hugtopia_logs | Affurgato Mingle

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Affurgato Mingle

♥ Who: Lup + Open Mingle
♥ Where: A new cafe in town...
♥ When: Now + the rest of the month as needed!
♥ What: The grand opening of Havenwell's quality dining experience
♥ Rating: May vary! But probably PGish

A message is transmitted to every communicator in the morning that reads:

INTRODUCING AFFURGATO!

Come one and all for the best food in town as of today, which admittedly isn't difficult but is still going to blow your socks off. Your friendly neighbourhood wizards are here to save your tongues with Affurgato, a pet cafe full of warm fuzzies and sweet treats. Come for lunch, pet a cat, take the edge off. Bring your date for whatever off-brand V-Day is celebrated in this world. It'll be great.

Going forward it will be open for lunch and early dinner on weekends only, but for this week, doors will be open every day!

The message is accompanied by an address and open hours.

Those who venture to see what's up will find the business as stated, Affurgato, with a lovely carved sign out front and broad open windows to display the interior. You may even find a small striped cat at the curtain, pawing at the glass as if to coax you inside. The air that filters out through the door, when opened, smells heavenly, like the best baked goods you've ever tasted.

It's time for lunch!

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[Regis won't lie. When it comes to food, he has been spoiled. After all, he grew up with the best chefs in Lucis, even if they did put a few too many vegetables into his food. Here has really been no different. Yes, the food has been weird at times, but weird or not, Ignis has graced those in the house with amazing dish after amazing dish. Why would he go looking for food elsewhere?

In the end, it's not the food that makes him take note of the cafe, but those who own it, all those he knows in some way or another. Another being the key word as he finds out not long into his first visit.

(They're twins. So much makes more sense now about that meeting in the archive. Should he mention it to Lup?

...

Nah, it's probably better for his pride if he doesn't.)

He expects the next visit to be a little less damaging to his pride, but then a familiar cape sees fit to wrap itself around him causing him to stumble blindly into its owner.

So much for being better for his pride...]

[Honestly, the cloak wasn't a necessary thing. It was winter, yes, but this cloak had been made to withstand the winters of Ettinsmoor and double as a bedroll in case he'd been stranded in the battlefield. It was heavy and thick and designed to be worn in the saddle with the back spread out over his mount's haunches to capture their heat as well as his own. It was completely impractical to wear it in this place, let alone wear it every time he left the house he'd been sharing with his brother.

And yet, wear it he did. The cloak had saved his life in many a battle, a story told in barely noticeable patches scattered over it's bulk. It had stopped arrows, spikes, and even a couple of blades that had been far too close for comfort. It cushioned the blow of clubs and maces, tree branches and ice. It was the closest thing he had to his armor here in this strange place and while he'd been told many a time that he was safe here, he just couldn't leave it behind. Not yet. It had become something of a security for the eldest King, though he'd never come right out and admit it.

So to have that cloak suddenly deposit something all but in his arms was startling to say the least. No, not something. Someone.

He caught the man a little clumsily, instinctively wrapping a protective arm around him as the other went to the hilt of the longsword at his hip. He didn't draw, but it was a close thing and it took him a few careful lungfuls of air before he eased his grip on it. And on Regis.]

Apologies. This place seems to enjoy tangling us together, it would seem.

[It's a sentiment that Regis can't argue as his own caplet has acted like that while he has been here. He will become even more attached to the full cloak he will eventually come to wear as it will also turn aside its fair share of blades and bullets.

That is a thought for the future, though. Now, it's hard to say what says more about Regis--the fact he has been here long enough he is worried less about attack than he is the embarrassment or the fact that he recognizes a protective grip when he feels it and lets himself relax even before he recognizes who is behind it.]

Either that or your cloak has a taken a liking to me. In which case, I would have to applaud its good taste.

[A joke to distract away from the slight embarrassed redness in his cheeks? You bet.]

Is this your first visit?

[If it helped at all, Regis wasn't the only one of them who's face was tinted a shade or two of red. Honestly, flailing like that was as undignified as it came, and Susan would have given him quite the snarking if she'd seen it. Thankfully, she hadn't and Peter could take a moment to pull his cloak off the other man without the background of half hidden giggles.]

Well, if that is the case, I, too, applaud it's good taste. I do apologize..

[He untangled Regis from his cloak and stepped back a little to give them both a little space, but he kept his hand on the other king's shoulder in an effort to steady them both. Or something like that.]

