It is, everything about it smacks of a date, but the more Fogado lies to himself the calmer he can be and the calmer Alcryst will be by extension. It wasn't a date when Alcryst showed him the moonlight shining off the mountains and the stream in Brodia, Fogado taking him to the oasis in the midday sun is just him returning the favor.

Like a friend.

Not a date. We're just friends, he tells his racing heart. Alcryst walks quietly beside him, looking at him every now and then, Fogado forcing a smile as he tries to keep up the pointless chatter so Alcryst won't feel awkward.

So he won't feel awkward.

"Here we are!" Fogsdo cheerfully announces as they stand at the edge of the water. "Just give it a minute, and..."

"Oh, wow..." The sun hits just the right angle, rays shining off of the water, and Alcryst's eyes shine with amazement. Fogado has seen this sight so many times and it never stops being amazing, but seeing Alcryst's reaction, his enthrallment, makes him feel like he's seeing it for the first time all over again.

Alcryst really is beautiful when he's happy. His smile, the way the sparkle in his eyes lights up his whole face, the soft notes of joy and calm in a voice that's usually shaky and quiet and apologizing for breathing too loudly.

"Pretty impressive, huh?" He can't help bragging, just a bit. Alcryst nods, looking from the water to Fogado with that adorably shiny gaze.

"It's amazing! I knew Solm had a lot to offer with all its sunshine and wide open spaces, but this is beyond what I've ever dreamed of! To think you would bring someone like me to a place like this..." He pauses, wrapping an arm around himself, as if pulling inward. "Are you sure this is okay, Prince Fogado? It's beautiful, and I do appreciate your gesture, but I wouldn't want to taint it with my presence..."

"You're not." Fogado smiles. "In fact, your presence makes it even more beautiful."

Alcryst's cheeks flush brightly, and Fogado immediately wishes he hadn't said that. Not because he doesn't mean it, but he brought Alcryst here as a friend, not to give him what most would consider cheap flattery or a stale pickup line.

"I mean...what good's a beautiful spot like this when you can't share it with a friend, yeah?" His heart's only beating so fast because he's afraid Alcryst might react badly, that's all. After a moment of uncomfortable silence, though, Alcryst lowers his arm and slowly looks up, his smile slowly returning.

"Yeah...a friend." He tugs nervously at his sleeve. "Thank you for bringing me here. I really do appreciate it." His blush softens, but doesn't disappear entirely. He's standing very close to Fogado, and at this point their hands are almost touching.

"No problem. In fact, I'll bring you back here anytime you want." He pauses. "As a friend!" Alcryst blinks, and for a split second Fogado swears he looks disappointed to hear that last part.

Don't be silly, it's just your imagination. He jerks his hand back only for Alcryst to reach out and grab it.

"Friends can hold hands, too." But they both know the moment the hands touch, it's a date. Fogado relaxes, smiling and lacing their fingers together.

If Alcryst wants it to be, there's no need to pretend it's not.