[I'll do what I can,] Aishe replied to Pak, unwilling to further point out that her budding abilities were not exactly completely reliable yet. Pak knew that, she was sure.
In the meantime their meeting with Amir played out along one of the two lines Aishe had expected; either no one would have seemed interested in developing a more informative relationship, or they would progress toward getting to know one another better in a more appropriate setting. Clearly the latter was the case here, and Aishe wasn't opposed to it. She hardly ever was. She had yet to meet anyone in Nachton who really rubbed her the wrong way or sent out warning signs.
"That would be nice," she responded politely to Amir with a smile. "I could use a break. Pak is a wicked player."
There was an outdoor area with seating upstairs; surely Pak could light up her clove there and they should be reasonably comfortable. Aishe didn't think any of them had it in mind to change the venue to something that was any more intimate.
"Upstairs, then?"
Something Old, Something New (open)
Aishe frowned at Pak.
"You cheated."
The frown wasn't genuine, although the sentiment was. How could anyone score that perfectly in skeeball unless they were employing dubious, underhanded methods? It might have been jealousy; Aishe almost sort of wished she had telekinesis too, if only for the fact that Kiamhaat and Pak seemed to have no end of fun with it.
They had come out to enjoy a night off, but Aishe half suspected Pak of still being slightly shy of the Nachton streets. She couldn't really blame her, she supposed. And she didn't mind spending time with their friend. The arcade had beckoned, though, and they had followed its brightly-lit entry to the fun within. Aishe had already lost at air hockey. Skeeball was only the latest in Pak's repertoire of arcade-driven accomplishments.
Aishe
14 years ago
Amir
14 years ago
Amir didn't let his disdain show at Pak's request. "I don't mind at all," he lied smoothly, although the prospect of voluntarily sitting next to someone who was smoking was about as unappealing to him as taking a scuba-diving class.
He gave the obligatory chuckle at Aishe's comment and inclined his head at her, agreeing with her suggestion. "We'll have to compare scores later," he said, smiling at Pak. "That way I can see how I stack up against a pro."
They stopped at the little snack bar on their way up and, good as his word, Amir made sure both women got what they wanted, throwing in a coke for himself. They proceeded to the outdoor area Aishe had mentioned, where they had a view of the mini-golfers who were brave enough to face the chill of the night for their game.
"Brave souls," Amir commented. "I'm not sure I would have chosen that particular attraction tonight."
On the inside, this polite, banal chit-chat was driving him crazy. Outside, it never showed. He was far too used to deceit and trickery to let it.
He gave the obligatory chuckle at Aishe's comment and inclined his head at her, agreeing with her suggestion. "We'll have to compare scores later," he said, smiling at Pak. "That way I can see how I stack up against a pro."
They stopped at the little snack bar on their way up and, good as his word, Amir made sure both women got what they wanted, throwing in a coke for himself. They proceeded to the outdoor area Aishe had mentioned, where they had a view of the mini-golfers who were brave enough to face the chill of the night for their game.
"Brave souls," Amir commented. "I'm not sure I would have chosen that particular attraction tonight."
On the inside, this polite, banal chit-chat was driving him crazy. Outside, it never showed. He was far too used to deceit and trickery to let it.
Pakpao
14 years ago
Pak smiled somewhat ruefully, her smoker’s sixth sense seemed to be telling her that he wasn’t quite sold on the idea of her lighting up. Maybe she’d hold off a bit. Of course, she was probably just being leery as smokers were becoming more and more disenfranchised.
“We could do that, I wouldn’t mind some competition.”
Pak offered cautiously. She really was trying to play nice and get to know the new vampire. Aishe had damned well better be proud.
She had the good sense to order a coffee as they were going outside and it was not a warm night. Because they hadn’t been out roaming the streets Pak didn’t have her good heavy woolen pea coat, she only had a medium weight leather jacket and a scarf, not even gloves. She was going to regret that soon enough, but for now, she was going to hang in there with out complaint.
“I know I wouldn’t have.”
OK, almost without complaint.
Hands wrapped around her coffee, afraid to let go of the warmth even for a clove, Pak smiled.
“So what brings you out tonight? Just dinner and a show?”
“We could do that, I wouldn’t mind some competition.”
Pak offered cautiously. She really was trying to play nice and get to know the new vampire. Aishe had damned well better be proud.
She had the good sense to order a coffee as they were going outside and it was not a warm night. Because they hadn’t been out roaming the streets Pak didn’t have her good heavy woolen pea coat, she only had a medium weight leather jacket and a scarf, not even gloves. She was going to regret that soon enough, but for now, she was going to hang in there with out complaint.
“I know I wouldn’t have.”
OK, almost without complaint.
