[ by the time axel has made it clear that this is a nice dinner to dress up for, even temenos will willingly shed his priestly clothes for something a little more stylish, a little less fantasy. what a pair they make! total opposites.
like always, he is perfectly serene - hands behind his back, relaxed and cool as a cucumber, even though he has now come to the actual realization that this is a courting thing? it was the outfits that did it. it is a little embarrassing in its significance, but temenos takes it, like many things, in stride.
there is a little thought bubble that pops up over his head as they make their way into the actual restaurant. Wow. ]
My, my. You weren't kidding, were you? Pulling out the stops. [ How charming. he seems to be unaware of his own thought bubble-ing at the moment which is probably good, and he flashes axel a smile as they head to their seats. ] I'm not sure that I've eaten somewhere quite so fancy before.
[ Axel wouldn't want to embarrass his priesty boyfrando by springing on the niceties without prior notification, and his reward in doing so seems to be that he gets to see Temenos in a different attire again. One that suits him well, he might add.
They truly are a wonderful contrast to one another.
The way that Temenos carries himself is just...him, and he would not have it any other way. Though, when he hears the singular 'wow', Axel has a bounce in his step. He is holding back his wooting and hollering by a mere thread.
'Charming' has the red head nearly bouncing when they arrive at their seats, and he plops down. ]
That's right. I can't help but wanna do the best for you in so many ways. Plus, they've got to have the real good stuff to chow down on.
[ Axel is a casual guy but he likes the idea of spoiling those he cares about well. 'A first time for my cute lover, huh? Lucky~!' Is the thought that gets let loose without him even being able to restrain it. ]
[ okay, well. the first thought goes right by him in a blur, but temenos cottons onto his own mental reactions a second too late when axel starts practically bouncing. he's about to think it again - like a puppy this time, before he remembers his thoughts are showing up and absently lifts his hand to try and wave it away to save a semblance of his cool dignity. of which he really actually has none.
he's smiling anyway as he gracefully settles in his seat and smooths his hands out on his pants, propping his chin in his hand. though.
.... seeing that thought above his head: it is probably blatantly obvious that temenos looks at it, because he makes no show in hiding how his eyes track up to the thought, and then back down to axel's face.
he raises an eyebrow. because he is a brat. and his mouth curls into a cat-with-the-cream (if awfully fond) smile.
(also because being called that is about two seconds from making him start turning pink, and there's a faint dusting of it behind his white hair.) ]
[ Axel sees the puppy thought and he isn't even bothered by it...well, Temenos seems to be by his own thoughts, but the red head doesn't try to slap his away even if they are basically practically going off like neon signs of some sort.
His own posture is the usual, relaxed, with a big smile on his face, practically almost a grin.
When the other raises a brow and gives that cat-like smile, Axel feels like he is on the verge of hearing something vaguely teasing. Which, well...doesn't seem too far off base (and to think he unknowingly gets Temenos to blush a tad.) ]
I think I'm going to take that as a compliment. [ how even ] How many guys like me get to spend precious alone time in a place like this with someone they cherish?
[ '...Probably some number, but that definitely sounded pretty smooth.' He might have wanted to chase this embarrassing thought cloud away, though. ]
[ what a nerd.... this is cute. he takes the teasing well, as usual - and when the thought vanishes, he just smiles a little further, chin in hand, pleased.
it's funny. this is a romantic thing, but it doesn't feel any different than normal. maybe that's how it's supposed to be - it's nice. especially for someone who can be very reserved, and very private, but he seems perfectly content at the moment, glancing around the restaurant briefly before returning to look at axel. ]
Cherish, mm? [ sincere... he's so cute. the smile stays, less teasing and more affectionate now. ] Many, I think. [ considering. dates. lol. ] - but, perhaps it is the singularity of the two of us that makes it a bit more unique.
[ ie: yeah, this is his first time doing something like this, and he willingly accepted it, which is even more special. ]
You surprised me, you know: I hadn't thought you'd take that remark so seriously.
[ Perhaps that's what adds to the wonderful mood of it all. Even though that this is, without a doubt, an outing with the unmistakable element of romance crafted into it, the two are, well...
