asthehawkflies | [#000] Appointments

[There was an arrow sticking into the door when he got back from walking Lucky. He stared at it for a long moment, studying it with interest. Definitely not one of his; this was wooden, traditional, nothing like his high-tech ones.

After making sure that there was no-one watching, that he wasn't under immediate threat, he reached out to take it, and unwrapped the scroll attached to it.

He smiled when he saw the symbols at the bottom, recognising them from the Christmas present. Yeah, he knew who this was from and the invitation made him feel warm.

He arrived at the battle dome just before four, dressed nicely, and he hoped that she wasn't planning on some kind of intensive training because he was not dressed for that, but this seemed more like a date thing. He spotted her just outside the door to one of the rooms, and he approached her, smiling warmly.]

Hey. Happy Birthday, Saori.

[Saori was dressed up much more formally herself, a long gown of white with her hair done up in a courtly style from her homeland. Adele had helped, of course, and she was using the new comb to keep it all straight. She had a basket under the crook of her arm, and wore a relaxed, somewhat nervous smile that brightened by degrees when she heard his voice.]

Ah. Thank you, Clint. And...thank you for coming. I was worried that I was late. I meant to come and invite you earlier, but...I was delayed by a certain mischievous child.

[Loki, of course.]

[He took a good look at her and... okay, wow. Really. She looked amazing. And kind of more than human, even. Which made sense. And just... Yes, he possibly was staring a bit before he caught himself.]

No. Not late at all. I was glad to get the invitation. And to come.

...kid? Do I want to know?

Someone. [She's not sure who. She rolls her eyes irritably.] Saw fit to introduce the younger Loki to silly string.

But I am glad that you were willing to come. I...confess I was a bit worried. I've never had a...date on my birthday before.

[Wait, that sounds like...

She quickly adds in a small, quavering voice...]

O-or any other day.

[Oh... okay yeah, he can see how that would be an incident to be dealt with. Why would someone do that?]

You have my sympathy there. You're a braver person than I am.

[He flashes her a smile though, moving up closer and reaching out to squeeze her shoulder gently.]

I wouldn't have missed it. So, we should make it pretty special, huh?

He's a lovable little thing, but I admit there are times...like today...when I want to strangle him. Honestly, who sprays a friend's hair with sticky stuff on her birthday?

[~~And if you say 'me' you can kiss her goodbye!~~

She does take the opportunity to embrace him, looking up with shining, cheerful eyes. This was already pretty special. Physical affection on her birthday? Yes!]

And...yes, I would like that. I tried programming a simulation like you showed me before. A summer picnic. I don't think that I added any surprises, but I'm not sure. The programming is all a little confusing.

[That is to say that it could very well be a picnic...that might have trolls or something.]

Yeah... the idea of Loki with silly string is pretty horrifying. Let's hope he never gets hold of fireworks.

And your hair looks perfect. Wouldn't have guessed what he'd done if you hadn't told me.

[He's quite happy to pull her into a close hug.]

Summer picnic sounds great. I could use a little sunshine after the snow. I'm sure we can handle any surprises between us, right?

[Which all translated to him being pretty interested in seeing what she'd come up with.]

Does it? It took...three showers to get all of the string out.

[She scowls a bit, clearly planning to get back at the little terror.]

And I'm sure we can. I just hope that nothing happens.

[Really, anything would be by accident.

She'll lead him into a simulation room, the door sealing behind her. It's done up like a sunny hillside, covered in cherry trees. There's a large blanket laid out underneath them, a few blossoms falling to the earth in a warm breeze. Far off in the distance, a thunderstorm brews, sending a faintly wet scent of summer rain across the landscape.

Saori breathed in the air, glad to feel the heat of sunlight on her skin, and set down her basket before taking a seat on the sunwarmed blanket.]

Please, join me.

Really. You look great. Although if you want help pranking him in return I'm always happy to help. Bleach in his shampoo maybe?

[He takes her hand as they walk into the simulation and even knowing what the place can produce, he's still impressed.]

I'll never get over how complete these things are. I can smell the rain.

[He happily sits down next to her on the blanket, taking a long moment to just gaze at the landscape.]

It's beautiful. Is this your home?

You know, I think that might be just the thing. Little imp could use a taste of his own medicine. I'm counting on you to see it done.

