Suasion

Several days have passed since your unexpected encounter with your upperclassman. You were initially concerned that you might stay ashamed or regretful of the event. However, upon reflection, you find you feel as though you're more relieved than anything. After all, if you were going to have an arbitrary night with anyone it might as well have been with an attractive and experienced man. Especially considering you're not exactly looking for a committed relationship. Not that you suspect your tryst to be desiring of one either. Regardless, you've done your best to avoid him and any uncomfortable conversations that might follow. You're not entirely certain how long you can keep avoiding him. However, given you can only assume that your time at the house is nearing its end you can only hope to continue steering clear of him until then. You've already stayed much longer than intended and know that even their generosity must have its limits.

You try not to dwell on these unpleasant thoughts but realize this can hardly be accomplished while still in the aforementioned residence. Quietly, you slip out in the hallway and out through the back exit. It's a fairly nice afternoon, with just a light breeze cutting through the otherwise warm atmosphere. You can't help yawning audibly as you absentmindedly make your way along an unofficial path leading away from the house and campus. It's something you've been meaning to explore since first noticing it and suppose today is as good a day as any. You don't intend to go too far as it leads into the wooded area that surrounds land, however, you are curious where it might end.

It's significantly cooler in the shade of the trees which appear much larger and more foreboding now that you are fully in their presence. Ignoring the slight doubt edging into your mind, you brusquely continue forward and deeper into the grove. Despite the chill, you find it to be a pleasant commute and are soon lost in your thoughts again. You're not sure how much time has passed before you become aware that the trail is tapering to an end. Frowning, you're disappointed to find its lead to nothing more than an old camp site. Taking a seat on one of the fallen logs decorating the area, you kick at the ashes of a long deceased fire and sigh.

"I don't know why I thought it would lead somewhere interesting." You mumble to yourself as you place your palms on the log and lean back to look up at the foliage.

"Miss Ford?"

You quickly shoot up at the unexpected sound of your name, turn too quickly and subsequently lose your balance. You catch glimpse of a slightly horrified look on Valin's face before you're met with the sight of foliage once more. Wincing, you pause for a moment before tentatively trying to sit up.

"Are you alright?" You're surprised how quickly the man reaches your side. "I didn't mean to startle you."

Before you can reply, his arm slips behind your back and gently assists you up and back onto the log. Blushing lightly, you can't help but internally curse your inherent clumsiness. At least the man is gracious enough to assume fault rather than make you feel bad.

"I'm fine." Your gaze flits away from his timidly as the sudden proximity reveals just how striking his features are. "I didn't think anyone else was out here."

"Likewise, until I heard your voice." Valin admits before tentatively taking a seat beside you. "I come out here to get away from... I mean to be alone."

"I completely understand." You smile lightly, relieved you're not the only one who could use a break from the house from time to time. "I'm not used to living with so many people."

The breeze has picked up and you shiver lightly as you wrap your arms across yourself. You startle visibly, looking up in surprise when you feel something draped across your shoulders. Frowning again, you manage to mumble out some words of appreciation as you can't help but tug the man's jacket against you tighter.

"Can I walk you back?" The man inquires, his unassuming politeness taking you off guard. "Or I suppose I should ask if you're able to walk back."

"Yes. I mean yes, I can walk." You reply before quickly adding. "Do we have to go back though?"

The man pauses for a moment as he seems to mull over your words before a genuine smile cuts across his serious expression. It's the first time you've seen him look anything other than tense or possibly uncomfortable.

"No, we can stay a bit longer." He chuckles softly before taking a seat again.

You thank him again through a yawn before leaning towards him. You feel him stiffen in surprise when your side comes into contact with his warm figure. You're also somewhat surprised at your own boldness but ultimately are too tired and cold to really care. After a moment he relaxes slightly and you feel your eyes begin to drift closed.