Ana nodded understandingly. "All of the three of us just got new homes, so it's certainly understandable that a little bit of away-time might be a bit too much right now."
Of course, Ana didn't fully understand... Maybe there was something that was a by-product of Fallon's... condition that hadn't been divulged yet? She wasn't sure, but she hoped Fallon would let her know.
"Besides, why plan much beyond tonight, and having fun and eating a great dinner?"
Friends...a good thing
It was an extraordinary night. The air was cool for summer, at least any summer's Fallon could remember, and yet it was obvious summer was still in full bloom, along with all the flowers native to Nachton. The air was still a bit humid and heady with all kinds of wonderful scents.
Since she'd come to realize her cat abilities were giving her added perks, Fallon had just accepted it and started enjoying them. It was that much more incredible when she and Cyrus would run in the forrest, and it also seemed to allow her change to happen more smoothly. That, or all the practice was paying off, as she never seemed to have any anxiety about it anymore.
She had also refrained from too much contact with Suki over the past week, thinking it would be easier on the three of them this way. Trying not to give the girl orders or instructions was more difficult than Fallon had thought it would be, only because Suki was just so helpful all the time. So distance was the only way she could see clear to try and break the cycle. Cyrus was Suki's master, and only master. For Fallon she could be a friend, and that was all.
In the grand scheme of things Fallon preferred it like that anyway. She had no desire to have the responsibility of anyone else. Outside of the responsiblity she felt for Cyrus, which was only a responsibility in so far as one lover would have for another. Being responsible for a familiar was too much like having a child. Not anything Fallon had the need for.
But Fallon did need to get together with Suki to start planning the party they'd be having when the new house was finished. Ever since Fallon had invited her few friends over to her little cottage for the get together, she'd wanted to have another celebration. She loved playing hostess, and visiting with her friends, and since Cyrus didn't seem to mind, the new house was just the excuse she could use.
And speaking of friends, and new houses, she was just as excited to be seeing Ana again, and thrilled she and Suki and Fallon could spend the evening together. Since Cyrus had to meet with his buyers, it worked out well for everyone.
Since Ana had only moved into the cottage a couple days earlier, Fallon wanted to make sure everything was still working well, and hoped to hear her friend was settled and enjoying her new home.
Finding it more difficult to be cooped up inside these days, Fallon chose the restaurant at the marina to meet at. She loved the smell of the ocean, and the seating at the outside patio was perfect. Once she parked the RAV and walked up to the hostess, she found she was the first to arrive. Leaving her name with the friendly woman, Fallon went to her table, and watched a few small boats sailing back and forth across the calm water, as she waited for the others to arrive.
Montana
17 years ago
Fallon
17 years ago
She was being unfair to her friends, but not maliciously. Fallon knew she would need to tell them about the changes she'd gone through, but it just wasn't something she could spout out over wine.
But Ana's reasoning wasn't why Fallon didn't want to go anywhere for a lengthy period of time.
"I don't know Ana...that's not really why I don't want to go far for an extended period of time. In the grand scheme of things I have very little to do with what's being done to ready the new house. However, right now Cyrus and I ARE still getting used to living together, and while I really don't want to be one of those lovers who hovers around her man until she drives him crazy, I also don't want to spend too much time away from him for a bit longer."
Looking at her wine glass, and twirling the thin stem between her fingers, Fallon doubted she was making much sense. Looking back at Ana and Suki, Fallon tried to explain better.
"I mean I know we're not married, or anything, but I have to be honest and tell you I feel like I'm on my honeymoon." She blushed and giggled and wondered how Cyrus would have reacted had he heard her say that. She hoped it wouldn't have scared him too bad.
Brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear, Fallon lowered her voice and leaned in towards the other two women, but looked from Suki first, and then to Ana,
"Suki may be a bit more familiar with this matter, I'm not sure, but in any case Ana, people like me and Cyrus often have certain abilities unique to ourselves. And recently I've found I can actually change my appearance rather dramatically."
It occurred to Fallon then, that she may have neglected to let Suki know that Ana was aware of Fallon's lifestyle. As such, she was also aware of Cyrus as well. She wondered if that might have been another reason Suki had reacted so strangely earlier. But rather make the conversation even that much more confusing by changing topics again, Fallon decided to play out the current topic first, and then hopefully be able to straighten anything else out.
But Ana's reasoning wasn't why Fallon didn't want to go anywhere for a lengthy period of time.
"I don't know Ana...that's not really why I don't want to go far for an extended period of time. In the grand scheme of things I have very little to do with what's being done to ready the new house. However, right now Cyrus and I ARE still getting used to living together, and while I really don't want to be one of those lovers who hovers around her man until she drives him crazy, I also don't want to spend too much time away from him for a bit longer."
Looking at her wine glass, and twirling the thin stem between her fingers, Fallon doubted she was making much sense. Looking back at Ana and Suki, Fallon tried to explain better.