Hmm? Oh! Yes, actually. I've not been exploring much and this little one caught my eye. I was thinking about going inside, but haven't actually done it yet. Have you been? Is it as wonderful to the tongue as it is to the nose?

[Regis shakes his head, smiling as he does.]

There is no need to apologize. That was hardly the most unpleasant thing that has happened to me since arriving here.

[And look! They aren't stuck together this time. An improvement, at least when it comes to ease of eating which Regis assumes will happen shortly. After all, why dine alone when there are friends about?

He steps forward slightly, not enough to dislodge Peter's hand, and then taps his fingers against the glass to play with the kitten for a moment. He just can't resist.]

This little one is a shrewd business tactic if I ever saw one. Even if you aren't hungry, who could resist coming in to say hi to such a cute face?

[Regis straightens again, his attention moving back to Peter.]

This is actually my second visit, so I can say with no doubt that it is even better to the tongue than it is to the nose. Would you like to join me? It can be my treat.

[Not being stuck together is nice, though Peter wouldn't be all that hard pressed to admit that cuddling on a park bench hadn't been all that horrible. Still, there was something to be said about the ability to let his fingers trail from Regis' shoulder to his back as the younger man turned to play with the kitten in the window.

A little too forward? Maybe. Peter had always been about as subtle as a broadsword.]

Mmm, a delightful tactic, if a little shrewd. It has been some time since I've seen a cat small enough to sit upon my lap while I had tea. Do you think this one will make that same curious sound that the ones in Archenland made? That low rumble that seemed to vibrate their whole being?

[Instead of outright answering that invitation, Peter stepped forward, sliding his hand down to rest at Regis' lower back as he gestured towards the door.]

I can't speak for the ones in Archenland, but most house cats purr. It is one way they show they are content and happy.

[There is absolutely no need for it, but Regis being Regis can't help but draw out the word 'purr' rumbling the end of it deep in his throat. The sound comes out much like the very one they are speaking of only from someone a fair bit larger than a house cat.

He doesn't resist the guiding hand leading him inside. It's honestly nice to have someone who doesn't mind touching him. As king one often has to keep distant between themselves and others--something Peter is probably as used to as Regis is and something he might dislike just as much. Perhaps that is why he doesn't hold back like he might with others? If so, it's quite an astute observation.]

Do you have a preference as to where we sit?

[As busy as it is, it seems they are in luck as there are a couple of tables that have come free at the same time. It gives them a little bit of choice if, for example, one does not really want to sit with their back to the door.]

[Regis purred at him and Peter chuckled, low and throaty and nothing at all like the open laughter that he met almost all humor with. His grip shifted slightly, fingers spreading to cover more space on the softness of the man's sweater.]

Is that how you communicate the like? If so, I may just have to keep stroking you instead.

[Was that a pick up line? No. Not at all. That totally wasn't a pic-that was totally a pick up line.

Fortunately for Regis, he's saved by Peter picking a table near the front windows. That was where the enticing little feline had been, after all.]

I'm afraid I'm going to ask a lot of questions about what to get. Food here is very different than what I'm used to and I'll admit to being a little wary of it.

Well, people do have a tendency to compare me to a cat. I suppose we will just have to visit more often so you can see if you agree.

[He leans into the touch a little, once more dropping a purr into his voice before heading over to the table and taking a seat. Once Peter is seated as well, he hands his fellow king one of the menus.]

Some of the names threw me at first, but it seems they come down to some fairly common dishes, at least common ones from my world. I'll do my best to answer your questions. Did you want lunch or just dessert and a drink?

[Oh-ho. Not only was he not rebuffed, he'd gotten a tease in return. Peter smiled, bright and transparent, a hint of color briefly touching his cheeks before he busied himself with looking through the menu.]

I think I'd like that. You're a very interesting man, Regis. Interesting and honest and that isn't something I often find behind such a handsome face. At least, not in a fellow Son of Adam that I'm not related to.

[He smirked, using that bit of humor to cut the possible tension of his words.]

As for food...well, why not a bit of both? My only request is that nothing be magical? Or, at least, please tell me if it is and what effects I can expect?

[Regis can't help but admire the genuineness of that smile even as Peter hides it behind his menu. It's the kind of thing that kings like themselves don't get to share with others often. Another thing in the list of things Regis is thankful to this place for. Even with all the mystery, it is nice to just be himself during times like this.]

