"- I know it's usually considered a thing for old folks, but I seriously love fishing – it's, like, one of my favourite activities. What else do you like to do for fun?"

Rhajat turned to him. "Why do you ask?"

Percy shrugged. "Oh, y'know, I'm just curious. You…um…you don't talk a whole lot 'bout yourself. I think for the time we've spent outside it's always me doing all the talking, and I thought you might, y'know, wanna have a turn?"

Furrowing her eyebrows, Rhajat spoke softly. "What do you want to know?"

"I dunno, just anything really - anything about you."

"Like?"

"Y'know, like…like besides sorcery and magic, what else do you like to do? What are your some of your favourite hobbies, I mean."

The young woman hesitated to process his question – there weren't many other activities she could think of that occupied her time. "Well...as for other interests, I suppose I rather enjoy reading and writing, and pretty much anything that involves literature."

Percy smiled softly. "Oh, neat! That's…that's really cool. Golly, I bet you're the best at English!"

She lowered her gaze.

A session of silence graced them as they continued their walk. Even though they mightn't have been engaging in conversation, Rhajat still found comfort in his silent company. It wasn't long, however, until the social butterfly dispelled the stillness.

"Hey, look, I know this is gonna sound a little weird, but would you mind if we tried playing a game?"

"A game?"

"Well, honestly, it's not really a game actually – more of an exercise of sorts."

Rhajat stared curiously. "And this exercise is...?"

Percy smiled hopefully. "OK, hear me out. So it's called 'what would you do if', and basically each person takes turns to ask the other 'what would you do if' followed by a question, and the other person has to answer what they would do."

His explanation evoked greater scepticism from Rhajat; it certainly didn't sound like something she wished to participate in.

"It sounds rather trivial."

Percy shrugged bashfully. "Yeah, I know, you're right. Maybe we are little too old to be playing it. But it's something my Mum introduced me to when I was a kid. It's just a harmless a little game I play it with my friends and family from time to time. Especially Ace – he's always had a blast playing!"

Although she still didn't quite understand the purpose of the game, from his description it did sound like an exercise for the two of them to become better acquainted with one another, an opportunity she didn't want to lose.

"Very well. If it means that much to you, I will participate."

Percy smiled excitedly. "Golly, thanks a bunch!"

"I still don't quite understand the rules-"

"That's fine, you'll get the hang of it in no time!" Eagerly, Percy shook his fists. "Rightio, I'll go first." The young man's expression depicted comical concentration.

"Alright, I've got an easy one to start us off: what would you do if I...didn't brush my teeth for a month?"

Rhajat furrowed her eyebrows, not anticipating such an unusual question. "...If that were the case, I'd encourage you to reflect on the importance of your personal health and hygiene."

Despite her intentionally serious answer, her boyfriend smiled eagerly. "See? That's all there is to it, it's as simple as that. Now it's your turn."

Unprepared, Rhajat stopped to process his request and, more importantly, just what kind of question she could begin with. Settling on a question she'd always secretly desired answered, she inquired. "If only for a day, if I were to change my usual attire, how would you react?"

Rhajat waited expectantly for an answer.

"Well, I don't know really. I mean, I've never seen you dress any other way – and I seriously think you'd look amazing in anything – so if you want to wear something for a change, you're more than welcome to."

Before she could process his sincere confession, Percy continued. "Alright, my turn!"

For the next minutes, Rhajat engaged in the little exercise with her boyfriend, humouring him by answering his curious questions to the best of her ability.

"What would you do if I were a Pegasus rider rather than a wyvern rider?"

"Your animal companion would not influence my opinion of you."

"Whew, that's a relief, 'cause I'm never gonna replace Ace!"

It wasn't long, however, before Rhajat found herself becoming more engaged with the game. But while Percy's questions remained ingenuous and innocent, hers were became increasingly…sinster.

"How would you react if I proposed another experiment for you to trial?"

Percy smiled sheepishly. "W-well, I…I'm always here if you need me."

"I'll accept that as a confirmation." She rubbed her hands mischievously.

The young man smiled eagerly. "Ooh, I've got a good one: what would do if I were a bad guy?"

Rhajat bit her lip with a smile, "that could lead to some exciting opportunities."

The young man elected not to pursue her about the comment, and instead waited for her next question.

"How would you feel if I were to summon a hoard of Faceless to escort us?"

He smiled nervously once more. "I guess I'd feel pretty uncomfortable…"

She sighed jokingly. "Shame."

Rather than a direct response, Rhajat observed as a weak expression developed on his face.

"Alright, this is a bit of serious one, OK?: Percy fidgeted uncomfortably. "Righto…um…what would you do if I were…older?"

"Older?"

"Yeah, if I was, y'know, older – more mature and sensible, and not so childish and immature." He sighed softly, "would you prefer if I were?"

His sorrowful query caused Rhajat to concentrate. Despite the unexpectedness, she too had process the prospect before on her own accord, and thinking on it only served to dishearten her.

"Can you promise me something?" She asked softly.

"Um…yeah, I guess?"

Rhajat bit her lip. "…I don't want to ever feel as if you need to change who you are in order to impress me."

"...Sorry?"

She turned to him. "…The boy beside me – he is the one I want to be with, and nobody else."

Percy stared in disbelief. "Wait…so you don't mind that I'm so different from you?"

She shook her head softly. "I like you for who you really are, Percy, and I don't want you to change... for me."

Smiling appreciatively, Percy fiddled with his hands excitedly. "Oh, golly, I wasn't expecting that at all. Do…do you really mean that?"

She nodded weakly. "I...I think it's only fair I ask of you the same question." Rhajat hesitated before continuing. "If…if I were to adjust my attitude and behaviour, if I were…nicer…and more attentive, would you favour me more?"

Almost immediately, Percy shook his head anxiously. "No, of course not…well, I…I don't know." He struggled to find the appropriate words. "I wouldn't like you more for that…because I know deep down that wouldn't be you – that wouldn't be the Rhajat I know and like."

Rhajat folded her arms.

Percy smiled eagerly. "To be honest, I actually really like that we're so different from one another. I actually kinda think we're perfect for each other 'cause of that."

Feeling a warm euphoria envelop her, Rhajat answered reluctantly. "…I…share your consensus."

"Really?"

She nodded softly. "I'd like to believe we can really learn from one another because of our dissimilarities. This could be a valuable opportunity to not only better ourselves individually...the other as well."

Excitedly, Percy gestured eagerly. "Yeah, yeah, that's exactly what I was thinking! See, we are made for each other, huh? Plus, because we're so different, there'll definitely never be a dull moment."

Rhajat smiled begrudgingly. "Yes, well, I suppose that's another aspect."

For the remainder of their time together, the young adults elected not to pursue the other any further with their curious questions, and instead returned to appreciating the solace and comfort in each other's company. Their fingers intertwined once more.

Oh, sister, I can't let you go / I'm like a preacher stealing hearts at a travelling show