[ 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. ]
[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.]
[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?
[ He means to say it, he thinks, but sometimes he speaks without consideration. But he's not embarrassed by himself. He's actually glad that he said it. His eyes drift towards their hands then back towards her. ]
Why don't I show you my favorite spot in the park?
[ It's where he usually likes to nap because it's quiet, but the scenery is nice and relaxing. And for some reason he always feels a small, nice breeze when there. He doesn't go out much, not really. But he figures he'd give her some insight to finding out things he likes. That's the goal of a date, right? Getting to know each other. ]
[She'd feel strange if this day was all about her.
When one of the ladies serving comes over with their tea and a delightful display of cakes and sandwiches, she almost twitches her hand out of Hypnos' grip instinctively. It's still very deeply drilled into her to not be seen doing such things with a man she doesn't intend to marry. At the last moment, though, she settles her fingers back into his.]
That looks lovely, thank you. [Jane beams another of those sunny smiles and waits until the woman is gone to extract her hand from his, though this time it's only to set up their cups and peek at the tea.]
We should let it steep a little longer. Oh, this is wonderful.
[ He'll follow her lead when it comes to tea. He doesn't make a move to release her, fine holding onto her hand as long as possible. The moment she moves her hand away from his, he blinks up at her and turns his attention towards the tea and cakes. Neither of which are things that he has much experience with. ]
Alright.
[ He takes in the beautiful tray of treats before them. It's like nothing he's never seen. ]
It looks like it tastes good. It's pretty beautiful.
[ He has no idea how much skill it takes to cook. He just appreciates when something is tasty to him. He observes the treats with admiration, before he takes a perfectly put together sandwich.]
[The cakes would have taken some effort but she expects they would have been brought in from a bakery rather than made here, given the size of the shop. As for the sandwiches, she knows they make them here and they're delightful.
She picks one up for herself and takes a bite, humming with barely-concealed delight.]
I'm not a very good cook. [Admitting that isn't hard. There are plenty of things she's good at. Cooking... is not one of them.]
I never had to cook growing up. I've been trying to learn.
[ He nods and listens, taking a bite of his sandwich as he does. He agrees with her sentiment. But he's never had to know, either. Why would he, though? His life never made it necessary. ]
That's okay. I can't cook either. I mostly get food out. Not everyone needs to be able to do it when there's places like this around.
[ Which is fine by him. He probably wouldn't really go out if all if not for the work he picks up or the food he needs. ]
But this - is amazing. A very nice pick, Jane. Thanks for sharing something new.
[ He laughs a little. Being sensible doesn't mean much to him. Why earn money if you can't do things you like with it. Like this - or things associated with this. He watches her sort out the tea, pouring it, and then he'll reach for it himself so he can mimic it. ]
That's really neat.
[ He starts to pour some tea with a strainer, too. ]
Thanks for showing me.
[ He's learning a lot of things. He reaches to take a sip for himself and then looks towards her. It tastes great. So far, he's liked pretty much everything he's tried. ]
I like everything. Good company with great food and tea.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2021-08-06 05:25 am (UTC)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. ]
no subject
Date: 2021-08-08 12:37 am (UTC)[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.
no subject
Date: 2021-08-09 02:07 pm (UTC)[ 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.
no subject
Date: 2021-08-09 11:37 pm (UTC)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.
no subject
Date: 2021-08-12 02:20 am (UTC)[ 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. ]
no subject
Date: 2021-08-13 11:33 pm (UTC)[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.
no subject
Date: 2021-08-14 04:27 pm (UTC)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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Date: 2021-08-15 09:52 pm (UTC)[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.
no subject
Date: 2021-08-16 10:22 pm (UTC)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.
no subject
Date: 2021-08-17 08:30 pm (UTC)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.
no subject
Date: 2021-08-18 06:15 pm (UTC)[ 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.
no subject
Date: 2021-08-18 09:34 pm (UTC)[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.
no subject
Date: 2021-08-20 01:44 am (UTC)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. ]
no subject
Date: 2021-08-24 05:37 pm (UTC)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.
no subject
Date: 2021-08-26 12:13 am (UTC)[ 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.
no subject
Date: 2021-08-26 12:19 am (UTC)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?
no subject
Date: 2021-08-27 04:14 am (UTC)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?
no subject
Date: 2021-08-27 12:01 pm (UTC)[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?
no subject
Date: 2021-08-30 08:19 pm (UTC)[ He means to say it, he thinks, but sometimes he speaks without consideration. But he's not embarrassed by himself. He's actually glad that he said it. His eyes drift towards their hands then back towards her. ]
Why don't I show you my favorite spot in the park?
[ It's where he usually likes to nap because it's quiet, but the scenery is nice and relaxing. And for some reason he always feels a small, nice breeze when there. He doesn't go out much, not really. But he figures he'd give her some insight to finding out things he likes. That's the goal of a date, right? Getting to know each other. ]
I don't actually go too many places.
no subject
Date: 2021-09-03 11:00 pm (UTC)[She'd feel strange if this day was all about her.
When one of the ladies serving comes over with their tea and a delightful display of cakes and sandwiches, she almost twitches her hand out of Hypnos' grip instinctively. It's still very deeply drilled into her to not be seen doing such things with a man she doesn't intend to marry. At the last moment, though, she settles her fingers back into his.]
That looks lovely, thank you. [Jane beams another of those sunny smiles and waits until the woman is gone to extract her hand from his, though this time it's only to set up their cups and peek at the tea.]
We should let it steep a little longer. Oh, this is wonderful.
no subject
Date: 2021-09-07 03:33 am (UTC)Alright.
[ He takes in the beautiful tray of treats before them. It's like nothing he's never seen. ]
It looks like it tastes good. It's pretty beautiful.
[ He has no idea how much skill it takes to cook. He just appreciates when something is tasty to him. He observes the treats with admiration, before he takes a perfectly put together sandwich.]
Even if I were picky, I think I'd love it.
no subject
Date: 2021-09-08 02:14 pm (UTC)She picks one up for herself and takes a bite, humming with barely-concealed delight.]
I'm not a very good cook. [Admitting that isn't hard. There are plenty of things she's good at. Cooking... is not one of them.]
I never had to cook growing up. I've been trying to learn.
no subject
Date: 2021-09-12 04:18 am (UTC)That's okay. I can't cook either. I mostly get food out. Not everyone needs to be able to do it when there's places like this around.
[ Which is fine by him. He probably wouldn't really go out if all if not for the work he picks up or the food he needs. ]
But this - is amazing. A very nice pick, Jane. Thanks for sharing something new.
no subject
Date: 2021-09-17 08:26 pm (UTC)[But right now, this is fine. She has another bite of her sandwich and savours it, then sets it down and picks up the teapot.]
It's loose tea, so you need to use this-- [Jane picks up a little metal strainer and places it across the top of one of the cups.] And then pour it.
[She tips up the teapot and pours, and the strainer handily catches the little bits of loose tea that fall out along with the golden-coloured liquid.]
Just like that!
no subject
Date: 2021-09-19 10:02 pm (UTC)[ He laughs a little. Being sensible doesn't mean much to him. Why earn money if you can't do things you like with it. Like this - or things associated with this. He watches her sort out the tea, pouring it, and then he'll reach for it himself so he can mimic it. ]
That's really neat.
[ He starts to pour some tea with a strainer, too. ]
Thanks for showing me.
[ He's learning a lot of things. He reaches to take a sip for himself and then looks towards her. It tastes great. So far, he's liked pretty much everything he's tried. ]
I like everything. Good company with great food and tea.
[ He's delighted. ]
I would have never found this place without you.
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