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[Belth actually seems to notice what Eithan is wearing, though it's less of an appreciative glance and more like he's curious about the pre-ripped jeans. That isn't something he's seen before. He's about to remark on that when he's asked a question. Momentarily distracted, he shoves his bangs out of his eyes and sits up a bit.]

The rocks on this system seem to have some very interesting properties. There's a kind of quartz that actually sings when I give it a little magic, so I've taken a bunch of samples-- I'm determining their channeling quality. It occured to me after our last experiment that conjuring an actual crystal for this might make the mana gem more volatile than it needs to be. However, if I use something that is inherently not magical, it should form a stable base that can then house the spell.

It seems so obvious now. Instead of recreating what I know, I should be incorporating other techniques. Even Earth can offer something, if what I've read is true; quartz is apparently very common, and it has uses in all sorts of industries.

[... Poor Eithan, he didn't ask for this.]

[ No, no he didn't, but he did ask a question. He knows by now that that's more than enough to set him talking for a while. He just listens, with a small, amused smile on his face, while he leans back against the wall with his hands shoved in his pockets. ]

Huh. I mean, I admit that conjurin' the crystal makes it a lot more fun, but you've got a point - just usin' a real one would be easier, sure. [ Beat. ] Though havin' it constantly singin' if it's channelin' magic might get to be a little... much.

[ Kinda funny to think about it, thus a slight huff of a laugh, but yes. Much. ]

Well, no, I'm not using the singing quartz. Not for this. But it did give me an idea... Imagine making an instrument out of this. Tuning it would be easy, since this particular crystal has a natural note of a middle C, though I've heard tell that the universe is a B flat. That might be an issue...

[He tilts his head a little, thinking.]

Well, whatever. A crystal harp can come later. For now I need to focus on making that photosynthetic mana gem. Fonts of magic are not as common as they are convenient, unfortunately.

[He blinks up at Eithan.]

... Did I lose track of time again? I made a slow-cooking roast; I am sure it will be fine if I pull it out of the oven a little late.

[ For some reason, he focuses on the comment about the universe. That's... that's really interesting to him. Especially considering... ]

I hadn't heard that. But I do know that the typical note to tune instruments to is A4, so those two aren't far off. And that's pretty cool, I think.

[ He really could just let Belth talk like this and be perfectly content with it - speaking up only every once in a while, whether he actually uses his brain and contributes or just defaults to humor... But, the topic's apparently done now, and Eithan just shakes his head, grinning. ]

Nah. You didn't. Roast probably isn't even done yet. I actually came to ask you somethin'. You uh, heard about the formal ball?

Right, I remember that from tuning the piano.

[He could talk about music theory all day, but Eithan shifts and assures him that he is not, in fact, late for dinner. Belthazar blinks owlishly.]

Yes, I did. Are you planning to help the Interceptors? I am... going to have to pass on that, at least. Things have the potential to go very sour very quickly and I do not want to be a burden.

[Also he's never been good at sneaking around.]

[ Oof. What is this, hard mode? Geez. ]

Nah, I'm not plannin' on helpin'. Sounds like somethin' better left to people who've done somethin' like that before, yeah? [ Beat. ] I am goin', though. To the ball, I mean. Not the rest of it. And honestly, that's... what I wanted to ask.

[ Yep. He's nervous. And his cheeks are a shade of scarlet fit to rival his damn hair, probably. But he's smiling anyway, hopeful. He takes one more quick, deep breath, and a half a step closer. ]

Would you... wanna go to the ball together? Like, together together. [ ... Headshake! ] I mean to say, I'd be honored if you'd go with me - as my date.

[He's not trying to be difficult, he's just oblivious! He just nods along, totally agreeing about the heist thing, until Eithan says he's about to ask something. Then Belthazar just... blinks. There's nothing in Eithan's expression that suggests he's upset or about to ask something that Belthazar can't give. If it was a simple question, surely the elf could find the answer--

-- but he asks Belth to go with him, with him, and the whole universe ceases to move for a split second.]

Wh-- what? D-... you want me to--

[Now it's Belth's turn to turn as red as the ribbon in his hair. His eyes are wide and green, his ears pinned against his hair.]

[Oh Light. Oh Light. He hasn't been asked out before-- not like this. With Hiro it was a very sudden thing, they were just holding hands suddenly and that was acceptable.

