[Piper]

Lunch. It shouldn't have been nearly as significant, but Piper had very few friends to account for and she couldn't remember the last time she'd sat down to lunch with any of them. No, that wasn't true. She'd bumped into Cal at the cafe a few months ago when he'd returned from Australia, but that hadn't been by design and kind of summed up all of her relationships since she'd come to Elysia. No prolonged contact, eventually losing them altogether for one reason or another. No phone calls, no scheduled "hey, meet me for lunch this weekend"s. It was depressing, and probably no wonder she loved her pets so much, or why she was still living with a woman who still probably hated her guts.

And even though this lunch with Erasmus hadn't been scheduled in advance either, Piper was still more than thrilled that he'd actually sought her out. It was... She had no words for how much it meant to her, actually. It was easy, after these months without him, to realise how much of the work she'd done in her relationship with Wolf. She'd never blamed him, of course, because it was just who he was and he had enough redeeming qualities that it hadn't mattered to her. But here, now, having someone want to spend time with her, be the first to ask... She hadn't had that in a while.

As they walked, Comet and Fawn trotting either side of her with their tongues lolling out (she really must remember to get them a bowl of water when they got to the cafe), Piper related the story of her recent visit with Xanth, her hands animated. At first, she'd been hesitant as she always was, but there was something about Erasmus that made her feel... safe. Maybe the way he'd jumped to her rescue at the party... something so silly but that had meant the world to her. Or that he had sought her out like he really cared about spending time with her. At first, she hadn't been sure of him. He'd been so scruffy, but he cleaned up really nicely and she felt kind of guilty for jumping to conclusions based on first impressions. All that, and her remaining awe over seeing Xanth for real and what the goddess had done for her, made the story much easier to tell and she found she really enjoyed the telling.

Recognising the striped canvas the sheltered the cafe's outside tables, Piper stopped mid-sentence to point it out. "I didn't think I'd get to sleep that night but - Oh, there it is. Do you mind if we sit outside? I know it's really sunny, but the shade's pretty good there and, well, it's usually easier for everyone if I don't take these two inside." She hadn't thought about that before, assuming it wouldn't be a problem, but she'd noticed his reaction to the glare was worse than hers.

"No, you know, I think..." Studying him with concern, she shook her head. She knew, if she was in his shoes, she'd want out of the sun. In fact, even not in his shoes, she wanted out. And now would be as good a time as any to really put the whole obedience thing to a real test. "Let's go inside, okay?" As they reached the doors, she changed the subject to food, her eyes lighting up with excitement as she realised how hungry she was. "What are you thinking? I always have hot chocolate, it's delicious. And maybe a croissant."

[d=crimson]((OOC:[/d] Eek! This was tough. I hope the gm's okay, I wasn't sure how to fill the few minutes' walk. [d=crimson]))[/d]

Piper's Boutique ¤ Dafont ¤ Aethereality

[Erasmus]

Erasmus listened to Piper as she told him her story about her run in with Xanth, smiling to himself as he smiled and nodded but taking care not to mention that he himself had had his own run-in with Little Miss Omnipotent.

The first impressions of the cafe was that the setting was just so... quaint. It was like the pictures you saw of the little rural tearooms, where scones and beverages hot and cold were served, along with a myriad of cakes and other confectionary. Sugar, jam... all things luxuries Erasmus had been deprived of mostly for the last few years. He decided whether or not he should tell Piper about his years of vagrancy, stuck in the criminal underworld as he fought for food, money and status. With fresh bruises Erasmus would walk past this place, the sounds of the fighting ring, the shouts of the crowd and the grunts of his opponent... how could he come into such a place after that?

When Piper deliberated over whether or not they should sit inside or outside, Erasmus shrugged, casting a quick glance at the other people which had come to eat, converse or make plans.

"Hey, I’m pleased to sit wherever you want, Piper." said Erasmus as he instinctively headed for the shade, if only to get out of the sun. He did not sit down, however, instead allowing Piper to choose a table for them to sit at.

