[h2][center][b][color=00aeef]Serah[/color] & [color=0076a3]Jason[/color][/b][/center][/h2]
After the simulation had ended, Jason had spent some time with the other two, going through the motions after the sim before he took his leave. Dropping briefly by the barracks, Jason changed into a sleeveless muscle shirt and a pair of shorts. He intended to go get a workout in since they weren't deploying quite yet. As he made his way through the base, along a path he had basically memorized, he noticed the form of one of the few people he actually knew around here. Quietly moving closer, the boy decided to lean against the wall just a little bit behind her. Might as well see if he could scare her, it'd be fun. Unless Serah was the kind to punch somebody in the throat... 

With a shrug, he decided his throat was more important than having a little fun. Instead, he opted to calmly speak up and hope she didn't decide to punch him anyways. [color=0076a3][b]"So, what's a girl like you doing in a dump like this?"[/b][/color] He asked, pulling out a cheesy line, but figured it would amuse her. So he thought it worth the minor embarrassment.

Serah was snapped out of her thoughts when Jason addressed her, freezing in place. Her thoughts had wandered and rattled on about everything in between her squad and her mission. She hadn't been expecting to run into anyone while wandering the empty hallways, as Serah was sure everyone had been busy. She spun around and saw Jason comfortably leaning, a confident and unwitting smile on his face. She matched his smile with one of her own, even though she didn't feel much like smiling.

[color=00aeef]"Oh! Jason! Erm, weren't you training? Not that I don't think it's, uh, nice to see you, but I wasn't ahm, expecting to run into, ah..."[/color] Serah rattled. The older boy had completely caught her off guard, so she was nervously shifting in place.

Keeping up the pleasant expression, Jason noticed pretty quickly that she seemed uncomfortable, or nervous about something. For a small second, his smile dropped to a slight frown as he worried he had caught her at a bad time. She was, afterall, one of the few he felt he could count as a friend around here. So as to avoid annoying her or anything, his smile and former demeanor came right back. [color=0076a3][b]"Oh, the training? That was just a quick run with Zim and Sarge. Get us a little familiar with the assault packs we will be using in the battle. We finished up so I was heading to workout, I fear I might be starting to get fat."[/b][/color] He joked with a small laugh. 

[color=0076a3][b]"Also, it's nice to see you as well. I didn't really see you during the briefing or anything. Probably because I was nearly late... but you won't tell sarge, right?"[/b][/color] He said, favoring her with yet another smile.

Serah giggled at Jason's joke, warpping one arm around her middle while resting the elbow of the other on it. She rested her head into the open palm of her hand, looking at Jason with a small tilt. [color=00aeef]"Really? I hadn't noticed, honestly... You were pretty into it the whole ti-"[/color]

Serah quickly cut herself off. She was basically admitting she was looking elsewhere during the briefing. Blood started to rush to her head, creating a reddish tint in her cheeks. Her head perked up and the hand she used to support it slowly fell down to her side.

[color=00aeef]"I-I mean... You hadn't, erm, really said anything so, I thought you were carefully listening and uh... I saw you following Elise out of the room so-"[/color] Serah rattled on again, digging her own grave deeper and deeper with each spoken word.

The boy raised an eyebrow at her embarrassment, wondering if she'd actually been watching him during the briefing. Granted, he was rather used to similar situations, but it still made him feel a bit... pleased? No, happy. He rather liked that idea. Still, he'd lose his reputation if he didn't poke some fun at Serah over this. [color=0076a3][b]"Looking somewhere else during the briefing?"[/b][/color] He asked softly, then decided to take a gamble. [color=0076a3][b]"Though I suppose I've no room to talk, I probably would've done the same had a certain person been sitting nearby."[/b][/color] He said, watching her and waiting to see what kind of reaction he would get.

Serah's embarrassment reached critical mass once Jason figured out she'd been stealing glances at him. Okay, granted, she'd been doing so to [i]everyone[/i], but Jason was the one person she looked at the most. The motormouth ramblings of the girl came to a grinding halt as she stood there, unable to think of anything to say. She'd devolved into a mess of "uh"s and "ah"s. This wasn't helped by the last comment the boy made.

[color=00aeef][i]"Do you really think he's talking about you?"[/i][/color]

The thought suddenly crossed Serah's mind and a sudden wave of cold ran down her spine. It cooled her off both literally and metaphorically, bringing along a stinging feeling in her chest. Serah blinked twice, put on a smile and tried to act as natural as possible.