[Saori leaned against Clint and breathed in deeply, tasting the rain, false though it was, and nodded.]

It's near my home, yes. I tried to make Tamamo Park, which is just outside of the city where I live. [She waves a hand behind them, indicating a small, sea-side Japanese city with a few tall buildings off in the distance.] It's lovely in the spring, a true treasure for all the senses.

I...thought you might like it. I suppose I was right.

Edited 2013-01-11 19:31 (UTC)

Your wish is my command. I'll see what I can do.

[He grins at Saori, and wraps an arm around her when she leans against him. It feels good, even if it's kind of difficult to believe it's happening.]

You were very right. It's really pretty. Perfect place for a picnic. I can see why you chose it.

[Because it's so unbelievable is why it feels so good. Saori never thought she'd be sharing a picnic with a man she liked...pretty much ever. She'd never really even expected to like a man. Let alone whatever this was. Dating.

Wordlessly, she waved a hand, calling up wind to set up a spread. The basket contains small containers of Japanese soups, steaming dumplings, little balls of chicken, and even some carefully prepared sushi and rice. Japanese food, of course.]

I hope you're alright with eating Japanese. I didn't really think to include sandwiches.

[He laughs softly when she calls up a breeze, using it to set up the food. It was impressive for him, and he liked something about this practical, useful use of magic or whatever it was.]

I will eat pretty much anything. And this looks really good. Thankyou, Saori.

[It certainly beat stale bread and ants.]

I-it's nothing. It's not hard to prepare.

[She can't really help but stammer just a bit at the compliment. She sits up and offers him a small plate, holding it two handed in an oddly domestic gesture, with a slight bow of her head.

Model of manners, this one. And she didn't mind showing this demure side to him.]

But you took the time to make it. [Which counted for a lot in Clint's book. Hell, taking the time to buy him takeout was a big deal. It meant someone cared enough about his appalling eating habits to make him get something substantial.

It was part of why he enjoyed the floor's group meals so much.

He's a little surprised by the gesture, a little awkward, but he smiles as he takes the plate, fingers brushing hers.]

So, where should I start?

Wherever you would like. I tried to pick things that were easy to eat and wouldn't clash. And it should all be familiar food, I wouldn't want to surprise you with anything unpleasant. [She takes up a bowl of food herself, an apple, soup and rice, and slowly begins to eat, watching for his reactions. If he looked uncertain or unsure of something, she'd step in and explain, or try and find something he might like better...]

Well in that case...

[He tries a little bit of everything starting with some of the soup, and mixing things with rice as he feels like. He's never been a picky eater and it all tastes pretty good to him.]

Okay, I am sold on Japanese food. This is great. Really great.

I'm glad you like it. It's all I really know how to cook.

[She smiles somewhat bashfully, looking away. She's obviously quite pleased. Her next question came falteringly, almost like she was embarrassed to ask...]

Um. Adele mentioned to me that you...could sing. And that you liked music. I was wondering if...maybe you would? I will play for you after, if you like.

I can make fairly decent stew. Anything that you can cook for twenty people at a time in one big pot.

[He leans forward a little at that look, setting his plate aside and raising an eyebrow.]

I can sing. I dunno how good I am. I've never been taught or anything. [He looks a little bashful himself.]

But sure, I can manage something. And I'd like to hear you play.

Well...please do. I'd love to hear it. Music is a huge part of my life. And I think it would be lovely to hear you.

[She, in turn reaches around and takes out her shamisen, a three stringed instrument she was very, very fond of.]

In return, I'll play and sing for you. It will be fun.

Alright then. Gimme a second.

[He sips at his drink, considering for a moment while he watches Saori pull out an instrument that he doesn't really recognise. He hums softly for a moment before starting to sing in a low voice.]

Childhood living is easy to do
The things you wanted I bought them for you

[She sips from her own drink, listening to him sing with a very pleased looking smile on her face.]

[Well, Saori looks like she's enjoying it so he continues, voice becoming a bit more confident.]

Graceless lady you know who I am
You know I can't let you slide through my hands
Wild horses, couldn't drag me away
Wild wild horses couldn't drag me away

[She just grins, shifting to better regard him as he sings. She won't interrupt till he's done, and she is definitely happy]

[He reaches the end of the song and stops, giving a soft, awkward laugh, because all he knows is old rock and roll songs and nothing quite so classy as she deserves.]

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