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[bardische]

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Gladio | TFLN continuiation

[bardische]

[ from here ]

Basch sits at the end of the bar's counter; it's early afternoon, and it's not particularly busy. His stein is half-empty, and he's been fidgeting with his phone since Gladio said he'd join him.

He glances up and catches his eye, waving him over. Inside, he's squirming, regretting all of this, but he's not one to back out once he's begun.

[ziedrich_bearer]

Hello. Don't mind him. He's just going to sit on the stool next to Basch, lean over the counter, and smile.

"Fancy seeing you here."

[bardische]

The one advantage to the phone was that Basch had privacy. Here his flush is exceedingly apparent.

But Gladio is here. So, he must not be doing too badly.

"My luck isn't all bad today, then." He returns the smile, expression bright.

[ziedrich_bearer]

Almost a good line. Gladio grins.

"That's a good one, if you're keeping a list."

[bardische]

Basch flushes deeper. He was trying to be sincere with that one. The grin is nice though.

"Can I buy you a drink?"

[ziedrich_bearer]

"You're welcome to," he says with a smile. "And you should I think."

[bardische]

Alright, he's fairly certain Gladio is returning his interest.

Well, somewhat sure.

He thinks?

He wants to sink into his chair and deliver this query to the wall, but he also respects Gladio too much to do so. Mustering his courage, he meets the other man's gaze, even if he has to clench his hands into fists on his lap.

"Am I adequately conveying that I'm interested in you?"

[ziedrich_bearer]

"The text definitely conveyed it," Gladio laughs. "But this is helping."

[bardische]

Basch's expression finally eases, even if his head feels heavy and full of air all at once. "I am grateful smooth talking does not seem to be a requirement of yours."

He does wave bartender down to order two pints.

[ziedrich_bearer]

"We already talk," Gladio points out with a chuckle. "Used to the conversation. Gives me a bit more leeway to work with."

[bardische]

"Is it any surprise that it's a long time since I've done this?" Basch asks, but he's much more at ease, the teasing coming out correctly at last. "I think I'd have been too scared, if we didn't already talk."

Not that he -- had hit the mark on that. Last time he listened to Balthier's advice.

[ziedrich_bearer]

No, it's not a shock with what Gladio knows. He smiles.

"You're a beautiful man, Basch. Don't be afraid to shoot your shot."

[bardische]

Basch opens his mouth to protest, either his attractiveness or that that's any basis for what he's looking for, and then it catches up with him that Gladio is complimenting him and he blushes into his drink.

"So if we called this a date, you'd be...interested?"

Because he knows a lot better than to assume, even if sometimes it makes him come off as obtuse.

[ziedrich_bearer]

"No," Gladio said. "Because a date means I pick you up, sober, and I take you somewhere nice to eat. Then we walk through a nice park while I compliment you. And after, fro-yo I think."

[bardische]

Basch finally laughs, even if it's short and barely audible. That's...specific. And pre-considered.

"Somehow you're the one taking me on a date now." But his stomach feels tight and warm. He -- likes that. Gladio makes him feel alright in his own skin, and like the other can take charge without ever making Basch feel secondary, though he'd be alright with that too.

[ziedrich_bearer]

"Maybe. I could let you take charge on that, but initial sobriety is non-negotiable."

Why would he ever negotiate on that? It means someone cares about him and wants him. There's only good to be had there.

[bardische]

"A future date then," Basch agrees, tipping his stein with a smile. It's a good policy, as far as he's concerned, and more important, he likes that Gladio says what he wants so directly.

[ziedrich_bearer]

"A future date," he agrees with a smile.

"So, why day drinking?"

[bardische]

Basch's smile is betrayed by his sad eyes.

"Anniversary of a very hard day, and not enough work to keep my busy. Not my best stratagem."

He sets a hand on Gladio's wrist. "Company was a better call."

[ziedrich_bearer]

Ah. Well, he knows how to handle that.

"Finish your drink. We're going for a walk."

[bardische]

There's something immensely comforting about someone he trusts telling him what to do. He regrets drinking first, but he doesn't regret finally reaching out to Gladio.

"Alright," he agrees, and it's not long before he's finished and paid the tab.

[ziedrich_bearer]

Gladio downs his own beer, or half of it at least, until Basch finishes up his tab. Then he offers an arm.

"Come on. Let's distract you."

[bardische]

The offer of an arm isn't something he expects, or is entirely familiar with. He stares a moment too long, eyes tracing from the arm to Gladio's face and back.

Then he shakes his head slightly and loops his arm through. He feels a little ridiculous. But, he always does when someone is seeing to him rather than the other way around.

"I am already quite distracted. Thank you."

[ziedrich_bearer]

"Yeah, the drinking does that a person," Gladio agrees. 'swhy I don't do it.

[bardische]

"The drinking hadn't really done it," Basch corrects, very lightly squeezing Gladio's arm. "That's why I don't usually do it."

The amount he's fixated on Gladio knowing he isn't usually like this probably IS the drink though.