[color=00aeef]"Ah... Yeah, I did look at you, didn't I? I just thought you looked so... sad."[/color] Serah muttered, the words leaving her mouth before thinking things through. Shock hit her once she realized what she said, though.

[color=00aeef]"Wait, no-! I meant! Argh, sorry, I meant to say you were looking worried and-! Argh, nevermind, I'm so stupid! Sorry!"[/color] Serah furiously apologized, biting her lower lip. She really didn't want to upset Jason.

When she said that he looked sad, Jason was thrown for a bit of a loop. That wasn't exactly an answer he had been expecting, but more to the point; he had thought himself pretty good at keeping himself together. He wasn't too keen on others seeing him being sad or likes, lest they'd think him weak. [color=0076a3][b]"Don't worry about it, I'm just worried about the mission. This seems like something so... easy for the Cruxi to let past. I'm willing to wager it's a trap, and I'd rather not see the people I care about around here get hurt."[/b][/color] He said with a sad smile, looking towards Serah briefly before shrugging. 

[color=0076a3][b]"Sorry, shouldn't burden you with things like that. Don't want to see you worry."[/b][/color] He added, another smile growing on his face. 

Serah's mood shrunk like a violet when she saw Jason like that. Even without trying to, she had upset him or made him remember things he might not have wanted to. She cursed herself for her own stupidity! That wasn't the only thing she cursed herself for, though. The girl also cursed herself for not speaking up while the boy was sharing his worries- cursing herself for not saying [i]anything[/i] that would lift the burden even slightly. Her own expression softened up, wanting to sigh but refraining from it.

[color=00aeef]"Aww... don't worry about it. I'd... be a lot more worried if you weren't with us, honestly."[/color] Serah blurted out, the arm tightening around her waist. She giggled before continuing.

[color=00aeef]"I mean... you take training a lot more seriously than I do. You're... a lot better at all of this than I am. So, don't worry about it. Even if it's a trap, I'm sure we'll be fine. You've been with us for long enough to see that, right?"[/color] Serah speeched. She couldn't really believe half the stuff she was saying- it all sounded so corny! She'd get embarrassed, but she already showed enough of that side to Jason. For now, she just hoped he'd lighten up a little...

[color=00aeef]"I mean, I want to spend time with him, not wallow in pity..."[/color] the girl softly muttered. Serah flinched immediately afterwards. She didn't just say that out loud, did she?

Listening to everything she said, Jason couldn't help but give a sad smile. He'd seen first hand just how deadly Cruxi traps were, and his squad had paid dearly for it. Either way, moping around wasn't gonna get anything done, just annoy everybody. So he forced himself to shift back to being in a more pleasant mood, when he heard the end of what she had to say. [color=0076a3][b]"Oh? Well, I suppose we both want the same thing then. I'd much like to spend some time with you, and wallowing in sadness doesn't sound like the way to go."[/b][/color] He said with a small laugh and shrug, curious how she'd react.

Serah was paying the price for her loose mouth, Jason bouncing the comment right back at her. [color=00aeef]"Y-You... Pretend you didn't hear that! Oh, oh my... oh dear..."[/color] Serah started to panic. She really wasn't having her day.

[color=00aeef]"...Oh, shoot, let's just go then!"[/color] Serah suddenly burst out, quickly grabbing Jason's arm and dashing off before the panic had really vanished. She wanted to be [i]out[/i] of this hallway, it seemed to cause her nothing but trouble! Serah wasn't really paying any attention to where she dragged Jason, though. She also didn't stop to think that it was strange that he was just [i]letting[/i] her drag him around like this.

He was not expecting to be dragged around suddenly. Next thing he knew, she was dashing down the halls and dragging him along for the ride. [color=0076a3][b]"Serah... care to tell me where we are going?"[/b][/color] He called to her, and the two stopped as he was being dragged by the barracks. [color=0076a3][b]"Maybe we should decide where to go first? And give me a chance to go change into something less... workout clothes."[/b][/color] He said amid attempts to catch his breath, Serah having dragged him all over the place.

