Dana had thrown a blazer over her dress as she'd ridden to the office building, then spent the better part of the last few hours fixing the mistakes the girl had made. She had wanted to fire the child then and there, but it was not her place and she was fairly certain Bao already knew of the problem.
If not she was about to make him aware, with file in hand she knocked on Bao's door. She did not wait for his answer, as she never did, it was mostly just a warning that she was entering.
"Bao we must do something about Jen..."
She pulled up short seeing Amir perched on the beautiful desk. He looked out of place in his jeans and t-shirt, and yet he belonged there. What was he doing here? Oh, right Bao was his child, he had every right to be here. It was just so odd.
Taking a step back she tried to cover her surprise. "I'm sorry, am I interrupting?"
Pop Quiz (Invite only)
Amir left his bike in the garage below Bao's office building and rode the elevator to the twenty-third floor. He exited and turned, following the bronzed plaques that served as maps to Bao's office. Entering quietly, he looked around but saw no one. It was close to two in the morning though, so he hadn't expected a full staff.
There was a shuffling of papers in one direction; perhaps Bao wasn't alone after all. He wasn't sure if Dana was working tonight although she'd been his ulterior motive in coming. He wanted to check in on Bao, and although he rarely ever visited him at his workplace Bao had hinted that he, too, wanted to speak to Amir in a private location. Something was bothering Bao and Amir wanted to address whatever the problem was. Bao was a capable vampire and Amir was justifiably proud of him. On occasion though, Bao still asked him for advice. It seemed this was one such occasion.
Glancing around one more time he made his silent way over to the door with Bao's name etched into it. He didn't bother knocking, just let himself in and then quietly closed the door behind him. Bao was there by himself, working on some sort of paperwork.
"Ask and ye shall receive," Amir said wryly from the door. He crossed the room, taking notice of the decor and the layout without actually looking at any of it, and went to the window to admire Nachton's nighttime skyline. "Nice office."
Dana
14 years ago
Bao
14 years ago
Bao allowed himself to roll his eyes at Amir’s adamant answer. If nothing else it was one less person he had to compete with when the rare sketch or notebook became available.
Now, that was a distinct problem. He had –no- idea when Amir’s birthday was. He could make a guess based on the astrology he’d been taught as a young man but that would probably be less than accurate.
“Perhaps I shall just give it to you for Christmas instead. Anything to keep it from cluttering up my collection.”
What had possessed him to buy it he still wasn’t sure. Oh, it was a good investment but he simply couldn’t abide the thing. He’d never displayed it.
He faintly shook his head as Amir again settled on his desk. There was –nothing- wrong with the chairs.
Dana’s entrance, however, distracted him. Ever formal he stood and rebuttoned his jacket as he did so.
“No, unless you have a predilection for Warhol’s art you are not interrupting.”
That was as close to a joke as Bao was libel to get most days. Glancing between the two he asked simply,
“Have you been introduced?”
Now, that was a distinct problem. He had –no- idea when Amir’s birthday was. He could make a guess based on the astrology he’d been taught as a young man but that would probably be less than accurate.
“Perhaps I shall just give it to you for Christmas instead. Anything to keep it from cluttering up my collection.”
What had possessed him to buy it he still wasn’t sure. Oh, it was a good investment but he simply couldn’t abide the thing. He’d never displayed it.
He faintly shook his head as Amir again settled on his desk. There was –nothing- wrong with the chairs.
Dana’s entrance, however, distracted him. Ever formal he stood and rebuttoned his jacket as he did so.
“No, unless you have a predilection for Warhol’s art you are not interrupting.”
That was as close to a joke as Bao was libel to get most days. Glancing between the two he asked simply,
“Have you been introduced?”
Amir
14 years ago
"My religion strictly forbids me opening any presents. I will have to burn them all," Amir said with mock solemnity. Though come to think of it, he wasn't sure Bao would mind watching the Warhol burn. Poor Warhol. What had he done to Bao, anyway?
