Jin favored her with a big grin and happily looked at the two remotes in his hands before setting them down on the table next to him. Picking up his chopsticks, he found a nice piece of tuna to dip into the stock. He took a bite, savoring the mix of flavors. Finishing it, Jin smiled at her.
"This is wonderful."
On screen the pyramid was proven a fake. Mara looked his way. Jin bit his lip and shook his head. He'd save that trick for when she wasn't expecting it. When she went back to watching the movie, Jin leaned over and sneaked a light kiss onto her cheek, while pretending to be reaching for a piece of shellfish.
As they reached the part where Gru pulls out a freeze ray to push to the front of the Starbucks line, Jin couldn't help commenting on it again. "I still want one of those."
He turned to her. "I can just see it now...some long winded dignitary who likes to hear himself speak not letting us wrap up a meeting...blam... problem solved." Jin illustrated his meaning with his chopstick ray gun.
Eliminating the Im-paws-ible (private)
A memory is what is left when something happens and does not completely unhappen. ~Edward de Bono
Mara looked around her apartment with something approaching satisfaction, although in truth she was highly unsatisfied. She had revised her plans several times already, making last minute changes and fixing minute little details that probably didn't matter but to her seemed like glaring problems.
She was more than aware of the fact that it was mostly nerves speaking. She had never, since buying this building, invited anyone but Amir to visit. She'd never wanted anyone that close. But it was Valentine's Day and she was looking forward to celebrating it. Still, what would Jin think?
This was hardly a gift; if she looked at her motives too closely she might see that it was somewhat selfish of her to have planned like this. Should she have arranged for something more formal? Dinner out? A party? Jin was so much more outgoing than she; maybe this wasn't his idea of fun at all.
Mara had wanted a night alone with him though, something that was just for them to share. She had done her best to mingle things they both enjoyed. Her gifts to him were small ones; the key to her cellar doors, which she realized he didn't need, yes, but she wanted to give to him; the dinner she'd worked to create which neither of them required but she'd thought would be enjoyable to share; the invitation to stay the day most of all, which she wasn't sure he'd want to do but Mara had fallen asleep curled up next to Jin several times now and she loved the feeling.
She wanted to feel that here, in her place, so that when he was gone perhaps a ghost of him would remain and she would always feel him there.
She looked around the dimly-lit area. Mara had very few lights in her apartment; there were, instead, a number of LED 'candles' here and there adding light where it was needed. Tonight, she'd hung three or four of her little glass mobiles from the ceiling, a blue LED light topping each so that the glass reflected the light and scattered colored prisms all over the ceiling like starlight. She didn't know if she'd keep them up but she liked the effect.
She had checked the time repeatedly; it had been a few hours since setting her trail in place. She didn't think Jin would have trouble finding her so he should be there soon. Dinner was ready; it was the sort of thing that would keep. Both that and dessert had been successful with some cook books and a few days' practice. It was too late to change any plans now. Hopefully she'd gotten at least some of the details right.
Mara turned down the music (a CD of classical acoustic guitar) so she could listen for noise downstairs. With any luck Jin would be there soon.
Jin
13 years ago
Mara
13 years ago
Mara looked for signs that Jin was just complimenting her cooking to be polite but he did seem to be enjoying the meal, closing his eyes as he bit into the seafood. Feeling satisfied Mara picked her way around the tray of fresh foods, alternating between protein and vegetables as they watched the movie.
She did flash him a happy smile. "I'm glad you like it," she said with some relief, pressing against him when he kissed her cheek.
As Jin confessed he still wanted a freeze ray and demonstrated a further use for it aside from cutting the DMV line Mara laughed. Mirroring his 'sneaky' style she reached over for a piece of bok choy. "I hate to break it to you Jin, but," she leaned in further, lips next to his ear, and dropped her voice to a conspiratorial whisper, "that's not very diplomatic." A little bit of the soldier rising to the fore, perhaps. Mara found the visual he presented highly amusing.
As she pulled away she delivered a soft kiss to his earlobe then retrieved her vegetable and dipped it into the savory stock. She laughed softly all the way through the scene at Gru's house, particularly when Gru attempted to portray his own answering machine, only to be outsmarted by a little pre-teen orphan.
Further along in the movie she spotted something she wanted, herself. She pointed. "I want one of those," she said with a grin.
It was small, it was dark, it was cardboard. It was a box of shame. Mara couldn't help it. Things that normally fascinated your average cat tended to have appeal for her, too. Think of what could be done with a box like that! all manner of mayhem!
