Looking out into the main living area, he spies Vanessa, engrossed in a book, and curled up on one of the leather sofa’s.
Silently, Hans gently pads across the floor, taking care to keep out of her peripheral vision, before coming to a stop behind her, and wraps his arms around her shoulders, leaning in to rest the left side of his head against the right side of hers.
(Vanessa): Morning sleepyhead!
(Hans): Morning…
He squeezes her shoulders, giving her a peck on the cheek as he does so.
(Hans): Been up long?
(Vanessa): About an hour.
She holds her up her book.
(Vanessa): Finally managed to get through some more chapters after I caught up on the news.
(Hans): You had breakfast yet?
Shaking her head in response, Vanessa slides the a bookmark between the pages of her novel, and sets it down beside her.
(Hans): You wanting something to eat?
(Vanessa): Uh-huh.
She purses her lips, as she spends a few moments thinking on what she’d want; Hans waiting patiently.
Tilting her head up and to the side somewhat, so her eyes can fall upon his, enquires…
(Vanessa): Pancakes?
Hans smiles, once more kissing her on the cheek as he unfurls his arm from its position around her shoulders, and begins to make his way towards the kitchen section of the apartment, taking the first few steps backwards before swivelling his body around.
(Hans): Coming right up!
Smiling sweetly up at him, Vanessa picks up her book, and then sets it on the coffee table right in front of the sofa, before standing up, and making her own way round to the kitchen section of the apartment.
Leaning against the column at the edge of the section, she watches Hans go about the business of starting breakfast.
(Vanessa): So, what’s your plan for the day then honey? You hitting the gym?
(Hans): Not today.
He points at his left leg; the one targeted heavily by Ronnie McNeil at ‘Declarations’.
(Hans): Been advised to rest this leg for the next few days, give it some time to heal. No sense in trying to dance round a ring with a sparring partner if I can barely get above walking pace. Not to mention half my weight routines are curtailed by it… and besides…
He sets a large pan on top of the hob.
(Hans): I think it’s time I spent some time with you.
Turning around fully towards Vanessa, he steadies himself with one hand on the kitchen counter, while with the other, he gestures at her.
(Hans): So, what do you want to do today, my dear?
(Vanessa): Hmm…
She smiles conspiratorially, as the scene fades out briefly, before resuming on the interior of Hans’ Aston Martin DBS V12, as it powers its way down I-87 a few hours later.
With both door windows wound down fully, Vanessa’s vibrant hair flows around the back of the headrest, flicking like vipers at the tips. Oversized Gucci sunglasses cover her eyes against the sun’s glare, as she looks out onto the green pastures and rolling hills as they go past.
(Hans): Lovely day for a drive, isn’t it? Doesn’t beat being on the autobahn of course, but that’s a given…
(Vanessa): Stop changing the subject!
Hans merely chuckles, as Vanessa grins.
(Vanessa): So you’re sure that it won’t affect your preparation for Maniac? Really, really sure?
(Hans): I’m sure. A few days in the sunshine and doing little but fishing and helping out with the barbecues would do me a world of good.
(Vanessa): I know, but I just don’t want you setting yourself up for a fall, that’s all.
(Hans): Vanessa, I want to visit your family again. We’ve visited my family more times than we have yours, and given that they live on the other side of the world, you should be giving me hell over that fact!
Drawing a laugh from her at that, Hans carries on.
(Hans): Look, I can’t train right now, it’s as simple as that. By the time we’re back from New Orleans, I’ll be rested, and have plenty of time to get back into the swing of things. And besides, not that he’ll admit it, but Maniac will have to raise his game considerably to get onto an even keel with me as it is anyway.
Vanessa studies his face for a few moments, before placing her right hand on his left thigh and giving it a gently squeeze.
(Vanessa): Thank you. My dad will be thrilled to see you again!
With a quick glance at the rear-view mirror beforehand, Hans’ head swings round briefly to look at Vanessa’s.
(Hans): And your mutti?
(Vanessa): Oh, her too, of course!
Turning his attention back to the road, Hans doesn’t see the smile Vanessa flashes him falter somewhat.
(Hans): Is it the next turnoff I take?
(Vanessa): The one after honey. Exit 17.
(Hans): Danke.
Glancing at the digital clock on the dashboard briefly, he adds…
(Hans): Plenty of time to get back in time to pack, and get downtown for dinner.
(Vanessa): Oh, I’m enjoying this though. We can always cancel the meal, and it’s not like your personal jet is going to leave without you…
Responding to the almost pleading tone in her voice, Hans shakes his head in amusement, responding…
(Hans): So exit 18 then?
(Vanessa): At least…
The scene fades out gently to black.
Message Thread
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