February System Mingle

[thespaceopera]

Who: EVERYONE!!!
Broadcast: Possibly
Action: The Shinda BR-10 System
When: The fleet will be in this system from 1/26 to 2/23



Welcome to the Shinda system! There are three explorable planets here - Duotera, Ebrion, and Philias - each with its own current temperature state. Get out there and see the sights - but do please prepare for the extreme weather as necessary!

→ More system info is here!

Comments

[axi]

Huh? Oh, no, it's fine! [Kaname waves her hand in dismissal of his worry, moving to walk next to him.]

Sorry, it just surprised me, that's all. [She nudges him a little with her arm.] Don't worry, I'm sure it'll be fun.

[A pause, then she adds.] But when we're done, if there's time, there is something I want you to try with me.

[this_loser]

[Oh good. He smiles and continues on without worry, .] I hope so! Maybe. I don't know. [His idea of fun didn't always match up with others']

[A trail winding into the forest along the edge of town appears, but he slows enough to give her a curious look.] Uh, sure. What's that?

[axi]

We'll find out in time, then, but I trust you. [And she does. She would've asked him to tell her what it was if she didn't.] Boring isn't your style.

[Kaname meets his curious look with an innocuous smile.] I think this one'll be my surprise to make it even.

[With a look to the forest, tilts her head in its direction.]

This way, right?

[this_loser]

[Trust. Awesome. That's a big deal. He doesn't know what to say in response, so he just nods happily.]

I like surprises. Unless they're bad surprises. Don't like those.

[He nods again, and skips ahead a few feet before turning and walking backwards for a bit.] Yep! It's not too far. Just up the hill. That's what I was told, anyway.

[axi]

I don't think anyone does.

[Laughing at his energy, the singer remains at her own pace, not falling too far behind.]

Do I have to guess when we get there? If you're facing this way, you might not be able to tell me. [Of course she's simply teasing him, slowing momentarily to step over a dip in the path.] It's actually been a while since I've taken a nice walk in the woods. The past few systems didn't really lend themselves to that.

[this_loser]

Yeah, it's real nice here. And no death and destruction to ruin it all. [He grins and makes to spin back around, but his feet don't do well on uneven surfaces apparently, and he flails backward, arms pinwheeling.]

[axi]

A nice mood booster if there ever was one. Are yo--

[She was going to ask if she could get any clues as to what he has planned, but his impromptu display of grace cuts her off as she quickly reaches out to grab his hand and help steady him. A swift pull forward should hopefully do the trick.]

Whoa, are you all right?

[this_loser]

[He was braced for the fall, but stumbles back upright with a self-conscious laugh.]

Yeah. Sorry! Thanks for the assist!

[He turns more carefully this time, and starts up the trail's incline.]

Uh, just a little farther!

[axi]

Of course, anytime. [It takes her a moment longer to let go of his hand than it otherwise might, but she does, following him as they continue to walk.]

Am I allowed to ask for a hint yet, or are we too close?

[this_loser]

[That was kind of nice. (More than kind of.) But he decides it was just in his head that the hand-hold lasted longer than it should have. She's just being nice, after all.]

We're pretty close. That big tree up there?

[He points to a large tree sitting pretty at the top of the trail. Also, that was a terrible hint. It wasn't even a hint! He's no good at this.]

[axi]

[A puzzled look crosses her face as they get closer to the tree.] Is that where we're going?

[With a little extra push (her boots are made for walking on flat surfaces, not hiking), Kaname moves to walk beside him.]

Unless you've got a picnic set up somewhere, I'm a loss. [Her grin tells him she's only joking about the picnic.]

[this_loser]

Mmhmm.

[He should have given her a hint or at least told her to wear better shoes. Fortunately, it's a short walk up the hill.]

Aw, no. But that's a great idea. We'll totally do a picnic next time!

[Assuming there is a next time. It's a little presumptuous. She might not even like this sort of thing. Maybe he should have asked.

He sets those worries aside when they crest the mound. From here, the hill suddenly drops into a steep valley littered with trees rising and falling like waves on gentle knolls far below. In the distance, the skyline of a city melds with the surrounding mountains.]

Wow. This is better than I expected.

[axi]

[Kaname opens her mouth to address the comment, but the sight before them cuts her off. Her brows raise as her smile slowly grows in wonder.]