Hands wrapped around her coffee, afraid to let go of the warmth even for a clove, Pak smiled.
“So what brings you out tonight? Just dinner and a show?”
Aishe
14 years ago
Aishe shot Pak a look of approval for being friendly; it wasn't always in Pak's nature, she knew. Her friend was even more guarded than Kiamhaat and Aishe hadn't previously thought that was possible. She silently vowed never to let herself grow more jaded as the years passed by. Kiamhaat gently criticized her for being too trusting but Aishe couldn't help it - it was who she was. Innocent until proven guilty, she figured. It had worked thus far.
She offered the golfers a critical eye as they laughed and seemed cheerful enough despite the weather. "I guess it doesn't matter to them so long as they're having fun," she said with a shrug and a smile.
She sat in one of the chairs at their table, but she had her knees drawn up onto the seat and had wrapped her arms around them. She rested her chin on them and reached out to take a sip of her usual cherry coke. As Pak enquired as to Amir's purpose, Aishe watched the young man with interested eyes. She, too, wanted to know more about him. Was he a Tacharan, or did he belong to Anantya? Surely if he were a newly-arrived Evenhet she'd have heard of him... MARI generally let them know if there were any known Clanmates in the city. It wasn't unusual for them to stop in to pay their respects, even if they didn't plan on staying long.
She offered the golfers a critical eye as they laughed and seemed cheerful enough despite the weather. "I guess it doesn't matter to them so long as they're having fun," she said with a shrug and a smile.
She sat in one of the chairs at their table, but she had her knees drawn up onto the seat and had wrapped her arms around them. She rested her chin on them and reached out to take a sip of her usual cherry coke. As Pak enquired as to Amir's purpose, Aishe watched the young man with interested eyes. She, too, wanted to know more about him. Was he a Tacharan, or did he belong to Anantya? Surely if he were a newly-arrived Evenhet she'd have heard of him... MARI generally let them know if there were any known Clanmates in the city. It wasn't unusual for them to stop in to pay their respects, even if they didn't plan on staying long.
Amir
14 years ago
Amir laughed out loud at Pakpao's forthright question, not at all worried that the light glistened from sharp canines. None of the humans could see them from here and even if they could, what would they do about it?
"Dinner mostly," he said in answer to the question. "The show was just for kicks. I was thinking about leaving when I overheard the two of you, and I wasn't about to let the chance to meet some of my own kind go by."
Again, fairly close to the truth. He hadn't been about to pass up this opportunity, even if he had created it. Amir didn't necessarily believe in luck. At least, not the vague circumstantial type.
Aishe's words and her open smile gave him some more insight into her character. Her name seemed appropriate. Without so much as a negative twitch she had diffused the criticism offered by both Amir and Pakpao toward the golfers. Pak, however, was a lot harder to read. That in itself gave him some clues. He expected her to be tough to crack, but the glances exchanged between her and Aishe told him she wasn't as confident as she appeared. Aishe seemed to be expecting something of Pakpao and it looked like perhaps she had gotten it.
Interesting. Did that mean Aishe was the elder of the two, to be able to demand a certain level of compliance from Pakpao? Amir didn't have enough information to make any real guesses so he let his mind chew on it while he kept a small portion of it engaged in the irritating small talk some more.
"What of yourselves? Is this a very popular hangout? It's been some time since I was last in Nachton and this place wasn't here then. I hope I'm not inadvertently treading on someone else's preserve. No one mentioned it to me before I came out tonight."
He was certain it was not, but that didn't mean he wasn't going to act his part. Appearances were important here. He wasn't supposed to know these two belonged to Evenhet and even if he did, his "character" wouldn't know whether or not they favored this place as a hunting ground. Although, he reflected, he could see it as their kind of place, in a way. These people were carefree, focused more on having fun and relaxing. They seemed to embody some of the better Evenhet traits. The worse ones did not bear thinking on.
"Dinner mostly," he said in answer to the question. "The show was just for kicks. I was thinking about leaving when I overheard the two of you, and I wasn't about to let the chance to meet some of my own kind go by."
Again, fairly close to the truth. He hadn't been about to pass up this opportunity, even if he had created it. Amir didn't necessarily believe in luck. At least, not the vague circumstantial type.
Aishe's words and her open smile gave him some more insight into her character. Her name seemed appropriate. Without so much as a negative twitch she had diffused the criticism offered by both Amir and Pakpao toward the golfers. Pak, however, was a lot harder to read. That in itself gave him some clues. He expected her to be tough to crack, but the glances exchanged between her and Aishe told him she wasn't as confident as she appeared. Aishe seemed to be expecting something of Pakpao and it looked like perhaps she had gotten it.
