I've Got A Theory (Preston)

[Bailey Oleander]

"I'll see you then." She nodded and would rise to leave her seat, letting Preston continue his work undisturbed while she found herself curious, excited, and possibly guilty of having a butterfly or two fluttering in her stomach.

[Preston Salabim]

He would continue with his work for some time. But as the hours passed by he'd get back to his room and changed before going to the kitchen and starting up on their dinner. It was while everything was cooling and setting that he'd make his way to Bailey's room, knocking at her door, his book on his hip as he waited, hands clasped behind his back.

[Bailey Oleander]

If there was one thing Bailey would not have ever expected while spending time at Cabal, it would have been a date. In truth, she had served the minimal duty and could have returned by now, so perhaps that was it. Still, she had packed little in the way of expecting the anamoly and nothing felt right.

There was time left to go out and train by herself, then have coffee with Arianna and have a minor meltdown over the fact that she didn't have anything she felt was good enough for the incoming date. In the end, Bailey was able to settle her nerves and, when Preston's knock sounded on her door, she was fully changed and had herself settled. Running her fingers one last time through her hair, she retrieved her glasses as advised and answered the door. She found Preston in formal uniform as he waited for her. He looked good, though she did feel a bit informal beside him.

"Good evening, Preston." She shut the door gently behind her. "You look nice."

[Preston Salabim]

He smiled upon seeing her, she looked nice. He'd adjust his glasses as he held out an arm for her to take in offering.

"And you look lovely this evening Bailey. I hope you're hungry."

[Bailey Oleander]

"Thank you." Her smile warmed, as did the slight tinge of pink on her cheeks, a flush of pleasure rather than embarrassment. She reached a hand to rest in the crook of his offered arm, accepting the gesture with grace. While her territory did have a hold on some of the more traditional social actions, it was something that older couples did back home. It was sweet, and appreciated. From what she understood, his own culture relied on past traditions and followed them on her own. It made her feel...well, special.

"I am," she admitted with a soft chuckle. "I'm curious to see what you've decided to make, too. Back home, if one of my brothers were cooking, you'd have to either cook your own food, or hope for the best between burned grilled meat or peanut butter and jelly." Both which likely came with a surprise.

[Preston Salabim]

"Well, it's not a surprise. I made some braised fish and a side salad. I thought a light meal would be appropriate. I was unable to find a wine to pair it with, but I did acquire some cider."

[Bailey Oleander]

"It sounds wonderful." She was fine with the replacement for the wine, as well. The palette would be good together, and he was obviously familiar with it, but she was fine as it was. Their steps echoed along the halls as they walked.

"I suppose this could be the point where someone comments about brain food," she mused lightly. Because fish.

[Preston Salabim]

"Well, that thought didn't cross my mind. But it will be helpful if you plan on reading my book."

It was quite complex.

"I am curious to see what you make of it."

And he honestly expected a bit of ego stroking.

[Bailey Oleander]

Oh, she fully intends to take a look at the book. Her smile quickened a little at the comment as she nodded.

"I'm honestly excited to see it, but I believe I'm in good company tonight, too." She gave his arm a gentle hint of a squeeze. "A lot of people here are very...physical. We talk about our lives, and I'm able to get to now them. But I've missed finding that extra spark, too."

[Preston Salabim]

"It's typical of the territory. Dragons and Crows form the background of the military. Well, former Dragons and Crows I suppose now. By and large, they were not the most cerebral of the resistance back in the war. But they were effective. It's part of the reason for the exchange program The Academy has. We give them brains, they give us brawn."

As they were close allies. He'd shift his arm to unhook from her and put it around her shoulders upon feeling her squeeze. Taking it as an invitation to something slightly more intimate.

"An extra spark then?"

He'd smile.

"A bit sooner than I thought I would hear that, but I'm glad I did. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't excited to find someone here that can carry on a conversation about theoretical applications of energy. You're a special girl Bailey Blake, and I expect we will be seeing great things from you."

