Quite the crowd, Aishe thought, as the trickle of friends and acquaintances started to become something more like white-water rapids. Cyrus showed up with... a butler? A servant of some nature. Aishe managed to not make any strange faces, but, well... at a baseball game?
At any rate, she thought with a mental shrug, to each their own. With that philosophical finalization, she managed to chuckle instead at the assortment of styles... from blankets on the ground to servants waiting to run and fetch.
Alec was the next to show up along with a plethora of snack foods. Aishe nodded to the box he held and said to Ana, "I think you might find your deliciously cold hot dog there."
To Alec, she grinned and explained, "It was just the topic of discussion... baseball game food, that is."
Pulling out the blanket she and Kem had tucked into one of their many bags (vampire strength came in handy, apparently, when it came to packing and over-packing for simple outings), Aishe stood and spread it out on the closest empty plot of grass. "Have a seat?"
Alec didn't seem to have brought along a chair, so perhaps the blanket would suffice. She furrowed her brow slightly as yet another person began waving and shouting. Someone she also recognized. Dawn, was it? Aishe recalled her from Fallon's party.
Turning to see Kem and Pak exchanging glances and various looks, Aishe assumed they were sending to each other. Arms cocked on her hips, she raised her eyebrows at Kem and reached with her foot to nudge his toes.
"That's no fair," she chided with good humor.
Take Me Out To the Ball Game Again!
Aishe happily kicked back her feet, resting them up on her little folding chaise lounge chair. Sas delighted to see that the summer series of minor league games included several night games, specifically because of Nachton's reputation for wild nightlife. It hadn't taken much to persuade Kem to go in with her for season tickets. She wasn't much for sports but she enjoyed baseball when she was actually in the stadium watching it, and Nachton's stadium, like many, had a lovely hillside area without bleachers where you could bring your own chairs and picnics and such. Kem, harboring a natural dislike of contact sports, was all for baseball.
This was the second game they'd come to in as many weeks, so she already considered their season passes to be money well-spent. The game hadn't started yet, and Aishe was busy unpacking their small cooler of treats while Kem had gone in search of refreshing frosty beverages. It was clear and warm out, and in all a wonderful night for baseball.
Pak was supposed to meet them, or so she'd said, and Aishe was looking forward to it. She hadn't seen the witty little Thai in a while now, and she knew Kem hadn't either, in spite of the constant stream of emails the two exchanged during the work day... work night.
More people were streaming in, setting up chairs, tables in some cases or merely blankets; some with picnic baskets or coolers, some without. Aishe smiled. It was the perfect night for relaxing at a game.
((ooc: Please feel free to crash, we guarantee absolutely no plot-furthering, no significant philosophizing, and most likely a great deal of sarcasm, acerbic wit, and possibly some food-throwing. Bring your own damn chair!!))
Aishe
16 years ago
Kem`Raaisu
16 years ago
Kem was starting to lose track of the new arrivals. He greeted Cyrus with a firm handshake and a return respectful nod, wondering if Ana was beginning to feel slightly outnumbered. The odds only got worse for her as Alec showed up and Dawn seemed to be making her way over.
With a little snort of laughter, he tried to imagine Pak sticking out her pinky as she drank her beer. [I don't really think the formalities will be necessary,] he concluded to her, continuing to keep the conversation strictly between the two of them.
He watched Aishe greet Alec, handed her their blanket to unfold, but didn't get up himself; Aishe was standing right in front of him and shoving her out of the way, while most likely leading to a fun wrestle, wouldn't have been prudent in such close quarters. He simply observed, listening to Pak's exchange with Cyrus, then looking about at the mention of MARI showing up.
[You know, it could happen,] he sent with a grin, glancing back to find Aishe standing over him in an attempt to be menacing.
"Guilty as charged," he admitted. "We'll behave."
Mostly.
He turned to Pak, addressing her out loud. "Have you met all of these folks before, Pak? I should let Aishe do the introductions since she knows everyone better than I, but I do know names, at the very least."
With a little snort of laughter, he tried to imagine Pak sticking out her pinky as she drank her beer. [I don't really think the formalities will be necessary,] he concluded to her, continuing to keep the conversation strictly between the two of them.
He watched Aishe greet Alec, handed her their blanket to unfold, but didn't get up himself; Aishe was standing right in front of him and shoving her out of the way, while most likely leading to a fun wrestle, wouldn't have been prudent in such close quarters. He simply observed, listening to Pak's exchange with Cyrus, then looking about at the mention of MARI showing up.
[You know, it could happen,] he sent with a grin, glancing back to find Aishe standing over him in an attempt to be menacing.
"Guilty as charged," he admitted. "We'll behave."
Mostly.
He turned to Pak, addressing her out loud. "Have you met all of these folks before, Pak? I should let Aishe do the introductions since she knows everyone better than I, but I do know names, at the very least."
