mooglenet_backup | { Ten - Phone Call to Celes - Action in Figaro } (Slightly Forwarddated)

You like your secrets, don't you?

Indeed. Trust me. It would not be quite as breathtaking if I told you.

I've seen most of this world by now.

[Most of it. Not all of it.]

Would you humor me if I asked?

Asked what? Where I've been? That'd be a long recount.

[Sure, go ahead. It's not like she has anything else to do.]

[He laughs again.] If I asked you to act surprised, pet. No matter. We're almost there.

[And, after a considerably brief stretch of time, they near their destination. The Strahl touches down on one of the many islands of the Skysea, anchoring just outside Port Marilith, and once the engine has been silenced, Balthier rises to his feet and offers her his arm, though he doesn't expect her to take it.]

Shall we?

Maybe. I might be convinced in that case.

[Okay, yes, she's surprised. He gets points for this choice, that's for sure. When he rises and offers her his arm, she eyes it for a moment and then decides to surprise him by taking it. Her touch is light, the touch of a noblewoman, and she waits for him to lead her.]

I feel like I should be in a dress.

[He is, indeed, surprised by this course of action, and for once his expression shows it. It's not often that he's taken by surprise. He lightly lays a hand over her forearm as he leads her towards the door of the ship, removing his hand only to open it with a single push and leading her down the steps.]

No doubt you'd look lovely in one, though it's difficult to imagine any improvement. [He smiles, inclining his head towards the port.] I've only passed by here once, myself, though I hear this place is from my Ivalice. The view is like no other.

[She doesn't even try to hide the smirk at his surprise. If he can surprise her, it's fair game for her to surprise him. The comment about her looks gets a half-eye roll and half-smirk. She can't rightly decide if she wants to thank him or be annoyed at the obvious flirting.]

Congratulations; you've chosen one of the very few places on Gaia I haven't been. You're right, though. It's lovely. My homeworld doesn't have anything like this.

Should I feel proud, then? [He smirks in reply, pleased.] I thought it might get your mind off-- well. Whatever it is you need relief from, this view should do the trick.

[Maybe someday she'd tell him. Not right now.]

Be proud. That doesn't happen often. And you've just made it harder by taking me to one of these places anyway.

Have I? [At that, he does seem honestly concerned.]

I assure you, Celes. Not my intent.

[She was teasing! She gives him a raised eyebrow.]

I meant, you've made it harder to surprise me.

[Not thinking about her lost love, nope.]

[He actually looks slightly embarrassed at that. It's not often he gets turned around in conversation. He plays it off with a smile.]

I'll take that challenge.

[It's okay because he's been turning her around, too. Unlike some people, she won't rub it in.]

A challenge it is. So, what's our first order of business here?

[That might be a tactical subject change to let him get back on his feet. What, she has tact when she needs to.]

[Very kind of you. Don't think he didn't take note of that.]

Whatever you like. I've never landed here before, the Port is as new to me as it is to you. I like to think I'm a benevolent kidnapper.

[She raises her eyebrows.]

A benevolent kidnapper? I wasn't aware those existed.

Let's just walk, then.

We're a rare breed, but you run across one now and then. Most are more interested in ransom than fostering friendships, I'm afraid.

[He smirks and turns his attention towards the port, steering them a bit closer to the water's edge.]

As you wish.

Hence my surprise with you.

[She might be returning the smirk.]

I know how thieves work, after all.

Sky pirate, if you please. There's a world of difference. Thieves are men who must steal to eat. Sky pirates do it with style, and have a far keener eye for real treasure.

[He sees that smirk. Are you, perhaps, enjoying yourself?]

[She's certainly not telling if she is or not.]

I didn't say I was calling you a thief, did I? [That smirk is tugging at her lips a bit harder now.]

But since we're here, are we doing dinner before or after the nice long walk around the veranda?

[Yes, she does actually know how these things work.] If you're good, I might tell you more about me.

Caught. [He offers a genuine smile.] But perhaps note the difference for future reference.

That's entirely your decision. If you're still not hungry, however, do at least allow me to buy you a drink? [He inclines his head slightly, clearly interested by her offer.] That would be a treat.

You're as bad as Locke. [Her smirk slips a bit sorrowfully, but it's only for a second.]

Dinner. I have no plans to go on a drinking binge tonight. [There's a place up ahead, though, and she indicates it.] Don't go getting all smug or the deal's off.

[At first, he almost asks for clarification, but the faint twitch of her lips is enough to stay him. Lover? Perhaps the reason for her pain. That would make a great deal of sense, and confirm his suspicions. He merely gives her forearm a very faint, discreet squeeze, as his hand is still laying against it.]

Dinner it is. And who's being smug? Is it so terribly wrong to look forward to such an event? [Smirk.]

[She glances down when his hand squeezes her arm, but then looks back up and doesn't comment on it. So he can read her. She'd better try to keep better control of herself in the future.]

That depends on how your wallet feels. If you're treating me, you'd better be prepared for a long night.

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