[[SCENE -- Aaaawkward Dinner -- Lana, KlavierxEma ]]
Ema: *Ema paces nervously in her bedroom, thumbs moving quickly over the keypad of her cell phone, sending yet another text to Klavier. She knows it’s impossible for him to read while on his bike, but it makes her feel better than doing nothing at all. She’d told him earlier not to get too touchy or… or anything stupid like that in front of Lana-- but another few reminders couldn’t hurt.*
Klavier: *Klavier parks his bike two blocks away and takes his phone out of his pocket; looking at the seven texts he's received in the last twenty minutes. He takes off his helmet and dials Ema’s number, holding the phone to his ear with a sigh*
Ema: *Ema answers almost instantly, fiddling anxiously with the edge of her bedspread as she sits down.* O-Oh, hey. I didn’t think you’d actually call.
Klavier: Do I need to park two blocks away?
Ema: She knows you're coming over this time, so no.
Klavier: *chuckles lightly* I was just checking, Fräulein. I will be over soon, ja? I am... well, two blocks away.
Ema: *She lets out a small sigh.* Alright alright. I'll see you soon then.
Klavier: *Klavier hangs up and puts his helmet back on, riding slowly down the street until he’s outside the Skye residence. He parks his bike and takes a moment to play with his hair, straightening it in his rear-view mirror, before heading up to the door and knocking*
Lana: I've got it! *Lana steps out of the kitchen, wiping her hands on a dish towel as she walks up to the front door. She looks out the peephole out of habit, and when she sees it's Klavier she opens the door with a smile* Hello, Mr. Gavin.
Klavier: *Klavier returns the smile and nods to Lana* Ah, hallo Fräulein Skye. Thank you for inviting me.
Ema: *Ema sticks her head out from her bedroom door, breathing in deep before stepping out and heading slowly into the entry way. When she spots Klavier she gives a small wave.* A-Aah... Hi Klavier.
Lana: Thank you for coming. *she steps back and away from the doorway, making way for Klavier to enter* Please, come in. *she looks over her shoulder when she hears Ema, and then addresses both of them* Dinner should be ready in about five more minutes, if you two don't mind the wait.
Klavier: *he chuckles before squatting down to untie his boots* Not at all. I am looking forward to it!
Ema: Sounds good Lana. *Ema stuffs her hands into her pockets as she watches Klavier take off his boots.* Uhm... do you want a drink or anything? *She asks him, shifting her weight onto her right foot.*
Lana: *she turns and heads back into the kitchen to finish the preparations, leaving the two of them temporarily alone*
Klavier: *he smirks a little as he watches Lana leave. He rises up to his feet and slips his boots off, making a quick kissy-face in Ema's direction* I am good for now, Schatzi.
Ema: *The girl rolls her eyes, and steals a nervous glance towards the kitchen.* Well, I think we have like... a couple sodas left if you change your mind. *She pauses, awkwardly, and shifts her weight onto her other foot with a small frown.*
Klavier: *he steps over to Ema, smiling brightly* So... What is for dinner, Fräulein?
Ema: *She folds her arms.* I don't know. Ask Lana, she's the one who's been cooking. *She looks again to the kitchen.* C'mon, let's go see. I don't want her to think anything weird if we stay here any longer.
Klavier: *he leans over and nuzzles his nose against Ema's cheek for a moment, grinning wide* What could possibly be weird about two... friends... standing out in the hall~?
Ema: *Her cheeks redden, and she shoos him away with a flustered wave of her hand.* Don't do that.
Klavier: Do what~? Was ist denn los, Fräulein~? *he continues to nuzzle against her cheek*
Lana: *sticks her head out of the kitchen doorway* Would you two like something to drink in the meantime?
Klavier: *jumps back immediately and puts his hands behind his back* Oh, I am fine, Fräulein Skye!
Ema: *Ema flinches, and takes a few quick steps away from Klavier.* Y-Yes! I was just gonna come in there to... to grab something. A-ahaha, you totally read my mind there, Lana!
Lana: *she looks at them for a beat and then smiles again* Well, all right. Help yourself, Mr. Gavin. *she disappears back into the kitchen*
Klavier: *Klavier looks over to Ema with a grin* I will stop now, Fräulein. I promise.
