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[bardische]

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[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.

[ziedrich_bearer]

"It never does. That's why you have to consider taking care of yourself before you get here," he notes as he guides them outside.

[bardische]

It's not the first time he's been lectured by someone who cares.

It isn't that simple, of course, but he smiles anyway. "Guess I'm out of practice."

[ziedrich_bearer]

"Best way to fix that is to practice."

Because it can be that simple, once in a while.

[bardische]

"And what do you suggest?" Because Gladio clearly had ideas. And listening was easier than arguing.

[ziedrich_bearer]

"A nice walk," he says with a smile. "It's going well so far."

[bardische]

He smiles in return. "That it is." And already doing a lot more for his mood than any of his self-medicating attempts. "I fear I don't always have the option for company, though."

[ziedrich_bearer]

"I'd say you always have the option for me, but we both know we take our duties seriously," he says with a shrug.