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[ Gorgug is lucky in some ways - mostly the way that Fabian actually can't peek out from the Maximum, because he's no longer there. The moment he realizes this is going to be a date for real, it's not like he can just show up in any outfit! He has to shower, and then put on his normal clothes, and then head over to the Manor to actually pick out something that feels a little more date-appropriate from his huge wardrobe.

Which means that when Fabian does show up, he isn't coming from the direction of the boat-slash-dance-studio, but from their compound instead. Dressed to the nines. Does he know Gorgug probably won't be? Sure, but that doesn't mean Fabian can't dress up! Doesn't Gorgug deserve to have a little bit of eye candy while they're on their date?

Still, when he shows up and realizes that Gorgug.. well, did kind of dress up in his own way, Fabian smiles. It's just cute, watching Gorgug make these efforts to make this something special. Something special for them. It makes the smile a little grinny since it's amusing, but there's something very genuinely excited about it too. ]

Hey, handsome.

[ Same greetings as back on the train, even though he's not even putting on an act this time.. It's just a very excited-to-see-Gorgug-happy-puppy-style little tease, okay.. ]

Nice shirt.

[ Some of us just expect Fabian to be carrying around stylish clothes to change into after dancing his little heart out. And some of us are apparently wrong.

Not only that, but Gorgug was wrong about whatever expectations he had on Fabian's style of dress. When he shows up, the outfit takes him back-- and definitely makes him feel underdressed, but Gorgug doesn't get self-conscious about it, at least. He's smiling, looking Fabian up and down when he approaches him with his own grin and suave. ]

Thanks. You look dressed for a restaurant instead of the back of my van. [ Truly... he looks overdressed for the occasion. Nevertheless, Gorgug brings the arm he's been hiding behind his back to hold out to Fabian a small bouquet of flowers of mostly red and white (definitely more red than the whites), and a singular yellow freesia-like flower in the centre. ]

I got you flowers, [ he states the obvious, the smile he's been wearing turning a touch shy, but also more giddy and hopeful. ]

[ Please, Gorgug, can some of us not dress up for a back of a van water picnic as if they were visiting a famous restaurant?

Not that there's any time left to comment on clothes. Not for Fabian, anyway. Because Gorgug pulls out those flowers, and Fabian just--

He stares.

Only for a moment, and then he's already taking the small bouquet from the other, but even then he's technically still staring at the flowers. Just as they are in his own hands now, rather than Gorgug's.

(But it did feel special, Gorgug had said, earlier today. Maybe it's about the intent.)

Fabian stares at the flowers like he has been mesmerized by them. His cheeks grow a little darker, and despite the fancy outfit he's wearing, he doesn't really look all that cool in the moment. If anything, he seems half-baffled, half-shy. ]

No one has ever given me flowers before. [ A pause, and then, perhaps remembering another incident with Gorgug-- ] W-- Well, not like this.

[ That first day of school didn't count! That was different. Gorgug was right earlier today, this does feel different!! ]

[ Fabian's probably gotten flowers on other occasions. The sort that Gorgug can't imagine, except for something to do with family functions, though his father's side of the family doesn't seem the sort to hand them out. But when it comes to dating? Gorgug nods, understanding, considering-- well. Aelwyn. ]

I didn't think you did. But, I like flowers. [ He figured that out, after talking about them all day. ] And I figured if you didn't like them, we could throw them away. But I got these because, these colours make me think of you. [ He points, first to the red, ] Because you wear your Owlbears jacket all the time, and the white [ pointing! ] is like your hair.

And then this-- [ to the singular yellow ] --is the way you stand out.

[ He's smiling, has been this entire time, and he looks at Fabian now with that fond look; a little flushed himself, but in a good mood kind of way. ]

I don't know what the flowers are or if they mean anything.

[ He's not that deep into flowers. ]

[ He shakes his head. ]

I don't want to throw them away. [ Quite the opposite. The more he looks at the bouquet, and the more he thinks about every single word Gorgug is telling him here, the more Fabian actually wants to look into whether there's a spell to make sure that flowers will never wilt. To preserve-- this. All of this. This moment. The gift, given to him because it's something Gorgug likes, because it made Gorgug think of him.

