(closed) how many times must i tell you? i only take tea with friends!

[irrationally]

Who: Alice and friends (Allen, A-Qing, Aziraphale, Crowley, Devero, Little one, Natsuno)
When: Jelly 19
Where: Upper level of the dining carriage
What: Tea party time!
Warnings: Nothing so far, will edit!

After making sure to invite everyone ahead in time, Alice sets everything out she bought for the tea party on the upper level of the dining carriage, making sure it's at a time between means when it's not as busy in there.

And it seems like she got quite a lot. There's a box with all sorts of tea in the middle of the table, with a few teapots next to it, filled up with water and ready for whichever flavour of tea anyone decides to pick. But there's not just tea - the rest of the table is filled with all sorts of snacks one could imagine for afternoon tea. Some bread, butter and simple sandwich fillings, but also small cakes, miniature pastries, fruits and other sundries.

By the time everyone starts to arrive, Alice is already sitting there, waiting.

(ooc: this is a mingle sort of thing, so feel free to make your own toplevels and/or tag around! c: it's not just one big thread!)

Comments

[irrationally]

And while Alice is sitting there looking very much the same as ever, she's much more worried on the inside about how all of this will go. She's just unused to it. Having friends - actual friends, rather than ones she thought up - and putting them all together at one tea party like this. What if they don't get along? What if anyone thinks it's weird? She has no idea how any of this is supposed to go.

But thankfully she's very good at surpressing it. (And is too distracted by everything else to realise that there is one person present here who very much can feel exactly what she's feeling, for better or worse.) Which means nothing looks off about her when she turns towards you, gesturing at the food spread out on the table.

"You should really try the mini muffins, really. They're quite good. Or some of the fruit." LA LA LA, DON'T MIND HER. An icon of calm and not worrying over here!

[knifewithnoname]

"It do all be being good."

Don't mind her, she's trying everything. Her manners leave a lot to be desired but she is actually trying her best. Tea parties are very new, though this isn't her first thanks to Mami.

Still it's a new concept and a bit strange. She hadn't thought Alice would be someone who would make one. Alice is full of surprises.

[irrationally]

Thankfully Alice sure doesn't mind manners. Partially since she's lost most of hers over the years, but even if she hadn't, she was never too particularly fussy about it when she was younger either.

So she instead just smiles at watching the girl try some of everything.

"Really? I'm glad." Alice is even openly smiling over here. Imagine that. It's just fun - being surrounded by friends, having tea together. And she worries a bit less when someone else is clearly enjoying themselves. "Is this your first tea party?"

[knifewithnoname]

She shook her head. "I did be having tea with Mami, do you be knowing her? She do be liking tea and cakes a lot."

She reached out for another piece of fruit. "But this do be being the first with lots of people."

[irrationally]

"Hmm.. I don't know her," she says, shaking her head. A little less dismissive about it than she'd usually be, since being around people she likes is putting her into a much better mood than usually.

It's a bit of a surprise to hear there's another fan of tea parties on the train though. Most people seemed so horribly modern.

"But I'm glad you got to enjoy some tea parties before. They're quite fun, you know." She smiles at the girl, and then hushes her voice slightly, like she's sharing some great secret. "As long as you aren't having them with stiff people."

[mynameisallen]

"I admit something like this is the first time for me..." Even if he is not at all showing it even if internally he is nervous about getting something wrong.

"It all at least looked good, but the struggling of knowing what to eat first and in Allen's case knowing how much to eat that wasn't what he would normally." Nope, no internal worry here at all.

[irrationally]

"No one invited you to a tea party before?"

Sure, considering what she heard about Allen's past, it makes sense that it hadn't happened to him when he was younger. They probably don't have many tea parties at circuses. But surely one of the people he got to know later on would have involved him in one, right?

(Alice may be severely overestimating how many people still care about having tea parties in the future.)

"Well, then you ought to make sure to enjoy this one. And make sure to talk to some of the other people here, they're quite good people!" And god knows Allen could always use a few more friends. Or just people who pull him back when he's about to do something stupid. Alice will gladly accept both.

