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 Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2009 6:47 am
This is a PRIVATE RP for Aphismet and Alex (Chrystali) Time: 7pm Location: The Crystal Carafe restaurant, Durem Weather: Warm, clear skies 
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Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2009 7:04 am
Aphismet straightened his tie for the sixteenth time in ten minutes. He glanced at the large mirror-wall across from the elevators, checking himself over one more time, self-conscious and uncomfortable. He certainly was NOT used to wearing suits, and this was a NEW one to boot; it didn't fit him as loosely and easily as his older suit did, but it looked so much crisper and, well, better than that old dark green one. Aphi felt that he stuck out like a sore thumb, dressed in lighter colors like this in a room filled with men dressed in black and other darks. Rivener had insisted though, and Aphi trusted his Raevan's sense of style much more than his own.
He didn't think any of this matched his eyes, though. Sighing, hoping he wouldn't look like a complete fool, Aphi straightened his tie for the seventeenth time.
The Maitre D' chuckled at the sous-chef's nervous behavior. "Aphismet, relax. You look fine. Here, steal one of the flowers from that vase over there, you have my permission." The tuxedo-clad man pointed to a vase of tigerlilies with his pen, grinning. "You can't invite a woman to a place like this and not give them a flower!"
Aphi swore to himself. Of course, a gift! He had KNOWN that, and he'd completely forgotten about it as the day got nearer. His nerves were frayed. "Thanks," Aphi muttered with a sheepish smile, hurrying over to the flowers and picking one out from the side where it wouldn't be so obvious one was missing. The white-haired man then returned to his waiting spot, running a hand through the extra-carefully styled locks.
Letting out a slow, deep breath, Aphismet tried to coach himself up a little. "It's okay, you're alright, Aphi. Breathe. This isn't a big deal. It's just a d-d... d-... Come on, this isn't your first time. Alex's a friend. Just pretend this is a nice friendly outing and nothing more. You can do this. It's all easy, come on, relax. -ohgod."
The elevator doors dinged, the small light blinking on at the top. Someone had called it down to the lobby. It might be Alex this time! Aphi smoothed the front of his jacket, fussed with the silk kerchief in his pocket, straightened his tie (again!), and blinked at himself in the brass reflection of the doors, wondering how he should stand. Hand in pocket? Too "posed". Just standing straight? Too nervous-looking. Slightly sideways? Argh, even more posed! Fidgeting (and causing the Maitre D' to nearly burst out laughing), Aphismet settled on putting a hand in his pocket and simply not looking straight at the doors. He turned towards the restaurant instead and looked out the window, distracting himself and trying not to be so aware of that little light near the elevator that was going up the floor numbers.
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Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2009 7:44 pm
Ten.
Her eyes were unnaturally bright tonight, although she attested it to the swirl of emerald that laced up her black gown. The fabric felt cool against her warm, dark skin, the excitement of the moment beginning to catch up with her as the elevator ascended the large building. Those vivid eyes flicked down to the reflective panel of the buttons, giving herself another quick once-over; she had to really look at herself after a few seconds, inwardly impressed that she 'cleaned up' so nicely at all.
Eighteen.
Even her brother had stopped to raise his eyebrows and admit that she looked like a woman - it had been followed by an unnecessary "I'm shocked," which had resulted in the heaving of her clutch and its contents at his head, but the fact remained. She'd even included her unfortunate charge in the war to get ready - and a war it was, with those two teasing her the whole time - by having him help with her hair. Rather than her standard peacock tailed pull-up, she had swept it to the side and twisted it in a more elegant fashion, although by fate or Zul's amusement, she'd still managed to have a small feathered tail.
Twenty-seven.
Around the time she'd put on the make-up is when the teasing stopped. She used it very sparingly, as she disliked the feel of anything on her skin - it felt gooped and unnatural. The woman stuck with a clear mascara that enhanced her already long lashes and spot of color to her lips, more like a colored gloss which was about as girly as she could stomach. Natural eyeshadow was all that was added, and when she had looked at the two males to give them a warning, they had both been rather quiet.
