I've Got A Theory (Preston)

[Preston Salabim]

"As in cast a spell on you?"

Just for clarification.

[Bailey Oleander]

"Ah, no." She shook her head. "Sorry, I meant the other formulas."

[Preston Salabim]

"So you want to look through my spell book?"

He asked, pushing his glasses up, his hand moving over the exotic leather tome beside him as he considered it.

"I might be willing to let you do it. Say over dinner?"

[Bailey Oleander]

Wait, what? Bailey blinked, certain she'd heard wrong. A hint of a shy smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she tilted her head to the side.

"Do you always ask girls out within minutes of meeting them?" It was almost playful, her eyes alight as she looked at him, trying to assess if he was joking or not. It wouldn't be the first time.

[Preston Salabim]

"No, but you are cute and since you can follow this conversation it means you are smart. I think that sounds like wonderful company to share a meal with."

Untrained but smart. Of course, he wasn't joking.

[Bailey Oleander]

It seemed he meant it, or at least, she believed him. Truthfully, she was enjoying their chat, and he was smart. He spoke with confidence and knew what he was talking about. Not to mention he wasn't wrong about spending a meal with someone who could keep up.

"In that case, I would love to."

[Preston Salabim]

"Excellent. Shall I pick you up outside of your quarters? Or did you have another preference?"

[Bailey Oleander]

"My dorm is fine." She'd given him the location and number of her room with a small nod. "What time would you like to meet?"

[Preston Salabim]

"Hmmm, how about seven PM? I can whip us up a meal if you'd prefer to stay on campus?"

[Bailey Oleander]

"That works perfectly." She smiled at the offer, unused to someone willing to cook the meal themselves on the first date, though she trusted his skill would be beyond acceptable if he was offering.

"I'm fine with either, if you don't feel like cooking." Her eyes lit a little with the smile. "Surprise me."

[Preston Salabim]

He'd nod. He didn't mind cooking, he preferred it to eating out generally. He didn't like how heavy most restaurant meals felt when he ate them.

"Then I shall pick you up and bring you to the mess hall for a private dinner."

Since dinner service would be over by then. They should be on their own, or mostly so at least.

"You might want to wear your glasses however if you really plan to study my book."

Because his handwriting was quite small.

[Bailey Oleander]

It was set, then, and it should be late enough that they shouldn't be disturbed much. Hopefully. The reminder to keep her glasses with her brought out another chuckle as she nodded.

"I'll make sure to keep that in mind." Because, yes, she fully intended to take a closer look at it, as well. When was debatable, but between the company she'd be with and the opportunities she could find, she would be prepared.

"Would you like to meet at my dorm, then?"

[Preston Salabim]

"I am unsure of what it's like in your culture, but in mine, it's traditional for the man to meet the lady at her door. Though I will defer to what makes you more comfortable."

[Bailey Oleander]

"That's alright. We don't normally have a preference where I come from, other than both of us being comfortable with it." She learned something else today. She'd give Preston her dorm number, content and comfortable with the exchange.

[Preston Salabim]

"Then I will see you tonight."

He'd say with a small smile. He'd need to figure out what to make her, maybe a fish dish. Brain food, and they'd be looking over his spells. So something light would be a good choice. Maybe with a side salad. He'd probably need to change too, make himself look presentable.