What could she say? Well, in all honestly, she could have just said no, but a journalist, who recanted the ventures of others, was only as good at telling other’s stories as they were at telling their own. And, maybe, she just liked talking to him. That too seemed perfectly logical. (Nervousness made it hard to know when to be quiet, and when to speak up). “Ah yes, I think you’ll find that sugary desserts have served as the hero in many tales of my life.” Though, perhaps, my hips and stomach aren’t so grateful for their recurring appearances in the story. Oh gosh he was such a sweetheart- she nibbled her lower lip thoughtfully while grinning, taking his hand, and climbing out of the car with his chivalrous aid.
Her fingers rested in his for perhaps a few seconds longer than necessary, but not awkwardly so, withdrawing in a gentle, polite fashion as she straightened out her dress.
“Hh-hmm, I don’t find that shameful at all! I’ll be glad to fully enjoy the experience with such charming company." She noted in reply to the first part of his dialogue, as they casually began making their way towards the entrance. (Their pace was not ludicrously slow, just leisurely- unhurried). "Well ice cream certainly isn’t a bad offering… but, one very important mystery, hmm?
I’m sure it’ll exasperate all of my considerable talents to puzzle it out, Hakuba-janarisuto.”
"It’s a fairly simple mystery, you might be pleased and disappointed to know, but one that I have often wanted a second opinion on. Alas, I’ve never had anyone that I trusted enough to consult with on the matter.”
Hakuba lead the way to the museum’s entrance and paid the pair’s fee without comment. Perhaps because he was too busy enjoying their conversation, though it was mostly that he didn’t want to call any attention to the matter of finances.
“I think that, of all people that I could consult with, you are best suited – ah, after you, Himura-san,” he gestured for her to go ahead. “Ahem, best suited, as it is a tad… literary in the fairy tale sense. Thus,” the detective’s next gesture was to the direction of the ancient history section. “…to the dinosaurs!"