"Wow," Zul had said.
Thirty-five.
The drive to the hotel had been mostly uneventful and a pure thrill for her - she'd borrowed her brother's car by his insistance, and with little regard for speed limits, she'd at least had fun on the drive over. It kept her from thinking. Which was exactly what she was doing now: fretting, worried she was under-dressed or maybe too dressed-up; was she showing too much skin?; would Aphismet find it amusing that she'd tried so hard for a date, which was really just a gathering of two people as friends?
Thirty-eight.
It was a little late to worry about it now. The doors would soon open and she wouldn't be able to hide or cower, not when she had agreed to the restaurant and had come all this way with the intent to impress. Taking a deep breath, she steeled herself with a firm internal reprimand, reminding herself that no matter what, Aphismet was her friend and she would not embarrass him at his place of work! Even if they were both shy or uncomfortable, they were adults and should damn well act like it! That made her smile just as the soft tink of a bell told her she had reached her destination.
Forty.
And as those doors slid open, Alex felt she was ready, if not a little apprehensive. She could have a night of fun with someone she respected and admired, could even act like she had social grace for his benefit. With manicured nails wrapped carefully about her clutch, she stepped out of the elevator with her head held high and a colored smile on her cupid bow lips. She was, after all, the date of the sous chef; she could be proud for a little while, right?
Her warm gaze didn't have long to search for the chef in question, although it took her several heartbeats to recognize him, and when she did, her composure cracked. Eyes opened a touch more widely as they rested on the well-dressed man, taking in the grey suit and accented pinstripe shirt, the matching purple tie up to his brown eyes, to the way his white hair was managed and fell just so around his features. She stared for several heartbeats before her expression lifted into one of joy, a delighted smile reaching her eyes as she moved towards him and tried to push back the notion that she'd just given him a once over like she was checking him out.
"Aphi," she breathed as she came within hearing distance, extending her free hand to take his, mindful for once not to throw her arms around him like a lunatic, "wow!"
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Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2009 8:15 pm
The door had opened. There was a woman, although Aphismet couldn't make out more than that by looking-without-looking, using only his peripheral in an attempt not to seem too eager to meet someone. He simply stood there and tried to act casual. For the longest time the woman didn't move or say anything, and Aphismet convinced himself that it couldn't be Alex, then. Probably a woman who'd come to wait for someone else.
The voice was definitely Alex's when the woman suddenly spoke. Startled, Aphismet finally turned and looked. HE was certainly not trying to act anything but completely floored as he took in the hair, the makeup, the dress. Brown eyes opened wide and the chef's lips parted slightly in a stunned expression. By some miracle Aphismet raised his hand to accept Alex's as she walked over to him, and by some other miracle he didn't just shake it in a mindless reflexive manner. No, instead he lifted her hand up and to the side, looking at her up and down with a growing smile.
"H-Holy cow. Alex. You look-... You look amazing. I-... hn." Clearing his throat, Aphi felt his mind return to him all at once, reminding him of a few choice details: the flower in his other hand, the table waiting for them, the Maitre D' looking rather approvingly at the dark-haired beauty that Aphismet would accompany tonight. "Oh, ah, where are my manners. Here, this is for you." Aphi smiled sheepishly, offering the flower. He hadn't stammered once as he said that! Quite proud of himself, the chef looped Alex's hand onto his arm and placed his other hand atop.
"I think our table is waiting." With a giddy grin, amazed that he felt so much more flattered than embarrassed now, Aphismet walked to the Maitre D' and grinned at him.
"Table for Two, Delaran party," Jace said out of habit, grinning back at his coworker. "This way." The man bowed and led the way into the restaurant, but Aphismet noticed he wasn't carrying any menus for them... Frowning slightly in suspicion, Aphismet followed with Alex at his arm.
The restaurant was largely circular in format, with windows all around to admire the view. From this high up, Durem looked like a sea of stars. Hardly any other building nearby was as tall as Hotel Durem, after all. The only wall that wasn't glass was instead decorated with modern-looking fountains and large, minimalist paintings. The center of the dining area was crowned by a large crystal chandelier, where Beauregard had once orbited so long ago...
