[center][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/210425/60d4cad31d79f05670a6f5376d410cd8.png[/img][/center] [Right][color=6ecff6]Interactions: Nolan [@hatakekuro][/color][/right] Nolan's expression didn't change, but he definitely changed colors. Why did her invitation make him so red? It's not like - [i][color=7ea7d8]Oh my goodness, did he misunderstand?[/color][/i] Now did she explain to him that she had not invited him to see the city as a means of them interacting on a more intimate note, or did she just gloss over his fluster over it? Surely he must have had a panic or alarm going off in his head to turn such a brilliant shade of red she hadn't ever noticed before. She hadn't exactly thought he [i]could[/i] blush, much less she would ever make him do so. He didn't say no. Instead, he said he was concerned for her reputation. That was sweet, especially for one that tended to be rather rude to most (or at least rude to Adelyn.) It was that concern that was why she was certain he was simply misunderstood or - like Markovis and Kiba - had trouble expressing themselves to others. "[color=6ecff6]If anyone thinks less of me for being associated with you outside of the guild, then they clearly never thought too much of me.[/color]" She offered him a more cheerful smile. "[color=6ecff6]So, if it means I lose a few kind words, then so be it. Besides, for every one that may think less of me, I am certain there will be another that thinks better of you for it. "So, don't be coy with concern over my reputation in the town.[/color]" She gently touched his arm without even considering the fact he might not want to be touched or what that might imply either. Right now, she was more concerned with the fact he didn't think he was good enough to be her friend. She'd completely forgotten how red he had been just a second ago. "[color=6ecff6]You deserve to have public friendships and not be some kept secret just like everyone else.[/color]" She nodded like that was that. Then the smell of fresh baked pastries caught her attention. A soft gasp escaped her and a beaming smile sparkled in her eyes. She took hold of his hand in both of hers, skipping forward a few steps while dragging Nolan along, toward the front window of a pastry shop. "[color=6ecff6]Oh! When we get back you absolutely [i]have[/i] to come with me here. They make [i]the[/i] best streusel you will ever try! It's just that right mix of sweet and flaky and -[/color]" she hummed with delight. Then realized she was holding his hand and let go with a sheepish laugh and rubbed the back of her head. "[color=6ecff6]Sorry about that. But I mean it. When we get back, I'm buying you a streusel.[/color]" She nodded to herself then turned and started off on their way again. Well, rather, she started on her way again. She assumed Nolan would follow because the awkwardness of him blushing over her invitation had already slipped from her mind. It was decided in her head they would go see things in the town when the job was finished. She wasn't going to take no for an answer just because her reputation might take a hit. Who cared about that if it meant someone felt they weren't allowed to be her friend? She refused to accept someone couldn't be her friend because their reputations were polar opposites. Either people would like him more, or she'd have better friends. It was a simple as that. [hr] [hr] [center][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/210104/a99cdc088aa9c386fb10b51db1d049ee.png[/img][/center] [Right][color=9400D3]Interactions: Adelyn [@Lunarlord34], Kiba [@Cello] [/color][/right] The tiny spark that zapped him barely even registered - definitely not in any change in expression on Markovis' face, and barely acknowledged by his brain either. Almost like just some small amount of static discharge one might build up keeping their ass planted in a seat and shifting every so often while reading might be expected to build up. The bookworm barely registered much to him much like the spark she assaulted the unwanted touch. And much like the momentary static discharge, their contact was gone just as quickly. The stoic mage wanted to stay in the din of the guildhall no longer than required. So once the girl was righted, he was off on his way again. Or rather, he would have been if the tiny static mage running in front of him and making a huge scene of it. Markovis blinked, stopping before he bowled her over again, and stared at her. The girl was horribly unfit. He may not be one to go out for a jog - ever - but at least he could handle a bit of physical exertion. It was all about conservation of energy and properly applied efforts. For a bookworm, she clearly had no grasp of core concepts. "[color=9400D3]Perhaps you should exercise more often,[/color]" he commented rather blandly, like an offhanded piece of advice, while she struggled to catch her breath. He glanced over her head, noting how little distance was between them and the guildhall door. That was when she started spitting out her longwinded insults while barely having the breath to do it. This, once again, warranted another blink from Markovis. An [i]almost[/i] puzzled look smoothed his already placid expression. (At least being completely uncertain about what she was talking about was evident in his eyes.) Did what he say not actually count as an apology? That was what you were supposed to do, explain the reason for the issue then you could move on. He explained why the collision had occurred - neither were hurt - so what was the problem? She didn't fall. The black-haired mage glanced back to where the collision had occurred. He briefly caught the nod from Kiba - in turn offering a slight nod of his head in similar recognition - before focusing where he bumped into her to help recall the event even though it was only a few minutes ago. He turned; she wasn't there. He started walking; she was there. He bumped into her, and caught her so she didn't fall over. He righted her, explained, then left. Why did he need to say more beyond why he bumped her if he ensured she wasn't hurt? Oh, did he not ensure she wasn't hurt? He blinked again as that realization hit him and looked back at her. "[color=9400D3]Did I step on your foot when I left? I am sorry for the harm.[/color]" Markovis glanced over at Kiba, as if the sword mage had any more information on the subject than he did. He supposed it was more for support than anything. The sword mage had been with the yappy one when the collision occurred, so obviously he was familiar with all that transpired. Maybe saying the word would make things fine. Only one way to find out. "[color=9400D3]Now, excuse me, I have a job.[/color]" He offered Kiba another nod as a goodbye. Then made certain he stepped clear of Adelyn to avoid accidentally stepping on her again as he continued on his way out of the guildhall. All he wanted to do was get out of the blasted guildhall and away from the noise. Why did such a simple task seem to be so difficult?