vatheon | Tea party!

[Zelos in turn has bounced back with a vengeance, seeming determined to make even more of an annoyance of himself than before. Sort of. He still continues to be helpful, brokering no complaint over Zelda's guest (he finds Guy to be pleasant enough, after all) and even setting out dessert forks and napkins on the coffee table... though that only takes all of two minutes, afterwhich the redhead settles down sideways in an armchair and begins, with gusto, to tune a ukulele he got from Martel knows where.

This should be fun.]

[It had barely taken a minute after putting the SFC down for Guy to drift off and wash up. He'd been in a confused daze for a few days now, staying in the apartment as much as he could until the announcement from the Head Nurse had been made. Urgh. It had made him rather restless, and more than eager for some social interaction to pull him out of this confusing little rut he'd found himself in.

So to say that this visit with Zelda was a welcome distraction was a little bit of an understatement. Calming conversation was something he'd enjoy right now, and he'd been meaning to get to know the woman better outside of chance meetings here and there. What better way to do that than with a social call and some tea, right? Not to mention it gave him an excuse to wear something a little more streamlined than his usual attire. At the very least, it would keep Zelos from calling him a pumpkin again, if the redhead was up and about in the apartment tonight.

Not that he put it beyond Zelos to find some other sort of ridiculous insult to his fashion choices. But no matter.

It only takes him a few minutes to stroll down the street and onto the fancier grounds of the Ordo neighborhood. Grand apartments... it was almost overkill in a place like Vatheon. But he supposed some people needed luxury more than others. Maybe to make themselves feel at home, or distract them from the confusing reality of this place. Ah well, it was their choice. Apartment 3 is familiar enough in his memory from his last "visit", and the blonde only hesitates for a moment as he makes his way to the door. He lets out a long breath, adjusting the bottom of his jacket, before giving the door a firm knock.]

[Zelda is dressed as usual, though the tiara, armor and tabard are not present. She opens the door and smiles pleasantly, waving instead of extending her hand. It's a little surprising to see him wearing something else, but it's nice.]

Good evening, Guy. Please, come in.

[Though it's slightly awkward, she steps away from the door to let him in without staying close enough to hold it open.]

[Plucking a scale on the instrument in his hands, Zelos leans his head back in his chair to see Guy step in, giving a bright, if somewhat teasing smile to see the wardrobe change. He'd been the catalyst to that, after all.]

Hey man! Nice to see you now that you don't offend the eyes~

[Ever the troll...]

[He nods his own silent "Good evening" in response.] Thank you for having me on such short notice, Zelda - it's appreciated.

[Ah... picking up the awkward vibes a little, but hey, it's to be expected. It's not a new reaction, and Guy still offers a warm smile in return to her as he steps inside, easily closing the door behind him as she stays her distance. Woooowww this place was so much fancier on the inside than it was on the outside. Holy cow. Reminiscent of the Fabre manor, that's for sure.

He spots the redhead lounged back in the arm chair and rolls his eyes at Zelos' comment, although his grin does turn up a little more. Pft. Bastard.]

Nah. If I had wanted to do that, I would have picked something that you chose for me. I figured I'd try and look presentable instead~

[That's so cute, they're friends! Zelda heads to the lounge, gesturing for Guy to sit where he likes. The house is clean almost to an extreme between Zelos not needing to sleep and Zelda having an obsession with hygiene.]

I hope a sweeter tea is alright with you? I don't really have anything more astringent in the house right now.

[And if it were up to Zelda, she would have sweet milk tea with pastries all the time, fight her!]

We've got bitter stuff too but the sweet tea goes best with dessert.

[Zelos plucks another few chords on the ukelele, not bothering to rise from his chair if it's just Guy. Actually, he doesn't stand much on ceremony here in Vatheon at all. Why bother? It doesn't matter if people are princes or paupers when everything's free.]

And really, you didn't need to get gussied up for little ol' me♥

[He bats his eyelashes then just looks highly amused at himself, and at Guy once it dawns on him that maybe the man did get "gussied up" for someone...]

[That comment will just get the redhead a raised eyebrow and a smirk from Guy. Oh please, Zelos, don't flatter yourself. He'll just turn back to Zelda for the moment.] Hahaha, sweet works just fine, thank you. I'm not too horribly picky.

