to see bitchslaps too. He would like her approval to visit CEDEF.

not ignoring him. She just has better things to do than talk to him.

approves of Alaude's visit. He's the founder of CEDEF after all.

glad. He will go soon then.

... Ouch, Lal.

stares at him. Did he expect anything else?

wasn't but he was hoping otherwise.

So, did you want anything?

Yes, actually. /clears his throat/

Then stop wasting my time and spit it out!

Would you like to go to dinner with me? /point blank; yes, he tried to think of clever ways to bring this up to be more convincing but

he supposes when push comes to shove, direct works best for him - all his progress has been made from being direct so far anyway!/

blushes. "Who would want to go to dinner with you?!"

.... I'm starting to think those near exact words are becoming your default answer, kora /but he chuckles and shakes it off/ -

Ahh, come on, Lal. It 'd be a good time.

glares, crossing her arms over her chest, but the blush makes her look anything but menacing. "I'd rather go to dinner with Daemon than

going with you." And that's clearly the worst person she can think of.

Daemon wouldn't be nearly as good company, I assure you /grins/ And you gave me the chocolates, after all.

I didn't <i>give</i> them to you! They were the only thing I had on me that I could throw!

Trivial detail. Besides, you could have done a number of things with those chocolates and instead, they land in my hands, kora.

That's gotta count for something.

I assure you, they mean absolutely nothing. Now stop wasting my time! I could have done three laps in the time you talked!

You haven't given me a proper answer yet, kora.

I am not going to dinner with you!

the both of you would end in a food fight at dinner anyway. And yes, he is still here.

Shut up, Al.

That's not a real answer. It's natural for you to reject, kora! Come to dinner with me. It is one night at a fancy resturant.

agrees with Colonello for once. Don't get involved! "Of course it's a real answer! Why would I want to go to a fancy restaurant with you?"

Because I'm asking you out on a date, kora! Shouldn't that be reason enough?

had enough; her temper snaps and she smacks him. "I don't want to go on a date with you!"

/assdfghJERK/ Why not?!

Because you're a snot-nosed rookie hitting on his instructor!

I don't just go around asking random women on dates, kora. /hey, he is stubborn too, ma'am/

rolls her eyes. "If I go out with you, will you leave me alone afterwards?"

Why would I leave you alone, kora? I'd walk you back to where ever you're staying afterwards. Can't have a lady walk home alone.

I'm not a lady and I can protect myself better than you!

Lal Mirch, whether you acknowledge it or not, you are a lady and super secret date code strictly states I am to walk you home.

I am NOT going on a date with you!

What would be so bad about it? I know you've gone to dinner with other people. Why not me, kora?

Those were all for work reasons. I don't go out on dates!

Even you need to kick back and have some time for yourself, kora. One date won't kill you, you're just being stubborn.

Yes, time for myself. Not time for YOU1

If I left you alone, you'd NEVER stop working, kora. One night, Lal. That's all.

glares at him. "Give me one very good argument why I should go with you instead of relaxing at home."

opens his mouth to speak but then stops himself. He looks thoughtful. Well now, he doesn't want to be TOO direct... -

Because I want to go on a date with you, kora. /to him this is clearly a good reason/

smacks him again. "That's not a good reason! Come back if you have a good one!" And then she turns and stomps away.

OWW! /rubs the sore spot; what did he say?!/ Ah, wait, Lal! /hurries after her/

Don't talk to me unless you know a better reason!

I thought that was a good reason! What else are you hoping to hear, kora?

I wasn't hoping to hear anything! I wouldn't go out with you unless the fate of the world or something like that depended on it!

You're being so dramatic right now. /asdfgh/ It's one date. Kids go on dates all the time, kora. It's not like it'd be a waste of time.

I could do a million more productive things though.

Nothing that couldn't wait until after, kora.

I don't WANT to go on a date with you!

You keep saying that but you won't tell me why /raises a finger to stop what she might say/ AND me being a so-called rookie is not a good

enough reason to turn me down. You want to play that card on me, you'll have to turn me down properly, kora.

tchs. Yes, he is still here.

I thought it was obvious that I have absolutely no interest in romance!

shrugs. "I'm not asking for romance, kora. I'm asking for dinner. Interesting though that you assume I mean romance..." He smirks.

turns around, glaring, and crosses her arms over her chest yet again. "Fine. I will go to dinner with you. But if you do anything that could

make it even slightly like a date I will leave."

about this. Shesh. Not exactly the agreement he had been hoping for but, well, what was he really expecting? He grins widely. "Not an issue,

just regular dinner, kora." He extends a hand to her. "Deal?"

takes his hand and shakes it, glaring. "Deal."

nods firmly and then leans a bit closer, hand still grasped and lowering his voice. "By the way, it is at a classier restaurant so you have

to dress formal and I do mean something that can't be worn at a mission." Then he pulls away from her, all smug looking~

just wear her military uniform then, that's fancy, right? "I know how to dress, thank you very much."

.... You can't wear the uniform, kora /suspicious stare/

Of course I can wear the uniform! It's fancy!

I said it couldnt be anything you would wear on a mission. I never specifically said CEDEF. Nobody goes to dinner with a friend in their

work clothes, kora. Nu uh. Wear something nice.

It's the fanciest thing I have! /pissed off/

Then buy something fancier. If you don't come properly dressed, I'll bring something for you, kora. /smirks/ And you know I would.

I'm not wearing anything you bring or buying something just for a dinner with you!

You have to. Fancy restaurants dont allow admitance without the proper attire, kora.

They'd allow my uniform.

With wonder if there is going to be some military conquence that they need to worry about, kora /waves hand/ You'll worry people.

Then pick a different restaurant, dammit!

Reservations have already been made. Besides /he wiggles his fingers/ You already shook on it, kora.

You can't set conditions after I agreed to it! That is not honourable!

Those were the conditions originally, kora. It's not my fault you shook without requesting all the facts first. /smug? why yes./

You bastard! After this I will never, not even in a million years, go to dinner with you!

That's fine. Never isnt as long as you seem to think it is, kora. And who knows? Maybe you'll change your mind /innocent shrugs~/

huffs and turns away. "I'm leaving. Let me know when and where I have to show up."

Ah, 8pm! At the restaurant on the corner of 87th! /he looks quite pleased~/

shouts over her shoulder, "Don't you dare be late!" And then she's around the corner.

watches her disappear around the corner and answers quietly, "I won't..." before he pauses for a few seconds... and sighs heavily.

God, that was close! Totally thought I blew it, kora! /loud sigh of relief/

still fuming when she walks away, cheeks red. How dare that stupid rookie try to trick her?!