Reasons for celebrating (Verity)

[romeoinabox]

Birthdays really are the best time to celebrate life. Excuses are made for the best food, the finest wine, and one's favorite company. Whether with old friends or new, it really doesn't matter. So long as enjoyment is had by all, the celebration can only be called a win.

They might have been last minute plans, but Red is working just as hard to make this a dinner to remember. A table separate from the others to limit the amount of gossip they have to deal with. A bouquet of peonies and roses for Verity to bring a breath of spring into the cold winter night. And on top of it all, a tuxedo, rather than a suit, to better fit the atmosphere of their dinner destination. He would keep the hat on for now, to ward off the cold and appease his date for the evening, but it clashes terribly with the tux. It'll be coming off the moment they arrive at the restaurant.

He arrives a few minutes early to Verity's... tower residence, and he ponders momentarily on asking if she happens to live at the top or if she makes someone else live up there (because Verity is obviously not a damsel in distress). There doesn't appear to be a regular door, so he knocks carefully on where one should be.

"Yes, hello? Is Verity here? I'm here to escort her to dinner."

Comments

[brave_heart_verity]

He knows he's found the right place when he can hear her laughing, which happens right around when the large slab of crystal in the wall cracks open and moves so he can step inside. "Sorry I forgot to warn you about the door. The joys of living with a wizard: all the modern and magical conveniences, if I don't mind not having electricity."

It's a nice place, if you like stone and green. Very solid, with a fireplace in the living room and a few picture windows. Form follows function, and then there's a reminder that she lives there too. Upholstered furniture, rugs on the floor, a few potted plants in front of a window, some kind of crazy herb garden chandelier. Then, of course, there's her: gone are the fauxhawk and casual clothes, and she suddenly looks like a proper lady with her updo and cut velvet evening gown. If he gets the idea she's just finishing getting ready, it's probably because she's still in the process of putting on her earrings. (The pink druzies look adorable with her hair; her brother's got good taste.)

"You look very nice. I hope it wasn't hard to find the place?"

[romeoinabox]

"It's quite a unique thing, actually. I'm quite impressed." He steps inside to wait for her to finish getting ready, taking in the place as he does so. It's a clash of two styles, one of which is decidedly not Verity's. But it still works surprisingly well.

"Not difficult at all," he answers with a smile. "The weather may be brisk but that simply added some amount of urgency to my steps. Made more room for the delicious food we're about to enjoy, as it were." He pauses for a small chuckle. "And, really, I could see this tower from quite some distance off. It was easy to find my way here after that."

Once her hands are free, he offers the wrapped bouquet to her. "For you, my dear."

[brave_heart_verity]

"It is certainly that. Once it knows you mean well, it'll open for you automatically. And you're welcome to step inside when it does, you don't have to wait out in the cold. It's hard to hear people knocking if I'm upstairs." Not that it happens very often, but people are so resistant to the idea without a good excuse.

"The walk does build up an appetite, doesn't it? Getting groceries home is a great workout." Has he noticed the tattoos yet? Because those are new. New to him, anyway, with this whole 'no bare arms in winter' thing she's been rocking.

The flowers get a smile, as he knew they would. "Thank you! They're beautiful. I'll go put them in water. Would you like a drink or something before we go?"

[romeoinabox]

"I'll make sure I've been invited before I let myself in, then." Because there's nothing more awkward than your friend showing up randomly in your living room when the door opens automatically for them.

"From the fantastic shape you're in, I'm guessing the walk to get groceries isn't the only thing you're doing." He loves a woman who can kick his ass. And yes, the tattoos are noted, but the conversation about them can wait, seeing as she's about to cover them with a coat.

He smiles and shakes his head slightly. "That's very kind of you, but I'm anxious to treat you to dinner. There will be plenty to drink when we arrive, I promise." He may have arranged for a bottle of red wine to be ready and waiting for them when they arrive tonight.

[brave_heart_verity]

"Seems fair. And a good way to know if I'm actually at home." Seeing as she goes out so much more than she used to, it's not safe to assume she's sitting around the house these days. Especially not with the unpredictable weather.

"Oh, thank you. No. I've been doing a lot of running and self-defense training. Running on the beach is a lot less fun than it looks on television. I'm just glad I'm not covered in bruises, they would clash with my dress." Because that is, of course, the only downside.

"I don't doubt it." This 'hospitality' thing is still new to her. She'll figure it out. Right now she has flowers to attend; it doesn't take long to trim the stems a bit and put them in water. Then it's time to go. She grabs her long black coat and a scarf, winding the latter around her neck and over her hair before shrugging on the former. Her purse is already waiting by the door. "Ready to brave the cold again?"

[romeoinabox]

"I simply must meet this trainer of yours to give them my compliments as well, then. Through your efforts and their teachings, you have become a masterpiece." Flattery is often one thing, and it's almost always over the top, but he isn't lying at all. She really does look amazing.

