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

[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.

[He chuckles faintly.] Seeing as I did bring you here against your will, it's only fair that I treat.

[Also, a gentleman always pays, but he's not going to voice that at the moment. Likely not to be appreciated in present company.]

[Well this looks like the place. Or a place. A good place? Something.]

Such a gentleman.

[Yes, she really just said that.]

[Indeed, it looks like a rather nice sort of place, especially for a port town. He smirks in reply.]

Will you brandish your sword at me if I hold the door?

[And, without waiting for a response, he steps forward to do just that.]

If you're lucky, I can get over it.

[Which means not comment on it, as she moves ahead of him and into the place. Of course, if he's going to play the part of a gentleman kidnapper, she's going to make him work for it. So, for once in her life, she will let someone else figure out where they're sitting and who to talk to.]

[The establishment seems to be of the "seat yourself" variety, and he inclines his head towards one of the tables by the large picture windows before walking over and pulling a chair out for her. A gentleman always waits until a lady is seated before he makes himself comfortable.]

Much talk of luck. Should I be keeping my fingers crossed?

[Well, she did ask for this. So, she takes the gentleman route with a nod.]

Yes, actually, you should. Or I might decide to stop playing the part of a lady and go for what I know best.

[He grins, helping himself to a seat a moment later, neatly pulling it a bit closer to the table.]

Consider them crossed, then. [He tilts his head towards the window, causing his earrings to jangle softly.] So. What might I do to earn this life story of yours?

I didn't say full life story, just a little bit of it. Do you have any requests or shall I just jump into that special ability of mine that I only touched on briefly earlier?

[He puts both hands up in polite defense.]

That, I leave up to you. I did say I wouldn't actively pry, and I intend to be true to my word. Whatever you are comfortable sharing will be quite sufficient, love.

[She gives a soft, amused huff of breath before ordering a gentle wine for the evening. Once both drink orders are placed, she turns back to Balthier with a more serious look.]

I wasn't kidding when I said it's not a pleasant story. I'm what they like to call a Magitek Knight back home. At a young age, I was infused with the essence of an Esper. I later learned that the only way to harness the power of an Esper was to kill it.

[He listens with interest once the girl waiting their table has gone, gingerly resting his elbow against the table and settling his chin into his hand, rings bright against his tan skin.]

A victim of science, then. Those responsible were harvesting Espers? [Espers in Ivalice were few and far between; powerful and hostile beings that had to be defeated to be mastered, commanded. He couldn't imagine any mere human taking hold of and killing one of those.] They're far more like people where you come from, then. Your friend, Terra -- she is part Esper, is she not?

[He frowns, clearly disapproving of these faceless scientists in her story.]

Something like that. They wanted to create better soldiers. And that's what they got.

[She was fortunate that her drink order came just after his question, so she could hide her surprise better. Stirring the liquid in the glass just a little, she glanced back up at him.]

What makes you think that? [Terra's background isn't her story to tell.]

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