Appropriate Levels of Frivolity - for amouthonlegs

[brazen_hearts]

It was a very nice day- at least, the Doctor was quite certain it was day. The rough landing had rendered the viewscreen caught shut, and muddled one of the temporal monitor screens, but those would be very easy to fix in a flash, and he was entirely certain they'd landed discreetly out of the way, within easy strolling distance of the Buckingham

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[amouthonlegs]

She really oughtn't still be in such a foul mood, but the truth is Nyssa's departure cut Tegan thoroughly and deeply. It isn't that she hadn't realized just how fond of the girl she had been while she was around, but their goodbye had been so sudden, with hardly any time to tell her just how much she would be missed. She's taken to avoiding their (no, her) room, finding the sight of that empty second bed an unbearable reminder that the only company she has now is the Doctor and Turlough. For once, solitude seems like a more agreeable option

[brazen_hearts]

"Of course it isn't; I'm a summer tone." He steels himself for the tempest in the face of his unbidden jest, but presses on anyway, holding the hat out diffidently.

"I rather had you in mind, actually. D'you remember when you said you'd give anything for a stroll in the Buckingham Gardens again? I, ah... well, I've got us there." He nods to the doors and flashes a hopeful grin. "In one piece, even. Would you like to take a walk with me?"

[amouthonlegs]

Well. Of all the things he could have said, this is the least expected. She spends a moment staring at him as if he's suddenly sprouted an extra head before taking the hat (quite gently, contrary to her previous urge), fingers tracing over the delicate ribbon. She can't deny the offer is appealing - perfect, even - if he has in fact got it right and they're not about to step out into the middle of the London Blitz. Or a different planet entirely.

Still, she isn't about to give him the satisfaction of knowing she likes the idea. Not quite so soon.

"It's a bit fancy for shorts. Can I change first?" She half-expects his usual stern-faced critique on the appropriateness of her wardrobe, and her eyebrow arches at him, prepared for the beginnings of a row. It might spoil his plan, but it would at least vent her frustration.

[brazen_hearts]

He brightens as she accepts it, unwittingly letting on that his smile before was strained. The fact that she hasn't insulted him yet, or even tossed the hat back in his face, is a very good sign.

He likes good signs.

He is significantly less fond, however, of most fashion rituals, particularly those of girls. Were he wittier, he'd point out an absolute lack of need for proper style in the company of a man sporting celery and a severely outdated cricketing uniform, but all he can manage is a chagrined look and a mild complaint. "Do you need to change? You look fine as it stands; you don't need to take half an hour to dress up for a walk."