Welcome to Gaia! ::

It was not a date. That was the agreement; Roland wasn't comfortable with that. They were just going to the ball together, as a friend thing. Accordingly, Jordan hadn't dressed too formally. He'd timed it carefully as well. Being the first to the event or conspicuously late would draw too much attention, so he'd made sure to arrive at Ro's room just shortly before things were scheduled to start.

He rapped on the door, tucked his hands into his pockets, and waited.

"Last time I checked," Jordan replied with a smile, and allowed himself a brief, appreciative glance. Not too blatant. "About ready to escape to the party? Looking good, by the way."

He's very skittish, Ferros observed.

That's why we're keeping it casual.

"Don't worry. We will slip away and infiltrate the ball with the utmost stealth and secrecy." Jordan grinned sideways at Ro. He had to admit that Ro's parents were a little ... overwhelming.

You mean terrifying.

Only to people with personal space issues. "Thanks," he answered Ro, his smile gentling from the mischievous expression he'd worn a minute ago. "Do you want to mingle first, or get a bit to eat?"

"Good idea. Preparation is always important before a big operation." Jordan smirked, his expression suggesting he wasn't going to let go of this joke anytime soon. "A growling stomach might give away your position."

He was mildly hungry himself. The party was going to last all night, and the buffet would be well-stocked, but having something to eat before dancing would be good, and it would be wise if either of them planned to have anything alcoholic to drink.

"Thought of any resolutions for the new year yet?" he asked.

"Have you met me?" Jordan gave Ro a gentle, friendly punch on the shoulder, smiling back at him. "You've discovered my secret. It's a highly advanced tactic. Also for preventing wild animal attacks and the horror of hungry colleagues."

His eyebrows arched. "Why would you want to do that?"

Jordan grinned, pleased. "So am I your meat shield or your arm candy? Or is it both?"

He gave Ro his attention, letting the grin fade into a more serious, attentive look. "That's not not being you," he pointed out. "That's being less embarrassed or flustered. That's not what you are." His mouth quirked into a gently teasing smile. "So is the shy thing your version of teenage rebellion against your parents?"

"Hey, I didn't mean that you were ungrateful," Jordan clarified. "Just, you know. No kid wants to be just like their parents. Especially when their parents are embarrassing. I gotta admit that'd be super awkward." He patted Ro's shoulder.

"My hair's long because my dad - my biological father, I mean - wanted me to cut it when I was eleven. It turned into kind of a joke, he'd tell me get a damn haircut, kid, and I'd refuse, and then my mom would yell at Dad for swearing around kids and at me for giving my dad lip. So it just grew out, you know?"

"I'll always be grateful that Andy and I were able to stay with a family here," Jordan said. "I know what you mean, seriously. I think my aunt would've taken us in if she had to, but it would've strained her finances. Better that we could come here and start our training."

"Thanks. Yours looks good too," he answered, returning the smile. "You've got a nice sense of style."