[ To some degree, it feels like they all take turns being the party's center of pity, with catastrophe after catastrophe nearly forcing their hands. It'd be funny if they weren't so seemingly powerless in the flow of things; the blessing is that they're all in it together, as opposed to a single person being forced to air all of their dirty laundry at once. (Still, had he acted out when it'd come to be his turn? Definitely, yes.)
But, more importantly: ]
In an hour, then.
[ It's a blessing that she chooses the place, as it occurs to him fairly late in their back and forth that he hadn't really thought through what they'd do should she agree. The suggestion gives him something to do β namely, pack a small basket, which triggers a couple of warring instincts within him almost immediately. The first problem is what to bring β what won't seem like he's trying too hard while demonstrating that he has put some thought into this. (He settles on a bottle of wine, Blingdenstone Blush, and a few apples; it's too early for lunch β and arguably too early to be drinking, really β and it seems like enough to mark effort, given that he can't have any of it, anyway.) The second is just how much of a show to make of it; to point it out would signal desperation, but also invite acknowledgment; to ignore it would help him seem more nonchalant, but allow the praise he so craves to pass by.
Ultimately, he chooses not to say anything about it, instead simply getting to his feet and raising a hand in greeting when he notices her arriving. (He's changed into a fresh shirt, distinguished by a tiny bit of filigree around the collar.) ]
βforbade.
But, more importantly: ]
In an hour, then.
[ It's a blessing that she chooses the place, as it occurs to him fairly late in their back and forth that he hadn't really thought through what they'd do should she agree. The suggestion gives him something to do β namely, pack a small basket, which triggers a couple of warring instincts within him almost immediately. The first problem is what to bring β what won't seem like he's trying too hard while demonstrating that he has put some thought into this. (He settles on a bottle of wine, Blingdenstone Blush, and a few apples; it's too early for lunch β and arguably too early to be drinking, really β and it seems like enough to mark effort, given that he can't have any of it, anyway.) The second is just how much of a show to make of it; to point it out would signal desperation, but also invite acknowledgment; to ignore it would help him seem more nonchalant, but allow the praise he so craves to pass by.
Ultimately, he chooses not to say anything about it, instead simply getting to his feet and raising a hand in greeting when he notices her arriving. (He's changed into a fresh shirt, distinguished by a tiny bit of filigree around the collar.) ]
Hello again, petal. Fresh as a daisy now, are we?