And you have quite the silver tongue, but you needn't flatter me. I have already said I will pay for this outing.

[He chuckles then, making it clear he is merely joking.]

Honesty is a trait I cherish, and one, sadly, that doesn't always go so well with being king. Here, thank the Astrals, that role does not hold so much control over me.

[Though, it is probably still better if he doesn't ask Peter what else he might be able to do with his tongue besides talk so sweetly. At least, not until they've had a chance to get to know each other better.]

I love my people and so for them I must put aside many things I would rather not. I'm certain this is a feeling you are familiar with.

[But there are food selections to be made! They can talk about these more serious things afterward.]

While the ingredients used here may be magical in nature, unlike the food and drink given to us by the natives, they are not meant to cause any effects aside from that of a pleasantly full belly. Why don't we start with lunch then? Do you have any favorite foods or on the other hand, foods you are not so fond of?

Is it flattery if it's true?

[The wink was quick and unceremonious, but if Regis was quick enough he'd see it before the blond returned back to browsing the menu. None of it really made a whole lot of sense, but he could pick out ingredients that he mostly recognized and the whole thing did a wonderful job of filling his hands and his attention.

At the mention of putting things aside due to his people, however, those blue eyes snapped back up with a look of concern.]

I'm afraid I don't know that feeling, sorry. My life is spent for my people, but in turn they love me enough to allow me to be myself. And the ones who don't, still respect me enough to understand that I'm a living Creature and thus cannot be held to Aslan's standards. We may be kings, Regis Lucis Caelum, but we're no different than the people we have sworn to protect.

[He hadn't meant that to come out as a lecture and he softened his features as he reached across the table to touch the back of the other man's hand. Please don't be angry at him, Regis. He's a passionate creature and part of his charm is his inability to turn that off.]

As for food, there is nothing I will not try at least once. You order your favorites. If I haven't offended you too much, I'd like to try what you enjoy.

[And if he had offended the other king too much, well....he was prepared to live with the results.]

Edited 2020-02-28 18:10 (UTC)

Of course not. It is fact then, though you may be asked to provide proof of its truthfulness.

[Regis catches the wink and can't help but chuckle as he speaks, though Peter's response to his mention of having to give things up does definitely shift the mood of their conversation. Fortunately, Regis is not upset in the slightest. In fact, he's curious.]

That's right, isn't it? Now that I think on it, I think you said something similar when we first met. I admit I wanted to ask more about what kind of kingdom allows their king such wonderful freedom, but at the same time, I didn't want it to seem like I was prying. Besides, it was more important to get you caught up on how this world works.

[The smile returns to Regis' face quickly when Peter answers his question about the food.]

You have hardly offended me. I have a tendency to surround myself with those who are not afraid to question me. You have only proven you will fit in well with them.

[His eyes shift back to the menu and he hums softly for a moment before speaking again.]

What do you think of trying the Kitten Quiche in honor of our little friend at the window? There's nothing in there you are allergic to, is there?

[He let out a small breath that he hadn't really registered holding. As soon as the words had come out of his mouth, he'd worried that he'd over stepped a line and turned the other man away from the conversation. To hear confirmation of the opposite was a relief.

He smiled, letting his fingers trail lightly across the back of Regis' hand as he pulled away and sat up again.]

As I said, you order. I trust your judgement. As for things that react badly to my system, I doubt it. It takes some very potent things to bother me.

In the meanwhile....how about this? We take turns asking each other questions we'd like to know the answer to. An answer for an answer, so to speak.

Well, don't say I didn't warn you beforehand.

[Regis gives Peter a quick wink and then proceeds to get the quiche ordered. Once that is done, he turns his attention back to his fellow king.]

Or a question for a question. It seems like a fair trade to me, but as I made the decision as to our meal, I think it's only fair you decide on the first question to be asked.

I get to go first? Oh dear. Well, then.

[He leaned back, smiling as he made a show of tapping the corner of his mouth with a forefinger. In all honesty, however, very little thought went into the gesture. He was good with plans, but he was a broad strokes guy, not a 'three steps ahead of you' guy. He had come up with the idea to ask questions, but he hadn't actually put any thought into the actual questions to be asked.

Still, it wasn't long before he was chuckling and reaching under the table to tap Reggie's boot with his own.]

Let's get the titles out of the way so we can promptly forget they exist.