Ema: *She scowls.* I swear, next time I'll kick you away. I don't care if she sees it. *She grumbles, arms folded once more as she heads into the kitchen, cheeks still flushed.*
Lana: *Lana's apparently been doing a lot of cooking - an extra chair has been pulled up to the table, where there are three place settings and in the middle is a carved pork roast, potatoes au gratin, fresh-cut green beans, and roasted bell peppers. Lana herself has just finished carving the roast, and looks up as Ema enters* All right, I think we can eat now.
Klavier: *follows Ema into the kitchen* Mm, something smells very good!
Ema: Oh whoa, Lana! Looks great! *Her scowl instantly drops away, replaced with an eager grin as she eyes the food on the table.*
Lana: Glad you think so. *she walks over to the sink to wash her hands* You two make plates for yourselves and I'll get the drinks. What would you like?
Klavier: Ah, I will... have whatever Ema is having, ja? *looks over to Ema*
Ema: *Ema shrugs, and picks up her plate, spooning the potatoes onto it.* I’ll just have some water for now. Oh, but if we have ice tea, I want that. *She puts a single pepper onto her plate, pointedly not letting it touch the potatoes.*
Lana: I think we do. *hanging the dishtowel on the handle of the oven, she walks to the fridge and opens it* Yes, we have iced tea. Would that be all right, Mr. Gavin?
Klavier: *Klavier takes his own plate and proceeds to scoop potatoes and green beans onto his plate. He takes some peppers and lets them touch the rest of his food* That would be fine, Fräulein Skye.
Ema: *Once her plate is loaded she takes a seat, taking her fork up into her hand though she knows better than to start eating yet.* Can I have a bit of sugar in my tea too Lana, please?
Lana: Of course. *she takes the tea from the fridge and shuts it behind her, setting it on the counter while she gets three glasses and the sugar jar, putting Ema's sugar in the glass before pouring the tea* Would you like sugar too, Mr. Gavin? I'm afraid I usually make it unsweetened.
Klavier: Ah, yes, please, Fräulein. Thank you.
Lana: *she does the same for Klavier's drink - with a bit more sugar, as Ema doesn't really like it much - before pouring her own unsweetened glass. She sets all three glasses on the table before loading up her own plate*
Klavier: Danke schön. *glances at Ema with a bit of a nervous smile before filling the rest of his plate*
Ema: Thanks Lana. *She sips from her glass, blinking back over at Klavier. She offers him a tiny, weak quirk of her lips in return before looking away. Once Lana is seated she takes up her fork once more, poking into the food on her plate only a -little- bit awkwardly.*
Lana: *she takes her knife and fork and cuts up her piece of pork into individual bites, feeling the tension in the air* So, Mr. Gavin, how are things at the office?
Klavier: *he pokes at his peppers for a moment with his fork before taking his knife to start cutting his meat* It is good. It is... good. The head realized he forgot to assign me cases this week, so I either have the week off or he needs to re-assign everyone's workload. I am not sure yet...
Ema: *Ema glances between the two, chewing slowly, not at all keen on the idea of joining in the conversation herself.*
Lana: Hm. A glaring oversight. *she takes a sip of her tea before eating a piece of pork, satisfied with the quality of it* If it turns out you have a week of less work to do, what will you be doing in the meantime? Something with your band?
Klavier: *Klavier shakes his head and takes a sip of his tea* I am not sure. My second guitarist is out with a hand injury right now. I am hoping he recovers soon; we had to cancel our gig at the Gust last week because of it.
Ema: *She looks to Klavier, frowning slightly.* He's lucky his hands weren't broken. *She mumbles, before turning back to her food.*
Lana: *Lana doesn't raise an eyebrow at Ema's comment, and hides her surprise at where Klavier has apparently been playing* You have a regular show at a saloon?
Klavier: Ja, we usually play on Thursdays. It was Thursday and Saturday at the Gust, and Friday at another bar, but we were moved to Saturday at the other place so... only two shows a week now.
Ema: *Ema doesn't look at all interested in the conversation, and she's pretty thankful for that, as it allows her to tuck back into her food without having to worry about following along.*
Lana: Well, two shows isn't very much, but at least you can focus on your job until you're better-established. *she cuts a pepper, pondering over whether it might be undercooked* Come to think of it, I've never been to one of your shows, though I've been hearing a lot about the band lately.