[mynameisallen]

"No, but mostly because I always traveled, so no time to really. Plus everyone at the Order seemed more to be coffee drinkers than tea drinkers or in some cases fizzy drink drinkers. But considering how many hours they worked, I'm not surprised."

If only Alice knew Allen was from around the same time period... Not that Allen ever felt to mention what his world was actually like beyond his own experiences when he had no choice but to say something.

Allen soon smiled slightly. "Oh, I know they are good people because your friends with them."

[irrationally]

See, the first part? Alice can listen to that just fine.

But then Allen just has to smile like that. And then say something that sappy. And Alice's embarrassment meter goes from 'doing relatively okay' all the way to the top in an instant. She can feel her cheeks heating up, and she has to look away from Allen for a moment to try and recover a bit.

"W-Well, of course I wouldn't bother getting to know terrible people. I don't waste my time on people who aren't worth it." Then again, that's saying a lot about what she thinks about Allen, considering how often she very much willingly seeks him out, huh.

Ur Dad | OTA

[agathokakological]

Alright, so he and Alice hadn't been on the best of terms lately. This was bound to happen since their minds became literally entwined, no one, and I repeat no one, can stand to be that close with another person, even those they love... a demon is no exception to that rule. Believe it or not, he even takes breaks from Aziraphale at times, each of them tending to their individual hobbies and eventually returning to one another's side, which is always where Alice comes in. Crowley can't get too emotional, or she'd feel it. That certainly makes every effort for romanticism thirty times more awkward.

While Crowley is thoroughly annoyed, he cares deeply for the girl. There is a reason the two of them have such a connection, and he isn't about to stand her up for her tea party, even if she did threaten to torture him during it. He's set to meet Aziraphale there after he's taken the chance to water his plants, so he shows up alone... hoping the angel has gotten any magic tricks out of his system before his arrival.

By the time he realizes that what he's feeling is nervousness, he's in the room and it's very obvious that those feelings aren't his own, which disarms him a bit. Crowley isn't the most social person, but he does find himself a seat and a cup of black tea to keep his hands busy, politely greeting anyone who looks his way.

[irrationally]

Something does seem off, doesn't it. Although Alice does acknowledge Crowley once he enters, there's none of the gloating about magic tricks like before. If anything, it's almost as if she's kind of awkwardly avoiding him, indulging in talk with some of her other friends one by one instead.

But Alice knows she can't dance around this feeling that sits uncomfortable in her chest forever. She's pretty sure her last conversation with the demon causes at least half of her nerves for today, and honestly-- isn't she too old to not deal with it? To try and ignore it?

So after a while, the girl does finally find herself moving over to a seat next to him, looking almost uncharacteristically awkward. She may or may not have practiced about five times what to say in her head, because.. well. She has absolutely zero experience with this. But she's trying.

"Crowley, I.."

Ugh. Ugh!! How do normal people do this? Is this even a thing normal people do?!

"I.. wanted to say I'm sorry. I shouldn't have given you such a hard time about feelings." And honestly, she didn't even realise she may have been going too far with it until he reacted the way he did. Which is why she's actually - clumsily - trying to apologize now. "I am just having a really hard time dealing with it, but I suppose I should be mad at.." The island? Those days there? The force behind it? Who even knows. "At-- At whoever did this to us, rather than at you."

[agathokakological]

Crowley regards her as he always does, which is a typically ambiguous sort of friendliness. When she begins to speak, he nearly cuts her off and apologizes first. He doesn't blame her, not really. Crowley is a drama queen in the heat of moments but he's always regretful and sincerely apologetic once he's had a chance to come to his senses, and he knows he stirred the pot, particularly when drunk.

The little frown he gives her is lighthearted enough, but when he manages to respond, his voice is as soft and soothing as it had been after they'd found one another in those caves. "That's not your fault either, Alice." he replies. "I apologize, I wasn't myself on the ice that day." Well, he was, albeit himself drunk, but the point stands. Far be it from him to keep a grudge, especially when she's here taking the high road.