Alec Devereaux
16 years ago
Smiling his greeting to the assembled party, he then frowned when Aishe said Ana had wanted a cold hot dog. That didn't make any sense to him, but he figured that they would get colder as they watched the game. Maybe that was all that was meant. If she didn't select one, perhaps he'd track one down for her later. It seemed that of the assembled parties, she was the only one with preference on anything, and he'd missed it. Ah well. First game and all.
Uncertain of protocol, he figured he would let others handle the seating scenario and insert himself in comfortably wherever seemed appropriate. There may or may not have been rules of etiquette governing baseball or other sporting events and the seating arrangements, but they were lost on him.
Reaching into the box, he contented himself with watching the antics of others while munching on some Cracker Jacks. Not the most delicious snack food ever, but tradition, and so should be observed in the right environment. Perhaps that was what was going on with the not-a-hot-dogs.
Uncertain of protocol, he figured he would let others handle the seating scenario and insert himself in comfortably wherever seemed appropriate. There may or may not have been rules of etiquette governing baseball or other sporting events and the seating arrangements, but they were lost on him.
Reaching into the box, he contented himself with watching the antics of others while munching on some Cracker Jacks. Not the most delicious snack food ever, but tradition, and so should be observed in the right environment. Perhaps that was what was going on with the not-a-hot-dogs.
Montana
16 years ago
Responding belatedly to Fallon, Ana smirked and shrugged. "I was mostly joking bout the previews and the popcorn, seeing as how the only stadium seating I've ever been in was in a movie theatre. Though, I think if I'd had this sort of company and comfort when I saw Transformers last week, I would never have left!"
She looked up and saw Alec approach, and felt her cheeks color. She had honestly thought, what with Joey and her talks with Fallon and Aishe, that this reaction would go away... "H- h- hello Alec."
She looked up and saw Alec approach, and felt her cheeks color. She had honestly thought, what with Joey and her talks with Fallon and Aishe, that this reaction would go away... "H- h- hello Alec."
Fallon
16 years ago
Thinking she could settle back now, her husband by her side, and surrounded by her friends, Fallon's short bit of relaxation was momentarily interrupted by the appearance of two more friends.
"Hello Alec! It's been a long time since we've seen you, but you're looking very well."
Forgetting where it was she'd met Alec, not that it mattered anyway, Fallon did recall the little party she'd held during her earlier days in Nachton, and Alec's attendance there. While she'd never really gotten to know the man that well yet, there was something...a little lost about him, that she felt akin to. Unfortunately tonight, with the crowd, and baseball game being too distracting, she knew her want to learn more would again be forestalled. Yet it was nice to at least see him again, and keep their connection somewhat alive.
Hearing the soft stammer in Ana's voice, as she welcomed Alec, Fallon reached a hand over and rubbed the other girl's back. Smiling, as she knew Ana's reason for stammering, Fallon also knew there was no other way she could help her friend through her feelings. Ana was a big girl, and would eventually overcome this thing she had about Alec, and in the mean time no harm would come of it.
Then, on the other hand, Fallon doubted she would ever learn what made Dawn tick. The girl was fascinating, and as slippery as mercury, when it came to pinning down too long. She spoke with a color Fallon often had to repeat in her own mind to understand, but she never failed to bring a smile to Fallon's heart.
"Dawnie!" In her exuberance to welcome her friend, a bit of familiarity slipped out, and she giggled at the nickname that seemed fitting, to Fallon anyway.
"Cyrus and I brought food too, so please dig in if you're hungry."
Looking up to her very quiet husband, Fallon hoped he would be able to relax and enjoy himself as well. This type of outing really wasn't his thing, but the fact that he came was another one of those things he did that made Fallon love him so.
Patting his leg again, to try and offer him a tiny bit of comfort, should he need it, Fallon again rested her head along his upper arm, and sighed contentedly.
"Hello Alec! It's been a long time since we've seen you, but you're looking very well."
Forgetting where it was she'd met Alec, not that it mattered anyway, Fallon did recall the little party she'd held during her earlier days in Nachton, and Alec's attendance there. While she'd never really gotten to know the man that well yet, there was something...a little lost about him, that she felt akin to. Unfortunately tonight, with the crowd, and baseball game being too distracting, she knew her want to learn more would again be forestalled. Yet it was nice to at least see him again, and keep their connection somewhat alive.
Hearing the soft stammer in Ana's voice, as she welcomed Alec, Fallon reached a hand over and rubbed the other girl's back. Smiling, as she knew Ana's reason for stammering, Fallon also knew there was no other way she could help her friend through her feelings. Ana was a big girl, and would eventually overcome this thing she had about Alec, and in the mean time no harm would come of it.
Then, on the other hand, Fallon doubted she would ever learn what made Dawn tick. The girl was fascinating, and as slippery as mercury, when it came to pinning down too long. She spoke with a color Fallon often had to repeat in her own mind to understand, but she never failed to bring a smile to Fallon's heart.
