Embarrassment floods him; he averts his gaze, face hot. "Don't laugh!" This is supposed to be special! Romantic! Not a failure before it's even begun!
Light fingers tap along his shoulder, the only warning he gets before she pulls him along. Laslow follows willingly, as he so often does. There's never any hesitation on his part. Perhaps it's a little pathetic--he just wants to be wherever she is.
He releases her hand with no small amount of reluctance. Lips part in surprise as she disappears over the wall, pulling herself up with the same ease he flips through the air during a dance. Nel's smiling face pops into view; he grins back on instinct, all incredulity and love and incandescent joy.
Their palms connect again; gravity momentarily abandons him, and then he's once more at Nel's side. "Well," Laslow says, breathless, "I never realize quite how strong you are!" He entwines their fingers with a little laugh. "Thank you."
He gives an absent nod. For once, he's not paying attention to their surroundings. Moonlight casts Nel in shades of silver and blue. She looks ethereal; something out of a fairy tale, glowing from within.
Her gaze turns expectant, the echoes of her laugh fading around them, and he realizes she's asked him something. "Ah, forgive me, my darling! Can't blame me for getting distracted when you look like a painting." His voice grows softer. "Lady Fate has smiled upon both of us, indeed. Shall we?"
It's his turn to lead her; with measured steps, they ascend the staircase. Empty tree branches stand watch beyond the windows, hiding Laslow and Nel away from the world. They emerge onto the rooftop a short while later, the low railing surrounding it offering them a nearly unobstructed view of the Academy grounds.
"Typically, I'm no fan of heights, but I don't mind this," he comments, though he does stick close to Nel's side. Just to ease that flicker of anxiety curling in his stomach.
Nerves of a different origin turn his palms clammy. He swallows them down, hoping she can't feel the way his pulse has quickened. "Ah, Nel....there's something I'd like to ask you."
Laslow faces her fully, briefly catching her eyes before settling on staring at the space between her eyebrows. "You are someone I've grown to cherish deeply. You're compassionate, witty, kindhearted...and rather strong, heh," he adds, if only to dispel his nerves. "That is, my heart dances whenever we're together, and it would be foolish if I never told you the depth of my feelings. After all, who knows what tomorrow shall bring, eh?"
Laslow pauses. Breaths deep. He's come this far without incident. "...I'm sure you've heard rumors of my, ah, flirtatious nature, but I assure you, my feelings are nothing compared to those shallow endeavors. Dearest Nel, would you be my girlfriend?"