"For you? Anything." He smiles easily and offers her his arm. The brisk walk will certainly make it all the more enjoyable when they get to the warm restaurant.

[brave_heart_verity]

"Oh, I can introduce you, but... well, be careful what you wish for." It's easier to focus on that than the slightly ridiculous compliments. She doesn't train for aesthetic reasons. On the other hand, it's nice someone noticed.

"Oh, for me? How spoiled I am." And how smart, wearing shoes she can keep a brisk pace in. No stilettos in this weather. Kitten heels at best. (Somehow she just couldn't justify sneakers with this dress.) She'll take his arm, but they might be leaning equally on each other through some of the icy parts, and that's perfectly fine with her.

[romeoinabox]

"I'm always careful," he assures her. Does it count as a lie if he's not as careful as he should be when he's feeling a little reckless?

"All for you, my dear. This evening is yours." Because why bother focusing on the fact that it's his birthday when he has a beautiful young woman to accompany him tonight? Leaning against each other while they walk is no issue for Red. Together they'll make a stable enough pair to make it across the icy roads. If he gets to pull her a little closer while they walk, well, that's simply an added bonus to the night.

When they arrive, the host offers to take their coats and Red's hat before they're seated at a small table near a window in the back. It might be a little cooler by the window, but they compensate with a bit of magic - the candles in the small chandelier above the table give off some extra heat, just enough to warm the air to a comfortable temperature. A bottle of red wine waits for them on the table, which the host pours a small taste of into each of their glasses before he leaves. Red helps Verity into her seat before taking his own with a smile.

"What do you think?" he asks, gesturing to the restaurant vaguely. "Lovely little place, isn't it?"

[brave_heart_verity]

That's one of those tricky gray areas. So long as there's some degree of care, it doesn't ping her. Whether or not philosophers could make hay with it is another matter.

"Definitely spoiled," she warns with a smile. Sticking close together in this weather is just plain good sense. Warm and steady is better than personal space at times like these. He can enjoy having her tucked under his arm like a baby bird; he's too much the gentleman to get handsy and end up in a snowbank.

However well she dressed to fit in, there are signs that she's not used to places like this: someone taking her coat, for example, is a little surprise. But since Red's going along with it, she will too. Following his lead seems to be the best plan. And the host who leads them to their table, when she's not distracted by all the things to see.

This 'pulling out her chair' thing is another little surprise. What in the world is happening did she trip and fall into one of those old movies V kept wanting to show her? "Oh. Yes, it's charming. Thank you for sharing it with me."

She glances down at her wine glass and rests her fingertips on the foot, moving it gently to swirl the wine. "How did you know I like red?"

[romeoinabox]

"Can I let you in on a secret?" He looks around for a moment before leaning over the table conspiratorially. "I picked my favorite from their wine list and had a backup white picked out in case you didn't like the red." He chuckles softly before sitting up again. He takes the stem of his glass between two fingers, gives the wine a gentle swirl, and then takes a small sip.

"Lovely," he notes with a smile. "Let me know if we should exchange the bottle for a different one. Or if you would simply prefer a second for yourself. Tonight is about celebrating life to its fullest and expense is no worry." Birthdays only happen once a year, after all, and its always something worth celebrating when there's someone to celebrate with.

[brave_heart_verity]

She leans forward for secret time, an amused little smile on her face before he even starts telling her. It only grows when she hears what it is. "Oh, is that so? Very sneaky."

Her glass is lifted mostly in time with his, and she takes her time enjoying the wine. "Mm, no, it's delicious. You have good taste." An eyebrow flickers at the offer of a whole bottle for herself. There was a time she would have accepted. "No, thank you, I'm quite happy sharing this one. And if we want more later, I'm sure the wine cellar will still be there."

If she knew it was his birthday, she'd offer a toast.

[romeoinabox]

"Very sneaky," he agrees with a grin.

"Well, in that case, may I offer a toast?" He fills their glasses a bit more and then raises his in toast. Once she raises hers as well, he smiles. "To new friends, and the best of reasons to celebrate." Can he be any more cryptic? Perhaps he doesn't want to spoil the date by bringing attention to himself. He clinks his glass against hers and then takes a sip.

[brave_heart_verity]

Her glass is raised on request, and the toast gets an agreeable smile and nod from her. But the wording hasn't escaped her notice. "To new friends and reasons to celebrate," she agrees. Clink. She sips her wine, studying him over the glass for a moment before her eyes drift shut. It really is delicious and she wants to enjoy it.

"Do you celebrate all your new friends like this?"

[romeoinabox]

"Only when the occasion calls for it." He's hiding something, that much is perfectly obvious. He sets his glass down and picks up a menu to study it.

"Did you want an appetizer? I'm absolutely famished after that strenuous walk over here." It wasn't that bad, but his old legs weren't very appreciative of all the ice - even if it was an excuse to pull her closer from time to time.

