“Someone of your age just looks pretentious and desperate driving a red convertible.”
Recognizing the jab he’d tossed at her, Pak said this with as much dignity and authority as she could muster before pausing for a second and shrugging.
“Besides I left the hard top on tonight.”
Not really caring where they went, so long as there were four walls and central heating Pak started them back to Kem’s. Although she did pause once they had made it to the pavement, to lean against a street lamp and shake the sand out of both her shoes, even brushing off her socks. Thank god she hadn’t worn boots tonight. If she had, she’d be standing on Kem’s doorstep balancing on one foot trying to rid feet of sand before entering.
As it was she could easily and quickly shove her feet, now sand free, back into her shoes so they could continue on with a minimum of delay.
“No, not that strong. Right now I’d even drink decaf if it was hot.”
It was the first time she had verbally whined about the cold to Kem. While he was in full on crisis mode, she had made it a point not to add her own issues to the mix. Now, however, he was fair game.
Epiphany - Not a Pretty Disease! (attn: Pak)
Kem found himself in a bind. There were some days when thinking just wasn't paying off, and this was one of them. He was frustrated with himself, something that happened often enough that he ought to know how to handle it, but lately he had the feeling he'd been more of an ass than anything else and that didn't sit well with him.
He was now, more then ever, aware of the fact that he'd completely screwed up. Again, this wasn't something he hadn't experienced before, but it was sure on a much larger scale. To his credit, he'd kept himself so walled-off from people during the course of his life, that he was used to having to take only his own feelings into account, a safe if somewhat selfish way to live.
And self-centeredness was what had caused him to leave Aishe. Oh, certainly he wanted to keep her out of his world, away from vampires, not have her suffer any one of the myriad misfortunes that could befall her in Nachton. But when it came down to it, he'd done it because he'd been too afraid to let her all the way in. When it came to trust, she had passed every test while he, as was becoming a disturbing habit, had failed to rise to her level. She had figured him out. She'd told him she knew, and instead of according her the respect of explaining and elaborating, he'd run off and left her.
Kem had been pacing circles in the sand on the beach while the chilly wind whipped his hair around his face and it was getting him nowhere, both figuratively and literally. With a scowl he admitted he might want some outside advice on this one. Alfarinn was usually his first choice when he needed advice, admonishment, a good flogging... but Alfarinn was a busy man and Kem wasn't about to impose on him with this any more than he had already.
He didn't mind whining at Pak, however. And perhaps this was something she could relate to, having issues of her own with Artemis. Giving it a few minutes' thought, he finally nodded to himself. Continuing his pacing, he reached out with his mind.
[Surprise, surprise. Are you busy, Pak? I think I need some help.]
Pakpao
18 years ago
Kem`Raaisu
18 years ago
Kem took a moment to look mildly injured over the age comment before crossing his arms in mock indignation and pointing out, "I don't look a day older than a thousand."
She seemed to be heading more or less back to his house, so he went along after a minor course adjustment. He was still fairly preoccupied, but not so much that he was completely oblivious. Kem was fairly certain it would take him the better part of the night to think things through properly, but Pak's company had been more than helpful and he appreciated her coming out.
So when she commented on getting a hot drink, he immediately felt bad for hauling her all over the beach. Pak obviously liked the cold even less than Kem did. He supposed he'd gotten used to it, at least a little, over the years. After all, it had been centuries since he'd lived anyplace even remotely similar in climate to Egypt.
While Pak emptied her shoes of sand ("How on earth did you manage to get that much sand in your shoes?"), he removed the black wool pea coat he usually wore in the cold and arranged it over her shoulders. Pak wasn't much taller than Aishe; even with her winter coat on, his still fit over everything. The dense wool kept the wind out perfectly, and Kem would be fine for the walk home.
"I think caffeinated coffee comes as part of the whole counseling services payment package," he said with a grin as they resumed their walk.
She seemed to be heading more or less back to his house, so he went along after a minor course adjustment. He was still fairly preoccupied, but not so much that he was completely oblivious. Kem was fairly certain it would take him the better part of the night to think things through properly, but Pak's company had been more than helpful and he appreciated her coming out.
So when she commented on getting a hot drink, he immediately felt bad for hauling her all over the beach. Pak obviously liked the cold even less than Kem did. He supposed he'd gotten used to it, at least a little, over the years. After all, it had been centuries since he'd lived anyplace even remotely similar in climate to Egypt.
While Pak emptied her shoes of sand ("How on earth did you manage to get that much sand in your shoes?"), he removed the black wool pea coat he usually wore in the cold and arranged it over her shoulders. Pak wasn't much taller than Aishe; even with her winter coat on, his still fit over everything. The dense wool kept the wind out perfectly, and Kem would be fine for the walk home.
"I think caffeinated coffee comes as part of the whole counseling services payment package," he said with a grin as they resumed their walk.
