knuxieh

Not Your Average Butler... [EasilyAmused x Knuxieh]

"The garden? I'll have to give it a look!" Freya smiled. Sitting back as Annie began sorting through dresses suited for the events and others not-so-suited for such an occasion, she listened as her friend began to write off the different names of who would be there. She nodded, noting their names. Giggling as Annie called dibs, she smiled. "That's fine. I think I've got my eye on another attendee anyway." She joked, and felt herself tense hearing the last name she had read off to her. Alex...Durnham? Oh, that was going to be...a bit problematic. It didn't take them long to settle on a cute cocktail dress and heels with matching accessories for her event tomorrow. "Thank you Annie, I can't wait to see you at the party." The girls departed and Freya wasted no time to returning to her room for the evening. Undressing, she showered and put on a comfy pair of pajamas.

She let herself get lost in thought about Alex and how he would end up behaving at the party. Hearing someone knock on her door, she looked up, and wiped at her eyes. Moving to open the door, she looked surprised to see James standing there, with hot chocolate of all things! Holding back the urge to embrace him as soon as she saw him, she invited him in and looked at the clock. Taking the hot chocolate, she took a sip. "Thank you, James. I...have some news about the attendees." Pausing to take another drink of the warm chocolate, she began to pace.

"James...Alex is going to be at the party." Her brows furrowed and she took another sip. "He's going to be there, James!" She whispered. "What are we going to do? I-I mean..I know what I have to do. But you saw him! He's going to totally be....Alex." That was the nicest she could describe him. "I'm going to have to be nice to him tomorrow..." Freya paused her pacing to run a hand through her long brown hair.

"I wasn't expecting this. I should've known. I should've been paying attention during Daddy's lectures on the heirs a little more. Did you know, James? That Alex was an heir to one of the companies my father deals with?"

Not Your Average Butler... [EasilyAmused x Knuxieh]

Although she did enjoy seeing James relaxed and in more casual wear, he sure did wear his tux well. Deciding not to comment on James' red face she simply giggled. They only had to make it through the week. That seemed easy enough, at least when spoken aloud anyway. Glad to hear that she wouldn't be facing her father alone to break the news she relaxed a little. Even if she was teasing about him facing Adrian alone, he seemed to really take what she said seriously. Before she could let him know she would be with him to break the news to Adrian as well, he was already poking fun at her in regards to the party. Giggling as he kissed the back of her hand she shrugged. "Oh, I dunno James. I will try to hold back, just for you." She teased right back.

It seemed that would be their last joke and giggle for the time being, at least as friends. As soon as they pulled up to the large metal gates and they opened, James' hand was already off of hers and locked onto the steering wheel. She could've sworn she saw him visibly stiffen. Seeing everyone, she waved to them as they drove down. Oh it had felt like forever since she had seen her home. The door opened and she saw the gloved hand of James extended towards her, and she took it, thanking him as she turned to see Annie standing at the door, waving. "Annie!" Freya ran up towards her friend and embraced her tightly. "I learned how to make pizza dough!" Freya grinned. "Before you ask, it was pretty awesome. Oh right, don't think I didn't notice. You've been to work on the outside of the manor for the party, haven't you? The new paint color on the windows looks really nice!"

Thinking a moment, Freya walked upstairs to a room full of dresses and looked to Annie. "Hmm, I wonder if we should go dress shopping or just use of the ones over here...Perhaps I could use your master seamstress skills to pull two dresses together?" She teased with a giggle. That would be asking way too much of Annie. Perhaps another time. "Oh, Annie. Are you going to be dressed up too? Any word on any of the guests my dad has picked out for the party? I know I'll have to mingle and all that...but...you're usually really good at getting intel." Freya swallowed hard. Even if none of these young heirs were going to be for her as far as relationship partners went, she still would have to make good impressions on their heirs if they were going to continue to do business with her family.

No pressure.

----

"Everyone has RSVP'd Adrian?" The master of the house was speaking to Adrian, clearing up some last minute detailing. "Tomorrow afternoon then. I know I don't have to tell you...but make sure everyone is up to speed. Oh, yes. I've decided to have the staff wear white with black ties this time instead of the usual black with white ties. I feel like this party is important and we should treat it with elegance." Hearing the door open, his eyes landed on James who had knocked before entering. "Well, well. James has returned! Full of new knowledge no doubt?" He chuckled heartily, giving James quite the pat on the back. "Now James." He smiled down towards the young man.