"I mean I know we're not married, or anything, but I have to be honest and tell you I feel like I'm on my honeymoon." She blushed and giggled and wondered how Cyrus would have reacted had he heard her say that. She hoped it wouldn't have scared him too bad.
Brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear, Fallon lowered her voice and leaned in towards the other two women, but looked from Suki first, and then to Ana,
"Suki may be a bit more familiar with this matter, I'm not sure, but in any case Ana, people like me and Cyrus often have certain abilities unique to ourselves. And recently I've found I can actually change my appearance rather dramatically."
It occurred to Fallon then, that she may have neglected to let Suki know that Ana was aware of Fallon's lifestyle. As such, she was also aware of Cyrus as well. She wondered if that might have been another reason Suki had reacted so strangely earlier. But rather make the conversation even that much more confusing by changing topics again, Fallon decided to play out the current topic first, and then hopefully be able to straighten anything else out.
Suki Langston
17 years ago
Suki was pleased Fallon had not lept at the thought of a road trip without thinking it through. While she knew the vampire could probably defend herself during the evening, the day time would be more difficult. If they had a driver, Suki could spend her time protecting her master's greatest treasure without worrying about destination or conditions. Plus the larger cars were safer with their tinted windows and bullet proof glass.
Safety issues aside, she was not surprised to hear the Honeymoon comment. She wondered if vampires actually got married or just lived together. Less papertrail generated from the later and perhaps easier to reinvent yourself as needed. The blush and giggle had her thinking that perhaps Cyrus should at least make a commitment to his woman of some sort.
The conspiratorial nature of the whisper and leaning in had Suki's full attention. What surprising news. Looking around for people heading their way, and finding none, she whispered in the same low tone. "What, when and can we see soon?!"
Since she was only restricted from speaking too publicly about Cyrus' abilities that she knew of, nothing restrained her from being inquisitive. How sweet would it be if Fallon could shift into a pretty leopard too. It seemed very romantic if so, no wonder Fallon felt on her honeymoon. A happy sappy smile lit her face and she sighed dreamily.
Safety issues aside, she was not surprised to hear the Honeymoon comment. She wondered if vampires actually got married or just lived together. Less papertrail generated from the later and perhaps easier to reinvent yourself as needed. The blush and giggle had her thinking that perhaps Cyrus should at least make a commitment to his woman of some sort.
The conspiratorial nature of the whisper and leaning in had Suki's full attention. What surprising news. Looking around for people heading their way, and finding none, she whispered in the same low tone. "What, when and can we see soon?!"
Since she was only restricted from speaking too publicly about Cyrus' abilities that she knew of, nothing restrained her from being inquisitive. How sweet would it be if Fallon could shift into a pretty leopard too. It seemed very romantic if so, no wonder Fallon felt on her honeymoon. A happy sappy smile lit her face and she sighed dreamily.
Montana
17 years ago
Ana knew from classical and modern vampire fiction that vampires tended to have special abilities... But Fallon had never mentioned or displayed any. Furrowing her brow for a moment, she tried to remember some of the things she'd read or seen on TV...
She remembered Angel and Spike being supremely agile, jumping to high places, dodging swung weapons. Lestat could read minds and move nearly instantaneously from one place to another. Dracula, of course, could change into a bat... A light went off in Ana's mind as she tried to make the connection. Could Fallon turn into a bat?
When she decided to stop wondering about what might be shared, and looked over to Suki, the girl looked almost as if she were in a happy place. Unsure of whether to be scared or pleased for her, she resolved to try to get to know Suki better and perhaps to better understand her relationship with Fallon and Cyrus.
Reaching her hand out, she took Fallon's and gently squeezed. "I'm glad you're having such wonderful happiness, Fallon, you deserve it, and the smile I see you wearing suits you."
She remembered Angel and Spike being supremely agile, jumping to high places, dodging swung weapons. Lestat could read minds and move nearly instantaneously from one place to another. Dracula, of course, could change into a bat... A light went off in Ana's mind as she tried to make the connection. Could Fallon turn into a bat?
When she decided to stop wondering about what might be shared, and looked over to Suki, the girl looked almost as if she were in a happy place. Unsure of whether to be scared or pleased for her, she resolved to try to get to know Suki better and perhaps to better understand her relationship with Fallon and Cyrus.
Reaching her hand out, she took Fallon's and gently squeezed. "I'm glad you're having such wonderful happiness, Fallon, you deserve it, and the smile I see you wearing suits you."
Fallon
17 years ago
Feeling very special at the moment, as well as a bit giddy from her secret, Fallon managed to maintain her composure, and keep her voice low and quiet as she explained.
"I can turn into a bobcat!" Unable to think of a casual way to say it, or a clever way, Fallon just blurted it out in a rushed whisper.
Looking for skepticism in her friend's faces she really didn't expect to see it. Suki knew it was possible, and Ana believed and trusted her, so why would either doubt her? However, the words still sounded a bit freakish to even herself that she had to elaborate some.