The way Fabian stares at the flowers is a little shy, especially with that blush on his face, but at the same time kind of like he's in love with the flowers. ]

I like them. I like that you like them. I mean--

[ He may be realizing that he's sounding like a total dork here, but that's just making him blush more. ]

.. thanks for the Valentine's present.

[ If Gorgug were a little more perceptive, he might see clearer the depth of Fabian's reaction. What he does see is the touched expression, and that might be enough--Fabian likes them. He says that he likes them, and that Gorgug likes them too, and that's nice. Gorgug likes those things too, and nothing about him is judgmental about what Fabian says, or even knows he could be judgmental.

He just continues to smile, pleased that he made a good choice. ]

Cool. [ Cool. ] I'll get you flowers more.

[ That's a little note he can make about Fabian to himself. And with that being simple and straightforward to Gorgug, he turns a step, half-facing between the van and Fabian. ]

You wanna get in? I got a vase in case you decided to keep the flowers.

[ When and if Fabian decides to get in, though he can see the sight of the interior from where he stands, there's an onslaught of soft cushions on two sides of a low table, scented candles sitting on small square boxes turned over and covered with different fabrics (and also clued to said structures); there's a picnic basket tucked to a corner, and lo-fi tunes are coming from the van's radio. ]

[ Gorgug doesn't have to wait. Fabian follows him into the van right away, that smile still lingering on his face - strengthened every time he looks back at the flowers for a second.

Besides, the interior of the van does help keep the smile there. It does look romantic in that sappy way Fabian really likes, and he does note the way the music is way different from the stuff Gorgug usually listens to. (Or rather - the stuff Gorgug listens to when he's not around. It's not like Fabian hasn't noticed that the tunes coming from the lab are usually pretty different before he approaches..) ]

You worked hard. [ He says - the acknowledgement of what Gorgug had said and promised earlier.

Fabian doesn't sit down immediately, but it's mostly so he can step over next to Gorgug. One of his hands frees itself from holding onto the flowers so he can put it on Gorgug's neck, pulling the other down a little so Fabian can plant a kiss on his lips. ]

It really looks romantic. [ He adds, once their lips part. ]

[ That kiss on the lips? A pretty good sign he did a good job. Gorgug does lean down when Fabian urges him, closes his eyes for the kiss that comes, and then opens them to a rather cheery expression, sweet and touched by the gesture.

This is what their relationship needs more of, apparently. And he was second-guessing the flowers. When that's the key ingredient to being romantic in a relationship! ]

Then let's do romantic more. I like romantic.

[ There's an idea there, something for the future, nothing concrete to do about now, but one day. He gives Fabian another kiss, one that's quicker than his on the lips, but only because there's something he has to do. His hands are on Fabian's chest though--not pushing him away, but just resting there. ]

You sit-- I need to move the van out to get a good view. Then I'll join you.

[ Unless Fabian wants the view of the land and with the Maximum in the distance. Gorgug wouldn't protest more than once. ]

[ Good thing Gorgug likes romantic, or Fabian will have to throw out his own plans for tonight entirely!!

But right now he's not saying a thing about it. That's a surprise for later. Instead Fabian is still standing there for now, staring at Gorgug and nodding when the other adds that last part. ]

Sure, mister driver.

[ It doesn't have the same ring to it as captain, but-- look, this is still a van. Fabian refuses to acknowledge it as a boat. This will have to do.

There's another quick kiss, more of a peck, but then Fabian is already stepping away to go put those flowers into the vase. ]

I do hope you will be joining me for even more.. romantic things.

[ Don't mind him ~~and his flirting~~ though-- He'll just quickly sort out the flower situation, position the vase nicely, and then move to sit down so he doesn't fall over like an idiot once Gorgug starts driving the van. ]

[ His van is a boat and his boat is a van, Fabian. Respect the lore!!

