Magnus stood in front of the mirror, scrutinising her appearance with a critical eye. Despite feeling rejuvenated after her enforced 'rest', Will had still insisted on her taking the second day off but unfortunately his promise of fun consisted of casual wear, something she found surprisingly scarce in her closet. She supposed it was a subconscious comfort from growing up in the nineteenth century. All the women wore full-fitted skirts and while she didn't miss the uncomfortable fashion tend, she still considered it proper to appear well presented. However, at Will's request she'd agreed to try for a more relaxed approach.
Pursing her lips together she turned inspecting the chosen jeans and white tank. Casual but neat, a compromise she could live with. Satisfied, she pulled her hair back into a loose ponytail before grabbing her leather jacket and heading out into the hall. She'd agreed to meet Will downstairs at half-nine and the designated time was rapidly approaching.
Reaching the stairwell, she descended the steps two at a time, surprised to find him already waiting at the bottom. "Some body's eager?" She smirked, coming to a standstill by his side.
"I take it that means you're not going to put up any resistance?" He matched her expression with a lopsided grin, pleased that she seemed to be complying so easily. In truth he'd half expected her to reprimand him and declare she had far too much work to accompany him out.
"We did have a deal-" she countered, raising an eyebrow, "however, if you ever try pulling something like that again..."
Will doubted it was an empty threat and motioned towards the door deliberately changing the subject. "Shall we?"
She nodded, falling into step beside him. So far he hadn't given any indication of where they were going and her curiosity was slowly starting to peak at the unannounced plans. "Would care to enlighten me as to where we're headed?"
"Nope."
Her face broke into a pout at the blocked response but it only furthered his resolve. "Come on, seriously-" a wide grin pulled at his lips, "that's all you've got?"
They reached the door and she guided it open, waiting from him to pass through first.
She considered locking it and returning to work so she could teach him a lesson but the thought was mostly for her own amusement. Whatever activities he had scheduled, she had to admit that the change of pace wasn't one she was entirely displeased to engage in. It had been years since she'd left the walls of the Sanctuary without an agenda in mind.
Will lead them around to the garage and Magnus was even more intrigued when he opted for the bike key's over the car. Instead of commenting on the fact she merely took two helmets down from the wall, throwing him the larger one.
When they were both buckled up she followed him over to the vehicle, waiting patiently for him to climb on first. Once he was in place she swung her leg over the back seat, resting her hands lightly against his shoulder as he kicked down the break stand. A loud roar filled the compartment and she dug her fingers in, tensing as the bike took off.
There was something entirely liberating about the mode of transport and Magnus felt herself start to relax as they broke out onto the main road, the combination of wind and speed providing a welcome rush of adrenaline. It was only when they hit the city streets that the ride slowed, caught up in the congestion of morning traffic but Will managed to navigate his way through with surprising tenacity until they pulled up outside a small cafe.
Unclasping her helmet, she ran a hand through her flattened hair attempting to return some of it's volume.
Will caught the action in his side mirror and swallowed deeply. She was his friend, his boss. The fact she looked incredibly hot, wrapped in leather and tossing wayward curls was nothing. Or at least that's what he tried to tell himself as he pulled his own helmet free, slipping the bike's keys into his pocket. "This is it."
"So I see." Magnus climbed off first, eyeing the small side-walk cafe. It was wedged in between a bookshop and an art gallery with three small tables out the front, each under a brightly coloured umbrella. While it was situated in a well know area, it wasn't directly visible from any of the main roads and she guessed, unless one was specifically searching for the place, it remained largely unnoticed.
"Ever been here before?" Will questioned, fixing his helmet beside hers on the back end of the bike. He discovered the quaint cafe one morning purely by accident but their coffee had seen him returning again and again until it became his regular spot on a Saturday. Unfortunately his move to the Sanctuary had forced a decline in his visits but every so often he still liked to make the special trip.
Magnus shook her head, breathing in the scent of baked goods and coffee that wafted from the open doors.
Will watched her reaction with a hint of amusement. "You just wait till you try the food, Eggs Benedict to die for-" he stepped over the guttering and in-between the material barrier that closed the area off from the street. Underneath the umbrellas were small electric heaters eliminating the chill from the cool morning breeze and he chose the nearest table, sliding out a chair.
