abraxaslogs | i'm reaching for the clouds

[ Sylvain just waves a fork dismissively at that. ]

It's hard to fall back on righteous indignation when they're right. [ He quips the words lightly, one corner of his lips quirking upwards. He stabs a bit of meat pie instead, still maintaining a mask of nonchalance, like he had learned to ignore all those rumors ages ago. Which... was partially true. He didn't care much about the words bandied about by strangers, that was always going to happen.

It was when they started being shared by people who weren't strangers that it got harder to ignore. ]

[ Something about that response presses a very specific series of buttons buried deep within Claude somewhere. There's a flash of some unnamed feeling, something maybe adjacent to that indignation he'd teased about a second ago, and yet - here it applies in a different context. He studies Sylvain while chewing his mouthful of food to think his response through from all angles, then shakes his head after he finishes it. ]

Just because people repeat something about you over and over doesn't mean they're right or anyone should believe it.

[ Even to his own ears his voice is too neutral, too even, too devoid of what he might make sound like a joke as he does with most things, were it anything else. But it's not, it's this, and he takes a sip of his mostly forgotten drink. Smile back in place, too, as this particular mask he's not letting go of. ]

But what do I know? Maybe the rumors these days are all about how you're a dashing valiant knight right off the pages of those Faerghan books. In which case, forget what I said. That's worth believing in that case since that's just obvious.

[ Claude's guessing about the evolution of rumors about Sylvain's reputation gets a soft but very derisive snort from him. ]

I think we both know that's very unlikely. [ Once gained, such reputations are near impossible to shake or change. He's long since resigned himself to that. ] Pretty sure we both know that I'd be a stain on 'valiant knights' as a whole and my membership invitation has been eternally revoked.

[ He doesn't sound all that broken up over it, at least? ]

But I can't say I hate the fact that no one knows who I am here. Or cares. It's refreshing.

[ There's a long pause after the first half of what's said on Claude's part. The impulse to argue it is there as always, possibly even more than usual because of the topic, the person, everything else - but. Sometimes it's worth choosing when to let the bulk of a disagreement go for now and this is one of them. In lieu of continuing to tug at a thread refusing to unravel, he just fixes a pointed look on Sylvain for a drawn out moment and then goes back to eating. ]

I had the same thought when I arrived. There's a lot of things about Fodlan that are - [ how to put this delicately - ] unfortunate, and getting away from that isn't a bad thing. Even with the rest of what's going on here it still gives us a chance to redefine ourselves.

[ Something he's assuming either Sylvain's saying in not so many words, or that the other man's about to have that same revelation if he hasn't already. One more important thing though, and for this he immediately frowns. For full effect, even if he doesn't mean the frowning part. ]

Way to sidestep my compliment, though. Don't think I don't have other ones up my sleeves especially since this dress very helpfully has voluminous ones.

[ Sylvain is still figuring out what 'redefining himself' entails, honestly. And he'd prefer to have a better idea of that before having to talk about it.

Which is why he sidesteps that topic entirely for the moment - kinda like the compliment Claude had accused him of. Which he still isn't really acknowledging. Instead, he just grins, fingers teasing against the inside of Claude's wrist once more. ]

Like that, huh? It also has pockets. I don't think you understand how hard a find that was. Hilda was very impressed.

[ He's supposed to be eating, but Claude has to stop to laugh at that. Don't think he didn't notice that there was yet another sidestep immediately after he'd pointed out the first one, but he'll ignore it for now. ]

I tried to give this dress to Hilda, you know. Now I'm just impressed she stayed strong in not taking it for herself with all this thought the two of you put into it. Or maybe you're just regretting not getting it for your own wardrobe?

[ And, because it's been a minute (or several) since he's last done this - time for some creative shifting around in his seat where he won't have to let go of Sylvain's hand while simultaneously stretching one leg in a too casual stretch before crossing it over the other again. Just because. Definitely no ulterior motives here. ]

Technically, this is your color.

[ Sylvain just grins at him, even though his gaze doesn't miss any of that. He is, however, at least pretending to be a gentleman tonight. Even if he is enjoying the tease for what it is.

Dress aside, Sylvain's finding his favorite part of the night might actually be Claude in those boots. ]

Oh, I bribed her with her own bottle of dye. [ he informs Claude impishly. ] Although I'm sure she wouldn't be opposed to accepting it after. Unless you like it enough to work it into your regular wardrobe, and then I'll have to find another way to soothe her disappointment. It will probably involve an ugly hat.

[ No one tell Hilda he insulted her sense of hat fashion. He likes living. ]

And while it is my color, the ruffles are on the wrong end. Alas.

[ As if that would be the only reason. ]

[ Ah. Bribing Hilda with fancy dye is a very smart move, and Claude's begrudgingly impressed. No wonder she hadn't been so willing to trade without something better offered to go along with it, though he's still likely to offer this dress to her. Never mind that they have a decent height difference since there's probably a tailor or two who could make that work.