"It was so strange...I'd been feeling odd for several days before it had happened, but I'd been through the whole clan initiation, and moving in with Cyrus...I chalked most of it up to that. But then it just happened, a little at first, but enough to let me know what I'd really been experiencing. And fortunately Cyrus was with me so he helped tremendously. It wasn't easy at first...I think my mind was having a little difficulty accepting it, but now..."
Knowing her ability was a gift, and not something she should really toy with, Fallon was a little apprehensive about trying the next thing, but she had been practicing and was almost certain she had control of it enough to do.
Putting a hand on Suki, and turning to hold Ana's, Fallon smiled as she looked into both their faces. Unless they refused to allow their minds to accept it, what they would now see was Fallon's eyes turn to those of a cat. Specifically a bobcat's eyes, which were more a blend of a human's and a cat's. Fallon had noticed it herself one early evening before making the change completely, as her normally brown eyes grew a bit lighter, and the pupil became more elliptical, rather than round.
She couldn't maintain the change for long without completing it, so she blinked a few times and allowed her eyes to go back to their normal shape. Biting her lip, and holding her breath, she waited for the two before her to react.
"I can turn into a bobcat!" Unable to think of a casual way to say it, or a clever way, Fallon just blurted it out in a rushed whisper.
Looking for skepticism in her friend's faces she really didn't expect to see it. Suki knew it was possible, and Ana believed and trusted her, so why would either doubt her? However, the words still sounded a bit freakish to even herself that she had to elaborate some.
"It was so strange...I'd been feeling odd for several days before it had happened, but I'd been through the whole clan initiation, and moving in with Cyrus...I chalked most of it up to that. But then it just happened, a little at first, but enough to let me know what I'd really been experiencing. And fortunately Cyrus was with me so he helped tremendously. It wasn't easy at first...I think my mind was having a little difficulty accepting it, but now..."
Knowing her ability was a gift, and not something she should really toy with, Fallon was a little apprehensive about trying the next thing, but she had been practicing and was almost certain she had control of it enough to do.
Putting a hand on Suki, and turning to hold Ana's, Fallon smiled as she looked into both their faces. Unless they refused to allow their minds to accept it, what they would now see was Fallon's eyes turn to those of a cat. Specifically a bobcat's eyes, which were more a blend of a human's and a cat's. Fallon had noticed it herself one early evening before making the change completely, as her normally brown eyes grew a bit lighter, and the pupil became more elliptical, rather than round.
She couldn't maintain the change for long without completing it, so she blinked a few times and allowed her eyes to go back to their normal shape. Biting her lip, and holding her breath, she waited for the two before her to react.
Suki Langston
17 years ago
The revelation was exciting, but struck Suki immediately as hillarious. Her impression of a bobcat equalled no tail. While Cyrus' leopard had an incredibly long tail. Various 'tail' comments ran through her brain, along with innies versus outies. Her hand clamped over her mouth covering the laughter her eyes danced with.
Fallon's brief display of changing helped calm down her humor a bit as well. Finaly recovered enough to speak clearly. "I am so glad that you are doing better with it and that Cyrus could help you adapt to this ability."
Catching a glimpse of someone making their way to their table, Suki immediately sobered, watching carefully. The watier left them with warm rolls, butter and herbed oil. Feeling comfortable they were not going to be disturbed again for a few minutes she smiled at Fallon.
"Guess the phrase 'Getting a little tail' gained a new dimension."
Fallon's brief display of changing helped calm down her humor a bit as well. Finaly recovered enough to speak clearly. "I am so glad that you are doing better with it and that Cyrus could help you adapt to this ability."
Catching a glimpse of someone making their way to their table, Suki immediately sobered, watching carefully. The watier left them with warm rolls, butter and herbed oil. Feeling comfortable they were not going to be disturbed again for a few minutes she smiled at Fallon.
"Guess the phrase 'Getting a little tail' gained a new dimension."
Montana
17 years ago
At first somewhat dubious about Fallon's claim of turning into a bobcat, Ana's eyes widened as her friend's own eyes changed to something definately not human.
Questions flooded her mind as Fallon's eyes reverted. Watching as her friend chewed on her lip, Ana stated as simply and softly as possible, "That is SO cool. You know I'll be interrogating you when we're alone, right?"
Winking at the teacher, she picked up her wine and started to take a sip just as Suki dropped her comment of 'getting a little tail.' Laughter bubbled up inside Ana and she moved her glass away from her mouth just in time to prevent her snort from blowing pinot all over herself. Pursing her lips tightly as she set down her glass, she quickly snatched up her napkin - dropping her utensils on the floor in the process - and did her best to hide furious giggles behind the cloth.
Questions flooded her mind as Fallon's eyes reverted. Watching as her friend chewed on her lip, Ana stated as simply and softly as possible, "That is SO cool. You know I'll be interrogating you when we're alone, right?"
Winking at the teacher, she picked up her wine and started to take a sip just as Suki dropped her comment of 'getting a little tail.' Laughter bubbled up inside Ana and she moved her glass away from her mouth just in time to prevent her snort from blowing pinot all over herself. Pursing her lips tightly as she set down her glass, she quickly snatched up her napkin - dropping her utensils on the floor in the process - and did her best to hide furious giggles behind the cloth.
