[D7 LE] In Vino Veritas (Administration Offices)

[Klaus von Zinzer]

Klaus knocks gently on the office doors and peers in, looking for a familiar figure.

"Hello. I am checking to see if office hours have closed yet. Because if so..." Klaus pulls out a bottle. "I have wine from our seaside trip, and I believe we are officially off duty"

[GM Yuusha]

"We are, but... oh!" Tessa perks up as Klaus shows off the bottle. She was still working on something, but he can see her already recalculating when she could get it done instead.

"Let me just save and shut down. What's the special occasion Klaus?"

[Klaus von Zinzer]

"It's been a long day of sifting through wreckage. I thought I would do something for myself." Klaus rumages through the small coffee area, grabbing a few cheap cups. With only a minor inner wince at using something so cheap for this moment, he pulls out the cork and pours out two cups. He slides one over to Tessa.

"And there's something I've been meaning to speak with you about. I've been rather enjoying our time spent together recently and I hope you've felt the same"

[Tessa Wentworth]

"For yourself?" She closes her computer down and walks over to the kitchenette space.

Accepting the cup, she smiles cheerfully. It was an odd moment. Very unexpected. Klaus captures her attention when he speaks further. "Yes, I've had fun. I'm glad you have too Klaus. What's, erm, on your mind?"

[Klaus von Zinzer]

"I" Klaus' voice cracks.

Damn it you've survived literal explosions, this isn't that hard

"I've really liked it. You're damn good at your job and I can see it. And besides you're brilliant with languages and witty and the hours fly by when I'm with you. And you're easily one of the most beautiful women I've ever met."

Klaus takes a deep breath.

"So I would like to court you."

His words begin to race. "And there's plenty of reason for you not to. I have prospects but my name and even that won't last the next generation. My family-"

He cuts himself off "So all I have is myself so I hope that's enough. All I know is that I don't want to deny myself the chance of finding out because it's not the perfect moment. "

[Tessa Wentworth]

"Klaus! You're embarrassing me." She'd said before his deep breath. She was suddenly very self conscious. The flattery was enjoyable, but it was only flattery, wasn't it?

Her cup is slightly lowered as her cheeks turn pink. "... to court me..." She looks down for a moment to contain her embarrassment. It was a very direct and old fashioned approach. Then again, she didn't necessarily dislike that.

Tessa slowly lifts her gaze again. "Usually you'd say you like someone Klaus." She points out with a little smile. "I like you too. You're thoughtful and smart and well read. I don't really... I don't really care much about... you know. I only have myself so... it's only fair, right? So... erm, let's date?" Her voice lifts at the end. A question. She was excited, but unsure. She had never dated a noble before.

She smiles just a bit more, shuffling in place, as she hoped she hadn't made a mess of it.

[Klaus von Zinzer]

"I don't know much about how other people... date." Klaus admits. "Or ask you out. But this? I want to try this"

He gently reaches to tilt her chin up.

"Kissing you on New Years has been the best part so far. I would like to do so again"

[Tessa Wentworth]

She looks up, blushing, but she puffs her cheeks some at his words. "I don't want a boyfriend who feels compelled to ask for permission every time... but we are in the office and we've not gone on a date yet." She steps back a little. "Maybe then."

[Klaus von Zinzer]

"So it's ok for now?" Klaus teases playfully, offering a gentle smile. "Or I shouldn't ask permission?"

He removes his hand from her chin and places it on her arm. "Well, I can certainly take the wine elsewhere if you want a place with a better mood. I'm afraid our date options will be limited for a while, but I'm happy to just spend time with you. It's just a relief, you know...not always wondering. "

Klaus pauses. "I mean, despite how you're still single. That one is a wonder"

[Tessa Wentworth]

"Klaaaaus." She puffs her cheeks more at the teasing.

Her smile returns at his words past that. "Mostly because a mercenary unit isn't ideal for dating, or so I had concluded. You might convince me otherwise. We should go somewhere nicer. I'm in work mode whenever I'm here so..." She lifts her cup and tentatively takes a sip. "It feels naughty."

[Klaus von Zinzer]

"You know, it's adorable when you puff out your cheeks like that. It's not a great deterrent." Klaus dares to slide a bit closer. "It's rather endearing, that the idea of mixing pleasure into business here is so...taboo. But I know what you mean and I want you to be able to relax"

" There's the Officers Lounge, especially if you would like a place to chat first and see where the night takes us. "

[Tessa Wentworth]

"I can thump you." She points out, wagging a finger at him.

"Taboo... god, that sounds so bad. Maybe we shouldn't." Then she remembers she'd skipped something. "And neither of us even gave a toast. I'm being really bad."

She smiles brightly and nods at the suggestion. "I don't usually dip in there, but you've suddenly made it sound very appealing."

[Klaus von Zinzer]

"I am sure that you can have your way with me however you like Miss Wentworth. I remember our yoga sessions." Klaus pauses, correcting himself. "Tessa. I don't believe it's too casual to call you by your first name."

Klaus takes a chance and slides an arm around Tessa's waist. "Let's save trying to enjoy something sordid for another day. I'm rather enjoying you with your cute pout."

He picks up his glass. "A toast then, before we head out: To new beginnings, and to learning more about people we deeply enjoy spending time with"

[Tessa Wentworth]

"It's not. You can even call me Tess." She looked pleased. "I'd prefer you called me by my name that Miss Wentworth."

She pokes him with a finger as he smoothly slid an arm around her waist. "Don't make me pull your ear."

At the mention of a toast she lifts her up cup. It was unorthodox, but fun. "To new beginnings... prost."

[Klaus von Zinzer]

"A tug of the ear would easily be worth an arm around your waist." Klaus' expression picks up a wicked glee. " Unless you meant an adventure further south, for which I would certainly await your approval"

"Prost" Klaus drinks the rest of the cup from the toast. "To the lounge then Tessa? "

[Tessa Wentworth]

Tessa's face, including her ears, turns bright red very quickly. She gives Klaus a disapproving look as she purses her lips.

"..." She makes a vaguely affirmative noise, still embarrassed, as she takes a sip.

[Klaus von Zinzer]

Klaus moves to place his hand over hers, releasing the hand on her waist.

"I mean what I said about you being cute flustered. But while I may joke, a proper gentleman does not pressure a lady to something she is uncomfortable with."

Klaus meets Tessa's eyes with his own. "If I overstep, please do not hesitate to tell me so. Now..." he rises, still gently holding her hand. " Will you be my date for the evening? "

[Tessa Wentworth]

"Yes." She moved to tap her cup against his. "And you'll know when I'm telling you something." She adds a warning, still pouting a little. Tessa gives his hand a squeeze regardless before she steps away to collect her handbag. She joins him a moment later.

"Ready when you are."

[Klaus von Zinzer]

"I packed lightly" Klaus gives the bottle of wine an amused shake and offers his arm to escort her out.

[Tessa Wentworth]

"Maybe you should cover that up in case we run into the Sergeant Major." Tessa points out. Remembering her cup, she finishes the contents in one big go. "I'll go rinse this out." She hurried over to the kitchenette sink.