His Majesty, Regis Lucis Caelum, the 113th King of Lucis.

[Regis gestures with the hand that isn't returning the menu to its holder.]

There are various shortened versions since that is rather a mouthful, but generally we aren't title heavy in Lucis. I will gain another once I pass, but that isn't something I'm thinking about at this point in time.

[Though, few titles could be more appropriate than 'The Father' is.]

Since you asked the question, am I correct in assuming you have a fair number more?

[He followed suit with returning the menu, but that didn't stop him from chuckling slightly.]

You could say that. Narnia is keen on titles, it would seem.

[He ran an absent hand through his hair, a look of vague concentration on his face. His hand dropped and he seemed to be counting for a second before he huffed out a breath and rolled his eyes.]

High King Peter the Magnificent, Emperor of the Lone Islands, Lord of Cair Paravel, Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Lion, Sir Peter Wolf's-Bane. Needless to say, I use them as little as I can get away with. Most of my people just know me as Peter and I like it that way. If Aslan himself hadn't given me two of them I wouldn't use them at all.

[Okay, the fact that Peter seems to be counting out his titles is just a little worrying and that worry is in no way eased when he actually starts listing them. For a moment, all Regis can do is blink in surprise and then he laughs.]

Astrals, you weren't kidding! No wonder you wish to forget them so quickly.

[Using the two given by Aslan makes sense. Especially considering how important he is to the people, but all those others?]

It does paint a pretty resume, though.

[A pretty resume for a pretty king. Or, perhaps more accurately, an accomplished resume for an accomplished king.]

[He snorted a laugh, shaking his head a little as he reached out to take a drink of the water that had made it's way to their table.]

Honestly, I'd say that yours is prettier. Short, sweet, and to the point. If I've collected all of these in the last fifteen years, I am loathe to think of how long my title will be in thirty. I'm fairly certain that the only reason 'Giant slayer' or some such hasn't been added yet is because I only returned to Cair Paravel in time for the Summer Festival. I'm sure it is something to look forward to upon returning home.

[His smile was genuine, but anyone who was looking could see a bit of loving exasperation in there as well. He loved his people and his people loved him....but he did hate remembering all those titles when it finally came time to be formal.]

Your question, Your Majesty.

Perhaps it is time for the king to put a new law into effect? Limit one title used per engagement. Just pick your favorite...or set up a rotation.

[Oh, but that look of fond exasperation is certainly something Regis is familiar with. It's comforting to see it on Peter, another sign of what kind of king he is. A good one. One that points to patience and caring over someone who sees those 'annoying' acts of love and rejects them because they don't like them.

And speaking of that, it brings an excellent question to Regis' mind.]

Titles aside, what do your people, friends, or family do for you out of love, but you find you could really do without? For me, they always insist on making such a big deal of my birthday. I really don't see the need, especially with the new year to be celebrated on the same day.

A King. I am but one and I highly doubt I could talk my siblings into that idea. Lucy would love it, but Susan and Edmund very much stand on tradition. Good idea, though.

[He chuckled, leaning back to sprawl a little in his chair. Oh..hey...if he stretched, he could just stroke the back of a kitten. He liked this whole 'cat cafe' concept, though he did miss the cats of the larger variety.]

My people? I don't think there is anything that they do in particular that annoys me. Maybe coming to me before anyone else? But that's not really annoying. Just a little troublesome. As for my family....I do wish they wouldn't fuss quite so much. They seem to think that every little scrape and cut I come home with is life threatening.

[He straightened up, giving up on coaxing the cat closer to their table to instead smile at the other man.]

Individually, I could go on for hours, but that is the one collective habit that they share.

[Ah, another thing that Narnia does differently. Regis can't help but wonder what it is like to rule that way. He is sure there is strife--he sees it all the time within his own council--but he suspects that family bond would make it easier to make decisions in the end. After all, if their love for their people and country is anything like Peter's--a love that is very much like his own for Lucis despite the differences in the way they do things--then they would be driven to find the best solution, not resting until it was done.]

Ah yes, the fussing. It is something I am familiar with too, but I can't fault them for it even when it annoys me. I know full well that I am very low on my list of priorities and they know it too. If I am not going to be looking out for myself, someone must.

[Astrals know, he's run himself into the dirt more times than he can count. If it had not been for Cor, Clarus, and Aulea would he have been able to pick himself up again?]

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Affurgato Mingle

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