[She does not mention his height again, but apparently he's going to do it for her. The height difference is... almost comical, really - her shoulder is more or less level with his elbow even when he's slouching.]
Oh, don't be silly. [Jane chides him gently, and as they step away from the house she adjusts the strap of her bag on her shoulder, then reaches up and slides her fingertips softly across his palm.
She flushes slightly pink as she takes hold of his hand and the pit of her stomach flutters. Is that too much, or is it fine? She wanted to do it, but she has no idea how this kind of thing is meant to work. Following her impulses seems to be the way to go.]
[ He wraps his fingers around hers, and just decides to go for returning the unspoken offer. He doesn't want to be as flustered, but of course he is. She had offered, so of course he was going to take it. He's old, yes, but has he held hands with someone he was interested in romantically? No. It's nice.
She puts him at ease, and for a guy who's pretty perpetually chill, it's an impressive feat. ]
Huh, well, I guess I'll have to give you that one~
[ He teases. ]
I did peek at this place, well - more like figured out where it was, but if I make a mistake getting there, speak up.
[A smile lingers around her lips when he says he's already gone looking for the place. That's sweet, but she doesn't expect him to lead her there by the hand. After all, hadn't it been her who had brought it up in the first place.]
Oh, I will.
[Her hand feels like it's tingling. This feels so daring and nothing like anything she would have done at home. Any man who wanted to court her would have had to speak to her father first, and there would have been no... dating, if societal standards were to be upheld.
Not that she thinks she would have really cared about those.]
But I shouldn't think you'd try to lead me off to anywhere untoward, now would you?
[ He really likes the feeling of a hand in his. His attention is split between moving forward and her, as much as he possibly can. He's excited by something so different to him. He's interested in seeing where it goes. He knows, right now, that this is a chance to see how it feels when they spend time together - like this, with his intentions made very clear.
It's going to take some getting used to, he thinks, especially if this goes well and they go out again. ]
[She doesn't sound like she quite believes that, but the words are delivered as a gentle tease rather than any real concern. It's hard to really believe that someone like Hypnos - a god, no less, even taking aside how tall he is and how unintentially intimidating - could be totally harmless.
Jane would feel sorry for anyone who made him angry.
Subconsciously, she skims the side of her thumb against his hand. He dwarfs her easily, but his hold doesn't feel commanding or tight and his palm is warm.
Ah, it's nice...]
I'm sure you're not at all as capricious and mischievous as the myths say you are.
[ He laughs at the idea. She's right to think of him as a bit mischievous. He can be a bit of trouble if and when he truly desires to be. Mostly, he just enjoys teasing people a bit. And he doesn't know that she's going to be totally exempt - though it's never mean spirited.
But, ah, that thumb drags him from a momentary thought and he feels that flutter in the pit of his stomach. It's nice.
Yeah, that smile doesn't fade. ]
But I'll let you decide for yourself.
[ He might be in trouble. ]
Clever, lovely, talented artist. What else do you have up your sleeve, hm?
[ It doesn't sound like flattery when he says it - just simple, matter of fact statements. ]
[It could be worse. If he'd been one of the Olympians she would have been far more wary of him and rightly so. No one ever hears of the God of Sleep striking down mortals and making people suffer. Just the occasional prank before he goes running to hide behind his scary mother.
She doesn't mention that.
When he asks that question she laughs, reflexively squeezing her fingers around his hand.]
Oh, absolutely nothing.
[And Jane laughs because the idea of her being duplicitous or secretive in any way is such an entertaining one. She doesn't think she'd know how to hide things about herself if she wanted to.]
[ There's that soft flutter again that he feels as her fingers squeeze his hand, and he returns the action simply and gently. He doesn't want to push but he also doesn't want to come across as disinterested in any way. What should he be doing, anyway? It's all strange and foreign and mostly him figuring it out - both how to date and how to engage with a human girl he liked.
He knows he'll have to accept that he may make mistakes, but he'd really rather not - which is weird. He usually doesn't care if he screws up. ]
Nothing?
[ His smile softens. ]
Alright. I believe that. You do seem very sincere.
[ It sounds like a compliment, because it surely is. ]
What is your home like, Jane?
