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[ Maybe she should have asked that then, yes. He waits quietly while she fixes herself up, pushing his hands into his pocket. It's partly to hide the fact that he's... wiping his palm against the inside of his pocket too, may she never know how gross that is.

It also means he can step around to the centre of the room, glancing around so he doesn't look like a weirdo staring at her instead.

It's only when Athena seems to be ready that he pulls his hands out, checking his watch to make sure they've got time. Luckily they've only wasted ten or so minutes. ]

We should be just on time. Let's go. [ He repeats it back to her, making his way towards the door to open it up ready for her. ]

[ merlin and his sweaty palms... nasty.

that said, athena makes her way towards the dokr, giving the sleeping clonco a pat on the head before she's out in the hallway. she's still a bit groggy, but she's sure her usual amount of energy will come back in moments time.

she presses on the elevator waiting for it to come up. there's a billion things she wants to say, but in hopes of sounding considerate and unselfish-- ]

How was work?

[ then stop being so hot. this is not a gagtag.

He makes sure the door shuts behind him before following her to the elevator. Though she definitely is considerate and unselfish, also helpful considering he couldn't work out what to say in such a short span of steps. ]

Fine. Busy-ish, I suppose. I chased someone out of the magic shop by having a book snap at them because they tried to steal a potion, but it was fine. What about you?

[ #justMerlinthings ]

[ well, when you have problems like that, life must truly be different. athena's day on the other hand-- ]

I can't tell you the exact details, [ for confidentiality reasons, of course. ] but it was fine. I've been so tired these past few days, so this is a nice break.

[ and as if proof was even needed, she bounces like an excited puppy and links her arm with his. ]

[ "Different" is putting it lightly. Though he understands that, what with Gaius treating people back home (not that he was that good at the confidentiality part of it...) ]

You've been working a lot, haven't you?

[ It's nice to see her spring to life, and it works in time with the elevator doors shutting. It doesn't mean there's that much privacy though as it's still... glass. It doesn't matter though, as this is pretty comfortable as well. ]

You deserve the night off.

It is hard work, but I'm used to being busy all the time that it's nothing.

[ though her smile turns a bit more mischievous, as if expecting something. ]

Why? Do you have a prize for me?

Isn't that a little contradictory? [ More than a little really, though...??? Athena?

At first he looks confused at first (because technically he already gave her a present? don't be greedy?) but then he gives her a smile instead. ]

I might do. [ He can definitely think of something else on the spur of the moment. Hopefully no one is looking into the elevator while they're going down because he definitely tilts his head and leans to kiss her after that. ]

I'll save the rest for later.

[ They sure were near the ground floor........ hopefully she doesn't kill him for that as he has pulled away before the doors open. ]

[ she can be as contrary as she pleases! as for when the doors open, she straightens up and exits as if nothing ever happened in that elevator.

but of course, something did. and she couldn't be any happier like this. ]

I can't wait. We're going to have such a good time.

[ Apparently! He steps out with her, shifting to get into step with her as they leave the building. ]

Don't we always? Anyway, I did a test run to find this earlier so... [ He bites his lip and... points in the direction of the train station. ] There first, right?

[ her cheeks flush red at that statement, and she has to cover her face while walking, nearly toppling over a flower vase. ah... ]

W- Well, that's true! [ even if she does get so emotional to the point that she feels like she ruins things. :'( but once she's gotten over her little flustered spell, she looks at where he's pointing and starts walking. to the train station! ]

[ A few people glance in their direction when he bursts into a laugh as she nearly topples over, his arm moving to catch her and lead her away from the object.

That wasn't even supposed to be embarrassing... ]

Exactly. Now-- [ He chews on his lip as he leads her towards the stop, swiping his card then holding out his arm for when she's swiped in as well. ] --can you get onto the train alright or do I need to carry you on?

What are you talking about?!