"I trust you've taken good care of my Freya while away at school? Not tonight, but sometime after the party I would love to try some of your new dishes you've learned. Adrian here can get you up to speed on everything. I must go make a few last minute phone calls. I'll see you both bright and early. Good Evening." Mister Von Ryker gave the two a small nod before excusing himself to his quarters for the night. Tomorrow had to go as smoothly as possible. Before they opened the gates he would need to give a small pep talk to the team about how important it was that everything ran as well as it could. While he knew Adrian to be incredibly capable of leading the staff, it would ease his own nerves to talk to his staff personally. Not to mention Freya and how she carried herself tomorrow would be defining in her standing when she took over. Being the ball of nerves she was, it might be asking a bit of her to maintain a calm and collected demeanor around such influential people.

Not Your Average Butler... [EasilyAmused x Knuxieh]

Watching him freeze up at the sink worried her a little. Maybe that was weird to ask so soon? Her bed would certainly be more comfortable than the couch, that was obvious. Feeling her nerves settle as he flashed her a dazzling smile and finished washing dishes before accepting her invitation. Watching as the door closed behind him, her own lips curled into a smile. James was spending the night! Today had been an amazing way to finish off their last evening in the dorms before they needed to leave tomorrow morning.

Turning back, she closed her door behind her and headed into the bathroom, being sure to lock it behind her, not wanting a situation similar to what happened in James' apartment to even have the chance to transpire. Undressing, she tossed her dirty clothes into the bin and got into the shower, a soft sigh of delight escaping her as the warm water cascaded over her soft skin. Grabbing body wash, she cleaned away the day's grime and shampooed and conditioned her hair. Thinking she was taking only a few minutes, but what turned out to be more, she shut off the water and got out, drying herself with a towel and got changed into a button down sleep shirt and matching pants with a cute bunny design near the hip. Drying her hair as best she could, she gave another yawn before emerging from the bathroom, steam emerging behind her. Surprised to see James already out of the shower, and reading none the less, her cheeks flushed. Clearing her throat, she rubbed the back of her neck. "Sorry, I didn't mean to keep you waiting..."

Putting the towel on a hook nearby the door, she moved to turn the lamp she kept on the bedside table on, not liking to be in complete darkness. "Find a good stopping point, James~" She grinned, and once she was sure he had bookmarked his place and set the book down on the table, she reached up and clicked the main light off. Making her way back towards the bed, she got under the covers and snuggled into James chest. This should be just like the couch, but roomier. However, her cheeks were warm and she looked up slightly though her hair. This felt...different, but... "..James?" Freya called. "I...like how this feels." She shyly whispered, pressing herself more into him to hide her embarrassment. Deciding maybe she should just try to sleep instead of just embarrassing herself with more outbursts, she slipped into dreams.

~*~*~*~* Morning! *~*~*~*~

Yawning, Freya rubbed at her eyes. Snuggling into whatever was in front of her, she blinked. It was a pillow. Did she imagine last night? Looking up, she caught sight of the book on the table, and sighed in relief. It wasn't a dream, then! Knowing James, he was probably already packing things up and getting things ready to head out as smooth as possible. Pulling back the blankets, she let go of the pillow and moved to her closet, pulling out the suitcase she had brought down the first time, putting clothes into it with no real plan, pushing down onto the suitcase to force it close. She would be taking the clothes back out of it soon enough, and she dragged it into the kitchen. Looking about for James, she didn't see him at first.

Oh right! She had clothes in the dirty laundry! Moving towards the bathroom, she looked in the dirty basket, and it was clear of any articles of clothing. He did laundry, didn't he? What time did he even get up? Was he in butler mode right now? Was he going to be in butler mode until midnight again? If she had to guess, he would be as he normally would be until they got close to the manor. They still needed time to break the news to her father, after all. She had been enjoying just being around James as he normally would be otherwise. By the time she got back into the kitchen, she caught James coming back in through the door, and smiled upon seeing him. "James! Good Morning!" She closed the distance between them and embraced him. When she moved back she leaned up and gave him a gentle kiss before giggling. "I've got all my stuff packed." Freya pointed behind her to the overstuffed suitcase -- or rather, just poorly packed suitcase. "Can I have breakfast when we get to the manor? I don't want to dirty your pots and pans if we're getting ready to leave."

