The sin of Vanity

Emma Vanity. 24. Captain of Falmouth Falcons. Partially associated with the Knights of Walpurgis.

[adolphabrasive-blog]

adolph & emma - dinner for two

[knightofvanity-blog]

adolphabrasive:

He smiled at her, chuckling slightly - silently thanking no one that she didn’t have a horrid high-pitched giggle. She did it often enough that it would be grating if it were; as it was, at least her eyes lit up whenever she did so. It was a look that suited her. “Relax, Emma. No one is going to judge you for your…hm, self expression.”

By the time their designated waiter showed up, Adolph had selected some mushroom dish for Emma’s entree, and himself a prawn dish, oysters for the main for both, and then instructed the servant to return to order desserts. “And a bottle of the 2007 Domaine Artoine chardonnay,” he finished, before dismissing the man altogether.

Left alone, he stretched, shifting his legs closer to her, his feet pressed against hers. “Have I ever told you how pleased I am that your work gives you time for play?”

Emma became flirty, which came more naturally to her around Adolph. They weren’t dating; Merlin knows they were above that kind of social construct, but it was just something in their dynamic that wanted his attention on her always. It was strange, but Emma didn’t mind it. And their other relationship, the one under the table...an arrangement that was convenient for them both.

Watching him list off the orders, Emma rested her head on her hand and sighed a little. The moment was good, almost golden. The atmosphere, the music...it was easing the knot that the girl always seemed to carry around. One that wouldn’t go away, ever. It came with her maturity, well beyond her years, really. The warmth of his leg, and their proximity gave her the chance to move her own legs against his. She wondered if there were any cameras waiting for them in the restaurant. She wondered if she could get away with some things, deep dark desires here.

“Nope. But I’m glad you say so. I couldn’t be bothered with a nine to five job, if I’m being honest. Quidditch is freedom, I say.”

[knightofvanity-blog]

bartytheunderdog:

“I have no idea how even managed to unearth something so hideous, but I’m sickened by how curious I am to know.”

“Don’t be a fucking bitch, Barty. You’re only a footman, so you’re going to do as I say.”

[knightofvanity-blog]

serenamantovani:

The cafe was nearly filled with the lunch rush on the weekend. Hogsmeade wasn’t usually her ideal spot to work, but she had to compromise for her work. Spying wasn’t as exciting as people thought it was, and she was grateful for the movies making it so that her presence inconspicuous. “What are you doing?” she asked as the person sat down across from her uninvited. 

“Didn’t really realise that I needed the permission to sit with my friends. Where do I get a sanctioned note from?” Emma sat down opposite to Serena. She was in Hogsmeade for Hog’s Head’s brew, but when she noticed her friend, the Quidditch player couldn’t help herself. “What’s up? Who you looking for? Heard your former flame was in town or something.”

[knightofvanity-blog]

nicparkinson:

“Need something?”

“No, it’s just a simple smoke break.”

[adolphabrasive-blog]

adolph & emma - dinner for two

[adolphabrasive-blog]

“I prefer your more compelling dreams, my lady. I’ll let you dream those.” The combination of their close acquaintance, beneath-the-table game and the tone of their conversation made it clear exactly what Adolph deemed to be compelling.

He almost sighed; it seemed the place kept to a restricted gourmet menu. He could only hope that the serving size was more generous, and worth the hefty price tag, to be sure. His eyes almost never danced as Emma’s did in a moment of good fun, but before he glanced back at her, they certainly came close. “It wouldn’t be too difficult to get some additional chocolate sauce for the side, I suppose. There would have to be all kinds of uses for such a delicacy - I’m sure your imagination can come up with some that are very fun, indeed.” The implication was clear: he was handing over control to Emma. He didn’t often do so, but for tonight - well, he supposed it was somehow special. They would make it that way.

[knightofvanity-blog]

Emma giggled again; the old school-girl tricks of flirting. She didn’t know why she always went back to those. It was strange because she didn’t need to win Adolph’s attention; she already had what was rightfully hers. Rubbing her toes across his calf, her eyes were brighter than the lights and she was drunk off the excitement of the night.

“Oooh my, I could certainly think of a few good uses for the chocolate sauce.” Their bedroom tricks often slipped into conversations, and this was no different. “I can, in fact, imagine how rich the flowing chocolate would taste...mmhmm...” The Vanity woman closed her eyes, moaning a little at the thought. And in an instant, her eyes were open again. Alert and looking around them.