He looked up in pleased surprise as Dana entered the room, pretty and slightly flustered. "You're not interrupting," he said warmly.
Sliding off Bao's desk once more Amir crossed the room and took the one of Dana's hands that didn't have a file in it. Raising it to his lips he kissed it gently. "Oh, I think we've seen each other around the Manor once or twice," he said, lifting his head and flashing Dana a mischievous grin before turning back to Bao as if expecting an introduction.
He looked up in pleased surprise as Dana entered the room, pretty and slightly flustered. "You're not interrupting," he said warmly.
Sliding off Bao's desk once more Amir crossed the room and took the one of Dana's hands that didn't have a file in it. Raising it to his lips he kissed it gently. "Oh, I think we've seen each other around the Manor once or twice," he said, lifting his head and flashing Dana a mischievous grin before turning back to Bao as if expecting an introduction.
Dana
14 years ago
"I don't particularly like Warhol, he's much to harsh for my tastes"
She was still unsure what it was that caused her to react so strongly to Amir, as his kiss caused her cheeks to flush a pretty pale pink. Her reactions didn't shame her in any way, they only made her emotions clearly visible, something she wasn't used to in the least.
Her lips curled into a smile of their own in response to Amir's. "Yes a time or two."
She was still unsure what it was that caused her to react so strongly to Amir, as his kiss caused her cheeks to flush a pretty pale pink. Her reactions didn't shame her in any way, they only made her emotions clearly visible, something she wasn't used to in the least.
Her lips curled into a smile of their own in response to Amir's. "Yes a time or two."
Bao
14 years ago
“Then I shall get you fireworks.”
That he would actually pay to see. Hopefully Amir wouldn’t toss them in the fireplace. Of course, it would never happen, but it was a jocular notion.
Now that was unexpected. Bao watched rather fascinated. The two seemed rather engaged with each other. Nothing unseemly or over the top but it was clear they –had- met. How interesting.
“Then you will forgive me if I forego formal introductions.”
It was clear the Amir half expected an introduction, but that seemed superfluous.
With introductions being unnecessary he continued.
“Now, how can I assist you Dana?”
That he would actually pay to see. Hopefully Amir wouldn’t toss them in the fireplace. Of course, it would never happen, but it was a jocular notion.
Now that was unexpected. Bao watched rather fascinated. The two seemed rather engaged with each other. Nothing unseemly or over the top but it was clear they –had- met. How interesting.
“Then you will forgive me if I forego formal introductions.”
It was clear the Amir half expected an introduction, but that seemed superfluous.
With introductions being unnecessary he continued.
“Now, how can I assist you Dana?”
Dana
14 years ago
Looking down at the file in her hand and then back at Bao.
"It is nothing terribly important."
She thought about that, as she handed the file to him. "That's not entirely true, it is important."
She gave an apologetic smile to Amir, and turned her full attention to Bao. "Jennifer, the young girl that works mostly as a go-fer, was given an accounts transfer assignment, by whom I'm not certain. She managed to nearly bankrupt the poor man in the process.
I've corrected her mistakes, but in all honestly Bao, this is not her first screw-up. She ought to be fired, and the idiot that gave her the assignment should be drawn and quartered"
She gave an evil little grin. "Figuratively, of course."
"It is nothing terribly important."
She thought about that, as she handed the file to him. "That's not entirely true, it is important."
She gave an apologetic smile to Amir, and turned her full attention to Bao. "Jennifer, the young girl that works mostly as a go-fer, was given an accounts transfer assignment, by whom I'm not certain. She managed to nearly bankrupt the poor man in the process.
I've corrected her mistakes, but in all honestly Bao, this is not her first screw-up. She ought to be fired, and the idiot that gave her the assignment should be drawn and quartered"
She gave an evil little grin. "Figuratively, of course."
Amir
14 years ago
Amir ignored the snap about the fireworks but noted to himself that those would be especially fun in the fireplace. He pressed Dana's hand in his own and caressed her palm with his fingertips as he let go, murmuing softly as he turned, "Don't let me interrupt."