Letting go of him so he could continue to move around if he wished, she looked around the apartment. They would be back here before they knew it, she just hoped that everything would go well at the manor. With the party and with other things. Taking a deep breath, Freya sighed before grabbing a sucker from a dish nearby and plopping it into her mouth. "I guess...We should get going..." She was a little hesitant to leave. Leaving meant they wouldn't be able to freely snuggle up and just be themselves. Once they arrived back at the manor, it would have to be more of a professional appearance. At least, that's what she was thinking as they made their way into the car and drove down the road. Watching the city get smaller as they drove off had her sigh and lean her head against the window. "I'm going to miss your laughs, James." She huffed. "Oh...if I have to talk to my father about us, does that mean you get to have the honor of breaking the news to Adrian?" Freya grinned, turning her attention to James.

"Did you want me to talk to him before or after the party...?"

Not Your Average Butler... [EasilyAmused x Knuxieh]

Glad that they would get to cook together tonight, she turned her attention towards him as she heard him sigh. Nodding slowly, she waited for him to continue. Needless to say, James referring to himself as 'the help' caused a distasteful frown to cross Freya's usually smiling features. Just like clockwork though, his words made her frown disappear, replacing it with embarassment. Would he seriously shout it from the rooftops if she asked him to? Getting back on topic, she bit her bottom lip nervously as he mentioned coming to her father about their relationship and where they wanted to take things. "O-Oh...Well..." She cleared her throat. "I'm sure we can...talk to him about it. I'll...try to get a word in. I still have to attend the party that father is arranging. There are going to be plenty of his friends and their heirs around at the party. It would be a useful time to network, so I'll be counting on you to make sure everyone enjoys themselves." She smiled. "I'm sure we won't run into those issues, but we will...talk to him about it. I'm really not sure how he'll react to the news.."

Sighing softly, she squeezed James' hand. "I'm not saying that he'll be against it, but he's kind of been working towards the whole 'strong financial ties' and all that. Don't get me wrong, James! I don't care that you're not some heir of a company or whatever. I'm just...letting you know what we'll be up against is all." Facing towards the road, closed her eyes, leaning her head back on the seat. "I'm not saying to push this off for another time, or that I don't think it's important, but we're having a wonderful evening so far. Why don't we just get back to the apartment and enjoy our time together, hm?"

Happy to feel the car settle into park, Freya moved to grab a few bags out of the trunk and made her way up the stairs. Figuring most of the things they would need would be in her apartment, she moved over towards her side and inserted her key, smiling when it gave the click to let her know it was unlocked. Getting the door open, she shut it behind James and put the bags on the counter top. Looking towards James, Freya pulled her hair up into a messy bun to keep it out of her face, and the food before rolling up her sleeves and washing her hands at the sink. Unsure if she would be cutting anything, she grabbed her knife set that she had bought when they had replaced James' culinary set. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she turned to James. "What do you want me to do, James?"

~*~*~*~*~

Working with James in the kitchen went smoother than she thought it would! Freya had been afraid that she would get in his way with her inexperience, but they were able to make the dough and get the pizza in the oven in no time! Now they just had to kill twenty minutes while the pizza baked. Suggesting that they put on the television to watch an episode of a cartoon that was playing, the timer went off before she knew it. Standing, she stood to the side as she watched James pull the pizza out of the oven. "It looks great!" She cheered, jumping up and down a little from her excitement. "I can't wait to taste it!"

Gingerly grabbing a piece after letting it sit a minute, she 'mmmm'd in delight. It was so cheesy! And gooey! Swallowing the cheesy goodness, she giggled. "Thank you for teaching me how to do this, James! It was a blast!" She leaned up, placing a soft kiss to his cheek. "Let's go watch a comedy sketch and maybe head to bed? Before you know it we'll be getting ready to head back home." Freya moved to the couch and watching the comedy special, was in a fit of giggles near the end. With pizza finished, she looked towards James. "We should totally cook together more often, James. I had a lot of fun!" Standing up, she stretched upwards.

