shipmaster | (no subject)

[ A bit of that nervousness again. Not as much as before, but his smile goes a bit shy. ]

Good. That's more or less what I was planning. After dinner, anyway. Might as well fit in all we can into one night, right?

Oh yes. I intend to. [ Half of time quite childishly insisting that the dinner was wasting time, the more hedonistic, reasonable self insisted this was more than enjoyable as it was. ]

It really is a shame you didn't meet that Jim fellow at twenty in our world.

[ The entree is out next at least, paired with the vegetarian proscuitto Miles had requested. ]

Would it be as fun now if I hadn't said no all those years?

Good Lord, after all this time, do you still imagine it a passing fancy?

Yes, certainly.

[ He flushes rather abruptly at that. ]

Well - well, there has to be some fun in the longing. In the chase.

[ He's still expecting all of Bel's interest to evaporate the moment they have Miles, even for just one date. Not as a slight against Bel, but rather against himself. ]

Well, your expressions have been amazing. I've kept sort of a mental diary of the most offended of them.

[ They take a moment to savour the proscuitto, eyes closing a moment to take in the delicately arranged flavors and colors, and how they blend. ]

But surely you've noticed of me that what I collect is sparing and none of it neglected.

[ Miles, meanwhile, attends to his main course. Still watching Bel closely. ]

That's ... true. I don't doubt that your feelings are genuine. I'm just not certain I can live up to them.

[ That causes a certain open play of emotions across Bel's face. The herm has never been short of expressions, but this one rather outdoes themselves. In short order, the whim to deny - scientifically and at length - the claim, some confusion that it was even there, and settles, simply on some wry, quiet thought that was not so easy to put name to. ]

Does it matter so much? In hours this wont be more than a fond remembrance in that whirlwind of your affairs, Miles.

[ That's the entire premise of this, isn't it? That Bel and Miles will have this date, and then they will go back to normal. He hasn't discussed anything else with Kitty. He ... doesn't want to, does he?

Miles swallows after a moment, still uncertain about what to say. ]

More important than that. Temporary, but not just - another point on the map, Bel.

[ They laugh at it, though there's an unmistakable spark of pleasure in their eyes at that claim from Miles, even as they deny it. ]

Don't deny it, you cure your losses by overfilling your cup and wonder why you're soaked. You'll throw yourself into something til you nearly drown of it.

[ Their hand hasn't left Miles' despite the criticism, and runs a finger over his knuckles fondly. ]

It's amazing you haven't grown gills yet.

[ Ow. Despite the warmth, that does sting a bit. Miles looks a bit sheepish. ]

I can still do that for something temporary, right? It's all temporary in the end, anyway.

[ Gregor is still here in his head, a quiet influence. ]

[ What a question... Bel wasn't a good enough person to say no, really. It wasn't honestly fair to ask. ]

Yes. .. Or with, for a little while. ... It's not easy to see you aggrieved, you know.

[ He ducks his head again. Dessert arrives: small, delicate bowls of crème brûlée topped with raspberries. ]

I know. And I'm sorry for that. Grateful for all you've done. Even stunning me.

And the fact your face wasn't drawn on, despite several excellent ideas. I might add.

[ A faint snort at that; he relaxes. ]

Ah, Bel the merciful. How can I ever repay you?

I'm sure you can get creative enough.

I'd offer to buy you dinner, but we're already doing that.

[ Flippantly, without thinking: ] Well, there's always next time.

[ Ah, well. He doesn't strain too much, but. ]

A normal dinner then? We could still do that without dating.

[ They have the decency to be a bit sheepish here. The creme brule IS delicious, at least. ]

Just so. Somewhere trendier, perhaps, definitely less expensive.

[ Miles blinks at their surroundings. ]

Don't tell me I've gone too fancy. They said it's the best vegetarian place in town.

[ Miles is old-fashioned sometimes; he wouldn't have registered the cute little cafes as much of an option. ]

Oh, I'm certain it is. No, no for a date this is wonderful. As I do deserve the utmost of treatment. [ They press a hand to their breast to emphasize the dramatic importance. ]

[ In that case. Miles' permits himself all but smug grin. ]

I'm glad I haven't misread you. All the better for phase 2.

Oh? Now I'm intrigued.

[ He checks his watch. ]

We've still some time yet. But our next stop is Heropa.