Piper's Boutique x DaFont x Aethereality x Beyond Tonight x Cillian Murphy

[Piper]

Piper was suddenly nervous again, and wasn't really sure why. She'd forgotten herself when she was talking; walking along, she hadn't really had to look Erasmus in the eye, and she hadn't worried if she was boring him. Now, though, she had all these social considerations to worry about again, like had she upset him by being too demanding when she'd suggested they go inside, or which side of the table should she take to be polite, and what would they talk about once they were seated? All these things seemed to come so naturally to other people, but for her...

Leading him hesitantly to a small table for two, she smiled at him, turning herself around awkwardly to try and check which side would be the most shaded so she could let him sit there. She almost got tangled in the leads, squeaking a little in dismay as she blushed. "Sit, stay." Fawn and Comet immediately obeyed, to her great relief, giving her time to avoid the entanglement and unclip their leads from her belt.

Piper's Boutique ¤ Dafont ¤ Aethereality

[Erasmus]

Taken aback slightly at the fact that Piper had issued an order, Erasmus found himself sitting along with Piper’s pets, taking a quick moment to adjust his shirt as he propped the bear Piper had given him up on the table. Straightening his shirt, Erasmus took a moment to flick through the menu that had been left on the table. Casting his eyes down to the special vampire section of the menu, Erasmus frowned slightly at the wide variety of dishes available, did they serve anything for vampires that didn’t have blood in it? Was there not something else vampires craved, like chocolate or jelly beans? Or jam? The offer of bloody jam was enough to cause Erasmus to close the menu and offer it to Piper, looking down at the two canine companions which stared up at their mistress obediently. Erasmus liked to think he was different to them, that he was a lone wolf who followed his own way.

It’s just his way happened to lead to Piper, was all.

"I'll have whatever you're having." said Erasmus as he reclined in his chair, casting a quick glance across the cafe.

Piper's Boutique x DaFont x Aethereality x Beyond Tonight x Cillian Murphy

[Piper]

Piper was surprised when Erasmus sat down sharply, too, and paused to look at him oddly. The way he was so careful to sit the teddy bear on the table made her melt a little bit, tucking herself onto a chair and fiddling with the condiments because she wasn't sure what else to do. For some reason, it was important to her that Erasmus like this place, that he enjoy the food, that... somehow she saved him the trouble she'd gone through as a fledgling. Part of her wondered if she wasn't being so nice to him because she felt like helping him would somehow make up for her own initiation. Mostly, though, she just didn't want anyone to have to go through what she had.

Seeing him frown, her attention fixed entirely on him, Piper worried at her bottom and fidgeted. The air left her in a rush when he snapped the menu closed and handed it over as if he hadn't found any of it appealing in the slightest. She thought she could understand why, too. She'd actually fled the place the first time she'd tried to eat/feed here, but that didn't stop her from feeling like she'd let him down.

"I'll have whatever you're having."

Oh, God, no. Why would he do that to her?! She could barely make her own decisions, what made him think she could make his too? And what if he didn't like what she picked? The first feedings were crucial; he could be put off eating altogether and be pushed into... into hunting for live prey when the bloodlust got the better of him. Oh, God God God.

Staring at him in horror as he looked at her pets, she struggled for something to say, some way of encouraging him to pick his own meal without pushing him too far the wrong way, without upsetting him. She didn't want this responsibility. She couldn't. She -

"I was just going to have some hot chocolate and a cheese-tomato panini." She squeezed her eyes shut and mentally cursed herself. Why would you do that, you idiot?! Except... it was probably one of the easiest first meals a vampire could have, since the blood in the panini could barely be tasted. He'd only need to worry about the chocolate, really...

God, she hoped this went better than she thought it would. "I'll... be right back." Assuming he didn't change his mind and ask for something else before she made it to the counter, that was. She almost wished he would, and continued to stare at him hopefully as she got to her feet and joined the queue.