She did flash him a happy smile. "I'm glad you like it," she said with some relief, pressing against him when he kissed her cheek.
As Jin confessed he still wanted a freeze ray and demonstrated a further use for it aside from cutting the DMV line Mara laughed. Mirroring his 'sneaky' style she reached over for a piece of bok choy. "I hate to break it to you Jin, but," she leaned in further, lips next to his ear, and dropped her voice to a conspiratorial whisper, "that's not very diplomatic." A little bit of the soldier rising to the fore, perhaps. Mara found the visual he presented highly amusing.
As she pulled away she delivered a soft kiss to his earlobe then retrieved her vegetable and dipped it into the savory stock. She laughed softly all the way through the scene at Gru's house, particularly when Gru attempted to portray his own answering machine, only to be outsmarted by a little pre-teen orphan.
Further along in the movie she spotted something she wanted, herself. She pointed. "I want one of those," she said with a grin.
It was small, it was dark, it was cardboard. It was a box of shame. Mara couldn't help it. Things that normally fascinated your average cat tended to have appeal for her, too. Think of what could be done with a box like that! all manner of mayhem!
Jin
13 years ago
It was hard to appear affronted with her so close to him, but Jin did his best. "I will have you know that it is for a great and noble diplomatic cause...Peace. Very Worthy." He shivered slightly at the light touch of her lips on his ear, which destroyed his mock dignified composure.
He went back to enjoying the meal, movie and company. Growing quiet while he ate, Jin looked at her curiously at her claim that she wanted a box of shame. His chopsticks paused with the mushroom not quite making it to its destination. Jin popped it into his mouth and chewed thoughtfully before asking.
"Does it need to say "Box of Shame" on it? Or do you just want a cube of cardboard?"
This would make her birthday gift much easier. He could splurge and get her a whole room full of them. He had to admit that it would be absolutely adorable watching her scoot a little box across some room in the Manor. The image would be perfect if she could manage to do it will something important or extremely stuffy was going on. Oooh, perhaps they could sneak in when the Order of the Rose was having some sort of meeting.
Morrigan would quite probably kill them both.
Jin pointed to the screen. They had just shown a shrink ray and Gru and his minions were in the process of stealing it. "You know with one of those I could join you under the box."
He went back to enjoying the meal, movie and company. Growing quiet while he ate, Jin looked at her curiously at her claim that she wanted a box of shame. His chopsticks paused with the mushroom not quite making it to its destination. Jin popped it into his mouth and chewed thoughtfully before asking.
"Does it need to say "Box of Shame" on it? Or do you just want a cube of cardboard?"
This would make her birthday gift much easier. He could splurge and get her a whole room full of them. He had to admit that it would be absolutely adorable watching her scoot a little box across some room in the Manor. The image would be perfect if she could manage to do it will something important or extremely stuffy was going on. Oooh, perhaps they could sneak in when the Order of the Rose was having some sort of meeting.
Morrigan would quite probably kill them both.
Jin pointed to the screen. They had just shown a shrink ray and Gru and his minions were in the process of stealing it. "You know with one of those I could join you under the box."
Mara
13 years ago
Mara dipped a piece of lightly cooked tuna into one of the sauces in front of the hot pot and nibbled at it while she considered the question.
"Well why confine it to a single purpose by labeling it?" she asked. "If it doesn't say 'box of shame' on it then it can be used for many things." She grinned a little at Jin, amused at the silliness of the topic.
She watched him for a moment, wondering where his thoughts had gone, turning when he redirected her attention to the TV screen. Mara smiled at the thought of having a pocket-sized Jin tiger to share her box with. She nodded and considered.
"It needs to be reversible," she said. "If we shrank you you would be far too tiny for other things." How would she kiss a pint-sized Jin? "We could always get a very large box."
Refrigerators came in large boxes! Mara laughed softly at the idea of Jin in his enormous shifted form trying to look stealthy and unnoticeable beneath a box that big, perhaps with his long tail peeking out one end.
As the movie played on Mara set her chopsticks aside and relaxed back against the couch. She had eaten lightly but that was fine; there was still dessert after all. She didn't want to feel too full or she might never get the motivation to move anywhere. She did reach over for the bottle of wine, refilling both of their glasses and sipping lightly at hers, still nibbling at a piece of meat or vegetable now and then.
She was glad to finally watch the movie in its entirety; it was light-hearted, silly, and a perfect diversion. She laughed at the Gru's setup for the girls when he brought them home, at Nefarious' random misunderstandings, and particularly at the pants-less post-shrink-ray-stealing dance.