“We should order. I want to try everything on this menu, so I suppose you should choose.”

[adolphabrasive-blog]

adolph & emma - dinner for two

[adolphabrasive-blog]

Adolph rolled his eyes at his partner; sometimes, Emma simply baffled him. He actually scoffed at her implication, as if he cared for the decor of the place. “You and I both know I would not bother; if the company doesn’t make the dinner bearable, then the perceived prettiness of the table wouldn’t. I’m sure this is just the default for this place.”

And, looking around, he wasn’t wrong - a similar orb decorated each table, though different flowers were used. He debated a moment before freeing his foot, the better to play her game. “Then I’m pleased you find this acceptable. The entree itself…hm. I wonder if they serve oysters.” Not because of their exquisite taste, of course - no, he was more interested in their aphrodisiac effect.

[knightofvanity-blog]

“Let the lady dream, Adolph.” Emma protested, leaning back in her chair a little as she smirked at him. Decor or not, her company was distracting enough for her to fail to notice the lack of choices on the menu. For everything. She didn’t mind, nor did she care. Playing footsie with Mulciber while she scanned the menu, the ex-Slytherin was quick to catch on with what was going on.

“I’d love to go with the oysters. And then maybe...chocolates for dessert. I see here they make some kind of Muggle sweet souffle, and I do want to try that out very much.” She bit her lip sensuously, the flirty gestures hopefully speaking volumes on her behalf. Emma missed Adolph, and she was planning on making up all the lost time.

[siriusly-orion-black-deactivate]

“Indeed they are, and that is exactly why they’re so fascinating. What’s your usual tipple then?”

[knightofvanity-blog]

“Well, I drink my Earl Grey with some lemon. Maybe indulge in a little espresso from time to time? I like the reliability of coffee and tea.”

[adolphabrasive-blog]

adolph & emma - dinner for two

[adolphabrasive-blog]

Quick to push the chair in as she sat, he swept around the table and into his own seat. A pleasant smile graced his lips as he did so, immediately looking back to Emma, making eye contact with his usual (often obnoxious) confidence. 

Adolph chuckled, raising his left hand - his wand hand - and snapping his fingers. An entree menu appeared before each of them on the table, and in the centre alongside the light-giving orb - soft and flickering as a candle, the white-and-violet calla lillies within coiled around soft pink camellia blooms - a couple of slices of fresh, thickly sliced bread materialised. “Perhaps not an adventure, but satisfying enough for the moment, no?” He tapped his own foot against hers, raising an eyebrow. It seemed that this promised to be a more interesting dinner than the usual farce. “They say this place always leaves you wanting more. I must say, so far the reputation does not disappoint.”

[knightofvanity-blog]

Emma had an eyebrow raised, and then finally the giggles escaped like bubbles from a glass of champagne. Adolph just looked so adorable when he was serious, and the woman would never say so, because it would ruin the look.

Kicking her own shoes off from under the table, she looked at the table setting and beamed. “For someone who claims to know nothing about decorations, you do make a nice table setting Adolph. See, planning with me pays off. One day, you’ll be planning your wedding with no help from me at all.” She looked at the food intently, noting the bread and the lights while her toes played a more interesting game. Subtly stroking his foot, Emma Vanity took note of her dinner partner’s expression.

“I do love my bread with olive oil. I suppose it will do for a culinary experiment.”

[siriusly-orion-black-deactivate]

“These new muggle drinks are quite interesting.”

[knightofvanity-blog]

“I dunno Black, I’ll stick with my regular drinks. Muggle inventions are very strange sometimes.”

[adolphabrasive-blog]

adolph & emma - dinner for two

[adolphabrasive-blog]

“Naturally,” he agreed, offering a smirk. Her company tended to put him in better humour than most; if the cost was donning the latest in uncomfortable wizardwear, then so be it. Emma Vanity had long since proven that she was worth the discomfort. Besides, what was discomfort compared to the supposed good food? Her golden gown - a beauty to behold, to be sure - was certainly something he did not want to look underdressed beside. Not when the near guaranteed photographs turned up in the bloody media the next day.

“It ought not, considering we’ve yet to order. I can never remember if you’re on your wretched training diet around this time of the year.” He was fairly well convinced the Quidditch season was over, but he never had bothered to keep careful track of how her training was going. “Or whether you’re willing to risk whatever new food makes this place so popular. Classics or novel, indeed.” He guided her to their table - a window view, the perfect distance from the music and enchanted to guarantee private conversation - the best in the place, naturally; and drew her seat for her.

