milliways_bar | (no subject)

(no subject)

*Tom enters the bar from the House of Arch carrying an old, hand-bound leather book and a roll of parchment. He notices that Bernard and Tonks both seem occupied in separate discussions with people from his world, curiously enough. He waves in their directions, not wishing to interrupt. Then he gets a drink from the bar and finds a quiet table. He takes out quill and ink from his pocket and begins reading the book, stopping every so often to make notes on the parchment.*

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*Door pads up behind him, wraps her arms around his shoulders, and nibbles on his earlobe.*

Hey, handsome. Buy me a drink?

*The quill is down and the parchment pushed away immediately. Tom turns in his chair to face her.

Hullo, darling! What a nice surprise, seeing you here. What would you like?

Raspberry Russian, please.

*She slides into the seat next to him.*

Studying my grandfather's notes?

That I am. Be right back.

*He goes to the bar and returns with her drink. He sits back down beside her.*

Here you are, dear. Yes, I've been working on his notes most of the day. I think I'm going to try to find and attach a room tomorrow, see if I'm understanding everything correctly. I'm rather excited about making the attempt.

Do you want me to come along? I've got the morning free - I could just make sure you're doing everything right. And I'm going to Earl's Court in the afternoon - thought maybe you could come along? You haven't met the Earl yet.

*She takes a sip of her drink.*

Of course, if you're free. But you mustn't think you have to. I need to help you out, not the other way around.

*He raises an eyebrow, rather darkly*

I would be delighted to meet the Earl. Isn't he the lecherous old man you told me about?

It would be much more helpful for me to know you can add rooms on your own than it would be for me to have to rescue you from some horrible Opening-gone-wrong. Besides, I have a few ideas for rooms that are in areas of London Below I haven't shown you yet.

*She smirks.*

He suffers from dementia more than lechery, I think.

Show me whatever you wish, my dear. I'm eager to learn anything you can teach me.

*He winks at her*

As long as the Earl keeps his dementia to himself, he'll be fine by me. Don't worry, I'll be quiet as the grave. You needn't worry about me putting my foot in my mouth if I keep it closed.

*She looks at him seriously.*

Tom, I have utmost faith in your ability to behave yourself in a way fitting to the Lord Ostium of the House of Arch.

*He smiles softly.*

I did take that oath, and I mean to keep it. I would be pleased to accompany you, my Lady.

*She grins at him.*

Good. That's settled, then. Now we only have to decide what we're going to do tonight.

Do you have any appointments scheduled?

No. Just got back from my last one.

*She runs her tongue across her upper lip.*

Oh, really?

*He raises an eyebrow and grins devilishly*

Perhaps you could fit me in for an appointment. I have matters of great urgency to discuss with a certain Lady of the House of Arch.

*She leans across the table and whispers in his ear.*

What I have in mind doesn't involve much discussion.

*He puts one arm around her and brings her in closer to him. He says the next in all sincerity, but he can barely keep from breaking out into a huge smile*

I've heard great many good things about nonverbal communication. I think I need some practice with it.

You can start now.

*She pulls his head down and kisses him slowly and teasingly, then stands, grabs his hand, and pulls him to the House of Arch painting, where they disappear.*

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