The other patrons all wore clothing like Aphi's and Alex's, making the chef feel much less out-of-place than he'd feared. He smiled with a little more ease the further they walked, and once Jace motioned to their table (a two-place right by the center window) Aphi pulled Alex's chair for her. He played the gentleman with a slight hint of blush, chuckling sheepishly at how corny it might seem.
Aphismet walked around to his own seat then and looked expectantly to the Maitre D', who still hadn't produced menus from anywhere.
"As a special treat for mister Delaran and his date, the chef insisted on creating a custom-made meal this evening. We will be bringing you wine to accentuate the food perfectly, if this is alright with the august guests?" Jace smirked at Aphi, who blushed and covered his face with a hand, tilting down. "I'll take that as a yes. Madam, are there any allergies we should be aware of before the chef begins cooking?"
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Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2009 8:57 pm
Perfect. It was the only thing she could think of as Aphismet looked at her. His reaction, his words, the look on his face - it was perfect! All that she'd gone through in the past month had been in the hopes of impressing him, of proving to herself that she could do this, and she'd done it! The happiness that lit her smile was second to none, and she could not recall a time that she'd ever been so earnest in the simple joy that she felt. Alex would have squeezed his hand and blushed like a schoolgirl if she had the moment to think, but her charming date was suddenly offering a flower up to her without a single hitch of his words, which easily made her own falter for a moment in warm return. "Aphi," she purred the nickname with fondness, accepting the flower with a delicate grasp. "Thank you, you're so sweet! You look...'handsome' hardly does you justice, but I'm afraid I'm at a loss for words right now," she admitted with a lightly shy smile.
And again, there was motion, only dimly aware of any words said during that time as her hand was suddenly being held against his arm. She felt as if she had walked out of a romance novel as they were lead to their table, hardly able to take in the sights of the room as she stole glances to her date. The woman had never seen Aphismet so...comfortable before. Alex could easily say it was the choice of location that had earned such a nature from the chef, but another part of her selfishly clung to the idea that it was in part due to company. If anything, they were like-minded in their preference for comfort over fashion, but they'd both put in the effort. The result was quite smashing, if she did say so herself!
She could only offer Aphismet a grateful smile as he helped her with her seat, smoothing her dress behind her knees and setting her clutch aside as he also sat. The words from their host surprised her, vivid green eyes a touch wide, casting a quick glance to Aphismet; his blush worried her, but she tucked the uncertainty away in favor of making sure they had a good time. "I have no allergies sir, thank you for asking," she replied politely, unable to help herself. Sure, it was probably their job to ask in such an establishment as this, but manners weren't something easily paid for.
Turning her attention back to her date, she grasped for something to soothe him with, glancing around briefly; it was only then that she really took in the appearance of the restaurant, something like awe settling into her features. It was deeply impressive and humbling, one of those experiences she knew she had never thought she'd be in, taking in the rich decorations and the view that was breathtaking. She afforded the rare view of the cityscape only a few heartbeats of admiration before returning to Aphismet, extending her free hand to touch his. "This place is amazing," she complimented him, her smile holding all the excitement she felt, "I'm still so proud of you, Aphi! Look at all this! This is the life you've made for yourself."
She had a brief moment of reality when she realized she could never do something of this scope to show Aphismet her own work - suits and high class society had no place with animals. Alex retained her smile, gaze momentarily lowering to the flower still between her fingers. "You've come so far. I'm really happy that I was able to see you succeed."
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Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2009 9:15 pm
Jace nodded at Alex's words and left soon after, ducking into the kitchen presumably to announce that Aphi and his date were here. This left Aphismet and Alex to entertain each other for a while before the first course came.