Taking himself out of the interaction between Bao and Dana he quietly crossed to one of the big, uncomfortable-looking armchairs and threw himself gracefully into it, one knee hooked over the arm, watching his offspring and his romantic interest with curiosity.
Taking himself out of the interaction between Bao and Dana he quietly crossed to one of the big, uncomfortable-looking armchairs and threw himself gracefully into it, one knee hooked over the arm, watching his offspring and his romantic interest with curiosity.
Bao
14 years ago
Bao sighed. The girl in question was technically an intern, an agreement with a local university for a tax break. Next semester he would either do the interview himself or not participate.
“If I may?”
Taking the file from Dana, he could see the problem and unfortunately, it involved one of his more capable paralegals. His best guess was the young man in question was more interested in possible romantic entanglements than his work currently. Puppy love was a curse. He was also unaware of the first incident that Dana mentioned and frowned, that should have been brought to his attention –much- sooner, but he chose not to mention that.
“I’ll leave word with Julie that effective immediately her hours are to be changed to normal business hours and she will report directly to Anne and only Anne.”
How anyone could be so stern and formidable at such a young age, Anne wasn’t yet thirty, Bao didn’t know. However, it was also those qualities that made him like her. He was considering the upcoming lawyer as either a potential familiar or actually turning her.
“If there is another incident of any kind she will simply fail and that will be the end of it. Drawing and quartering leaves stains on the carpet and I only rent this space and should like to get the security deposit back.”
What to do about the paralegal, that was another situation. He would be loathed to lose the young man, but he had to be brought to account. Still that was another matter and one that neither Dana or Amir needed to be involved it.
“Should she attempt to use you as a crutch again please advise Anne and myself immediately.”
“If I may?”
Taking the file from Dana, he could see the problem and unfortunately, it involved one of his more capable paralegals. His best guess was the young man in question was more interested in possible romantic entanglements than his work currently. Puppy love was a curse. He was also unaware of the first incident that Dana mentioned and frowned, that should have been brought to his attention –much- sooner, but he chose not to mention that.
“I’ll leave word with Julie that effective immediately her hours are to be changed to normal business hours and she will report directly to Anne and only Anne.”
How anyone could be so stern and formidable at such a young age, Anne wasn’t yet thirty, Bao didn’t know. However, it was also those qualities that made him like her. He was considering the upcoming lawyer as either a potential familiar or actually turning her.
“If there is another incident of any kind she will simply fail and that will be the end of it. Drawing and quartering leaves stains on the carpet and I only rent this space and should like to get the security deposit back.”
What to do about the paralegal, that was another situation. He would be loathed to lose the young man, but he had to be brought to account. Still that was another matter and one that neither Dana or Amir needed to be involved it.
“Should she attempt to use you as a crutch again please advise Anne and myself immediately.”
Dana
14 years ago
She nodded as Bao spoke, she'd expected nothing less really, but had hoped he'd simply fire Jennifer she was rather tired of being the girl's go-to
"With out hesitation." She was glad to be relieved of such a burden. The matter was no longer her problem and it would most likely not happen again. Anne would see to it that Jennifer either toed the line or was dismissed.
"Now that the unpleasantness is taken care of." She looked between Bao and Amir, and back again.
"What in the world has you two debating Andy Warhol?"
"With out hesitation." She was glad to be relieved of such a burden. The matter was no longer her problem and it would most likely not happen again. Anne would see to it that Jennifer either toed the line or was dismissed.
"Now that the unpleasantness is taken care of." She looked between Bao and Amir, and back again.
"What in the world has you two debating Andy Warhol?"
Amir
14 years ago
Amir swung his leg against the arm of the chair, not hard enough to cause a thump or a scuff, while he listened to the conflict resolution take place. He hadn't come here to interfere in the running of a business; far from it. He rarely if ever poked his nose into Bao's office and legal mumbo jumbo, and as for Dana she was a Clanmate, respected and liked. He wouldn't willfully embarrass her in front of her boss.
