[Yes, of course...but not until they reach The Spot! He and Charizard spent a solid hour finding it, the other day, so his basket of tricks isn't being opened until they get there. Thankfully, it's not all that far from the gates.
Have a light hand across your lower back as they set off.]
I know you've probably worked this out, but I'm well aware of what day it is, you know.
I promise it wasn't too much, all right? You can give me a thorough dressing-down later. For now, I want to focus on you.
[And focus he will; they've arrived at the location he and Charizard had selected. It's a large pond, floating lily pads and various water flowers scattered across the surface. The water is crystal clear, and shimmering in the sunlight; amidst the plants, large red and gold carp dart about, occasionally popping up to the surface as if to observe the newcomers.
Sycamore smiles as a particularly curious one bobs up in front of them, before disappearing back into the water in a scarlet flash.]
They're not quite Magikarp, but they're close. Not as good at splashing, but they do their best. All the more reason for us to sit here.
["Here" turns out to be in the shade of a large weeping willow tree, the leaves hanging down low enough to surround them, but not to the point of being a hindrance. Sycamore opens his basket and takes out the first item, which happens to be a picnic blanket, promptly spreading it out like he's done this before.
I'm so glad! I was hoping it would be somewhere new.
[Sycamore has removed his shoes (yes, he's wearing the usual socks) and is sitting on the blanket, unpacking items from within the basket. He appears to have raided the local European-inspired deli; there's French cheese (multiple varieties), fancy crackers for said cheese, olives, grapes, red wine (two bottles, just in case!), macarons, and one final container that he places behind the others.]
I think...that is everything! Ah, one more thing...
[Let him open that container and place the lid back in the basket; the cake inside is simple, but very neatly iced with white frosting. Whoever made it (guess...) obviously spent time making it parfait.
[That Chroma comment makes him roll his eyes, but it's playful. You're nothing if not predictable! Also, let him just fetch the wineglasses out of that basket, smiling to himself.]
Ah, but you see, the beauty of Chroma is that you can just make it all back by spending time with a special someone...I hope that comment of yours means you intend to assist me with that later, hmm?
[Ah, here they are...buried at the bottom. Time to get that wine open.]
Otherwise, I refuse to apologise for making your birthday special. It's my pleasure.
I'm content enough just spending time with you, you know.
[Again, though, it isn't a genuine protest; it does seem entirely honest, however.]
All of this is certainly good of you, though. I'm hardly going to ask you to apologize for doing it. Though it's likely I may ask you back to my apartment after the fact.
[Well, if he was smiling before, he's definitely beaming now...although whether it's from the fact that there's wine available or that last comment is yet to be seen.
(It was definitely the comment, there's no contest.)]
I suppose I could bring myself to visit. Maybe. If you ask nicely.
[Here, have a glass. Hopefully you'll like it; admittedly, Charizard didn't help with this particular selection (doesn't have the nose for it, frankly), but he's still confident! At least a red is usually a winner.]
We can celebrate [-wink wink-] your birthday into the night! Really make an occasion of it. For now, however, I want you to relax.
[And he'll lightly clink his glass against yours. Santé!]
Easier said than done, most days. But I think I can make an exception for you.
[...That said, the wine is good. He's never complained about Sycamore's taste in wine, honestly - Sycamore's opinions on wine don't always mesh with his own, but he does appreciate the effort put in, and usually Sycamore can find something he'll like. Today is one of the days where he's done it rather well.]
[That's...probably because this particular bottle is very expensive. But he'll never tell you that, you're probably going to give it to him enough about all this spending...
(the cheese is fancy too. shhhh.)]
All the more reason to practice. You're a quick study; I'm confident you can master the art of it.
[He'll neatly lean back against the basket, managing to keep any of the wine from spilling. See? So relaxed!]
Plus, you've got me to help you! I've heard I'm a rather good teacher, from a reliable source.
I'd think actively practicing it would defeat the purpose, in some ways. Though that isn't to say I don't see your point, or that I'm not receptive to the idea.
You'll certainly have plenty of opportunity - the technology here is absolutely fascinating. I'd be tempted to put in at the Lunar Scientia just to have access to more of it.
[Seriously, he has been having an absolutely fantastic time buying stuff and...immediately taking it apart...]
Why don't you reach out to Colress? He's worked there for a while, and he's wonderful! We get along incredibly well.
[i.e. they Scream about Science at each other on the regular and it's as terrifying as it sounds....]
I'm sure he'd be happy to give you a reference, since I'd give him one for you! I have to use my reputation for my own nefarious purposes sometimes, you know.
Honestly, I'm surprised that we're permitted to join at all; it's not a bad thing by any means, just a bit unexpected. We're given a good amount of trust here.
I suppose it's in response to how dependent the Prismals are on us. People are lot more likely to engage in sex and the like if they feel relaxed and welcomed.
[And, you know, strongly encouraged by certain periods of the month, etc.]
Frankly, I feel like a rather honoured guest. It's nice!
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Have a light hand across your lower back as they set off.]
I know you've probably worked this out, but I'm well aware of what day it is, you know.
no subject
[...]
I'd ask what you did, but I also know better than to think that you'll tell me.
no subject
[Ah, there's that one tree...they're heading in the right direction. Shouldn't be long until they're there.]
It's your birthday, and I intend to make it wonderful. Such a date is worth celebrating, as far as I'm concerned!
[...]
I'll give you forewarning. I've....