[ He asks. He understands that she at least knows a bit about Hades, though never quite like he does himself. But, in the same regard, he's going to try and piece together bits about Jane's life in an effort to get to know her better and start to understand her more. ]
[She looks up at him as if surprised by the question, then gives her head a little shake and focuses on the path ahead while she answers. Unsure if he is speaking in broad strokes or something more personal, she decides on giving both for the sake of context.]
I'm from a city called London, in England, which I expect you haven't even heard of. It's... large. And busy. The country is very rich but I don't think one could say the same of most of the people. [Again, she shakes her head, and she purses her lips slightly.]
I'm... privileged. Daddy does very well out of his research. We were actually in another country entirely before I was... well, taken the first time. I was in another strange world before this one. You may have that to thank for my being out with you like this... it wouldn't be seemly at all where I'm from.
[ He's pretty excited to hear about it, too be honest. And, she can easily tell he is if his earnest, intent expression says anything. He's focused and listening. He's never really seen much outside of Hades, other than what people dreamed of - before getting here. He's not someone who interacts with mortals unless they're either dead or asleep.
So it's - nice. Nice to hear of places and things that he'd never hear of. ]
How lucky for me, then.
[ He notes it without much thought. But he is lucky circumstances lined up perfectly for this. He moves his thumb carefully over her hand, seeming like he's getting pretty comfortable feeling her hand in his. ]
I mean other than Hades, this is the first place I've ever really seen for myself. I'm excited to learn things from you and see new things with you.
[She chuckles. Ah, he is very endearing. Surprisingly so, all things considered... He must have so many years behind him, but he's approaching everything with the wonderment and curiosity of a child. While they walk she looks up at him and watches his face for a few moments, a small smile curving the corners of her lips upwards.]
With me? How bold of you.
[It seems he's expecting this to happen again... which it might, and she might like it to, but how bold. Jane does not appear to mind this boldness.]
But if you'd like to see more, going for lunch isn't all we need to do today. I have a few favourite places I could show you.
[ He would never really call himself bold, in fact - he's always taken to hiding behind his mother when things to be a bit too scary or hard. So, he'd never call himself bored. Not now, at least. Is she -- making him bolder? Is the fact that he so badly wants to spend time with her and be around her making him say things that make him feel a little bit braver?
Huh. ]
Then you should show me your favorite places.
[ It's a good way to learn about someone, he finds. Like if he were to pick favorite places, he'd k n ow he'd pick cozy, breezy napping spots as ones he loves the most. But he'd like to find out what her favorite spots say about her.
Plus, more time with her. Her hand in his is comfortable, almost - natural at this point. ]
You know, though, if you ever don't want to - I'll never hold it against you if you decide you'd like to tell me no.
[ Never. ]
There's been a couple people here who found out who I was and were afraid to -- say no or say I'm wrong, or something.
[ But, despite being a god, he's not perfect, and he knows it, too. ]
Telling a Greek god 'no'... [Jane muses out loud.] I've never read a story where that went well.
[But there's laughter in her voice, nothing to say she isn't going to take Hypnos completely at his word. Besides, he's hardly a god here, is he, and he hasn't given her any reason yet to think he has any difficulty with his temper. As if to reassure him that she's only joking with him, she gives his hand the lightest tug and sets her weight against his arm for a moment, resting her head there briefly.
Jane looks up again, and there's the tiniest frown creasing just between her eyebrows.]
Mm... and you don't like that.
[It's not a question. She may generally prefer animals over people, but that doesn't mean she's completely socially inept.]
It sounds like it might be a little lonely. [For a moment, she studies him quietly, then she smiles.] You don't need to worry about that with me.
[ She's -- leaning into him. She's teasing him. She's comfortable - and he likes that. Probably more than he really understands yet. Because it - is lonely. Really lonely sometimes. He'd always been just a bit lonely, though. Even back home - with his mom and siblings being who they are. Being here has been a lot less lonely than he ever was before. Between his improved relationship with Thanatos, and getting to know others, it has been nice. He's mortal here, so there's no reason that people should be afraid or bothered by him. Not that they should, anyway. He's known for his peacefulness, or so he thought. He's not inclined to cause people trouble in the same way as an Olympians, at least. ]
You know, I don't think I was worried about you. You seem --
[ And then he repeats it back. ]
Bold. I like that in people. I'm mortal here, anyway.
