UN: LOKI | VIDEO

[abit_ofboth]

[Loki is dressed impeccably, if casually (at least for him) in a black, button up shirt, undone at the collar, his hair tidy and brushed back from his face. He looks confident and relaxed, though anyone who knows him might note a smidge of nervousness.]

I was hoping someone here might know of a restaurant that is not either the diner or the pub. They are both fine establishments, but I was looking for something a little more upscale and intimate for a special occasion. Any chance one of you might know of such a place? Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Comments

un: LethalProtector | Text

[decodex]

First date?

[abit_ofboth]

Well, I... I'm not sure I would call it that.

Do you know a place?

[decodex]

Uh, no.
I don't know anything.

No one's thought to make a map yet?

[abit_ofboth]

I believe there is one, but this place seems to change a lot. I do not trust that anything I find is accurate. Better to speak to other inhabitants.

[decodex]

That's
Troubling.

What's the occasion?

un: finch | video

[ornithologist]

[ Harold is also dressed more upscale than most, though he's in a three-piece suit and tie, completely buttoned up. His clothes are a tasteful, artsy blend of colors and patterns rather than anything staid or flashy. ]

Unfortunately not. The state of cuisine here is deplorable. I did ask for a bodega recently, which would not meet your desire for upscale, but would presumably have excellent food.

[ He admits, disgruntled, ] It's entirely frivolous, but I've been considering spending points on a restaurant when I can afford the luxury. [ But then he'd have to decide what... ]

[abit_ofboth]

[Loki is actually kind of thrilled that there is someone else that takes his looks seriously. Loki doesn't always wear a full suit, but it is how he feels most comfortable.]

Well, I am very sorry to hear that. Does this bodega exist already? Perhaps I need to change tack and just make a meal at home. It also wouldn't necessarily live up to my desire for upscale, but sometimes doing something oneself is just as impressive.

[Loki gives him a thoughtful look. He likes the idea of starting up a restaurant.] Is there any chance you might consider a partner in such an endeavour? Perhaps we could pool our points.

[ornithologist]

[ Occasionally Harold concedes to wearing less than a full suit, but it's almost always because he's simply left his jacket somewhere or he's undercover and needs to wear a uniform, literally or metaphorically. Left to his own devices, he's in at least three layers at all times. ]

I don't think so; I'm not even sure the request will be fulfilled, much less what the turnaround time is if it is. Cooking at home might be your best bet. [ a short pause ] I do think you could achieve some effective ambiance with the resources at hand.

[ Over the top, Harold Finch? Frequently. ]

... That's an interesting idea. I've been considering a proper bespoke men's tailor as well. [ Which he can clearly see his conversational partner might have an interest in. ]

[abit_ofboth]

[It is never a bad thing to look one’s best, no matter what else is going on. Loki appreciates the other man’s sign he feels the same.]

I see yes. I do wish I had the culinary ability of a master chef, but I think I could manage something decent.

[Not high end restaurant quality as he’d hoped, but hopefully good enough.]

I would indeed enjoy having an available tailor around, though I am no tailor myself. Were you thinking of trying to run two businesses then?

UN: unstableradicules

[slowmotionbuscrash]

[ A white-haired teenager is staring - well, squinting - at the screen with a dubious expression. ]

You changed your face. I don't like it.

[ Because his opinion is clearly what matters. ]

[abit_ofboth]

[Loki frowns at the look, his eyebrow raising in curiosity at the unfamiliar person.]

I did not. I have always looked like this.

[So not strictly the truth, but he's hardly going to say that to this kid.

[slowmotionbuscrash]

Ri-ight okay fine. So universe thing, or maybe time thing, and I don't have the energy to figure out which.

[ He has exactly enough energy to invest in the two multiverss issues he's having in his own family. ]

I'm not superinvested in which Loki you are.

[abit_ofboth]

Though I agree it could be a time thing as well, it seems rather doubtful since I do not know who you are. I would assume since you seem to know me and I do not know you that we are not from the same timeline.

[Loki raises an eyebrow. The man seems to care very little and yet he chose to answer Loki’s message. It’s a confusing reaction to him.]

So I take it you do not know of a nice restaurant then?

un; Hob (video)

[100more]

A special occasion?

[ Well, naturally, he's curious. ]

[abit_ofboth]

[Loki might look a little flustered when Hob’s face pops up, but he covers quickly.]

Some think so, though it is not something I normally pay much attention to. Might be considered more of an excuse.

Speaking of, do you have any plans on December 17th?

[100more]

Plans?

[ Does he ever have plans in this world? ]

Let me check my extremely packed social calendar. [ A beat. ] Looks like I'm wide open, unless the universe decides it wants us to build a cruise ship or something next.

[abit_ofboth]

[As far as Loki is concerned, he assumes everyone probably wants to make plans with Hob. Still, he chuckles warmly at Hob’s joke about having no plans.]

Excellent. Would you then like to meet me at my apartment that evening?

un: gorgug, text

[tinflower]

sorry, i don't know if there's a fancy place around

but you're looking very fancy.

[ Gorgug isn't sure if the guy remembers his name, or ever got his name, but... he still wants to compliment the guy he knows was probably as infected as he was back a while ago! ]

[abit_ofboth]

[Loki does recognize the name. Remembering it all too well from that less than pleasant experience he’s tried to forget.]

There is no need to apologize. It does seem no such place exists here.

Is this fancy? I thought it toned down.

[There’s a bit of a pause before the next message comes through.]

How are you doing after all that unpleasant business before?

[tinflower]

you look like the kind of guy ready to hit a casino in the city. or who's gonna go to a party in a skyscraper where you can see the night sky and they have waiters serving champagne

[ ...very specific. He's definitely getting these examples from TV shows.

But, as for that next question... ]

i'm getting better. were you infected? did you get it out quickly?

[abit_ofboth]

[Very specific indeed. He might understand if he were dressed in a tuxedo, but what he’s wearing is hardly that. But different things to different people, he supposes.]

I was, yes. Though not precisely the same, I have had similar experiences in the past, so I feel like I did not have the same level of effect as some others, and I was lucky enough to run into a friend that I believe helped a lot. Though when we met in the diner, I was not doing well.

I am glad to hear you are getting better. I do hope I didn’t make things worse when we met before. If there is anything I can do to aid your recovery, please let me know.

text. @wild.flower

[hasitsthorns]

Aw, dude!!
Do you have a date?
That's super cute, but also

there is this one place
not FANCY but a cutesy bakery and taven, plus a candy shop!
it's neat

[abit_ofboth]

I… maybe? I did not quite phrase it that way and am not sure I could actually call it that. More just that I wanted to spend an evening with a friend. Would that still be considered a date?

[He kind of hopes it does, but has no idea how his friend might respond to calling it that.]

Oh? That actually does sound promising. What is it called? I would like to go check it out for myself first.

[hasitsthorns]

hm, well!
a date can be anything from, like, a classic romantic date to just spending some quality time together
the point is you're making time for each other, which
sounds like this fits!
it could be worth it to double check though since being on the same page is also important

[ Do as she says, not as she does and assume interactions mean more than they do. Oops. ]

it's called hai yu shiang!
it's like an old timey chinese house, but has all that cool stuff there too
and is open to the public from what I know!

[abit_ofboth]

I see. This is good to know. I admit you are not the only one to point out the date-like quality. I suppose I will have to see if that is okay.

[He doesn’t know what she’s done, but he’s glad of the advice. Loki is already slightly aware he might have been giving his prospective date mixed messages. Even if it was unintended.]

Well, that does sound interesting. I will definitely look into to that. Thank you. I believe I now owe you one.