[Granted his taste was more for spice teas, but sweeter ones had their place. He wasn't really in the mood for anything too strong tonight, anyways. He drops himself wearily into the couch across from Zelos, taking a moment to just relax and listen to the languid plucking of strings.]

I didn't think you were much of a musical person. Take it up as a hobby, or are you just bored? [He casts a playfully sympathetic look at Zelda, not bothering to hide his words or his slightly sarcastic tone.] I hope he's not being too much of a bother to you or anything.

Not terribly so. I'd prefer it if he would allow me to instruct him in...

[She glances at the ukelele. No, she has no idea what it is and she wants to teach Zelos how to do it right anyway.]

...whatever instrument that is, but he seems intent on learning it on his own.

[Don't challenge her on it Zelos, she will play one of the Gerudo's songs and knock your socks off. The princess serves Guy and Zelos some tea, then pours a little for herself. In both cases she just pushes the saucers towards them rather than handing them over directly. Satisfied, she settles down on the couch as well, though on the opposite end from Guy rather than right next to him as she usually would.]

[They both earn a pout for that.] Hey, hey! Don't talk about me like I'm not here! And you don't even know what this is, Princess~ How would you teach me?

[He waves the ukelele a bit before going back to his soft strumming. It's not unpleasant, really. He has a good handle on it even after only a short time, but there's still the occasional slip up here and there. Zelos doesn't seem too bothered though, not one to get frustrated over something as small as that, and just tries again.]

Kind of both a hobby and out of boredom. It's not like there's a whole ton of things to do around here, being stuck in a bubble. [More like not a ton of what he likes to do.] I didn't really want to drag a harpsichord in here so I decided to teach myself something new~

[Oi, what a nickname, Zelos. Guy's stare goes a bit dry at that.]

Well, not saying that you couldn't be a help to him. But hey, some people prefer to learn on their own, for whatever reasons. Makes it more of an adventure and less of a chore, haha. I was that way with technical work, so I guess I can empathize a little. [Not like he had any choice in who taught him back then, but eh. He picked it up well enough on his own.

The extra personal space is welcomed, if not just a little bit awkward, and Guy can't help but toss another grateful smile in Zelda's direction. He pulls his own cup to his lips for a moment, tasting it thoughtfully before reaching over for the cream. Hmm... Needed just a little more body.]

Ah well, at least you're keeping yourself busy, Zelos. I'd argue against there being nothing to do, but... I'd take it you're used to a more luxurious life than what is offered here.

[Which is saying something, considering what Vatheon provides for them... but geez, Zelos, you kinda act like a spoiled child some days.]

I don't need to know what it is. Hyrule's royal family is trained to be able to play most any instrument upon picking it up.

[Yes, she looks a tad smug there. It's not a common face for the princess to make, but this is an area that she's quite talented in (not to mention something she genuinely enjoys). Her eyes flicker back over to Guy when he speaks.]

Sometimes it does feel like there's little to do in Vatheon. Being presented with all the time in the world, not needing to work to survive... it can be a little daunting. Most people seem to find something to pass the time with, at least.

[For Zelda, it's research. For Zelos, it appears to be the ukelele.]

Hey, I was trained in music too, y'know! Harpsichord and violin, and I had to sing in church, so you're not exactly impressing anyone there, hunny.

[Normally Zelos wouldn't bother to get into a spitting match about something that silly, but Zelda's smug look just invited it.]

What about you, Guy? Any music?

[Guy's eyes cloud over just a little at the mention of the royal family, the stirring of the spoon in his cup slowing ever so slightly. Ah. So she was royalty. He'd had his suspicions... but it was nice to finally hear it out of her own mouth.

Not like it changed anything right now. Still, he can't help but straighten his shoulders a little more.

...And oh hey, Zelos asked a question. He gives a subtle shrug, resting his spoon against the saucer.]

I'm afraid not, other than just being exposed to it on a daily basis. Hymns are just a part of life, and music itself was something the noble's heir enjoyed... but you don't get many choices in things like musical training when you're not a direct part of the aristocracy. Heh, besides, I don't think I have the knack for it. Not compared to you two, at least.

[There were others around the manor than said otherwise, but eh. He was a man of science - his singing voice wasn't really important when it came to that.]

I certainly don't mind teaching you. We can even use that thing.

[Yes Zelos, she is holding her hand out for it. That sounded like somewhat of a challenge to her, thank you very much.]

You have a harp of your own, don't you? Use that! I'm still practicing.