[And it doesn't come from what she knows of him from stories she might have read. His personality is a calm one, she thinks, and she's better at reading people than she used to be. Does she trust him? As much as she might trust someone she's known for only a few days. Enough to spend this time with him.
She's finding she enjoys spending time with him.]
But I'm far more interested in the things you are than what you're not. [After all, isn't this a date? She's never dated, but it seems to her that it should be a fine time to find out about the other person.]
You do skirt around talking about yourself, Hypnos. I shan't keep letting you get away with it.
[ He didn't really realize he was doing it until she called him out on it. That's almost embarrassing to be called out on it. He flustered for a brief moment because he doesn't really intend to do that, it's just an unfortunate habit. ]
I don't really intend to. I'm -- a helper. I've never had my interactions with others really be about me.
[ Save for with Zagreus and Thanatos. And even then, he finds he prefers to listen and provide advice to actually talking about himself. ]
I'm not really doing it to be cagey. It's just habit. I don't really have anything to hide, after all.
It would be fine, though, if you did. [With her hand still in his she swings their arms a little and hums softly in thought.]
I think it's quite normal to not tell someone you just met everything about yourself.
[Jane, too, has nothing to hide... but there are certainly things she hasn't talked about yet. She'd like to know more about Hypnos. About the person he is and not just the capricious god she's read about.
Something about him feels sad, to her.]
But I would like to know more about you... perhaps over lunch? This is the place.
[ He shifts, moving to open, and hold open the door for her because as far as he understands that's the polite thing to do for your date? He doesn't know a lot, but he has picked up some things here and there.
As much as she expressed she doesn't mind, he doesn't actually have anything to hide he thinks. He's just not good at sharing. He'll...figure it out. He'll try not to be cagey. ]
[She walks in with a smile and waves to the two women stood behind the counter at the back of the cafe. One of them shouts out 'hello miss Jane!' while the other bustles around to welcome her, smiling.]
Hello Valerie, Nessa, where's Poppy?
[Jane exchanges greetings and small talk with the staff member, but doesn't forget about Hypnos. While she's speaking she reaches back to gently grasp his wrist.]
I'm with someone today. Can we get some water first?
[Of course they can, and while Valerie hurries away Jane takes Hypnos to her favourite table.] I love sitting here. You can see the whole street. Sometimes I'll sit here and draw people I see passing by, though I'll sit outside if it's warm. Um-- here, there's a menu.
[It isn't a large menu - sandwiches, small hot snacks and cake - but Jane comes in here for the tea.]
We could get an afternoon tea between us. Some sandwiches and cake, and a scone each with jam and cream. And a pot of tea of course.
[ He follows her easily to the table, and sits across from her, he leans forward, looking both outside and then towards her. He smiles, happily glancing towards the menu. He peeks up at her, as she makes the suggestion, and then he folds the menu and closes it. ]
That sounds great. I've never had afternoon tea before. [ Which is probably obvious to her, but her explanation made it clear enough that he wants it. He looks towards the women working here and then back towards her. ]
They seem really nice, too. They do seem a little surprised to see me. I bet they're thinking --
"Oh, he's tall."
[ A small, joking laugh. The tone isn't suggesting any offence, of course. ]
[ There's a small smile when he says it. But, he'll give her, a little insight. ]
I only tease people I like, you know? It means I'm -- [ he blinks and considers ] well, I guess it means I'm comfortable with you enough to tease.
[ He looks up towards one of the women in the café as Jane orders, and then his attention shifts back to Jane. He nods to the woman in agreeing with Earl Grey being fine - he doesn't know, he's never really had it before. And he'll wait for her to leave before he leans forward and says: ]
[Of course she has no way to know if he's telling the truth, but Hypnos is so very earnest in what he says that Jane ducks her head and blushes all over again. She's still not used to this, and still hasn't shaken off the thought that he is, despite the effects of Avalon, a god and he is interested in her.
She looks over to where their pot of tea is being put together and sees the two women chatting, and she hums softly.]
Well, then. There should be something to gossip about.