Fallon
17 years ago
Had Fallon ever thought her new ability wouldn't be accepted by her friends, the next few minutes did everything to prove that idea completely false.
Suki's remark about 'getting a little tail' caught Fallon by surprise, as it seemed to with Ana as well, but whereas Ana snorted at the humor, Fallon mostly just gaped a bit and blushed.
All kinds of images of Cyrus and his long, pretty tail came to Fallon then, as well as another thought she'd only realized.
"Yes, who would have thought someone with my big caboose would wind up with such a cute little bob tail."
Bending over to help Ana retrieve her dinnerware, Fallon nodded and returned the wink before sitting up again.
"It's okay to ask me whatever you'd like to now, I'm still not at all sure how it happens, or why. The one thing that has kept me sane though, is Cyrus. And all things considered, I'm more than thankful if I was to have an ability, that this is the one I got. I wonder if he really did have something to do with it in a round about way? Maybe our closeness had an effect?"
Fallon shrugged, completely at a loss. But she did intend to seek out Mai, or another elder of Anantya, to see if they might be able to shed any light on the situation.
"But you can see why I'm just a little concerned with venturing too far for too long right now. When I can be totally secure in the ability, and no longer worry about being able to control the shifting, then I'll agree to maybe going off for a day or two...er...night or two."
Fallon really felt terrific, and her face radiated her joy. Not only did she had the most wonderful man in her life, but she also had three of the most wonderful friends she could ever hope for.
"Maybe after dinner I'll let you see the whole show?"
Again her voice dropped down to just above a whisper, and she took a piece of the warm bread, dipped it into the oil, and popped it into her mouth.
Suki's remark about 'getting a little tail' caught Fallon by surprise, as it seemed to with Ana as well, but whereas Ana snorted at the humor, Fallon mostly just gaped a bit and blushed.
All kinds of images of Cyrus and his long, pretty tail came to Fallon then, as well as another thought she'd only realized.
"Yes, who would have thought someone with my big caboose would wind up with such a cute little bob tail."
Bending over to help Ana retrieve her dinnerware, Fallon nodded and returned the wink before sitting up again.
"It's okay to ask me whatever you'd like to now, I'm still not at all sure how it happens, or why. The one thing that has kept me sane though, is Cyrus. And all things considered, I'm more than thankful if I was to have an ability, that this is the one I got. I wonder if he really did have something to do with it in a round about way? Maybe our closeness had an effect?"
Fallon shrugged, completely at a loss. But she did intend to seek out Mai, or another elder of Anantya, to see if they might be able to shed any light on the situation.
"But you can see why I'm just a little concerned with venturing too far for too long right now. When I can be totally secure in the ability, and no longer worry about being able to control the shifting, then I'll agree to maybe going off for a day or two...er...night or two."
Fallon really felt terrific, and her face radiated her joy. Not only did she had the most wonderful man in her life, but she also had three of the most wonderful friends she could ever hope for.
"Maybe after dinner I'll let you see the whole show?"
Again her voice dropped down to just above a whisper, and she took a piece of the warm bread, dipped it into the oil, and popped it into her mouth.
Suki Langston
17 years ago
Suki nodded thoughtfully at Fallon's comments while looking down at the oil. It made sense for a new vampire to wish to stay close to her mentor and lover, especially with all the new things she was experiencing. A perplexed frown crossed her face. Just what the hell did a seafood place put in their dipping oil? Old Bay seasoning?! Suki chose to butter her roll instead, not sure just what kind of combination the oil would have.
The roll was soon delicately shining with the tiny pat of butter she spread thinly over the two torn insides. Satisfied with the results she gently put her knife back into its proper position. Tearing the now reformed roll in half the oposite direction now, while looking up at Fallon, Suki spoke her mind quietly.
"You have to admit that for every thing that you are gratefull to Cyrus for, he is just as gratefull to you. You have made him more human." Since she was discussing his personality not his species the comment rolled from her lips easily. The comment held true even if it was a very bad pun. Glancing at Ana she inquired. "Have you gotten to meet Cyrus yet?"
The roll was soon delicately shining with the tiny pat of butter she spread thinly over the two torn insides. Satisfied with the results she gently put her knife back into its proper position. Tearing the now reformed roll in half the oposite direction now, while looking up at Fallon, Suki spoke her mind quietly.
"You have to admit that for every thing that you are gratefull to Cyrus for, he is just as gratefull to you. You have made him more human." Since she was discussing his personality not his species the comment rolled from her lips easily. The comment held true even if it was a very bad pun. Glancing at Ana she inquired. "Have you gotten to meet Cyrus yet?"
Montana
17 years ago
Caught up to respond to Suki's question, Ana dripped a bit of oil down her lip and onto her lap as she chewed quickly through the bread. "I have, just once though, at Fallon's housewarming party back in January. He seemed like a nice guy, and there was an obvious chemistry between the two of them. Of course that was before I found out what I did and I realized later how much Fallon needed him, and how much they meant to each other. I did also see them together at the Mayor's Ball, but didn't get to say hallo..."