"Dawnie!" In her exuberance to welcome her friend, a bit of familiarity slipped out, and she giggled at the nickname that seemed fitting, to Fallon anyway.
"Cyrus and I brought food too, so please dig in if you're hungry."
Looking up to her very quiet husband, Fallon hoped he would be able to relax and enjoy himself as well. This type of outing really wasn't his thing, but the fact that he came was another one of those things he did that made Fallon love him so.
Patting his leg again, to try and offer him a tiny bit of comfort, should he need it, Fallon again rested her head along his upper arm, and sighed contentedly.
Dawn Ratana
16 years ago
Bounding toward the party, around startled onlookers and inanimate objects, she vaulted into the midst of the party! Pouncing on Fallon, wrapping her in a tight hug, she lifted her lightly and spun in a circle, shouting
"WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Hiya Fallon! Howzitgoin? HiyaCyrus! An'every'n else from th'weddin'partydealiething! And strangers! I didn't know y'alls came to th'games! I miss the bigleaguer games but this's even more fun 'times!"
Reaching down into the box, she grabbed a frank and took a huge bite, further complicating matters with her rapid speech.
"Y'knw, 's jss su cuu t'ce hu th'nustrz'll b nna cmin szns!"
Swallowing, she grinned.
"I'm glad y'alls came out!"
"WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Hiya Fallon! Howzitgoin? HiyaCyrus! An'every'n else from th'weddin'partydealiething! And strangers! I didn't know y'alls came to th'games! I miss the bigleaguer games but this's even more fun 'times!"
Reaching down into the box, she grabbed a frank and took a huge bite, further complicating matters with her rapid speech.
"Y'knw, 's jss su cuu t'ce hu th'nustrz'll b nna cmin szns!"
Swallowing, she grinned.
"I'm glad y'alls came out!"
Alec Devereaux
16 years ago
Ducking out of the way as the ball of color exploded past him, he found himself squatting very close to the center of activity. Looking for the nearest place of refuge, he slipped over next to Ana, a confused look on his face as he looked up at the ball of energy before them. He had NO idea what she was saying. Then she stuck food in her mouth. It really was a remarkable effect.
Smiling over at Ana, he figured he'd make the offer.
"If they don't cool down to your liking, I'll be more than happy to fetch one for you. How cold do you prefer them?
When Fallon disengaged herself from the flurry of movement that was Dawn, he smiled and replied
"Thank you - life seems to have been treating your family well. Though you do have some face paint just there on your cheek..."
Smiling over at Ana, he figured he'd make the offer.
"If they don't cool down to your liking, I'll be more than happy to fetch one for you. How cold do you prefer them?
When Fallon disengaged herself from the flurry of movement that was Dawn, he smiled and replied
"Thank you - life seems to have been treating your family well. Though you do have some face paint just there on your cheek..."
Fallon
16 years ago
For a few seconds Fallon thought perhaps she'd been caught up in some freak tornado, as she felt herself scooped upward and spun about. Instinctively she grabbed onto Dawn, and hugged her tight, until the ground below her feet quit spinning.
"Dawn!"
She said, amid loud laughter, and as soon as she had been released to find herself landing unceremoniously on her butt, right back where she'd been just seconds earlier.
Shaking her head at the uniqueness that could only be described as Dawn, Fallon continued to giggle as the human whirlwind stuffed her mouth with food, and went on talking.
"We're glad to see you too, though really Dawn, if you keep talking with food in your mouth, don't be surprised if you're met with a lot of blank stares..."
Fallon usually had to hang onto every word to make sense of what Dawn said, but that one sentence was impossible to follow.
Looking about, unsure of who knew who, Fallon dove in and picked up on the introductions.
"Everyone, this is Dawn, and Alec..."
Smiling at Alec, as he moved to sit next to Ana, Fallon hurried through the names, all the while hoping Ana wouldn't get too flustered with the close proximity to Alec. She casually swiped at her cheek, not completely sure if Alec's comment about face paint had been made toward her or not.
"Dawn...you know Aishe, Kem...Ana? That is Pakpao, and of course our Alec."
Feeling she had done all she could for now, with the opening of avenues for intermingling, Fallon again leaned against her husband, and smiled up at him. She scanned his face for traces of his thoughts, and tried to see what was running through his mind, a little concerned at his silence.
"Dawn!"
She said, amid loud laughter, and as soon as she had been released to find herself landing unceremoniously on her butt, right back where she'd been just seconds earlier.
Shaking her head at the uniqueness that could only be described as Dawn, Fallon continued to giggle as the human whirlwind stuffed her mouth with food, and went on talking.
"We're glad to see you too, though really Dawn, if you keep talking with food in your mouth, don't be surprised if you're met with a lot of blank stares..."
Fallon usually had to hang onto every word to make sense of what Dawn said, but that one sentence was impossible to follow.
Looking about, unsure of who knew who, Fallon dove in and picked up on the introductions.
"Everyone, this is Dawn, and Alec..."