He turned his eyes to the ceiling as they cleared the matter up between them, reflecting that he'd just dispose of the offending humans. Bao and Dana showed far too much concern. There were all manner of ways to arrange accidents and cover up mysterious disappearances.
When Dana's question made it clear that the topic was resolved for now, Amir turned his head to her and smiled, then went back to his quiet contemplation of the ceiling tiles.
"Bao admires him so," he said. "I came in to see how he was doing and he was just debating where to put his Warhol. I suggested he place it there," he gestured to the spot on the wall where the existing print needed to be refreshed. "Don't you think a new print in that location would be perfect? It really would stand out."
And he really was going to push the Warhol, because Bao would be the sort to gift it to him, and if Amir could get him to agree that it looked good on the wall instead, on the wall it would go. It would be a shame to burn it. But the fireworks would be fun.
He turned his eyes to the ceiling as they cleared the matter up between them, reflecting that he'd just dispose of the offending humans. Bao and Dana showed far too much concern. There were all manner of ways to arrange accidents and cover up mysterious disappearances.
When Dana's question made it clear that the topic was resolved for now, Amir turned his head to her and smiled, then went back to his quiet contemplation of the ceiling tiles.
"Bao admires him so," he said. "I came in to see how he was doing and he was just debating where to put his Warhol. I suggested he place it there," he gestured to the spot on the wall where the existing print needed to be refreshed. "Don't you think a new print in that location would be perfect? It really would stand out."
And he really was going to push the Warhol, because Bao would be the sort to gift it to him, and if Amir could get him to agree that it looked good on the wall instead, on the wall it would go. It would be a shame to burn it. But the fireworks would be fun.
Bao
14 years ago
Perhaps he would gift Amir with some bongos as he insisted on beating on his furniture. However, he swallowed his frustration and instead raised an eyebrow at Amir. He could almost hear what the older vampire was thinking as far as humans went. Ordinarily that was Bao's attitude as well, but such an attitude had to be tempered with professional considerations. If members of his staff continued to turn up dead or some such he would have a reputation that would be hard to hush up or live down.
Once business was concluded, he indicated to Dana that she should take the other chair. Amir apparently was in no hurry to chase her off, there for he wasn't even if it meant he was losing her capable services for the evening.
"So would a neon sign or a beer mirror. In fact, they would most likely be improvements on Warhol's aesthetic. I think perhaps your suggestion of the Dai Jin is becoming more and more appealing."Â?
Just not the original.
Once business was concluded, he indicated to Dana that she should take the other chair. Amir apparently was in no hurry to chase her off, there for he wasn't even if it meant he was losing her capable services for the evening.
"So would a neon sign or a beer mirror. In fact, they would most likely be improvements on Warhol's aesthetic. I think perhaps your suggestion of the Dai Jin is becoming more and more appealing."Â?
Just not the original.
Dana
14 years ago
Dana knew for certain that Bao would absolutely hate looking at the garish colors of Mr. Warhol. She did not doubt that he had his place in the art world, just not in Bao's office.
"Why don't you just draw on the wall with crayons?"
She declined the offered chair and chose instead to perch lightly on Amir's leg that was not draped over the chair arm. She did not see any point in censoring her feelings and urges around Bao. They were friendly enough to not stand on ceremony with one another and she did not think Amir would mind in the least.
"Which Dai Jin do you have a print of, Bao?"
She could only assume he had a print, as an original would not be even a remote possibility.
"Why don't you just draw on the wall with crayons?"
She declined the offered chair and chose instead to perch lightly on Amir's leg that was not draped over the chair arm. She did not see any point in censoring her feelings and urges around Bao. They were friendly enough to not stand on ceremony with one another and she did not think Amir would mind in the least.
"Which Dai Jin do you have a print of, Bao?"
She could only assume he had a print, as an original would not be even a remote possibility.
Amir
14 years ago
"Psychological warfare is absolutely acceptable. The more we discuss the Warhol, the more attractive the Dai Jin begins to look."
