A matter of the utmost importance

[heirtothearcane]

As with most things Viatorus does, the arrangements for tea had been worked through carefully. He'd made sure he had everything he could possibly need, and even sourced a nearby bakery for any dire emergencies that might arise. Naturally, once all his plans had been made and everything put in order, his anxious jittering had nothing to focus on except getting ready and picking up Verity.

He'd made an attempt to tidy up his hair and wear a nice shirt- but not too nice. This socialising business was a tricky thing. Now all he had to was meet up with Verity. Naugus' tower was the sensible place to agree to meet. It was easy enough to locate and Verity was there anyway. So, after briefly stopping to pet the chaos, he'll head to the tower door and, if she's not outside, he'll knock.

Comments

# = cruise control for cool?

[brave_heart_verity]

She's inside and nearby when he knocks. "It opens if you ask nicely," she calls out, but he won't have much time to test that before the door opens anyway and there she is. She's just not a dress girl, sorry V, but she can rock the black and beige striped blouse and black slacks very nicely. And if the amount of time it would take to get her hair into all those braids is any indication, she's taking this seriously. Add to all this a jacket and a basket of what's technically described as goodies, and she looks ready to go.

"Hi. I think I'm ready? Unless I've accidentally worn something insulting?" She's not just fishing for a compliment, she really is worried she's improperly dressed for a social ritual she doesn't understand. It may not necessarily stop her if she is, but she'd at least like to know.

It's going to be a bumpy ride to Coolsville

[heirtothearcane]

Unfortunately for Verity, he's rather unaware of how much time such preparation takes and thus can't truly appreciate it. Though between the intricacy of her hair and the stripes, he finds it all a little mesmerising so she'll have to forgive him for the slight delay in replying. "No. No, you look nice."

He steps back to let her out, self-consciously tugging at his shirt as he does. "Um. I... I thought I'd open the portal around the corner here."

They'd better hold on tight!

[brave_heart_verity]

The important part is that they both like it. She has to wear it, but he has to look at it. The idea that it's mesmerizing would surprise her. The delay has her a little worried and more than a little blushing. "Thank you. That sounds perfect. Just so long as the chao can't see it."

She steps out and the door slides shut behind her on its own. It's a good door, but impatient. "I like this shirt you're wearing, it's a good color for you."

To each other! #Viaty

[heirtothearcane]

That's understandable. Cute as they are, portals and chao can't be a good mix. So he'll start them walking and putting some distance between them and the garden.

Compliments, oh dear. "Oh. Uh. Thank you." Beat. "It's, um, a change from wearing something for going to the library." He passes her a small smile and spots the basket again. "Should I... Would you like me to take that?"

#yes #sorrynotsorry

[brave_heart_verity]

Chao and his apartment probably aren't a great mix either. If they want a tea party with the little darlings, they'll have to have it out in the garden with them. (This isn't a bad idea, come to think of it...)

"It's nice to mix things up sometimes." Oh yes, the dreaded compliments. They need to work on these things, remember? Nice and gently. He can take the basket if he likes, but it's not heavy and only means she's got a free hand to bother him with. "Thanks. It really is a nice day today, isn't it?" Oh, gods. Small talk. What did he ever do to deserve this?

[heirtothearcane]

Maybe not with a china tea set...

"Is it... ever not a nice day here?" He'll ask as he takes the basket and looks around. It's not an attempt to be rude. He's genuinely curious. The Nexus might change in many ways, but he's never noticed much difference in the weather.

[brave_heart_verity]

No, with the plastic little-kid tea set she picked up for them. She... she might be spoiling them a lotlittle.

"It rains sometimes. I'm told it'll be winter in places soon. But not everywhere." She doesn't take it as rude, but she will be taking his arm. You see? Bothering him already. She's terrible. "I've heard there are places here where it's always winter, or fall, or spring, or summer. So I guess, always bring an umbrella and wear layers when you're exploring?"

[heirtothearcane]

Viatorus is going to get caught playing tea party with them one day...

"Really?" He listens quietly, letting her words fuel his own imaginings for a minute. "Wouldn't it be wonderful to know where those places are? You could have snowball fights or water fights any time you wanted."

[brave_heart_verity]

And then told off for not inviting her.

She hums an agreement and lets him daydream. How she envies that. "That does sound like fun. Maybe we should go looking for them someday, like intrepid explorers." That is so obviously them. Completely. "Or see if anyone has a map."

[heirtothearcane]

Viatorus smiles at her and holds out the basket. "I think a map would be best. Could you hold this again for a moment, please?"