Klavier: We are... working on a record deal right now. We will get quite busy if we get it I am sure. *he starts on his potatoes* Mm -- these are very good, Fräulein Skye.
Ema: *Ema takes a drink of her tea, and nods in agreement.* Mmhmm, really good.
Lana: Thank you; I was hoping you like them. *she takes a bite of them herself and washes it down with tea, not offering up anything for a minute - she looks plainly thoughtful, as if pouring over what she's just heard*
Klavier: S... So, how is... *Klavier stalls for a moment, chewing a bell pepper as he tries to remember what it is that Lana does* ...school?
Ema: *Ema blinks, and for a second she thinks the question is directed at her.* ...W-What? I guess it's... fine. Why?
Lana: *assumes the same as Ema, then, and continues eating*
Klavier: *blinks as Ema replies and then gestures a little with his fork towards Lana* Ah, I meant to be asking your sister. Fräulein Skye, how is... school? Teach? How is... Teaching?
Ema: *The girl sinks a bit lower in her seat, turning quickly back to the plate in front of her.* A-Aah. Right. Sorry.
Lana: Oh! *she smiles at the question* Pardon me, please. Classes are over for now, and exam season has finally ended, so right now I'm mostly doing research. I'm not sure how much longer I'll be staying with the department - that depends on how well I do in my new job over the next couple of months.
Klavier: Ah, that is good. Is there anything in particular you are researching now?
Lana: I teach Law and Ethics, so most of my research has to do with current developments on that front - I do a lot of reading in legal journals, maybe more than I do in textbooks. Right now, though, I've started looking into the history of ethics and the law... did you know the first private detective agency employed ex-cons almost exclusively?
Klavier: No, I did not know that. That is quite interesting. *eats the last of his bell peppers before shoveling a combination of his remaining potatoes mixed with his pork in his mouth, trying to find something else to talk about with Lana* This roast is delicious by the way.
Ema: *Ema draws a line through the condensation on her glass with the tip of her finger, this time just humming her agreement.*
Lana: Mmm. Thank you. *she takes another bite, noticing that Klavier has already essentially cleaned his plate* Please, help yourself to seconds, I'm afraid I made entirely too much.
Klavier: Ah, thank you. *scoops the remaining potatoes onto his plate, offering the last remnants to the sisters* Did either of you want more...?
Ema: Nn... No thanks. *Ema shakes her head, and pokes at her green beans.*
Lana: No thank you, I think I've had enough. *she eats the last of her green beans, reaching in her head for some topic of conversation that will help her sister and Klavier relax*
Klavier: *chews his potatoes and sips his tea* So, Ema... Ah, you're going to be at my next show right? After Daryan's hands get better? You should bring your sister along.
Ema: *Ema looks up from her food, leaving her fork on her plate as she leans back in her chair.* I ah... I don’t know. Maybe I will. If it’s on the weekend. *She reaches for her glass with a small nod.*
Lana: Ooo, that sounds nice. *she sets her fork on her plate, having finished her own relatively small meal, and takes up her glass again* I'm sorry, I'm not really familiar with the kind of music you play...?
Klavier: We play the rock and roll mostly.
Ema: They won the talent show that was held in People Park. It was kind of cool. *She adds in, setting back down her glass. She doesn't reach for her fork again though.*
Lana: I think I would like to see that too, actually. *she rises, picking up her own plate* If the two of you are finished, I'll get the dishes washed - there's ice cream in the freezer if you'd like dessert.
Klavier: Ah, did you want any help with the dishes?
Ema: *Ema sits up, and scoots her chair back as she stands.* Yeah. You made dinner Lana, so don't worry about the cleanup too. *She picks up her plate, motioning for Klavier to pass his over as well.*
Klavier: *he passes his plate over to Ema and rises up from his seat* Ja, you just relax Fräulein. Ema and I can do the dishes for you.
Lana: I - well - are you sure? *she hesitates a moment, and then smiles* All right. *she hands her own plate to Ema* I'll fix the ice cream, then. We have Neapolitan, Mr. Gavin - do you prefer strawberry, chocolate, or vanilla?
Klavier: *starts to gather up the empty serving plates that once held potatoes and beans* Can I have all three?