Interesting. Did that mean Aishe was the elder of the two, to be able to demand a certain level of compliance from Pakpao? Amir didn't have enough information to make any real guesses so he let his mind chew on it while he kept a small portion of it engaged in the irritating small talk some more.
"What of yourselves? Is this a very popular hangout? It's been some time since I was last in Nachton and this place wasn't here then. I hope I'm not inadvertently treading on someone else's preserve. No one mentioned it to me before I came out tonight."
He was certain it was not, but that didn't mean he wasn't going to act his part. Appearances were important here. He wasn't supposed to know these two belonged to Evenhet and even if he did, his "character" wouldn't know whether or not they favored this place as a hunting ground. Although, he reflected, he could see it as their kind of place, in a way. These people were carefree, focused more on having fun and relaxing. They seemed to embody some of the better Evenhet traits. The worse ones did not bear thinking on.
Pakpao
14 years ago
Pak shook her head at Aishe. Somehow, even that little headshake seemed to convey Pak’s feeling that being outside when the temperature dropped below fifty was insanity and anyone who felt otherwise was also insane.
Aishe also seemed to be letting her take the lead. Pak was tempted to growl, but that defeat the purpose of her trying to play nice. Instead, she watched Amir laugh with a vague trepidation. At least no one would know. Aishe might guess just based on their friendship, but it wouldn’t show. Well, at least he was honest. Pak had to give him that. From what he said, she wondered if he were lonely too. Er… not too. Pak was –not- lonely.
“Haven’t you ever been seized by a sudden and overwhelming desire to play skeeball?”
She quipped with a certain amount of cautious humor.
Since he was last here? Well Nachton hadn’t been built in a day so lord knew when the last time was. And it wasn’t surprising that they hadn’t run into each other before. Heck, she couldn’t remember when the arcade had been built either. It was nice of him to be cautious about things though she decided.
“No, it is fair game. Not a bad place for a bite either. But we’re just here for the skeeball tonight.”
Aishe also seemed to be letting her take the lead. Pak was tempted to growl, but that defeat the purpose of her trying to play nice. Instead, she watched Amir laugh with a vague trepidation. At least no one would know. Aishe might guess just based on their friendship, but it wouldn’t show. Well, at least he was honest. Pak had to give him that. From what he said, she wondered if he were lonely too. Er… not too. Pak was –not- lonely.
“Haven’t you ever been seized by a sudden and overwhelming desire to play skeeball?”
She quipped with a certain amount of cautious humor.
Since he was last here? Well Nachton hadn’t been built in a day so lord knew when the last time was. And it wasn’t surprising that they hadn’t run into each other before. Heck, she couldn’t remember when the arcade had been built either. It was nice of him to be cautious about things though she decided.
“No, it is fair game. Not a bad place for a bite either. But we’re just here for the skeeball tonight.”
Aishe
14 years ago
Aishe simply grinned at Pak's head shake from where she was, tucked up on her little chair with her cherry coke close at hand. Let Pak grumble all she wanted; at least she was out and socializing. Sort of. Aishe remained fairly quiet, letting Pak handle the brunt of the conversation. It as all for the better anyhow - she'd never stopped to consider the Arcade as a vampire-run establishment. It seemed like such a harmless innocuous place. Too full of children during the day and on the weekends for her tastes anyhow. Generally the adult crowd only came out later at night.
"I was seized by the sudden urge to stop playing," she interjected wryly at Pak's comment. She flickered her eyes over to Amir. "I'm glad you showed up. I can salvage what's left of my pride."
Self-deprecating humor was more Pak and Kiamhaat's territory but Aishe could hold with them after several years of knowing them both, and she said the words with a twinkle in her eyes, not meaning them. She was enjoying being out for the night and hoping her own vampire would join them before too long. He was finishing up a few things over at Meridian but the lure of the Arcade was strong.
"I was seized by the sudden urge to stop playing," she interjected wryly at Pak's comment. She flickered her eyes over to Amir. "I'm glad you showed up. I can salvage what's left of my pride."
Self-deprecating humor was more Pak and Kiamhaat's territory but Aishe could hold with them after several years of knowing them both, and she said the words with a twinkle in her eyes, not meaning them. She was enjoying being out for the night and hoping her own vampire would join them before too long. He was finishing up a few things over at Meridian but the lure of the Arcade was strong.
Amir
14 years ago
Pakpao's question and Aishe's quick interruption had Amir cracking a smile again. Clearly the two spent a lot of time together. They seemed completely at ease with banter and a little bit of trash talk. A response was expected of him, too, at that point. He saw two striking pairs of eyes regarding him expectantly, one blue and one green, and he addressed them both.
"Yes, I have actually. Who hasn't?" He responded to Pakpao, before turning to Aishe. "I'll be happy to take the beating for you when we go back in," he said. "If I can just keep her out here a little while longer she might be too frozen to make any good throws."