"Ready to turn in for the evening?" She moved towards her bedroom door and gave a small yawn. "I'm going to shower and head to bed. You want to go change and come back?" She asked curiously as she pushed her door open and grabbed a change of clothes, coming back into the kitchen as not to leave her question unanswered. "It's not weird for you to sleep in my room tonight, is it?"

Not Your Average Butler... [EasilyAmused x Knuxieh]

Watching James' cheeks fill with color only affirmed what she had come to think. He was avoiding looking towards her, and she frowned, trying to get into view, but with James being taller than she was, it wasn't too hard for him to avoid her. She sighed softly and watched as it looked like he was just going to start continuing into the store like nothing happened. Freya took a step forward, her intent to stop him from going any further. He couldn't simply just leave her standing there without answering her question. However, he was looking back towards her, giving his own witty remark and causing her to be the embarrassed one. "W-Well, yeah..." She puffed out her cheeks slightly.

Freya quickly closed the distance between them, following him about the store, picking up the rest of the ingredients that they needed. Heading towards the checkout, she payed for the items, grabbing two of the lighter bags, already knowing that if the tried to carry the heavier ones, James would just slip them right of her hands like he had done many times before. Heading outside, she placed the bags into the trunk of the car before returning to the passenger side. Even with that embarrassing moment behind them, she fidgeted a little in the seat. "Hey, James? Our...date. Were we going to do that when we return from the manor? I don't see us getting away often. I'm sure Adrian is going to be all ears for what you've learned so far." She smiled.

Passing through downtown, she sighed happily once they drove by the large empty lot that housed the small fair not that long ago. "I can't wait for the fair to come back into town again...Will we be able to make the pizza this evening, James?"

Knuxieh's Official Interest Check~ [Casual - Mid Casual] [CLOSED]

*blows off cobwebs*

Oof. Hey! Open for business~ xD

Not Your Average Butler... [EasilyAmused x Knuxieh]

Feeling James' arms go around her she flinched slightly in surprise, but quickly relaxed. Watching him reach up and grab two of the garlic flavored sauces with ease she smiled. His judgement call was correct though. Best to not take on more than she bargained for. Now that she thought about it, this would be one of the first times they would be making something together casually. Sure, for her father's birthdays on occasions she would help in the manor kitchen to prepare things and check on organizational tasks, but this was different. Freya was going to head off towards the produce section, she gave pause as she felt James' warm hand against her cheek.

Raising an eyebrow, she blinked. "Sure.." Waiting for him to ask his questions, she took a moment to think. "Well..." She sighed softly, rubbing at her arm. "Uhm...Yes? Well, I mean what you did made my skin all tingly and my heart beat faster...I imagine it's something similar for you, isn't it? Your face was red like mine was afterwards.." Is that was he was talking about? "I haven't done that with anyone else, if that's what you're asking..." Her cheeks flushed at the thought, and she adverted her eyes.

No, no...She wasn't being completely honest with herself or James here. She herself hadn't done anything physically with anyone. She'd only read books that went into some more...graphic content. If she thought about it, whenever the characters she was reading about were getting along quite nicely and went to the bedroom, they always mentioned... Cheeks darkening she gasped. "Are...Are you feeling..." Freya had to take a breath. Glancing about the aisle to make sure nobody was nearby, she leaned in close to whisper. "...Turned on?" There. She said it. But she only kissed his skin, was...that enough to make him all hot and bothered?

Not Your Average Butler... [EasilyAmused x Knuxieh]

Had she gone too far with her teasing? James' face was quite red...He didn't seem to say much as they headed out of the apartment and climbed into the car. The drive towards the market was rather quiet. Clearing her throat after some time had passed, she gently twiddled her thumbs. "S-Sorry...Maybe that was...uncalled for." She retreated. "Back at the apartment. I just..." Freya moved a hand up to the area where James' lips had come into contact with her skin. "You made my skin all tingly when you did what you did. I thought payback was only fair."

Perhaps James was already past it and she as talking for no reason, though? Sighing softly, she turned her attention out the window, watching the many buildings get further apart until they were on the highway towards the store. "I don't mean to make you uncomfortable if I did." After a few minutes went by, she glanced towards him as they pulled into the parking lot of the store. "I am still looking forward to cooking with you, though..." Freya smiled, and as James shifted the car to park and cut the engine, she emerged from the vehicle, shutting her door behind her. Once James had come around to her side, she embraced him, her arms going around his torso. Pulling back, she offered her hand to him.