The white-haired sous-chef finally raised his eyes once they were alone, darting a self-conscious frown to the kitchen doors before turning his gaze to Alex. The Italian was looking out the window, a look of wonder on her features. The dim chandelier light was sending the sequins in her dress to sparkle here and there, matching the star-scape of the city below. She was absolutely breathtaking, and Aphismet couldn't pull his eyes away to save his life. He blushed like he was caught in the middle of something when her eyes turned back to him, but offered a shy-yet-proud smile. The soft touch to his hand felt like feathers on his skin.
"Ah, thank you," the man breathed quietly, glancing down self-consciously. "It was mostly being in the right place at the right time and working my way up, but thank you so much for the praise. I happen to be rather happy of my place here, too... It's a fun job, and I get to make delicious things for people... Not to mention I get paid enough to see after my family." Aphi's smile dimmed a bit as he realized he might sound like he's bragging. With another clear of his throat, the chef slowly reached forward and placed the tips of his fingers on top of Alex's where they'd caressed his hand, keeping the contact just shy of "holding hands".
"But, erm, tell me about you, too! Are you still chasing Gwees and making scientific advancements in Zoonomy? Is that the term? Sorry if it's wrong..." Aphi blushed, aware that he might be sorely mis-pronouncing that. It SOUNDED wrong. Zooloism? Zoonogy? Feeling foolish, Aphismet prayed for something to save him-
-and his prayers were answered. Their waitress (Suzy, a short girl with a sunny disposition) arrived with a decanter of wine and two plates. "First course; tuna and leek on a bed of greens." She grinned at Aphismet and then Alex, leaving the two alone to enjoy the very small aperitif daintily presented on each white plate.
"A-ah, uh... W-wine?" Aphi asked, chuckling sheepishly, offering to pour for his date.
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Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2009 9:41 pm
"That's very important," she agreed to the statement of taking care of his family, thinking fondly of Isikoro and the two Raevans. She didn't have the luxury of working for anyone but herself, but she was okay with that; the sense of accomplishment was gratifying even when meant only for her sense of success. Alex was completely fine with Aphismet speaking of himself, because it meant she didn't have to; to hear of her friend's success did wonders for her heart, to know he was doing well. When they'd first met, he'd been so young then, and for him to have come so far--
The touch to her hand sent a pleasant feeling down her spine, her smile only growing more tender, her own fingers lifting to brush against his palm before settling again as he started to speak. Slender brows arched before she began to laugh softly at his inquiry, not at all in a teasing manner, unable to forumlate a response as the waitress came. She pulled her hand back and finally put the flower safely to the side, smiling contently at the woman. "Thank you," she murmured before grinning a little at her date's slight stutter. He was really being quite charming! "Please," she replied, offering up her glass carefully.
"It's zoology, by the way, very close," she giggled, "and yes, I am still studying them - the Gwee. Actually, I think this is the last year they'll be my specimens. At least, this variant on the cliffs." Alex couldn't stop the glimmer of enjoyment in her eyes, trying not to get too caught up in her enjoyment of her job. It may not be roses and safety all the time, but she wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. "It's not exactly a glamorous field of study, but I'll miss them.
Which reminds me, how's Munchies doing?" Another turn of topic, green eyes lowering to take in the appetizer. Or was that something else in a place like this? She didn't have any idea, or if she was supposed to eat with a certain utensil, giving Aphismet a brief glance that asked, 'is there something I'm supposed to know here?'
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Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2009 9:59 pm
Aphismet managed to pour the wine without spilling, a rather startling feat considering his nerves at the moment. Especially when Alex corrected his wording, although thankfully she didn't tease. The white-haired man took a sip of his own glass before smiling over at the Italian with a soft frown, hurrying to ask a question before the opportunity completely left; which it pretty much HAD now that the topic was changed, but Aphi figured he could mention it in passing.
"Uh, sorry to ask but th-the last year with the Gwee? ...Uhm, will you be working with something else after? Different Gwees? A-are you going to have to move away?" He blushed, clearly seeing how transparent a question that was. Well, he couldn't take it back now, it was out there. Aphi's cheeks burned to bright red and he stumbled all over himself trying to justify the question. "I mean, ah, f-for your work at the Lab. If it'll be a problem. Or for Zul. But mostly the Lab. We'd be sad if we saw you less. All of us, not just, ah-... me." He winced slightly and decided to just shut up now. He was backpedaling so fast and yet not going anywhere, just digging the hole deeper and deeper.