He briefly wondered at the fact that Pakpao hadn't indulged in the desired clove. He was fairly certain he hadn't given any outward indication of distaste, and that was the reason they were sitting out here in the cold, after all. It crossed his mind briefly that she might be one of those vampires who could sense the emotions of the people around them, and he filed that tidbit away for future consideration. It wouldn't hurt to know what she was capable of.
"Yes, I have actually. Who hasn't?" He responded to Pakpao, before turning to Aishe. "I'll be happy to take the beating for you when we go back in," he said. "If I can just keep her out here a little while longer she might be too frozen to make any good throws."
He briefly wondered at the fact that Pakpao hadn't indulged in the desired clove. He was fairly certain he hadn't given any outward indication of distaste, and that was the reason they were sitting out here in the cold, after all. It crossed his mind briefly that she might be one of those vampires who could sense the emotions of the people around them, and he filed that tidbit away for future consideration. It wouldn't hurt to know what she was capable of.
Pakpao
14 years ago
“Next time we can play foozball.”
Pak said to Aishe with a twisted smile.
Right, she might be a bit out of practice but that sure sounded like almost, but not quite, kind of sort of possibly a come on. Pak racked her brain for the appropriate response and managed to find one. She favored Amir with a soft sly smile.
“But you might like that sort of thing.”
OK so her prostitute days were showing, but what were you going to do? Pak decided to half withdraw, using her clove as an excuse. She took three or four steps away from both Aishe and Amir before lighting up, a nice polite distance away but still with in easy conversation. The ritual of fishing the cigarette out of its case, lighting it and taking the first drag or two was calming. It gave her something else to think about. Maybe that’s why she kept the habit. Pak decided to think about that later.
“No I refuse to freeze out here and let Aishe drive us back.”
She grinned at them both. Pak simply let any one else drive her baby. She had her eye on a replacement or two though. It was getting to the point where she really was worried about possibly damaging what she considered a piece of art.
Pak said to Aishe with a twisted smile.
Right, she might be a bit out of practice but that sure sounded like almost, but not quite, kind of sort of possibly a come on. Pak racked her brain for the appropriate response and managed to find one. She favored Amir with a soft sly smile.
“But you might like that sort of thing.”
OK so her prostitute days were showing, but what were you going to do? Pak decided to half withdraw, using her clove as an excuse. She took three or four steps away from both Aishe and Amir before lighting up, a nice polite distance away but still with in easy conversation. The ritual of fishing the cigarette out of its case, lighting it and taking the first drag or two was calming. It gave her something else to think about. Maybe that’s why she kept the habit. Pak decided to think about that later.
“No I refuse to freeze out here and let Aishe drive us back.”
She grinned at them both. Pak simply let any one else drive her baby. She had her eye on a replacement or two though. It was getting to the point where she really was worried about possibly damaging what she considered a piece of art.
Aishe
14 years ago
Aishe laughed softly at Amir's "strategy," giving Pak a thumbs up at the idea of switching to foosball, which Pak said she was horrible at. "I'll be watching to see if it works," Aishe said. "If it does I'll know what to do next time."
She lifted her eyebrows at Pak's flirtation, grinning inwardly. Did Pak actually fancy the newcomer? Or was she just being polite? Nah - Pak wouldn't flirt for the sake of manners. Inside Aishe was pleased. If Pak came away from this meeting with a date it could only be a good thing. Not that she was about to play matchmaker with a vampire she didn't know and one of her best friends, but it was a sign that Pak was at least starting to open up again.
Aishe did her best not to completely see the world through rose colored glasses, but it was hard not to want the same for your friends when you were in a fulfilling relationship yourself.
Letting those thoughts drift through her head she turned to Amir. "How long do you suppose it takes to chill a skeeball fanatic?"
To Pak, she shot back, "I wouldn't dream of driving your car anyway. The idea of you in the passenger seat playing driving instructor is enough to scare me to death - again."
She lifted her eyebrows at Pak's flirtation, grinning inwardly. Did Pak actually fancy the newcomer? Or was she just being polite? Nah - Pak wouldn't flirt for the sake of manners. Inside Aishe was pleased. If Pak came away from this meeting with a date it could only be a good thing. Not that she was about to play matchmaker with a vampire she didn't know and one of her best friends, but it was a sign that Pak was at least starting to open up again.
Aishe did her best not to completely see the world through rose colored glasses, but it was hard not to want the same for your friends when you were in a fulfilling relationship yourself.
Letting those thoughts drift through her head she turned to Amir. "How long do you suppose it takes to chill a skeeball fanatic?"