Gorgug would reply about romantic things he would be willing to do, but Fabian is already off to deal with the flowers, so he hops into the front to take at the controls. A voice perks up in his head than in the console, an encouraging, 'Thumbs up on the flowers, huh, my guy? Like I tooold you, nothing to worry about!' and Gorgug hums in place of the laugh he nearly gives, smiling, and saying a small 'Yeah, thanks' under his breath when he starts up the engine. ]

Ready? [ he asks Fabian, and once he is, sitting down in place, Gorgug starts to direct the van out in boat mode, a light thrum running through the van as Gorgug makes a turn and drives out farther into the lake. Somewhere that looks like it has a nice view, even if it's a simple and scenic one that takes out the buildings from the equation, leaving water and distant land.

The lights survive the drive, glued into place--ripping them off later might be a bigger issue. But after five minutes or slow, Gorgug settles the van and crawls back into the back. Spotting where Fabian sits and giving him a smile, checking the view from the opened doors (with a little splash around the opening, but nothing that could reach in and catch at Fabian). Gorgug sits on one side of the low table, as is usual courtesy when hanging out with a pal.

...

...but then he gets an idea--even this late into planning!--and decides to take the place of picnic basket, scooting over and lifting it, and sitting it on his lap. ]

Sitting closer is more romantic.

[ He's so big brained, Fabian! ]

[ Fabian laughs. A very genuine laugh. Sure, maybe it's a little bit at Gorgug's expense, but-- it's meant in a fond way, really. There's something about the way the other puts things that's just very amusing to Fabian in an endearing sort of way.

A true romantic genius, indeed. ]

Hmm, that does sound romantic. [ Fabian agrees - though still with that amused tone now. ] I should have known I was dealing with a dating expert, considering you did manage to set up this whole date for us after all.

[ He gestures at the open doors with one hand - indicating that.. you know. They're out here! They're really doing it! They're having a date that's not just cuddling in bed or hanging out at either the Maximum or Gorgug's lab! ]

[ Another Gorgugism occurs, as he listens to Fabian's deduction and he considers his reasoning, even looking at where Fabian gestures to his evidence. Calculating it together and deciding, sincerely, with a slow nod: ]

I am. I'm pretty good at this. [ Sometimes, Gorgug will have an ego about the most random of things... but it seemingly inspires him, with him now closer to Fabian, Gorgug reaches over and takes Fabian's closest hand and links them together, even though his next action is to look at the picnic basket and start poking through. He's given himself a singular hand to do with the job, but fortunately, the actual meals inside are in bento boxes, so those are easy to sit on the table. ]

This is the fish, [ he says, and if Fabian opts to look in, he'll find unadon: grilled fish on top of a bed of rice. But Gorgug is still bringing out some more things to sit on the table: like a small fancy wooden chopping board. A cutting knife, a butter knife, and butter for said butter knife. He lets some demi baguettes sit spread out next to the side farther from him on the table, and then brings out... blocks of cheese, and a sealed packet of meat.

And starts sitting them on the farther end on Fabian's side. ]

And cheese and bread. Like we're having a fancy picnic.

[ He thought of it all!! ]

[ For once Fabian shuts up for a bit, allowing Gorgug his deserved glory as he shows off everything he planned out for this.

Besides, he doesn't mind being quiet about this one at first. There's something about Gorgug holding his hand and the way the other seems so proud of his ideas here that make a very genuine smile appear on Fabian's face as he's watching the other explain.

With his gaze half on the things Gorgug is showing off, sure-- But sometimes also just turning his head to look at Gorgug himself, a very adoring gaze in Fabian's eye. It's cute! He likes it when Gorgug is confident, okay! ]

That truly is a picnic worthy of a Seacaster. [ He finally comments.

And-- look, it's true, okay? There's fish! Fish!! That clearly means Gorgug thought of everything. You can totally bribe Fabian into instantly thinking your plan is great with a fish meal involved.

He squeezes Gorgug's hand. ]

It's as if we are out on the sea together, and you are my handsome helmsman. [ Sorry, Hangman. That does imply the Hangvan is a ship. He's betraying you for hand holding and a fish meal. ]

[ Wow, a picnic worthy of a Seacaster. Coming from Fabian, and maybe even somebody saying it like that in general, gives it a higher status that even Gorgug feels its worth. Which means the sides of his smile are crinkling when it widens, a further pride in his bones, his chest. Fish, cheese, and bread... who knew that's the way to a Seacaster's heart!!

