S'agapo...ti amo...always

"Reign? Before you say anything, please let me speak. I know I've thrown a lot at you lately, and I wouldn't be surprised if it takes time for you to come to any kind of terms with it, but I'd really like to see you again. I promise there won't be any changing, or further things to shock you...just a nice evening out?"

He called the next day, just as he had promised last night, before he had run off into the night. Reign had reacted well to what she had gone through, but he was afraid if he left her alone too long, she might begin to think about things, and that could result in her turning him down for anything more. He couldn't let that happen, so he was following up now, and didn't plan on accepting anything less than a positive answer.

"There is a sculpture exhibit at the museum...Myron, Phidias, Praxiteles...Bernini, and even a da Vinci...do you remember our visit to Roma, and Greece?" It had been one of the happiest times in Bastian's life, that cruise, and specifically when he and Reign had toured Italy, and Greece, and admired the ancient sculptures.

"I have no idea how the curator got them, but I was very impressed to hear the list. It opens Saturday, and I thought afterwards we might get something to eat, then maybe look into the nightlife?"

Bastian had checked around and found several things they could do, and he was ready to offer them all up as options, but the museum and dinner he figured would be a pretty safe bet. What they did afterwards would remain to be seen.

"What do you say? Do you think you might enjoy that?"

Bastian 17 years ago
Hearing her words, Bastian stepped back, and put his arm around her again. Inwardly he chuckled to himself, having been unaware that he had let go of her to begin with.

"I can't say I'm familiar with ferrets, but I would have to imagine with the cost of ermine coats, they must be somewhat softer...otherwise I can't think why someone would choose one over the other."

Catching the sight of Reign from the corner of his eye, Bastian wondered what she would look like draped in ermine. But it was a fleeting idea, as he doubted she would be all that interested in wearing fur.

"I agree with you there too. Seeing the original is much like watching a play, or listening to a concert live, to me as well. I don't think you can pick up the emotion unless you are 'with' the piece completely."

This time Bastian laughed aloud, and the sound rang through the mostly empty hall. He was really not one for expounding on the profound, and when he let himself go like that, it always shocked him. He had such thoughts, that wasn't the point, he just rarely said them aloud, having learned years ago that no one really cared.

In Reign's presence he again had forgotten to keep up his guard though, and was letting himself just speak what came to mind, and heart.

Kissing the top of her head, he started them towards the next piece.


"Ah, Cara..."

'Madonna Litta' was the next piece, and Bastian was taken aback by the look of love on the mother's face, as her child suckled at her breast. Though something Bastian had never truly experienced from his own mother, over the past several years he had learned that such love really did exist. His friend Sabine, though not that much older than he, he equated with something akin to motherly love, and of course he had always had his grandmother's love as well. Though his nonna had been dead now for over twenty years.

Once upon a time Bastian had thought to see such a look on Reign's face, as she gazed upon their own child. She had constantly refuted such ideas, but Bastian knew she had the love inside her to share, and believed it was just a matter of time and maturation before she acknowledged it as well. Of course now...well, those thoughts were low on the list of priorities.
Reign 17 years ago
Reign contentedly, and hopefully subtly, snuggled up against Bastian, more than slightly pleased he’d returned to her side.

She laughed softly at his imminently practical comment.


“I don’t know I’m sure weasel coats are all the rage some where and you never know where there’s a hot black market in ferret pelts. We would be missing a major investment opportunity you know.”

Just preparing to argue with him, more for the sake of arguing than anything, else Reign was caught with her mouth open as he laughed. That wasn’t expected and she’d forgotten how much she liked the sound. It always sounded warm and reassuring. Well some times, it sounded considerably more seductive but it was always an excellent sound.

She was very tempted to tip her head up and tempt him to kiss her properly, or just plan kiss him but for some reason held back, at least for now. She wanted to wait just a bit more, and for a less public place.

The painting in front of them was truly classic. The Madonna would a recurring theme through out art. And while not one of her favorite themes, it always seemed to hold some appeal regardless of artist.

Bastian, however, seemed to have drifted off mid thought.


“Yes Lupo?”
Bastian 17 years ago
Jealousies forgotten, Bastian felt better tonight than he had in years, and it showed. He even noticed how surprised Reign seemed to be, seeing him so carefree, as she stood with her mouth slightly ajar. Using the tip of his finger beneath her chin he tapped her jaw closed. He would have loved kissing her just then, it seemed the perfect opportunity, but he didn't, and instead moved the two of them on down the wall of paintings. While both of them could be as passionate as anyone, they both appreciated privacy and arms around each other was about as demonstrative as they got in public...occasional lapses in concerns aside.