[knightofvanity-blog]

The woman sat down in her chair, head held high and her laughter trapped between her lips. Her mirth danced in her eyes, however, as she waited for Adolph to sit. Looking down at the tablecloth briefly, she noted the starched edges and stitch count, before looking up at him. How he managed to look this amazing, Emma just couldn’t tell. Then again, what Emma truly felt for Adolph wasn’t something that could be put in words.

But it could be put in action.

“As much as I would love to make you guess what I am in the mood for tonight, I am starving and will be very snippy if my first course does not appear in due time. I’m not a diet, and my mouth is begging for a culinary adventure.” The woman looked at her companion, with what could be described as mischief, as the tip of her shoes bumped with his. Her bottom lip between her teeth as she playfully bit them, Emma realised she was in the mood for some good fun.

[adolphabrasive-blog]

adolph & emma - dinner for two

The Fountain of Fair Fortune in Diagon Alley hadn’t been open for two months yet, and already getting a reservation at the formal restaurant and bar was a challenge. With the connections that came alongside the Mulciber name, however - and the constant fear of his less than personable demeanour that lingered over almost every interaction he had with another being - he managed to procure one only a few hours beforehand. Whoever lost their table as a result was not his problem.

Now, he didn’t mean to arrive early, but he did intend to arrive before his date, to ensure the place lived up to its reputation. When he finally saw her arrive at the door from his place at the bar, he rose, glass in hand to greet her. Politely offering an arm, he raised an eyebrow. “You’re late.”

[knightofvanity-blog]

Emma rolled her eyes at Adolph. “Aren’t you the bastion of punctuality, Adolph?” But she did smile at him, nonetheless. Dinner was always a regal affair for Emma, and dinners were always her favourite. Sure, lunches were for building acquaintances, but dinners...they were more intimate to her. Spending the right time with the right person, the Vanity heiress couldn’t be happier.

She was dressed in gold, which was only fit for the occasional photographer who wanted to print her face in the tabloids. But Emma liked the dress, and she wanted to impress Adolph (like she always did around him). “I got held up on the way out my front door. I apologize for my tardiness. Hopefully, the food hasn’t gone cold and hard?” She arched an eyebrow, a clear indication of her sarcasm.

[knightofvanity-blog]

lunch dates in london || emma&kenshin

[kbcl-deactivated20220909]

Kenshin considers this new option presented forth. It feels as though he is waiting for the other shoe to drop, too good to be true didn’t feel quite poignant enough. Even so, he continues to smile. It’s easier for both parties this way. There’s ample reason to decline, leaning towards the work he was previously busying himself with. The subtle twitch in his hand which lent towards too long without sleep, shrugging into his coat all the same however he reckoned it had been an awful long time since he’d had a proper meal. Magical inventions provided more nourishment than the average Muggle vending machine for which, he was infinitely grateful.

Now, if only he could lock down on the reason behind his current drive to be completely absorbed in work.

Emma’s unexpected kindness aside, he ducks his head while embarrassment colors his cheeks. Was he so easy a read? Oh how your ancestors must weep. “I must thank you friend then,” he says as he steps into the lift “For his loss is another’s gain; I cannot recall when I last ate.”

Might have been the candy bar Hugo had dropped at his desk on the way by. Time got funny when involved with magical politics. He slips his hands into the pocket of his coat, slender fingers twisting at a keyring within as he watches the numbers on the elevator “I don’t eat out much, much prefer to stay in at home.” A contrast to the persona he put on at many of the parties held in their shared circles “Prefer food made by my hand but,” he glances to her with another smile that doesn’t betray his exhaustion “If it’s to your tastes, then it can’t be an altogether terrible place.”

[knightofvanity-blog]

Emma laughed again, but this time it was much more sombre. She could take a compliment and throw one right back. “You flatter me, but I’m afraid I cannot dictate your tastebuds. That would be rather difficult, don’t you think? But I made reservations this excellent Indian restaurant, and they make amazing curry.” She nodded to her personal preference, smiling at the memory.

The woman took one look at him, disguised behind a careless glance. He looked sloppy, like he had slept in his clothes. Or as if he were homeless, which wasn’t the case and which Emma didn’t pursue. He could use a change of clothes, but Emma Vanity was too darn polite to ask where he needed to or not. Apparently, people other than Mulciber did not appreciate her bossiness sometimes.

