You might also be asking the wrong way. [ There's endless fondness in Hawke's tone and he squeezes Steven's hand. ] Your directness might be the problem.
[ It's not a problem to Hawke, of course. He doesn't mind the million questions Steven can throw his way. Spirits are a bit more temperamental. ]
I don't know. We thought dragons were extinct for a long time, hunted out of existence but now they've come back. That's why this is known as the Dragon Age. Well, back home it is. [ He has no idea what Steven means by evolved. No one's taught Hawke that much modern science. He's still wrapping his mind around electricity. ]
What are dinosaurs? [ No one's explained that to him either. ]
I think Marc likes me! I bought him a drink, how can anyone resist after that. [ He's very optimistic about his chances to win Marc over. As Hawke always is. ]
If they've got something to hide then that only makes the information more pertinent, don't you think? It's suspicious. All the history I can find of this place is literally folktales from various worlds. It's intended to keep us in the dark. [Which Steven doesn't like. He is all about gathering information and knowledge, but Folkmore doesn't seem to have much of a history, and that's the strangest thing about this realm to him.
Alas, he knows there isn't much he can do about it... unless he wants to get into trouble.]
And you've seen them and fought them. That's brilliant. Mad, but brilliant... [His voice trails off thoughtfully, wondering what such a fight would look like. While he wouldn't want to partake himself or harm the creatures unless it's self defense, even Steven can admit the visual sounds cool.
He chuckles fondly at Hawke's optimism, turning his head to look at him instead of the sky.] I'll have to ask him after I get home and admit this was a date.
[ He shrugs. ] Maybe they're not allowed to tell you. Maybe Thirteen's made a rule to protect herself. Or it could be honest. This place could be made up by the people here. Like the Fade, it might be malleable.
[ He feels Steven's gaze on him but Hawke keeps looking at the stars, smiling softly. He figures he can give Steven a chance to look at him without making him nervous or self-conscious about it. ]
Well, they didn't give me a choice. They attack straight away. None of them are friendly like dragons can be here.
Wait, wait. [ Hawke turns to look at him now. ] You didn't tell Marc you were going on a date? What does he think you're doing?
I never thought of it that way. Considering how powerful Thirteen seems to be I've always assumed this place has been around longer than we think. Then again, maybe a realm outside of time doesn't really have a timeline. Maybe it doesn't matter.
[He isn't sure he'll ever get a satisfactory answer out of the spirits or anyone else, not even the fox herself.
He can't help but admire Hawke's profile in the fading light of the sunset, feeling momentarily like he's in a daydream rather than facing reality. Everything feels warm and good, and perhaps if he was braver or more sure of himself in this moment, he'd make a move.
Instead, Hawke is looking at him with confusion and Steven laughs under his breath, waving his free hand dismissively in the air.]
Trust me, it's for the best. If he knew this was a date he would've found a way to stalk us somehow, most likely in his Familiar form. Layla's helping out and distracting him for the evening so he doesn't really know anything's different. I'm just out with a mate. [Another gentle squeeze to Hawke's hand.] Which is still true, of course, but the word "date" gives it a whole new meaning, yeah? Marc is just... overprotective at times. He means well. I'm just being careful for now.
I've always thought of it as Fade-like. It's home to a bunch of spirits and can change, does change during certain times. We're changed by it and can be tempted into behavior we'd never do otherwise. I can't manipulate it like the Fade but we do seem to have an influence. [ Hawke shrugs again and rubs a hand across the back of his neck. ] Thinking of it like the Fade makes the most sense to me. I don't know if I'm right at all.
[ There are so many people here who are so much smarter than he is, not just when it comes to technology but magic itself. They studied it. Hawke sometimes feels like he's a fumbling child around them. ] You keep asking questions and you'll figure it out. You're smart like that. And stubborn.
[ He can't help but laugh at Steven's explanation. It's hilarious to think of an over protective brother which Hawke had rarely been with his own siblings, not once they were a certain age. ]
Oh, I can't wait for his reaction when you confess. [ He grins at Steven. ] You rebel. Sneaking around behind your brother's back. I'm clearly a terrible influence. He's going to hate me!
[ But that idea sends Hawke into another bout of laughter. ]
I can see some similarities. Not that I have any direct experience with the Fade, of course, but from what I've read and learned... I can see why you think so.
[Maybe Thirteen is indeed some Fade demon though and they're all trapped until they figure out the escape route themselves. Or maybe they're all actually dead and stuck in limbo somewhere. Steven could believe that too.]
You know me so well. [He grins.] Emphasis on the "stubborn" bit.
[Hawke's laughter is infectious and pulls Steven in with it, quieter and more subdued, but still genuine.]
Impossible! Like you said, you bought him a drink, you're already on his good side. I just didn't want to have to worry about him too on a first date of all things. Although... don't be surprised if he acts suspicious around you for a little while. It's all in good fun.
[ This is one of those moments where Hawke can clearly define himself as a person. Before Anders he would have done something bold and flirtatious. Maybe put himself over Steven and teased about giving Marc something to be suspicious about before going in for a kiss. He used to be so free and easy with his wants.
Now, he thinks it. He certainly thinks it but can't bring himself to be that forward. His heart pounds with excitement and nerves. The nerves win. Hawke can't. He just can't. ]
I don't mind. Truly. [ He smiles warmly at Steven to reassure him. ] If Marc decides to be a pain in the ass, he decides to be a pain in the ass. I'd like to take you on another date. Maybe something you find interesting? Or just a wandering adventure.
[ He strokes his thumb across Steven's hand. ] I'd just like to spend more time with you.
