All Work & No Play

[amongthethorns]

[Honestly, they're all exhausted - not tired but just worn out physically - after getting called all the way over here to help deal with a sudden rapid spike of missing souls which had been caused, unsurprisingly by an influx of demons. It was an odd thing and they still needed to pinpoint the origin of this matter, after all. Neither they nor the Paris Reapers could figure out what can caused an entire legion of Hells most foul to ascend on the city of lights.

Thankfully, with the five of them working pulled through just fine even if Alan was just a junior and Ronald was a rookie still. 

At least the hotel was nice even if they had to bunk up; two beds to each room. At least they had adjoining rooms so if they wanted they could throw the door between the two rooms open and interact.

Alan closed the field kit he'd been using to tend even their most minor of injuries; huffing out a tired but relieved breath. His chest ached just slightly and his shoulders slumped a little bit.] 

Well, that was certainly interesting if I don't say so myself. I know we've still got a few more days here in the city just to make sure things are well in hand an find answers, but what do we do for now? I mean - what do you even do in Paris?   

[He turned toward his bed where a rather large suitcase was tucking the field kit away. He'd brought a few things with him. They'd put all their belongings into this singular suitcase - fresh suits, documentations they needed when they went to Paris's dispatch branch for briefings and reports, a few other odds and ends.]

Comments

Re: Alan and Eric out shopping

[ochitashinigami]

[Eric can't contain his grin.]

There's already a bottle for those who want wine. Let's have a little more fun. [The Paris air is cool and sweet] Let's enjoy ourselves! Let's come back with something special.

[amongthethorns]

I'm not fond of red unless it's a sweet one. Some are a bit too - I suppose bold is a good way to describe it.

[ He tilts his head slightly. Alan might be keeping his pace slow and leisurely. There's no need to rush and he might be just taking in the city. It was gorgeous.]

I think the fact that we're all drinking at all is enough fun, don't you?

[ Alan just rolls his eyes. A little grin tugging at his lips, his next words coming out playfully teasing. ]

I'm curious to see what 'more fun' means to you.

[He snaps his fingers after a moment.]

Oh! - Or are you going to want to play one of those games like at a bar? I don't think any of us could match you drink for drink without Ronald here.

[ochitashinigami]

[He laughs.] Spears would have our skins. No, but we can still bring back something good.

[amongthethorns]

I'm honestly surprised he's so receptive to drinking while we're here on a work trip. Maybe he's feeling a little stressed? I know he and Senior Sutcliff have an interesting relationship dynamic.

[ochitashinigami]

William can handle it. I'm not worried. As for the liquor well, I'm just not going to ask too many questions

[amongthethorns]

I suppose that's true. Let's just not be too excessive with the alcohol. I know we're here for a few days yet but we don't need too much.

[ He hummed for a moment. ]

I should warn you since we're sharing a bed, I'll likely fall asleep before you do. I also can't promise to no wake up and move a bit.

[ It was a step backwards to sleep more like he had as a human but it wasn't a bad one. There were worse symptoms he's sure. ]

[ochitashinigami]

I can always count on you to remind us to behave. [Eric smiles, taking a step closer. As Alan talks about moving around in his sleep. His expression softens, deeply affectionate looking.] It's all right. I won't mind.

[amongthethorns]

Someone has to, don't they? [He tsks softly.] You're always getting into some kind of trouble. I thought you were supposed to be the one keeping me out of trouble, you know. [Alan glanced over at him before shrugging.] Right well, it's your face that might get hit or a knee in your back.

[ochitashinigami]

[Eric laughs, warm, and hearty, and masculine. He reaches out and pats Alan's upper arm]

It's all right, I promise.

[amongthethorns]

Mark your words, Slingby. You can't take them back because I'll absolutely hold you to them. [He's not bothered by that hand on his arm, he doesn't even bat an eye nor does he draw away. And that laugh was soothing in its familiarity.] As bothersome as it is I'm glad that we got to come to Paris.

[ochitashinigami]

Hold me to them then. I won't mind.

And um... I'm glad we're here too.

[He's looking in Alan's eyes, his hand is on his arm. It's getting a little intense for him. He takes a step back.]

There are a lot of cafes here..

[amongthethorns]

Then I will.

Are you? Did you always want to come here, too then?

[There might be a slight shift in his expression. A subtle flicker of disappointment but it's gone in a flash.]

There are. Are you saying we should visit one?

[ochitashinigami]

Yeah. I mean everyone talks about it.

[He says with fake casual ness]

[amongthethorns]

About what, coming to Paris or going to a café?

[He might be teasing now then again that's a tiny bit easier than assuming and getting his hopes up, right?]

There is a reason people talk about it so much.

[ochitashinigami]

Coming to Paris. But, Cafes are the thing to do here, right? I mean, I'm sure if we go now Sutcliffe and Spears will wonder why we didn't come back but... It is tempting I suppose. And they have wine and can take care of themselves.

[amongthethorns]

They're one of the attractions yes. [There's a soft amused laugh as he glances over at Eric.] Are you asking me to slip away to a café with you tonight?

[He tilts his head, humming.] Call me crazy but that sounds an awful lot like a date, Mister Slingby. [And then he's stopping in the middle of the walkway.] Are you? Asking me on a date I mean?

[ochitashinigami]

Uh... [He sputters. A date? Shit. Is this happening?]

Um... [But how could he say no? He smiles suddenly.]

Why not? [Well shit, if Alan isn't into it he can pretend it's a joke.]

[amongthethorns]

[As Eric struggles to process this Alan is having his own mini crisis. 'What were you thinking? Oh that's right, you weren't. Don't panic. Don't panic. Inhale. Exhale. You're fine.' Maybe Eric just wanted to see if it lived up to the expectation for his future dates? That must be it.

His lips parted as if to speak. To pass this all off as him being playful and teasing. But then Eric is smiling at him and his stomach has that fluttery sickling feeling again. That anxiety falling away he nods, smiling back.]

I would like that.

[ochitashinigami]

[He makes a short, quick gasp.]

Let's do it! [His smile is bright and warm]

[amongthethorns]

[There was a small pause before he's reaching out; fingers gently curling into Eric's suit jacket sleeve.]

Since it was your idea you get to pick the café. But we can't stay too long. We do still nee to get alcohol then go back in time to get some rest before tomorrow.

[ochitashinigami]

[The touch sends a thrill through Eric. His eye scans the street. Cafes are abundant and he picks one with patio lights and outdoor seating with a few of the tower.]

There.

[He can't help how broad his smile is.]

Forget about that. I'll deal with Spears.

[amongthethorns]

[ He's just going to ignore the fact that Eric picked one of the most romantic views of the tower and city. ]

Let's go then.

[ Alan tugged at Eric's sleeve as he eagerly, excitedly lead him along. ]

I'm a man of my word you know. But we can take a little detour and blame it on a language barrier or something. My French really isn't that good when it comes to speaking I'm better at reading and writing it.

[ochitashinigami]

[Eric's heart flies into the air as Alan tugs at his sleep. He can't help but laugh.]

We'll say we got lost. Come on. Let's see what they have to eat.

[amongthethorns]

Something tells me you're just happy I'm going along with your shenanigans an letting you break rules a little.

[ He snorted softly. ]

That might be a bit hard to believe since I really did go to every bar and liquor store near the hotel but we'll think of something.

[ochitashinigami]

We'll be fine. [Eric is still grinning.] Let me deal with Spears. You won't get into trouble.

And yeah... I am.