eternal flame

❍ It was a phenomenon that had only started happening after her curse had been lifted. Animals had always taken a certain interest in her, but had been wary of the stench of death that had followed her. Ever since? Well, perhaps she smelled nice to the animals? She wasn't certain.

"You may rest easy, I have no intention of attempting to steal any of your companions, even my dearest friend seems to have taken a liking to you." He speaks of the small red bird that had perched on her shoulder. "It isn't often she shows an interest, but you appear to have charmed her."

Namine stands there, her legs shaking, as she gets her breathing under control. She brings her hands down. "I-it seems so." Namine says softly.

"That's right," He adds, "And you needn't be afraid." Though he realizes that's much easier said than done after saying it. It's been so long since he's needed to talk to people, let alone a roommate, and it seemed he wasn't making a very good first impression to start. "I do not wish to do anything but get to know you, but that hasn't gone over well thus far…" Nervous laughter follows. They weren't very far in, but still.

She definitely is lost in thought, because, when Joshua speaks, Naminé jumps. A strangled scream leaves the blonde, her hands flying up to cover her head.

Her scream startles him enough to back off; a few hurried paces back to give her some space. "Apologies! Didn't mean to frighten you," Arms raised half in surrender, half in making sure she knows he isn't a threat to her.

WHEN HE SPEAKS TO HER, she finally turns her head from the door. still, there is a sense of uncertainty about it, especially as she notices the offered hand, one she doesn't take immediately... until she realizes that he was waiting for her to take it. it's a little awkward still, but she steps away from the initial path, allowing some people who had been swerving around her to enter. ❝ I... wasn't sure if I was allowed to go in like the rest, ❞ she admits, having been trying to gauge the situation at hand.

Though there's some understandable hesitation on her part, he's glad that she decides to trust him, even if only a little bit. Joshua handles her gently, leading her inside the venue at a slow but steady pace. "Festival? I suppose it's a festival of sorts, but this is more of a ball than anything else." A touch less fancy than those that he had been subjected to previously, but still one, all the same. "A gathering of people to dance, drink, and otherwise be merry."

@flamesire | Post-Rooted, Inside Apartment 303

Truthfully, Joshua hadn't been the best roommate, never finding the right time to introduce himself to the third person occupying the apartment. The sound of someone trying to be quiet, however, has him sit up at attention immediately. Lauma had no reason to sneak around, nor did their other occupant, as far as he knew. Joshua's door creaks open, rounds the corner, and conjures a small fireball into his hand, just in case. As he peaks around the corner into the kitchen, he breathes a sigh of relief at the young girl standing over the sink, clearly lost in thought.

SHE'S SIMPLY STANDING THERE QUIETLY, looking at the door that leads into the lively festivities with a curious, yet almost shy, demeanor. it's almost as if she's hesitant to enter, uncertain about everything. she feels a little sorry and somewhat helpless when she finally notices she's blocking the way of someone getting ready to head inside...

She was, quite clearly, in some sort of distress. Frozen at the doorway, uncertainty all too apparent as she stands in the doorway. Fortunately for her, Joshua can never look the other way when there's someone in need. "Is there something the matter, my lady?" he says, offering his hand to at least try to lead her out of the way of others.

@flamesire

"Not magecraft," he adds, hopefully alleviating some confusion. Joshua sidles up beside him, arms folded behind his back. "Most find that this museum leads them exactly where they need to be." Whether that was good or bad was left entirely up to the individual themselves. It was easy to become lost or wander aimlessly.

"When it said 'sand-sledding', I didn't think it would include this!"

"Not to worry, Lady Lauma, I have it under control--" He tries to say, only to be interrupted by the barrage of obstacles that are dispatched just as quickly as they are summoned. It's thanks to Lauma's quick reaction that they've managed to get as far ahead as they have, but the sandstorm looms in the background. Joshua's hands grip the sleigh's reins, urging it forward.

The question gives him a moment of pause. Advice was one thing, actually wearing specially crafted clothing? Well, he wasn't so sure... "I'm not entirely sure I'd be any good at it..." He'd never modelled, even privately. But he's also never turned down anyone--especially a lady--asking for help in earnest, either.

"As you say...but you seemed upset." Were kids always this difficult? Sheesh. "Well, let us try this again then: in place of an apology, I shall give you my name instead. I am Joshua."

Sephiroth looked at the man and actually dared to puff his cheeks at him with a pout.

"I'm not some fickle child!" Sephiroth looked even more offended. "There are many other mint things that can be compared!"

"Have it your way, then." He won't bother arguing about whether or not he's fickle. Real sees real, after all. Well, in their case, fickle sees fickle.