02-08-2016, 05:42 PM
Ned offers a quick, lip-pressed smile and a nod toward Nick, the wine glass indeed clutched like some barricade against awkwardness, an object to fuss over or plink with fingertips, accompanying the carefully constructed reply to the man's greeting.
"Hello."
Perhaps Ned was being careful to avoid the stringent layer of potential jokes or humour that had occurred to him wrapped around calling someone 'Mr. Hyde'. Regardless, it is left off the greeting and 'Nick' was much to familiar a taste in the mouth for Ned to warrant it's use. His attention lifted toward Penelope for a moment, offering a nod and a similar greeting.
"Hello."
Before the entire party is underway and they are retreating toward the kitchen with it's plentiful other objects of distraction from awkwardness (Chairs! And Cutlery!) that will occupy Ned's hands. Margot falls in line with him and he glances at her as well, a more familiar, maybe even apologetic half-smile delivered as they trail the Disciples.
"Hello."
Perhaps Ned was being careful to avoid the stringent layer of potential jokes or humour that had occurred to him wrapped around calling someone 'Mr. Hyde'. Regardless, it is left off the greeting and 'Nick' was much to familiar a taste in the mouth for Ned to warrant it's use. His attention lifted toward Penelope for a moment, offering a nod and a similar greeting.
"Hello."
Before the entire party is underway and they are retreating toward the kitchen with it's plentiful other objects of distraction from awkwardness (Chairs! And Cutlery!) that will occupy Ned's hands. Margot falls in line with him and he glances at her as well, a more familiar, maybe even apologetic half-smile delivered as they trail the Disciples.