sweethymns | Mι∂ηιgнт ιη Ƥαяιѕ

[ Okay, this is. Unexpected? He looks Oren up and down, feels rightly unsettled by his posture and those eyes, but doesn't back down: from force of habit or because he's steady on his feet at the worst of times, it's anyone's guess. ]

...Wait. You're bringing another guy to our date?

[ Oren??? ]

[Iona doesn't even look bothered; in fact, she acts as if it's standard and even phrases it that way.]

Body guarding! It's his job aside from making the drinks and baked goods here. My grandmother put him up to it and he's pretty insistent on doing his job.

[She gives Gus a THUMBS UP and a wink.]

Don't worry! He'll shadow us, but you won't even notice him! It'll be like he's not there at all!

[~~literally, he can make himself invisible~~]

[ SO SKEPTICAL... he shoots Oren a bit of an affronted look, as if to say "you totally ruined this, thanks bro?!", but he keeps it under wraps. He feels like he can't refuse this...

Also he knows what that's like, having a shadow, so he's not one to talk. ]

Auuuugh... alright, but we're still having fun. Proper fun! None of this "it's too inappropriate" crap!

[STARES.]

Keep it proper then. If inappropriate, plan better.

[Iona rolls her eyes at that part although she won't argue about it; there are some unspoken agreements with how she approaches certain situations after all.

Despite all that, Oren bows his head at Gus (stiffly, but it's a bow)]

Gus. I'm Oren. We'll be joining you soon then.

[ He has a feeling Claude is better equipped to deal with someone like this— his brother, straight-backed but as fluid as water. A flurry of expressions and colorful sounds later, Gus finally concedes and hangs his head, moving back towards his seat to gather his wet belongings so he can mosey on out. ]

Soon, then...

[ Don't sound so dejected, soldier. Push on. ]

[Oren stands next to Iona to see him off, stoically as ever. Iona's goodbye is a complete contrast in tone next to him though and she waves Gus off.]

It's a date for sure, Gus. Keep your eyes peeled for the door next time you come. I'll be waiting! ♥

[And now, to finish up homework, leave messages, and make sure the cafe will stand in one piece once she and Oren make their exit. There's preparations to be made when stepping back out into the late 19th century after all...]

❇ ❇ ❇

[It's afternoon at the Midnight Grind. The cafe is technically closed so it means that Iona's usual customers weren't going to pass through the door today. She's anticipating someone else after all and is even dressed for the occasion! It's a little plain for her tastes and not even accurate to the time period, but Oren pointed out that 1) they don't have 1800s outfits on hand and 2) Berna would insist on going with the both of them if they asked for her collection and that was more trouble than it was worth.

Iona sighs, as she sits on the counter, dangling her legs. Oren is making one last careful round in the cafe with a broom.]

Are you SURE this outfit will be alright? I mean, it's not BAD, but I kinda wanted some more, you know, silk, lace, ruffles...?? I looked it up on the Internet last night, it's not like I had to go full hoop skirt...!

I let you keep the lipstick. Everything else needs to be practical. Just in case.

Okay, okay, fair enough. [SIGH.]

Hope he didn't just ditch me...

Edited 2015-06-10 07:04 (UTC)

[ He knows that he doesn't have to tell his brother anything, that they live in different estates and they are, ostensibly, not obligated to speak to each other at all— but the night he visits the Midnight Grind, he sneaks into Claude's apartment through the balcony and tells his brother all about the strange cafe he'd found, about the cute girl heading the place, about his date. It doesn't surprise him that Claude isn't surprised— late-night visits with tall tales are a routine between the Aubert brothers— but the slow-spreading amusement comes from left field, the low chuckle that punctuates itself with a shift and a shrug.

'Enjoy yourself', Claude'd said. Not a word otherwise, no further questions.

Ominous? Maybe. But it's also something Claude thrives in— the dramatic— and Gus thinks only mildly about the whole ordeal before he slips away from his duties for the day, shedding layers of expensive clothing in favor of a simple vest over a shirt, a pair of comfortable slacks.

(this is as casual as he manages.)