[brave_heart_verity]

Her natural inclination is to question him until he tells her or leaves. But her better judgment reminds her she doesn't want him to leave. Patience is not a native virtue, but she's trying to cultivate it.

So. Menu. Hmm. "Famished? I should have kept you at home and fed you, you'd be full by now," she teases. The ice wasn't particularly fun for either of them, but she knows for a fact it won't last forever. Reynard will decamp to cooler climes in the summer, she has no doubt, like he did this past year. "It's tough to decide. I love French onion soup, but I also like escargot. Probably the soup today, to warm up."

[romeoinabox]

The answer will likely come with time, but for now, he wants to enjoy the evening without making her feel obligated to enjoy herself. It's easier this way, for both of them.

He looks over the menu for a moment before setting it aside and raising an eyebrow at her. "What if we were to split? Say I get the escargot and you the French onion soup. Think I could convince you to let an old man have a bite or two in exchange for a few snails?" And he's cheeky, to boot.

[brave_heart_verity]

However long he waits, she's going to apologize for not making him a cake, just see if she doesn't.

She lifts an eyebrow at the suggestion before making a show of looking around the restaurant before leaning toward him to ask, "Which old man?" Because clearly, he can't be talking about himself. She can hold the smile in only by biting the inside of her lip, so if he's kind, he won't leave her hanging too long.

[romeoinabox]

He's going to feel awful when she apologizes for something that's beyond his control. For heaven's sake, she made chili for a crowd earlier!

He chuckles softly and shakes his head at her. "The one sitting across the table from you. I'm not a spring chicken anymore, you know."

[brave_heart_verity]

She maintains she doesn't technically need to sleep every night.

She waits for him to be done with his laugh before pointing out, "There's a space between young and old. When people have some knowledge and a little wisdom and interesting stories to tell, but haven't lost their joie de vivre. Don't sell yourself short."

[romeoinabox]

What's that saying about sleep and how it's for the weak...?

He places a hand over his heart, closes his eyes, and smiles brightly. "You make an old soul feel so young." Slowly, he opens his eyes and turns his smile to her. "Can you blame me for feeling so old on the day that bumps my age up by one every year?"

Cat's out of the bag now.

[brave_heart_verity]

Sleep is for people who don't have the nightmares.

His display gets a pleased little hum from her, and she leans back in her chair with her wine in one hand to study him. She almost wishes she had her sketch pad. Steve must be contagious. (Not just his love of art, like, all of him.)

"Oh, happy birthday! I'm sorry, I would have made you a cake if I'd known. I'll make you a cake next time you come visit. Any kind you like. It doesn't even have to be lemon."

[romeoinabox]

Red catches her free hand and holds it tightly, giving her a small smile. "Verity. If I had wanted a cake and a party, I would have asked. For me, it's enough to spend the evening with a good friend who enjoys fine wine and a fancy meal as much as me. I promise, I need nothing more than your companionship tonight." He gives her hand a small squeeze then looks up at the waiter when he comes to the table.

"Yes, an order of escargot and a bowl of the Fench onion soup to start, please. We'll figure out the rest of dinner shortly." With a nod, the waiter is off and Red turns his attention back to the woman across the table from him.

"Thank you for agreeing to come out with me tonight. I can't tell you how pleased I am." He can't, but she can sense how truthful he's being, and that's something, right?

[brave_heart_verity]

Her fingers curl comfortably around his, and for that moment, he has all her attention. She accepts what he's saying with a nod, glancing away from him only when the waiter is hovering. They're so quiet here. She idly wonders how Red would like Nana's.

"Okay. Sorry if I'm being... overbearing. I haven't had many friends and I'm still learning how to do this." God, that's embarrassing to admit. Good thing there's wine. Wine and truth; she prefers the truth. "I'm glad I came too. It's nice to enjoy your company. The food and wine are a nice bonus, too." However much humor she may try to use to lighten a situation, it's pretty clear, he's the star of the show tonight.

[romeoinabox]

Small or large, intimate or noisy - the place doesn't matter to Red. Only the company matters.

"You're not overbearing, I promise." He means it, too. "And you're doing fine. I feel spoiled already by your agreeing to come with me tonight. It's more than I truly deserve - though the wine is a nice added bonus, too." He smirks slightly. "It's certainly much better than I was expecting." The restaurant may offer French cuisine, but the wines are all from different planets or variations of Earth. He'd never heard of any of wines on the list before seeing it earlier today. It's not his new favorite by any stretch, but it's on his list of wines to find again someday.

[brave_heart_verity]

Red's got the good luck to have discerning tastes where it really matters.

And he's so kind, reassuring her like that. Hers is a grateful smile. Grateful and a little playful. "If this is spoiling you, I really have to wonder what kinds of friends you have back home." Are criminals not good friends to each other? The only example she's really seen before was Loki and Doom, and she's not sure they were friends so much as people who sometimes stop stabbing each other in the back for a little while.

"What is it like, where you're from?" Most people like to talk about that eventually, and she's very curious.