Shrugging, she gnawed on the hard end of her bread for a moment. "Still, I'd like to spend more time getting to know him. He sounds like a very ..." Ana was at a loss for an adjective to describe Cyrus. "Widely experienced man."
Shrugging, she gnawed on the hard end of her bread for a moment. "Still, I'd like to spend more time getting to know him. He sounds like a very ..." Ana was at a loss for an adjective to describe Cyrus. "Widely experienced man."
Fallon
17 years ago
Fallon swelled with pride talking about Cyrus, because she truly did believe him to be of the most special people, and one who had accomplished more than she could imagine in his long life.
But she could never get used to feeling like she had done much for him, no matter how often he referred to it, or even hearing it from Suki now.
"Well, I still think of him...of us...as human." That thought did give Fallon pause though. "Aren't we?" And casting an inquisitive look back to Suki, Fallon wondered just how her friend saw her. And then she realized that Suki had probably been referring to Cyrus as a man, and not as a vampire, smiled, and waved off her question.
"Cyrus is very human." And thinking to certain intimacies the two of them shared, Fallon blushed.
Listening to Ana remember meeting Cyrus, briefly brought back another memory for Fallon...one that had started out less than happy, but that had ended up with her and Ana becoming even closer.
"Ah yes, the night of the party was an interesting one..." Fallon winked at Ana, remembering. It was the night Ana had saved Fallon's life, and Fallon had seen what a true and loving friend she had in the younger woman.
"And that is exactly why you need to come to our next party! So you and Cyrus can get better acquainted, and so Suki can meet all our other friends too. I do hope I hear from Aishe soon too, because she has to come as well."
Her look went to Suki again. "Do you know Aishe? I mean, knowing you I won't be surprised to hear you do..." Fallon chuckled, again in awe of Suki's huge network.
But she could never get used to feeling like she had done much for him, no matter how often he referred to it, or even hearing it from Suki now.
"Well, I still think of him...of us...as human." That thought did give Fallon pause though. "Aren't we?" And casting an inquisitive look back to Suki, Fallon wondered just how her friend saw her. And then she realized that Suki had probably been referring to Cyrus as a man, and not as a vampire, smiled, and waved off her question.
"Cyrus is very human." And thinking to certain intimacies the two of them shared, Fallon blushed.
Listening to Ana remember meeting Cyrus, briefly brought back another memory for Fallon...one that had started out less than happy, but that had ended up with her and Ana becoming even closer.
"Ah yes, the night of the party was an interesting one..." Fallon winked at Ana, remembering. It was the night Ana had saved Fallon's life, and Fallon had seen what a true and loving friend she had in the younger woman.
"And that is exactly why you need to come to our next party! So you and Cyrus can get better acquainted, and so Suki can meet all our other friends too. I do hope I hear from Aishe soon too, because she has to come as well."
Her look went to Suki again. "Do you know Aishe? I mean, knowing you I won't be surprised to hear you do..." Fallon chuckled, again in awe of Suki's huge network.
Suki Langston
17 years ago
"I think before he met you, he was much more of a, well, predator. He knew what he needed and cared little for anything else. You are both very human. No worries there!"
Suki had to smile. Personality wise was almost spot on for Cyrus' nature itself. If Ana had met him at Fallon's then he was probably as charming and tame as he ever got. Nibbling on her roll she decided that was a good thing, so Ana would not be scared of coming over to visit Fallon at their home.
At the mention of the unusual name, the familiar thought hard for a moment. Since she normally had perfect recall of names and faces then she must either have not met the woman or never got her name. "The name is not familiar unfortunately. But I am sure you can invite her over for the housewarming party in a month."
Suki had to smile. Personality wise was almost spot on for Cyrus' nature itself. If Ana had met him at Fallon's then he was probably as charming and tame as he ever got. Nibbling on her roll she decided that was a good thing, so Ana would not be scared of coming over to visit Fallon at their home.
At the mention of the unusual name, the familiar thought hard for a moment. Since she normally had perfect recall of names and faces then she must either have not met the woman or never got her name. "The name is not familiar unfortunately. But I am sure you can invite her over for the housewarming party in a month."
Fallon
17 years ago
It was odd for Fallon to think of Cyrus as anyway other than he was now. But thinking back she did recall it took him a while to look at her as anything other than some poor broken winged bird. And she did know him to be someone to deal with things in a very succinct style, not beating around the bush but rather carefully, and methodically taking care of whatever needed taking care of. She smiled. She always smiled when she thought of him.
As the topic of conversation moved to Aishe, Fallon looked at Suki a little funny. She knew darn well her friend was just making a comment, and didn't mean anything by it. Maybe if Fallon herself hadn't been paying close attention to the way she spoke to Suki, for fear of saying something in the wrong way, she wouldn't have even picked up on it.
"You're sure I can invite her over?" Fallon giggled, then winked and patted Suki's hand. "Thanks mom!"