Presently she decided she was done eating altogether until dessert and moved herself up onto the couch, sliding over so she was curled up behind where Jin sat. Continuing to watch the movie she lightly dropped her arm over his shoulder and gave him a brief snuggle before moving her hand so she wouldn't hinder any further snacking.
"Well why confine it to a single purpose by labeling it?" she asked. "If it doesn't say 'box of shame' on it then it can be used for many things." She grinned a little at Jin, amused at the silliness of the topic.
She watched him for a moment, wondering where his thoughts had gone, turning when he redirected her attention to the TV screen. Mara smiled at the thought of having a pocket-sized Jin tiger to share her box with. She nodded and considered.
"It needs to be reversible," she said. "If we shrank you you would be far too tiny for other things." How would she kiss a pint-sized Jin? "We could always get a very large box."
Refrigerators came in large boxes! Mara laughed softly at the idea of Jin in his enormous shifted form trying to look stealthy and unnoticeable beneath a box that big, perhaps with his long tail peeking out one end.
As the movie played on Mara set her chopsticks aside and relaxed back against the couch. She had eaten lightly but that was fine; there was still dessert after all. She didn't want to feel too full or she might never get the motivation to move anywhere. She did reach over for the bottle of wine, refilling both of their glasses and sipping lightly at hers, still nibbling at a piece of meat or vegetable now and then.
She was glad to finally watch the movie in its entirety; it was light-hearted, silly, and a perfect diversion. She laughed at the Gru's setup for the girls when he brought them home, at Nefarious' random misunderstandings, and particularly at the pants-less post-shrink-ray-stealing dance.
Presently she decided she was done eating altogether until dessert and moved herself up onto the couch, sliding over so she was curled up behind where Jin sat. Continuing to watch the movie she lightly dropped her arm over his shoulder and gave him a brief snuggle before moving her hand so she wouldn't hinder any further snacking.
Jin
13 years ago
Jin shrugged and nodded. "For your purposes I don't think it needs a name. Now if we were putting other people in it then maybe we would need the writing." He tried to imagine telling Mai she needed to go into the Box of Shame. Aside from it being very disrespectful to his Creator, he suspected she would frown at him in confusion and then ask him a bunch of questions.
"Hmm reversible would be good." Jin imagined all the mischief he could get into while small. It had great potential, hiding in Mara's pocket, running across a table while blended moving objects around when people weren't looking, riding in little remote control vehicles. There were endless possibilities. He thought of the very large box. A refrigerator box would be big enough but it opened at the wrong end and he'd not be able to scoot in across the floor. Maybe a furniture box of some kind would work.
They continued watching and eating . "Ooh I bet Artemis could make Boogie Robots." Jin wasn't sure why the Evenhet scientist would want to but he was sure it was possible. "Maybe even the Cookie Robots." Mara crawled up behind on him on the couch. Jin set his chopsticks down and leaned back, resting his head against the cushion. The hand that squeezed him then disappeared. Jin looked back and found it again, pulling it back around him, breathing a happy sigh as they continued to watch the movie.
"I wonder if we can get away with muttering, 'Why are you so old' around the Manor when someone misunderstands something."
"Hmm reversible would be good." Jin imagined all the mischief he could get into while small. It had great potential, hiding in Mara's pocket, running across a table while blended moving objects around when people weren't looking, riding in little remote control vehicles. There were endless possibilities. He thought of the very large box. A refrigerator box would be big enough but it opened at the wrong end and he'd not be able to scoot in across the floor. Maybe a furniture box of some kind would work.
They continued watching and eating . "Ooh I bet Artemis could make Boogie Robots." Jin wasn't sure why the Evenhet scientist would want to but he was sure it was possible. "Maybe even the Cookie Robots." Mara crawled up behind on him on the couch. Jin set his chopsticks down and leaned back, resting his head against the cushion. The hand that squeezed him then disappeared. Jin looked back and found it again, pulling it back around him, breathing a happy sigh as they continued to watch the movie.
"I wonder if we can get away with muttering, 'Why are you so old' around the Manor when someone misunderstands something."
Mara
13 years ago
"I'm not sure I'd want to share my box with just anyone," Mara said. "Even for disciplinary purposes."
She was bound to be proprietary about such a box. Jin could join her of course. And maybe Amir. But that was it. And, obviously, it would no longer be a box of shame. Maybe she wasn't good at punishment. Mara could only see the fun possibilities of her own personal box. Yep, she had to have one.