Smiling at Alec, as he moved to sit next to Ana, Fallon hurried through the names, all the while hoping Ana wouldn't get too flustered with the close proximity to Alec. She casually swiped at her cheek, not completely sure if Alec's comment about face paint had been made toward her or not.
"Dawn...you know Aishe, Kem...Ana? That is Pakpao, and of course our Alec."
Feeling she had done all she could for now, with the opening of avenues for intermingling, Fallon again leaned against her husband, and smiled up at him. She scanned his face for traces of his thoughts, and tried to see what was running through his mind, a little concerned at his silence.
Pakpao
16 years ago
"Spoil sport."Â?
Pak flashed a trouble-making smile at Aishe. Not that any of the three of them for a second believed that they'd 'behave' for too long. At the rate new people were arriving it would be impossible to do so.
"We're playing the getting to know you game right now. However, we're making excellent progress. Ana's asked me to be godmother to her first child."Â?
Not that she knew if the younger woman had children or not but...
Fallon in Aishe seemed alike, at least in that they knew 'every one'. How did people do that? She gave a mental shrug, to each their own.
The newest arrival was something else. Pak just sort of stared at the girl. Her speech pattern was different, not too far off but off enough that it was easy to tease.
"Now did she have food in her mouth the whole time or just part of it?"Â?
She let a wide smile cross her face trying to indicate it was a game and not intended as a slight of any kind.
Pak flashed a trouble-making smile at Aishe. Not that any of the three of them for a second believed that they'd 'behave' for too long. At the rate new people were arriving it would be impossible to do so.
"We're playing the getting to know you game right now. However, we're making excellent progress. Ana's asked me to be godmother to her first child."Â?
Not that she knew if the younger woman had children or not but...
Fallon in Aishe seemed alike, at least in that they knew 'every one'. How did people do that? She gave a mental shrug, to each their own.
The newest arrival was something else. Pak just sort of stared at the girl. Her speech pattern was different, not too far off but off enough that it was easy to tease.
"Now did she have food in her mouth the whole time or just part of it?"Â?
She let a wide smile cross her face trying to indicate it was a game and not intended as a slight of any kind.
Aishe
16 years ago
Aishe gave both Pak and Kem a good-natured roll of her eyes. One thing she could generally count on with the two of them, she was learning, was that they were never exactly on good behavior. They were like a brother and sister, constantly teasing and ribbing. At least she knew there would be nothing floating about; when they were all safe indoors at Kem's house it was anyone's game.
Following the introductions, Aishe smiled and waved at Dawn, too far away to give her much more of a greeting. "We weren't exactly introduced, but I do remember you from Fallon's party."
Aishe reclaimed her lounge chair, watching her friends as she sipped on her coke, noting the way Fallon searched Cyrus' face; the way Kem sat - a picture of relaxation concealing the fact he was paying rapt attention to everyone around him; Pak's overly wide grin, her way of showing she was joking; Alec, who looked suspiciously like he was hiding near Ana, who had the strangest reaction to his appearance... and of course, Dawn, who was fairly bursting with energy.
A smile crossed her lips as the strains of the National Anthem began, and she was obliged to rise once more to her feet to join in. She wasn't about to sing; Aishe was well aware that she would be hard-pressed to carry a tune even if she did have a bucket.
Following the introductions, Aishe smiled and waved at Dawn, too far away to give her much more of a greeting. "We weren't exactly introduced, but I do remember you from Fallon's party."
Aishe reclaimed her lounge chair, watching her friends as she sipped on her coke, noting the way Fallon searched Cyrus' face; the way Kem sat - a picture of relaxation concealing the fact he was paying rapt attention to everyone around him; Pak's overly wide grin, her way of showing she was joking; Alec, who looked suspiciously like he was hiding near Ana, who had the strangest reaction to his appearance... and of course, Dawn, who was fairly bursting with energy.
A smile crossed her lips as the strains of the National Anthem began, and she was obliged to rise once more to her feet to join in. She wasn't about to sing; Aishe was well aware that she would be hard-pressed to carry a tune even if she did have a bucket.
Kem`Raaisu
16 years ago
This was turning out to be a far larger outing than he'd suspected, but Kem wasn't too worried. He was people-watching for now, taking note of who seemed the most comfortable with whom, who sat where. He tried not to miss a chance to see the people Aishe had become close to during her time in the city, and as yet he couldn't fault her judgment... they all seemed like good friends.
His intentional wool-gathering was interrupted by the opening ritual National Anthem, and like a dutiful spectator he stood along with everyone else and sang softly, a sidelong glance at Aishe followed by the smallest of winks as he noted her carefully pursed lips.
[You know it doesn't matter how off-key you are,] he pointed out. [No one's paying any attention. And even if they were, so what?]
All right, so coming from him maybe it was a little ironic. But Kem couldn't help feeling the tiniest bit gratified that he wasn't the only one who had little (big) insecurities. Aishe wouldn't sing for love or money... granted she didn't seem upset about it; she simply flatly refused to do so.