Oh, wow... This is absolutely gorgeous. [Moving forward to the edge of the hill, she looks out before turning back around to face Prompto.]

How did you ever think of this? [The smile on her face is still prevalent.] Mm, a picnic for another date sounds fun.

[It's an offhand comment, one she doesn't think too much of as she moves to face the view again.]

[this_loser]

[He's not a fan of edges and big drops, so he hangs back.] I was looking for good picture spots. Someone in town said to come here.

[His skin is the right shade of pale that any and every blush lights up from ears to neck, splotchy and bright. But surely he misheard?] A... um... huh? I mean, what...was that?

[axi]

[When he asks her what she said, she turns to repeat herself.] A picnic for another date sounds fun...?

[Now she catches sight of him, and a concerned expression crosses her face. Kaname walks over to get a better look.]

Are you all right? [She pauses, suddenly worried herself.] I mean, if you don't want to, that's fine...

[this_loser]

[That's what he thought she said. Oh boy.]

Ahh! I'm fine! [He waves his hands around, warding off her concern. He can feel the heat in his cheeks, though.] Th-this wasn't, um... I didn't mean for this to be... a... um... But it's! I mean, I wouldn't mind, actually... another... y'know...

[His words are broken. Did any of that make sense?]

[axi]

[Well, crap. Kaname can feel her own face redden a little at the situation. She feels equally bad about presuming and putting him on the spot, albeit without meaning to.]

Oh no... Prompto, I'm so sorry. I thought since today was... [Her own words trail off, and she shakes her head.] If it's easier, please just forget I said anything. I don't want you to feel weird about any of this.

[It's really all she can do to keep from turning away in embarrassment.]

[this_loser]

Today...? [What's today? He wracks his brain, but nothing comes to mind.]

No, it's... it's okay. I messed up, right? [It's his fault. Has to be.] But, um, you... you thought I was asking you on a date? And, and you ... Well, you're here?

[axi]

[The explanation of the holiday is the last thing she wants to explain at this moment, especially with the current misunderstanding. Kaname shifts from one foot to the other and grips the strap of her bag tighter than necessary.]

No, how would you have messed up? You didn't do anything wrong. [Her words might be more forceful than intended, but his assumption needs to be corrected, as wrong as it is.] I shouldn't have presumed anything.

[Color brightens her face a little more, but she still manages a nod.] Yeah. That's why I'm feeling pretty silly now...

[this_loser]

I'm sure I said something...? [He must have worded something wrong, or something. He has no idea. She said something about today, so maybe that has something to do with it? He should have known better.

He doesn't want her to feel bad about this.] But you're saying, you would have gone on a date with me?

[axi]

I promise you didn't. [Replaying everything in her head tells her it's just a very unfortunate misunderstanding, and if there is any blame, there's only a small fraction on her for assuming.

Him repeating the question again does make her feel a little worse, but she's not about to say that out loud. Instead she gives another nod, albeit this one smaller.]

I came here thinking it was. So yes, I would've. [Actually, she does need to say it.] But this made it weird, right? I should probably go.

[this_loser]

[He's not convinced, okay, but he's going to let it go with a short nod.

He looks surprised, a little confused.] Really? [Really? This has never happened to him before. He doesn't know what to do!] You don't have to go! It's not weird.

...Maybe a little weird.

But you don't have to go!

U-unless you want to.

[axi]

Really. [Kaname gives a weak laugh at his admittance and rebuffing of the situation, adjusting her grip on her bag.]

I don't want to, not really. [She sighs a little and looks around before sitting on a nearby rock.] Still, it's uncomfortable for you now, isn't it? That's not what I wanted at all. I can't apologize enough for that.

[Looking over at him, Kaname tries a smile.] Still friends?

[this_loser]

[Really. That's ... wow. Wow.

He relieved that she doesn't want to go. He looks around, and then settles for sitting right there on the ground.]

It's just unexpected, that's all. If I'd known, I would've done things differently!

[He nods quickly, more times than necessary.] Still friends!

[axi]

[His earnesty puts her at ease, letting her relax a little as she chuckles. Scooting over, Kaname leaves room on the rock if he decides he's tired of sitting on the ground.]

Yeah? How's that? [If there's nothing else, she can at least attempt to make light of the situation now. Maybe something'll stick.]