As if the world had not already started collapsing within the confinement of his own mind, he then had his foot stepped on in the midst of the inward chaos. Al retracted his foot, his toes curling within his shoe as soon as the woman's heel left a mark. He grunted but just managed to compose himself, despite the chills running miles up and down his spine. Was the woman related to the prison? Did they send her here to finish off what they started? Is he going to die tonight? Alphonse couldn't help but let his thoughts run wild as the woman quickly regained her composure as well. After being cut off from the outside world for his entire childhood and imprisoned for months, one would expect him to be quite the hard shell to crack. However, he was exactly the opposite. Socialization was never really Al's forte, that was a given. On the other hand, as of now, he was definitely unsure of how to respond to the painful gesture. His mind was in complicated knots as his fingers twitched, watching the woman as she explained herself. The explanation proved to be in vain, however, as her words came in to one ear and flew out the next. [i]Did I-- already make an enemy?[/i] --- [b]"The name's Disa,"[/b] she began, [b]"Sorry for stepping on your foot."[/b] That was strange. Normally an adversary of his wouldn't feel the need to apologize. Maybe she was keeping up a facade to try and get on his good side? He wouldn't make that mistake. He pondered for a moment about his reply, thinking carefully about the wording. Would he have to use an alias? [b]"I-I'm Alexander."[/b] he finally said, struggling to calm his rising blood pressure. The false name would have to do-- better safe than sorry. Al gave her a once-over, taking in the details. If she was an assassin, she was a damn beautiful one. They do pick them well, hiring the most convincing actors and having them carry out their roles until it was time for them to put their target to sleep. He tilted his head as soon as he noticed the colour beginning to manifest on her cheeks, making it quite obvious she was as anxious as he was. This definitely made it easier for him to adjust. After all, if she was trying, he might as well-- right? [i]Oh, god. Just let it go, they'd never find you here. No one would've been allowed into the academy without an invitation, so there you go, Alphonse.[/i] --- [b]"It's okay, shit happens-"[/b] he inwardly cursed himself for his poor wording at such an elegant event. He hesitantly stuck out his hand and grinned slightly, [b]"anyway, nice to meet you Disa. Once the ball begins, would you like to have the first dance? Maybe then you could find more excuses to step on my foot as much as you please."[/b] he let out a light chuckle. It wouldn't hurt to make friends. He prayed.