Amir may not have been much of an art critic, but he knew tactics and strategy. He wasn't above practicing at every opportunity. Bao was the legal man, Amir was the strategist. They all had their strengths.
As Dana made herself comfortable on his leg, Amir didn't bat an eyelash. He wrapped his arms around her waist and snuggled her a little bit closer so her seat wasn't quite so precarious, resting his head against the winged back of the armchair. If she didn't mind, he certainly wasn't going to pull any punches.
"Incidentally, I kind of like the idea of the neon sign."
Amir may not have been much of an art critic, but he knew tactics and strategy. He wasn't above practicing at every opportunity. Bao was the legal man, Amir was the strategist. They all had their strengths.
As Dana made herself comfortable on his leg, Amir didn't bat an eyelash. He wrapped his arms around her waist and snuggled her a little bit closer so her seat wasn't quite so precarious, resting his head against the winged back of the armchair. If she didn't mind, he certainly wasn't going to pull any punches.
"Incidentally, I kind of like the idea of the neon sign."
Bao
14 years ago
“You’ve been re-reading Sun Tzu again.”
For his own dealings Bao preferred Machiaveli’s The Prince, but he had of course read The Art of War on more than one occasion. Between the two books, however, Amir seemed to show a preference for Sun Tzu. At least to Bao’s observations he did.
He suppressed a little smile as the two of them got cozy. This was not a side of his maker he often saw, nor was it one he expected to see during this assignment. Perhaps Amir was as surprised as he was by this development.
“I would have to obtain such a print. My preference would be Farewell at Jintai or possibly A scene in the quarters of the imperial harem.”
Bao might not have a passion for the Chinese artist but he had a mind like a steel trap for art and artists. Leaning against his desk he squinted at the Van Gohe and mentally tried to replace it with either painting.
“Perhaps I will just get the neon sign. I’m sure it will impress my clients.”
For his own dealings Bao preferred Machiaveli’s The Prince, but he had of course read The Art of War on more than one occasion. Between the two books, however, Amir seemed to show a preference for Sun Tzu. At least to Bao’s observations he did.
He suppressed a little smile as the two of them got cozy. This was not a side of his maker he often saw, nor was it one he expected to see during this assignment. Perhaps Amir was as surprised as he was by this development.
“I would have to obtain such a print. My preference would be Farewell at Jintai or possibly A scene in the quarters of the imperial harem.”
Bao might not have a passion for the Chinese artist but he had a mind like a steel trap for art and artists. Leaning against his desk he squinted at the Van Gohe and mentally tried to replace it with either painting.
“Perhaps I will just get the neon sign. I’m sure it will impress my clients.”
Dana
14 years ago
Dana settled back against Amir, ensuring her skirt was in place so as not to embarrass herself.
"Is it color you are wanting there?"
She studied the space and the painting that was already there. it was a nice example of Van Gogh and one she wouldn't mind having, if she collected art. But it had been there since she'd begun to work for Bao and if she was understanding correctly he had an extensive collection from which to choose from.
"Why not Chagall or Renoir, or you could even shock us all and put up a Botticelli."
She grinned impishly at Bao, she happened to like the European painters, but had no idea what his tastes were. Though she was certain her knowledge of art was far less than Bao's as she had not taken the time to really study much beyond museum visits.
"Is it color you are wanting there?"
She studied the space and the painting that was already there. it was a nice example of Van Gogh and one she wouldn't mind having, if she collected art. But it had been there since she'd begun to work for Bao and if she was understanding correctly he had an extensive collection from which to choose from.
"Why not Chagall or Renoir, or you could even shock us all and put up a Botticelli."
She grinned impishly at Bao, she happened to like the European painters, but had no idea what his tastes were. Though she was certain her knowledge of art was far less than Bao's as she had not taken the time to really study much beyond museum visits.
Amir
14 years ago
"Of course I have," Amir responded to Bao's observation. "I study constantly. He's just my most recent re-read."
