@willyork - There was a momentary grimace, because Merl’s wasn’t her first choice, but she also wasn’t about to argue. She never really did. Instead, she wipes the expression from her face and raises her shoulders, reaching down to pick up her bag. “Fine,” she agrees, “but if we end up sat next to another old couple who try and chat us up in those thick Welsh accents, you’re buying the coffee.” She hesitates, looking between the door and then James and then the stairs. “Do you want to like… shower or something first? No judgement, just checking.”
James didn’t miss the grimace. He couldn’t, not when breakfast at Merl’s should be met with nothing but excitement and a sprint towards the door. “An older couple tries to chat us up and I promise to tell ‘em to fuck off. Pinkie promise it even if ‘ya need it,” he offered, outstretching his hand, pinkie finger extended. Not many older witches and wizards got it, but this was just nearly secondary to the Unbreakable Vow. “What?” he responded, word blurting out shortly after her own. Unsure, he brought the collar of his shirt up to his nose and sniffed. Fine. “I mean… think I’m good, ‘less you got any complaints.”