[.........have a dramatic look, that...may or may not be trying to hide a smile.]
...spent some money on what's in here. I will not apologise! Not today, mon cheri!
no subject
[Augustine.]
I do appreciate that you've met up with me, though. Spending today with you seems a good way to spend it; it's nice.
no subject
I promise it wasn't too much, all right? You can give me a thorough dressing-down later. For now, I want to focus on you.
[And focus he will; they've arrived at the location he and Charizard had selected. It's a large pond, floating lily pads and various water flowers scattered across the surface. The water is crystal clear, and shimmering in the sunlight; amidst the plants, large red and gold carp dart about, occasionally popping up to the surface as if to observe the newcomers.
Sycamore smiles as a particularly curious one bobs up in front of them, before disappearing back into the water in a scarlet flash.]
They're not quite Magikarp, but they're close. Not as good at splashing, but they do their best. All the more reason for us to sit here.
["Here" turns out to be in the shade of a large weeping willow tree, the leaves hanging down low enough to surround them, but not to the point of being a hindrance. Sycamore opens his basket and takes out the first item, which happens to be a picnic blanket, promptly spreading it out like he's done this before.
(He might have; Charizard approved.)]
Join me?
no subject
Yes, of course - this area is beautiful, incidentally, I don't think I've been here before.
no subject
[Sycamore has removed his shoes (yes, he's wearing the usual socks) and is sitting on the blanket, unpacking items from within the basket. He appears to have raided the local European-inspired deli; there's French cheese (multiple varieties), fancy crackers for said cheese, olives, grapes, red wine (two bottles, just in case!), macarons, and one final container that he places behind the others.]
I think...that is everything! Ah, one more thing...
[Let him open that container and place the lid back in the basket; the cake inside is simple, but very neatly iced with white frosting. Whoever made it (guess...) obviously spent time making it parfait.
Have a smile, you.]
Happy birthday, mon cheri.
no subject
...Augustine, you really didn't have to.
[From the sound of it, though, he's pleased that you did.]
You...made that. [The. The cake.] You spoil me, you know.
no subject
I did! It's nothing too fancy; just vanilla and buttercream. But I promise it will taste as good as my crepes. Better, in fact!
[See, with you sitting, you're actually reachable (again, just as planned) - have a light peck on the cheek.]
It's about time you let me spoil you.
no subject
[JUST SAYING.]
But I'm not going to complain for now. This is all wonderful.
no subject
[That Chroma comment makes him roll his eyes, but it's playful. You're nothing if not predictable! Also, let him just fetch the wineglasses out of that basket, smiling to himself.]
Ah, but you see, the beauty of Chroma is that you can just make it all back by spending time with a special someone...I hope that comment of yours means you intend to assist me with that later, hmm?
[Ah, here they are...buried at the bottom. Time to get that wine open.]
Otherwise, I refuse to apologise for making your birthday special. It's my pleasure.
no subject
[Again, though, it isn't a genuine protest; it does seem entirely honest, however.]
All of this is certainly good of you, though. I'm hardly going to ask you to apologize for doing it. Though it's likely I may ask you back to my apartment after the fact.
no subject
(It was definitely the comment, there's no contest.)]
I suppose I could bring myself to visit. Maybe. If you ask nicely.
[Here, have a glass. Hopefully you'll like it; admittedly, Charizard didn't help with this particular selection (doesn't have the nose for it, frankly), but he's still confident! At least a red is usually a winner.]
We can celebrate [-wink wink-] your birthday into the night! Really make an occasion of it. For now, however, I want you to relax.
[And he'll lightly clink his glass against yours. Santé!]
no subject
Easier said than done, most days. But I think I can make an exception for you.
[...That said, the wine is good. He's never complained about Sycamore's taste in wine, honestly - Sycamore's opinions on wine don't always mesh with his own, but he does appreciate the effort put in, and usually Sycamore can find something he'll like. Today is one of the days where he's done it rather well.]
no subject
(the cheese is fancy too. shhhh.)]
All the more reason to practice. You're a quick study; I'm confident you can master the art of it.
[He'll neatly lean back against the basket, managing to keep any of the wine from spilling. See? So relaxed!]
Plus, you've got me to help you! I've heard I'm a rather good teacher, from a reliable source.
no subject
no subject
I think you're overthinking it. But that doesn't surprise me! You know I've always loved seeing that brain of yours in action.
no subject
[Seriously, he has been having an absolutely fantastic time buying stuff and...immediately taking it apart...]
no subject
[As much as he likes to tease, he knows you're not designed to sit idle...]
I mean, I'm more than happy to try keeping you distracted, but a man has his limits. They'd be lucky to have you, mon cheri.
no subject
[He's not sure how much anyone actually needs that, but as long as no one's unearthing any massive doomsday devices, it should be fine.]
It's something to look into, at any rate. I know a few that are associated with it, I believe.
no subject
[i.e. they Scream about Science at each other on the regular and it's as terrifying as it sounds....]
I'm sure he'd be happy to give you a reference, since I'd give him one for you! I have to use my reputation for my own nefarious purposes sometimes, you know.
no subject
[He can manage on his own merits and all.]
Besides, I don't know if it's even something I'll do quite yet.
no subject
Not a problem, mon cheri. I'll leave it to you to decide.
no subject
no subject
[And, you know, strongly encouraged by certain periods of the month, etc.]
Frankly, I feel like a rather honoured guest. It's nice!
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)