Her voice was completely devoid of irritation, and full of teasing. Fallon had no territorial issues, nor jealousies felt towards Suki, and knew the girl would probably be mortified to have Cyrus or Fallon thinking anything she said had been taken as presumptuous. But it had struck Fallon funny, and she just had to respond. She winked at Ana as well, making sure her other friend knew it was all just teasingly good fun.
As the topic of conversation moved to Aishe, Fallon looked at Suki a little funny. She knew darn well her friend was just making a comment, and didn't mean anything by it. Maybe if Fallon herself hadn't been paying close attention to the way she spoke to Suki, for fear of saying something in the wrong way, she wouldn't have even picked up on it.
"You're sure I can invite her over?" Fallon giggled, then winked and patted Suki's hand. "Thanks mom!"
Her voice was completely devoid of irritation, and full of teasing. Fallon had no territorial issues, nor jealousies felt towards Suki, and knew the girl would probably be mortified to have Cyrus or Fallon thinking anything she said had been taken as presumptuous. But it had struck Fallon funny, and she just had to respond. She winked at Ana as well, making sure her other friend knew it was all just teasingly good fun.
Suki Langston
17 years ago
The humor Fallon displayed was the only reason Suki did not burst into scared tears again. As it was she covered her mouth with both hands, wishing she could disappear.
"I am so sorry Fallon. I don't know why I say such presumptuious things!"
Her week with Cyrus had helped her see that he made the decisions. Since he was not here she had slipped into that role. Maybe it was because when she had first met Fallon, the woman had not been as sure of herself and what she wanted. Now that Fallon was much more self assured, Suki really needed to learn to back off. Not only that, but out of respect for her being Cyrus' woman.
Just as she thought of banging her forehead against the table to hammer that thought home, their watier brought plates out. Fallon and Suki were served first and then Ana's plate was brought out seperately. The aromas wafting around the table were heavenly. Sitting quietly with her hands in her lap the young familiar hoped Fallon would forgive her.
"I am so sorry Fallon. I don't know why I say such presumptuious things!"
Her week with Cyrus had helped her see that he made the decisions. Since he was not here she had slipped into that role. Maybe it was because when she had first met Fallon, the woman had not been as sure of herself and what she wanted. Now that Fallon was much more self assured, Suki really needed to learn to back off. Not only that, but out of respect for her being Cyrus' woman.
Just as she thought of banging her forehead against the table to hammer that thought home, their watier brought plates out. Fallon and Suki were served first and then Ana's plate was brought out seperately. The aromas wafting around the table were heavenly. Sitting quietly with her hands in her lap the young familiar hoped Fallon would forgive her.
Fallon
17 years ago
Fallon shook her head emphatically, seeing Suki react in just the way Fallon had been trying to avoid.
"No no no no...Suki...I'm teasing! It's okay, really. Shoot, I could only wish my own mother would have taken even the slightest bit of interest in my life to have made such a remark." Hoping that by turning the attention off Suki, it might help, Fallon tried. If she had thought Suki's intentions had been anything less than friendly helpfulness, Fallon might not have been concerned. But she felt she knew Suki at least that well.
"You are part of our family Suki...please don't ever be afraid of saying ANYTHING to me. If you are, and start couching everything you say, I'll feel the need to as well, and I don't think either of us want that hassle." Fallon was still smiling, and hoping to get this tension resolved between them once and for all. There would always be some level of distance between them, for Cyrus' sake, but there had to be a way the two of them could co-exist as friends. There was no other possibility in Fallon's mind. As it was, Fallon had to be concerned about how she spoke to Suki, enough for the two of them. She didn't want Suki worrying about anything more than she already had to.
As if on cue, the food arrived, and Fallon asked for another bottle of wine.
"Okay...what say for the rest of the evening we forget about everything but having fun! And Ana...as far as that goes, I think your new attire might be drawing certain favorable attentions your way." Fallon winked and nodded towards a very attractive young man sitting at the bar nearby.
"I swear I don't think I've seen him take his eyes off you ever since you walked in."
The man looked to be in his early twenties, dressed nicely in a nice taupe colored suit, over a pale coral colored t-shirt - casual but still dressy enough for the restaurant.
"No no no no...Suki...I'm teasing! It's okay, really. Shoot, I could only wish my own mother would have taken even the slightest bit of interest in my life to have made such a remark." Hoping that by turning the attention off Suki, it might help, Fallon tried. If she had thought Suki's intentions had been anything less than friendly helpfulness, Fallon might not have been concerned. But she felt she knew Suki at least that well.
"You are part of our family Suki...please don't ever be afraid of saying ANYTHING to me. If you are, and start couching everything you say, I'll feel the need to as well, and I don't think either of us want that hassle." Fallon was still smiling, and hoping to get this tension resolved between them once and for all. There would always be some level of distance between them, for Cyrus' sake, but there had to be a way the two of them could co-exist as friends. There was no other possibility in Fallon's mind. As it was, Fallon had to be concerned about how she spoke to Suki, enough for the two of them. She didn't want Suki worrying about anything more than she already had to.