Ema: *Ema snickers a bit, and carries their plates over to the sink.* I want strawberry and vanilla. *She chimes in.*
Lana: Hm. *she smiles again, and if she's being ironic it is in a good-natured sort of teasing* A man of taste. All right - even for you and me, strawberry and vanilla for Ema. *she goes to the cupboard, getting out three bowls and an ice cream scoop, and then retrieving the ice cream from the freezer*
Klavier: *follows Ema to the sink and places the dishes in the sink* I am very fond of sweet things. *flashes a quick grin in Ema's direction*
Ema: ...! *Ema busies herself with scraping off the bits of excess food on her plate into the trashcan beneath the sink, very narrowly resisting the urge to elbow the boy.*
Lana: *scoops out three scoops for Klavier, one of each flavor, two for Ema, and three smaller scoops for herself, returning the ice cream to the freezer and going to the utensil drawer to retrieve some spoons*
Klavier: *he manages to stifle a chuckle as he takes his turn to scrape the remnants of food off the dishes and into the garbage* What is wrong, Fräulein~? You look a little flushed.
Ema: *Ema narrows her eyes, and turns on the faucet, resting her free hand on her hip as the sink slowly begins to fill with hot water.* ... It's because of the steam. From the hot water, that's all. Nn, and don’t stand so close, too. *She mumbles, pushing him aside so that she can reach beneath the sink for the dish soap.*
Lana: *she looks up at their back as she sets the spoons in the ice cream, and smiles as she picks up their bowls and walks to the freezer* I'm going to put your bowls in the freezer so they don't melt. Is that all right?
Klavier: *looks over to Lana with a warm smile* That will be fine. *nudges Ema with his elbow* Come on Fräulein, we need to get on these dishes for your sister~
Ema: *Ema lowers her brows, and nudges him right on back.* I'm going, I'm going. *She adds in a bit of soap to the rising hot water.* I'll scrub, and then you rinse and dry them off, okay?
Klavier: Ja, ja. Alright, I can do that~
Lana: *she sits at the table, at an angle where they won't notice she's watching them if they turn around, and eats her ice cream slowly*
Klavier: *takes out a clean dish towel and waits for Ema to start washing* Ah... So, Fräulein Lana... I read that you got your private detective license...?
Ema: *She pushes up the sleeves of her shirt, and reaches into the soapy water for the first dish, scrubbing at it quickly with a sponge. When she’s satisfied that it’s clean, she elbows him lightly once more.* Here.
Lana: I did, yes. *she takes up another spoonful of strawberry* I wanted to get back into law enforcement somehow so I would have the chance to work with Ema when she becomes an investigator.
Klavier: *takes the dish and rinses it off before taking the dish towel and drying the plate* Ah, yes, the kleine Fräulein did tell me she was interested in forensics.
Ema: *Ema grins proudly then, and glances back over her shoulder at Lana before continuing washing the next plate.* Not too long now, huh Lana? ‘M almost done with high school, after all.
Lana: *she puts the spoon in her mouth, smiling around it* Mmmhmm. And after that it shouldn't take too much time: Ema's already had practical experience staying with a coroner in Europe.
Klavier: Well, good luck then Fräulein. I am sure you will do well on your entrance exams. I still remember the one I took in Germany to get into the law school.
Ema: *She's still grinning as she passes another dish to him.* Thanks. All the experience I've had hands on is gonna help a lot, too.
Klavier: *he rinses and dries that dish too, making a neat little stack beside the sink* How excited you must be, Fräulein~ working next to me in the future...
Ema: *The girl gives a short laugh, and shoves another dish in Klavier’s direction.* Oh please. I’m excited to work with prosecutors like... Mr. Edgeworth. *She gives a soft sigh, and holds out a few pieces of silverware for him.*
Klavier: *rinses and dries the dish as he chuckles* Well, Herr Edgeworth is not a cute boy like me.
Ema: Exactly. *She smirks.*
Klavier: So you are saying Herr Edgeworth is old and unattractive? How rude of you, Fräulein!
Ema: That’s not funny! *She shoves the last of the dishes at him.* And that’s so not what I meant, either!
Klavier: *he grins and dries the last of the dishes, stacking them by the sink* I am going to tell on you, Schatzi.