They are who they are. Even though Axel has had his own moments, despite it all, even in a moment like this, he feels comfortable being himself around the other man. Whether it's casual conversation, whether it's showering Temenos in affection, he will never change the core of his being. And he can see that it is the same for his boyfriend. ]
Because we're as different as an orange and an apple? But still fruits?
[ ...That sure is a comparison, but yeah. Though with that thought he's hearing, he feels ever the more encouraged. Temenos can witness a couple of exclamation points in his thought bubble and even an image of "❤️", of course. ]
Well, I did also say I'm a man of my word. [ ... ] I think? At some point. I at least say I'm the kind of guy who always keeps his promises.
temenos tilts his head to the side, back and forth. ]
Mmm.... more so that you called my bluff. [ if you want to call it that. ] Truthfully, during that game, I was making a joke. [ and then his thoughts are more honest than his mouth: More like I was embarrassed.
ah, but - he waves his hand, to dispel any misconceptions. ] Not that I'm complaining, or that I mind, rather. Don't take it the wrong way. It just surprised me. [ a beat, and then, a little fonder: ] As you often seem to do.
...Heh. Calling your bluff? Somehow I'm not surprised you'd say it like that.
[ Saying that with more than a bit of light-hearted feel on his end. Though, whatever he is about to say to the second part of that changes only minutely when he spots the thought.
'Even now, Temmykins can't help but be cute about the whole thing, huh?' ]
Don't worry, I know you well by now. [ Leaning a bit forward after placing his elbows on the table. ] Including that I'm a pleasant surprise to ya a lot of the time.
[ Is he taking this as a positive boost to his ego? Yes. ]
[ the name in his thoughts gets a look, an eyebrow raise of really, but it is like. axel's brain he can't stop him from thinking about that nickname in particular, and he doesn't seem all that bothered by it.
in fact, though he waves down the staff to order a drink, axel does get his entire attention, and the answer he gets is honest, too. ]
Mmm. You are. I'll give you that. [ very much so. all of this is a pleasant surprise - that's how they got here in the first place. ]
It certainly is. Axel has a million other Temenos nicknames probably floating in his head yet.
...But, the honest admission catches him off-guard. Not in a bad way. A good way that makes his smile a bit more lazy and just somehow more serene. He orders a drink from the waiter who comes along as well; something fruity and light. ]
Heh, well you're full of surprises too; and a lot of other things that drew me right to you. [ Cheesy time ] 'Course, I'll also just have to remember you said that. Easy enough for a guy like me, though.
Hmmm. [ there's a playful little twinkle in his eye as he smiles back at him, for all the world like a pleased cat. ] 'Got it memorized', yes?
[ he is just soooo pleased with himself for repeating back axel's little catchphrase. to call this affectionately amused is an understatement.
really, for this having romantic intentions, it's not all that different than a regular outing. and... it's kind of nice? it helps even him relax into it. that's part of why he likes hanging around with axel, after all: its very easy. ]
[ 'That's one of the most beautiful smiles he's ever given,' Immediately pops up a thought as Axel's own eyes crinkle in delight to see it — naturally enhanced by the element of playfulness evident as well. ]
That's exactly it. I guess that phrase's gonna be so ingrained in your head you'd be hearing me speak it in your dreams, yeah?
[ He hasn't exactly stopped leaning over the table, chin briefly resting atop his hands, but he shifts to lift it, and then holds out one hand, for one of the other male's hands.
...Then he wiggles his fingers, like to invite Temenos to put his hand in his. Help. ]
[ so sincere... he probably has never been called beautiful before? but it's mostly just the observation of it all, knowing that axel really does think like that, that makes it particularly charming. it's just nice.
he's taking his wine glass from the waiter, and when he turns his hand back, there's the hand. temenos waits for the waiter to leave, and then makes eye contact, still smiling...
... and then, with a little laugh and a very fond shake of his head, he very gently places his hand in his, delicate. ]
I just might. [ cute. ] Would you like if I were dreaming of you?
[ It's the kind of thing that Axel thinks without reserve, though saying it aloud is certainly also pretty much a way to see how well the red head might stumble along his own words in definitely a ridiculous way.
