scarf tighter around her neck, and draws her jacket closed, arms wrapped around herself as she follows him out. The wind is still howling just as loudly as before, the snow relentless on her eyes.

......... brrrrrr.]

[Sousei has already taken a few strides into the snow, but now he is waiting, standing tall and unbothered in the blizzard--aside from the way that he has pulled up his scarf to cover his face a little bit more.

Even he gets cold, really.

He's about ready to go home and have some tea, if he really has any say in it--but he waits until she reaches him before he nods, an turns to continue.

Shouldn't Leia be leading, Sousei.......]

[She should be! And she hasn't forgotten. It's pretty difficult to talk or do much of anything but focus on the destination, but she seems grateful when she looks up at him after catching up.

She pulls ahead after that, taking deep breaths while trying not to suck in the snow.

Her throat feels so dry... Tea and soup sound amazing, but that'll be her reward at the end.

After a while, she points off to the row of buildings on their right.]

[And he follows, neatly and calmly (thank goodness he always wears boots, a single familiarity to his uniform from home) and when they finally find those buildings Leia was talking about, he just nods in response.

It's not worth trying to shout over the storm, but nonetheless his meaning is implied.

Carry on--he'll follow her in, at least, to make sure they're safe.]

[She tries one or two of the entrances, before remembering it's actually the one at the very end. Finally, she'll open the right one and lead the way in, breathing like she hasn't been able to--which isn't entirely untrue.

It's quiet.

She glances off to the hidden corner, and the small little Christmas tree still sits as she remembers it.

She quickly tries to get a better look, curious--though it doesn't seem like anyone else has found the place.]

✿ IC CONTACT

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