Notes: Ooooh thank you for adding this fic into your fav/follow list~! 💕

I'm trying my best to post it regularly but things happened and life's getting busyyyy uuuu

I wrote slow-romance on summary, should add slow-update as well? #no #kidding

Sooo~ Happy reading!

Chapter 11 - the Movie

Cor munched his savory snack, eyes staring straight to the widescreen on his front which began to play the trailer of upcoming movies. The crunch of the popcorn in his mouth reached his ears, but it didn't stop him from hearing the throbbing in his chest.

He cursed his heart, for being so loud and thumping hard inside as if it wanted to break his bones and killed him. Certainly he could maintain his composure. But, it was the fact that he was actually restless right now.

Eira was sitting on his left, enjoying her sweet popcorn which he tasted accidentally a few minutes ago. And being this close to her, Cor could faintly smell her sweet fragrance from the perfume she wore. Or not perfume? Shampoo? Cor didn't know.

The man in his early forty scolded himself in his head. Thinking that the young woman who invited him to the movie was so adorable, that he loved to see her smile, that he enjoyed being with her, that he wanted to move his eyes to sneak a glance at her face; Cor cursed himself again because these kinds of feelings shouldn't be there in his heart.

The day before, Cor shaved his beard, thinking that without it he would look younger than his actual age. He didn't want to look too old, especially because he would walk with her in the mall to go to the movie and spend their time together. He didn't want it if Eira felt uncomfortable walking with a man far older than her. But, he couldn't do anything else beside shaving his beard. The wrinkles on his face were still there, telling him the truth that he was young no longer.

The night before, he sighed after opening his wardrobe. Not knowing what to wear, Cor was a bit frustrated when he saw the collection of his clothing. He initially thought to wear a crownsguard uniform, but it would attract the gaze from people if they noticed that he was the marshal of crownsguard. Also, it felt like he was on duty, and he was sure that Eira wouldn't be comfortable if he used his uniform. She would feel that she was being escorted by the guard, and Cor didn't want it if she thought like that.

Cor was being weird that night. He just wanted to go to watch a movie, why would he be troubled by a problem such as choosing the attire? It wasn't a date. He was just accepting the offer from a crownsguard medic who was willingly to guide him to watch a movie since he was never to. Once again, it wasn't a date. Also, she was only an eighteen-years-old young woman, just a fellow work-mate, and not his date.

But then, an hour before, when his eyes caught a small figure of her standing alone at their meeting place, his heart sped up its pace and the heat crept inside his chest. He called her, at that time he was hoping that his voice wasn't trembling. And when she turned her head to see him, the ruckus in his chest grew uncontrollable. She was adorable. Her cheeks were pink but Cor didn't know whether it was make-up or she was actually blushed. A smile white ribbon on the left of her head adorned her long straight hair. She was wearing a white coat, with small frills along her collar. He was enchanted, as if she was casting a spell to trap him in the forbidden feelings he was forced to bury.

He liked her melodious voice when she spoke. He liked seeing her smile when she giggled in their conversation. And when they walked, Cor deliberately slowed down his pace because he was afraid if he was walking right by her side and he unwittingly held her hand.

If only she wasn't twenty four years younger than him, perhaps Cor had already done it. Holding hands.

Cor was happy when Eira explained about everything she knew regarding the movie and theater, which turned out, wasn't as simple as he thought. But her explanation was so clear, even the marshal who was bad with technology could understand how to operate the touchscreen monitor to redeem their tickets. Well, Cor could operate the computer and his smartphone—only to use standard function. But, that machine to pick their tickets was a bit confusing at first sight, for him.

Before entering the theater, Cor suggested to wait in the small cafe inside the cinema area. It reminded him of the first night they had dinner together a month ago. At that time, he definitely didn't expect that today he would once again sit across her seat, enjoying their warm beverages before entering the place he was sitting in right now.

"Ah, don't forget to mute your phone!" Eira's voice pulled him down from reverie. He blinked, turning his head to look at the young woman who was a bit struggling to take her phone from her zipped handbag with one hand because her other hand was busy holding the popcorn box. It seemed that its zipper was stuck.

Cor took her popcorn without much thinking, then said, "Let me hold it for you."

She startled then quickly turned her head to give him a sheepish smile, "Thanks."

"No problem," Cor replied, eyes watching her as she opened her bagーnoticing that she added her strength to open itーuntil finally she took her phone and set it in silent mode.

