( if there is anything to be seen within innesʼ expression, it is that pained smile and those sharp eyes that could glare daggers into anotherʼs soul. )

i suppose you will find out eventually.

i certainly hope so. for your sake, mostly.

you always were. now let us go somewhere secluded so i can smother you.

hatred would make no sense. i was irritated, certainly. but it was because i strive to be better in every way, while most of the time you just seemed… like a natural at many things. it just… hurt my pride, i suppose. not that… i would have told you back then.

having a hard time… ( innes speaks with gritted teeth and a frown that could cause headaches, ) …certainly is an understatement.

merely a one time date, i assume?

[ loud sfx of glass shattering in the background. ]

pardon?

on your end, it might be wise to hydrate.

then a soon to be saturday it will be! or whenever else. not that i care much, considering any amount of time spent with you is… special.

…i shouldʼve asked for more.

( there is something about ephraim beaming brightly that ticks something off inside of him. like he feels irritated at the fact that he holds so much love and endearment for a fool like ephraim. but, innes is clenching his fists for other reasons– especially once he speaks between gritted teeth. )
+

well, you need not show. should you be so cowardly to tell one upfront, you could consider writing it down to make the job easier. you know. what they call a love letter, or whatnot.

i already have a headache.

…

well, go on then. do not keep me waiting.

…yes?

// im here, just a bit busy and too tired to go write. but ill show up more :)

// YESSSS THANK YOUU!!!! I LOVE TIME SKIP INNES

// me thinks the art i use for my layout is the best drawn version of innes. feh art is good but it doesn't feel right with the way i view innes. this art however.. yummy..

hmph. honing my skills. preparing myself for the day i become king. there is no such thing as rest, for me.

do not worry. i donʼt intend to make you uncomfortable on a day meant for us to make memories together. how of saturday? that is a day where i have less concerns with any sort of schedule clashing…

( innes knows, but doesnʼt change much either on most his habits. the moment ephraim presses their lips together, however, his hands reach forth to cup the manʼs face– as he tenderly returns the kiss that they were bound to share after so long. )

morning it is no more, but good day all the same. i suppose.

…

( and yet, nothing happens. innes clearly stated what he wanted, and he is terribly persistent on how he wanted it. so now he stares. face bright red, eyebrows furrowed– his lips pursed. perhaps ephraim will catch on, eventually. )

then we will have a wondrous date that will blow all expectation.

i can start demanding more, too.

you act as if i donʼt train every day myself!

( arms fold and a flustered expression makes way. he is desperately trying to act normal about it, though. )

we can… we can do whatever you like. i know you are more about practical dates than fancy ones.

…

( a long pause as innes stares at those big puppy eyes. he is clearly pondering the idea. or maybe he already made his choice and he would rather stare a bit longer. )

give me a kiss and i will let you.

if i can go without a day of training, so can you. besides, worst case scenario, we will just train together.

gives me another reason to beat you at everything.

…but yes. do consider. i think we might yet need a moment to ourselves. or a day.

that is… true. i forgot how fast time has passed since i initially proposed to you.

and as for the invite list, i will get it done. i would rather have it complete now than tomorrow, after all…

( a stern face for a stern prince. but even then, his face grows bright in color as his eyes narrow. )

…do you think i havenʼt already? i like to plan things in advance for a reason.

i wouldnʼt want either of our people, or our families to miss it. i think that goes for the both of us, of course.

perhaps there is a perfect balance. somewhere near the border. we could pick out a place for ourselves and have preparations be made in advance.