(PP-F1) A meeting of new (Rolland & Zahra) (Completed)

[Rolland 0]

With Zahra now on his back, and her telling him she was ready. he stood up and then began walking around, as he looked up at her, and spoke, "So hows the view from up there?" He said as he listened in, he was looking for her response when he hear it, a beating sound and he stopped for a second. Then it hit him, it was Zahra's heart and he smiled, and just began walking again, pretending to not hear her heart going like a highschool marching band drum, and he stopped to give Zahra a check for location rest. "And markers for the place?" He asked her, pulling his up even higher to where her legs where now around his neck as this gave her even more of a advantage to see.

[Zahra 0]

Now that Zahra was on his back she could see further, but not by much. "Honestly, not that different." Zahra murmured, her breath hitting his neck. Seconds later Rolland suddenly stopped in the middle of the road. Confused the blackette sent him a sideways glance, but he didn't say or do anything. Then he started walking again. Furrowing her eyebrows she just decided to ignore it and continue searching; although she didn't miss the smile that lit up his face. Another question, this one asking about markers. "Yeah, there is a re--Rolland!" Zhara never got to finish her sentence due to the fact that Rolland suddenly move her so that she was sitting on his shoulders. Right as she was about to say something else a red banner caught her attention. "There! Take a right at the next street!" Zahra explained. Once Rolland had followed that one direction she then told him another one. In all the commotion she momentarily forgot about her current position and her nerves. Before they knew it the duo found themselves in front of a little shop that had a red banner on the reading 'DOC CHEY'S NOODLE HOUSE."

[Rolland 0]

As Rolland walked in the direction that Zahra spoke of after her suddenly burst in her voice, Rolland knew she would have a fit about it and he didn't mind it and when he got to the building her bent down. Letting his head lower allowing Zahra to slide off his neck and after he let her land, he stood up and placed a hand on her shoulder, "Well I guess my plan worked, getting you up higher was actually better than being on my back." He said as he looked at the shop and smiled, "I'll take the coat and lets head inside, I'll show you to your seat as well Zahra." He said as he pulled her in gently and as he opened the door for her and tapping her shoulder holding out his hand, he waited for her to take off his coat so they could eat, as he walked them both to a open table to eat.

[Zahra 0]

Suddenly glad that she was a player who wore pants Zahra slipped gracefully off of Rolland's shoulders and on to the ground. Once both feet was placed firmly on the read the blackette took a breath and tuned amber orbs toward her partner. "While that may be true, just give me a warning next time. I almost had a heart-attack." Zahra commented, placing her hands on her hips and giving Rolland a pointed stare. Then again, there probably would never be a next time so the blackette dropped the subject. Pivoting toward the restaurant she then started toward it when Rolland mentioned getting his coat back. Pretending that she didn't quite hear that she let Rolland tenderly lead her into the Noodle Shop. Zahra knew that he had not forgotten about getting his coat back; as if to prove it he tapped her shoulder and held out his hand expectantly. Sighing, the women shrugged off the jacket--a chill running along her spine as she did--and hung it on the outstretched hand. Now that the jacket was back in it's rightful hands Zahra took a seat at the open table; opening up the menu and taking a look. 

[Rolland 0]

As Rolland took his coat back and took his seat, placing the coat behind his chair, to him is was a little rude to wear coats, jacket, hats or anything in that general section of fashion clothing indoors. As he then looks at Zahra and spoke, "Sorry about that Zahra, I kind of have a pet peeve, I don't think it is really necessary to wear coats, or hats inside, don't worry you'll get it back when we leave." He said giving her a smile and tapping her foot with his own, as he messed with her in a playful manner, and then looked at the menu, and looked at the ramen owner and spoke. "Yeah, I'll take the Hozuki Special." He said pointing at the wording saying there was seafood in it, as well as pork and chicken, and even beef, and then handed him the menu and turned to Zahra. "What about you, what do you want Zahra, oh and get me some green tea please." He said once more and then returning his eyes back over to Zahra, waiting to hear what she had to say.