"Done," she put her phone back then looked at him again afterwards, "Thank you."

"Ah!" Eira suddenly stopped her hand before taking her popcorn back then said, "Um… Could you please hold it for a moment. I want to take off the coat. It's too warm here."

"Sure." He nodded, staring at her as she began to take off her coat. Blinking, he averted his gaze, realizing that it's impolite to look at her like that for a long time, especially when she was unbuttoning her coat.

Yes, of course, of course Eira wore something beneath her coat, duh, Cor. But, he couldn't lie that he was nervous right now. Foolish Cor.

"In summer, the theater would be very very cold. Sometimes I bring a warm jacket to watch movies. But, in winter like this, it would be quite warm and it would be hot if you keep wearing your winter coat," Eira explained.

"Oh…" and what managed to escape from the marshal's lips was just that simple Oh. Couldn't be helped, he was too nervous.

Cor glanced at her reluctantly, finding out that she had already put her folded coat on her lap. Eira moved her hand to her popcorn and Cor handed it to her without being asked.

"Thanks." She smiled, looking at him without saying for a few seconds before finally she opened her lips and asked, "Um… You don't want to take off your coat? I can hold the popcorn for you."

"Ah, yes. Please," Cor gave his popcorn box to her then took off his coat. Now when he thought of it, it was indeed a bit warmer here than the outside or when he was in the cinema cafe with her. But, he didn't know whether this heat was because they set the temperature higher than outside or because actually Cor was being nervous right now.

Just like her, Cor also put his coat on his lap. And right after he took back his popcorn and said his gratitude to her, the lamps inside the studio gradually dimmed and turned off. Remembering that he hadn't put his phone in silence, Cor delved his fingers into his pocket and quickly turned his phone off. He knew he could just muted it without turning off its power, but Cor was being too nervous and it was quicker than to unlock his phone and choose the menu to set it.

The upcoming movies trailer had stopped being played, and the screen was getting wider. Cor leaned his back, and tried to relax his muscle, ready to enjoy the movie they were going to watch. However, he occasionally sneaked a glance at the young woman on his left, seeing the side figure of Eira who was munching her popcorn. He watched the way her cheek slightly puffed as she stuffed her sweet snack and munched them.

But then her black eyes moved and caught him watching her. She blinked, and so did he. Cor had been just caught red-handed admiring her with his gaze, and he didn't know what to say. Until she lifted the corner of her lips and offered him her popcorn.

Cor shook his head, chuckled a bit, then looked back at the movie screen. The film had started, and Cor promised himself not to steal a glance at her again. Even though it seemed impossible.

Two hours flew like a minute. At first, it was hard for Cor not to be conscious about her presence that made him nervous. But, the good thing was the movie was fast-paced and packed with action so finally he could pay full attention to his front even though he still sensed the heat from his left whenever the scene wasn't an intense one. Of course, he stole a glance at her, in every few minutes, to see what kind of expression Eira made at some certain scenes. However, when it was a kissing scene, Cor didn't dare to move his eyes to her seat. Silly.

Cor and Eira were still sitting on their seats when the credit was being played along with the movie's ending soundtrack. Other people were leaving their seats while chattering, meanwhile Cor was now waiting for Eira who was fixing her messy hair with her hands as they talked about the movies.

"It's so thrilling. I'm still panicking right now." Eira huffed, with smiles on her face after she put her small ribbon back to the left side of her head. She took her coat, placing it on her arm, before taking Cor's empty popcorn box and stacking it in hers.

"It's a great movie. Glad that it has a nice ending." Cor helped her stack their empty paper cups before standing up and waited for her to stand up. But, seeing that her small hands were already full with her coat and bag, Cor took the popcorn boxes from her hands, gaining him a thank you from her.

Eira was on her front as they walked down the stairs to go to the exit on the right side of the theater. Cor then threw the trash in his hands to the trash bin near the exit, while giving a simple nod to the janitor who seemed to notice that the marshal of the crownsguard was just watching a movie as Cor noticed that the man widely opened both of his eyes and also his mouth when he looked at Cor.

Well, it wasn't weird to be known. He silently hoped that those eyes that recognized him wouldn't make a fuss about a marshal of crownsguard being together with a medic who was far younger than him. He didn't want to trouble Eira if the unpleasant rumor was born because of this. Now he wondered whether accepting her invitation today was a good decision or not.

Cor realized there was something that bloomed in his heart. Having a certain feeling he didn't want to admit because the woman was half his age.