He also moved them along rather than address her question. Now was not a time for serious talk, and talk of family and children was too easy to turn sober.

Fortunately for the moment the artworks were enough to distract, or so he hoped as he looked upon one of Da Vinci's sketches that had always reminded him of Reign, mostly when she was just waking up in his arms.


"I don't think I ever told you, but when I see Leonardo's women, such as this one...the 'Head of a Young Woman', I'm reminded of how you look when you wake up..." He skipped the rest of the sentence. Keeping things on a less seductive road was a little tough, but what he considered best for the time being.

"I think it's their mouths, and jawlines, and chins..." Da Vinci's noses tended to run along the the more Roman lines, and Reign's took a more Nordic turn, but he could still see similarities.

Next to the sketch were two more of Da Vinci's women, 'Testa di Giovinetta', and 'La Scapigliata'. Reaching forward, Bastian's index finger traced the air above where the lips were on each painting. He didn't see Leonardo's works then though, but the perky lips of the lady next to him.

Shaking the newly returned romance from his thoughts, Bastian looked at the woman beside him and watched her face as she gazed at the pictures.
Reign 17 years ago
She rolled here eyes at him, teasing as he closed her mouth. It wasn’t her fault he’d surprised her.

At his comment about Da Vinci’s women Reign blushed, not a lot but enough that was noticeable. Very few people had that effect on her. She’d been propositioned in more ways than one in the pool halls and bars that she frequented and quite often it was less than subtle but Bastian could say something simple like that and she went pink. Why the hell was that?

Shaking off the sudden rush of emotion she found her usual persona.


“You mean when I’m stumbling around surly from lack of coffee and haven’t bothered to comb my hair and its flying all over the place? Some how I’m not sure even Da Vinci could find beauty in that and if he could I’d probably bite his head off.”

Through with her posturing and sarcasm she found herself watching Bastian rather than looking at the paintings.

Why in hell’s name had he come back? Hell Reign hadn’t ever been able to figure out why he’d fallen for her in the first place, when they had first met, she had thought she was perfectly replaceable, possibly upgradeable. She hadn’t understood the attraction she’d had for him.

It was easier now to accept he was still interested but why he’d waited, why he hadn’t moved on was a bit of a mystery. Wouldn’t it be better to find a nice wolf woman?

Letting that go she fixed a cocky little smirk on her face and teased him.


“I think we should start a pool on when the guard comes to yell at you and whether or not he tells you off or asks you to leave.”
Bastian 17 years ago
Though he wasn't touching the paintings, he was getting pretty close, and didn't need a guard coming down on him. Talk about a mood killer that would be. So he stepped back and dropped his hand.

The pink in Reign's cheeks had nearly melted him, so he had done the first thing he could think of to avoid becoming a complete goofball, and studied the artwork. How she could continue to believe she wasn't beautiful would never cease to amaze him. And Bastian wasn't seeing her through besotted eyes either. Even after all these years she had a beauty that he knew would remain with her for the rest of her life. She had an inner goodness that exuded through all the bluster she tried to hide behind, and he was certain made her appear pretty in the eyes of anyone who truly looked at her.

That he had once convinced her to give him a chance had been monumental. That he had another chance, and she seemed obliging yet again, he refused to consider anything less than fate.

Grabbing her hand, Bastian tugged her around a corner, and behind a statue, where he could have a minute or two of privacy, before anyone caught sight of them.


"No, I meant when you were still half asleep, and lying in bed...in my arms...your cheeks pink from sleep, like they look now, and your hair curling gently around your face...your eyes closed, and your lips barely parted...your sweet breath escaping in soft puffs..."

His eyes had been on hers, but as he outlined her position in bed they traveled down her face, and wound up on her lips. He claimed them then, as he had hundreds of times before, and poured every ounce of his love for her inside them.

Trying not to get lost in the moment, he stopped kissing her after several long seconds, and hugged her to him, afraid to say anything.

'Madre dios', he thought...there could only be one way this night could turn out.
Reign 17 years ago
Not really sure what he was up to Reign let him pull her about. She always had and apparently that wasn’t about to change. Probably because when he’d pulled her around in the past it had always ultimately been a good thing

Between the two of them he had always been the romantic and he was again causing her to blush. But more than that she wanted to tackle him, wanted to know for sure that he still loved her; granted Reign wasn’t sure if she still loved him but…

It was so easy to get lost in the kiss. So very easy. Her arms wound around his neck and pulled him to her, giving every bit as much as she got. Damned being in public.