[Jane reaches across the table and takes hold of Hypnos' hand, sliding her fingers up between his and looking up at his face as she smooths the side of her thumb over his skin.]
[ Ah - they're holding hands again. He likes this part. She's bold and strong, he thinks. And that's probably why he was interested in the first place. Like, certainly, she's attractive to him, too. But -- the other things? They're what caught his attention. He seems to sigh happily without realizing it and he takes her hand in his, finger relaxed and comfortable as if this happens every day and this is absolutely not the first time that they've held hands in a café like this. ]
Zero complaints from me.
[ There's an amused lift in his tone, he glances towards them for only a moment, but his attention shifts back to jane. ]
I'm still trying a lot of things, but I've liked...nearly everything I've tried. Including holding hands like this.
[She rests her chin on her free hand and looks at him across the table. Just like on their way here, holding on to his hand like this is sending little tingles up her arm all the way to her elbow. Nothing that she wants to escape from - it's exciting, thrilling even, to pull so sharply away from the kinds of things that would have always been expected of her in matters of romance.
Propriety could, at times, be truly stifling.]
But this is a special occasion.
[Jane smiles, stroking the side of her thumb against his.]
So I thought we'd do something special. Is there somewhere you'd like to go after this?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
cantgetanyworse) wrote2021-03-04 04:14 pm
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Oh, don't be silly. [Jane chides him gently, and as they step away from the house she adjusts the strap of her bag on her shoulder, then reaches up and slides her fingertips softly across his palm.
She flushes slightly pink as she takes hold of his hand and the pit of her stomach flutters. Is that too much, or is it fine? She wanted to do it, but she has no idea how this kind of thing is meant to work. Following her impulses seems to be the way to go.]
It's not awkward at all, see?
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She puts him at ease, and for a guy who's pretty perpetually chill, it's an impressive feat. ]
Huh, well, I guess I'll have to give you that one~
[ He teases. ]
I did peek at this place, well - more like figured out where it was, but if I make a mistake getting there, speak up.
[ He doesn't go out to too many places. ]
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Oh, I will.
[Her hand feels like it's tingling. This feels so daring and nothing like anything she would have done at home. Any man who wanted to court her would have had to speak to her father first, and there would have been no... dating, if societal standards were to be upheld.
Not that she thinks she would have really cared about those.]
But I shouldn't think you'd try to lead me off to anywhere untoward, now would you?
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It's going to take some getting used to, he thinks, especially if this goes well and they go out again. ]
Definitely not on purpose.
[ A laugh. ]
I'm totally harmless~
[ Yep. Totally. ]
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[She doesn't sound like she quite believes that, but the words are delivered as a gentle tease rather than any real concern. It's hard to really believe that someone like Hypnos - a god, no less, even taking aside how tall he is and how unintentially intimidating - could be totally harmless.
Jane would feel sorry for anyone who made him angry.
Subconsciously, she skims the side of her thumb against his hand. He dwarfs her easily, but his hold doesn't feel commanding or tight and his palm is warm.
Ah, it's nice...]
I'm sure you're not at all as capricious and mischievous as the myths say you are.
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[ He laughs at the idea. She's right to think of him as a bit mischievous. He can be a bit of trouble if and when he truly desires to be. Mostly, he just enjoys teasing people a bit. And he doesn't know that she's going to be totally exempt - though it's never mean spirited.
But, ah, that thumb drags him from a momentary thought and he feels that flutter in the pit of his stomach. It's nice.
Yeah, that smile doesn't fade. ]
But I'll let you decide for yourself.
[ He might be in trouble. ]
Clever, lovely, talented artist. What else do you have up your sleeve, hm?
[ It doesn't sound like flattery when he says it - just simple, matter of fact statements. ]
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She doesn't mention that.
When he asks that question she laughs, reflexively squeezing her fingers around his hand.]
Oh, absolutely nothing.
[And Jane laughs because the idea of her being duplicitous or secretive in any way is such an entertaining one. She doesn't think she'd know how to hide things about herself if she wanted to.]
I'm just as you see me. This is it.
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He knows he'll have to accept that he may make mistakes, but he'd really rather not - which is weird. He usually doesn't care if he screws up. ]
Nothing?