Of course he didn't do something unforgivable at her. They were just watching a movie together. He didn't touch her, not an inch, not even a strand of her hair. But, if someone saw them, only the two of them walked together like this… Would there be rumors in the air?

No. Cor didn't want to be restless about something that probably wouldn't happen.

He enjoyed being with her. They were just a work-mate. Once again, it was like when he spent time with Gladio or Ignis outside of the training ground. The only thing that was different was Eira was a woman. Just that. There was nothing wrong with going out with a fellow crownsguard, right? Well, she was crownsguard medic, though. But, it wasn't really different, right?

The hallway toward the outside of the cinema wasn't as small as the aisle. Therefore, Eira walked on his side and they began to talk about that movie until they exited the cinemas and returned back to the mall's hallway.

Cor adored the face she made as she spoke. It seemed that she was really excited about the film they just watched. She passionately talked, until she suddenly stopped walking and asked, "Um? What will you do after this?"

"Hmm?" Cor raised his left hand, seeing that it was still 4:45 pm. It was still too early if he wanted to ask her for dinner.

Wait, Cor had just wanted to ask her for dinner. Wait, it wasn't the time to think about it, Cor.

"I don't know. How about you?" He asked eventually.

"Um, maybe I want to stroll around. Shopping."

"Okay,"

The two of them went silent. Eira tilted her head in confusion, then asked, "So, you'll go home first?"

"No. I'll drive you home."

"Eh? But, I'm going to shop for some stuff first. It'll take a long time and I'll feel bad if you're going to wait, Sir."

"So it'll be dark when you finish. Lizette won't drive you home, and that's the more reason not to let you go home alone," Cor insisted.

Eira's cheeks were reddened. She looked down, then replied shyly, "But, I already said that I bring a gun so you don't need to worry about it."

"I'm free anyway. There's nothing to do at home." Cor rubbed his shaved chin, feeling nervous but still trying hard to maintain his composure. His heart was beating loudly right now, just like when the first time he saw her this afternoon. He cursed himself, especially his heart because it sped up its pace without his permission.

It didn't mean that Cor wanted to stay with her longer. He was just worried to leave her alone like this. What if someone kidnapped her? No matter she said that she brought a gun or such, she never had any experience in the battlefield, unlike him. Also, what if someone attacked her from behind?

Cor was being overprotective, again. He knew that the mall is relatively safe. He never got news about something like kidnapping or burglary in the mall in Insomnia, especially in this kind of time. Even, the Caelum prince also sometimes spent his time shopping around not only in the mall but also in neighborhood markets with one of his classmates, and that was without Ignis or Gladio to accompany him.

So, perhaps, Cor actually only made up a reason to be with her longer… Great. He was confused.

"Okay. Thank you." Eira raised her head to give him a smile. She then turned back her body and walked again. Cor followed her, this time not walking too far behind her unlike when she led him to the cinema from the south lobby.

They continued talking about the movie as they walked. Discussing about their favorite characters and scenes, stating their opinions about it, Cor felt that it was really fun to talk with her. It didn't feel like she was half his years, and it was nice seeing how she smiled a lot as they chatted. Even though, it was still a fact that his heart sometimes went uncontrollable.

The topic then jumped from the movies to other things, from topic to topic until Cor suddenly asked her, "You often shop alone?"

"Well," Eira gave a pause. They now entered an accessory shop, and she continued, "Actually Stella and Raine did love to accompany me before."

Cor blinked, somehow remembering about the reason why Eira watched movies by herself, when he asked her about her friends in his car a few weeks ago.

"Ah, they have boyfriends now, right?" he muttered.

"Yes," she nodded. Now they walked to a certain shelf full of ribbons, "They still sometimes want to go with me after we're done with our shift in the citadel. But, if it's the weekend, they'll hundred percent refuse it."

"Hmm," Cor didn't know how to react. Funny, he was the one who asked it and now didn't know what to say.

They went silent since Eira was being immersed in looking at those colorful ribbons. She bowed down, looking closer to them then suddenly raised her body and turned her head. She curved her eyebrows while restlessly looking at Cor.

"Ah, sorry... I entered this shop without thinking. Is it okay for a marshal to be here? Well, I mean… I'm afraid you'll be uncomfortable…"

Cor chuckled, seeing that she was being too considerate with him after she didn't realize that she had just led him here. "It's fine. I never came to this kind of shop before, though. It's interesting to visit new places."