Serah wasn't really tired at all, but she quickly let go of Jason and bounced back. [color=00aeef]"Eek! I'm sorry, I'm sorry! I just didn't-... Ah, whatever! Go get changed, I-I'll... I'll wait here!"[/color] Serah quickly blurted out. She, herself, was wearing her casual combination of skirt and t-shirt. Since they were what she wore more often than not, she hadn't stopped to consider Jason's thoughts in the matter.

He gave a small nod before disappearing into the barracks, and returning just as quickly. Having changed into a more casual button-up and jeans, he was ready to go. Offering Serah his arm, a small smile played on his lips. [color=0076a3][b]"So, where shall we go?"[/b][/color] He asked her, wanting her opinion on the matter.

Jason wasn't the only one who took the time to go and have a quick visit to the barracks. Serah also went to fetch something from her room: a pair of sunglasses. She'd still returned sooner than him, though. Serah had been waiting on Jason by leaning against the opposite wall and pushed herself off with a smile. When she saw what he did, the girl had to blush a little. The guy had offered his arm as if it were some kind of...

[color=00aeef][i]"Eek! No, that's too embarrassing Serah! Don't think it..."[/i][/color]

It's too late. She already thought of it. The girl snapped out of her small little daydream. She couldn't get distracted now, this was too important! Serah inhaled as much air as she could through her nose before giving Jason an answer, as she felt her head starting to get a little light.

[color=00aeef]"Since we're still in Levictus... why don't we go outside? I'm sure that they'd let [i]me[/i], so... let's go!"[/color]

Serah grabbed Jason's hand this time and dragged him off again, though in a bit less of a hurry compared to before.

...

Eventually, the two found themselves wandering into a music store. Something that wasn't overly common, thanks to all the digital ways of getting music. Still, it was something Jason certainly didn't mind. Casting a look towards Serah, he gave her a light smile. [color=0076a3][b]"Figures that the two of us would end up in a music store, huh?"[/b][/color] He said with a light laugh as he thought about the first conversation they had. After, of course, he had gotten angry with Serah for shaking his ladder.

Jason's comments flew right over Serah's head as she eagerly jumped from one rack to the next, shifting through the colorful scenery of the store's inside. It wasn't particularly large in comparison to some other buildings in the area, but the vast range of music genres had an effect on the casings in which those glorious audio files were being kept. It was like walking through a rainbow! Of course, Serah spent all her time picking out her favorites and didn't pay much attention to anything else in the store. There was more than just songs for sale, with instruments and recording apparatus scattered all over in their respective divisions.

Jason went along with Serah, and couldn't help but give a small laugh at the way she seemed so eager in the store. Meanwhile, he would occsionally pick up a case that had something which snagged his interest. Though his attention kept going towards the instruments that hung on one of the far walls. He certainly wanted to head over and play one of said instruments, but was unsure if Serah would be terribly happy with him just walking off. It seemed a little rude. After a little bit more of watching Serah go between racks, Jason shrugged and began heading over to the wall of intruments. After confirming with one of the employees that yes, he was allowed to play some of them, he went straight over to an acoustic guitar. The instrument was a polished wood, holding a deep brown color as if burnt around the outsides. Smiling slightly, he sat on one of the stools and began tuning it, seeing as hanging around hadn't done much to keep it in tune.

Serah was still sorting through the sea of music open to her when she noticed that, suddenly, Jason wasn't with her anymore. The girl started to get a little nervous, seeing as they were suppossed to stay together the entire time. Quickly scrambling together some of the collections she wanted to buy, Serah wandered into the different sections of the store. Eventually, she found Jason again, fiddling with... a guitar? It resembled one, but seemed almost ancient compared to the models she was used to.

[color=00aeef]"Jason! What are you doing?"[/color] Serah whispered to him, unaware he's asked for permission first.

Looking up at Serah when she began whispering to him, Jason shrugged before continuing what he was doing. [color=0076a3][b]"Im tuning the guitar. Otherwise it sounds funky when I try to play."[/b][/color] He said, a little confused as to why she seemed bothered by this. [color=0076a3][b]"Why, is something wrong?"[/b][/color] He asked, hoping that he hadn't annoyed her or set her off. He wasn't sure he wanted to see Serah when she was upset. The adorable ones were always the scariest...