Continuing to watch the movie, Mara immediately fell in love with the boogie robots. She watched them dance with the minion in the middle, an idea percolating through her head that made her slowly grin and glance at Jin. She chuckled to herself. Yes, that might work.
When Jin tugged her hand back around his shoulder she made a happy little noise and went willingly, gently pulling his hair from behind his back as he leaned against the couch so it wouldn't yank. She smoothed her hand down the front of his silk shirt, enjoying the feel of the heavy fabric on her fingernails.
Mara rested her head down on the couch seat next to Jin's and rubbed her nose on his cheek when he tipped his head back. "I might be able to get away with it," she said, "but you're going to have to watch it." Jin was older than most of the vampires she knew at Heolfor, Amir included although not by much. That phrase could turn around and bite him!
She tugged one of the other throw pillows down to support her head and wrapped her other arm around Jin as well. Her fingers idly played with the frog closures on the front of his shirt while they watched as Gru took Margo, Edith, and Agnes to Super Silly Fun Land.
There, the entire scene had them both laughing as Gru proceeded to deliver justice his way in order to win Agnes her fuzzy unicorn. At the suggestion, "Let's go blow up another game!" Mara shook her head.
"Remind me not to show Amir this movie," she whispered, keeping her voice low since her head was so close to Jin's. "It's enough that it's giving us ideas. It would be worse if the Hunt got a hold of it."
Then again, given what they'd come up with so far, Mara wasn't sure that was the case. Between herself and Jin she had a feeling they could really wreak havoc at Heolfor.
She was bound to be proprietary about such a box. Jin could join her of course. And maybe Amir. But that was it. And, obviously, it would no longer be a box of shame. Maybe she wasn't good at punishment. Mara could only see the fun possibilities of her own personal box. Yep, she had to have one.
Continuing to watch the movie, Mara immediately fell in love with the boogie robots. She watched them dance with the minion in the middle, an idea percolating through her head that made her slowly grin and glance at Jin. She chuckled to herself. Yes, that might work.
When Jin tugged her hand back around his shoulder she made a happy little noise and went willingly, gently pulling his hair from behind his back as he leaned against the couch so it wouldn't yank. She smoothed her hand down the front of his silk shirt, enjoying the feel of the heavy fabric on her fingernails.
Mara rested her head down on the couch seat next to Jin's and rubbed her nose on his cheek when he tipped his head back. "I might be able to get away with it," she said, "but you're going to have to watch it." Jin was older than most of the vampires she knew at Heolfor, Amir included although not by much. That phrase could turn around and bite him!
She tugged one of the other throw pillows down to support her head and wrapped her other arm around Jin as well. Her fingers idly played with the frog closures on the front of his shirt while they watched as Gru took Margo, Edith, and Agnes to Super Silly Fun Land.
There, the entire scene had them both laughing as Gru proceeded to deliver justice his way in order to win Agnes her fuzzy unicorn. At the suggestion, "Let's go blow up another game!" Mara shook her head.
"Remind me not to show Amir this movie," she whispered, keeping her voice low since her head was so close to Jin's. "It's enough that it's giving us ideas. It would be worse if the Hunt got a hold of it."
Then again, given what they'd come up with so far, Mara wasn't sure that was the case. Between herself and Jin she had a feeling they could really wreak havoc at Heolfor.
Jin
13 years ago
Jin chuckled at being cautioned to be careful who he deemed 'old'. There were very few people he could call old without also admitting that he considered himself decrepit as well. Of course, to him, the fun of it would be to complain to those younger than him just to see the incredulous reactions.
He agreed with Mara about the potential problems of showing members of the Hunt the movie. "Yes, I think taking Amir and Mai to a fair has enough problems without giving them the option of blowing things up." Jin did wonder who would manage to collect the most prizes if they took the Hunt on a field trip the next time the fair came to town. It could be fun, then again so could just going with Mara and finding their own mischief while they were there. "We should go some time though, perhaps we can leave the parents at home."
The mad scientist friend called the orphanage and the children were taken back. Miss Hattie found a Spanish dictionary and discovered the flattering words that Gru had used to describe her appearance. Three boxes of shame were found.
"Really I wouldn't have said a donkey, more an orangutan. I think its the cloud of red hair."
Jin was briefly disappointed in Gru though he did understand that it was a cartoon story and the character would eventually see the error of his ways. Family meant a lot to him and it was hard to realize that not everyone had the same values. Seeing Gru's mother however, made it pretty obvious that some people, family or not, didn't deserve respect.
"Would familiars be minions?"