Pakpao
18 years ago
Pak didn’t often give Kem grief about his age, after all you couldn’t do anything about it. And since they didn’t age, what did it matter any way? So she just shook her head at his ‘day over a thousand’ comment.
Although she was again rather astounded at the difference between his and Aishe’s ages; it was hard to say who she was more impressed with. Either way it couldn’t be easy to relate to someone 1500 years older or younger than you were. Granted Artemis was slightly older than she was, but that was different, she’d figure out how it was different later. It probably had to do with them both being vampires and both having a few lifetimes under their belts, where as Aishe was still working on her first. At least that was a good enough explanation for now.
At least she was warmer now. Even apprciative of the extra coat, yes she was a total weather wimp, Pak gave Kem a nearly reproachful look.
“And you should feel bad dragging me out in this weather. I could catch pneumonia and die. I’d love to see you explain that.”
Still she appreciated the extra coat and was only being difficult/ teasing out of habit.
Payment for counseling? So far Pak had made Kem do all the work, reach all his own conclusions. Although she would be considerably happier once they reached his house and she had something hot to drink.
“I think even if your coffee is absolutely atrocious you’ll be over paying. The best I’ve done is suggest you call the girl rather than just show up and scare her out of her wits.”
Although she was again rather astounded at the difference between his and Aishe’s ages; it was hard to say who she was more impressed with. Either way it couldn’t be easy to relate to someone 1500 years older or younger than you were. Granted Artemis was slightly older than she was, but that was different, she’d figure out how it was different later. It probably had to do with them both being vampires and both having a few lifetimes under their belts, where as Aishe was still working on her first. At least that was a good enough explanation for now.
At least she was warmer now. Even apprciative of the extra coat, yes she was a total weather wimp, Pak gave Kem a nearly reproachful look.
“And you should feel bad dragging me out in this weather. I could catch pneumonia and die. I’d love to see you explain that.”
Still she appreciated the extra coat and was only being difficult/ teasing out of habit.
Payment for counseling? So far Pak had made Kem do all the work, reach all his own conclusions. Although she would be considerably happier once they reached his house and she had something hot to drink.
“I think even if your coffee is absolutely atrocious you’ll be over paying. The best I’ve done is suggest you call the girl rather than just show up and scare her out of her wits.”
Kem`Raaisu
18 years ago
Kem raised his eyebrows at Pak's threat about pneumonia. "If you catch pneumonia at all, much less die of it, I'm going to haul you to the nearest vampire medical facility and cash in on you as I donate your cold clammy body to science for a profit."
Kem was fairly certain Pak was neither cold nor clammy... although it wasn't his inclination to discover the facts for himself. He'd leave that to Artemis. "Who'd have guessed vampires could be hypochondriacs?"
Of course, he wasn't above merciless ribbing. As they topped the slight hill leading away from the beach and turned down the road towards his home, he shook his head at Pak's disclaimer. "If you hadn't brought up the fact that phones exist to begin with, I'd be several steps back from where I am now." His expression now was sincere. "I mean it. I appreciate your coming. Even if you don't think you helped. Believe me; you did."
It was his hope that Pak understood the sentiment involved. Kem was used to handling things on his own, and it was rare that he really felt the need to take his problems to someone else for advice. And when he did feel the need for a second opinion there were very few people he felt comfortable enough with to speak openly to. Alfarinn, of course, was one, and naturally Aishe was another. He wasn't sure at what point he'd added Pak to the list, and he was afraid to presume upon their friendship too much, but she didn't seem to mind too terribly.
"Now you're daring me openly to brew the world's worst cup of coffee. How tempting."
Merciless ribbing... ahh, back in the comfort zone.
Kem was fairly certain Pak was neither cold nor clammy... although it wasn't his inclination to discover the facts for himself. He'd leave that to Artemis. "Who'd have guessed vampires could be hypochondriacs?"
Of course, he wasn't above merciless ribbing. As they topped the slight hill leading away from the beach and turned down the road towards his home, he shook his head at Pak's disclaimer. "If you hadn't brought up the fact that phones exist to begin with, I'd be several steps back from where I am now." His expression now was sincere. "I mean it. I appreciate your coming. Even if you don't think you helped. Believe me; you did."
It was his hope that Pak understood the sentiment involved. Kem was used to handling things on his own, and it was rare that he really felt the need to take his problems to someone else for advice. And when he did feel the need for a second opinion there were very few people he felt comfortable enough with to speak openly to. Alfarinn, of course, was one, and naturally Aishe was another. He wasn't sure at what point he'd added Pak to the list, and he was afraid to presume upon their friendship too much, but she didn't seem to mind too terribly.
"Now you're daring me openly to brew the world's worst cup of coffee. How tempting."
Merciless ribbing... ahh, back in the comfort zone.