Ema: Oh, knock it off already. *She unplugs the sink, and reaches out to snatch away his towel, drying her hands on it as she turns back around to face Lana. For a moment there she’d almost forgotten that the woman was still watching the two of them, quiet as she was, and she flushes a bit as she hands him back the towel.*
Klavier: *leans in to nuzzle Ema playfully, but stops quickly when he notices Lana is still there* Ah, how about our ice cream now, ja?
Lana: *she smiles, but doesn't look directly at them as she gets to the last portion of her ice cream - if nothing else, the two of them are cute together, and Klavier seems sweet enough*
Lana: All right, just a second. *she sets her bowl down and steps to the freezer, getting our theirs and handing it to them so they can choose whether to sit or remain standing*
Ema: *Ema takes her ice cream with a mumbled 'thank you', and chooses to stay standing. Though, she makes it a point to take a few steps away from Klavier before leaning back against the countertop.*
Klavier: *takes his spoon and digs into his ice cream, leaning against the counter as well* Danke.
Lana: You're welcome. *she returns to her chair, eating slowly* After you two are finished, Ema, maybe both of you can find something to do? I'm not sure anything is on TV but I don't want to run you out, Mr. Gavin.
Ema: *Ema pauses, a spoonful of vanilla ice cream hovering above the bowl as she glances over uncertainly to Klavier.* W-Well... I don’t know. I didn’t really... think about that before.
Klavier: *pouts cutely at Ema* If you want to turn me away to the cold, unforgiving outside, I will understand~
Lana: *puts another spoonful in her mouth, nearly finished, and cocks an eyebrow while they aren't looking*
Ema: ... *She lowers her brows.* You've got a jacket in your bike, don't you? You'll be fine.
Klavier: You are so cruel, Fräulein. So cold... *finishes off the chocolate and vanilla sections of his ice cream before moving to the strawberry*
Lana: Either way is fine with me. *she finishes her ice cream, walking to the sink and beginning to rinse it* I'll be doing some paperwork, and after that I'll probably just go to bed. Mr. Gavin, you're welcome to stay until you need to go.
Ema: *Ema eats her ice cream slowly, still frowning and looking almost wearily at her sister.* I... I guess that's cool.
Klavier: I will not stay too much longer, Fräulein, I assure you. *he smiles warmly at the sisters, and finishes his ice cream, moving to rinse his bowl in the sink as well*
Lana: *she cleans her bowl quickly before putting it in the stack of clean dishes, which she'll put up in the morning, and then she goes about putting away what leftovers there are in Tupperware containers, humming to herself*
Ema: *She takes her time with finishing her own ice cream, watching the two rinse out their bowls before setting her own aside on the counter top.* Do... you wanna try and see if anything good is on TV? *She asks Klavier, drumming her fingers against the countertop.*
Klavier: *Klavier sets his clean bowl aside and smiles at Ema* Sure, Fräulein, if you would like.
Lana: *she finishes putting the food away and kisses Ema on the forehead* If I don't talk to you again tonight, Ema, goodnight. Thank you for coming over, Mr. Gavin; it was a pleasure to share dinner with you.
Klavier: *he nods* Thank you very much for inviting me, Fräulein Skye. Dinner was absolutely delicious.
Ema: *Ema smiles faintly at the kiss to her forehead.* Mmmkay. Thanks again for cooking all that, Lana. It was great. I'll say goodnight again if you're still up later, okay?
Lana: All right. Don't stay up too late. *with that she turns, walking out of the kitchen - and a few seconds later the door to her room can be heard clicking shut*
Klavier: *once Lana has left, Klavier turns to Ema with a wide grin* So. Can I have my kiss now?
Ema: ... *Ema sighs, and first slumps a down a little before hopping up onto the countertop. She squirms to get comfortable, hands holding onto the edge as she purses her lips.* No way. Don't think I forgot about what happened a couple minutes ago when we were doing the dishes-- I thought you were going to kiss me in front of her for a moment there. Stupid.
Klavier: Hey, I stopped did I not? Ja. I think I did. What is so wrong with your sister knowing I am your cute boyfriend?
Ema: *She kicks her feet back and fourth, letting her heels clunk against the counter.* It... it just is. I don't want her to think that I'm... unfocused or anything in school because of it. A-And... it's embarrassing, alright?
Klavier: *he leans over towards Ema and kisses her cheek with a grin* Why is it embarrassing, Mausi~?
Ema: *Ema pushes back against his shoulder, turning her head away.* You always ask me that... *She grumbles, stilling her feet.* It just is.