Though he would be able to manage it nonetheless. So, once Temenos gently takes his hand within his own, Axel's fingers curl around it, smile still apparent, as he takes in the clear delight from the other man with no small amount of pride. And, of course, happiness. ]
'Course I would. And if you already were, I wouldn't be surprised. I'm pretty much the man of your dreams, after all.
[ ... apparently he would not be embarrassed to keep from saying that, though. ]
[ CHEESY he is unfortunately terribly amused by this. because of course he is. he does not pull away at all, letting axel keep his hand for as long as they are relatively left alone, thumb even very lightly brushing the side of his hand. ]
Oh, are you now? Such confidence. I don't think I've ever had one of those before.
[ he can't help himself - there's a very light tease to it, but it is awfully affectionate. ]
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like always, he is perfectly serene - hands behind his back, relaxed and cool as a cucumber, even though he has now come to the actual realization that this is a courting thing? it was the outfits that did it. it is a little embarrassing in its significance, but temenos takes it, like many things, in stride.
there is a little thought bubble that pops up over his head as they make their way into the actual restaurant. Wow. ]
My, my. You weren't kidding, were you? Pulling out the stops. [ How charming. he seems to be unaware of his own thought bubble-ing at the moment which is probably good, and he flashes axel a smile as they head to their seats. ] I'm not sure that I've eaten somewhere quite so fancy before.
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They truly are a wonderful contrast to one another.
The way that Temenos carries himself is just...him, and he would not have it any other way. Though, when he hears the singular 'wow', Axel has a bounce in his step. He is holding back his wooting and hollering by a mere thread.
'Charming' has the red head nearly bouncing when they arrive at their seats, and he plops down. ]
That's right. I can't help but wanna do the best for you in so many ways. Plus, they've got to have the real good stuff to chow down on.
[ Axel is a casual guy but he likes the idea of spoiling those he cares about well. 'A first time for my cute lover, huh? Lucky~!' Is the thought that gets let loose without him even being able to restrain it. ]
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he's smiling anyway as he gracefully settles in his seat and smooths his hands out on his pants, propping his chin in his hand. though.
.... seeing that thought above his head: it is probably blatantly obvious that temenos looks at it, because he makes no show in hiding how his eyes track up to the thought, and then back down to axel's face.
he raises an eyebrow. because he is a brat. and his mouth curls into a cat-with-the-cream (if awfully fond) smile.
(also because being called that is about two seconds from making him start turning pink, and there's a faint dusting of it behind his white hair.) ]
Lucky indeed.
[ don't bully him you're on a date ]
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His own posture is the usual, relaxed, with a big smile on his face, practically almost a grin.
When the other raises a brow and gives that cat-like smile, Axel feels like he is on the verge of hearing something vaguely teasing. Which, well...doesn't seem too far off base (and to think he unknowingly gets Temenos to blush a tad.) ]
I think I'm going to take that as a compliment. [ how even ] How many guys like me get to spend precious alone time in a place like this with someone they cherish?
[ '...Probably some number, but that definitely sounded pretty smooth.' He might have wanted to chase this embarrassing thought cloud away, though. ]
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it's funny. this is a romantic thing, but it doesn't feel any different than normal. maybe that's how it's supposed to be - it's nice. especially for someone who can be very reserved, and very private, but he seems perfectly content at the moment, glancing around the restaurant briefly before returning to look at axel. ]
Cherish, mm? [ sincere... he's so cute. the smile stays, less teasing and more affectionate now. ] Many, I think. [ considering. dates. lol. ] - but, perhaps it is the singularity of the two of us that makes it a bit more unique.
[ ie: yeah, this is his first time doing something like this, and he willingly accepted it, which is even more special. ]
You surprised me, you know: I hadn't thought you'd take that remark so seriously.
[ I'm not complaining. ]
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They are who they are. Even though Axel has had his own moments, despite it all, even in a moment like this, he feels comfortable being himself around the other man. Whether it's casual conversation, whether it's showering Temenos in affection, he will never change the core of his being. And he can see that it is the same for his boyfriend. ]
Because we're as different as an orange and an apple? But still fruits?
