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.
"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.
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.
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.
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."
Basch flushes, but his arm is through this man's; what is he so afraid of?
"Yes," he says, glancing at Gladio. He's rewarded with an encouraging smile, and, gods, are those butterflies in his stomach? "I feel a fool for fretting over it for so long and not simply telling you. This was not the reaction I expected."
"Fear of rejection is pretty much a constant in most people," Gladio says with a shrug. "Makes you nervous, makes it harder to decide on things, or commit if someone can say no. I get it too."
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"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.
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Why would he ever negotiate on that? It means someone cares about him and wants him. There's only good to be had there.
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"So, why day drinking?"
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"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."
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"Finish your drink. We're going for a walk."
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"Alright," he agrees, and it's not long before he's finished and paid the tab.
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"Come on. Let's distract you."
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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."
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The amount he's fixated on Gladio knowing he isn't usually like this probably IS the drink though.
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It isn't that simple, of course, but he smiles anyway. "Guess I'm out of practice."
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Because it can be that simple, once in a while.
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"I'm glad that you enjoy that about me.
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"I'm glad you're here."
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And he smiles like he really appreciates that potential.
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"Yes," he says, glancing at Gladio. He's rewarded with an encouraging smile, and, gods, are those butterflies in his stomach? "I feel a fool for fretting over it for so long and not simply telling you. This was not the reaction I expected."
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