[Bailey Oleander]

"True." She nodded, understanding that a military base was where you would find such skills being honed. It was a far cry from home, or maybe it was just her? She still wondered. "The program sounds effective; you are here learning with military strategy being put into practical use and learning from it, and they can learn how to view their own battles differently, with a different understanding."

The thought fell away as he shifted, his arm no longer between the but draping across her shoulder to keep them close. Bailey blinked in surprise, but didn't tense or object. She had meant it as a companion to the compliment, not realizing how it could have been taken until it already was. But the warmth was nice and the conversation didn't take a drastic turn. She was content, walking closer beside him now as they chatted, his smile catching her eye, even as her heart did a little jump.

"Not that they aren't good people, but sometimes it feels like I'm talking with someone who speaks an entirely different lang---ah." Her cheeks heated as the actual meaning of his question and hearing it sooner than expected settled in. He wasn't meaning hearing someone critique things, but rather a more personal observation.  "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to ramble on."  Way to talk about other people on a first date, Bailey.

"Well you do leave a good first impression," she admitted, still blushing.  Was she saying too much? Did he think she was just buttering him up for a chance to look at his book?

"You think so?" Odd that talking about herself was suddenly a safer escape than a distraction, but it worked, mostly because it took her by surprise as well. She looked up at Preston as he mused on potential things in the future coming from her, a shy smile on her face as she tried to find her equilibrium.

"I'll try not to disappoint, then."

[Preston Salabim]

"Well, I am pleased to hear I make a good impression."

It was nice to have validation outside of his home for such things. In places where his family mean less, and he is not known for who his parents were. It was pleasant.

"It would be nearly impossible to disappoint me because I am only looking to enjoy your company. What you accomplish or don't, is something for you."

He didn't want her to feel pressured or put on the spot, but she had proven to be impressive so far with her record. He was interested to see what else she would accomplish in their time at Cabal. But he'd save that for later, opening the door to the Cafeteria, and holding it open for her to enter.

Sadly he could do little to control the lighting of the room, as the facility had them on until a certain hour. But he had managed to push the tables against the wall leaving just a small circular table in the middle room. A nice table cloth laid out with two plates, and dishes covering them laid out. A large candle was lit, for the atmosphere, and a bottle of cider was cooling in a bucket of ice.

"May I help you to your seat?"

[Bailey Oleander]

"I'll keep that in mind." Her smile warmed as he assured er there was no pressure, that they were both here for the sake of each other's company. It was easier to work with, too, than the assumed expectations she normally associated with going to dinner with someone.

Control or not, what he had accomplished was noteworthy nonetheless. The table was set out alone, covered trays and candlelight. Anyone who might have walked in while they'd made their way back would have gotten the hint very quickly. She nodded at his offer.

"That would be lovely. Thank you."

[Preston Salabim]

He'd nod his head and slide his arm back around hers as he walked her to her chair. Parting ways to pull out her seat for her, allowing her to sit before pushing the chair back in and taking a seat across from her.

"Feel free to dig in if you'd like. We can go through the book after the meal I thought."

And it would give them a chance to talk some more. When she lifted up the tray she'd find that he'd prepared braised fish for her to enjoy along with a side salad. He was already pouring them each a glass of cider.

"To new experiences."

He'd say, lifting up his glass for a small toast between them.

[Bailey Oleander]

"I agree." It would indeed give them time to chat, more so than just the walk, and about more than just the book or potential theories. She graciously took the offered seat, hands smoothing down the skirt of her dress as she did so. She lifted the tray to see the feast that had her blinking in wide-eyed surprise. He'd said he could cook, and she believed him, but by this, he could cook. Still, she wouldn't touch her food until Preston was also seated and situated.

"It looks amazing." She took the offered glass and raised it to his, sharing the toast.

"To new experiences, and the people and journeys that comes with them."