He agreed with Mara about the potential problems of showing members of the Hunt the movie. "Yes, I think taking Amir and Mai to a fair has enough problems without giving them the option of blowing things up." Jin did wonder who would manage to collect the most prizes if they took the Hunt on a field trip the next time the fair came to town. It could be fun, then again so could just going with Mara and finding their own mischief while they were there. "We should go some time though, perhaps we can leave the parents at home."
The mad scientist friend called the orphanage and the children were taken back. Miss Hattie found a Spanish dictionary and discovered the flattering words that Gru had used to describe her appearance. Three boxes of shame were found.
"Really I wouldn't have said a donkey, more an orangutan. I think its the cloud of red hair."
Jin was briefly disappointed in Gru though he did understand that it was a cartoon story and the character would eventually see the error of his ways. Family meant a lot to him and it was hard to realize that not everyone had the same values. Seeing Gru's mother however, made it pretty obvious that some people, family or not, didn't deserve respect.
"Would familiars be minions?"
Mara
13 years ago
"That would be fun. With or without them." Mara smiled at the idea of thinking about Amir and Mai as 'the parents.' Perhaps Mai was a mother to Jin but Amir was hardly a father to her. Best friend fit the description much better for her. Of course, Mara had the advantage of still having a father. They might not be on speaking terms... due to the fact that he had no idea Mara was alive, but he was still her father. Someday she would attempt to explain that situation to Jin; it had just never come up in conversation and she hardly expected it to.
In the meantime she had to agree with Jin's assessment of Miss Hattie. "Bad move," she said, "If you're going to plan a backhanded insult, best to make sure it's not so easily translated."
With an act of will she stopped playing with Jin's shirt. The point of watching the movie during dinner was to watch it. So she fixed her attention firmly on the TV for the next fifteen or twenty minutes to watch the remainder.
"Oh, it is reversible!" she exclaimed. "That's it, then, we can shrink you."
A tiny, adorable, pocket-sized blended ethereal tiger vampire? Irresistible. If Mara had thought they could create mayhem with a camouflage box, the possibilities increased exponentially if you introduced a tiny Jin into the equation.
As the movie followed the predictable course and came to a satisfying close Mara smiled. "That was adorable. And inspiring on multiple levels."
Oh, yes. She and Jin were taking several things away from this movie. It could be dangerous! Reluctant to move from what was a very comfortable position wrapped around him, Mara watched the antic of the minions during the closing credits.
"I don't know what minions would be," she admitted as the little yellow... things... did their best to outdo each other while the credits rolled. "I supposed familiar would work for lack of a better comparison, yes? They're certainly numerous enough."
She rested her chin on Jin's shoulder, regarding the TV thoughtfully. "Special features?" She asked him with a smile. "There's still dessert you know. We can have that now, or later."
In the meantime she had to agree with Jin's assessment of Miss Hattie. "Bad move," she said, "If you're going to plan a backhanded insult, best to make sure it's not so easily translated."
With an act of will she stopped playing with Jin's shirt. The point of watching the movie during dinner was to watch it. So she fixed her attention firmly on the TV for the next fifteen or twenty minutes to watch the remainder.
"Oh, it is reversible!" she exclaimed. "That's it, then, we can shrink you."
A tiny, adorable, pocket-sized blended ethereal tiger vampire? Irresistible. If Mara had thought they could create mayhem with a camouflage box, the possibilities increased exponentially if you introduced a tiny Jin into the equation.
As the movie followed the predictable course and came to a satisfying close Mara smiled. "That was adorable. And inspiring on multiple levels."
Oh, yes. She and Jin were taking several things away from this movie. It could be dangerous! Reluctant to move from what was a very comfortable position wrapped around him, Mara watched the antic of the minions during the closing credits.
"I don't know what minions would be," she admitted as the little yellow... things... did their best to outdo each other while the credits rolled. "I supposed familiar would work for lack of a better comparison, yes? They're certainly numerous enough."
She rested her chin on Jin's shoulder, regarding the TV thoughtfully. "Special features?" She asked him with a smile. "There's still dessert you know. We can have that now, or later."
Jin
13 years ago
He looked down at the hand that stopped playing with the buttons on his shirt, giving it a small frown. Jin kissed the inside of her wrist and then reminded himself that they were watching the movie.
"Chinese would have been better and extra points for ancient Egyptian."
Good luck with translating that from a book you bought at the local Barnes and Noble.
They managed to watch the entire movie without serious distractions. Jin considered the little minions. They were handy and kind of cute. Of course they also tended to botch things up while meaning well.
"I think it would take more than a familiar tie to convince someone to paint themselves yellow and wear overalls and a pair of goggles."