Munchies! That was a much safer topic! Without noticing that Alex was waiting for some kind of hint on what to do with her appetizer, Aphismet took up the proper fork and waved it around a little as he spoke. If she was in any way observant, she would have noticed which one it was.
"Munchies is like the little queen of the Castle. She's doing very well, and she's even somehow bent that horrific demon-sheep to her will. Mostly they avoid each other but if they have to interact she's the queen of him, too." Aphi chuckled. "She spends most of her time sleeping on the mantle or sneaking into the cupboards to eat in the kitchen... I wonder how she doesn't turn into a little green ball."
The man finally got around to taking a bite of the food, nodding his head after a moment of judging. If he was going to be teased for his date, he'd tease right back about the food! "So do you like it?" he asked, glancing up at Alex.
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Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2009 10:37 pm
Surprise lit her eyes as he asked further about her work - or namely, the end of one part of it. Alex smiled apologetically, reaching over the table to touch his hand gently; had they not been in such an upstanding place, she would have hugged him where he sat. "It's okay." She leaned back to her seat, nodding thoughtfully, "Yes, I'll have to move. It really depends on where they reassign me, but I suppose I'll go back to Gambino. I haven't thought about it yet, I wont know for another month or two what the situation will be. But...I promise I'll be staying at the Lab." The woman chuckled softly, somewhat touched by Aphismet's concern, which showed in the light glow on her cheeks. "I'd be sad to be away from everyone...you too, Aphi."
Either because she was simply perceptive or was watching for a sign, she did manage to note which fork he used, choosing it herself and cutting a small piece. Slender brows lifted in appraisal at how tender the fish was; she wasn't a chef, but she knew how to cook, and could appreciate the finer aspects of fine cooking. Alex took a bite as her date talked, pleasantly surprised by the taste, making sure to keep her face neutral so as not to cause worry. The woman was not usually a fan of fish, but the leeks seemed to help or add something to it that made it rather buttery, far easier for her to enjoy. At the inquiry, she nodded enthusiastically, giving vocal praise as well, "Very much! It's excellent!"
Her own fork lit upon the lip of her plate, taking a slow taste of the wine as she thought on what he'd said about the dragonette. She decided she'd reply to give him time to eat as well, putting the glass down with an appreciative glance before resting her eyes on him once more. "Demon sheep? How many pets do you have?" she inquired, continuing on so he wouldn't have to answer immediately. "That sounds about right though, she was pretty feisty as a hatchling. The girls seem to have that trait." Alex chuckled softly, thinking fondly of her own male Gwee, who was very much a mommy's-boy. "They do seem to like to graze, it's a wonder Zoe himself is able to fly with how much he eats, and sweets at that!"
Alex took another small bite of her food, making a delighted sound, deciding that it was, indeed, paletable. "What do you think, sir chef? Is it to your standards?"
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Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2009 10:56 pm
Aphismet felt his shoulders droop considerably as Alex reached for his hand in such a consoling manner. This heralded bad news, surely. She'd have to move away, just when things were going so well. And they'd never get to have another date. The brown eyes looked at their hands when they touched, and his gaze remained there even when Alex leaned back to speak. Ah, see, as he'd thought: she WOULD move, and she didn't know where but it would probably someplace far away, like-....
Like Gambino. The chef's eyes flicked up, open wide with surprised relief. He thought she'd be moving to some other country! Aphismet let out a breathless laugh, sitting back for a moment to let the relaxing feeling wash over him, leaving him noodly and happy. "Oh jeez," he whispered, grinning. "Gambino's not far from where you are NOW." It probably took longer for Alex to come HERE than it would to get to her new home from the old one. "You gave me a scare." Shaking his head at himself for being so afraid, too relieved to let himself feel embarrassed by how invested he'd been in the whole situation, Aphismet took another sip of wine, another bite of food. This was a small plate; three or four bites and it'd be gone. Soon the soup course would come...