[ His smile softens. ]
Alright. I believe that. You do seem very sincere.
[ It sounds like a compliment, because it surely is. ]
What is your home like, Jane?
[ He asks. He understands that she at least knows a bit about Hades, though never quite like he does himself. But, in the same regard, he's going to try and piece together bits about Jane's life in an effort to get to know her better and start to understand her more. ]
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[She looks up at him as if surprised by the question, then gives her head a little shake and focuses on the path ahead while she answers. Unsure if he is speaking in broad strokes or something more personal, she decides on giving both for the sake of context.]
I'm from a city called London, in England, which I expect you haven't even heard of. It's... large. And busy. The country is very rich but I don't think one could say the same of most of the people. [Again, she shakes her head, and she purses her lips slightly.]
I'm... privileged. Daddy does very well out of his research. We were actually in another country entirely before I was... well, taken the first time. I was in another strange world before this one. You may have that to thank for my being out with you like this... it wouldn't be seemly at all where I'm from.
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[ He's pretty excited to hear about it, too be honest. And, she can easily tell he is if his earnest, intent expression says anything. He's focused and listening. He's never really seen much outside of Hades, other than what people dreamed of - before getting here. He's not someone who interacts with mortals unless they're either dead or asleep.
So it's - nice. Nice to hear of places and things that he'd never hear of. ]
How lucky for me, then.
[ He notes it without much thought. But he is lucky circumstances lined up perfectly for this. He moves his thumb carefully over her hand, seeming like he's getting pretty comfortable feeling her hand in his. ]
I mean other than Hades, this is the first place I've ever really seen for myself. I'm excited to learn things from you and see new things with you.
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With me? How bold of you.
[It seems he's expecting this to happen again... which it might, and she might like it to, but how bold. Jane does not appear to mind this boldness.]
But if you'd like to see more, going for lunch isn't all we need to do today. I have a few favourite places I could show you.
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[ He would never really call himself bold, in fact - he's always taken to hiding behind his mother when things to be a bit too scary or hard. So, he'd never call himself bored. Not now, at least. Is she -- making him bolder? Is the fact that he so badly wants to spend time with her and be around her making him say things that make him feel a little bit braver?
Huh. ]
Then you should show me your favorite places.
[ It's a good way to learn about someone, he finds. Like if he were to pick favorite places, he'd k n ow he'd pick cozy, breezy napping spots as ones he loves the most. But he'd like to find out what her favorite spots say about her.
Plus, more time with her. Her hand in his is comfortable, almost - natural at this point. ]
You know, though, if you ever don't want to - I'll never hold it against you if you decide you'd like to tell me no.
[ Never. ]
There's been a couple people here who found out who I was and were afraid to -- say no or say I'm wrong, or something.
[ But, despite being a god, he's not perfect, and he knows it, too. ]
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[But there's laughter in her voice, nothing to say she isn't going to take Hypnos completely at his word. Besides, he's hardly a god here, is he, and he hasn't given her any reason yet to think he has any difficulty with his temper. As if to reassure him that she's only joking with him, she gives his hand the lightest tug and sets her weight against his arm for a moment, resting her head there briefly.
Jane looks up again, and there's the tiniest frown creasing just between her eyebrows.]
Mm... and you don't like that.
[It's not a question. She may generally prefer animals over people, but that doesn't mean she's completely socially inept.]
It sounds like it might be a little lonely. [For a moment, she studies him quietly, then she smiles.] You don't need to worry about that with me.
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You know, I don't think I was worried about you. You seem --
[ And then he repeats it back. ]
Bold. I like that in people. I'm mortal here, anyway.
[ An amused shift in his tone. ]
Not that I'm particularly vengeful to start.
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[And it doesn't come from what she knows of him from stories she might have read. His personality is a calm one, she thinks, and she's better at reading people than she used to be. Does she trust him? As much as she might trust someone she's known for only a few days. Enough to spend this time with him.
She's finding she enjoys spending time with him.]
But I'm far more interested in the things you are than what you're not. [After all, isn't this a date? She's never dated, but it seems to her that it should be a fine time to find out about the other person.]
You do skirt around talking about yourself, Hypnos. I shan't keep letting you get away with it.