[Zahra 0]

Getting seated, Zahra picked up the menu in front of her and began to search something to order. One of the best aspects of this restaurant was the variety of flavors it offers. Right as the blackette got about halfway down the first page Rolland got her attention by starting to talk. He then proceeded to explain that he had this strange quirk where he didn't like to wear sweaters or hats inside a restaurant and that the coat would be returned after the meal. The whole time he was playfully nudging her foot under the table."Fair enough." Zahra smiled, glad to hear that the coat would be returned to her. Once more her gaze was returned back to the menu. Minutes later the waiter came over and asked for their order. Rolland went first ordering Hozuki Special. "The Hakata Special please." Zahra stated. The waiter than picked up the menus and started back to the kitchen. Zahra then turned her attention toward Rolland. "Tell me Rolland, what's the highest floor you've been on? What was it like?" Zarha question, leaning forward and resting against the table; curiosity shining in the amber orbs.

[Rolland 0]

Rolland sighed as he looked at Zahra, "To be honest, floor four is the highest I have gone, and that floor is nothing but snow and ice, but it's wonderful in certain places, brings back old memories before  the change." He said to himself as he shook his head and smiled, "It's nothing, anyways, what about you, whats the highest floor you've gone, I do hope your not taking on something more than you can handle, I don't want my partner in danger." He said giving her his usual smile, as his Sapphire blue eyes locked onto the drink coming his way and seeing the cup settled on the table, he saw the hot steam rising from the liquid, and he blew on it to cool it. As he picked up the glass and sipped on the content and loved the bitter taste the green tea gave him, while he then looked back at Zahra and looked at her drink, "You don't like green tea?" He asked her, seeing her not yet take her drink and sip on it as well, all this time, he kept his gazed fixed on her amber coloured eyes.

[Zahra 0]

Floor four. While never having been to floor four herself Zahra had heard that it was a place covered in pure white snow and below freezing temperatures. It was somewhere that the girl did not plan on visiting anytime soon. If there was one thing that the Egyptian girl did not enjoy it was the cold. One of the few reasons why wearing Rolland's jacket was so nice. "I do," Zahra remarked, grinning slightly at the question, "I'm just going to wait for it to cool down." That technically wasn't even necessary since they couldn't feel pain the game, but some habits just die hard. Wrapping her hands around the glass cup to warmth she then started to respond to Rolland's earlier question. "The highest I've been if floor five, or the Desert Floor. Much like you it reminded me very much of before SAO." At the end of that comment Zahra smiled softly. Perhaps that's the reason why I love it, yet hate it at the same time. It took a second to bring herself out of memories that flashed through her mind, but once she did she stared back at Rolland remembering that being alone didn't wasn't the only option. Now, she had a partner to rely on. At that, she smiled. 

[Rolland 0]

Rolland gave a sigh and saw their food arrive, and as they sat it down, he grabbed his chopsticks and smiled at the NPC bringing his food to him, "Arigato." He said and then took at bite of his food, the beef and shrimp taste was wonderful to him. He loved the flavors of the green onion, and the chicken and beef broth, the small veggies in it were yummy as well. He bit the noodles down and picked his spoon up and sipped the broath a bit and looked at Zahra, "How is it Zahra?" He asked her, as he listened to Zahra say about the fifth floor and he kinda sighed, "Ah the heat, well I can say I don't really like that situation too much, but the heat is something I can ignore." He said as he began humming his little tune of a song he sang awhile back when he joined his first guild the Knights of the Abyss, the little tune seemed to be calming to him and he loved it, as he unknown ling started tapping Zahra's foot with his own. And continued to eat his food til he asked her, "So what you want to do after this, we can go to floor 3, the beach there is wonderful this time of the day, theres a nice warm breeze as I think the sun should be coming up there." He asked her, hoping he could get a better feel of Zahra than he was doing now.

[Zahra 0]

Zarha was a bit shocked when her bowl was set before her, but none the less the turned a pleasant smile to the NPC as a thank you. Then she went for the chop-sticks and broke them apart. Using the chop-sticks she stirred the noodles and then took a bite. The chicken broth they used to flavor the broth flooded her taste-buds. The food was absolute delicious, just like last time. Definitely her favorite restaurant. "It's wonderful." Zahra smiled, "And that is what most people say. I went with a couple friends to the oasis. It was quite nice." This time Zahra took a sip of the Green tea. About that time was when Rolland started to hum and tap his foot against her. She didn't mind. Instead, she founded herself leaning on the table and closing her eyes; just enjoying the the sound of his voice. "The beach?" Zahra murmured, opening her eye and staring into Rolland's, "That sounds like a good plan." Maybe she could find out more about him and his life. There was a part of her that was concerned about bringing up something painful though, but if that happened then she would deal with it.   