She didn’t want it to end, but it was a good thing one of them was keeping their head.


“I guess Da Vinci was a romantic too.”
Bastian 17 years ago
It was just too right. Everything. She didn't fight him at all, but returned the kiss as if she wanted to be there, with him, more than anything else. Consequently, Bastian was visibly shaken as he stood there holding her, and held her so close that she couldn't see the look of wonder on his face.

"He was Italian, Cara...of course he was a romantic." Bastian half whispered, half chuckled his comeback, and found the ability to recover his wits doing so.

Rubbing her back, he then parted from her, but kept his hands on her hips, and looked directly into her gaze. Opening his mouth he nearly told her he loved her, yet before the words came out he stopped himself. Afraid his declaration might lead to a discussion on his leaving, regretfully he instead just smiled, and turned to resume their walk.

When he saw where they were in the museum, he realized the Da Vinci exhibit was behind them, and they were now looking at the pieces of artwork always housed there.


"I guess that's it for Leo. Did you want to see the rest of the museum, or would you like to go to dinner now?"

His own preference included a strong drink, and a chair...or several strong drinks, anyway. He needed something to calm the jumping in his stomach, as well as the slight shakiness in his hands. And his mouth couldn't be any drier had he just swallowed sand.
Reign 17 years ago
Damned, damned, damned. That was not supposed to happen just that way. But she’d wanted it to! And it had been a good thing… a very good thing.

Reign was more than slightly confused these days. She wanted to be pissed at him for leaving, for not telling her why, for not letting her help. But she was sympathetic and understanding of why he’d made that decision, crappy as it was. She wanted to let him back into her life but was afraid of getting hurt again.

And then there was Will…

Oh hell this was not as easy as she wanted it to be.


“You Italians… everything with a passion.”

Even her ex was like that… oh they’d had some wonderful knock down drag out fights and other things as well. Of course it had been the same with Bastian. Funny how the two of them could be so alike and so different.

“I’m impressed they got as many Da Vinci pieces as they did.”

But it still left her wanting more. Or it would have if she could think straight right now, which she couldn’t. This also meant the typically very decisive Reign couldn’t make a decision right now.

“Your call Lupo.”
Bastian 17 years ago
They probably hadn't been at the museum for much more than an hour, but that still put their dinner reservations close enough. If they happened to finish dining early, he knew the perfect way to continue the evening.

Sensing a small bit of discomfort in Reign, undoubtedly due to his minor assault, Bastian chose to leave the museum. The time in the car would give them the chance to cool down a little...or for him anyway.


"Dinner it is. We can revisit another time if you want to see what else they have to available." He hoped that hadn't sounded terribly 'magnanimous' of him. She was free to see whatever was there whenever she wanted, and with whomever she wanted. He just chose not to think about that now.

Steering her through a short maze of hallways, stopping for a few seconds here and there to admire something that caught their eyes, they were soon back at the car, and after helping her up into the passenger seat, he quickly ran around to his side to jump in. The snow was falling lightly, and it was colder now than when they had first gone inside, so he became instantly more careful on the road. Growing up in Italy, then spending a lot of time in the islands, and New Orleans, Bastian's experiences with snow were limited to a few business, and ski trips. As it was, they didn't really have far to go to the Piazza.

He had decided on the Piazza because the food was good, and because it was close to the few clubs he was familiar with. Not to mention, the restaurant happened to be on the side of town he had to go through to get to his house. Lastly, the few times he'd been there it hadn't been terribly crowded, and he wanted someplace cozier for the two of them.

Pointing out a few places he'd been to since arriving in Nachton, discussing the weather a bit, and several appreciative looks at her, were what seemed to fill the time on the drive. When they reached the valet at the restaurant, Bastian joined Reign on her side of the car, and escorted her in, stopping only long enough for the host to walk them to their table. Once seated the maitre'd took their drink orders, and left, promising to bring menus with him on his return.


"I nearly forgot...the pups arrived." And as excited as he'd been to tell her, he was surprised to have forgotten.

"I'm really going to need your help in naming them though. I've tried out a few, and none of them seem fitting."

If he had any control over the evening at all, she would be seeing them later. The little ones really did need names, after all.
Reign 17 years ago
Thankfully most of the conversation had been light, there was far too much to sort out for her to try and focus on more than one thing. The only conclusion that Reign could reach was that by the end of the evening it was very likely she’d have decided whether or not to peruse a relationship with Bastian again. God help her though, she didn’t have a good answer just yet.