The movie had ended and he was glad that everything got resolved satisfactorily. He turned and smiled at Mara. "That was great. I'm somewhat inspired and slightly afraid that we can find mischief in a child's movie. It makes me wonder what would have happened if we had watched Armageddon."
Jin nodded and picked up the remote, flipping it back to the main menu and then over to special features. He left it at that selection and stood up and held a hand out for Mara.
"I will help put things away and we can watch while we eat."
"Chinese would have been better and extra points for ancient Egyptian."
Good luck with translating that from a book you bought at the local Barnes and Noble.
They managed to watch the entire movie without serious distractions. Jin considered the little minions. They were handy and kind of cute. Of course they also tended to botch things up while meaning well.
"I think it would take more than a familiar tie to convince someone to paint themselves yellow and wear overalls and a pair of goggles."
The movie had ended and he was glad that everything got resolved satisfactorily. He turned and smiled at Mara. "That was great. I'm somewhat inspired and slightly afraid that we can find mischief in a child's movie. It makes me wonder what would have happened if we had watched Armageddon."
Jin nodded and picked up the remote, flipping it back to the main menu and then over to special features. He left it at that selection and stood up and held a hand out for Mara.
"I will help put things away and we can watch while we eat."
Mara
13 years ago
Mara smiled and took Jin's hand, rising from the couch and not stopping, leaning forward, wrapping her arms around his waist, and pressing her cheek to his shoulder as she hugged him tightly. It occurred to her to refuse his offer of help but she quickly dismissed the notion. The whole idea of inviting him here was to hope he would, or could, eventually feel at home here. Here, they had time to be alone together away from anything else, and that was what Mara intended. So, here they would do things together. Cleaning too, if that was required.
"I would love your help," she said with a smile, pulling away and beginning to gather the remnants of their unnecessary but tasty meal.
It was not difficult to do; they had produced very little in the way of dirty dishes. The remaining food was stored in the refrigerator and the bowls and trays quickly rinsed and loaded into Mara's small, largely unused dishwasher.
Once that was done Mara went back to the refrigerator and removed a small round tray. Upon it were four dishes. Two were ramekins and two were tall cylinders. She looked at Jin with twinkling eyes.
"I couldn't decide what to make. So since we missed out on dessert last time, I thought I would just make both."
It had taken several tries to get each of these right. The recipes were tricky when you did not have a very thorough culinary education. But with some practice and a little creative vernacular Mara had finally been happy with the results.
She retrieved two spoons from the kitchen drawer and nodded at Jin, indicating he should follow her. Heading back to the couch she rested the tray on the steamer trunk so they each had two desserts on their respective side of the tray. Mara sat on the couch and waited for Jin to join her.
"This is dark chocolate mousse," she said, indicating the tall cylinder, "with raspberry foam in the middle layer."
The foam had been a little messy to make, requiring a lot of attention to detail. Mara had learned how to separate eggs and also what it meant to over-whip something that was supposed to form a stiff peak. It hadn't been pretty. But at last she had made something resembling dessert.
"And this one," she pointed to the other, which Jin had no doubt identified already, "is orange creme brulee."
Creme brulee hadn't been horribly difficult after the mousse and rasperry. The oranges, however, had proven difficult. She had wanted to incorporate them somehow and finally she'd decided on a recipe from one of her books that recommended glazing them in brandy and their own juices. The result was a sweet, tangy dessert-like orange that mixed with the custard in the ramekin and gave it a light fresh orange flavor. After she had torched the sugar on top she had added a garnish of brandied orange slices on one side of the little dish.
Mara sat back, happy with her desserts, knowing from having sampled them several times already that they were tasty. Hopefully Jin agreed; she had made them with him in mind after all. She picked up the DVD remote and used it to start the bonus movies on the disc and then passed it over to Jin with a little bow, since, of course, he was the master of the remotes.
"I would love your help," she said with a smile, pulling away and beginning to gather the remnants of their unnecessary but tasty meal.
It was not difficult to do; they had produced very little in the way of dirty dishes. The remaining food was stored in the refrigerator and the bowls and trays quickly rinsed and loaded into Mara's small, largely unused dishwasher.
Once that was done Mara went back to the refrigerator and removed a small round tray. Upon it were four dishes. Two were ramekins and two were tall cylinders. She looked at Jin with twinkling eyes.
"I couldn't decide what to make. So since we missed out on dessert last time, I thought I would just make both."
It had taken several tries to get each of these right. The recipes were tricky when you did not have a very thorough culinary education. But with some practice and a little creative vernacular Mara had finally been happy with the results.
