☠Second Reel: Tea for two [Closed]

[redcinemareel]

Who: Grell/redcinemareel & Arthur/unionjackoff
When: Backdated to Nov 9th
Where: Some tea place that may have seating
What: Grell insisted they meet for tea. Arthur suggested they meet at this place.
Rating/Warning: PN for Prickly Nations

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From what Grell could see on her map, there were a number of tea shops in this world. Whether or not they were of any quality was up to her to decide. If she planned to accept bribes from her future pupils, she had to make sure they were giving her good quality items. What was the point of giving her cheap tea for a passing grade?

Right now, she was waiting in front of one tea shop Arthur had suggested, wearing a biker styled black jacket (with a collar that didn't hide her neck tattoo), a short red dress, black leggings, and her usual shoes. Her CereVice was currently keeping her occupied during her wait, but she was using the time wisely. She was scanning over some codes she developed in an attempt to "get to know the system better", and from time to time, she was typing in or deleting codes.

Grell looked around for her tea date, in case she got too absorbed in her work. Nope, no familiar head of blonde hair just yet. She'll try again in a few more minutes.

Comments

[unionjackoff]

Thank everything England had a scarf when he was transported to this world. Not because he was particularly cold, but the bruising from Russia still had not faded from around his neck. He healed faster than humans did, but their fight had happened only a few days prior, so the scarf covered those marks. He didn't want to talk about the incident, and didn't want anyone asking questions. It was easier just to hide them.

Aside from the scarf, he was wearing his coat, nice slacks, and comfortable loafers. England picked Grell out of the crowd immediately, thanks to those bright red locks, and made his way over to her.

"Good afternoon," he said, giving her a tiny smile. He was still a bit intimidated by her, but England wanted to get to know her better. He had to. She was one of his, and he was making it his duty to find his citizens and protect them from whatever fate Cerealia had in store for them next.

[redcinemareel]

Grell peeled her eyes away from her work and smiled brightly to him, waving a hand in his direction. She pocketed her device into her tote bag.

"Good afternoon~! So nice to meet you in person!" His style did not go unnoticed by her, as her eyes did roam over his attire, not at all shy to do so. "You're looking rather dapper!" . She turned her gaze to the shop they were to explore. "Have you been here before?"

[unionjackoff]

Dapper! That was a word England had not heard used to describe him in a long time. Very rarely did he dress up anymore. Even now, he was wearing an old cardigan underneath the nicer jacket. He almost never kept up his appearance unless he was meeting with royals, and occasionally for world meetings. Most of the time, England just liked to be comfortable, and more often than not comfortable meant untidy.

His cheeks reddened when she boldly raked her eyes over him and he cleared his throat nervously. "N-no, not yet. A friend told me it was here and let me sample some tea she had bought. This is the first time I'm checking it out for myself."

[redcinemareel]

Most of the company she keeps wouldn't ever dress as he did. They have a hard time keeping their shirts either on or closed. They also didn't believe in trousers like the pair Arthur has. Hence, dapper.

She was also not unaware of her bold nature, and how it made him a tad uncomfortable. It was an affect that proved valuable during the best and worst of times. Her smile was still there, as friendly as ever. Well, as friendly as it got with such sharp teeth.

"Well, it must have been good enough for you to inspect it further! Shall we, then?"

[unionjackoff]

Even when they were talking over the CereVice, England had noticed those teeth. They were so strange, all pointed like that. It was a jarring image. He would not bring them up, but he did wonder how they came to be that way. Was Grell born with teeth like that, or had she had them all filed to points? Well, it was none of his business, anyway.

He gave her a crisp nod and they entered the tea shop together. England recalled the job information he'd been given upon his arrival; if he liked it here, he should consider asking for a job. He was going to need money, eventually, and working would make it look like he was conforming to CERES' rules. He could make this job part of his plan.

"The tea I tried was quite delicious. I can't remember the blend off the top of my head, because it wasn't something I'd had before. But I was impressed."

[unionjackoff]

"Samples," England repeated once Grell was sitting. "How civilized of them." That was a plus for this shop. He took his own cup to smell it, but wanted it to steep a little longer before diving in. It was pleasant, and not cloying. He felt relaxed for the moment.

"The menu looks promising too. I'm thinking of ordering the cucumber sandwich."

[redcinemareel]

"Oh?" Grell opened the menu, surprised at the array of items to choose from. "I don't think I've had any of these in quite some time." Her eyes lingered on the page at hand before turning. During her four year stay in another world, she hadn't ever felt homesick until now.

But why now?

"I think I'll go with an apple tart," Grell stated after a few quiet moments.

[unionjackoff]

That was an interesting tone. England had only heard Grell when she was at her most confident. He lifted his gaze so that he could look at her curiously.

"Everything all right?"

[redcinemareel]

Grell gave a blink, not thinking that her thoughts were so easily read by her actions, before giving a wry smile.

"I hadn't known what I had missed until it was presented with flavors and prices." She lifted the menu slightly, gesturing to its items. "Come to think of it, I probably hadn't had time to notice."

[unionjackoff]

A life upon the seas. The first thing England thought of was a pirate, since those days had been such a big part of his life. Though, he supposed there could be other professions that spent the majority of their time at sea. Sailors, whalers. But were those people free as the wind? He would probably ask about it later, if the subject continued in this direction.