Someone off to his left, in fact, was being rather free with their interpretation of the melody [See? They heard me!]. Kem, for his part, couldn't decide if this was the best part or the worst part of the game. The musician in him was quivering in a corner, curled up in a fetal position, whle the rest of him was mildly amused at how bad several hundred people could sound.
The freestyle singer to his left finished the Anthem with a rousing high Squeak above Ouch, and had there been any glass nearby it most certainly would have shattered. Doing his best not to guffaw lest he insult some aspiring Pavarotti, Kem simply bit his tongue and wrinkled his nose, trying not to laugh.
His intentional wool-gathering was interrupted by the opening ritual National Anthem, and like a dutiful spectator he stood along with everyone else and sang softly, a sidelong glance at Aishe followed by the smallest of winks as he noted her carefully pursed lips.
[You know it doesn't matter how off-key you are,] he pointed out. [No one's paying any attention. And even if they were, so what?]
All right, so coming from him maybe it was a little ironic. But Kem couldn't help feeling the tiniest bit gratified that he wasn't the only one who had little (big) insecurities. Aishe wouldn't sing for love or money... granted she didn't seem upset about it; she simply flatly refused to do so.
Someone off to his left, in fact, was being rather free with their interpretation of the melody [See? They heard me!]. Kem, for his part, couldn't decide if this was the best part or the worst part of the game. The musician in him was quivering in a corner, curled up in a fetal position, whle the rest of him was mildly amused at how bad several hundred people could sound.
The freestyle singer to his left finished the Anthem with a rousing high Squeak above Ouch, and had there been any glass nearby it most certainly would have shattered. Doing his best not to guffaw lest he insult some aspiring Pavarotti, Kem simply bit his tongue and wrinkled his nose, trying not to laugh.
Fallon
16 years ago
Fallon's musings on her love's mental state were interrupted by the sounds of the Star Spangled Banner, so she rose quickly, and shifted her attentions there for the moment.
Though a little concerned about Cyrus, with all her other loved ones around her her heart was full to bursting. That made it incredibly easy to let loose with 'Oh say can you see....'
Having sung for many years, albeit not professionally, Fallon had been told she had a quite lovely voice by many. Whether that was the case or not, singing had been one way of coping in times of dispair, and depression. That she loved to play the piano, most thought it was natural that she sang well. Fallon just knew it was something she loved to do, and that it gave her a sense of peace.
So absent of any inhibitions, for the length of the song, Fallon's voice rang clear and true, and she let her emotions spill forward with the words.
"...Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?..."
Blushing slightly, as the song ended and she noticed her eyes were slightly teary, she brushed them casually, and returned to her seat on the blanket. Not wanting anyone else to see such sentimentality in her, she avoided everyone's eyes long enough to pull herself together, and then sat back to watch the first pitch.
Though a little concerned about Cyrus, with all her other loved ones around her her heart was full to bursting. That made it incredibly easy to let loose with 'Oh say can you see....'
Having sung for many years, albeit not professionally, Fallon had been told she had a quite lovely voice by many. Whether that was the case or not, singing had been one way of coping in times of dispair, and depression. That she loved to play the piano, most thought it was natural that she sang well. Fallon just knew it was something she loved to do, and that it gave her a sense of peace.
So absent of any inhibitions, for the length of the song, Fallon's voice rang clear and true, and she let her emotions spill forward with the words.
"...Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?..."
Blushing slightly, as the song ended and she noticed her eyes were slightly teary, she brushed them casually, and returned to her seat on the blanket. Not wanting anyone else to see such sentimentality in her, she avoided everyone's eyes long enough to pull herself together, and then sat back to watch the first pitch.
Dawn Ratana
16 years ago
Waving in enthusiastic greeting as she shoveled down the rest of the hot dog, Dawn nodded.
"Yuh! Uh suh oo thr too!"
Swallowing, she continued.
"Yeah - that'as good times! Weatta doit'gain! Ooo!"
Swiveling around quickly in place, she remained standing for the National Anthem. Joining in to match the off key crowd, she then heard Fallon singing well, and it served as an anchor for her own voice, bringing her back into the proper range of sound. She had a great ear for mimicry and used it in this case to match Fallon's notation as best as she could. Blinking for a moment after the song, she then turned suddenly to her neighbor and blurted
"Damn girl! You got some pipes on! Lucky man, Cyrus! Where you learn to sing?"
"Yuh! Uh suh oo thr too!"
Swallowing, she continued.
"Yeah - that'as good times! Weatta doit'gain! Ooo!"
Swiveling around quickly in place, she remained standing for the National Anthem. Joining in to match the off key crowd, she then heard Fallon singing well, and it served as an anchor for her own voice, bringing her back into the proper range of sound. She had a great ear for mimicry and used it in this case to match Fallon's notation as best as she could. Blinking for a moment after the song, she then turned suddenly to her neighbor and blurted
"Damn girl! You got some pipes on! Lucky man, Cyrus! Where you learn to sing?"
