The Perk, Saturday Noon

[whenshewasnice]

There were pros and cons to the life of a highly successful touring musician. For an example of a pro, getting to experience the adoration of fans all across the globe (and in Envy's case, the multiverse). Getting to see new places. For an example of a con, however...

Trying to get home for a few days to your fiancé, and getting your portals rerouted all over the place, until you managed to at least get them to land you somewhere you actually liked (sort of, more or less) for a layover. Which that was the story of Envy striding into the Perk right now. The stack of magazines under one arm, though? That was just an attempt at making the most of this little detour, with the help of her head stylist pulling some multiversal strings.

Only...

"These designer bridal magazines you pulled for me?" she was saying into her phone as she approached the counter. "They're not gonna work."

She signaled the barista for her order from the menu.

"No, it's not that, Nicholas -- extra caramel in that, thanks -- the styles are fine, probably. But the models all have three arms, so, look into another universe before my next portal, okay? More dress inspiration, less... Unattainable body standards."

She ended the call with small sigh and something of a muted eyeroll, then finally pushed her sunglasses up a little to take a glance around the Perk. God, this place never changed, did it?

[ooc: Everyone loves a surprise!Envy, right? I know I do. Anyway, open!]

Comments

[lockestheway]

Peter had managed to clear some of his schedule for the week just for her visit. And instead, he had found himself having to wait for her to get there, because Portalocity was a bitch, and sometimes, even now, it felt like the universe hated him in particular.

But he swallowed that thought down as he called Envy from his office. She'd make fun of him. And rightfully so.

[whenshewasnice]

"No, I will not consider growing a third arm," Envy told him immediately upon picking up.

Yes, she was perfectly aware it was not Nicholas calling her again. She just had to amuse herself.

[lockestheway]

"Good," Peter said, without missing a beat. "That would completely throw off half your dance moves. Nevermind the awkwardness under the blankets. We'd have to get a bigger bed."

[whenshewasnice]

"Depends on where the arm is," Envy quipped, swiping her coffee from the counter to head to a table.

[lockestheway]

"An extra arm on your forehead seems inconvenient," Peter contemplated. "And on your butt, downright uncomfortable."

[whenshewasnice]

"Well, the models on this magazine seem to all have one right under their left arm." The muted 'thunk' in the background was the magazine stack meeting the table. "So I don't really know what that is."

[lockestheway]

Peter sighed. He ran his fingers through his hair. "Remind me why I can't just sign a Hegemonial order rendering portal layovers illegal."

[whenshewasnice]

"Because it's not actually your jurisdiction," Envy drawled. "Much as we would like it to be."

[lockestheway]

"Maybe I should try to take over the multiverse after all," Peter mused. "That would definitely make this easier."

[whenshewasnice]

Envy sipped her coffee.

(Not as good as she preferred, but it would do.)

"While that would make for a lovely wedding present..."

[lockestheway]

Peter put his feet up on his desk. It wasn't like there was anyone here to judge him for it right now.

"How much longer until you can get here?" he asked. "Because if you hope to distract me, you'd better do it in person."

[whenshewasnice]

"They're saying it'll be another hour, or hour and a half." Oh, her voice was dry, there. "Feel free to put more pressure on them if you think it'll help."

[lockestheway]

"I'll be happy to," Peter said. He looked out the window. "How has the trip been treating you?" he asked. "Do I have to call anyone else's manager?"

[whenshewasnice]

"No, everyone else has been behaving." Perhaps sometimes because she'd been glaring daggers at them, but behaving all the same. "But it's a long and tiring journey."

[lockestheway]

"Well, I had the bed made for us this morning," Peter said. "I'm seriously considering going back to it so no one'll get it into their heads to bring me their concerns today."

[whenshewasnice]

"Oh, I think you should," Envy said, suddenly a little sweeter. (... Ish. It was an ulterior motive sort of sweetness.) "I've had enough of beds that look like hotel staff just made them, for one thing."

[lockestheway]

"It's a very clinical vibe," Peter agreed. "I think they pluck every hair off of the mattress individually."

[whenshewasnice]

"Well. That's more than some of the hotel staff seem to have time for."

[lockestheway]

"You're going to have to hurry up and leave some hair on this bed," Peter mused. "Just to give them something to do."

[whenshewasnice]

"Yes," Envy drawled, "because when I get on our bed, the main thing I'm thinking of is our staff."

[lockestheway]

"You're very considerate like that," Peter agreed.

[whenshewasnice]

Envy took another sip.

"And that's why you're sitting there pining after me, Wiggin."

[lockestheway]

"I've been very busy," Peter assured her, "Doing Hegemon things, not pining."

[whenshewasnice]

"Whatever you need to tell yourself, baby," Envy told him sweetly.

She turned the page on one of the magazines, but no, the models continued to have more arms than she felt was strictly necessary.

[lockestheway]

Peter--

Peter snickered.

"I miss you," he said fondly, "And I'm going to kick a gnome if this keeps up."

[whenshewasnice]

"Not if I get to them first."

It had been a very long time since she'd had reason to resort to violence and show off those strong kicks.

Not that that was the important thing here. Envy's lips curved a little further.

"I miss you too."

[lockestheway]

"You are better at kicking than me," Peter allowed. "I'd probably break my ankle."

[whenshewasnice]

"Toes seem more likely." A beat. "I don't think you're strong enough to break an ankle unless you really mess it up."

[lockestheway]

"You've seen me in action," Peter said wrily. "I'm not exactly a Warrior King."

[whenshewasnice]

Envy snorted.

"Not even a Warrior Peasant."