The conversation continued toward art and Amir's hopes of seeing a neon sign displayed in Bao's office were close to being dashed. He listened to Bao and Dana debate over the artist to be showcased, not entirely interested in the conversation, recognizing a few but not all of the names they had begun to bandy about.
When Bao mentioned the neon sign once more, Amir shot him a quick grin and nodded. It would be entirely irreverent, which was perhaps why it appealed to him, no matter how unlikely it was.
The conversation continued toward art and Amir's hopes of seeing a neon sign displayed in Bao's office were close to being dashed. He listened to Bao and Dana debate over the artist to be showcased, not entirely interested in the conversation, recognizing a few but not all of the names they had begun to bandy about.
When Bao mentioned the neon sign once more, Amir shot him a quick grin and nodded. It would be entirely irreverent, which was perhaps why it appealed to him, no matter how unlikely it was.
Bao
14 years ago
“The mood is more important than color. At least in this space it is.”
People, not even vampires, didn’t trust a lawyer with bad taste in art. At least Bao didn’t believe they did, perhaps, because he wouldn’t.
Chagall was too modern and abstract for his office and Renoir too safe, Bao shook his head at both suggestions. Botticelli was… well he was.
Suddenly Bao smiled, a genuine smile that exposed his larger than average teeth. It was a recent acquisition so it was a wonder he hadn’t thought of it sooner. Often his new toys were obsessed over.
“I have recently purchased several of Nguyen Thi Tam’s works. Her Many Boats in Ha Long Bay will do admirably here.”
Bao was more than a little taken with the works of this lady from his homeland. She blended a French influence with traditional silk painting beautifully. It very much suited his aesthetic.
People, not even vampires, didn’t trust a lawyer with bad taste in art. At least Bao didn’t believe they did, perhaps, because he wouldn’t.
Chagall was too modern and abstract for his office and Renoir too safe, Bao shook his head at both suggestions. Botticelli was… well he was.
Suddenly Bao smiled, a genuine smile that exposed his larger than average teeth. It was a recent acquisition so it was a wonder he hadn’t thought of it sooner. Often his new toys were obsessed over.
“I have recently purchased several of Nguyen Thi Tam’s works. Her Many Boats in Ha Long Bay will do admirably here.”
Bao was more than a little taken with the works of this lady from his homeland. She blended a French influence with traditional silk painting beautifully. It very much suited his aesthetic.
Dana
14 years ago
Dana had no idea who this artist was. "I look forward to seeing it."
That seemed to be settled. And as Dana's upbringing taught her to not let conversation lag in a social setting she took a moment to gather her thoughts.
"Perhaps you should visit the Asian Heritage Festival while it is in town, Bao. You might find another artist to your liking there."
That reminded her of the questions she had developed from being at the festival.
"That reminds me. I was there this evening, before I was called away."
She swiveled about and looked at Amir, "I met the most interesting woman tonight. She's Asian with these incredible blue eyes, quite stunning really, remind me to tell you about her."
Returning her attention to Bao, she smiled. "We were watching a martial arts demonstration and I wondered if you firstly practice a martial art, and if so, would you be willing to teach me?"
That seemed to be settled. And as Dana's upbringing taught her to not let conversation lag in a social setting she took a moment to gather her thoughts.
"Perhaps you should visit the Asian Heritage Festival while it is in town, Bao. You might find another artist to your liking there."
That reminded her of the questions she had developed from being at the festival.
"That reminds me. I was there this evening, before I was called away."
She swiveled about and looked at Amir, "I met the most interesting woman tonight. She's Asian with these incredible blue eyes, quite stunning really, remind me to tell you about her."
Returning her attention to Bao, she smiled. "We were watching a martial arts demonstration and I wondered if you firstly practice a martial art, and if so, would you be willing to teach me?"
Amir
14 years ago
Amir nodded with interest as Dana described the woman he'd just seem on the computer screen to him. "Really. Blue eyes, you say? Was her name Pakpao?"