As if on cue, the food arrived, and Fallon asked for another bottle of wine.
"Okay...what say for the rest of the evening we forget about everything but having fun! And Ana...as far as that goes, I think your new attire might be drawing certain favorable attentions your way." Fallon winked and nodded towards a very attractive young man sitting at the bar nearby.
"I swear I don't think I've seen him take his eyes off you ever since you walked in."
The man looked to be in his early twenties, dressed nicely in a nice taupe colored suit, over a pale coral colored t-shirt - casual but still dressy enough for the restaurant.
Montana
17 years ago
Ana had to suppress an uprising of mirth as Fallon whipped out her crack about thanking Suki as her 'mom'. She was a bit puzzled by the mention Fallon had made about her friend's mother being not-so-large a presence in her life; she couldn't remember the teacher ever mentioning such. She sipped continually at her wine, small, controlled drips, just enough for the taste and the cooling wisp against her throat.
She focused her eyes on Fallon as she realized the conversation had turned back towards her. Furrowed brow itching gently, she pushed her glasses back up her nose and scratched the offending spot before replying, "Oh, has he not? I hope they aren't short-circuited open... I'm sure his date wouldn't be too happy if I were the cause of his eyes malfunctioning." A tall, slim blonde man in a viridian-shaded business suit sat next to the taupe-suited young man and leaned across to give him a kiss on the cheek. Turning her head slightly, Ana realized her back was directly towards the front door and the man had actually been looking over her head waiting for his date. She took a breath and held it for a moment then let it out silently. She reached to pat Fallon's hand. "Thanks for the attempted pick-me-up, Fallon." She smiled gratefully.
"I don't know about you ladies, but I could eat all of your meals if you don't start, too!" With a mischievous grin, Ana picked up her napkin and, after laying it on her lap, took up her fork with a purpose.
She focused her eyes on Fallon as she realized the conversation had turned back towards her. Furrowed brow itching gently, she pushed her glasses back up her nose and scratched the offending spot before replying, "Oh, has he not? I hope they aren't short-circuited open... I'm sure his date wouldn't be too happy if I were the cause of his eyes malfunctioning." A tall, slim blonde man in a viridian-shaded business suit sat next to the taupe-suited young man and leaned across to give him a kiss on the cheek. Turning her head slightly, Ana realized her back was directly towards the front door and the man had actually been looking over her head waiting for his date. She took a breath and held it for a moment then let it out silently. She reached to pat Fallon's hand. "Thanks for the attempted pick-me-up, Fallon." She smiled gratefully.
"I don't know about you ladies, but I could eat all of your meals if you don't start, too!" With a mischievous grin, Ana picked up her napkin and, after laying it on her lap, took up her fork with a purpose.
Suki Langston
17 years ago
Gratefully giving Fallon's hand a quick squeeze with her own she settled back down. The food in front of her smelled heavenly. In all their fuss she had forgotten what she had ordered, but not that Ana was allergic to shellfish. Turning her plate so the veggies formed a small barrier reef between the other woman and the lobster. She would be very carefull eating so none could fling itself towards Ana's plate.
At the comment regarding the man in the brownish-gray suit, Suki giggled. "He may have been waiting for his date but that did not stop him from checking you out once or twice Ana."
As she was sitting oposite of Ana, she had been able to observe, when not freaked, out the gentleman in question. Which he did not appear to be a gentleman at all, since he scoped out every woman walking in or sitting. Actually he reminded Suki a bit of Cyrus, that predator on the hunt look specifically. Pursing her lips together she spoke quietly to the ladies. "I dont think he is the sort of person any of us should speak to, let alone try to get to know better."
Shaking her head in emphasis before turning her attention to the meal in front of her she wondered if Nachton was simply full of Vampires or if she just happened to see them everywhere now that she knew of their existance.
At the comment regarding the man in the brownish-gray suit, Suki giggled. "He may have been waiting for his date but that did not stop him from checking you out once or twice Ana."
As she was sitting oposite of Ana, she had been able to observe, when not freaked, out the gentleman in question. Which he did not appear to be a gentleman at all, since he scoped out every woman walking in or sitting. Actually he reminded Suki a bit of Cyrus, that predator on the hunt look specifically. Pursing her lips together she spoke quietly to the ladies. "I dont think he is the sort of person any of us should speak to, let alone try to get to know better."
Shaking her head in emphasis before turning her attention to the meal in front of her she wondered if Nachton was simply full of Vampires or if she just happened to see them everywhere now that she knew of their existance.
Fallon
17 years ago
"Isn't it funny how the three of us can look at the same person and perceive such different things?"
And Fallon was really fascinated by that exact thing. Here she had seen a man who she really thought had an interested eye on Ana, yet Ana had seen right through that, almost immediately, and now Suki had a much different perspective.
"But considering how different the three of us are, I guess it's really not all that surprising."
Pausing to eat a couple bites, Fallon returned to the topic of the party again.