Alex's explanation on Gwee behavior showed how she enjoyed her work, and it made Aphismet smile. He was very happy she knew what made her happy in life and went after it like that; he'd never had those kinds of guts. Even this job had just been an accident, kind of "falling upwards". He'd never have gone out SEEKING it. Alex was fearless, and he admired that so much. "It's a relief to know Munchies doesn't have some kind of eating disorder," the chef laughed. "You should come visit her sometime, give her a little Well-Gwee exam or something to make sure I'm not accidentally mistreating her. ...As for the pets in the house, jeez, the number increases without my watching sometimes. Last count there were five. Munchies, Beaubeau and the demon-sheep, and then two freaky little bat things Eiry and Riv got for Halloween. ...Wait, those were from YOU!" He points at her accusingly, grinning. "Thankfully those two are the least problematic."
When she asked about the food, though, Aphismet's smile turned more mischievous than playful. "Oh, it's quite good. But tomorrow I'll be telling Simon all about how there was too much dill and the tuna was undercooked. It's not, of course. I'll just tell him it was." He snickered. The last two bites were eaten and Aphismet sat back with his wine, waiting for the waitress to come by.
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Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2009 11:17 pm
Her smile was light, feeling a little puzzled inwardly. She hadn't had someone care about moving away before, about not being around, and it left her feeling a little winded. By the way Aphismet seemed relieved, she felt a bit noodly herself that he'd react that way at all, deciding in that moment not to mention it could be temporary. It's not like there were animals in Gambino, but until she knew for certain where she'd be going, she'd be careful about mentioning it. Being married to her job meant she yielded to its demands, but then again, she'd never had anything to possibly take from the appeal of it. It was a startling, but refreshing thought, one that was easily tucked away as her date continued.
"Five?" she repeated incredulously, lifting a hand to stiffle her laughter, teasing him, "Sounds like a right zoo! I've only got Zoe myself, although there's a wild one outside who has taken a shine to us - to Zul." The accusation was met with more laughter, her bare shoulders trembling with the effort to keep her mirth at bay. "Yes, I'm afraid those are my fault, but they were sent with the utmost love. I'm glad they got to be a part of your family, Aphi." Another soft giggle escaped her, spearing the last of her fish carefully so as not to make that awful fork-on-china squeal. "I think I remember mention about Beaubeau, but I've not had the pleasure of meeting him, her...it." She took the last bite to silence herself before setting the fork down, savoring the taste before it was gone.
An amused grin lit her features, and for a moment, she could forget they were in the company of high-class society, easily lost in the moment that it was just the two of them bantering as usual. "I'd hope so! Co-workers deserve to be teased." Something like realization rippled over her features, lowering her voice as the thought occured to her. "Does that mean they're going to tease you too? Oh my goodness! If they do something we absolutely have to get them back!"
Fingers curled over her lips again, giggling behind them, having entirely too much fun at the thought of waging a mini-war on Aphismet's co-workers. "It's our date and I'm not above storming back there and giving them a what-for if they upset you! I've taken too much care for this night to have it sabotaged." Alex smiled with satisfaction at her statement. She'd come this far; the idea of some outside interference making it awkward was almost enough for her to forget she was wearing a dress in favor of doling out a little payback.
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Posted: Sun Jun 14, 2009 8:04 am
Aphismet's smile was permanently making residence on his face, wide and bright. The more they spoke together, the easier this was all becoming. Alex was just so easy to talk to! It came so naturally to the usually-shy sous-chef! He snickered at her calling his house a "right zoo", showing absolutely no regret for contributing to that zoo, and then going off on the warpath with that endearing sparkle in her green eyes. She looked like she was having a very good time, and Aphi chuckled with only a faint blush to hear how much effort the Italian had put into tonight.