As they drove and talked, and she thought, she watched the snow. If it got much worse she’d offer to drive. He never had quite picked up that particular skill, but then again never had much time to practice.

The Piazza seemed a little grand to her and she told him so in no uncertain terms, but she had to admit it was a very nice place and a very nice change. Besides she was dressed up for once and it wouldn’t do to go to Burger King. Letting the maitre'd do his job and get them settled, and ordering something a bit stronger than she usually would Reign happily latched on to this new topic. It was a nice safe topic.


“I’ll bet they’re adorable. How many are there?”

The drinks and menus came and the server left all very unobtrusively and Reign took a quick sip of her drink.

“I would have thought the owner would want to name them though.”
Bastian 17 years ago
He didn't really blow off her comments on the Piazza, but he didn't let them change his decision either. Some things about Reign were destined to never change, and her aversion to money, and fancy things was apparently some of those things. But Bastian had come to terms with that a long time ago, and he grinned to think it was nice to have a little consistency in his life.[

"Just two, a male and a female, and yes, they are amusing, to say the least. The male is larger of the two, but I don't think he understands that yet. The little girl seems to be the boss of that duo...for now anyway."

Without making a conscious decision to do so, Bastian downed his scotch in two gulps, and set the still ice filled glass down before him. Only then did he recognize what he'd done, and a slightly sheepish look crossed his face. He would probably never admit it, but that one bit of fortification helped steel his nerves a great deal.

"They're border terriers, and the only name that comes to mind when I look at them is Benji."

Faking a bit of a shudder, Bastian didn't HATE the name, but it would have been much too trite to use, no matter how closely they resembled the movie dog.

Shrugging and shaking his head, he countered...


"I don't care who names them...okay, no, that's not true...I wouldn't let just anyone...but I'd really like to hear any suggestions you might have."

The more ways he could find to connect her to his life, the better he felt things would go for the two of them.

"How did you come up with Sirius, anyway? The way the American Indians used to name their babies?"

He had read in a history class once that the moment an indian child was born, whatever the parents looked upon next was how they chose a name. Spotted elk, Clear brook, Swaying pine, Hissing snake...at the time he thought it was inventive, but it had never worked when he tried to use the same process. When he had let the pups out of the crate they were delivered in the first things he had seen were a sweep broom, a garden hose, a jeep Cherokee, and the guy who delivered them, bald Hutch.

None of those things seemed fitting at all, so since then he'd stuck with 'boy', and 'girl'.
Reign 17 years ago
Reign almost laughed at him downing his drink like that. She managed not to but there was no mistaking the teasing smile. At least she wasn’t the only one who was off kilter here and that was somewhat reassuring.

She cringed at the idea of naming any critter ‘Benji’. That would just be too cruel and then to have to call them that for the rest of their lives. No, that simply wouldn’t do.


“How’s that?”

It was a tradition Reign didn’t know much about.

“Sirius was actually a gift from Vince and he knew about my family and names and so he picked one that was suitable for a dog. Poor Sirius though, far too many people think he was named after a Harry Potter character and not a perfectly legitimate mythological figure. I didn’t even think about it until a kid started trying to get him to turn back into a man.”

It was the thought that counted though and the name was perfect for her mutt.

“I’d be happy to help you name yours though, but I’d need to see them first.”
Bastian 17 years ago
"I remember hearing that the American Indians would name their child after whatever it was they looked upon first, in nature, after giving birth. Haven't you ever wondered how names like...'Stalking Bear', or 'Lazy Toad', or 'Shy Deer', were come by? I dare say the more clever in the tribe may have kept their eyes closed until coached to open them, or I'm sure we would have heard of a lot more 'Fainted Fathers', or 'Mangy Cats', than there were."

He was being silly, and not too successful in his wit, but it was really how he imagined things to have been. He shrugged, and smiled as the waiter brought him another scotch, from the merest nod and eye contact Bastian had given the man moments ago.

"Of course, mythology, I should have known. My first thought was the star, and constellation, but they're related, so I wasn't too far off." He was somewhat surprised to hear the unique name had come from Vince though, as Bastian had never given the other man much credit for brains. He knew he hadn't been fair in that regard, but there was only so much room he could give the man who had married Reign. That act alone, being that he considered it his privilege, was something Bastian had to constantly remind himself, was his own fault. At least he did give Vince points for loving Reign...that was something he figured any man in his right mind would want to do.