[ ...That sure is a comparison, but yeah. Though with that thought he's hearing, he feels ever the more encouraged. Temenos can witness a couple of exclamation points in his thought bubble and even an image of "❤️", of course. ]
Well, I did also say I'm a man of my word. [ ... ] I think? At some point. I at least say I'm the kind of guy who always keeps his promises.
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temenos tilts his head to the side, back and forth. ]
Mmm.... more so that you called my bluff. [ if you want to call it that. ] Truthfully, during that game, I was making a joke. [ and then his thoughts are more honest than his mouth: More like I was embarrassed.
ah, but - he waves his hand, to dispel any misconceptions. ] Not that I'm complaining, or that I mind, rather. Don't take it the wrong way. It just surprised me. [ a beat, and then, a little fonder: ] As you often seem to do.
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...Heh. Calling your bluff? Somehow I'm not surprised you'd say it like that.
[ Saying that with more than a bit of light-hearted feel on his end. Though, whatever he is about to say to the second part of that changes only minutely when he spots the thought.
'Even now, Temmykins can't help but be cute about the whole thing, huh?' ]
Don't worry, I know you well by now. [ Leaning a bit forward after placing his elbows on the table. ] Including that I'm a pleasant surprise to ya a lot of the time.
[ Is he taking this as a positive boost to his ego? Yes. ]
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in fact, though he waves down the staff to order a drink, axel does get his entire attention, and the answer he gets is honest, too. ]
Mmm. You are. I'll give you that. [ very much so. all of this is a pleasant surprise - that's how they got here in the first place. ]
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It certainly is. Axel has a million other Temenos nicknames probably floating in his head yet.
...But, the honest admission catches him off-guard. Not in a bad way. A good way that makes his smile a bit more lazy and just somehow more serene. He orders a drink from the waiter who comes along as well; something fruity and light. ]
Heh, well you're full of surprises too; and a lot of other things that drew me right to you. [ Cheesy time ] 'Course, I'll also just have to remember you said that. Easy enough for a guy like me, though.
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[ he is just soooo pleased with himself for repeating back axel's little catchphrase. to call this affectionately amused is an understatement.
really, for this having romantic intentions, it's not all that different than a regular outing. and... it's kind of nice? it helps even him relax into it. that's part of why he likes hanging around with axel, after all: its very easy. ]
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That's exactly it. I guess that phrase's gonna be so ingrained in your head you'd be hearing me speak it in your dreams, yeah?
[ He hasn't exactly stopped leaning over the table, chin briefly resting atop his hands, but he shifts to lift it, and then holds out one hand, for one of the other male's hands.
...Then he wiggles his fingers, like to invite Temenos to put his hand in his. Help. ]
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he's taking his wine glass from the waiter, and when he turns his hand back, there's the hand. temenos waits for the waiter to leave, and then makes eye contact, still smiling...
... and then, with a little laugh and a very fond shake of his head, he very gently places his hand in his, delicate. ]
I just might. [ cute. ] Would you like if I were dreaming of you?
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Though he would be able to manage it nonetheless. So, once Temenos gently takes his hand within his own, Axel's fingers curl around it, smile still apparent, as he takes in the clear delight from the other man with no small amount of pride. And, of course, happiness. ]
'Course I would. And if you already were, I wouldn't be surprised. I'm pretty much the man of your dreams, after all.
[ ... apparently he would not be embarrassed to keep from saying that, though. ]
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Oh, are you now? Such confidence. I don't think I've ever had one of those before.
[ he can't help himself - there's a very light tease to it, but it is awfully affectionate. ]
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Until I came along?
[ Axel, of course, leans metaphorically into the tease. ]
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[ he is kidding, though he pretends not to be, putting his other hand up to his chin, as if very thoughtful...
unbeknownst to him, a tiny little thought bubble pops off of his head with a "♥" in it so. you know. probably the former. ]
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[ Axel says with a jocular tone in his voice.
...
He also looks at the heart symbol regardless, and smiles knowingly. ]
...And more just imagine it is, actually.