Shining Stars [Al'in, Inanna]

She was trying to double down? Impressive. But Al'in was all too happy to call that bluff out for what it was. So he squeezed her hand just a bit, not like he was crushing it or anything just offering her a little comfort.

"It's alright not to know what's at the bottom of every road, Nanna. There's nothing to prove between friends, so let's get home alright?"

His gaze trailed off a little in the direction of a street they had avoided whilst doing laps of the neighbourhood. It seemed like the most likely way to get back to somewhere where Inanna knew where she was again, or perhaps he could just steer her back a little. But he had to be careful about it, the cards were on the table but if she wanted to lead and just follow his directions then that was better than her proposed alternative.

"I mean... I guess but uhm."

He made a really good point and she had no idea of how to refute it but it still hurt her pride a little bit to have her poor sense of direction exposed like that. She pouted before whining.

"Fiiiine."

She muttered while following along with him leading the way. Her eyes were peeled for familiar landmarks to use while she'd pretend to play along with this situation, she hoped that she could win back control and take the role of leader again.

Yeah, that was going to kill her buzz just a little, that made sense. But she was only going to end up disappointing herself further if he let her keep going at it alone. So, whilst her spirits had been momentarily dampened, Al'in set off down a different road and back in the general direction of where they had come from. It would be easier to pick out familiar landmarks for both of them over there, then maybe she would perk up again.

"You know, if you want to go off exploring when it's a little lighter out, I'd be happy to go with you. Might help us both learn our way around these back alleys."

It was an innocuous little suggestion, that same cheeky smile still ever-present on Al'in's face, but he was just a little worried in case she sauntered off by herself. Not that he didn't think she could handle herself if the day's hard labour was anything to go by. It was all just a little... sad? To be wandering alone.

"Sure Mister. I'll bring Alex, okay?"

It was more fun when there was more people to enjoy the fun. Not to mention everything was twice as fun with Alex by default! So Inanna followed along until she caught sight of something that looked familiar in her head and she took the lead again, Al'in was dragged along as she hastily got to the street corner and looked down with a big grin.

"Aha. See, it's over there. I told you we weren't lost. You doubted me, didn't you?"

"Of course you can, the more the merrier. As long as they're cool too."

It was a childish stipulation, and certainly not one he had any interest in enforcing, but Al'in enjoyed the little joke. What he enjoyed more, though, was the way Inanna's face lit up when she finally spotted something that she recognised. Feigning defeat, the nomad offered her the lead once more and revelled in that smug energy.

"Yeah, you did, but I knew you'd pull through in the end. Now, shall we get some food?"

Following just a little behind as she carried him down the street, he wondered what exactly she might go for. Likely it would be something that he hadn't seen coming, but he was up for a surprise.

"Yeah, she is. Now let's goooo."

Alex was definitely cool enough to hang out with Al'in and her, if he disagreed then he was just wrong! She cheerfully bounded and dragged him along, looking for the one that had the most promise of something cool to eat. Something was bound to turn up good but she was picky - especially since she was showing off for her new friend so it might be a while.

She'd be really worn out when she got home, it was turning into one long evening.