Alec Devereaux
16 years ago
Alec still didn't really understand what the girl was saying. No matter. She seemed to be enjoying herself and that was the point. She wasn't speaking to him anyway...he was relatively certain.
As the crowd all began to move in unison, Alec was left with his head at rump level. That simply would not do. Standing up, he was greeted with a song he'd heard somewhere before, but wasn't very familiar with it. Everyone else seemed to be, so he stood there, looking around. Some people were decidedly more into it than others, but it seemed to go with the game, so he shrugged it off and munched on his Cracker Jacks while people sang then cheered despite the generally poor quality. Looking around, he waited for others to take their seats again and followed suit.
Something new was happening on the field - people in uniforms were running about. It looked like the game might be starting.
As the crowd all began to move in unison, Alec was left with his head at rump level. That simply would not do. Standing up, he was greeted with a song he'd heard somewhere before, but wasn't very familiar with it. Everyone else seemed to be, so he stood there, looking around. Some people were decidedly more into it than others, but it seemed to go with the game, so he shrugged it off and munched on his Cracker Jacks while people sang then cheered despite the generally poor quality. Looking around, he waited for others to take their seats again and followed suit.
Something new was happening on the field - people in uniforms were running about. It looked like the game might be starting.
Cyrus
16 years ago
Once greetings had been exchanged, and in the wake of Dawn's arrival like a hurricane, Cyrus finally sat upon the chair. Canvas and flimsy metal in the team's colors seemed quite gaudy to the Mongol but still, he was not above sitting on it or the ground if need be. While he might now prefer the finer things in life he had not totally forgotten his humble beginnings.
"Greetings Dawn." He said once she wound down some. Getting a word in edgewise was sometimes as impossible as deciphering what the young vampire said.
Bowing his head and offering a half smile towards the more quiet approach of Alec. Cyrus barely got out a 'good to see you' before the other man seemed to hide behind Ana from the bundle of energy, noise and color.
His attention turned towards Darryl momentarily and he questioned the pitiful man. Apparently the box seating included a room, hors dourves and a private restroom as well as their wide selection of private drinks. After relieving the man of the cooler with bottles of Japanese beer, Sapporo, Cyrus sent him off with the instruction to return in thirty minutes. Before he could enjoy the brew, everyone stood for the American anthem. Grudgingly he stood, with a look of brief longing at the moisture dappled glass nestled in the chair's ingenious cup holder. Fallon's singing was lovely and he put a hand upon the small of her back in hopes of basking in that soothing glow of his mate just a bit more. Instead, they all resumed their seats. Dawn was graced with a smile and nod at her slightly understandable comment praising Fallon.
Amidst the cheering still going on, he heard his phone ring. Slipping the thin black phone from his pocket he checked the number before answering in Chinese.
"Yes?"
"How many?"
"When?"
"I will be there in two days. Do not mention it to anyone else, I will not be staying at the estate."
"Thank you. Goodbye."
Anger simmered into rage as he sat staring blindly out at the field of play before them. Arrangements needed to be made but for now he felt obligated to stay. Pushing the second speed dial button he made another call as quietly as possible.
"Suki, I need to be at the Wujiaba Airport in Kunming, as soon as possible. Arrange transport, I wont need lodging. Thank you."
His phone clicked closed with a loud snap before it slid back into his soft, chocolate colored, leather pants. Sighing he sipped his beer and stared blindly at the field before him, lost in thought and fury.
((Comments in Blue are spoken in Chinese.))
"Greetings Dawn." He said once she wound down some. Getting a word in edgewise was sometimes as impossible as deciphering what the young vampire said.
Bowing his head and offering a half smile towards the more quiet approach of Alec. Cyrus barely got out a 'good to see you' before the other man seemed to hide behind Ana from the bundle of energy, noise and color.
His attention turned towards Darryl momentarily and he questioned the pitiful man. Apparently the box seating included a room, hors dourves and a private restroom as well as their wide selection of private drinks. After relieving the man of the cooler with bottles of Japanese beer, Sapporo, Cyrus sent him off with the instruction to return in thirty minutes. Before he could enjoy the brew, everyone stood for the American anthem. Grudgingly he stood, with a look of brief longing at the moisture dappled glass nestled in the chair's ingenious cup holder. Fallon's singing was lovely and he put a hand upon the small of her back in hopes of basking in that soothing glow of his mate just a bit more. Instead, they all resumed their seats. Dawn was graced with a smile and nod at her slightly understandable comment praising Fallon.
Amidst the cheering still going on, he heard his phone ring. Slipping the thin black phone from his pocket he checked the number before answering in Chinese.
"Yes?"
"How many?"
"When?"
"I will be there in two days. Do not mention it to anyone else, I will not be staying at the estate."
"Thank you. Goodbye."