"I'm sure they won't do anything to potentially RUIN this; they will only try to embarrass me a little with this display of favoritism. The REAL teasing will come tomorrow when they all put me on the spot asking all the probing, personal questions I'll have to deflect." Aphi snickered, blushing already as he realized how red he would be tomorrow if they asked him How the Kiss was. Realizing that he was THINKING about kissing Alex at the end of this sent the blushing into over-drive, the chef's whole face turning red all the way to his ears as he glanced outside.
"All done?" Suzy asked as he came by with a trolley bearing two more plates. With a wide smile she took the empty tuna plates away and replaced them with the dishes she'd brought; large white plates on which bowls of soup covered with a light crust balanced on a ring of lacy greens, preventing the soup bowls from slipping about. "Asparagus and broccoli cream with a rosemary puff pastry crust. Feel free to enjoy the same wine with this. Bon Apetit!" She grinned and giggled softly as he walked away, noting the blush on Aphi's face. Oh, she'd have to tell this to everyone as she pushed into the kitchen!
"Ah, I made this soup!" Aphi said with a slight burst of pride, grinning. The blush was diminishing only slowly but he'd do his best to talk through it, hoping it would eventually go away. "I mean, not tonight mind you, but when I was in charge of soups before I became sous-chef, I made this recipe. S-sorry for the bragging a bit, I just really like this dish... I hope you like it to!"
Aphismet took up his spoon, once again unknowingly showing Alex which one to use as he pushed through the rosemary crust with a soft crackle, taking a spoonful of soup and sipping at it quietly with a wide smile. "...Man, they're really not pulling any punches... Maybe we WILL have to throw a bit of a fit. Maybe you should pretend to HATE something and storm off at the end of the date and I can go in there and accuse them of being responsible or something." Aphi's voice was hushed and he leaned closer to Alex, whispering with her conspiratorially. Hn, this was surprisingly fun! Aphi had never tricked anyone before. Is this how Eiry felt all the time, he wondered?
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Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2009 6:08 pm
"Oh!" came the intelligent response, blinking a few times. That was certainly a strange way to try and embarrass someone, but somehow, Alex found that it fit the shy chef quite nicely. "That's awfully sweet of them, I think. I'm not sure I want to earn their ire if they're spoiling you! I approve of that!" She laughed lightly at that, abruptly covering her mouth at his blush. "You're too modest, Aphi--"
A small squeak of surprise left her as Suzy came by, blinking owlish green eyes at her, seeming to remember where they were all of a sudden. With an amused, embarrassed laugh, she nodded, brushing her bangs to the side in a nervous gesture. "Yes, thank you." Dark brows lofted as she described the soup, looking at it with quite the pleased expression. "Oh, I--made it?" The woman tilted her head with a bemused grin at the man, lifting her brows even higher, prepared to tease him before he quickly corrected himself. The mirth on her face faded into a touch of awe, her grin now one of excitement and eagerness. "Really? I love asparagus! Asparagus and artichoke, terribly under-appreciated. How excited! One of your own recipes!"
Following his lead, she picked up the proper utensil and bit on her bottom lip in an old excited habit, remembering after a sharp taste of watermelon that she was wearing lipgloss. Gentle pressure was placed against the tip of the spoon, making another pleased sound at the satisfying break of crust, taking an ample but polite (ladylike, ugh) amount. A taste was taken as he speculated teasing them, thoughtfully mulling over the ingedients as she smile at him. "That can definitely be done. But do you trust me to storm in there and not hug them all in gratitude?"
The grin that lit her face was pure mischief and fondness, taking the bite out of her tease. If Aphismet and his co-workers were going to be so charming, there wasn't much else she could do but thank them - although, having her enter the kitchen at all with the intent of sharing the love could very well be as frightening as her storming in with all her fiery wrath. "Who knows," she added with a delicate shrug of her bared shoulders, "we may be able to pull the 'fly in the chardonay' on them yet. Let's see what they have planned for you before we mount the offensive."
