"That Rose guy ain't so bad after all. ."

"Yeah, you're goofy as well darling. ."

He snickers softly, sneakily extending out his hand to Rose, a slight glimmer in his eyes.

Really only works well because Illinois said it. He chuckles softly, closing the menu and placing it down gently.

"What? Just like you?"

ILLINOIS.

"Nothin' is really catchin' my eye. . except for you, darling."

He ponders for a moment, still looking through the menu.

"Might try those noodles you suggested, they do sound nice. ."

"Alright, let's see here. ."

Illinois grabs his menu, looking through all the options within. Nothing too appetizing so far.

Illinois however, gently nudges Rose, chuckling softly. Just to let the other know he's listening.

Illinois can't help but snicker quietly, letting his hands drop to his side.

"Y'know, it was obvious the moment I saw 'em. ."

He crosses his arms, letting out a quiet chuckle.

"Yeah, I'm somethin' of an adventurer, if you will."

Illinois sits at one of the stools, while doing so, he extends out his hand toward Mr. Feng, a slight smile still on his face.

While this is happening, he turns his head slightly toward Rose, now smirking.

Illinois doesn't say anything really, mostly just watching from behind, a slight grin on his face.

He gently taps his boot on the ground, clearly his demeanor has switched the second he walked through the door.

He doesn't seem flirty anymore. Thankfully.

"You got me interested now."

He grins, crossing his arms.

"This better be good. ."

"Sounds wonderful to me."

"Haven't had that in. . forever."

He ponders for a moment, before rejecting that thought, and continuing to follow.

"Thanks darling."

He gently pats Rose's back, he doesn't mind being dragged along.

"So. . where you thinkin'?"

"How about 𝘺𝘰𝘶 lead the way, darling?"

He halts, letting Rose walk infront.

"Exactly darling. ."

"What 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 you thinkin' there? Hm?"

He grins, before chuckling to himself.

"Don't answer that. Let's just. . get goin'."

"Sounds good to me! How about you pick?"

He delivers a wink to Rose, before gently patting the other's shoulder.

"After that, we'll head back to your place. ."

Oh?

"For my hat, of course."

"And what I'm sayin', is the truth, darling."

A quiet snicker, as he boops Rose's nose.

"At first I was thinkin' the obvious dangerous cave that would probably get you killed by a boulder, but nah. It would kill me to see your beautiful face get hurt!"

"Oh darling, don't say that! You look wonderful."

He extends out his hand, still grinning.

"Way too wonderful actually. ."

"Well, I'm free for a few hours, darling. How about right now?"

His flirty demeanor has returned, as he grins yet again.

"If not, I can wait. ."

"I mean-- I would love to!"

He's acting so nervous now. That demeanor of his just. . gone now.

"Excuse me?"

"I can. . I can just do that?"

Oh my goodness, he looks so shocked at that.

"Because I--. ."

He pauses, his grin dropping yet again. He glances around for a moment, before returning his attention to Rose.

"Y'know I'm. . not really sure, darling. I think I just like you that much."

"I personally find it very cute. ."

"I like a man who doesn't want me THAT bad. . I truly do like a challenge."

His cocky grin returns.

"Well thanks for callin' me gorgeous darling."

He chuckles quietly, before dropping the smirk.

"Because ya seem like a wonderful person. Someone I could really spend a lot of time with!"

"Darling, darling. . I ain't gonna break your heart. Sure I'm a busy man. . with. . work to do. But I'm spendin' my limited free time, with you."

"That's gotta mean somethin', right?"

Shit he's got a point.

That's what I'M saying!

"Well darling. How can I make you believe me then?"

An actual, genuine question from him, he truly does like Rose. A lot, actually.

"Oh darling, nono. . that's not what I'm trying to do at all! Besides, most of my. . 'friends' perished in a big boulder accident."

IT'S ALWAYS THE FUCKING BOULDERS.

"I truly think you're amazin'."

"Alright darling, what is my game then? I'm curious. ."

He tilts his head, walking ever so slightly closer to Rose.

His grin turns into a smirk as he awaits an answer.

Are we just going to ignore the fact that most of the people Illinois likes. . die?

"But I think you are darling. I can see it in your. . wonderous eyes. ."

// a few people would say they're the prettiest.

"They always called me a flirtatious son of a. . then they usually get cut off by a boulder."

He winks again, now resting his hands inside his pants pockets.

"But. . I'll make sure that doesn't happen to your handsome face."

He, of course, notices this. But doesn't press it.

"You've been fine? Makes sense. You look fine as hell."

ILLINOIS YOU CAN'T SAY THAT.