To Pak, she shot back, "I wouldn't dream of driving your car anyway. The idea of you in the passenger seat playing driving instructor is enough to scare me to death - again."
Amir
14 years ago
Pakpao's response came as a complete surprise to Amir, but he returned her smile easily with his own silken expression falling easily across his features. Yes, he very much wanted to get to know her better. It was important to be able to judge her accurately, see if she would still fit in with her creator's clan.
He answered her honestly, but let his voice wrap itself around the words to let her know he wasn't turning her away, not at all.
"I can assure you, the idea of a beating isn't appealing in the least or I wouldn't resort to cryogenics as a Hail Mary. We can discuss the finer points of coercion while you're thawing out, though."
He widened his smile at her, turning it into something a little more like an impish grin. He had the measure of Pakpao thus far; she ejoyed the trash-talk and banter, perhaps using it as a shield against deeper emotions. If laughter and banter would get him to the next stage with her he'd employ them. He couldn't really judge her until he got her to open up some more.
Turning back to Aishe, however, Amir also added, "I'm not sure, honestly. That clove might help warm her up some and then I might be screwed anyway."
That was the first time Aishe herself had made reference to being a vampire as well, and although Amir hadn't really doubted her identity he liked having something concrete to go on. He was going to have to look her up and see what he could find on her too. He wouldn't mind hitting two birds with one stone.
The gentle banter continued until Pak finished smoking. When she appeared to be done Amir finally stood again.
"So. Are you ready, or are you too chilled to make good on that promise?"
He met Pak's eyes with an air of friendly challenge. Amir never threw a game. Like anything even slightly competitive Subira's training echoed through his head and he couldn't see it as just a game. It, like most other games, was rooted in the oldest ideas the world knew - survival. Of course, when anyone had ever depended on rolling a little wooden ball up a ramp to sustain themselves, Amir couldn't say. It was an exercise anyhow though, meant to refine a skill, and he couldn't pass up the chance to test himself out.
He answered her honestly, but let his voice wrap itself around the words to let her know he wasn't turning her away, not at all.
"I can assure you, the idea of a beating isn't appealing in the least or I wouldn't resort to cryogenics as a Hail Mary. We can discuss the finer points of coercion while you're thawing out, though."
He widened his smile at her, turning it into something a little more like an impish grin. He had the measure of Pakpao thus far; she ejoyed the trash-talk and banter, perhaps using it as a shield against deeper emotions. If laughter and banter would get him to the next stage with her he'd employ them. He couldn't really judge her until he got her to open up some more.
Turning back to Aishe, however, Amir also added, "I'm not sure, honestly. That clove might help warm her up some and then I might be screwed anyway."
That was the first time Aishe herself had made reference to being a vampire as well, and although Amir hadn't really doubted her identity he liked having something concrete to go on. He was going to have to look her up and see what he could find on her too. He wouldn't mind hitting two birds with one stone.
The gentle banter continued until Pak finished smoking. When she appeared to be done Amir finally stood again.
"So. Are you ready, or are you too chilled to make good on that promise?"
He met Pak's eyes with an air of friendly challenge. Amir never threw a game. Like anything even slightly competitive Subira's training echoed through his head and he couldn't see it as just a game. It, like most other games, was rooted in the oldest ideas the world knew - survival. Of course, when anyone had ever depended on rolling a little wooden ball up a ramp to sustain themselves, Amir couldn't say. It was an exercise anyhow though, meant to refine a skill, and he couldn't pass up the chance to test himself out.
Pakpao
14 years ago
“You keep up these threats of frost bitten fingers and I’m not leaving home until a month after the spring thaw.”
Pak shivered for dramatic effect before sticking her tongue out at Aishe. It was too cold out for her taste but it was a moderately sheltered area so she wasn’t –freezing- to death. She was damned cold and ready to go back in, but not freezing.
OK so that was a bit stronger of a response, more encouragement than she’d meant to give. It could have been worse though, at least she hadn’t given him her rates. Having opened the door more than she intended Pak truly studied Amir. Dark, not too much taller than she was, a lean build yeah he wasn’t unattractive and he seemed to have something of a sense of humor. Well… it couldn’t hurt to go out with him. If he asked. She wasn’t going to ask but if he asked it might be all right. She couldn’t hide in the towers forever.
She cocked an eyebrow at him in a silent confidant challenge, but she softened it a bit with a half grin.
“If you get to threaten me with subzero temperatures then you’d best be prepared to share an equally damning weakness. Level the playing field a bit you know.”
She didn’t expect him to do any such thing, but was not above asking. Some people could be guilted, shamed or otherwise goaded into giving an advantage and Pak was perfectly willing to make use of it.
With a final drag on her clove she stubbed it out and neatly deposited it in an ash tray before nodding decisively.
