What Comes Next (LM, Ali's home)

[Ali ibn Farid]

"Soraya..." Ali grinned at her, his eyes taking on some of that fond, playful glint they often did with her. "I am touched, truly. I don't think that I need any additional medical attention, but your presence does ease some of my pain all the same."

He shifted a little, gently putting an arm around her, warm through the thin fabric she wore. "Do you have some time? Would you stay with me a while?" He chewed his lip a moment. "I think that should help me a great deal. In truth, I do still hurt. Company, your company would be nice." His smile grew wry. "Especially since we haven't seen each other since I was escorted from your home yesterday."

[Soraya al-Menjari]

The pout stayed but she snuggled in a little, "Indeed. I can't believe they really would escort one of MY boyfriends away like he was some common criminal or something. I had some words with them, you can believe that. And yes, I would like to stay a bit, if you do not mind."

[Ali ibn Farid]

As she snuggled in, Ali kissed the top of her head, arm tightening. She would be able to tell he wasn't at full strength, solid muscles shaking just a little, but he was still healthy.

"I'd very much like it, in fact." He gave her a sidelong look. "Boyfriend? Am I your boyfriend, then?" He smiled.

[Soraya al-Menjari]

She looked over at him a bit curiously, lowering the shirt a little, "You are a boy, who is my friend, no? I certainly know the former is true, and I hope the latter is true for you as well."

[Ali ibn Farid]

"Both of those things are very much true, Sora." Ali said, smiling wryly. "But, well, 'boyfriend' does imply somewhat more than that."

He took a breath. "I rather hope those things are true as well. I just... felt I should be sure." He made a vague gesture with his free hand. "And make sure you were sure, as well."

[Soraya al-Menjari]

"It does? Well... what does it mean exactly then?"

She looks at the man curiously, "I've never had any boys that are friends before, excepting some guards that I play cards with sometimes."

[Ali ibn Farid]

Ali looked at her, his eyebrows going up. "Well... it implies a more romantic level. Feelings beyond friendship. Time spent in each other's company, doing romantic things..."

His free hand came to rest just above her knee, squeezing gently. "Physical aspects. Kissing. Perhaps sex." He flashed a grin at her, part playful, part something else. "We've done those, of course. But, as boyfriend and girlfriend, we might do all of those things regularly. Often, even."

[Soraya al-Menjari]

"Ah... That is something friends can do, yes. I do think of you in a romantic way certainly. Regularly even, the past few days. But is more than just romantic thoughts that make me concerned about you. As a person, as a good person even."

She seemed to think a moment, "...perhaps I have things all wrong in my head though, since I think of being a friend as something greater than romance, more personal."

[Ali ibn Farid]

Ali tilted his head, considering that. "Perhaps its different for different people. I've always felt that romance comes on top of friendship, so to speak. As long as we're in the same place, I am happy." He chewed his lip, considering that a moment. With a moment of consideration, he could see how it might be different for the rich, who might arrange romance, or have it arranged for them.

He gave her another little squeeze. "And you are a good person, Sora. That means something, here, in this city. Like a stone tossed into water making a ripple..." He took a deep breath, wincing a little at the peak of the inhale. "I think your kindness means a great deal."

[Soraya al-Menjari]

"Thank you... for your words, and for your understanding."

She looked around him, then back, "If you do not need tending to, then what do you need, perhaps?"