Memory takes him back to the neighborhood where he'd found the door the first time around, and he hopes and prays that he'll find the gilded signpost again, those words, 'The Midnight Grind'—

—and when he does, it's with far too much enthusiasm that he flings the door open, barrels through the entrance with all the vivacity of a Golden Retriever. ]

—Hey, hey, hey! I found you, I found you!

[The witch jumps slightly at his sudden entrance, but slides off the counter to walk towards him, laughing.]

You did, you did! Great job!

[~~iona don't treat him like a real puppy c'mon~~ When she reaches him, she takes a hold of his hands giving him a warm expression.]

I was afraid you'd lose sight of the door, but looks like I didn't have to worry in the end.

[Oren is conveniently out of sight... But he's there. And he'll stay quiet until he is needed.]

[ Don't kill the buzz, Oren... Gus has stars in his eyes when she takes his hands, clearly very enamored by the fact that he's being humored. The upper brass can be so uptight about rules and conventions and, you know, not making googly eyes at girls.

He brings both hands to his lips and greets them each with a light peck. ]

Yeah, well! I left no rock unturned. ♥

[ A harmless exaggeration, as he gestures towards the door. ]

So, how 'bout it? Feeling daring?

[Oren's so irritated... This person thing is... a thing...

Whether Iona can sense Oren's displeasure or not, well, she's not going to make a fuss about it. She's a 21st century woman... well, 21st century witch, and for her, it's about seizing the day. He knows his place and she knows what she wants and it's to explore and have fun for the rest of the day. The kiss on her hands is just so charming that it makes her look at the floor shyly before making eye contact with Gus again.]

Yeah, I'm full of daring. I bottled it all up so that I'd be ready!

[Iona tugs him towards the door, brimming with energy.]

No time like the present, right?

[ The present, the past, whatever— Gus is willing to share it, which is something he's distinctly not supposed to do. But the smile on his face widens, and he springboards off of the tug, swings the door open and leads her out into the warm Montmartre afternoon: cobblestone roads, rows of verdant greens, the whole deal. ]

—Welcome to my back yard!

[ He says, which isn't a lie: a sweep of his arm envelops the string of buildings around them, lined with lamps that look vaguely too technologically advanced to be entirely antiquated. ]

[Oh. OH.

So that's what Oren meant by a "different" 1879. Iona's staring at the lamps with barely veiled fascination. Behind them, the door is slowly being closed. Oren's close behind, but invisible for now. The witch looks back and forth, trying to take what's before her.]

... This. This is a very different backyard from what I imagined France to be. But so far, so good??

[ There are cars, cast in what looks like wrought-iron with motors that hiss and tick: not exactly streamlined, but with an organic quality that make them look handmade, crafted. Gus doesn't seem to think anything of any discrepancy that may or may not exist, of course, and he meanders through the street with an ease that suggests that this is nothing out of the ordinary. ]

You, [ he says, perhaps with a sense of knowing. ] need to get out more.

[ And he grins, wide and languid, before gesturing and trotting down the nearest side street. ]

So! Where d'you want to go? Cafe? Restaurant? Patisserie? Go see the gardens? The Basilica?

[There's just so much to look at! Lamps, cars, and a keen artistically inclined eye like Iona's really wants to study the architecture, the clothing, EVERYTHING. But she doesn't want to hold up Gus either and she sticks close to him, thinking about the options offered to her.]

Ah... Oh, gosh, what to choose first??

[Although maybe she could use some inspiration for her cafe, so....]

The patisserie! I need to see who my competition is.

Cafe it is!

[ And down he goes, meandering through vined paths and wine-red brick buildings, through narrow arches and high, high towers that have clocks ticking up its sides. Occasionally, someone recognizes him and waves— "a date, Gus?"— to which he answers with a finger at his lips, a not-so-subtle "shh!" ]

You're in for some harsh competition, we've got some of the greatest food in the world!

[Huh. How many people know him so casually? Interesting... Iona follows Gus closely, still trying to get a good look at everything although she tries to avoid looking at other people since she's a little self-conscious? Girl out of time after all and who knows if there's magic in this world. The tech's already unfamiliar and new, she doesn't know how much more out of depth she can feel.]