“Ask me the questions bridge keeper. I am not afraid.”
It was something of an unofficial battle cry for Pak. But she was more than ready to try and set him down, at least in the skee ball arena. She wondered how he’d take a loss. So far, he’d been shy and polite inside and he’d warmed up a bit outside it would be one more thing to add into her perception of him.
Pak shivered for dramatic effect before sticking her tongue out at Aishe. It was too cold out for her taste but it was a moderately sheltered area so she wasn’t –freezing- to death. She was damned cold and ready to go back in, but not freezing.
OK so that was a bit stronger of a response, more encouragement than she’d meant to give. It could have been worse though, at least she hadn’t given him her rates. Having opened the door more than she intended Pak truly studied Amir. Dark, not too much taller than she was, a lean build yeah he wasn’t unattractive and he seemed to have something of a sense of humor. Well… it couldn’t hurt to go out with him. If he asked. She wasn’t going to ask but if he asked it might be all right. She couldn’t hide in the towers forever.
She cocked an eyebrow at him in a silent confidant challenge, but she softened it a bit with a half grin.
“If you get to threaten me with subzero temperatures then you’d best be prepared to share an equally damning weakness. Level the playing field a bit you know.”
She didn’t expect him to do any such thing, but was not above asking. Some people could be guilted, shamed or otherwise goaded into giving an advantage and Pak was perfectly willing to make use of it.
With a final drag on her clove she stubbed it out and neatly deposited it in an ash tray before nodding decisively.
“Ask me the questions bridge keeper. I am not afraid.”
It was something of an unofficial battle cry for Pak. But she was more than ready to try and set him down, at least in the skee ball arena. She wondered how he’d take a loss. So far, he’d been shy and polite inside and he’d warmed up a bit outside it would be one more thing to add into her perception of him.
Aishe
14 years ago
Well, well. It looked like Pak and Amir were going to get along just fine. Aishe thought sometimes Pak came on a little strong, but Amir didn't seem bothered in the least. Good for him, she thought.
There was something that caught her attention when he spoke, though. An inconsistency in his tone, when he replied to Pak's flirtation and then a difference in his response to her. She didn't think much of it; clearly, he had been responding to two different tones of conversatino and his voice had adjusted accordingly. But the shift had been so smooth, so comfortable. it nagged at her for a moment and she dismissed it, giving him the benefit of the doubt. They all had things to hide, every one she knew. She had no reason to think Amir was anything but what he seemed.
She followed the two of them back into the building to the skee ball games again, taking up a position between two of the ramps. There wasn't any way to go head to head with someone else except to play their own games simultaneously.
"I'll referee," she said, with a smile. "No physical contact, no lobbing balls at unsuspecting observers."
She pinned Pak with a look at the last one, and continued. "However, name calling and trash-talking are highly encouraged."
There was something that caught her attention when he spoke, though. An inconsistency in his tone, when he replied to Pak's flirtation and then a difference in his response to her. She didn't think much of it; clearly, he had been responding to two different tones of conversatino and his voice had adjusted accordingly. But the shift had been so smooth, so comfortable. it nagged at her for a moment and she dismissed it, giving him the benefit of the doubt. They all had things to hide, every one she knew. She had no reason to think Amir was anything but what he seemed.
She followed the two of them back into the building to the skee ball games again, taking up a position between two of the ramps. There wasn't any way to go head to head with someone else except to play their own games simultaneously.
"I'll referee," she said, with a smile. "No physical contact, no lobbing balls at unsuspecting observers."
She pinned Pak with a look at the last one, and continued. "However, name calling and trash-talking are highly encouraged."
Amir
14 years ago
Amir regarded Pak speculatively as she confronted him with her demand, couched as it was in humor. He didn't lose his silken smile, shaking his head at her a little. He wasn't about to give in that easily.
"I don't have any," he said easily, meeting her eyes. He turned to follow Aishe back into the building, then paused, and turned back to Pak. "None that I'm going to tell you about yet, anyway." He flashed her a grin and continued into the building.
He didn't exactly understand her thing about the bridgekeeper and questions, but he assumed it was sort of rhetorical as it appeared to be her way of accepting the challenge. As he listened to Aishe's 'rules' he laughed softly. Fun-loving cratures, sometimes, these Evenhet. He gave a sigh of mock-disappointment over the rule about not throwing balls at any humans, and when Aishe seemed to be finished with the faux formalities he turned, gave Pakpao a little salute, and picked up the first skeeball. With a flick of his wrist he rolled it up and into the 50 point basket, not aiming for the tiny 100 point basket until he had the feel of it.
"I don't have any," he said easily, meeting her eyes. He turned to follow Aishe back into the building, then paused, and turned back to Pak. "None that I'm going to tell you about yet, anyway." He flashed her a grin and continued into the building.