Piper's Boutique ¤ Dafont ¤ Aethereality

[Erasmus]

"“The Panini sounds fine Piper, although it’s a little warm for me to be having hot chocolate. A Coke with... well, you know... that’d be fine.”" replied Erasmus, resting his elbows on the table. For some reason Erasmus couldn’t help but feel he had done something wrong. Was it Piper’s almost pleading look at him as she’d gotten up or was it something else? Oh, of course...

Erasmus’ jeans were beginning to slip – any lower and they may start showing something he’d rather not exhibit in public! Pulling his leg wear back up, Erasmus kicked his feet idly as he watched Piper get up to order their food, smiling to her as she gave him a doey-eyed look, similar to a depressed, anxious deer caught in a truck’s headlights. While he waited for Piper to order Erasmus hummed to himself, nudging the mismatched salt and pepper shakers as he waited for Piper to return. He then fixed his gaze with that of Piper’s wolf, the two staring at each other again. Erasmus grinned, baring a fang at the wolf who tilted its head at Erasmus lopsidedly.

((GM permission for Comet))

Piper's Boutique x DaFont x Aethereality x Beyond Tonight x Cillian Murphy

[Piper]

Piper's shoulders sagged. When he'd opened his mouth, she'd thought - hoped - he had changed his mind, and he kind of did. Actually, what he'd said about the hot chocolate made sense. Maybe she should change her own order... She was so used to ordering the same drink, she tended to forget there were others.

Thankfully, the queue moved quickly. If it had taken a long time, she'd have been a bag of jibbering nerves by the time she reached the counter. As it was, she hesitated, wondering again if this was really the best option for him. In the end, she ordered two of the same, paid the woman with a twitching smile, and carried the tray back to their table.

Seeing the way Comet was staring at Erasmus, Piper shook her head. The tray landed with more of a clatter than she'd intended, making her wince apologetically. "You know, I think he likes you." It was hard to tell, but she figured if he was eyeing Erasmus as a predator, his teeth would be bared by now and he'd be growling.

Unloading the tray, Piper carefully sat down and stood it up against a table leg, nudging her glass nervously. She watched Era like a hawk, waiting for him to tuck in, holding her breath for his reaction. "If... If you don't like it, we can get something else..."

Piper's Boutique ¤ Dafont ¤ Aethereality

[Erasmus]

Erasmus looked down at the Panini Piper had given him. A person more experienced in these matters would probably have said it was an acceptable plate of food, hardly amazing but enough to get someone through the day without regretting having paid to eat it, in short it was mediocre.

Of course, years living in the street had taught Erasmus to be thankful for mediocre, old habits died hard and this was no more apparent than it was in the vampire that tucked into the meal, trying to ignore the taste of blood, however faint. He put the meal down again, smiling slightly to Piper as he had a sip of the drink that had been supplied, the same taste only mixed with a sickly sweetness meeting his tongue. He set the drink down again, condensation forming on its cool surface as he wiped some hair from his eyes, looking at Piper as he rested his elbows on the table.

“So Piper, judging by your shop, you don’t seem to be doing too badly... how’s life been treating you?” asked Erasmus casually, shooting another quick glance at Piper’s two pets.

((OOC: For some reason I can't find the HTML option, so no formatting for this post.))

[Piper]

Piper hovered. That was the only way what she was doing could be described. Perched on the edge of her seat, lips parted slightly as she held her breath, she shuffled her own plate and glass absently as she waited for the verdict.

Well, he hadn't spit it out, so that was a good sign, right? He didn't look too happy to be eating it, but Piper didn't really blame him considering what was in it. Come to think on it, she probably still grimaced herself from time to time.

Relaxing slightly but still perched on the edge of her seat as if she'd shoot upright at any moment, Piper tore off a small piece of her panini and slipped it to Fawn under the table.

She was startled by the question, glancing up at him over her sandwich and freezing mid-bite before remembering to chew and swallow. Once her mouth was empty, she tilted her head slightly. “I guess, I don't really think about it.” She knew she was better off than many Elysians and worked hard to stay that way. She had a lot of expensive habits; novelty stockings weren't exactly cheap.