She retrieved two spoons from the kitchen drawer and nodded at Jin, indicating he should follow her. Heading back to the couch she rested the tray on the steamer trunk so they each had two desserts on their respective side of the tray. Mara sat on the couch and waited for Jin to join her.
"This is dark chocolate mousse," she said, indicating the tall cylinder, "with raspberry foam in the middle layer."
The foam had been a little messy to make, requiring a lot of attention to detail. Mara had learned how to separate eggs and also what it meant to over-whip something that was supposed to form a stiff peak. It hadn't been pretty. But at last she had made something resembling dessert.
"And this one," she pointed to the other, which Jin had no doubt identified already, "is orange creme brulee."
Creme brulee hadn't been horribly difficult after the mousse and rasperry. The oranges, however, had proven difficult. She had wanted to incorporate them somehow and finally she'd decided on a recipe from one of her books that recommended glazing them in brandy and their own juices. The result was a sweet, tangy dessert-like orange that mixed with the custard in the ramekin and gave it a light fresh orange flavor. After she had torched the sugar on top she had added a garnish of brandied orange slices on one side of the little dish.
Mara sat back, happy with her desserts, knowing from having sampled them several times already that they were tasty. Hopefully Jin agreed; she had made them with him in mind after all. She picked up the DVD remote and used it to start the bonus movies on the disc and then passed it over to Jin with a little bow, since, of course, he was the master of the remotes.
Jin
13 years ago
The dishes were picked up and the rest was put away very quickly with the both of them working on them. Mara reached into the refrigerator and pulled out a tray. He followed after her, curious about her choice for dessert.
He listened to her reasoning for two dishes and leaned over an gave her a light kiss. It was very sweet of her to even remember that they had missed their last destination on the food quest, much less decide to do something about it. Jin reached for the mousse first. He was sure that he would like both but she already knew he liked oranges so he would save them for last.
Jin watched her reach over and pick up the remote. He turned to her and gasped but she quickly returned it to him with a little bow. Mollified that he was still Master of the Remotes, Jin set the little black device down next to its companion and gave it a little pat.
Turning his attention back to his mousse, he took a spoonful of the dark confection. He slowly slid the spoon out of his mouth and then held it up in declaration. "This is excellent!" He hadn't gotten to the raspberry portion in the middle but he would soon enough. Jin did not plan to rush the eating of dessert. He wondered how long it took her to make these and was flattered that she had been thinking and planning all this for a while.
Jin smiled and leaned forward again for another kiss. He stayed close long enough to add.
"You are amazing."
The first movie had the minions chasing after a banana. "You know. I like fruit but I don't think I could get that worked up over a banana."
An orange...maybe.
He listened to her reasoning for two dishes and leaned over an gave her a light kiss. It was very sweet of her to even remember that they had missed their last destination on the food quest, much less decide to do something about it. Jin reached for the mousse first. He was sure that he would like both but she already knew he liked oranges so he would save them for last.
Jin watched her reach over and pick up the remote. He turned to her and gasped but she quickly returned it to him with a little bow. Mollified that he was still Master of the Remotes, Jin set the little black device down next to its companion and gave it a little pat.
Turning his attention back to his mousse, he took a spoonful of the dark confection. He slowly slid the spoon out of his mouth and then held it up in declaration. "This is excellent!" He hadn't gotten to the raspberry portion in the middle but he would soon enough. Jin did not plan to rush the eating of dessert. He wondered how long it took her to make these and was flattered that she had been thinking and planning all this for a while.
Jin smiled and leaned forward again for another kiss. He stayed close long enough to add.
"You are amazing."
The first movie had the minions chasing after a banana. "You know. I like fruit but I don't think I could get that worked up over a banana."
An orange...maybe.
Mara
13 years ago
Mara smiled and decided all of these extra kisses were worth tossing five batches of unsuccessful mousse down the drain for. She picked up her chocolate mousse as well and took a spoonful, licking the spoon clean with the tip of her tongue.
Jin's enjoyment seemed genuine, which she appreciated. While she wasn't sure he would consider her very amazing if he'd seen these desserts evolve, she was willing to accept that he was offering his approval.
"That goes both ways," she said with a smile as he straightened again.
Mara frankly thought Jin was the amazing one but she wasn't going to argue with him. If he saw that in her, then she would have to do her best to live up to it.
She laughed at his assessment of the first short movie. "Maybe it's not for us, but they're so cute!"