He offers her his hand for a shake, "Still mates?" he asks, and then in attempt to move past it, or at least be a bit more fun a conversational partner; "Because if so, you have to promise me you'll help keep Aziraphale from attempting a prolonged magic show. I'm begging you. I'll get on my knees, if I have to."

[irrationally]

Though she's still a little awkward after having to step out of her comfort zone like this, Alice can't help but find relief in Crowley's reply. Honestly, it's his tone more than anything else that does it. She recognizes it, and the recollection of where exactly she's heard it before makes her heart grow tender.

So of course she grabs that hand to shake it, though her eyebrows rise in genuine curiosity as she leans over and hears those words.

".. Surely it couldn't hurt to let him do one or two tricks, right..?"

There's nothing playful in that statement this time. If anything, Alice sounds like she's really trying to understand - like she can't see the problem here, especially since Crowley is still making a big deal out of it even in this sincere moment.

And aren't those two important to each other? Wouldn't Crowley then want Aziraphale to be happy by doing something he enjoys? It's so confusing!

"Is it the nature of the tricks? I thought he was just going to do a few card tricks or something." Please, Crowley. Help her understand! She isn't unwilling to help here, okay.

[agathokakological]

Crowley frowns at her, his eyes pleading. "That's how it starts. Just one or two. Surely it couldn't hurt? Just a few-- but it never stops, Alice. It's torture."

Despite the frantic panic in his core that he's going to have to endure the magic act of his nightmares twice in the same decade, his voice remains fairly calm. He's trying to level himself... getting worked up won't get them anywhere.

Alice would be shocked to find that there are things Crowley does that the angel can't much stand, either. At least for the angel's sake, Crowley is no longer capable of those things. So really, this is only fair.

"It's so demeaning." he huffs, letting a little of the drama into his voice. "I can't stand to look at it. He has proper magic and yet he keeps trying--and failing to do a single trick. I can't do it, Alice, I might discorporate."

not his dad

[salutosinedelectat]

"Oh, Crowley, there you are."

The angel's cheerful voice comes up behind the demon, as he makes his way over to take a seat at the same table, setting down a nice cup of oolong and a plate with a generous portion of finger foods and miniature pastries.

"Quite the delightful little soiree the young girl put together, isn't it?"

Aziraphale | OTA

[salutosinedelectat]

Aziraphale was positively delighted when he heard that someone was planning a tea party. It's simply the kind of event he's very amenable to, certainly a lot more than previous get-togethers other passengers have put together in the past. Hosted by someone who knows to some level, no less. Even if the last time they had a proper conversation a few weeks or so back did not exactly...end on pleasant terms. But he harbors no ill will toward the dear girl, and can only hope she feels the same. In the end, he feels like he might be the one stepping on certain feet that are not his to step on.

Regardless - he's quite looking forward to some tea and biscuits. When he arrives, he holds himself straight and proper as usual, smiling and nodding a greeting to anyone who might look his way.

The setup might not exactly be on par with some of the more fine tea houses in London, but he's definitely not going to complain. His eyes bright the moment he spots the myriad of teas and finger foods. Oh, he's going to have a delightful afternoon, and he really must give the hostess his compliments.

[irrationally]

"Aziraphale, thank you for coming."

There's not quite a smile on her face, but the corners of the girl's lips do tug upward just the tiniest bit. No, apparently she isn't upset with him in the least. Especially now she's spoken to Crowley and realised she wasn't being entirely fair by ragging on the fact they have feelings for each other - no matter how awkward and awful it is for her to endure having to third wheel those.

But she's determined to somehow get better at it. Or smash whatever is causing the emotional link. Whichever comes first, really.

And in the process, she figures she ought to be a bit nicer to the demon and the angel. Which is what she's trying to do now.

"Please, do eat as much as you want. There's plenty for everyone."