Which was fair enough.

“Tell you what? How about we meet after half an hour? I’ll just go show my face and flash my license, and then we can go out for mimosas too, before lunch.” She applauded herself on her schedule, evident from the grin on her face and the glow in her eyes as she clasped her hands together.

[daftorpunk]

The industry is quite chauvinistic generally. Expectations of women, girls, what they should look like, how they should be, what they should say, what they should wear, how their hair should be, what color their skin should be.

[twenty1-grams]

[knightofvanity-blog]

lunch dates in london || emma&kenshin

[kbcl-deactivated20220909]

There was never a dull moment at the ministry it seemed, hands holding the lukewarm paper cup he’s in no hurry to raise it to his lips and instead focuses his attention blearily on the work before him. An air of exhaustion hangs about him, beaten back with vain attempt and questionable administration of supplements passed around more student dorm rooms than he could name. Taking part of the spoils eh? A cocksure voice speaks up from the back of his mind, his lips twist in some approximation of a scowl and he almost refrains from crunching the cup in hand.

Almost.

Saved by the bell so it were, pulled not unkindly from his mind and in turn from the work in front of him. He drops the papers, drags his now free hand down his face and perks up towards the voice with as much a smile he can muster. For further oompf he knocks back the coffee with only the slightest of grimaces “If it isn’t Ms.Vanity herself,” he returns warmly whilst climbing to his feet “I assure you I’d never forget such an experience.”

Truth in every syllable. Most gatherings blurred together, some stuck out for the oddest of reasons (and some tamer ones). But, the champagne had been particularly good this evening and even more so the company managed to tug him towards the dance floor when his usual charismatic refusal failed him.

The horror.

“To what do I owe the pleasure?” he asks as he bins the cup and circles out from behind his desk to approach the other “I didn’t make too much a fool of myself did I?”

[knightofvanity-blog]

Emma laughed out loud, the noise echoing in the space of the metal box. It was rather funny, what he said. She sometimes forgot that with the power she held, came certain expectations that she refused to take up. “Please, call me Emma. Ms. Vanity was more of my grandmother’s thing, rest her soul.” Her laughter reduced to a small smile, the heartiness still in the air.

“Of course not. Come to think of it, I was here to renew my broom license. It’s a Quidditch formality, and a bother if I must add.” Waving off that chore as if it were dust, Emma Vanity stood tall and proud. A socialite by birth and standing, she was never one to leave a chance to socialise alone. Even if the Ishikawas were a silent lot, there was no harm in reaching out to make friends.

After a beat, the woman perked up. “I was actually going to take a friend to lunch. But I am very sure he’s going to bail, so would you like to come with me? I have reservations for two, and cancellations can be such a bother. And maybe for a change, you’ll see how West End really works. Charming place, really.” A touch at Kenshin’s forearm, and her bright eyes inviting him in; she really hoped he would read sincerity and accept.

It was like working two birds with one stone. Her favourite activity anyway.

[knightofvanity-blog]

lunch dates in london || emma&kenshin

Emma was a busy woman, which was on most occasions true. But Emma was also a woman of her word, which was also true on most occasions. While she hated entering the Ministry, (public toilets were smelly and Emma really hated the small spaces), on most days it was a necessary and unavoidable evil. Today of all days, she was here to take Adolph on a lunch date.

That he bailed on twice.

Her appearance in London was always a cause for celebration, with her days being spent between signings and fans, parties and soirees, and catching up with her favourite friends in town. As she made her way to the elevator to reach his floor, the Vanity heiress ran into a familiar face. She couldn’t place his face right off, hurrying into the elevator, but her face was lit in a smile.

She had seen him before. And then it struck her. “If it isn’t the Kenshin Ishikawa! I don’t think you’d remember me. Emma Vanity, we met last week? You remember the champagne and the lights?”

[adolphabrasive-blog]

“How can you possibly know that when you haven’t seen them with taller flowers - orchids or tigerlillies or, I don’t know, bamboo plants? Whatever you think is ‘in’ right now. I resent knowing any of those are things, by the way.”

[knightofvanity-blog]

“I can’t have them too tall, no one can see the people at the table then. But too small, and I’m starting to wonder if people will think I’m toning down the extravagance. Grandmother would be rolling in her grave at the thought, bless her soul.” Emma looked at him questioningly. “You’ve been here for five hours now, I wouldn’t be surprised if you learned something about party planning today.”