Harsh competition, huh? Well, I'd definitely struggle against the greatest, but my co-worker could probably be considered a worthy opponent.

Nooooooo no no no! No talking about your coworker right now, not allowed!

[ A hand goes up to stop her, heels skidding on cobblestone right as he strides up towards his destination. ]

You know that saying about all work and no play too, right?

Haha! He got under your skin after what happened last time, huh?

[~~HE'S RIGHT BEHIND HER HE CAN HEAR YOU, YOU KNOW...~~ The young witch muffles her laughter with one hand, shaking her head.]

Don't worry, I know what you mean, but...

[ before pressing a finger against his nose playfully.]

I make it a point to have my fun work for me.

[ HE CAN PRETEND... the tap to his nose placates him, though. He's so easy... ]

Really? Well, good thing I'm a hard worker! Après vous, mademoiselle.

[ A sweep of an arm, and he ushers Iona towards the door of the cute cafe.

(And from the second-story bookstore across the street, Claude glances out the window and watches his brother be...his brother. Sigh.) ]

Edited 2015-06-11 02:14 (UTC)

[Oren is following Iona, quietly, stealthily, and completely invisible to the naked eye. He's been observing their new environment with interest. He's been through the 1800s after all back when he solely served Jacqueline Berna Oakes. Ah, but the technology wasn't this advanced back then. For once, he's truly experienced something new, what with this traveling to a new dimension and all-...

... His head turns to look across the street and for a moment Claude might see a silvery glint? Just a trick of light, haHA.

... Ah. Oren's connected the dots in terms of both men's appearance and the fact that he just happened to be right there...

Well, but of course. He sees Claude. But he won't say anything and he won't let himself be seen. Iona wanted to have fun and Oren, as much as he found Gus irritable, won't ruin that for her.]

Edited 2015-06-11 02:34 (UTC)

[Being none the wiser, Iona follows Gus into the cafe. Maybe it's because it was the late 1800s France or the mixture of the strange technology, but either way Iona's very much in love with the atmosphere already.]

Oh, wow! This is wonderful!

Do you go here often, Gus or do you have other preferred haunts?

[ The interior is quaint, the walls littered with paintings of different parts of Paris— amateur, but with sufficient heart. Wooden furniture is supported by brass and copper, legs carved like tendrils and some embossed with complicated designs. A curious mixture of organic and inorganic.

Gus pulls up a chair for Iona, and then settles into the seat opposite her. ]

I come here often enough, so ignore everyone if they start talking to me.

[ His voice drops into a whisper. ] Especially ignore the ones that call me "Auguste", and if I tell you we should get going, we should get going. Ok?

[(Gus... Ever feel like you're being stared down at, like lasers are shooting right through you, but you don't know where it's coming from, but it's there, right in front of you behind Iona...)

Iona, with brows slightly raised, nods in agreement. So his full name is "Auguste," huh...?]

I'll try to keep one eye closed.

[She's had her fair share of shady interactions since her cafe does attract those sorts. She is hoping however, that she just hasn't gotten herself into something she can't get out of.]

[ Does he ever feel like the iron fist of justice is looming over his head??? The answer is yes, but he's trying so valiantly to ignore it.

He's also trying very hard not to ruin a date by potentially meeting up with someone who would love to run him over with a car. So far, so good. ]

Don't worry too much! You're safe with me.

[ Please let this be true. But here comes the menu, and he hands one over to Iona with a reassuring smile. ]

What do you want? Everything's on me, of course.

Ah, magic words to my ears. ♥ [She looks through the menu, very much intent on just having fun.]

Well, I definitely have to have a cafe au lait. Gotta see how it matches up... Oh, but of course! An apple tart.

[She's a strange girl; so far she's been taking everything in stride whereas normal people would probably freak out by the change of scenery and the implication of looming trouble... But it was obvious to the Aubert brothers that she was never normal to begin with.

When she makes her order, Iona leans on her elbows just ready to chat it up.]

So you're well known around these parts?

[Okay, so not the most comfortable question to ask...]

That's kind of like my grandmother. I feel like, no matter where I go, one way or another, she's already been around.

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so totally not here

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