'tis the season

[beathach]

Who: Hank, Raven, Charles, and Erik
Broadcast: none
Action: Corona
When: Forward-dated to after Christmas

[docking at the hotel had been something of a godsend. Originally he was going to attempt to cook himself, but with all of the restaurants at the hotel available, he opted to choose one of them instead. Likely for the best, because he wasn't the greatest cook.

He'd done his research, however, and the dinner - while nothing overly fancy - still had some traditional Christmas and Hanukkah foods - or at least, as close as they could get to them, all things considered. He tried, okay.

But it was a holiday dinner for the four of them, and that was the most important part. It was a first for their family, after all]

Comments

[axiomed]

[ He nods sipping his wine and letting it rest. ]

[exothermia]

[It's fine to go quiet for a while. Erik doesn't find it awkward anymore, not the way it had been weeks ago. He takes up his own wine glass, looking at the other patrons of the restaurant chattering softly.]

[axiomed]

[ He follows Erik's gaze. ]

It's someone's anniversary. The waiter is thinking urgently not to miss the cue.

[exothermia]

[Erik raises his eyebrows at Charles briefly, before looking back at the couple.]

And then what... he brings in the champagne?

[axiomed]

The equivalent of it, probably. I don't know how to pronounce it.

[exothermia]

The gesture remains the same, regardless of what it's called.

They picked a nice spot for it.

[axiomed]

The ambiance is nice. At least from what I can sense.

[exothermia]

It is.

[And the view is spectacular. He can't fault anyone who lives in this universe coming to this hotel for something like an anniversary, if it's within their means. He watches as the waiter finally swoops in with the bottle, which spews pink smoke once it's uncorked.]

...although, I think we should avoid trying that one.

[axiomed]

Where's your sense of adventure, Erik?

[exothermia]

Somewhere back in my forties.

[axiomed]

That was your most adventurous period.

[exothermia]

It was certainly eventful.

[He rests his chin on his hand, watching the waiter pour out the mysterious drink.]

And there were periods that were more misadventure.

[axiomed]

Were there now?

[exothermia]

[Erik shoots him a glance, the very picture of seriousness.]

One or two.

[axiomed]

[ He cracks a grin despite himself. ]

I never would have guessed.

[exothermia]

[He smirks back.]

Mmm, I know. I kept them quiet.

[axiomed]

That's you. The pinnacle of stealth.

[exothermia]

[If only. He still smiles, a bit softer. He's keeping his thoughts away from the dark tonight.]

I can own up to my mistakes, at this point.

[axiomed]

. . . I don't think you made as many as you think.

[exothermia]

[He watches Charles for a moment, smile fading into something more pensive. He shakes his head once, picking up his wine glass.]

I made enough.

[axiomed]

Maybe.

Only you would know that.

[exothermia]

[There's no doubt in Erik's mind as to the extent of his mistakes. He knows them as well as he knows himself. He takes a sip from the glass, glancing at Hank and Raven briefly. This isn't a night for dwelling on such things.]

Well. This isn't one of them.

[axiomed]

[ His lips twitch slightly. ]

At least you noticed that.

[exothermia]

I'd make an appalling dinner guest otherwise.

[axiomed]

As opposed to your usual dinner manners?