[salutosinedelectat]

"Oh, Alice!" The angel turns to her with a pleasant smile, as proper and precise as can be expected from him at this point. There's some sense of relief in having her approach him and lacking any signs of unpleasantness between them. Not just for the fact that they've had previously shared pleasant enough conversation, but, if she's going to be sharing the kind of bond she has with Crowley, he figures it's best if everyone stays on good terms. Honestly, he's more surprised that they do actually seem to get along, despite all their bickering. He thinks. Maybe.

"Thank you, my dear. This all looks scrumptious. Did you prepare all of it yourself?"

[irrationally]

It really helps that a lot of Aziraphale's mannerisms are familiar to Alice. Like they belong more to her own time, or maybe even to some of the residents of Wonderland. A light, but friendly kind of quirkiness. It makes it hard, even for a surly teenager like Alice, to not want to remain at least somewhat polite in the light of it all.

"Ah.. not quite." Not that said politeness doesn't come with some awkwardness. Positive interactions with people are still hard, but she truly is trying. "I bought them from the train shop, since I hardly do anything else with my points anyway. Pretty much all of it came prepared like this."

Not that Alice wouldn't be able to recreate some of them herself, but there are definitely more than just a few things beyond the girl's ability.

"They're enjoyable all the same though, I assure you."

[salutosinedelectat]

It would probably help matters if Alice knew that Aziraphale has been sporting such maneirisms well before her time. Well before time itself, really. Though it did make his entry into high society during the Victorian Era in England go rather smoothly, among other things.

"Ah, well, they do look like it." Aziraphale gives the assortment on the table another interested look.

"It's quite nice of you to put all of this together."

/shows up 2 weeks late with Starbucks

[subcircuits]

Devero's never been to a tea party, but he has attended his fair share of luncheons and socials, so when he arrives, it's clear he's Made An Effort. How could he not, when Alice has made an effort to include him? He's dressed in some of his new clothes over dark jeans (also new), and he's done his makeup and even touched up his nail polish, because why not?

His smile is shy as he enters, nodding at the other guests. "Mx. Liddell," he greets Alice warmly as he approaches her, "thank you so much for inviting me. --Or, perhaps I can call you Alice now?"

[irrationally]

Look at that dapper new outfit! Looking good over there, Devero. Even though Alice doesn't seem to have made the same effort - clothing-wise, anyway, since she's just wearing her usual purple hoodie, though she did put on her makeup - she can still notice that he did put quite some effort in himself, leaving her staring at him for a moment until he approaches her.

"Of course."

There's no hesitation in the answer. Enough people she was much less friendly with than him have just outright called her Alice, after all, so it's not like she's going to mind it at all coming from a friend.

If anything, it just feels like it makes them closer, she thinks.

(It may be why the corners of her lips slowly tug up into a near-smile as she looks at him.)

"Please, feel free to sit down and have as much of the food as you want. It's not as if I'm going to eat it all by myself."

[subcircuits]

"Alice, then." Honestly, Devero couldn't say why he'd been so formal with her up until now, but he feels as well that it makes them closer, and that delights him. He beams at her and takes a seat.

"It's quite a spread!" he remarks. "You have my compliments." He reaches out to pick up a dainty little cake, admiring the fine, smooth icing and the little sugar flower on top. "This is adorable."

[irrationally]

"Don't compliment me too much. I bought these from the train."

So there was little actual baking involved on her part. Which is probably for the best, because Alice would get majorly flustered at anything she made being described as cute.

But she can live with cute cupcakes coming from the train, at least.

"It just felt like a tea party wasn't quite complete without some snacks."

[subcircuits]

"There's still an art to arranging what someone else has cooked!" Devero insists, possibly because any time he entertains, it's pre-prepared foods all the way. His pride's on the line here too.

He continues to serve himself, not remotely shy about taking food. "This is the first tea party I've ever been to," he tells her as he claims the tea box for a moment to make a selection. "You could have handed me a bottle of iced tea and a cracker and I wouldn't have known any better."