"The Huntress and the Champion" (<a class="username" data-user-id="6427" data-username="@Catherine DeLuca" data-xf-init="member-tooltip" href="https://blackdahliaroleplaying.com/members/6427/">@Catherine DeLuca</a>)<br/><br/><div class="bbm_float fright" style="float:right;margin:0 0 5px 10px">
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</div>Archie could feel the cold tension between Dia and her brother.  It could be that the relationship dynamic generally favored Dia's brother, whatever his name was, but this time the bully (Archie imagined this guy to be something of a bully) had gotten his nose bloodied.  Archie kept his expression neutral, or he was going to try to keep it neutral until 'what's his name' left.  Turn, step, step, step..., finally!<br/><br/>The Champion gave Dia a big beaming smile.  He really wanted to laugh, but that could have been insulting.  He'd known situations where family could laugh at family, but outsiders were forbidden.  Sure, both brother and sisters lines were a little stilted, unless they're really really into astrology.  He'd have to tactfully bring that up, somehow and later.  However, the important thing was that Archie knew, he knew, that Dia was truly interested in spending time with Archie.<br/><br/>Sitting down, Archie looked into Dia's silvery eyes.  She should be proud of the way she stood up to her brother, he thought.  Archie had a stubborn streak of his own and would have stood up to 'what's his name', but was secretly glad it hadn't gone that far.  He said to Dia, "Well, played, Dia.  I don't know how persistant he is, but I admire you and I thank you.  It makes a guy feel special when a beautiful woman thinks he's worth enough to go stand up to people in her own family."  Archie took a brief pause and said to her, "Thank you."<br/><br/>He refilled their glasses and held his up for a toast, saying, "To you, Dia.  To your beauty, grace and strength."