I've Got A Theory (Preston)

[Bailey Oleander]

"Still." She shook her head, still embarrassed as her hands returned to her lap. It would do no good to dwell on it now, though a faint regret in the expression. "We both wanted more than this and I just rambled and pushed it aside." It was an interesting theory, but one for a later time. It made sense, but there aws a lot she didn't know, and the fish was getting cold.

"It's delicious." She'd give it another try, still genuinely curious. Did you learn to cook on your own, or did someone teach you?"

[Preston Salabim]

"I learned from my family's chef, Sebastian. Well, he wasn't really a chef I suppose. Not just a chef at least. He watched the estate and the other servants. He would make sure I was tended to before I could tend to myself. But I was always fascinated watching him cook. It was like a science and an art. It was something I wanted to excel and so I practiced. A lot. And eventually, I got good at it."

Not to brag.

[Bailey Oleander]

Oh good lord he had servants. As in multiple. She considered what it must be like, imagining him at excelling at something he had others to tend to him for, for no other reason than he wanted to.

"They do say there's a mix of both with it," she agreed with a nod. "Basing one off of the other; knowing the science and making it your own art. You get to make it your own, in a way." She felt like she wasn't making headway, but she was trying, and still curious.

"Are you an only child, then?"

[Preston Salabim]

"I am. My parents were happy having a single child to carry on their legacy, and with them both being devoted to their own ventures they felt they did not have the time or energy to raise a second or third child."

It was what it was. He was fine being an only child. It meant that he didn't need to compete with siblings for attention or resources. And thanks to the early inclusion into the Academy he had plenty of socializing with other children from an early age.

"Do you have any brothers and sisters?"

[Bailey Oleander]

"I'm sure they are." Again the smile, reflexive this time, the elephant in the room still able to be felt as she shook her head. "I can't imagine what it must be like." Even with the tasks he seemed set for and the servants. To not have someone come to your door with a nightmare, to heckle and harass you. To be someone you taught the boundaries that were acceptable to and had a love-hate relationship with as they continued to be up in your business. To choose when to give up your own resources for one another or try to merge them together.

"I have two brothers, actually. Jared's a couple of years older than me, but James is still fairly young." He'd be twelve in a couple of months, she realized. Would she be able to make it home for his birthday?

[Preston Salabim]

"What's that like? Did you guys get along?"

Must have been weird growing up with other kids in the house.

[Bailey Oleander]

"About as much as anyone else does with theirs, I suppose. There's not really much in the way of privacy or quiet time, and sometimes you get to deal with everyone making each other miserable in endless games of revenge, but at the end of the day, their family. You're there for one another."

[Preston Salabim]

"It's hard to picture you doing games of revenge."

He'd say with a small laugh, trying to return the mood. At least somewhat.

[Bailey Oleander]

"You'd be surprised how many people say that," she admitted with a laugh, holding up the glass of cider and looking at him over the rim, "but I'm sure your imagination is capable of coming up with all sorts of ideas." Again, sadly, she doesn't even mean it the Preston could take it, especially with the chuckle.

"Besides, sometimes that makes for the best sneak attack." She'd take a sip and set the glass down again.

"What sort of things did you get up to back home?"

[Preston Salabim]

"You would be correct about that."

He'd factor that into future interactions with Bailey.

"Studied mostly. It took a lot of hard work to get to where I am today. I've never been content to simply ride on my parent's name. But I did have a social life. We did what I imagine most people do. Hung out with friends, hang out at the sights. Experiment with magical spells."

He shrugged. It was pretty normal where he was from.

[Bailey Oleander]

It was still difficult having that much time set aside to study in peace. He definitely showed signs of being an only child. Nodding as he asserted he wanted to make his way on his own merits rather than his bloodline, she found herself agreeing with the sentiment.

"Well, I look forward to seeing just how far you'll go." At the mention of social outings with his friends, however, an idea spared, and her eyes lit up with a new thought.

"Have you seen much of the sights or areas around here, outside of the academy?"

[Preston Salabim]

"I admit, I have not had a chance to appreciate the local sights. I've been quite busy with my adjustments and studies. That and once I got my assignment my partner and I got right to work on figuring out how best to work as a cohesive unit."

[Bailey Oleander]

"I see." She gave a small smile. She wished she could have said the same for her own squadmate. Though they'd made a little progress in terms of speaking with each other, it had mostly been her silently following orders. It sounded like Preston and his partner were able to come to an understand, or at least talk about things. Perhaps it would have been better if she had spoken up more on her part.

But this was hardly the time to start thinking about that.

"I would have said the same, when I first came here. There's a lot about this place that keeps you busy, and not just the adjustments and missions. But lately, I've seen for myself that sometimes changing it up can be good for people, too." A small breath before plunging headlong with the new idea and hoping she woudln't stick her foot in her mouth again.

"What would you say to going out and seeing some of them sometime?"

[Preston Salabim]

"I think that would be quite pleasant."

He'd say with a small smile.

"Anywhere in mind?"

[Bailey Oleander]

The smile was a relief and encouraged her own to grow a little more.

"Not particularly.  I admit I haven't had much time to see them, myself. I suppose we could look into it some, see if there are places we'd like to go, but I'd also be happy just making an adventure of it. What sort of places did you like best back home?"