Anger simmered into rage as he sat staring blindly out at the field of play before them. Arrangements needed to be made but for now he felt obligated to stay. Pushing the second speed dial button he made another call as quietly as possible.
"Suki, I need to be at the Wujiaba Airport in Kunming, as soon as possible. Arrange transport, I wont need lodging. Thank you."
His phone clicked closed with a loud snap before it slid back into his soft, chocolate colored, leather pants. Sighing he sipped his beer and stared blindly at the field before him, lost in thought and fury.
((Comments in Blue are spoken in Chinese.))
Fallon
16 years ago
Waving off Dawn's kind words, still blushing though now for different reasons, Fallon was just about to get settled again when she noticed Cyrus on his cell phone.
"Oh...it's just one of those things I've done forever...it gives me peace when I need it, and can also offer me distractions as well."
Trying to answer Dawn's question was becoming more challenging as her mind kept telling her there was something going on with Cyrus.
"And I suppose playing the piano helps too...keeps me on key most of the time."
Still not wanting to cut Dawn off, or appear disinterested in the girl, which really was far from the truth, Fallon leaned over and whispered an apology.
"Forgive me for a few minutes hon. I think something is up with my husband, and I need to see if there is anything I can do to help."
Hoping Dawn understood, Fallon then turned all her attentions to Cyrus, and shifted her position to face him better.
"Cyrus? What is it love? I can see you're agitated about something...do we need to leave?"
During his last conversation, which Fallon had understood much better than the first call, Fallon only really picked up on 'Suki', something that sounded like 'coming', and 'transport'. Though her hearing was much better these days, it still was effected by the surrounding voices, and crowd noises. Had she been in her cat, she probably would have done much better, but that was neither here nor there at the moment.
"Oh...it's just one of those things I've done forever...it gives me peace when I need it, and can also offer me distractions as well."
Trying to answer Dawn's question was becoming more challenging as her mind kept telling her there was something going on with Cyrus.
"And I suppose playing the piano helps too...keeps me on key most of the time."
Still not wanting to cut Dawn off, or appear disinterested in the girl, which really was far from the truth, Fallon leaned over and whispered an apology.
"Forgive me for a few minutes hon. I think something is up with my husband, and I need to see if there is anything I can do to help."
Hoping Dawn understood, Fallon then turned all her attentions to Cyrus, and shifted her position to face him better.
"Cyrus? What is it love? I can see you're agitated about something...do we need to leave?"
During his last conversation, which Fallon had understood much better than the first call, Fallon only really picked up on 'Suki', something that sounded like 'coming', and 'transport'. Though her hearing was much better these days, it still was effected by the surrounding voices, and crowd noises. Had she been in her cat, she probably would have done much better, but that was neither here nor there at the moment.
Cyrus
16 years ago
"Sorry Kitten. I will tell you all about it once we are home but I need to head for China tonight."
Patting her arm as reassuringly as possible in his present mood he tried to allay her fears. He doubted she would send him off without knowing what was going on but this was not the time or place to discuss such matters. Once they were at home and was packing they could go over the situation in detail.
There was one thought that stood out in his mind though. He could not allow Fallon to accompany him. His kindhearted and loving mate would not do well in the situation he had to go into. Sure she was also a protective woman but he did not want to put her in the position to have further hauntings. Though he did wonder if any of the more violently inclined members of the clan would be interested in going along. Would be an interesting place to test one's skill to say the least.
Sipping his beer he pondered the situation while staring blindly at the game.
Patting her arm as reassuringly as possible in his present mood he tried to allay her fears. He doubted she would send him off without knowing what was going on but this was not the time or place to discuss such matters. Once they were at home and was packing they could go over the situation in detail.
There was one thought that stood out in his mind though. He could not allow Fallon to accompany him. His kindhearted and loving mate would not do well in the situation he had to go into. Sure she was also a protective woman but he did not want to put her in the position to have further hauntings. Though he did wonder if any of the more violently inclined members of the clan would be interested in going along. Would be an interesting place to test one's skill to say the least.
Sipping his beer he pondered the situation while staring blindly at the game.
Fallon
16 years ago
Not satisfied at all by his cryptic response, Fallon knew enough to not press him about it now. Unfortunately, her mind was pretty much consumed now by questions, and all thoughts of relaxing and enjoying the baseball game were squashed.
Not only was Fallon concerned about his imminent departure, and the reasons behind it, but she was also a little concerned with being alone in his absence. In all the time they'd been together, Fallon hadn't been away from Cyrus for any length of time, and if he was going to China, she doubted it would be for less than a few days.
Reverting back to an old habit, Fallon began chewing on her cuticle, while she tried to get Ana's attention. Perhaps if she could convince her friend to stay over for the duration, it would be easier for Fallon to handle the emptiness that was already building inside her.
"Alright my love., but if you need to cut the evening short, don't feel obligated on my account."
