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[needmyspace]

Lance, if you're seeing this, turn it off now. I mean it.

[Keith is sitting alone in his room, a notebook in hand and pen at the ready.]

I don't normally do this kind of thing, but I guess I can utilize my resources to compensate for uh...my social skills. So.

[He exhales deeply, closes his eyes for a moment, and looks back at the screen. He looks very serious, though there is the faintest of blushes on his pale cheeks.]

Romantic dates. What is really romantic? As dramatic as possible, but still doable.

Comments

[needmyspace]

[Oh, great. He really should have expected this from Will. Keith drops his head into one hand, rubbing at his face and groaning softly before looking back up.

Because yeah, he really should have figured it out on his own, and while he doesn't think he's in hot water with Lance necessarily, he does need to fix this. It's funny how all these things that have never mattered to Keith before have suddenly become important, all because of his boyfriend.]

I didn't realize it was for Valentine's Day! I thought it was just another Havenwell free love thing!

[twistedempathy]

Hehehe..... They actually had never even heard of Valentine's Day before, you know that? That's something we imported. They just liked the idea so much once somebody told them about it, they decided to celebrate all month instead of just one day.

[There's some fond amusement in his smile now, as he starts warming to the topic.]

Let's start with the basics. What do you know about what Lance finds romantic? Books he's got, shows or movies he's watched, things you've done for him that he likes..... You know, stuff like that.

Generic suggestions can only help so much. You have to tailor it to individual tastes for the most impact.

[needmyspace]

Ugh... I know, I know. I'm an idiot.

[He sighs, rubbing at his face again.] You should've seen him, Will. He brought me roses and chocolates. It was so sweet, and I just...

[Another deep breath and he shakes his head.] I need to make it up to him.

[He pauses to think, a small frown creasing his forehead. What does Lance like, in this department? Maybe he should ask sometime. How do normal people do this?] Um... He likes romantic comedies. They make him cry, but apparently that's good? And uh... I don't know. He's kind of self-conscious, so being noticed and feeling appreciated matters a lot to him.

[twistedempathy]

It sounds sweet. And like he's a real traditionalist on this front, if he cries over those.

[So where does that leave them? A hopeless romantic who cries at overcoming obstacles to earn your happily ever after, who gets roses and chocolate as a go-to gift, who loves to feel valued and understood. Traditional is good, then, but personal is best. This needs to take advantage of how long they've known each other and how close they are.]

How are you at cooking? Do you know his favorite foods?

[needmyspace]

I suppose he is.

[He rubs the back of his head, exhaling softly. He wishes he was better at this, for Lance's sake. He still feels like he has those years of rivalry and conflict to make up for, on top of forgetting important things.]

Uhh... Pizza? He talks about garlic knots in his sleep sometimes. And I'm not good.

[twistedempathy]

Pizza and garlic knots, huh? Well, then..... I guess that might actually help your case a little, if it's traditional trappings with non-traditional food?

[Will leans a little closer to the camera.]

So..... Here's what I'm thinking. Your typical grand romantic gesture is all about making people feel special. It's supposed to be big and flashy and like you're pulling out all the stops for them. But it will ring hollow unless you put in the little touches that show you see him, you know him like nobody else does. You're showing you care because nobody else would think to cater to exactly what he loves in the same way.

I can come over and help you cook, if you want. But the fact that it's actually you doing it and trying your best is more important than making sure it tastes perfect. Get some candles and flowers, scatter a handful of petals on the table to make it fancy, maybe some wine or something nice..... Give him a beautiful, heartfelt, personalized romantic dinner.

[needmyspace]

[Keith listens closely as Will leans in. When it comes to this sort of thing, he trusts Will implicitly, and it helps that he knows Lance too. He nods, a slight frown of concentration on his face as he thinks.]

Okay. Okay, I think, I get it. [He takes a breath, rubbing at his face.] Okay. Flowers are good. Petals are great. Pizza and garlic knots and wine, in candlelight. Maybe I could...find out what his favorite flowers are. And put seashells on the table or something.

[He looks at Will for validation.]

[twistedempathy]

Perfect. He seems like a beach-y sort of guy, that's a good idea.

If you can't get a bead on his favorite flowers, red roses are the safe fall back choice--but since they are safe, they're the generic choice you don't want to resort to unless you have to.

[Have an approving nod.]

[needmyspace]

[Keith nods too, his confidence growing somewhat.]

He grew up in Cuba. It's an island nation back on Earth, so beaches remind him of home.

[He pauses.] You don't think it'll make him homesick, do you?