He is going to raise an eyebrow at one particular mention, though. ]

Don't let her hear you say that about the hat. Weren't you the one who got too much sun and regretted it not once but several times over? Having a bunch of hats would help with that.

[ Helping! More like teasing and obviously so since even when he takes another sip of his drink amusement's still quite clear on what's visible on the rest of his face and then more so when the glass is placed back on the table once more. ]

Oh, well. In that case, tell me more about your preferences. I'd hate to buy the wrong thing sometime and offend your ruffle sensibilities.

She's already getting me hats. It's been terrible. [ That's not a real complaint, his voice is too full of laughter to let it be remotely honest.

He's trying not to dwell on how comfortable this is. Sitting here playing at flirting and teasing, hands still brushing the whole time. Not what he expected at all, but he's not complaining about that, either. ]

Most of my preferences don't involve ruffles at all, so I think you should be safe.

[ There's nothing to say to Sylvain's hat predicament that a fond smile can't say better than anything else about Hilda's antics. The same goes for the complaint about it supposedly being terrible - one he's voiced himself a few times, and had done so while putting this dress on - in what's also a familiar routine.

The rest of it, however? ]

How very coy of you. You know leaving that so open-ended is a dangerous move, don't you?

[ Look - that's not a tease. Or not completely one since there's still plenty of that in there, especially when when he puts on a mock frown following it. ]

I'm not so sure that saying your preferences don't involve something really counts as an answer, anyway.

Did you really expect me to make it that easy on you?

[ He's still teasing, because the strange combination of bickering and flirting he and Claude seem to frequently dip into is becoming one of his favorite things. It's responsible for the mischievous grin lingering on his lips, at the very least. ]

Besides. I know you love a mystery. I'm totally helping.

[ Not that he expects Claude to buy that excuse either. ]

That's an interesting idea you have in mind for 'helping' considering the whole point of asking was to benefit you.

[ Just to make that clear, though he has a feeling Sylvain knows that already. What would be the point of even wondering aloud otherwise? Time for a shrug just to further the teasing. ]

But fine, keep your secrets. If ruffles aren't your preference then I always knew it was lace anyway. And you could - [ time to lean over slightly in his seat to appraise Sylvain's current shoe choice before nodding as he sits back like he reached an important decision here - ] find some nice lace stockings to go with those boots.

[ Sylvain just laughs as Claude leans close and then nods at what he finds. But before he answers, he gives a very pointed look at Claude’s crossed legs, letting his gaze travel up the entire exquisite length of them. ]

I’m pretty sure we both know the lace stockings would go much better with your boots.

[ Yup. Still his favorite part of the whole outfit. Although he appreciates how much the skirt lets him openly admire them. ]

[ Even if Sylvain was being subtle - which he isn't - Claude would've been all too aware of that gaze. And, well. If Sylvain wants something to watch, that can be arranged. ]

Huh. Guess I was right about lace being involved, but maybe I should've specified laces instead.

[ There's emphasis on the plural in obvious allusion to the ones on the front of the boots Sylvain can't stop admiring every time they're mentioned. Or moved, which is really the helpful part here and what spurs on testing a boundary because sitting still for too long is rather boring.

All the better to uncross his legs to stretch one out to wedge it between Sylvain's. Kind of. At ankle level, anyway, which is hardly exciting given they're both wearing boots and makes for a lack of... any contact, and ankles aren't particularly noteworthy for it either. But. What was that about anticipation again? ]

No, I think these particular boots would cover them up far too much. You've spent a lot of time staring at them tonight, so wouldn't you agree?

[ Sylvain's favorite thing about boundaries... is tossing them out the window when they no longer apply. And since that was definitely either a flirt or a challenge - or both at once - he decides to roll with it.

In a move that probably shouldn't be as smooth as it is, he separates his own ankles where they'd been crossed beneath his chair, casually keeping the heel of Claude's boot hooked overtop his own. With a movement that looks like he's about to cross his own legs, he instead ends up lifting that booted foot to rest atop his knee with a smirk, reaching down to catch it and steady it with one hand, just in case. Not that he needs to, but it gives him the excuse to partially curl his fingers around the leather-covered ankle. Which Claude doesn't think is all that exciting, but Sylvain knows anticipation builds in different ways and he knows how to play with it.

In fact, the laces up the front are just loose enough that he can slip a thumb beneath them to rub against lace-covered skin tucked away underneath. ]

I don't know. I think there's something to be said about the anticipation the tease of what's hidden just enough can build.

Now you're just stealing my lines, Gautier.

[ Claude sits back in his seat with a smirk, all too pleased that it feels like Sylvain's taken the bait. He's well aware of the chances he'd being led towards something just as much. That doesn't mean he won't enjoy pulling strings along the way now that he's been presented with an additional array of them. All the better to see where they all lead through one orchestration at a time. ]

Weren't you the one who tried to say there was such a thing as too much anticipation earlier? Look how that's turned around now.