Magnus smiled at the gesture, lowering herself and finding the menu as he took the seat opposite her. Once they'd ordered their food, home-made muesli for herself and pancakes for Will, she found her mind wandering back to his agenda for the day. She couldn't remember the last time someone else had taken complete charge of her schedule and while she held no reservations over his intentions, the loss of control was slightly disarming.
"This really bothers you doesn't it?" Will noticed the way her hands were clasped awkwardly over the table and offered a reassuring smile, "I swear, I haven't got anything unpleasant planned. This is it. Just a nice relaxing day without any stress."
"It's not that." She ran her teeth lightly over her lower lip in gentle consideration, then decided to proceed with the truth, "I'm just... not entirely sure how to act without a little enforced guidance. For instance are we supposed to be somewhere in an hour? What if I unintentionally make us late or early for that matter, there's-"
"Hey." Will held up his hand, concern suppressing the rise of amusement at her irrational panic. Whether he perceived it as an overreaction or not, it was clearly something she was struggling with and his features softened in response. "I'm sorry, I honestly didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable."
She let out a sigh, pulling her hands back to her lap. It wasn't that she felt uncomfortable or awkward, she trusted him implicitly. It was more about her own inability to relinquish control, even in the most insignificant of circumstances. "I should be the one to offer an apology, I hadn't even realised how dependent I've become on structure."
"Well, when someone only goes on holiday once every seven years I guess that's kind of to be expected." He offered it as a joke but then lent forward to hold her gaze with a little more sincerity in his voice, "look Magnus, I don't want to force this on you but I think it could be good. There's no rush, no schedule, all you have to do is enjoy yourself."
She nodded, feeling slightly embarrassed at struggling with such a simple task. He was right. She could put the Sanctuary and her perchance for order out of her mind for one day or at least she could try. "Very well, I feel that's something I should be able to manage." A more natural smile graced her lips as she found her body slowly start to relax, "if you think you're up for the challenge?"
"I wouldn't be here if I didn't think I could handle it." He answered coyly, relieved that the banter had returned between them. His intention was to make her forget about work and that was the only challenge he could foresee facing. "So, any special requests? Anything you'd like to do today?"
She considered the question, admittedly drawing a blank. Usually any spare time she acquired was spent curled up with a good book or taking a relaxing bath, two activities which didn't actually require leaving the Sanctuary to take part in. "I'm afraid it would probably take me the better part of the morning to think of something. Whatever you decide I'm sure it will be more than satisfactory."
"Fun," he interjected with a light smirk, "I believe the word you're looking for is fun."
"Of course." She tilted her head, relieved when the waiter interrupted with their breakfast. Setting down the two meals, he left with a polite smile and Magnus glanced over at Will's pancakes as their enticing smell wafted across the table.
Reaching for the maple syrup, Will quirked his lips into an amused smirk. "Want some?" The stack wasn't overly large but there was something decidedly cute about the way her eyes followed the trail of syrup as it ran tantalisingly into the melted butter. "Or if you want we can trade?"
Magnus drew her gaze away from his plate with a smile, "that's not necessary, however I appreciate the offer."
"Come on, one bite-" he urged, cutting a piece and hovering the fork between, "you're not going to make me do the aeroplane are you?"
She opened her mouth to protest but hesitated as he pushed the piece towards her, using his free hand to cup the dripping syrup. Not wanting to create a mess, she lent forward wrapping her mouth over the warm spongy texture. The way it melted over her tongue was delectable and she closed her eye's savouring the taste.
Will swallowed dryly, indulging in her reaction with a light curve of his lips. However good it tasted he would gain more satisfaction from watching her enjoy it than he would eating it himself and he pushed the stack towards her. "Go on, I'll order us some more."
His chair scraped back before she could argue and her hand clasped the plate dragging it closer. He was clearly going to a lot of effort to see she was accommodated and if the way to show her gratitude was one day of stress free fun... that was a sacrifice she might just enjoy making.
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AN: Thanks so much for all the lovely reviews! I'll try and update as much as I can but I haven't written much beyond this, so all suggestion are very appreciated :D