"I don't know now...maybe I should call Vince. He seems to have quite an imagination." Again Bastian had tried to joke, and once the words left his mouth he figured he'd failed again. Before Reign had time to comment, he continued. "And of course you will see them...in fact, if we find time later, we can run by my place."

Which was his intention all along, but at least this way there was a 'legitimate' excuse.

"I'll warn you now though, once they see you they're going to be all over you, and once that happens, you may never want to leave."

He winked, knowing full well that wouldn't be the case, no matter how much he might want it. If nothing else, he did truly think once she got in the habit of being around him, and his house, she'd be more receptive of visiting more often, and staying longer. It was all part of his master plan, the one he'd spent the past seven or eight years planning, and now that it all seemed so close to hand, Bastian's main problem was to remain calm, and patient, while it played out.
Reign 17 years ago
Maybe it was nerves, maybe it was still shock from her reaction to his kiss, maybe it was something else but she snickered at him little bit of humor.

Since the waiter wandered back over she cocked her head at Bas.


“Shall we eat or will I be driving you home?”

She teased him. It still was a bit funny how quickly he’d gone through that first drink.

Reign nodded at his correct assessment of her dog’s name.


“Well you know we all grew up together, he heard as much of Pop’s ramblings as any one of us. I think I’m glad he went with Sirius though, I heard tell there were some truly… … unique options.”

Perhaps she wanted him to ask her back and was just as happy to have a reason to let him do so, but that seemed so unlike her.

“That’s easy… I’ll snag the puppies and run. Sirius could use the company and I’m sure he’d be a good uncle.”

He certainly was protective enough.
Bastian 17 years ago
Holding up his second drink, half of which was gone, Bastian nodded, and realized two things. One, he had to slow down on the drinking...he didn't really need it, and he wanted more to be alert to enjoy his date. And two, Reign probably would be driving him home anyway.

"If the snow has increased between now and when we leave, I will probably take you up on that."

It would take a lot more alcohol to inebriate Bastian, but his reflexes would surely slow down considerably before that happened. He did not want to risk hurting anyone on the road. And while a proud man, he wasn't stupid. He knew his limitations, and had no problem admitting them.

Letting the matter of Vince's part in naming Sirius drop...talking about another man in her life wasn't really what he'd planned for the evening, Bastian laughed at the statement Reign made.


"You...are going to out run me???" She was joking, of course. There was no way she could ever outrun him. In addition, if Sirius knew where the pups had come from, Bastian wouldn't put it past the dog to make quick dinner of them. Domesticated or not, dogs were carnivores, and until Bastian won Sirius over, there was always the chance the dog could rebel against Bastian's place in Reign's life. Not wanting to give her anything negative to think about, Bastian refrained from mentioning that though.

The waiter brought the soup, and salad, and a few minutes passed in relaxed silence as they both began eating.


"So how's your touring schedule these days...anything taking you away from home soon?"

He didn't want to think of her leaving, but knew it was a possibility. His practice was still pretty slow, at the moment though, and he reasoned he might be able to join her if she had to go.
Reign 17 years ago
Reign half grinned when he mentioned her driving. Undoubtedly he’d forgotten he’d picked her up and that would leave her now way home. Certainly the snow hadn’t been part of his plans but he had to be counting it as convenient.

It was on her lips to remind him that he’d run out on her, but she checked herself just in time. It wasn’t fair to keep throwing that at him. It would be some time before she completely got over it. Instead she let the meal cover that slightly awkward moment.


“Funny you should say that. Both Jane and Hans have been after me. I’ll lose my ranking if I don’t compete again soon and if that goes my endorsements go too. There’s going to be a tournament down in Virginia that Jane is pushing and one back home that Hans is trying to steer me towards.”

She winced as the soup burned her tongue. Reign had been concentrating so hard on not letting the idea of going home for a week or so affect her she forgot to pay attention to what she was actually doing. Hurriedly setting the spoon down she made a rather desperate grab for her water to sooth the burn.
Bastian 17 years ago
He wasn't thrilled with the thought of her being gone, and on tour, but hearing one option was back home, he perked up.

"You know which one you should take, if it comes down to choosing only one, don't you?"

Since it appeared her major source of income was still gained through her playing, Bastian couldn't imagine she would pass up on the tour completely. He would have gladly subsidized her financially, but didn't bother to offer. There was no way she would have accepted such an offer.

"Hans is right this time."