[Rolland 0]

Rolland smiled as he took a few more sips of his green tea and some more of his food, as he was enjoying the taste it gave him, as he finished his tea. He took a few more bites of his food and sat his chopsticks down, listening to Zahra as she liked the idea of them going to the beach. And also the part about the Oasis, "Wait, and Oasis, I think that would be a nice place to look at as well, I wouldn't mind going to see that after the beach." He said to her, as a bigger mile came across his face, ans seeing Zahra lean in, he giggled, "You like my voice?" He asked her, wondering if that was the reason she was leaning into him some, but never the less he was willing to spend more time with his partner, the whole time, he was trying to look at her eyes. The Amber color that he loved to gaze at, the golden hue calmed him a lot when ever he looked at them.

[Zahra 0]

Hearing mention of going to both the oasis and the beach caused Zahra to hum in agreement. She didn't mind going to both. "Really? It's quite nice. I don't wouldn't mind going there either."  After all, the fifth floor was her favorite floor. Taking another bite of the noodles Rolland then addressed the fact that at some point she had leaned forward. Of course, being Rolland, he was quick to call that it was most likely due to the fact that it was most likely due to the fact that his voice was pleasant. There was also a strange sense of comfort drawn from it that Zahra could not even begin to explain. "Um," Zahra started, starting to unconscionably stir the noodles, "I did. It was very pleasant to listen to. Did you do anything singing wise?" Zahra herself had never been gifted with the talent of singing, but she could play an instrument--as found out in her becoming a performer quest. Taking a chance the girl took a glance up, only to find him watching her. Automatically Zahra turned a gaze back to the green tea, where she took a sip in an attempt to calm her nerves. It was suppose to do that, right? 

[Rolland 0]

Rolland nodded, "Yeah I did some singing, I am in my own band, and I am a popstar after all, but I digress, Im not all that special, now do tell me Zahra, do you sing, or at least have some musical talent?" He asked her, seeing her look at him and then dart her eyes to her tea, he sighed and tapped her foot again, playfully like as he tried to get her to look back at him. "And as you said Zahra, I wouldn't mind going to the Oasis, and I finally figured it out, your name, I was wondering why it sounded familiar, it means Flower or beauty in Arabic, been awhile since I last spoke it or heard a word from it." He said to her, as her name finally did click to him as he spoke once more, "I think it fits you perfectly Zahra, a flower is beautiful, and I think you name is perfect for you." He said complimenting her, and humming some more, as Zahra said she liked his voice, so he would give her some more to listen to, as his humming was that of Beethovens Creatures of the Promethium opening number 43. His tone was spot on, and he enjoyed classical music most of all, as it was relaxing and soothing to listen to, but most of all it was the simplest to copy in a hum.

[Zahra 0]

A popstar?! That had certainly not been the expected answer. Suddenly, there was a jab to her foot, causing a curious gaze to jolt up and lock on mischievous amethyst orbs. "Music talent?" Zahra mimicked, raising a delicate eyebrow, "I can't sing for the life of me. And I've never had a lot of time to try and learn anything." It was true. Being the mother figure, and sometimes even the father, was not an easy job. It took time and patience, but Zahra loved every second of it. "Funny enough I became a performer in the game anyways." At that she shrugged. Hearing the comment about her name and the complement that came with it triggered the pesky butterflies in her stomach once more. She had no idea what to say to something like that. Before she could even say anything the male started to hum once more. Almost instantly the butterflies in her stomach came to a rest, and a calming wave washed over her. "Thank you." Zahra murmured happily, as to not disturb Rolland's performance. Whenever Rolland was ready Zahra was ready.  

[Rolland 0]

With Zahra saying she had no musical talent but became a Performer anyways, made hims smile, "Well trust me, singing is fun, and it takes time to sing, trust me, took me a few years before I was able to sing." "But I guess it runs in the family, as both my little brother and sister can sing like me, my baby sister Memel can sing better than my little brother, and she's younger than him." He said as hearing her thank him, he chuckled, "Your welcome Zahra, say, after this, lets go and head to the beach, and afterwards, go to the Oasis, I think that would be fantastic." He said still tapping her foot slightly, and then stopping as he was finished with his food, and pulled out his transaction tab, pulling out the correct amount of Col and placing it on the table and looking at Zahra, "Well I am ready, are you partner?" He asked her, giving her his usual calm smile, as he held out his hand to her, picking his coat up with his other and held it waiting for Zahra to come next to him so he could placed it around her shoulders once again.