[He strums a simple melody to demonstrate, eyes daring Zelda to take the instrument away from him but there's definitely a playful twinkle in there. She is just so fun to mess with...]

[...

Well.

Guy just sits back with his cup and saucer in hand, a smirk of amusement on his face. Play nice, you two. He'll just watch for now - don't want to mess up your beautiful relationship.]

Honestly, I just wanted to try playing it.

[Is that...? Oh dear, that is the oven beeping. Zelda looks a little flustered (cooking is still new to her, though she isn't bad at it) before standing quickly, smoothing down her dress.]

I apologize, there wasn't time to finish something before you arrived. I'll be right back, all right?

[She bows her head to both of them quickly before scurrying off to the kitchen. With his enhanced hearing, Zelos would be able to hear her muttering to herself about the cookies.]

[Zelos chuckles a little, leaning back again as he listens to her mutter about the baking before turning to look at Guy.]

She was so serious about making the cookies, following the recipe to the letter. She even tried to measure out a "pinch"! Wouldn't let me help at all. Totally stubborn like that~ It's pretty cute!

[He's relaxed, seemingly just trying to have a conversation. Really he wants to see what Guy says about it. There's no way a man dresses nicely to go out for nothing, after all.]

[Pff, you jerk. Guy laughs a bit at that, though, despite himself.]

Doesn't surprise me, honestly. She never seems to do anything half-hearted, does she? Always putting everything she has into everything she works on.

[His eyes drift off in the direction of the kitchen.] I don't think there's anything wrong with that, though. Determination is pretty admirable. You just have to hope she doesn't burn herself out one of these days.

Hmm~? You're pretty sharp, Guy. And such a gentleman, worrying like that~

[Looking after her when she's in the other room? Worried about her mental well being? Admiring non-physical aspects about her? Yup. Totally called it. Though, from a purely unbiased standpoint, Zelos is surprised more people don't fall for her. Or maybe they do and he just hasn't noticed since he finds a lot of her friends pretty boring (blah blah blah magic technology science blah blah) but Guy in particular is of special interest to Zelos given that... well.. getting close to a woman would be pretty difficult for him, wouldn't it?]

[Oh please, what's with that tone of voice. Guy would have to think you were teasing him or something, Zelos.]

Hahahaha... I wouldn't say that. She's obviously a hard worker - I think anyone can pick up on that. And, manners aside, it's just an honest concern for a friend.

[Not like he doubted she could take care of herself. Everyone had their breaking points, however. Even those that seemed incredibly strong-willed. Sure, Zelda fascinates him enough as it is - he had his reasons for assuming her royal status long before she ever mentioned it (and not just because of the garb she wore!). He's not sure he wants to see her break down anytime soon, especially if it's because of her own actions. God knows he wouldn't be able to assist in the ways he wanted...

But eh, that's not something he chooses to dwell on. Well. Outside of worrying from time to time. But is it so wrong to care about people you know?]

[The only thing Zelda is burning is one of the cookies that accidentally fell off the sheet. Oh, dear. She sets the survivors out to cool as she scrapes the poor thing off the bottom of the oven, discarding it and turning on the fan. Burnt lemon cookie is not her favorite smell.]

[Waving it off, Zelos settles back in his chair again in a more upright position, putting the ukulele aside for now.]

Hmm, well I guess anyone could pick up on it but that doesn't mean they do.

[He shrugs and pours himself a cup of tea, not saying anymore on the subject for now since he can hear Zelda placing the cookies on a plate as they speak and he has no intention of letting her catch them talking about her. He'll just have to corner Guy later for a more candid talk.]

[Guy raises an eyebrow at that comment, his own cup lowering from his mouth as confusion flickers across his expression.]

Well... Yeah, of course - I'd think that was a given. Some people are just more observant of people than others. But really, it isn't that hard of a trait to notice.

[Hmm. If Zelos was going to imply something, he might as well say it out loud. But if he wanted to play vague, then Guy supposed that's what they'd have to do for right now. Sigh.

He'll just roll his eyes and relax a little more into his seat, his eyes flitting to the kitchen once more before simply focusing on the tea rippling in his cup. He had picked up the sharp scent of food burning against metal... so hopefully Zelda wasn't having too many troubles with that cooking of hers.]

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TWELVE DAYS LATER (sjhdfskjdfhsg sorry guys oh my god)

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