He didn't exactly understand her thing about the bridgekeeper and questions, but he assumed it was sort of rhetorical as it appeared to be her way of accepting the challenge. As he listened to Aishe's 'rules' he laughed softly. Fun-loving cratures, sometimes, these Evenhet. He gave a sigh of mock-disappointment over the rule about not throwing balls at any humans, and when Aishe seemed to be finished with the faux formalities he turned, gave Pakpao a little salute, and picked up the first skeeball. With a flick of his wrist he rolled it up and into the 50 point basket, not aiming for the tiny 100 point basket until he had the feel of it.
Pakpao
14 years ago
Mmmmmm much better it was warm in here. Pak’s shoulders unhunched as she found her way back inside. Noting he wasn’t going to back down she grinned and refused to give any ground. Using a very bad German accent, she challenged him back.
“We have ways of making you talk.”
With out further ado she picked her lane, popped a token in and snorted at Aishe’s ‘referee’ idea.
“I think you just don’t trust me.”
For a second she wondered if the younger vampire really –didn’t- trust her not to chat at the game. However, it was quickly dismissed.
Skeeball and chess had an odd amount in comment, at least from Pak’s point of view and decided to play a bit of a mental game tonight. When Amir gave his little half salute she favored him with a full on formal bow, one normally reserved for honored elders and very important people. Mind, not too many people would recognize it as such.
Noting that he’d only tried for the 50 points, she went for the 100 points. It was risky, she was very good but only made that shot about seven times out of ten, but this time she made it.
“We have ways of making you talk.”
With out further ado she picked her lane, popped a token in and snorted at Aishe’s ‘referee’ idea.
“I think you just don’t trust me.”
For a second she wondered if the younger vampire really –didn’t- trust her not to chat at the game. However, it was quickly dismissed.
Skeeball and chess had an odd amount in comment, at least from Pak’s point of view and decided to play a bit of a mental game tonight. When Amir gave his little half salute she favored him with a full on formal bow, one normally reserved for honored elders and very important people. Mind, not too many people would recognize it as such.
Noting that he’d only tried for the 50 points, she went for the 100 points. It was risky, she was very good but only made that shot about seven times out of ten, but this time she made it.
Aishe
14 years ago
Aishe favored Pak with a skeptical look. "Of course I don't trust you. I've seen you throw far too many heavy objects at the unsuspecting."
The games began and Aishe watched as Pak quickly took the upper hand. She didn't think for a moment Pak would actually cheat, so she felt justified in admiring her friend's very nice shot. It was much more fun to watch Pak play when she herself wasn't trying to outdo her.
Amir followed up Pak's ball with a 100-pointer of his own, the movement made fluidly as if he hadn't taken a break and gone outside to chat with them.
It seemed as if the gloves were off after that, and Aishe watched with resignation as the two proceeded to toss out ball after ball in the high-point baskets. Game one ended with Pak only ahead by the 50 points Amir had missed out on initially, and it seemed to Aishe a rematch was inevitable. She monitored that, as well, as they began going head-to-head once more.
The games began and Aishe watched as Pak quickly took the upper hand. She didn't think for a moment Pak would actually cheat, so she felt justified in admiring her friend's very nice shot. It was much more fun to watch Pak play when she herself wasn't trying to outdo her.
Amir followed up Pak's ball with a 100-pointer of his own, the movement made fluidly as if he hadn't taken a break and gone outside to chat with them.
It seemed as if the gloves were off after that, and Aishe watched with resignation as the two proceeded to toss out ball after ball in the high-point baskets. Game one ended with Pak only ahead by the 50 points Amir had missed out on initially, and it seemed to Aishe a rematch was inevitable. She monitored that, as well, as they began going head-to-head once more.
Kem`Raaisu
14 years ago
Kem had promised to meet pak and Aishe at the arcade. He'd spent all of the previous night and day at Meridian, attending several meetings that lasted well past sundown. He'd found them pleasurable, on his end, since his only real necessity as a participant was to provide access to and information on several important pieces of pottery from east Africa. It was a good departure from responsibility for a day.
That said, he wasn't about to spend another entire night at work. So he'd gotten away while the getting was good. Looking around the arcade he had no trouble finding Aishe, standing between and just behind Pak and a younger man. From the way they were laughing, it appeared they were talking while they played. He smiled at that; Pak had been doing her best to prove her independence since her scare several months back. Apparently it was working.
Stepping up behind Aishe, Kem wrapped his arms around her shoulders and leaned down to drop a soft kiss on her cheek.
"Sorry it took so long to get here," he said softly, trying not to interrupt what seemed to be a competitive skeeball battle.
