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[Now that they're talking about it, he suddenly feels shy about it. But that doesn't stop the small smile that tugs at the corner of his lips.]

Shorty— [A pause.] Her name's Futaba. Was gonna cook some for her as thanks for Valentine's.

[ The shift in demeanor doesn't escape Trahearne. The tease eventually reaches his lips as he smiles. Aha. Little brother liek someon??? ]

And what was it she did for you for Valentine's?

Edited 2023-04-04 11:37 (UTC)

She made me a bunch a' honmei choco. An', yo, I ain't ever got any a' that back home!

[Beat shifts in his seat, suddenly perking up about it, the tone of his voice excitable. A part of him still couldn't believe she made some for him.]

[ He eats as he listens... Oh, this is a precious side to Beat. He gives himself a moment to think about what he says (and to chew) before answering. ]

I can't say I know what that is, but I can tell it's very important to you.

[ A beat. Not, the guy. But like a pause. ]

Do you like her, Beat?

[A furious blush spreads across his cheeks, reaching his ears, even if it couldn't be seen behind his hair and headphones. It's still embarrassing to think about at times. But, if Beat was one thing, it's that he was honest.]

Yeah. Yeah, I do. And the chocolate she gave me was like sayin' she likes me too.

[He even scratches his cheek with a finger, replaying how she'd given it to him in his head. His smile grows from the memory.]

[ And Trahearne can't help the grin that spreads across his face when he sees the blush. He was right. And he's glad Beat's found someone. ]

That's wonderful. [ Genuinely! The smile is in his eyes, too. ] Then I know she'll love what you make her.

[ Another spoonful! ] Especially once she learns how hard you've been working on it for her sake.

[ It almost makes the curry taste even sweeter... ]

Thanks, yo! I've been freakin' out 'bout this, you know?

[He watches Trahearne as he eats again, really seeing that the other man was enjoying the meal. It helped lift some of the weight of his anxiety off his shoulders.]

Bluey said it was aight, but, I dunno. It's like she's kinda too nice to tell me if I screwed up.

[Hear that, Trahearne? Your little brother values your opinion. Sorry Lyria.]

Edited 2023-04-04 12:48 (UTC)

[ Unfortunately, Beat probably picked the one guy whose food opinion likely counts for very little. This guy's taste buds are whack.

Not like either of them are aware of this, though. ]

There's nothing to worry about, Beat.

[ He puts his spoon down. ]

If she truly holds affection for you in the same way you do her, then she will see all the effort you've put into the dish and like it regardless. I would be worried if she decided the taste was more important than your sentiment.

[Ignorance is bliss!]

Guess you's right. [He doesn't think Futaba would be like that. At least not that he's seen in the time they've spent together.] But I want her to enjoy it too. An' like, this is the first time I really liked someone like this.

[This was probably one of the few things Beat actually felt anxiety about. He was far used to crashing right into things, trying to brute force his way through whatever hurdle was in front of him. This, however, wasn't going to be as simple as that.]

I don't wanna mess it up, yo.

[There are other factors that could mess it up, but we don't need to talk about that right now! Nope!]

[ Trahearne leans forward, resting on his arms. Oops, was his book open this whole time? He looks down--luckily, no stains. He leans back and closes it as he speaks. ]

You're not going to. [ He smiles! ] I have faith in you, Beat. People are not straightforward things to deal with, but I believe you have the heart to make this work.

And besides. [ He puts his book back on top of the stack next to him and leans forward again. ] You have plenty of others at your back who are more than willing to help you navigate this.

[ not him!!! haha relationship experience 0 !!! ]

[Beat looks up to meet Trahearne's gaze as he spoke, listening to every word he had to say and watching him as he moved his book around the table. It was nice to hear the reassurance, even if he already knew it himself. After all, he'd already reached out to Eustace and Susato about this.]

You sure know how to gas a guy up, Nightlight.

[He jokes, his smile getting a little wider.]

'Bout you? You got any advice for this kinda thing?

[ Well. This is a little awkward.

Trahearne's smile goes lopsided, and he almost looks away in slight embarrassment. ]

Ah, no. [ ... ] Relationships are...not an area I'm particularly well-versed in.

[Wait.]

[Hold up.]

[Trahearne has never been with anyone before?]

[Like seriously, for real?]

[SURPRISED PIKACHU!]

[Beat stands from his seat and slams his hands hard down on the table.]

Yo, no way that's true, man. No way! Someone's gotta have climbed ya like a tree or somethin' 'fore! Or leas' wanted to!

[ Trahearne jumps when Beat slams his hands on the table. It was embarrassing enough to see the expressions of shock cross his face—why is it surprising!!! Why does it warrant this reaction!!! ]

W-well, unfortunately, it is. [ "Climb him like a tree"?? How lewd!! Trahearne purses his lips. ] It has simply...never been a part of my life.

[ At least now he's moved past "romance isn't for people like me." Thanks ~~therapy~~ friends. ]

[Let him be in shock, okay? This is surprising to him!]

Ain't been a part a' your— Yo, people be missin' out on ya!

[It's times like these when not having a filter can be a good thing.]

Edited 2023-04-04 16:44 (UTC)

[ Missing out on literally WHAT

He's so embarrassed right now. There's gold tinting his cheeks—which is new! Have you ever seen a sylvari blush before? ]

I—I don't know what that's supposed to mean.

[Oh yeah, this is 100% something new. BUT THAT'S NOT STOPPING BEAT.]

I'm tryin' to say you's one helluva guy, yo! Anyone out there'd be lucky to date someone like you!

[ THIS IS SO EMBARRASSING. Trahearne leans back in his seat and just. fully looks away at this point. ]

Please, Beat. This isn't necessary.

[After what he'd seen earlier this month, this is absolutely necessary. Pedal to the metal, let's goooo!]

Why not? Ain't like I'm spittin' out lies, am I?

...

[ Beat is going full speed ahead and Trahearne is dragging his heels. WHY. WHY. ]

I don't know if I have an answer to that.

[ He doesn't know how to handle this! ]

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1/I'll tell you

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Done!

oh my god

:3

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