Her love for her man, coupled with the fact that he was always doing so many things for her, made giving up her evening an easy sacrifice. She knew her friends would understand, and there would be many more times to come when they could again gather as they were.
Seeing now that Cyrus wasn't going to be easily comforted, Fallon none the less continued to stroke his leg. Bending backwards, to see behind Dawn, and have a better shot at connecting with Ana, Fallon finally spoke to her friend.
"Psst! Ana!"
Not only was Fallon concerned about his imminent departure, and the reasons behind it, but she was also a little concerned with being alone in his absence. In all the time they'd been together, Fallon hadn't been away from Cyrus for any length of time, and if he was going to China, she doubted it would be for less than a few days.
Reverting back to an old habit, Fallon began chewing on her cuticle, while she tried to get Ana's attention. Perhaps if she could convince her friend to stay over for the duration, it would be easier for Fallon to handle the emptiness that was already building inside her.
"Alright my love., but if you need to cut the evening short, don't feel obligated on my account."
Her love for her man, coupled with the fact that he was always doing so many things for her, made giving up her evening an easy sacrifice. She knew her friends would understand, and there would be many more times to come when they could again gather as they were.
Seeing now that Cyrus wasn't going to be easily comforted, Fallon none the less continued to stroke his leg. Bending backwards, to see behind Dawn, and have a better shot at connecting with Ana, Fallon finally spoke to her friend.
"Psst! Ana!"
Montana
16 years ago
She'd nodded her greeting at the newcomer speedspeaker Dawn; she too remembered meeting the young woman, or at least being seated near her, at Fallon and Cyrus' housewarming.
Alec's generous offer struck her speechless again. She really needed to figure out a way to press some sort of button to get her brain working again after seeing him smile at her. Or maybe wish very stridently that someone could read her mind or emotions and kick her in the butt to jumpstart her.
Cyrus' distraction on the cellphone and his terse, short responses made her look over at Fallon. As such, it was not difficult for Fallon to get her attention, but she feigned the motion not working as she did not want to interrupt the wifely conversation that seemed to suddenly take place. But when she was finished, she responded to the final "Psst! Ana!"
She slowly turned her face to the teacher - who had sung The Anthem so beautifully - and arched her brows together. "Hmm?"
Alec's generous offer struck her speechless again. She really needed to figure out a way to press some sort of button to get her brain working again after seeing him smile at her. Or maybe wish very stridently that someone could read her mind or emotions and kick her in the butt to jumpstart her.
Cyrus' distraction on the cellphone and his terse, short responses made her look over at Fallon. As such, it was not difficult for Fallon to get her attention, but she feigned the motion not working as she did not want to interrupt the wifely conversation that seemed to suddenly take place. But when she was finished, she responded to the final "Psst! Ana!"
She slowly turned her face to the teacher - who had sung The Anthem so beautifully - and arched her brows together. "Hmm?"
Fallon
16 years ago
When Ana responded, Fallon leaned onto her side, and hoped Dawn wouldn't decide then to lean backwards. She was now much closer to Ana though, so she didn't need to shout.
"I hate to ask this, I mean it could be such an imposition, and please...if it is, tell me?"
Looking into Ana's eyes, Fallon pleaded, but hoped she didn't sound TOO desperate. After all, Ana had a boyfriend now, and who knew what her plans for later entailed.
"Cyrus has to fly to China tonight, and I was wondering...hoping...if you aren't busy later, you might spend the night?"
Once she'd asked the question, Fallon felt immensely silly. Here she was an adult, married woman, and afraid to stay alone?
"I know it sounds silly, but the house is SO big, and..." And thinking she was sounding even more silly now, Fallon just sighed. But she never took her eyes off of Ana's.
It also occurred to her that she was being somewhat rude, now whispering exactly, but talking so lowly that anyone might almost consider it to be close. And Dawn...here was Dawn, smack dab in front of Fallon's nose...whatever must she think?
Yet there was enough fear in Fallon, that it ultimately won out and she remained poised for Ana's response, nearly holding her breath in anticipation.
"I hate to ask this, I mean it could be such an imposition, and please...if it is, tell me?"
Looking into Ana's eyes, Fallon pleaded, but hoped she didn't sound TOO desperate. After all, Ana had a boyfriend now, and who knew what her plans for later entailed.
"Cyrus has to fly to China tonight, and I was wondering...hoping...if you aren't busy later, you might spend the night?"
Once she'd asked the question, Fallon felt immensely silly. Here she was an adult, married woman, and afraid to stay alone?
"I know it sounds silly, but the house is SO big, and..." And thinking she was sounding even more silly now, Fallon just sighed. But she never took her eyes off of Ana's.
It also occurred to her that she was being somewhat rude, now whispering exactly, but talking so lowly that anyone might almost consider it to be close. And Dawn...here was Dawn, smack dab in front of Fallon's nose...whatever must she think?
Yet there was enough fear in Fallon, that it ultimately won out and she remained poised for Ana's response, nearly holding her breath in anticipation.