[brave_heart_verity]

"Sure." She'll take the basket and a step back to give him room. She's learned not to mess around with magic at some point in the last 27 years. While he makes the portal, she'll half watch and half try and remember if she's seen any mapmaker's shops around.

[heirtothearcane]

It takes a minute or two, some room, and some well recited Latin, and then a portal does indeed appear. Viatorus takes a moment to be pleased with his handiwork before turning to offer Verity a hand.

On the other side is his apartment. A large, spacious penthouse suite with neutral browns, warm creams and plenty of light. Despite the contemporary layout, there's a clear classical feel in the decoration, not least because of the rows upon rows of books that line shelves and fill walls where they can.

[brave_heart_verity]

She gives him a smile when it's done, and her hand is soon in his. The apartment gets an appreciative hum. Everything gets a quick look, but she's headed pretty much straight for a window to check out the view. "It's beautiful. Where are we?"

No, she hasn't put down the basket. No, she hasn't let go of his hand.

[heirtothearcane]

The apartment will do her one better an provide a balcony for her to gaze from. One with potted trees and a couple of herb trays. As for the view... it's nice, but nothing amazing. Good for looking down and people watching.

"London, in... well, north west London," he decides on explaining, rather than naming places she wouldn't know.

[brave_heart_verity]

Ooh, fancy. She looks around just long enough to find someplace to put the basket before she heads for the railing, where she leans over to take in the view of the street before studying the buildings. It all seems amazing to her. "Which neighborhood?"

[heirtothearcane]

It's something he's long since gotten used to. Besides which, cities never did appeal to him as much as the countryside. It is nice to see Verity wide eyed and interested though. He's in no rush to pull her away from her observing, standing with his hands behind his back and joining her in looking around. "Belgravia. I haven't been here long. It's nice. Pretty."

[brave_heart_verity]

"It is pretty." She shifts to rest an elbow on the railing so she can prop her chin in a hand. "It's all very... stately. Respectable. Like you." He gets a flash of a smile. "Another place for us to explore?" She's rather hopeful. The Nexus is wonderful, but sometimes she'd like to be someplace that's easier to understand.

[heirtothearcane]

"Well, yes. I have to take you to afternoon tea, remember?" His tips his head to one side, eyes sliding away thoughtfully. "Then, of course, if there's anywhere else you'd like to go we can do that."

[brave_heart_verity]

"Careful, or you'll never get rid of me." It's half warning and half selfish request for reassurance. But it's not something on which she'll linger for long. "Seems fair we explore your new home as much as mine."

[heirtothearcane]

"Why would I get rid of you?" You're just confusing him with your nonsense, Verity.

"I'm going to set your basket with the tea," he tells her, then pauses in his leaving to add, "Don't catch a cold out here."

[brave_heart_verity]

The only answer he gets is a shrug. For now, she can live with that. She won't even try to explain and he'll just have to deal with it.

Normally there'd be a smart remark at the fussing, but... she kinda likes it from him, so she'll let it slide. "I won't." Largely because she's following him back inside.

She's tried to do a good job covering all the important tea party treats and is watching anxiously when he starts unpacking the basket. There are little sandwiches, crustless of course, filled with smoked salmon or cucumber, and tartlets filled with caramelized onions and goat cheese. Of course there are scones, even Americans know that part; these have dried currants and a jar of homemade jelly to go with. And for sweets, mini honey ricotta turnovers and a yogurt cake with pear and chocolate.

[heirtothearcane]

The kitchen is nice and spacious for an apartment and the area extends into a dining room. It's at the table in the dining area that Viatorus heads to, placing the basket next to a three tier cake stand.

There is nothing for Verity to worry about. He certainly had back ups in mind, but that definitely won't be necessary here. The more he unpacks, the more his brow lifts and his smile widens. He beams at her. "Did you make all of this yourself?"

[brave_heart_verity]

There's a little bit of envy when she sees his kitchen. What she wouldn't give...

"Well. I didn't bake the bread for the sandwiches," she admits with a smile. "Everything else, yes. I did okay?"

[heirtothearcane]

Here's to hoping she doesn't open his cupboards.

A small laugh escapes his lips and he nods. "You did perfectly." He takes a second to examine the display again. "I didn't know people could make these things in their own kitchen." A pause and he corrects, "Not unless they were super chefs on television, I mean."

Verity is now a Super Chef.

[brave_heart_verity]

There won't be snooping, don't worry. And she's already gotten the idea he's something of a typical bachelor when it comes to these things.

She's learning the appeal of making people laugh like that, even if it ends with her blushing. "Oh, it's not hard. It just takes practice and a good recipe. And time and patience. Like learning most things probably."