Pakpao
18 years ago
“I’m fairly certain I forgot to include you in my will or on my life insurance so you might want to rethink donating me to science.”
This type of conversation was so much easier to manage. Pak was certain they’d wind up with more serious topics later but the temporary reprieve was welcome.
They were making better time on pavement than on the sand as Pak could now see her T-Bird where she’d parked outside of Kem’s.
She still didn’t believe he hadn’t thought of the phone. Of course she took so many damned conference calls that there were days Pak reached for the phone before remembering she could send, so maybe they were even on that fluke.
“If I’ve helped at all you’re welcome. Any time you need me to remind you of modern technology or smack you up side the head let me know.”
She meant it too. Pak wouldn’t over advice to many people but well… Kem was different. She would fell bad if he didn’t ask her for help, however limited it might be, and just tried to tackle things on his own. Although if he continued to make threats like that she might revise her opinion.
“You mean you’d have to make an effort? From the rumors I’ve heard round the archives it seems to be a natural talent for you, possibly a permanent disability they aren’t quite sure.”
This type of conversation was so much easier to manage. Pak was certain they’d wind up with more serious topics later but the temporary reprieve was welcome.
They were making better time on pavement than on the sand as Pak could now see her T-Bird where she’d parked outside of Kem’s.
She still didn’t believe he hadn’t thought of the phone. Of course she took so many damned conference calls that there were days Pak reached for the phone before remembering she could send, so maybe they were even on that fluke.
“If I’ve helped at all you’re welcome. Any time you need me to remind you of modern technology or smack you up side the head let me know.”
She meant it too. Pak wouldn’t over advice to many people but well… Kem was different. She would fell bad if he didn’t ask her for help, however limited it might be, and just tried to tackle things on his own. Although if he continued to make threats like that she might revise her opinion.
“You mean you’d have to make an effort? From the rumors I’ve heard round the archives it seems to be a natural talent for you, possibly a permanent disability they aren’t quite sure.”
Kem`Raaisu
18 years ago
Kem was stopped in his tracks for a moment, feeling suddenly quite indignant. "They say that about my coffee?"
Spreading his hands helplessly he protested, "No one told me they'd replaced the coffeemaker in the lounge! I was used to the old one... and those bad filters. I had to... wait, why am I defending myself here?"
He poked a finger at Pak, walking toward his house again. "We were making coffee in Egypt long before you were alive! Long before any of the other archivists were alive too, I should add."
Kem pulled his face into a frown, jamming his hands into his pockets and kicking irritably at an imaginary rock as they walked up the short driveway, past their two cars, and up to the front door.
((ooc: Kem and Pak out to residences))
Spreading his hands helplessly he protested, "No one told me they'd replaced the coffeemaker in the lounge! I was used to the old one... and those bad filters. I had to... wait, why am I defending myself here?"
He poked a finger at Pak, walking toward his house again. "We were making coffee in Egypt long before you were alive! Long before any of the other archivists were alive too, I should add."
Kem pulled his face into a frown, jamming his hands into his pockets and kicking irritably at an imaginary rock as they walked up the short driveway, past their two cars, and up to the front door.
((ooc: Kem and Pak out to residences))
Pakpao
18 years ago
Often accused of doing odd things to the coffee in IT Pak was rather surprised at Kem’s indignation and snickered at him.
“Sure thing whatever you say.”
Waiting for Kem to open the door, she followed him in. It was now Pak’s turn to get indignant, at least she pretended too, as he brought her age into things. Standing just inside the door, she slipped off her shoes before taking off both coats and carrying them as far as the couch.
“Picking on me for being less than a millennium old hardly seems sporting. I’m sure we were doing things in Siam before you desert rats ever came up with the idea. But I wasn’t born then either.”
Hat, scarf and gloves joined the coats and Pak flexed her fingers a few times experimentally, making sure, they hadn’t been damaged by the cold. They were slightly numb but that would take care of itself.
Satisfied she was no longer at the mercy of the elements she followed Kem into the kitchen.
“So let’s see what you can do on your home turf. Impress me and I’ll make those archivist lives hell for telling lies about you.”
“Sure thing whatever you say.”
Waiting for Kem to open the door, she followed him in. It was now Pak’s turn to get indignant, at least she pretended too, as he brought her age into things. Standing just inside the door, she slipped off her shoes before taking off both coats and carrying them as far as the couch.
“Picking on me for being less than a millennium old hardly seems sporting. I’m sure we were doing things in Siam before you desert rats ever came up with the idea. But I wasn’t born then either.”
Hat, scarf and gloves joined the coats and Pak flexed her fingers a few times experimentally, making sure, they hadn’t been damaged by the cold. They were slightly numb but that would take care of itself.
Satisfied she was no longer at the mercy of the elements she followed Kem into the kitchen.
“So let’s see what you can do on your home turf. Impress me and I’ll make those archivist lives hell for telling lies about you.”