And a Seacaster isn't the only one whose heart is being reached. Being a handsome helmsman? So very cool, and Gorgug looks at Fabian after he says it, giving his hand a squeeze back. ]

Really? I'm a handsome helmsman? [ Handsome, and a helmsman. Who knew those words would come out of Fabian's mouth about him? ] Would you like that? We could get a real boat, one with a helm, and I could really steer you out on the lake.

[ The lake. Because there isn't a sea, but maybe this piece of fantasy inside their reality would be nice to Fabian? Even if the size of boat Gorgug is imagining might be smaller than Fabian. ]

Edited 2025-05-15 16:02 (UTC)

Of course you are. And the most sexy. [ Fabian says, though he apparently can't help but add: ] After me, of course.

[ Does it help if he's at least saying that last part in a seductive whisper? Maybe? Does that fix ruining your own compliment for someone else with your own ego? Who knows.

At least he does seem like he's going to help Gorgug here, since he's already reaching for the cutting knife. He gestures for Gorgug to grab one of the baguettes - Fabian could, but he doesn't want to let go of the other's hand just yet - so Gorgug can hold the bread while he cuts it. Teamwork.

They have other matters to discuss as they work on it, after all. ]

I really like the idea though. [ And judging by the look on Fabian's face? He really does. The smile on his face seems so genuine, and kind of sweet.. Like an excited kid.. ] Do you think you could steer a whole ship though?

[ They are definitely thinking in different sizes here.. Sorry, Gorgug. Time to test your water vehicle proficiency. ]

[ He's the most sexy... after Fabian, naturally. Gorgug can accept it!

But he was getting distracted from the actual food, surprising as that might be. Fabian reaching for the knife does call his attention to it, though, and he follows Fabian's gesture, grabbing the baguette and... thinking he should let go of Fabian's hand. Which he might start to do, unless Fabian says no and takes it back.

Which Gorgug might say, 'I'm holding it one-handed?', but accept with a chuckle in his throat. He can do that! He'll just hold it to the small table, and hopefully Fabian won't bump his hand.

But as for other potential issues: like steering. ]

Well-- yeah. [ Does he think so? sure! ] You steered your dad's ship in hell. I can steer a ship too. I steer my vanboat.

[ Which is the same thing no matter how Fabian may want to protest. Sorry, but it's true!!! Live with the facts! Are you going to argue with this face smiling back at you, Fabian?

(probably.) ]

[ He is definitely taking back that hand. It's his now!! Not allowed to let go, Gorgug! It'd be one thing if the other did it before Fabian got the idea of doing this one-handed into his mind, but it's too late now. He's settled on this plan. He is taking back Gorgug's hand, and thankfully high dexterity on Fabian's end allows him to cut the bread just fine without accidentally cutting Gorgug's hand along with it. You can keep your fingers for now, Gorgug. ]

That's not the same.

[ Sorry, bro. Even on a very romantic date Fabian will protest that. It's a matter of principle! ]

I mean-- Yes, technically the Hangvan is a boat right now. But that's still different from a ship! If we would be on a ship together, it would be one far larger than the van!

[ Well, a lot of boats can be larger than the Hangvan--they've got large hulls, for the most part. Gorgug would be willing to learn how to steer a boat to have a fun time with Fabian (and they could even invite their friends!), but giving it some thought, while pushing open the baguette so that Fabian can butter it when he's ready: ]

What if you teach me how to ride a boat?

[ Wouldn't that be the most fun? ]

[ He's about to switch from the knife to cut with to the butter knife, but stops before he can actually dip it into the butter.

Mostly because he has to turn his head so he can actually properly look at Gorgug with his eye. A little surprised. Nothing too shocked, but-- ]

You'd want to learn?

[ --still sounding a little breathless, for some reason. Just a touch. ]

I mean-- You're serious about wanting to go out on a ship together sometime?

[ Gorgug sees the action stopped, the turn of Fabian's head in his vision, and so he looks back at Fabian. Surprised, if less than him; more curious, though he does turn that inward as he considers what he just said and decided. ]

--Yeah? [ He doesn't need that long to ponder. ] Boats are cool. We can go together and hang out with our friends.

[ Hmmm. Oh, you know- ]

Should we pick up fishing?

[ Would that be any fun? ]

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