"Let's go in and get some pizza ingredients, hm?"

Heading towards the building, she made sure to grab a cart, pushing it along as they explored he various aisles. "What sorts of toppings do you like for pizza, James?" She asked, as they walked down the baking aisle, grabbing flour, yeast, and a pan to cook the pizza on. Getting to the sauces, she looked at all the selections. Would it be better for them to use a jar or pre-made sauce or make it themselves? Looking to James, she looked between him and the sauce on a shelf just out of her reach. Pushing on her tip toes, she could barely touch the shelving with her fingers. Blowing air out of her mouth in small frustration, she put a hand on her hip.

"Did you want to go with pre-made sauce?" Freya huffed, a bit embarrassed she couldn't go for any of the sauces out of her reach. There were many selections. Garden Combination, Tomato, Onion, and Garlic, even Meat flavored Sauces! The possibilities of sauce flavors were endless it seemed.

Not Your Average Butler... [EasilyAmused x Knuxieh]

"I don't think I've ever made pizza dough before." She smiled. "I can't wait!" Happy to hear that James wasn't completely against cooking again so soon after he had just done so relieved her. And they were going shopping after! Did they have everything they needed here to make dough? It didn't seem like James had much in his own apartment. Right. Duh - he said they would go shopping afterwards. Freya giggled. "Well, yeah probably, but still! Think of how cool it would be! It's like a little hidden surprise." Shaking her head, she smiled. "No, I'm already super comfortable where I am right now." With that, she wiggled a little to secure herself in and her eyes widened feeling James' lips on her neck. She shivered slightly at the tingly sensation it left on her skin.

Just when she thought she had a small bit of time to recover, his breath was in her ear and she felt her cheeks get hot. What was that for? She turned her attention to the movie, deciding to withhold payback until after the movie was over. This was a movie she did want to really see, after all.

As the credits began rolling, she moved her arms above her head to stretch a moment. "Okay, James. It's time!" She turned around, pinning him to the couch. Leaning in, she paused by his ear. "Payback time." Freya whispered, and returned the same kiss on his neck that he had given her. Deciding to add to the payback though, she kissed his skin again, this time going for his collarbone. Leaning back, she let him go, seeming pretty satisfied with herself, even if her cheeks were a little red still. Clearing her throat, she shifted to move off of him.


"Now then...L-Let's go to shopping!" She announced.

Not Your Average Butler... [EasilyAmused x Knuxieh]

Her cheeks couldn't help but flush as he simply kissed her nose. He wasn't really saying too much through it, and she wondered for a brief moment if perhaps she had rambled on just a little too much. His statement confused her, and she raised an eyebrow as he moved to unfold her arms. A small smile crossed her lips. "Good, I'm glad." Him moving back towards the living room and giving her arm a gentle tug caused her to look towards him. At his offer, and him leaving her a way out, she tugged back on his arm, moving him towards her. "Don't be silly, James. I'd love to spend time with you." She leaned on her tiptoes and softly kissed James on the cheek, before quickly moving back and smiled shyly. "I don't mind watching something, but I might want to do something else..." Freya rubbed her arm. "You know, it's still early in the afternoon. I know you..just spent the afternoon cooking but.." She gently kicked at the tile floor, as if something was there.

"Would you...want to make dinner together?" She herself had to leave an out for James as well, not wanting him to feel locked into any one decision. "B-But we don't have to! We could ah...order takeout or pizza or...or...go somewhere? Maybe we...should order something? I don't...know if you're tired from cooking earlier. It was a lot of prep work.." Freya sighed. "I-It's just a suggestion, James. Let's go watch that movie, we can talk about dinner afterwards? Let's just.." Freya gave pause, and took a deep breath, forcing herself to breathe a moment. "Let's just enjoy each other right now, yeah?"

Leading James into the living room, she unfolded all the sheets, snuggling up to James. "Have you ever thought about getting one of those couches that turn into a bed? It'd be super useful for when we want to snuggle up. I can't imagine you're comfy on the couch all the time." She teased. Passing James the controller, she shrugged. "I've been picking these last few times, you decide James."