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I don't really intend to. I'm -- a helper. I've never had my interactions with others really be about me.
[ Save for with Zagreus and Thanatos. And even then, he finds he prefers to listen and provide advice to actually talking about himself. ]
I'm not really doing it to be cagey. It's just habit. I don't really have anything to hide, after all.
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I think it's quite normal to not tell someone you just met everything about yourself.
[Jane, too, has nothing to hide... but there are certainly things she hasn't talked about yet. She'd like to know more about Hypnos. About the person he is and not just the capricious god she's read about.
Something about him feels sad, to her.]
But I would like to know more about you... perhaps over lunch? This is the place.
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[ He shifts, moving to open, and hold open the door for her because as far as he understands that's the polite thing to do for your date? He doesn't know a lot, but he has picked up some things here and there.
As much as she expressed she doesn't mind, he doesn't actually have anything to hide he thinks. He's just not good at sharing. He'll...figure it out. He'll try not to be cagey. ]
I'm excited to see a place you like.
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[She walks in with a smile and waves to the two women stood behind the counter at the back of the cafe. One of them shouts out 'hello miss Jane!' while the other bustles around to welcome her, smiling.]
Hello Valerie, Nessa, where's Poppy?
[Jane exchanges greetings and small talk with the staff member, but doesn't forget about Hypnos. While she's speaking she reaches back to gently grasp his wrist.]
I'm with someone today. Can we get some water first?
[Of course they can, and while Valerie hurries away Jane takes Hypnos to her favourite table.] I love sitting here. You can see the whole street. Sometimes I'll sit here and draw people I see passing by, though I'll sit outside if it's warm. Um-- here, there's a menu.
[It isn't a large menu - sandwiches, small hot snacks and cake - but Jane comes in here for the tea.]
We could get an afternoon tea between us. Some sandwiches and cake, and a scone each with jam and cream. And a pot of tea of course.
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That sounds great. I've never had afternoon tea before. [ Which is probably obvious to her, but her explanation made it clear enough that he wants it. He looks towards the women working here and then back towards her. ]
They seem really nice, too. They do seem a little surprised to see me. I bet they're thinking --
"Oh, he's tall."
[ A small, joking laugh. The tone isn't suggesting any offence, of course. ]
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Are you making fun of me? [She says, though she's smiling while she says it. She takes a sip of her water and looks up at him under her eyelashes.]
That's very unsporting, you know.
[Jane doesn't seem to mind. When one of the ladies in the cafe comes over, she looks up with a bright smile.]
We'll share an afternoon tea. Um. Earl grey will be fine.
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[ There's a small smile when he says it. But, he'll give her, a little insight. ]
I only tease people I like, you know? It means I'm -- [ he blinks and considers ] well, I guess it means I'm comfortable with you enough to tease.
[ He looks up towards one of the women in the café as Jane orders, and then his attention shifts back to Jane. He nods to the woman in agreeing with Earl Grey being fine - he doesn't know, he's never really had it before. And he'll wait for her to leave before he leans forward and says: ]
You know the gossip is already happening.
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She looks over to where their pot of tea is being put together and sees the two women chatting, and she hums softly.]
Well, then. There should be something to gossip about.
[Jane reaches across the table and takes hold of Hypnos' hand, sliding her fingers up between his and looking up at his face as she smooths the side of her thumb over his skin.]
Don't you think so?
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Zero complaints from me.
[ There's an amused lift in his tone, he glances towards them for only a moment, but his attention shifts back to jane. ]
I'm still trying a lot of things, but I've liked...nearly everything I've tried. Including holding hands like this.
[ And he says that without really thinking. ]
What do you usually get when you come here?
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[She rests her chin on her free hand and looks at him across the table. Just like on their way here, holding on to his hand like this is sending little tingles up her arm all the way to her elbow. Nothing that she wants to escape from - it's exciting, thrilling even, to pull so sharply away from the kinds of things that would have always been expected of her in matters of romance.
Propriety could, at times, be truly stifling.]
But this is a special occasion.
[Jane smiles, stroking the side of her thumb against his.]
So I thought we'd do something special. Is there somewhere you'd like to go after this?
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