[ HUFF. HUFF. lots of huffing, and the lightly swings her bag at him. that doesn't count as hitting, at least. it's not direct contact! ]

I'm fi— [ spoke too soon. a large beetle-like alien bumps into her and she loses her balance.

this is not a good day for athena. ]

[ Ah... How endearing. It must be such a struggle to keep a promise like that, when he really isn't helping. Thankfully, her show of huffing and puffing like a steam train gets interrupted when she loses her balance. His other hand reaches out to catch her, managing to catch himself by putting one foot back, and pulls her into a hug.

Is she really sure it isn't a good day? ]

Nothing. Nothing at all. [ Is all he says instead. ]

[ heh... heh heh... this hug is nice. she even gives him a tight squeeze before letting go and pulling him into the train.

it seems like a busy night, so they'll have to stand up, but that isn't an issue. at least the ride doesn't take long and they get to the entertainment district just a few minutes later. ]

[ It is a busy night, there are more people than usual and he has to wonder if there's some kind of event going on. He holds onto the top handrail though, keeping his other hand around her to keep her steady.

It's even hard to see the monitor for the next stop when there are this many people, too. ]

[ she takes a step to the side, closer to him. not because she's afraid of whoever else is around them, but because she just wants to feel his warmth. there's a lot of time for that, too, but every second counts for her. especially when he could just up and disappear at any time.

... they should probably talk about that at some point.

the train doors open and it's time for them to get down, and once again, she's the one leading merlin outside. once they're swiped the their cards-- ]

Well, lead the way, your highness. I'll just follow you wherever you go.

[ When she takes a step closer his hold shifts automatically, pulling her in just as much. He doesn't even let himself wonder about the possibility of that. He never talks about the fact that one of his friends is gone now, though he half expected it after radio silence.

Caroline is anything but silent.

He probably should have wished to talk about something like that instead when she comes out with that and he stumbles this time, looking back accusingly for some kind of rock when it was just his foot. ]

W-what? [ Athena, congratulations! Finally getting a point on the flustering in public scoreboard. ] It's... just this way. [ He clears his throat. ] Up ahead.

[ YEAH!!!! 1 point for psychology and a... couple more for magic... she has a lot of catching up to do if she wants to win in this flustering game. ]

Like I said, lead the way.

[ now that's more of a command than anything. ]

[ More than a couple at this point, honestly.......

Still, after giving her a look (he clearly won't forget this, Athena!!!) his hand reaches back for hers to lead her along. ]

Of course, my lady.

[ well, whatever!! he's still in the lead but athena will catch up!!

someday... also, she's going to ignore that look and pretend she's totally innocent. as always. ♪

she looks up at the moon again as she walks, admiring both of them. of course, the second moon isn't all that visible, but it's still a pleasure to see. they're like two cats smiling at everyone from the sky.

it's kind of cute. ]

I keep meaning to ask you, but I always forget... Yu said you're a telepath.

[ Probably, the more she learns about him, the easier it will get. At the moment though, it's probably more about catching him off guard.

He has his eyes on the lights in the near distance, keeping a lookout for the one that says "Cinema" in neon. Her question does make him slow slightly though, casting a glance over his shoulder. ]

It's... not exactly like that. What did you want to know?

Edited 2016-03-14 01:54 (UTC)

[ there's a bounce in her step when she's asked that question. it looks like she's been waiting for this moment for quite some time. ]

Can you guess what number I'm thinking?

[ athena no... ]

[ He glances back at her, more than a little amused. ]

If I could read your mind things would have gone a lot more smoothly. You have to have magic for it to work.

[ that just makes her a tiny bit bummed. ]

Well, that's no fair. What if I want to tell you something that I don't want other people to hear?

[ He stops walking when she says that, holding her arm steady so she doesn't walk off without him. Then there, in the middle of the street, he leans down to whisper in her ear: ] You do it the same way everyone else does, don't you?

[ You whisper... you baka ]

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