Eira giggled, "You'll get bored."

"Oh, really?"

"Have you ever accompanied a woman to shop like this?" she asked, then quickly gasped, "Um, sorry… I asked something impolite again..."

"Again?" Cor frowned, "Ah…" then he remembered that time in his car, "No. No problem."

She chuckled awkwardly then walked again to another shelf. Cor followed her then said, "I never accompanied a woman like this."

"Eh?" Eira's hair swayed as she hastily turned her head and looked at him in disbelief. "Eh?"

"Hmm?" Cor tilted his head.

"Eh? No. Really?"

Cor chuckled seeing her reaction. "Can't believe it?"

Eira shook her head. "I mean… It's hard to imagine it… Um, but you never went to movies before… So… Um…" she looked bewildered.

Cor laughed softly then turned his body so he was now facing one of the shelves full with hair ribbons. He randomly took one, staring at it then spoke, "Well… It's indeed hard to believe. Oh, wait. If shopping for groceries could be counted, then I've done it."

"Umm… I wonder if Marshal is too busy, he really doesn't have time for leisure," Eira stood next to him and scanned the ribbon on the same shelf as him. She then muttered, "... with a woman…"

Eira gasped again, startled about her own mutter, "Ah… Sorry…"

Cor just replied to her with a chuckle then he said, "Don't you think that this ribbon is nice? By the way, what are you looking for here?"

"Hmm?" Eira turned her head to look at white ribbon with pearls ornaments and white roses in the middle which was being held by the marshal, "Well, actually I'm looking for some scrunchies. But, that ribbon is indeed cute. Want one for you?"

"Huh? For me?" Cor blinked, not realizing that Eira had just joked on him.

"Maybe the marshal wants to try wearing some ribbons?" Eira laughed, with blushes adorned her cheeks.

"I'm not into that way." Cor chuckled. "So, what's scrunchies?"

The two then explored the shop for a few more minutes until Eira found the things she wanted to buy. Cor laughed for many times today, and it was just in one shop. Surely, she would visit some more shops after this. He wondered what kind of funny conversation they would make again later.

Cor stood next to her as she queued in front of the register. But then when it was her turn, Cor handed the ribbon he chose before and gave his card to the staff before Eira opened her wallet. She then complained, "No. Why?"

With a smile on his face, Cor took the paper bag of the purchased stuff and walked out from the shop.

"Marshal, you don't need to." Eira chased him until they were in the hallway.

"It's okay. You already guided me to watch the movie. Think of it as gratitude."

"No, I guided you to the movie for the dinner you treated me the other day, Sir." She scowled.

Cor frowned a bit, rubbed his chin then answered, "So, let's say it's for your birthday gift, then?"

Eira widened her eyes, face turned into crimson then stuttered, "Eh? Eh? Why?"

Cor gulped, "It's in December, right? Well, it's already too late but… just accept it..."

The heat already burnt his face. Cor had just given the young medic a birthday gift. And the way he bought it for her was rather… unnatural and… creepy?

Creepy. Yeah, who wanted some birthday gift from your parent's workmate who wasn't that close to you? Also he bought it in front of her eyes. What was that? So creepy.

Okay, now Cor was embarrassed.

"How did you know?" Eira asked, and with no one commanded them, their feet unwittingly moved away from the previous shop.

"Ah…" Cor gasped, averting his gaze then said, "Your father talked about it… every year."

It wasn't a lie though. William always told him about his plan for his beloved daughter's birthday every year.

"Um… If that's so… Thank you…" her voice was rather a whisper. Cor glanced at her, who was now hugging her coat tightly in front of her chest. She was looking down as they walked, and perhaps, she was shy about receiving a gift from a creepy old man like him.

"No problem." He hoped that she was happy. It was only a small and inexpensive gift, but Cor never gave any birthday present to anyone. He had no idea about it. Even if he was given enough time to prepare for her present, surely he wouldn't be able to buy any good things for her anyway. That was why he thought that buying her those accessories was a good idea for her birthday gift.

"So…" Cor scratched his cheek, which wasn't actually itchy. "What are you going to buy next?"

"Um, I don't know…"

"Really? You don't need to mind me."

"Um… Well… As long as you won't buy them for me."

Cor chuckled, "Sure."

And just like that, Cor spent this day by accompanying a certain medic to shop at various places before he invited her to the dinner.

It was… indeed a weirdest day in his life...