But, remembering the state Erasmus had been in when they'd met, Piper had to wonder if he'd ever not had to worry about money. Nancy might have been a kelpie, but she'd never let her children starve.

Which only made her feel guilty for the fact that she took her bank balance for granted.

“Well...” Suddenly depressed, she picked at her food, only remembering to give Comet his share when his paw batted her knee. “I always wish the bear shop would do better, and it was touch and go for a while there, but I have a steady income now. Which is great,” she tacked on, consciously injecting enthusiasm into her voice. “These guys cost an arm and a leg.” She ruffled Comet's ears affectionately before turning a quizzical frown on Erasmus.

“Don't... take this the wrong way, because... It's just that...” Biting her bottom lip, her fangs peeking out, she continued hesitantly. “When we first met, you were kind of... I mean, I just thought it was because you'd just been, you know, but are... are you okay? If you need a place to stay...” She couldn't believe she was even thinking of offering him a room at her apartment - she barely knew him! - but it wasn't like she was using the place anyway. Maybe she could help him find a job, too, if he needed one.

Piper's Boutique ¤ Dafont ¤ Aethereality

[Piper]

[d=crimson]((OOC:[/d] GM with blanket permission. Piper has left the thread.[d=crimson]))[/d]

Sitting back in her seat as she slipped the last piece of her panini to Comet, Piper surreptitiously checked her watch. She didn't want to do it openly, afraid of seeming rude, but her internal clock was telling her it was time to get back to work - and it was right.

“This was nice,” she told Erasmus shyly. It had been shaky for a bit there as she realised he didn't want to answer her question and changed the subject hastily, but they'd shared a pleasant lunch and Piper was hoping it wouldn't be the last.

“I... If you're ever... I mean.” She shook her head slightly in frustration, reaching for their empty plates to stack them neatly. Fawn's nose nudged her knee, a request for more food, but Piper ruffled the fox's rusty fur instead. There were only crumbs and she didn't really have time to let the pair hoover up.

Standing with a warm smile at Erasmus, Piper paused briefly and glanced away. “Well. You know where to find me if... you know.” She would have asked for his number or a way to contact him herself, but she didn't want to seem pushy or like she was hitting on him when all she wanted was a friend. He already had enough to deal with; the last thing he needed was a clingy friend.

“Anyway, I have to get back to work but... well. It was... it was nice to see you. We should, um, do this again some...time.” God, that sounded like such a line. But how else was she meant to tell him she'd like to do lunch again without sounding so darned awkward?

“C'mon, guys, time to go. Um. Bye, Erasmus.” Offering him another smile, Piper left the cafe with her pets in tow.

Piper's Boutique ¤ Dafont ¤ Aethereality

[Erasmus]

Erasmus blinked as Piper left. He’d found his mind drifting away as Piper spoke, something he knew he shouldn’t do but just couldn’t help considering how unusual the situation was; here he was, in nice clothes, eating (relatively) nice food, in nice surroundings with a nice girl opposite him. What had he done to achieve this, aside from become a vampire? It was these moments that soon led to the question that all men dreaded hearing from a member of the opposite sex: “What did I just say?”

Of course Piper was not the kind of girl to ask such a thing and instead politely took her leave as Erasmus snapped back to reality, silently cursing himself for not being more attentive. He kind of half-smiled and nodded as she left, leaving him alone with his meal in the quaint little cafe, wondering just how he could proceed without committing some sort of social faux pas without Piper’s reassuring presence.

In the end it seemed finishing his own meal and leaving sufficed, although the concept of someone appearing and collecting Piper’s empty plate was still something Erasmus had to get used to, particularly when he almost intervened, believing someone was about to steal the cafe’s cutlery. As he walked away from the establishment, stomach full and the aftertaste of blood in his mouth, Erasmus wondered just how much longer he would spend in the realms of “nice” before his life took its inevitable spiral back down into the darkness it usually festered in.

Well, it’d be pleasant finding out.

((OOC: Erasmus has left the thread. Sorry Emma!))