He is a few years older now and a bit different, but the sudden happy panic twisting around in his chest is the same.]

Um-- th-that is-- er--

[He stammers and stutters around, dithering like nothing else, wrapping his hair around his fingers like that'll help.]

I-I'd love to, I... I'd really like that. But no takebacks, okay? You definitely, definitely have to be my d-- my date!!

[ To be fair, Eithan's only ever asked one person out, ever. It was different than this, mostly. One thing is definitely the same, though: the anticipation, the hopeful feeling, the way his heart is hammering behind his ribs like it's trying its best to escape...

He feels the universe stop, too, he swears. And for that split second, he's pretty sure the suspense is gonna kill him before the Order ever gets their chance to take a swing at it.

But... Belth accepts. He'd love to. ... Holy shit.

It surprises a laugh out of him, and somehow, he manages to smile all the more. He's beaming. ]

What-- takebacks? Me? No way. Dude, you don't get takebacks, you just said yes!

[ Okay, he's too excited to stay standing against the wall anymore. He finally closes the distance, carefully steps around all of the stuff scattered around the elf so he can sit in front of him. And if Belth will let him, he gently reaches for that hand that's twisting into his hair. ]

Yeah, no, I will definitely, definitely be your date.

Why would I say no?! You're smart and kind and-- [Ohhh, he is so very embarrassed at this moment. He could probably go on, but by some miracle he manages to stop himself before he can start waxing poetic. But Eithan comes over and that means all of the things he wants to say are painted on his face, clear as day.

Eithan takes his hand-- and Belth squeezes back.]

... I'm really looking forward to it.

[ Why would he say no? Goddess, plenty of reasons... but, well, he didn't. And now they're sitting here, hand in hand, like it's the easiest thing in the world and everything just feels right. Some part of Eithan is convinced he's dreaming, honestly.

He twines their fingers together, leans in just a bit closer - so he can press a small kiss to the back of Belth's hand. And really, he'd do his own version of waxing poetic, but there's plenty of time for that later. Besides, the smile on his face probably says it all. ... Well, until he cracks a smirk, a hint of his typical mischief behind it, unable to resist: ]

"Smart," huh? Wow, can I get that in writin'?

[ Wink! ]

[Belth's blushing intensifies. He puffs out his cheeks, completely and utterly blindsided by the kiss to his hand; in fact, it makes him squeak.]

S-s-stop that, you s-shameless flirt!!

[He already said no takebacks, so he's not going to take anything back. Including the gentle way he pushes at Eithan's forehead to keep him away. If those lips touch his cheek he might actually spontaneously combust.]

[ Yeah, no, he can't help but laugh about it. And he does back off a little, even if he still keeps Belth's hand in his own, smiling all the while. Not like he could stop if he wanted - he's still pretty obviously over the moon about this whole thing. ]

Okay, okay! Geez. [ beat. ] Can I at least tell you how smart and wonderful you are, or is still too much shameless flirtin'?

[ Because he means it. Every damn word. ]

[He buries his face in the one hand he has available.]

S-shameless! Are you trying to kill me before we even get to the ball?!

[He flails rather ineffectually, all things considered.]

I need to pick out something to wear, and make preparations, and you are in the way. Go, go!

[ omg belth...! Ah well, he'll take his victory and ease up, for now~ He's still elated. And is probably going to not be able to stop smiling all damn day! But hey, that's to be expected.

He laughs as he stands, holding up both hands this time. ]

Yeah, yeah, I'm goin', I'm goin'. I should actually, y'know, get a suit, anyway.

[ He pauses at the door just long enough to smile at him one more time. ]

Remember you said no takebacks, yeah?

Yes, you should. Embarrass me in front of the others and I will make you regret ever setting foot on this ship. [He says this, but it was Eithan who was here first. Whatever, he's always argued like that. It's nothing new.

His response to Eithan's remark is to grab the nearest pillow and hurl it at him.]

OUT.

[ Cute threat. Eithan rolls his eyes -- and he's about to say something (probably especially snarky) in response, but that pillow flies straight at him, so what comes out of his mouth is simply, "Fu--!" as he very quickly darts out and shuts the door, laughing the entire time. Safe!

Of course, then he has to add a melodic little: ] I'll see you later, then~ [ through the door. Because of course he does. ]

Edited (you forget one little / and the whole thing goes to shit :|) 2017-05-28 18:07 (UTC)

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