So it [i]was[/i] a guitar. Wait, no! That's not the main problem Serah had with this. She looked around, seeing the store clerks apparently not being bothered by this. [color=00aeef]"I mean- you can't just- why is nobody bothered that you just took some instrument and started messing with it?!"[/color]

Ah, that was why she seemed bothered at the moment. Chuckling slightly, Jason gave her a small smile. [color=0076a3][b]"I asked first, you're allowed to play them. Just if you break it, you buy it."[/b][/color] He explained, figuring she'd want an explanation. [color=0076a3][b]"Don't worry, I wouldn't go and do anything stupid to ruin our date."[/b][/color] He teased, then watched her to see how she would react to the statement.

[color=00aeef]"...Heeeey! No need to put it so bluntly! People might get the w-wrong idea!"[/color] Serah blushed furiously and waved her arms around. She followed it up with a pout and a sulk, backing off from Jason slightly.

[color=00aeef]"So what? You're just going to play it here?"[/color]

[color=0076a3][b]"Who said I wanted that to be the wrong idea?"[/b][/color] He said with a small half-smile before strumming the instrument to check it was tuned. Paying no mind to what he had just said, Jason answered her question. [color=0076a3][b]"Well yeah, play it for a little bit. Because, unfortunately, I don't think I could afford it."[/b][/color] He said with a shrug and began to play a rather soothing tune.

...

[color=00aeef]"You're such a big dummy, you know that?"[/color] Serah told Jason as they were walking back to base, the local sun setting in the horizon. His fancy 'new' guitar was on his back, courtesy of a rather large contribution by Serah. She did have to dissappear for about an hour to scrounge together the money, but Jason eventually got it. Serah herself was walking next to him, sunglasses covering her eyes to disguise herself in the crowd.

[color=0076a3][b]"Me? No I'm not. I'd make arguements the other way though, with you buying the guitar for me. You didn't have to."[/b][/color] He said, casting a look over towards her as he bumped a hand against hers playfully. [color=0076a3][b]"All dummy-calling aside, it was fun, wasn't it?"[/b][/color] He asked her, favoring Serah with small smile. 

[color=00aeef]"Ah, c'mon! If you keep bringing that up, I'm going back to the store and demand a refund..."[/color] Serah whined, giving Jason a small bump on his shoulder. Her annoyance was very obviously faked, though, as she followed it up with a giggle.

[color=00aeef]"...Thanks for coming with me, Jason. This was some of the most fun I've had since I transferred to my division!"[/color] the girl excitedly said, grabbing his arm and wrapping her own around it. She didn't have any intention of letting go any time soon, either.

Smiling at the girl, Jason nodded. [color=0076a3][b]"I'm glad I came with you, that was the most fun I've had in a while."[/b][/color] He said, with that geuine smile on his features. [color=0076a3][b]"Only complaint I've got is the wind. I mean, how am I supposed to be the pretty boy of the unit if my hair's a mess?"[/b][/color] He said in a joking tone, followed by an easygoing laugh as he ran a hand through his messy hair.

Serah puffed up her cheeks and rubbed up against Jason's shoulder. [color=00aeef]"Mou... don't ruin the mood, you jerk!"[/color] the girl complained. Her eyes trailed the buildings they passed by as they drew ever closer to their destination, as well as some jealous gazes from a few guys around the city block.

[color=00aeef]"[i]You'll lose all this again, soon enough.[/i]"[/color]

Serah's grip on Jason's arm suddenly tightened, almost as if she was scared to let go. Her worries were creeping up again, but for now... for now she just wanted to linger in the moment. It's been a long time she felt this way about someone. It's been a really, really long time.

Noticing her grip on his arm tighten, Jason looked towards Serah with a slight look of worry on his features. [color=0076a3][b]"Hey, I'm not going anywhere, so long as you don't get sick of me."[/b][/color] He said, pausing and turning to face her. Giving a reassuring smile, he looked at the girl he'd grown close to over the recent days. [color=0076a3][b]"Whatever you're worried about, you don't need to. Promise ya that much."[/b][/color] He said, before reaching out to take her hand in his own. [color=0076a3][b]"Now, shall we head back before the bosses kick our butts?"[/b][/color] He said, trying to end on a higher note, as he hated to see her looking upset. As they walked, hand-in-hand, he looked over at the girl for a few moments, happy with the way things turned out. [color=0076a3][b][i]You don't go anywhere either, Serah. Don't want to lose somebody else important.[/i][/b][/color] He mused to himself.