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[ It's at this question that he pauses for a moment—and then continues on. ]

I wasn't planning on dressing up.

[ This sort of stuff wasn't his thing. He figured he'd just show up, handle food like Kaveh asked, and then leave the moment his duties were over. ]

[...?

She tilts her head, expression curious.]

Really? But you're going through all of this work to help me! And you're cooking, too, right? [She saw it on Ghost's sticky notes!!]

So, um... I thought you were going to be there for a little while.

That's the only reason I'm going. I have no intention of joining the festivities, so what reason do I have to dress for it?

[ There's something odd in her tone of voice, so he stops walking and turns to get a better look at her. ]

...You wanted to see me all dressed up and fancy?

Well, yeah, of course!

[Duh!!]

Isn't it more fun if we get to go together and enjoy it? Besides... I want you to have fun there too!

[ Fun. A party full of people isn't exactly his idea of fun, but—what is? He has fun fighting, but that was it, wasn't it? He begrudgingly put up with many other things, and did more out of curiosity or some compelling motivation, but it wasn't fun for the sake of fun. He always had a goal in mind when he acted.

He's never really done anything just for the fun of it, now that he thinks about it. ]

...I don't like crowds and loud environments.

[ He's not trying to get out of it—he can already tell he'll acquiesce to Altria's desires, but... this is true about him too. He doesn't like crowds, and he's never liked any parties he's attended before. ]

I don't either.

[She admits that much easily, arms linked behind herself quietly as she faces him. Parties, crowds, loud places--they've always been places where she felt like everyone was watching her and judging her.

But...]

You still helped me pick out things so that I can go, though. And... I want to go, even if it's a little scary and daunting to think about. I don't really know what it's going to be like, but I'm sure... I'm sure it would be a lot more fun if you came too.

[She won't push too hard if he really refuses; she gets it, and doesn't want to force her own preferences on him. But... she'll at least be honest with him first.]

[ She wants to go despite her reservations, and him going would only make the experience more enjoyable for her. If only so she could have fun, he'll agree to it. He just has to put up with some rowdy people, that's all. ]

It's just a few people who want to eat food and party. Nothing scary about that.

[ She can just relax. He's certain she'll enjoy it, based on what he knows of her so far. ]

I'll go. Dressed up and all.

[ Now he actually has to get an outfit together, doesn't he? He doesn't really like what he's seen of formal outfits in the mall so far... he might have to make some modifications. ]

[The way he responds, she starts to think he's moving towards that refusal--but then, to her surprise, he instead immediately follows it up by agreeing.

Oh. Oh!! Ohhhh! She brightens immediately like the sun peeking through parting crowds, relief and joy in equal parts in her expression.]

Yay, yay, yaaay! I'm so glad! Do you need to find an outfit? Oh, but I guess you probably don't need my help since you were the one who helped me, ha ha!

[ Her beaming face is far too much, and he averts his eyes for a moment. ]

I can search by myself.

[ Then a teasing smirk graces his face. ]

You'll have to wait until the gala to see, but you can imagine in the meantime.

Ima--

[It hadn't even crossed her mind until he said it. But now he has, and it makes her think about it.

Him, all dressed up and in a suit?

... Wait. No. Imagining it is--

That's embarrassing and he knows it.]

Wh-wh-wh-what are you trying to say?! Don't be ridiculous! I'm not gonna imagine that! Why would I!

[ He's not ignorant of his own beauty, though he rarely opts to use it besides appearing as a friendly face. The smirk widens—she's way too easy. ]

Oh, I thought that's why you wanted me to dress up. Don't you consider me attractive?

[ She's already admitted as much back in the fairy tale scenario, even though she was talking about him in a princess dress at the time. ]

WHAT?! I do not!

[... oh wait oh fuck she did say that that one time didn't she

He is pretty

oh fuck oh fuck

Screams internally.]

--And even if I did, that's not why! I want you to come so we can have fun together!

[ Way, way too easy. Her reaction draws a laugh out of him. ]

Don't worry, I won't tell anyone. Your secret is safe.

[ He'll turn to walk away, giving her no chance to refute his words. It was about time they left the mall. ]

[HHHHFFFFFHFHGHJDJNNNNGJGGGHHH.

Anyway, she follows, of course. She follows while huffing and puffing but unable to argue with his back.

And so, they leave the mall behind, Altria having forgotten all of her self-consciousness over the items they've chosen out in favor of being fussy at Wanderer.

Success!]

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