[ Hilda’s smile is nothing short of brilliant. It’s the smile she gets when she’s gotten her way and it's like all the work the wrestling she had to earlier is a distant memory. With her victory in hand, she shuffles backwards slightly to help Sylvain into a seated position before placing the hat on his head with such reverence that you’d think that it was sacred. ]
How do you feel in it?
[ Personally, she thinks it looks perfectly ridiculous. ]
[ It helps being perceptive in moments like these although knowing someone definitely helps too. Hilda catches the glint of amusement in Sylvain’s gaze which only serves to tug her grin wider. ]
But protected from the sun, right? Go on, you can say it: thank you so much for protecting me from the sun, Hilda. I know that your kind heart is going to be the reason my handsome face stays unmarred by the harsh desert sun.
[ There’s a weighted silence beneath the blinding blue of that hat before Sylvain reaches up to peel the lower half up over his forehead, almost like someone would visor a helmet.
[ His expression is only greeted with the sweetest of smiles. It would take a lot more to deter Hilda than a baleful look from Sylvain. ]
No, that was a gift. [ And then to breeze onto her next important item - ] I was wondering if you'd teach me how to bartend. You seem so good at it and I figure it couldn't hurt to pick up a new skill while I'm here.
[ Realizing how it sounds she hurriedly rushes to add on a last bit in case he got any ideas. ] And to be clear, this is more of a hobby. I can't believe I'm saying it, but I'm starting to get bored doing nothing all day.
But when she rushes off to explain, his expression softens a little and he offers her a crooked smile. ]
No, I know what you mean. It's odd, not having so much to fill our days that we feel we'll never keep up with all of it. I thought it would be more relaxing, but it got pretty old pretty fast. I don't mind teaching you what I've picked up here. Mag's always grateful to have an extra set of hands around here.
The smile that flutters to her face is a relieved one. She didn’t think that Sylvain would say no – but it wasn’t like she was going to push the request if he did. This wasn’t something she’d typically push or even ask, really. Not unless there was something else for her to gain. ]
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves – no one said anything about working. Who knows if I’ll even be able to pick up those heavy trays full of beer?
[ She’s spent enough time in the bar to know that those looked heavy. Not that she was admiring Sylvain while he did it or anything – or if she did, she hadn’t been called out on it quite yet. ]
Will I actually get to stay behind the bar though?
[ The scepticism reads plainly on her face. Mags was kind but she ran a tight ship. If she had to, Hilda knew that she’d have to do more than just pour some drinks and flirt – which is what Sylvain seemed to do when she had met him in the Sarstina the first time around.
She stands, holding out a hand to pull him up from the bed. ]
Like what? Tell me while you show me how to bartend.
Maybe you should start out focusing on the bartending part before we add in storytime. [ He casts her a playful grin despite the words. ] And we'll see what we can work you up to. Don't worry, I wouldn't toss you into the deep end without making sure you know how to swim first.
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How do you feel in it?
[ Personally, she thinks it looks perfectly ridiculous. ]
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Also she's not wrong in her observation. He absolutely feels ridiculous. ]
Muffled.
[ Hilariously, he also sounds muffled. ]
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But protected from the sun, right? Go on, you can say it: thank you so much for protecting me from the sun, Hilda. I know that your kind heart is going to be the reason my handsome face stays unmarred by the harsh desert sun.
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[ He guesses. ]
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You're welcome, Sylvain. But now that the present is out of the way, I was hoping you could do me a favour.
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He gives her the most baleful look possible. ]
You mean to tell me this wasn’t the favor???
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No, that was a gift. [ And then to breeze onto her next important item - ] I was wondering if you'd teach me how to bartend. You seem so good at it and I figure it couldn't hurt to pick up a new skill while I'm here.
[ Realizing how it sounds she hurriedly rushes to add on a last bit in case he got any ideas. ] And to be clear, this is more of a hobby. I can't believe I'm saying it, but I'm starting to get bored doing nothing all day.
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But when she rushes off to explain, his expression softens a little and he offers her a crooked smile. ]
No, I know what you mean. It's odd, not having so much to fill our days that we feel we'll never keep up with all of it. I thought it would be more relaxing, but it got pretty old pretty fast. I don't mind teaching you what I've picked up here. Mag's always grateful to have an extra set of hands around here.
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[ It’s mostly a joke. Mostly.
The smile that flutters to her face is a relieved one. She didn’t think that Sylvain would say no – but it wasn’t like she was going to push the request if he did. This wasn’t something she’d typically push or even ask, really. Not unless there was something else for her to gain. ]
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves – no one said anything about working. Who knows if I’ll even be able to pick up those heavy trays full of beer?
[ She’s spent enough time in the bar to know that those looked heavy. Not that she was admiring Sylvain while he did it or anything – or if she did, she hadn’t been called out on it quite yet. ]
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And believe it or not, I had plenty to fill my day back home. Too much, some days.
[ ...he'd still take his days here over that though, he thinks. ]
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[ The scepticism reads plainly on her face. Mags was kind but she ran a tight ship. If she had to, Hilda knew that she’d have to do more than just pour some drinks and flirt – which is what Sylvain seemed to do when she had met him in the Sarstina the first time around.
She stands, holding out a hand to pull him up from the bed. ]
Like what? Tell me while you show me how to bartend.
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