How many blue-eyed Asians were out there anyway? Well.... there were contact lenses after all. Dana's next question made him raise his eyebrows at Bao with amusement. She was asking Bao for lessons? Well why not, he was teaching her how to drive after all.
Amir was interested to see how Bao would field that one, particularly with Amir sitting right there. When it came to martial skills Bao was no slouch, but his knowledge only encmpassed a fraction of Amir's. They were chosen for particular strengths. Of course they were trained to be well-rounded, but each of Subira's children had their forte and Amir had followed her habits in turning his own. Bao had not been chosen for his martial skills; he had been chosen for his canny intelligence and cleverness. Throughout their long lives, Amir was the one generally tasked with anything physical.
It also made him wonder why Dana should pose such a request to Bao instead of him. It was curious, how people formed opinions. Dana seemed to see Bao as a teacher.
Amir had to ask himself though - what did that make him?
How many blue-eyed Asians were out there anyway? Well.... there were contact lenses after all. Dana's next question made him raise his eyebrows at Bao with amusement. She was asking Bao for lessons? Well why not, he was teaching her how to drive after all.
Amir was interested to see how Bao would field that one, particularly with Amir sitting right there. When it came to martial skills Bao was no slouch, but his knowledge only encmpassed a fraction of Amir's. They were chosen for particular strengths. Of course they were trained to be well-rounded, but each of Subira's children had their forte and Amir had followed her habits in turning his own. Bao had not been chosen for his martial skills; he had been chosen for his canny intelligence and cleverness. Throughout their long lives, Amir was the one generally tasked with anything physical.
It also made him wonder why Dana should pose such a request to Bao instead of him. It was curious, how people formed opinions. Dana seemed to see Bao as a teacher.
Amir had to ask himself though - what did that make him?
Bao
14 years ago
Bao smiled and made a quick mental note to try and find some time to look into the festival. Perhaps there would be something worthwhile there.
Blue eyes? Bao was very glad that his computer monitor had gone to screen saver and Dana couldn't see the picture of Pakpao still on it. He didn't want to answer any questions about why he would be looking the woman up. As it was his jaw tensed almost imperceptibly as he tried to find a socially acceptable answer. Amir, however, took care of that for him.
"Yes, I do, several in fact. Although I'm more proficient in archery and Vo Dihn Bin than other forms. Why is the Russian not enough of a challenge?"Â?
Another night he might have played with Amir a bit, or at least been more inclined to offer to teach Dana without deferring to his maker. Tonight, however, he was still quite conscious of his mistake with Pakpao. As a result of that confession he was probably still treading on some thin ice with his maker. While he considered, pushing his luck in this case Bao decided discretion truly was the better part of valor.
"However, Amir is considerably more skilled in the martial arts. In fact, he taught me a great deal. He still does on occasion."Â?
He very gently prompted Dana to ask the older vampire for instruction rather than ask him. If she didn't pick up that hint he would be more direct. However, from what Bao knew of Dana she would be more than astute enough to understand what he was saying.
Blue eyes? Bao was very glad that his computer monitor had gone to screen saver and Dana couldn't see the picture of Pakpao still on it. He didn't want to answer any questions about why he would be looking the woman up. As it was his jaw tensed almost imperceptibly as he tried to find a socially acceptable answer. Amir, however, took care of that for him.
"Yes, I do, several in fact. Although I'm more proficient in archery and Vo Dihn Bin than other forms. Why is the Russian not enough of a challenge?"Â?
Another night he might have played with Amir a bit, or at least been more inclined to offer to teach Dana without deferring to his maker. Tonight, however, he was still quite conscious of his mistake with Pakpao. As a result of that confession he was probably still treading on some thin ice with his maker. While he considered, pushing his luck in this case Bao decided discretion truly was the better part of valor.
"However, Amir is considerably more skilled in the martial arts. In fact, he taught me a great deal. He still does on occasion."Â?
He very gently prompted Dana to ask the older vampire for instruction rather than ask him. If she didn't pick up that hint he would be more direct. However, from what Bao knew of Dana she would be more than astute enough to understand what he was saying.