Hearing his presence dictate your actions
You’ve been invited to a party. Instead of agreeing outright, you ask if he’s coming. When you learn he’s not, you decline. What’s his reaction?
Characters: Lohen, Tighnari, Illuga, Lyney, Kinich
Lohen
Lohen caught it instantly. He didn’t care much for going to a gathering among the knights. He disliked drinking and even more disliked being around people drinking. Naturally, he declined. So when they moved on to ask you, the thing that didn’t come out wasn’t a yes or a no, but rather asking if he would be there. Learning he wasn’t, you continued with “then I’m not interested”. Oh? Was his presence there really so influential on you? Would you have gone if he said yes? Inferring how much your decision relied on him and what those implications meant, he was smug. Way more smug than usual. The smuggest. Like he just won at life. He carried himself through the rest of the day with his chin held high and an arrogant grace in his walk—he managed to win you, how could he not? Varka was not impressed with the behavior, though his subordinates appreciated it since his good mood had him easier on them. Confident, he makes plans with you for that same day. Plans that would just consist of the two of you. It wasn’t established as a date… but he wasn’t denying it as one either.
Tighnari
As a forest ranger, Tighnari was very busy, so no, he wasn’t able to accept Cyno’s invitation. But he’s sure you and everyone else would have fun. And yet you said no—only after asking if he would be there. It was hard to miss. He gave you a bit of a weird look, but didn’t say anything. You spent the rest of the day helping him with his many duties. For the many days that followed, he replayed it over and over in his head, analyzing what it could all mean. He knew there was no reason for you to have said no, even with the consideration that apparently his presence mattered. You wanted him there. You wanted to spend time with him. You would rather spend you time doing work with him than hang out with your other friends. That could only mean… you liked him. More than a friend. Or you had an unhealthy attachment to him, if that was the case he’ll be sure to talk to you about that. With many possibilities in mind, he observes you. Your behavior. And when it matches up, he comes to the conclusion that you like him. And luckily, he likes you too. So with the confidence that you reciprocate his feelings, he finally decides to ask you out for a date.
Illuga
Odd, was his first thought. Then a feeling of warmth. You were together when a ratnik invited you guys for some drinks in Nasha Town. Illuga declined, and before you answered, you asked if he was sure. After he confirmed it, you too declined. It was weird, but then he figured you were saying no to be considerate towards him. It was sweet, but he wouldn’t want you to miss out on the fun because of him. He urges you to go, but again, you say no. Why? Simple. Because you wanted to spend time with him. Without him it wouldn’t be fun at all. His presence really was so important to you. To that, Illuga had no words. Just stared at you, speechless as his cheeks heated to a deep shade of red. Eventually, he turned away and mumbled something before walking. “Ah… I see.” You can choose to let him go or quietly follow, he’ll appreciate either choice. From then on, he’ll continue to be flustered around you. Giving out orders, he’ll stumble over his words upon seeing you. Walking around Piramida, he’ll freeze when you’re there. Conversations consisted of adamant avoidance of eye contact. And it was obvious to everyone, Flins teased him to no end. So after lots of urging and pushing from his squadmates, he finally gathered the courage to ask if you want to start dating.
Lyney
Lyney was the type of man to take any opportunity handed to him. It wasn’t lost on him that your choice implied you had feelings for him. As if trying to test you or bring more attention to the fact, he suddenly changes his mind. Yes, he thinks he will go. And you? You also decide you wanted to go. Why so sudden? Just because he wanted to go? Oh, what a feeling! Because of course he liked you back. Underneath all the teasing and smugness, his heart was exploding and internally he was kicking his legs like a schoolgirl. You were like a puppy, following him around. He’s satisfied about where your relationship stood. Reciprocated feelings for each other, but that didn’t mean you guys had to make it official. Neither of you really had to say anything about it. You guys can continue how you were freely with the knowledge that what lies ahead was optimistic. He had already been flirty with you before, so expect his flirtiness to amp up x100 after this. Your reactions were a treat every time. Whether it was being flustered, annoyed, flattered, or ignored. And every once in a while, you might manage to catch him off guard as well.
Kinich
Notices it, but doesn’t say anything while people are still around. He wasn’t exactly sure why his being there would affect your choice and wanted to know why. Part of him had an inkling he chose not to dwell on. Immediately, Ajaw was making a big deal out of it. “What was that?!” And soon starts teasing Kinich about it, to which he ignores. With Ajaw in time out, he confronts you directly. You’re surprised by the blunt confrontation, and his sharp gaze was hard to defy. Of course. He wanted to know why you wanted him there, so of course he’d ask. One way or another, he’d get the truth out of you. Whether through careful observation or from your lips, he gets it nonetheless. At first, he is quiet as the implications sit silently in the air. He feels awkward and his skin is warmer than before, but you wouldn’t be able to tell. Even knowing you guys have mutual feelings for each other, his heart was beating out of his chest. He’s had growing feelings for you a while and had been thinking of whether he wanted to ask you out. Now seemed as a good an answer as any. He nods, asking if you wanted to grab a bite, obviously a date. You did know that… right?