Klavier: *chuckles and nuzzles Ema playfully* Because you are so cute when you are flustered.
Ema: *Ema turns back to him, just enough so that her cheek can press against his.* ... Tch. Whatever. I... thought we were gonna go watch TV now. I never said anything about acting like this.
Klavier: Fine, fine. If that is what you want... But I still want my kiss first, Schatzi.
Ema: Never said anything about giving you a kiss, either.
Klavier: Well, I decided I wanted one, so... *he puckers his lips* Gib.
Ema: *She exhales slowly, and after just a quick glance over her shoulder to the empty kitchen doorway she presses her lips to his. Just a small, quick kiss.*
Klavier: *grins wide as Ema kisses him, reaching over and taking her hand* Alright, I am happy. Now we can watch some television, ja?
Ema: Y-Yeah. Just for a little while though. I don't want Lana to fall asleep before you leave. *She murmurs, hopping back down from the countertop.*
Klavier: *sighs and nuzzles Ema again* Alright, alright. I will leave soon then.
Ema: *She cracks a small smile, and leans in to kiss his cheek.* Thanks, Klavier. *She holds onto his hand as she leads him back out of the kitchen, casting only one more nervous glance around. Just to make sure Lana hadn't left her room for any reason.*
Klavier: *he holds Ema's hand and smiles, walking with her out to the living room* Your sister is nice, Ema. I like her -- she cooks great too.
Ema: I'm pretty miserable at cooking myself, so she's always taken care of that kind of stuff for me. *She takes a seat on the couch once they've entered the living room, still holding hands.* I'm... glad dinner was good though. Not just the food, I mean.
Klavier: *sits next to her and puts his arm around her shoulders* Ja, it was pleasant. *he kisses her cheek softly*
Ema: *Ema leans against him, eyes closing as he kisses her cheek. For the time being, she's forgotten about the television.* Yeah... kind of weird, but... good.
Klavier: Ja, I hope I am invited over again sometime... *he grins* But I still need to take you out to dinner some night, Fräulein.
Ema: *She rests her cheek against his shoulder, a small grin of her own tugging at her lips.* Just don't go canceling it on me again. You said you were going to take me somewhere nice.
Klavier: I will take you sometime this week, ja? Somewhere nice. Without Daryan. *he smiles and nuzzles the top of her head* Just the two of us.
Ema: Sounds good... *She keeps her eyes closed as she presses her cheek against his shoulder, hands held in her lap.*
Klavier: Mm... I should get going now, ja? I am sure you still have homework to finish.
Ema: Hmm? Nawh, I'm all done with it for the night but... y-yeah. I guess so.
Klavier: *nuzzles Ema once more* I... can stay a bit longer, if you want me to though.
Ema: *She laughs quietly, and shakes her head.* I don't have homework to do, but I've still got school in the morning. *She tugs on his hand a bit and sits up straight.* Driving at night is kind of dangerous on a bike too, isn't it?
Klavier: *grins and cocks an eyebrow* Why Fräulein, are you implying you want me spending the night~?
Ema: D-Don't be stupid! *She leans back as she pushes him away.* I meant you should get going soon and... a-agh. I hate it when you do that.
Klavier: *he gets up and kisses Ema's nose, smiling* I know you do, that is why I do it.
Ema: *She stays sitting for just a few seconds longer, trying hard to keep herself from becoming flustered all over again. When she stands it's with a small sigh and a shake of her head.* Stupid...
Klavier: *he chuckles and walks to the front door with Ema, putting his boots back on and squatting down to tie them up* I had a good time, Ema. You will call me tomorrow, ja?
Ema: I'll call you after I get home from school. *She unlocks the front door for him and opens it, leaning against the doorframe as she watches him tie his boots.*
Klavier: *rises up and kisses Ema on the cheek* Aright. We can decide when you go out for dinner then. *he smiles and rests his forehead against hers* And maybe we will go back to Cold Stone for some ice cream after.
Ema: *She returns the smile, looking away shyly.* Okaay. We'll figure it all out later... Get goin' now.
Klavier: *he leaves, turning his head to offer the girl one more smile before heading to his bike*
Ema: *She waves, her own smile growing despite her efforts against it, and after a moment or two of watching him, she closes the door.*