"You mean he's here?" England quirked an eyebrow.

[redcinemareel]

There was a nod at his question. "Blonde hair, which reminds you of a certain tropical fruit, blue eyes, an open shirt that cannot stay closed, with a large tattoo on his chest." She then pointed to her own tattoo, which was modified so the crescent not made a connected circle. "He has this one. One could hardly miss those features."

[unionjackoff]

England considered the description as he drank his tea. He tried to think about people he had run into during the incident. Could he have beaten up Grell's husband? Probably not, if he was some kind of pirate who ran around with his shirt opened. Then there was that post he made on the network...

"I might have seen him," he said. "I've met a number of people in the past few days. Though there was some time where I was not in the best frame of mind. You said he's from a different world from your own, correct?"

[redcinemareel]

"Yes, that's correct." Grell was sure that Marco wouldn't hesitate to know as much about this world and its inhabitants as soon as he...could stop trying to troll people. Bless his heart.

"To make a long story short, this isn't my first trip to a world unlike my own. Someone messing around with time cause quite a mess we had to clean up. There is another whom I know who ended up here. A grouchy pink chameleon." Taking another sip, Grell set down her cup. "I'll have to introduce you properly to either of them, in any case."

Grell steepled her fingers together with a light smile. "You said there were others here from our homeland, but how about from your world, in general?"

[unionjackoff]

"It's... perfect." Just like home, England thought. For a moment, he could swear he felt his heart leap for joy, the same way it did when he found people who belonged to him on this godforsaken planet. He gestured to his plate, where there were more little triangle-shaped sandwiches. "You simply must try one."

He never wanted to leave this store.

[redcinemareel]

"Is it, now?" Grell looked to the sandwiches. How could something so small give him so much joy? She put down her fork and reached for one, giving it careful scrutiny before biting into it. Yes...yes! There was slow head nodding in approval!

"These are fabulous!" she said, staring at the bitten sandwich in wonder before turning to Arthur. "I think we found a winner!"

They're going to love this place for a long time.

[unionjackoff]

He turned to give her a smile. England rarely smiled like that, but they were having a bonding moment. Over British things. Who knew that something in Cerealia could bring him pleasure at all.

He finished his first sandwich and took up his tea again, feeling much better about meeting up with Grell. "I can't believe you've never had cucumber sandwiches before. These are just like the ones I used to have back at home."

[redcinemareel]

Well, she can't truly call him prickly anymore, now can she! That smile fit him so well. She won't comment on it, this time.

"Now, now! I've eaten it before! It has just been a very long time since I've had one so well made! I wonder if we can get a few to take home." She took her time eating the sandwich, eventually finishing it before picking up her fork. She took a piece from the point of its triangular shape and put it into her mouth. There was a hum of approval at the flavor.

"The perfect amount of sweetness. Would you like to try it?"

[unionjackoff]

It was a shame that the tea was getting cold. Perhaps they could try a new flavor. He would pick out one once they came to a point in the conversation where they could pause.

"The hard way?" he asked after sipping the last few drops of tea in his cup. "You mean death?"

[redcinemareel]

Really, they should have cups that keep liquids warm for hours. "I do, yes. Hopefully you don't think to the contrary?" She took a small sip before setting it down and going back to her tart, wondering if she should try a different treat or just tea after it.

[unionjackoff]

They actually do have cups like that, nowadays. Just not in this establishment. Pity.

"Oh, that's not what I meant at all," England said. "It's just, you mentioned that people came and went. I don't know quite what you mean, or if you were implying something."

[redcinemareel]

Now Arthur has a new mission once he starts working here!

"Do you remember my mentioning Time Compression? Just as it brings people in, it can easily take them out with as much warning, she stated, picking off an apple slice to eat. She could tell even the apples were carefully cooked. "Having the comfort of someone you know sent back, and not DEADreal. Just a pain."

[unionjackoff]

Oh, right. More tea, and a better topic. England nodded at her and smiled sadly. "My apologies. I hadn't meant for the subject to take such a dark turn." He scooted his chair back so that he could get up. "Do you have a particular flavor you'd like to try now, or should I pick this time?"

[redcinemareel]

Grell waved her hand at the apology. "It's quite alright. Nothing burned to cinders, so don't worry about it,"she stated. Yes, things would have been burned had she not learned some self control.

"Why don't you surprise me?" Being adventurous with tea was very exciting, and she wouldn't mind trying all of them, even the fruity ones.

[unionjackoff]

England, himself, planned on trying as many of the teas as he could. Maybe that would help pass the time while he was here. Obviously, he needed more credits...

His smile softened, becoming less tragic. If Grell was not upset about their discussion, then England didn't need to be, either. "Then I shall be right back, milady." He gave her another nod of his head, hand going to his chest in a respectful but not attention-drawing bow, before turning away and moving back over to the wall of teas.

[redcinemareel]

Maybe staff got to take home free tea samples, along with their discounts.

It felt nice to be treated like a true lady. His actions made Grell smile, giving him a nod before watching him walk over to the teas. While he was gone, she would look over the menu, finding a few scones that would be nice to partake in. They seemed to make them fresh, so she'll put in an order now, so they would be ready by the time their tea was ready and still warm.