Bastian wondered if Helen would be able to get away from school long enough to see her sister, or if necessary, could Bastian help in some way. Getting back into her family's good graces was second in importance, just behind getting back into Reign's. Yet something told him her family might be even more difficult to succeed with. At least Helen still liked him.

He saw her cringe as the spoon full of soup burned her mouth, and reached for her water about the same time as she did, sadly causing the water to half spill out onto the table. Handing her his untouched goblet instead, Bastian gave a short flick of his hand at the waiter, who attended the spill immediately.


"OK?"

When things again resumed normalcy, Bastian picked up the conversation from where they'd left off.

"How soon are you going to make the decision, and how long will you be gone, if you go?"
Reign 17 years ago
“No, no I’m fine thanks.”

Well that was interesting, she hadn’t expected Bastian to side with Hans nor to try and send her back home.

“Realistically I should do both. Entries for Chicago are due in a week and Virginia in three weeks, play is in a month and two months respectively. I’d be gone for about a week maybe a week and half for each one. I’d also need some serious practice to bring myself back up to par before hand.”

She couldn’t ignore what he was hinting at, how he was trying to direct her.

Still, Reign wasn’t quite ready to face her family yet. Not all at once, and not still living across the street from her former in-laws. Maybe she could seek out Pyro in California. That might be a better first step. Wait, what… first step? What the hell was she thinking, she couldn’t go back, not now not after she’d closed herself off it would be too hard and what if they didn’t want her back in their lives?


“It’s a big city Lupo even if I went back it would be quiet. I doubt anyone would even be looking for me.”

She’d burned too many bridges to go back.
Bastian 17 years ago
To lose her for weeks now, after having just found her again, sounded painful. But Bastian had already made up his mind that Reign had to resolve her family issues, and that he would facilitate that if necessary. A rift between Reign, her parents, and her siblings was just not something to be born. Odd that he could see that so clearly, when things with his own family had never been good.

But that was all water under the bridge now, since they were all dead.


"It is a big city, but you can make it smaller, and in doing so, you'd lose that bet as well. I know for a fact Helen would want to see you, and through her I know the rest of your family misses you. If they knew where you were, I'd lay odds several would be on your doorstep tomorrow."

Of course there were hurt feelings amidst a few in her family, but Bastian had seen the love between them all too, and refused to believe things couldn't be patched up, with some effort on all their parts. Reign just had to make the first move.

"Think about it Cara...would I willingly push you to leave town, if I didn't really believe what I said? The thought of going weeks without seeing you now, after all these years, and finally having you back in my life again..." His words hung in the air, full of obvious fear. But it was a fear he could deal with, or so he told himself. The fear he knew he couldn't beat, was that he would face if Reign continued to stay on this side of the wall she had built. No matter how much she protested otherwise, Bastian just knew she would never be truly happy without having her family be a part of her life again.

"Not to mention, I also know I'm running the risk of you walking out on me right now, if I don't cease my harping on the subject."

Needing her to hear his next words, and see he meant every word, Bastian tenderly lifted her face to his, and held it with the crook of his finger beneath her chin.

"I love you Reign, and want you to be happy. Tell me now, right this minute, that you really don't care if you ever see your family again, and I'll never say another word about it. Ever."

He was risking a lot right now, he knew it, but he needed her to know it also. Hopefully, if she realized that he meant what he said, and what he stood to lose in pushing her back home, she would then come to understand what he said made sense.
Reign 17 years ago
She had been the one to close the door on things and she knew it.

Reign sighed; it wouldn’t be hard, not physically, fly into O’Hare hop the Blue Line and walk the short distance to her parents’ house… home. What the hell could they have to say to each other though? After all she’d been the one to run and she had gone out of her way to leave her family, would they forgive that?


“I’m not sure they’d be as egger to see me as you think.”

But it was hard not to think about it. In many ways she did want to go home, she’d missed so many things and more than that she was lonely.

His hand was large and warm, as it had been years ago and more than that she knew he was right. Reign hated to admit that and was to proud to simply cave and agree with him but she couldn’t just dismiss him.


“I’m not saying no Lupo, but I’m not sure the time is right yet. Maybe… maybe some day it will be time but I’m not sure I can right now.”

Trying to move past the large emotional issue that had some how landed square in her lap Reign smiled at him.

“Don’t look so glum, even if I take both gigs I’ll be back here in between them. And…”

Reign cut herself off. She’d almost said there was no rule against him coming with her but that was moving pretty damned fast. Of course he wouldn’t want to, couldn’t come … not with his clients… there that was better, she’d manage to reason away the lack of invitation.