<span style="font-family:Arapey">Valinor's obvious discomfort was... endearing. At least he wasn't so alien to realize that this was an odd, uncomfortable, and awkward moment. He dropped her hand and she bit her lip, trying to stifle a small smile and laugh. He tried again and Allison made a valiant effort to listen above the incredulous roar inside her head. She still was having problems processing that <i>she</i> was the one who has been considered for this experiment. She was certainly no model and while she thought her features were attractive enough, she'd never felt overtly beautiful or desirable. She turned away from him then, pacing a few steps away. She needed to think and space was always good for that. <br/>
<br/>
Sure, she thought. She supposed she knew the feeling be was talking about well enough. Dating was hard as a journalist. You had crazy deadlines to meet and breaking stories waited for no man, not even at three A.M. She was constantly working it felt like, and that had definitely affected her romantic life. Every time she'd gone to a friend's wedding or met her roommate's new boyfriend over dinner, she couldn't stop a stab of longing and jealousy. She wanted that connection with someone... but she'd always prioritized work above everything else. Allison heaved a heavy sigh. The idea made sense, she supposed. Still, it didn't make this any less... awkward.<br/>
<br/>
She turned halfway and looked back at Valinor over her shoulder. If nothing else, he was attractive. He was a fair amount taller than her, built broad and muscular, and the contrast of his dark hair and light eyes was electrifying. If she could get over the fact that she was sleeping with an <i>alien </i>she'd have no qualms about screwing him. She sighed again, looking slightly sheepish. "So... is this some kind of weird first date, then?"</span>