"So, okay...I thought I could put this off for now, but I really do have a couple other things about this party that I need you guys to help me with, if you can...and Suki...I'm only asking for friendly suggestions...I'm not pressing you to go out and do anything, okay?" Grinning and winking, she needed Suki to remember the difference.
"Do you think we ought to have a theme? Or should we just keep it casual? And what about foods? And who should I invite? And why was my first party so much easier to plan?" Fallon laughed. She knew that one reason this party was so much more important, was that this one was being planned with Cyrus in mind. Before, if her party was a failure, it only reflected on her...now she had Cyrus to consider as well.
And Fallon was really fascinated by that exact thing. Here she had seen a man who she really thought had an interested eye on Ana, yet Ana had seen right through that, almost immediately, and now Suki had a much different perspective.
"But considering how different the three of us are, I guess it's really not all that surprising."
Pausing to eat a couple bites, Fallon returned to the topic of the party again.
"So, okay...I thought I could put this off for now, but I really do have a couple other things about this party that I need you guys to help me with, if you can...and Suki...I'm only asking for friendly suggestions...I'm not pressing you to go out and do anything, okay?" Grinning and winking, she needed Suki to remember the difference.
"Do you think we ought to have a theme? Or should we just keep it casual? And what about foods? And who should I invite? And why was my first party so much easier to plan?" Fallon laughed. She knew that one reason this party was so much more important, was that this one was being planned with Cyrus in mind. Before, if her party was a failure, it only reflected on her...now she had Cyrus to consider as well.
Montana
17 years ago
Looking up from a fork-full of her steamed baby carrot, Ana cracked a smile and snorted to herself. Setting the laden fork down, she looked from Suki to Fallon. "You'll please forgive the cliche and the obviousness of this suggestion, but perhaps a jungle theme?" She started snickering to herself, then dropped her head to try to keep a bit quiet. Her shoulders started quaking, though, and little bits of giggled squeaks started to be heard. Shaking her head, still pointed down, Ana reached blindly for her napkin in her lap and gently dabbed at her cheek. With a heaved sigh, she started to look up and opened her eyes. As soon as she caught sight of Fallon, laughter bubbled up in her again and she covered her mouth as quickly as she could.
Suki Langston
17 years ago
Suki had no doubts about their different views on things. Fallon liked to see the good in people, Ana was possibly unaware of some signs but showed her practical side quite well. For herself, she knew what was out there and knew that Fallon was Cyrus' greatest treasure so she kept alert to possible danger. It colored her view slightly of people and made her not quite so open as she normally was. Smiling at the thought of her feeble ability to defend a vampire who could change into a bobcat.
Now the party was something she was dying to help with. Themes sounded interesting but she thought for the first party one thing might be best. That was of course before Ana suggested a jungle theme. Very carefully she put her fork down and covered her mouth with her napkin. Concentrating on chewing and swallowing in a very serious manner got her through the need to laugh. When her mouth was empty a restrained snort proceeded several shoulder shaking giggled before she cleared her throat to try to stop.
"Jungle may be a bit over the top." Dabbing at her mouth as another giggle escaped, she tried to move beyond the funny.
"For the very first party in that amazing house how about a formal party? Catered with cute waiters in snappy uniforms and black ties an fancy dresses. A string quartet could be out on the lanai. It could be full on elegant!"
Taking a bite of her lobster, she savored its rich flavor before waving her hand at Fallon's concerns. "As to invitation list I can help you there, oh and I have one of those snazzy PDA things with a huge contact list in it as well just for you. Organization and information at your fingertips."
Breifly tapping her finger to her chin she thought about why this party was so much more that the last one. Not that Suki had gone to the last one but from what she had gathered it was a small informal event at Fallon's old home. "I would think this one would be stressfull due to moving into the new house, showing off the house and trying to keep Cyrus proud and happy."
Now the party was something she was dying to help with. Themes sounded interesting but she thought for the first party one thing might be best. That was of course before Ana suggested a jungle theme. Very carefully she put her fork down and covered her mouth with her napkin. Concentrating on chewing and swallowing in a very serious manner got her through the need to laugh. When her mouth was empty a restrained snort proceeded several shoulder shaking giggled before she cleared her throat to try to stop.
"Jungle may be a bit over the top." Dabbing at her mouth as another giggle escaped, she tried to move beyond the funny.
"For the very first party in that amazing house how about a formal party? Catered with cute waiters in snappy uniforms and black ties an fancy dresses. A string quartet could be out on the lanai. It could be full on elegant!"
Taking a bite of her lobster, she savored its rich flavor before waving her hand at Fallon's concerns. "As to invitation list I can help you there, oh and I have one of those snazzy PDA things with a huge contact list in it as well just for you. Organization and information at your fingertips."
Breifly tapping her finger to her chin she thought about why this party was so much more that the last one. Not that Suki had gone to the last one but from what she had gathered it was a small informal event at Fallon's old home. "I would think this one would be stressfull due to moving into the new house, showing off the house and trying to keep Cyrus proud and happy."