[ And maybe with enough time Hawke would find that boldness before. Steven certainly deserved someone unafraid to show their feelings with him. Maybe he could be that person again. ]
I found this very interesting, for the record. Hey, we even managed to get a vegan brew into potential production - that's brilliant work for a first date.
[Steven is smiling so much, that happy feeling fluttering around in his chest again at the sensation of Hawke's thumb casually running over his hand. The fact that they're still holding hands at all is making him deliriously happy in a way he knows would be foolish to say out loud, but he is happy. It's a nice realization.]
Then we will, yeah? Spend more time together, that is... and do a second date. [He's already made up his mind about that, the warmth in his chest blooming hot in his face too as he meets Hawke's warm smile with his own.] I'm just as happy to lay here under the stars with you as I am doing anything exciting, I promise.
[And after a moment, his lips quirking, he can't help but tack on a little inside joke of theirs:] Mr. Darcy could never get away with this.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
[ It's not a problem to Hawke, of course. He doesn't mind the million questions Steven can throw his way. Spirits are a bit more temperamental. ]
I don't know. We thought dragons were extinct for a long time, hunted out of existence but now they've come back. That's why this is known as the Dragon Age. Well, back home it is. [ He has no idea what Steven means by evolved. No one's taught Hawke that much modern science. He's still wrapping his mind around electricity. ]
What are dinosaurs? [ No one's explained that to him either. ]
I think Marc likes me! I bought him a drink, how can anyone resist after that. [ He's very optimistic about his chances to win Marc over. As Hawke always is. ]
no subject
Alas, he knows there isn't much he can do about it... unless he wants to get into trouble.]
And you've seen them and fought them. That's brilliant. Mad, but brilliant... [His voice trails off thoughtfully, wondering what such a fight would look like. While he wouldn't want to partake himself or harm the creatures unless it's self defense, even Steven can admit the visual sounds cool.
He chuckles fondly at Hawke's optimism, turning his head to look at him instead of the sky.] I'll have to ask him after I get home and admit this was a date.
no subject
[ He feels Steven's gaze on him but Hawke keeps looking at the stars, smiling softly. He figures he can give Steven a chance to look at him without making him nervous or self-conscious about it. ]
Well, they didn't give me a choice. They attack straight away. None of them are friendly like dragons can be here.
Wait, wait. [ Hawke turns to look at him now. ] You didn't tell Marc you were going on a date? What does he think you're doing?
no subject
[He isn't sure he'll ever get a satisfactory answer out of the spirits or anyone else, not even the fox herself.
He can't help but admire Hawke's profile in the fading light of the sunset, feeling momentarily like he's in a daydream rather than facing reality. Everything feels warm and good, and perhaps if he was braver or more sure of himself in this moment, he'd make a move.
Instead, Hawke is looking at him with confusion and Steven laughs under his breath, waving his free hand dismissively in the air.]
Trust me, it's for the best. If he knew this was a date he would've found a way to stalk us somehow, most likely in his Familiar form. Layla's helping out and distracting him for the evening so he doesn't really know anything's different. I'm just out with a mate. [Another gentle squeeze to Hawke's hand.] Which is still true, of course, but the word "date" gives it a whole new meaning, yeah? Marc is just... overprotective at times. He means well. I'm just being careful for now.
no subject
[ There are so many people here who are so much smarter than he is, not just when it comes to technology but magic itself. They studied it. Hawke sometimes feels like he's a fumbling child around them. ] You keep asking questions and you'll figure it out. You're smart like that. And stubborn.
[ He can't help but laugh at Steven's explanation. It's hilarious to think of an over protective brother which Hawke had rarely been with his own siblings, not once they were a certain age. ]
Oh, I can't wait for his reaction when you confess. [ He grins at Steven. ] You rebel. Sneaking around behind your brother's back. I'm clearly a terrible influence. He's going to hate me!
[ But that idea sends Hawke into another bout of laughter. ]
no subject
[Maybe Thirteen is indeed some Fade demon though and they're all trapped until they figure out the escape route themselves. Or maybe they're all actually dead and stuck in limbo somewhere. Steven could believe that too.]
You know me so well. [He grins.] Emphasis on the "stubborn" bit.
[Hawke's laughter is infectious and pulls Steven in with it, quieter and more subdued, but still genuine.]
Impossible! Like you said, you bought him a drink, you're already on his good side. I just didn't want to have to worry about him too on a first date of all things. Although... don't be surprised if he acts suspicious around you for a little while. It's all in good fun.
no subject
Now, he thinks it. He certainly thinks it but can't bring himself to be that forward. His heart pounds with excitement and nerves. The nerves win. Hawke can't. He just can't. ]
I don't mind. Truly. [ He smiles warmly at Steven to reassure him. ] If Marc decides to be a pain in the ass, he decides to be a pain in the ass. I'd like to take you on another date. Maybe something you find interesting? Or just a wandering adventure.
[ He strokes his thumb across Steven's hand. ] I'd just like to spend more time with you.
[ And maybe with enough time Hawke would find that boldness before. Steven certainly deserved someone unafraid to show their feelings with him. Maybe he could be that person again. ]
no subject
[Steven is smiling so much, that happy feeling fluttering around in his chest again at the sensation of Hawke's thumb casually running over his hand. The fact that they're still holding hands at all is making him deliriously happy in a way he knows would be foolish to say out loud, but he is happy. It's a nice realization.]
Then we will, yeah? Spend more time together, that is... and do a second date. [He's already made up his mind about that, the warmth in his chest blooming hot in his face too as he meets Hawke's warm smile with his own.] I'm just as happy to lay here under the stars with you as I am doing anything exciting, I promise.
[And after a moment, his lips quirking, he can't help but tack on a little inside joke of theirs:] Mr. Darcy could never get away with this.