 

-Col Amount Lost-

150 Col

[Zahra 0]

Just then there had been a glimpse of Rolland's life outside of SAO. As it turns out, he too was an older sibling. Perhaps they had more in common than just their taste in music and books. "I think if my family were to having anything in common it would probably be our love of history." Zahra laughed lightly as a memory passed across her minds eye. "My younger sister, Kya, would always as me to read from my school history book and then reiterate the lesson. She's a good kid with has a bright future." Upon mentioning going to the beach and then oasis, Zahra nodded her head. She didn't want to miss the sunrise. As she was going to pull up the transaction tab, Rolland did; paying for both of their's. Didn't the males out one dates pick up the tabs? Shaking her head to get it out of the gutter Zahra realized the Rolland was waiting for her. Smiling, she took his out stretched hand and stood. "Yep. We don't want to miss the sunrise." Mentally, she was reminding herself to thank him for picking up the dinner tab. 

[Rolland 0]

With Rolland now pulling Zahra to him, he placed his coat back around her, and smiled, "Happy now, I think you should keep it, looks good on you Zahra." He said as he placed on hand on her shoulder and began guiding her out of the food store. Hoping that she had a fun time with him here, he smiled and spoke up to her, "So Zahra, you had fun?" "And I saw you were going for the tab, I don't think so, I pay for our meals from now on deal?" He asked her, hoping that she didn't take it the wrong way, as most women would think that if a guy did that they were on a date. Rolland flustered at the thought and shook his head, as he smiled giving her his usual cool and calm persona vibe, as he brought her to the field once again, and he stopped her. "How bout we head to the Inn back in The Town of Beginnings, we should get some rest before we go to floor three." He suggested to her, and bent down once again, "Hop on, faster this way." He said to her, as he did what he did last time, waiting for her to climb onto his shoulders, hoping she would do it, as he was wanting to get her to the main town before the higher level monsters came out.

[Zahra 0]

In the process if putting the jacket on Rolland had pulled her close to him; so close that she could feel the warmth rolling off of him. It was a little more than slightly distraction, but Zahra managed to keep herself focused as she accepted the familiar feeling back across her shoulders. Rolland then suggested that she keep the jacket because it looked good on her. Part of her wanted to accept the gift, but the more practical part of her kicked in. Rolland wasn't hearing protest though because he suddenly steered her around and out of the shop; all the while asking her if she had fun and stating that he would pick up the tab from now on. Not of she could help it. Zahra would not be the kind of the girl to make a da-friend pay all the time. Then he escorted her to the field once more, suggesting they return to the Inn. At the mention of an Inn the tiredness that had been being held at bay suddenly washed up and over her. "That sounds like a good plan to me." Zahra nodded, blinking tiredly. Rolland then kneeled on the ground and asked her to get one once again. "Piggy back only, got it?" Zahra cautioned while climbing on. "Because their is no way you can move fast if I am sitting on your shoulders." It was only logical. 

[Rolland 0]

Rolland when he heard Zahra saying that he couldn't move fast if she was on his shoulders, he snickered, "Unless I was holding you in my arms then I could move faster, but thats not the point, your right." He said to her as he felt her get on his back and he picked her up, and placed his arms under her legs, behind her knees, and pulled her up into the air like he did when he let her look around. And he began walking towards the town, hoping that Zahra and him would have more fun when the morning came around and he could go to the Beach with her on floor three. As was wanting to have more time with his partner, for it was rare to find someone who had as much interest and similarities like him, and now that he found it, he wasn't going to let it slip his hands. And as he walked, the crunch of his boots hitting the ground, a glance over his shoulder he looked at Zahra, "How ya holding up back there?" He asked her, wondering if she fell asleep on his back or if she was being quite like usual.

[Zahra 0]

Zahra exhaled when Rolland agreed to not pull the same stunt as before. Winding her arms around his neck the blackette leaned her chin on his shoulder and observed as night slowly began to shift into day. It wasn't long until amber orbs began to slide shut. Zahra was trying--in vain--to stay awake until they got there, but with the rhythmic sound of Rolland's feet hitting the ground and the warmth he provided it was becoming harder and harder to stay awake. Right as she was on the the edge Rolland's voice rolled through her mind. He wanted to know if she was still awake. "Mhm," Zahra hummed, obviously not that awake. After another two minutes past Zahra eyes slid shut and her breathing evened out. Right then the fall wind blew past. Instinct took over as the female buried her face in the crook of Rolland's neck and then settled back down.