caughtinanetwork

[He thinks for a moment, then gestures to the waiter and orders two dishes. The first is fish, the other seafood, and he figures they can each share the other's food. Plus they'll both go with the wine.

Though Dolorosa did invite him to make a recommendation, he doesn't think about the fact that this might be a little further than she quite meant. As the waiter leaves, he smiles at her]

Wwell, I think you'll like both a these options, and wwhichevver you like the best, that can be your meal for the evvenin'. Howw does that sound?

[It is a surprise, but certainly not an unpleasant one. Despite the obvious changes to his personality she had still not expected him to be quite so accommodating. It's enough to draw a little colour to her cheeks as she returns his smile.]

That sounds perfect, thank you.

[Accommodating, or controlling? All a matter of perspective. He thinks he's being accommodating, that's for sure.

He smiles at her acceptance, and picks up the bottle of wine to fill her cup.]

You're more than wwelcome.

[She knows where to draw the line, and as long as she's not being forced into anything she doesn't wish to do, she's happy to go along with his whims. For now, it's quite pleasant to be treated so well, to be able to look at him as more of a peer than a captor.

Once he's refilled her wine, she takes a quick sip of it.]

Would I be permitted to ask you a personal question?

[He doesn't really know where to draw the line, but at least it isn't intentional. He does what he wants, and just assumes that's what everyone else wants, too, unless you give him a good reason to believe otherwise.

He cocks his head curiously.]

A course you can. You don't evven havve to ask. This ain't exactly a professional kind a setting wwe're in.

It was only for the sake of good manners.

[She bows her head a little, then sits back to look at him. For a moment, it's almost as if she's examining him.]

What has it been like for you, being here?

[He smiles and inclines his head] Wwell, I sure don't mind you bein' polite. It's one a your nicest qualities.

[He cocks his head as she asks her question, but it's not a difficult one after all]

It's been hard in some wways, but things havve happened here...good things. I nevver wwould trade the time I'vve had here, though there are times wwhen there's not enough excitement.

[Compliments are a sure way to get her blushing, and she does so, touching one hand to her cheek. Dualscar, she's sure you're doing this on purpose.]

Aha.. yes.. this is a large step away from the life of a pirate, is it not?

[He's totally doing it on purpose, and he rather likes that shade on your cheek]

Quite a long wway for both a us. [He smiles and leans in close] I got a admit I like that look on you.

[The blush only darkens - she's very much unused to being flirted with - but while she meets his eyes, her fingers come to rest on his wrist, her thumb stroking lightly over the back of his hand.]

I might say the same for you.

[Oh... oh this is good. He turns his hand over, curling his fingers around hers lightly and giving a squeeze]

I'm glad a that.

[Oh.

This isn't new, but it's different. She smiles timidly and squeezes lightly in response.]

I would not have thought that my opinion would be so important to you.

[He sees her nervousness and rubs the back of her hand lightly with the pad of his thumb, keeping things gentle]

Why shouldn't it matter? Things are different noww, betwween us. Betwween me an a lot a people.

[She lowers her eyes, clasping her free hand over both of theirs, looking at the subtle differences in their skin tones.]

You have changed a great deal. You must forgive me if I sometimes find it difficult to believe.

I forgivve you.

[Her hand is warm over his, though not as warm as Signless'. He likes it]

O-oh..

[That's an unexpected reaction. She smiles and chuckles softly.]

Well, now.. aren't you charming.

[The expression turns a little smug]

Wwell, I'm glad you think so.

[She sees that smug look, and it shakes her out of the shy state she'd been sinking into. Their clasped hands are given another, more contemplative look.]

I don't think for a moment that it is entirely for my benefit.

[His fins flick back and the smug expression vanishes]

Wwell, it's just me, that's all. And anywway, is it wwrong for me to wwant you to think wwell a me?

[Somehow, that's better, but she only meets his eyes for a moment.]

Wrong? No.. [She says that softly, an almost-gentleness in her tone as her fingers squeeze against his once again, as they follow the lines of the back of his hand to his wrist then slide back again.] It isn't wrong, but I cannot help but find it strange.

[The Dolorosa looks up at him then, her gaze staying on his face as if examining it, flicking from one feature to another.]

You have already vastly improved my opinion of you, Dualscar, or I would not be here.. but you must not forget where I came from. These changes are very abrupt, from my perspective.

[Her expression softens, and she turns his hand over, stroking her thumb over his palm.]

I can give you the benefit of the doubt, and the opportunity to earn my trust, if you can be patient with me in return.

[His fins flatten a bit, but there are things she could have said that were far more harsh. And honestly, aspects of it are quite hopeful to him. Pleasant to hear.

He withdraws his hand - not really meaning to, but reflexively. Being touched by anyone other than Signless when he's feeling more vulnerable is difficult, and he's not even aware of his action]

I havven't for a moment forgotten wwhere you come from, and I'm bein' patient as anythin'. Havve I gotten angry or tried to push you? No, I'vve made offers, sure, but I understand that I'vve got to wwin your trust on account a wwhat our prior experiences havve been.

[He draws a breath] Though I hope you don't forget either, that it's been half a swweep an more for me since wwe last met, an a lot a that spent as the moirail a your charge. It's changed me, an I knoww it has. For the better, I think. It ain't abrupt, evven if it seems so, an I'm not puttin' you on or pretendin' for the sake a any kind a double-cross in the future. I know it'll take time for you to come to believve that, but it's true.

You would be foolish indeed if you were trying to do that, and while you are many things, I am quite sure that foolish is not one of them.

[Well, that's debatable considering his past decisions, but a little flattery never hurts. She doesn't take offence at his drawing away, just clasps her hands together on top of the table.]

But you have been very kind to me, and it has not gone unrecognised, or unappreciated. [She smiles and lifts her glass to him.] I look forward to our relationship being far more agreeable from now on.

I ain't foolish for all that some call me a fool. [He huffs and his fins flick slightly, flattening against his neck. But at being accused of kindness, and her later words, he smiles and raises his own glass] I'll drink to that, for sure.

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