She momentarily looked quizzical before taking another appreciative taste of the soup; apparently Zul's fighting games were getting to her. "The real question here is," she stated after swallowing the warm food, "is it nearly as good as when you make it? Because...wow, I'd have never thought of mixing in rosemary! It's got such a wonderful flavor!" Quite frankly, she was impressed, finding the idea of dining with Aphismet as his home suddenly daunting. If this was a demonstration of his culinary prowess, the man was a catch! "You're going to make a lady very happy one day," she commented off-handedly, before it occured to her that she was the one on a date with him...
Blushing almost as darkly as he had before, she took a light drink of her wine. Open mouth, insert foot.
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Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2009 7:42 pm
Aphismet managed to swallow his first spoonful of soup before Alex playfully threatened to burst into the kitchen to HUG everyone. The mental image this brought up made the white-haired man laugh out loud, brown eyes glittering with mirth. "Oh, now THAT sounds like a proper plan! If you were to hug them all, haha, their faces! If they ask me things that make me blush tomorrow, I could ask them how they enjoyed your thank you and they'd just blush or laugh or at the very least stop asking me things." Aphismet had to wait for a few moments before trying to eat again, not wanting his bobbing shoulders to cause soup to spill from his spoon.
With a soft sigh, grinning, Aphismet's laughter dimmed to very light chuckling and he was finally able to continue with the meal, taking another few mouthfuls of soup. Alex has said something about loving Asparagus, and Aphi was suddenly so damned thankful he'd made up this soup. And artichoke, hunh? ...That gave him a rather good idea, and he smiled as he put that away for later. Asparagus-artichoke instead of asparagus-broccoli... It would probably work, and he'd only make it for Alex. If-... no, when, he decided with only a soft pang of hesitation- she ever came to have a meal at his house.
"I think this is about the same as when I make it... I'm really glad you're enjoying it," the sous-chef said with a slight smile, blushing a bit. "Believe me, I tried it a million different ways before ending up with the rosemary thing, so it's not a stroke of genius or anything, just trial-and-error."
Alex's off-hand comment sent just about the same thoughts barreling through Aphi's head as they did hers, and the white-haired man blushed just as darkly, clearing his throat and looking out the window. He did hope he could get to make a lady very happy one day, but it remained to be seen if he could actually manage to be a, uh... A good boyfriend. Someone to keep around. It's not like he had much experience in the matter. "Ah, uhm... Th-thank you," he said lamely as he finished his soup.
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Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2009 8:02 pm
Managing to swallow around her blush, she gave Aphismet an almost meek smile, her little verbal blunder still coloring her cheeks. "I can do that. I'd be happy to scare them all with my charming greeting." Alex teased lightly, wishing she would, for once, not speak without thinking, especially on a date of all places! It was one thing to tease or compliment her friend, but when that could come back to bite her...she really was having a good time if she could keep forgetting such major details. She took solace in that fact, lowering the level of the soup a bit more as her date took his turn to speak.
"It's very good, Aphi, but you don't need me to tell you that." Dabbing around her mouth with her napkin - mindful of that pesky lip covering - she gave him a lop-sided grin. "How long have you been here? Your boss obviously knows your potential...I can just imagine you working back there, in all the hustle and bustle that it takes for such a place like this." Her mind put the cute little mushroom hat on Aphismet's head, making her giggle again, "I bet you look dashing in the chef attire, too!"
Cleaning up the rest of her soup, she found herself thinking on how the two had run into each other to set the date up, how he mentioned Rivener wanted to try different foods. Did he eat what Aphismet prepared? Did Isi enjoy it or have favorites? Thinking of the two made another realizations clear, putting her spoon down and giving Aphismet a curious smile. "Did Isi and Riv give you a hard time about coming out tonight?" she asked, her smile quiet but warm; the two Delaran family members were definitely making themselves comfortable in her heart.
"Sorry, that was probably a random question, huh?" Alex laughed lightly, smoothing her hands over her stomach. "I was just thinking how lucky they were to have you cook for them. Or do you cook when you go home? You really seem to love what you do, so I...I assumed." Her fingers shyly touched her cheek, trying to make sure she wasn't burning up again; it seemed once she was on a roll for verbal slip ups, they just didn't stop.
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