(Untitled)

[maxwellsdemon02]

The really tricky thing about cross-universal dating is not whether or not you both use base ten to count dates and times. It isn't that one of you is deadly allergic to the proteins in that romantic dinner. It isn't even that you're technically on opposite sides of the law, though it is lucky alternate universes don't have extradition treaties

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[04_after]

"Problems?" Quatre asks, leaning on the bar next to him not long after.

(No, he didn't walk that quietly, so Duo probably noticed him entering. Quatre's only been in the bar for long enough to join him, however.)

[maxwellsdemon02]

"Well, I did just tell River's dad that I'm dating her."

Duo only looks a little shellshocked.

[04_after]

"Well, you're alive!" is perhaps not the most encouraging statement Quatre could make. It's what slips out of his mouth, however, and the tone is pretty upbeat. "How did he take it?"

[maxwellsdemon02]

Duo stares at him. Quatre is so helpful.

"Okay, I guess. It's not like I do 'meet the parents' very often, man."

[04_after]

"Sorry," Quatre says, toning down his amusement for Duo's benefit. "If it helps, I think he would've reacted worse if he thought you weren't trustworthy."

He doesn't add which shows how well he knows you, because he's not entirely sure Duo would appreciate it. "How's River doing, by the way?" He orders a coffee, and tips his head slightly to ask whether Duo would like anything himself.

[maxwellsdemon02]

He would probably appreciate it in a few hours. Now, maybe not so much.

"Good, last time I saw her, anyway. I was hoping to find her tonight, which is why I tripped over her dad in the first place."

He shoots Quatre a glance. "I was trying to decide if I should get her something for Valentine's Day."

[04_after]

"Does she celebrate it?" Quatre asks, thoughtful. "Though I think she might appreciate something small even if she doesn't; you're allowed to follow L2 culture."

[maxwellsdemon02]

"See, that was exactly my problem, I didn't know. I'm guessing yeah, but you know, that's guessing."

Duo appreciates tactical knowledge in advance!

[04_after]

"She's from the future of Earth, right? Do you know the religious breakdown?"

[maxwellsdemon02]

"Q, do you really think we talk about cross-universal religious comparisons."

It's not really a question.

[04_after]

"It's a Christian holiday!"

[maxwellsdemon02]

"Dude, it's a secular holiday, at this point it's got nothing to do with saints."

Unless the saints dig chocolate hearts.

[04_after]

"In Christian-majority colonies," Quatre mutters, laughing. "I know, I know. It can't hurt, can it? Even if she doesn't celebrate, there's nothing wrong with chocolate."

[maxwellsdemon02]

"Combination of chocolate and fruit," Duo says, with an obvious lightbulb moment.

[04_after]

If Quatre was dating River, he would have purchased her dance music and ballerina-shaped small chocolates. But that's the point: Duo's the one who has to worry about what she likes.

"What's her favorite?" he asks, watching Duo with some (mostly hidden) fondness. It's nice to see him putting his tactical skill to this sort of thing.

[maxwellsdemon02]

"Fruit is her favorite," he says. "But berries seems to be pretty high up there. Plus, they're traditional."

Read: easier to dip in chocolate than say, melon.