That said, he wasn't about to spend another entire night at work. So he'd gotten away while the getting was good. Looking around the arcade he had no trouble finding Aishe, standing between and just behind Pak and a younger man. From the way they were laughing, it appeared they were talking while they played. He smiled at that; Pak had been doing her best to prove her independence since her scare several months back. Apparently it was working.
Stepping up behind Aishe, Kem wrapped his arms around her shoulders and leaned down to drop a soft kiss on her cheek.
"Sorry it took so long to get here," he said softly, trying not to interrupt what seemed to be a competitive skeeball battle.
Amir
14 years ago
Amir sighed as Pakpao went on to win her first skeeball game. That's what you get for not aiming for the very top, he thought to himself. He readily challenged her again with a grin, and it was accepted. Aishe seemed more than content to provide commentary, and if she cheered a little more enthusiastically for her friend he couldn't fault her. Loyalty to family, after all.
He glanced over his shoulder just in time to see someone else join them, a man who stood very close to Aishe, kissing her cheek and then straightening to observe from behind her, his arms draped easily around her.
Amir paused for just a moment. He only needed that long. Turning away before any of the three could see his face, he rolled his next ball easily into the 100 point basket again without betraying any recognition.
But he knew that face. And he knew that hair. And he had been looking for this vampire for a very, very long time.
Without so much as a twitch, Amir's game plan switched.
He finished out the game with a win of his own, and then turned to the man who used to be called Kiamhaat, in a world that was centuries away from this one.
Smile. And lie.
"Hi. I don't think we've met. I'm Amir."
It wasn't really that big a lie, either.
He glanced over his shoulder just in time to see someone else join them, a man who stood very close to Aishe, kissing her cheek and then straightening to observe from behind her, his arms draped easily around her.
Amir paused for just a moment. He only needed that long. Turning away before any of the three could see his face, he rolled his next ball easily into the 100 point basket again without betraying any recognition.
But he knew that face. And he knew that hair. And he had been looking for this vampire for a very, very long time.
Without so much as a twitch, Amir's game plan switched.
He finished out the game with a win of his own, and then turned to the man who used to be called Kiamhaat, in a world that was centuries away from this one.
Smile. And lie.
"Hi. I don't think we've met. I'm Amir."
It wasn't really that big a lie, either.
Pakpao
14 years ago
Somehow, Pak had managed to behave herself when she won, not celebrating to obviously and even agreeing to a second match. However, she wasn’t much of a gracious looser and swore.
“God damned son of a bitch.” At least she hadn’t shouted and only growled. “Kem… we need to work on your timing.”
Actually, he hadn’t really distracted her and she’d simply lost. Pak, however, was more than willing to blame her failure on friend’s arrival. If she hadn’t blamed it on that, it would have been something else.
Having finished her outburst, Pak was happy to hang back and wait for introductions to conclude. Once they were done she caught Amir’s glance and cocked her head in silent question, two out of three seemed imperative. She did –not- like losing.
“God damned son of a bitch.” At least she hadn’t shouted and only growled. “Kem… we need to work on your timing.”
Actually, he hadn’t really distracted her and she’d simply lost. Pak, however, was more than willing to blame her failure on friend’s arrival. If she hadn’t blamed it on that, it would have been something else.
Having finished her outburst, Pak was happy to hang back and wait for introductions to conclude. Once they were done she caught Amir’s glance and cocked her head in silent question, two out of three seemed imperative. She did –not- like losing.
Aishe
14 years ago
"I think I have to disagree," Aishe said lightly to Pak, snuggling into Kiamhaat's arms and turning her cheek into his kiss.
She performed brief introductions. "Kem, this is Amir. He stumbled upon Pak and I being slightly less than discreet and we adopted him for the evening. Or maybe the other way around." She shrugged. "We're not sure. But since he's giving Pak more of a run for her money than I can, I'm in his debt. Amir, this is Kem."
She flashed a smile at Amir and watched as the third, and tiebreaking, game began. She didn't think it necessary to describe Kiamhaat any further; it was clear what capacity he was here in.
"Want to play, too?" She offered. She didn't think she'd have any better luck against him than she had against Pak but she didn't mind as long as he was involved.
She performed brief introductions. "Kem, this is Amir. He stumbled upon Pak and I being slightly less than discreet and we adopted him for the evening. Or maybe the other way around." She shrugged. "We're not sure. But since he's giving Pak more of a run for her money than I can, I'm in his debt. Amir, this is Kem."
She flashed a smile at Amir and watched as the third, and tiebreaking, game began. She didn't think it necessary to describe Kiamhaat any further; it was clear what capacity he was here in.
"Want to play, too?" She offered. She didn't think she'd have any better luck against him than she had against Pak but she didn't mind as long as he was involved.