[ The touch to his ankle is a small distraction, certainly, given that Sylvain's taken the chance to be crafty all on his own at the open invitation to do so. But it'll take more than that to make him waver or lose his focus, and with his free hand he gestures to what's happening. ]

Not to mention you're telling on yourself entirely, what with not disagreeing about your very careful studies tonight.

Did you want me to keep lying?

[ The question is bland, even though there's still mischievous humor lingering in his gaze. And his hand works its way from Claude's ankle up his shin. He lets his other slide up to cup beneath Claude's knee for support, with how his legs stretched out between them. Which also means he can tease against actual flesh there with his thumb.

He doesn't break Claude's gaze, however, exploring by touch alone. ]

I'm pretty sure we're well past the point of the evening where I can convincingly claim that I haven't been watching you for months. Thinking about it. Wondering what would have happened if I had kissed you that day in Nocwich.

You could if you really wanted to entertain both of us.

[ Entertain being the operative word there considering both of them know the answer to the question posed is no, and Sylvain certainly seems to be entertaining himself plenty with hands wandering slowly while he holds the other's gaze.

It's not a bad method, but now Claude's smirk just grows a little wider. And, solely in the interest or rather Sylvain's interest, after the other's hand moves where it won't be trapped he moves his other leg to cross it over the ankle propped on Sylvain's knee. All the better to stretch out again for the view, of course, even if the skirt's still doing its heavy fabric job of staying in place where it should be.

There's probably some etiquette that says he should care that they're in the middle of a decently fancy restaurant right now, but. Claude never has been one to care much about propriety. ]

Sounds like you certainly have an active imagination. [ Said as if that doesn't apply to them both - ] And more importantly, that you've been putting it to use. Now seems like a good time to remind you you're the only one keeping yourself from finding out what would happen.

[ He cocks his head to the side and considers his options here. Because he's half tempted to lean across the table and test that theory. But when he does, he'd prefer it not to be in the middle of a crowded restaurant. No matter how good the food is.

Which is why, after a moment, he slides his fingers up a leather-clade shin again and arches an eyebrow. ]

Oh, trust me, my imagination is very healthy. Certainly enough to think up a better form of entertainment. And while I'll be thrilled to find out, I think I'd prefer it to be without an audience. Or the chance to be interrupted. So I suppose I will continue to suffer the anticipation. At least until you've eaten your fill.

No hidden exhibitionist streak then, hm?

[ Now he's just teasing because Sylvain had certainly considered that very carefully even if he'd decided not to act on it in the end. Or more like not act on it right then since the rest certainly sounds like a promise of sorts, now that it's Claude's turn to consider his - their - next option.

There's probably an innuendo in there now that he's thinking about it, but rather than comment on it he casts a deliberate glance at their collection of plates across the table before looking back to Sylvain. ]

I never have been one for traditional desserts, so I can't say I'm interested in the rest of this place's menu.

Probably not so hidden. [ He just snickers at that, smirking across the table at Claude again. ] But that's not how I want to start this.

[ Not that he has an actual plan just yet, but he's very adept at adapting things on the fly. Like in response to Claude's counter and pointed glance back at him. He hums, popping one more bite in his mouth as he drags the moment out, contemplating him thoughtfully. ]

Well. I suppose we could get the leftovers here wrapped up to take with us. Gives us something to snack on later if we get hungry again, or share with the girls. Are you sure you've had enough?

Sounds like you really have been picturing all kinds of things.

[ In regards to starts, wants, or anything falling in between, and he raises an eyebrow to go with it for his own entertainment. There's a comment about stalling on the tip of his tongue though it's thankfully thwarted before he can play right into Sylvain's ploy. Far better to stretch his legs out a little further as if to settle in and get comfortable after leaning over to pick up his drink. ]

I can be patient, if that's what you're really asking considering you're the one with all the plans. Including a snack for later, since I'd hate to think of you tiring yourself out.

Oh, I don’t think that will be an issue. Especially since I think I’ll save you for dessert instead.

[ Screw being patient. He lifts a hand to call their server over so the can wrap what’s left of their array of dishes. Although they did make a pretty decent dent in it by now. Then again, Claude had ordered a lot. ]

Ah, so you did pick up on the point of my dessert comment after all.

[ Just saying. Sylvain's too sharp to have not read into that exactly what it meant, let alone has it in his repertoire based on the use now, but. Claude's delighted anyway, and as Sylvain signals the server he withdraws his legs to sit up properly with a smirk conveniently hidden behind his glass while finishing the last of what's in it.

There should probably be a limit to misbehaving when it comes to here alone. When the server returns he flashes them a premade smile as an automatic reaction as they whisk the leftovers away before his focus goes right back to Sylvain. ]

Anticipation get to be a little too much to handle, did it?

Can you blame me?

[ Sylvain had slipped the server an extra few coins as he paid them, both as a tip and a request to have the food sent back to their hotel for them so they didn't need to carry it themselves. Then, grabbing the remaining bottle of wine in one hand, he reaches out the other to Claude in invitation. ]

Come on, there's one more place I want to take you.

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