She was sold... Mara would take a cute minion over a box, if she had to choose. Of course, those all came in far, far inferior to tigers. Or, a particular tiger. As the minions nearly destroyed the workshop over the precious banana Mara couldn't restrain her laughter, which pealed out softly around bites of raspberry chocolate.
Yup. Cute.
Jin's enjoyment seemed genuine, which she appreciated. While she wasn't sure he would consider her very amazing if he'd seen these desserts evolve, she was willing to accept that he was offering his approval.
"That goes both ways," she said with a smile as he straightened again.
Mara frankly thought Jin was the amazing one but she wasn't going to argue with him. If he saw that in her, then she would have to do her best to live up to it.
She laughed at his assessment of the first short movie. "Maybe it's not for us, but they're so cute!"
She was sold... Mara would take a cute minion over a box, if she had to choose. Of course, those all came in far, far inferior to tigers. Or, a particular tiger. As the minions nearly destroyed the workshop over the precious banana Mara couldn't restrain her laughter, which pealed out softly around bites of raspberry chocolate.
Yup. Cute.
Jin
13 years ago
Jin smiled at her and continued eating his delicious dessert. The fact that she found him amazing was something that he didn't understand. He simply knew better than to argue.
They watched the trio chase the banana into a room with more minions who all become aware of their prize. Then another pulled out an apple and the group started chanting "popple" before the scene closed.
"They are cute. Apparently any fruit will do. Just so long as they stay away from the oranges then we'll be fine."
He had gotten to the raspberry middle. Jin paused his commentary to look down at his mousse. "Mmmm" was followed afterward by the sound of his spoon tinkling against the glass as he dug out more of the delicious foam. "And raspberries." Jin added after finishing another mouthful. He pointed his spoon meaningfully at the minions just in case they got any ideas.
They watched the trio chase the banana into a room with more minions who all become aware of their prize. Then another pulled out an apple and the group started chanting "popple" before the scene closed.
"They are cute. Apparently any fruit will do. Just so long as they stay away from the oranges then we'll be fine."
He had gotten to the raspberry middle. Jin paused his commentary to look down at his mousse. "Mmmm" was followed afterward by the sound of his spoon tinkling against the glass as he dug out more of the delicious foam. "And raspberries." Jin added after finishing another mouthful. He pointed his spoon meaningfully at the minions just in case they got any ideas.
Mara
13 years ago
Mara's smile never diminished; it rarely did when Jin was nearby. "So there's a hierarchy?"
Clearly oranges were at the top and apparently raspberries were also elevated to somewhere above bananas and apples. Mara was going to have to memorize this hierarchy.
"So why fruit?" she asked. "I know what you've told me. What is it about it you love so much?"
She was genuinely interested; Jin had proven to be very open as far as tasting food went but he really did light up when fresh fruit was involved. Was it a taste or a texture thing? Clearly she understood why he loved oranges, which she still thought might just be her favorite story ever. The other things though, she wanted to now about those.
The short movies continued to play but she was focused more on Jin's answer. Mara continued to nibble at her mousse, glad that she'd opted for small portions. After dinner she didn't have much more room and there was still a delicious creme brulee to break into as well.
Not to mention it would be rude to expect to snuggle up to Jin when his hands were full.
Clearly oranges were at the top and apparently raspberries were also elevated to somewhere above bananas and apples. Mara was going to have to memorize this hierarchy.
"So why fruit?" she asked. "I know what you've told me. What is it about it you love so much?"
She was genuinely interested; Jin had proven to be very open as far as tasting food went but he really did light up when fresh fruit was involved. Was it a taste or a texture thing? Clearly she understood why he loved oranges, which she still thought might just be her favorite story ever. The other things though, she wanted to now about those.
The short movies continued to play but she was focused more on Jin's answer. Mara continued to nibble at her mousse, glad that she'd opted for small portions. After dinner she didn't have much more room and there was still a delicious creme brulee to break into as well.
Not to mention it would be rude to expect to snuggle up to Jin when his hands were full.
Jin
13 years ago
Jin considered her question, sitting back on the sofa for a moment while he pondered. "Its fresh and juicy. I like that. You can taste the life in it." He smiled at her. "Or perhaps I am just very accustomed to a liquid diet."
The minions were currently going through a training session and preparing for their jobs in the lab. Apparently larger bombs had the right of way on the walkways.
He looked down to realize that his chocolate mousse was gone. Jin leaned forward and sheepishly put the empty glass back on the tray. He picked up the orange crème brulee and set it in his lap.
"This was very sweet of you, Mara." Jin pointed to the oranges with his spoon. "I do love them."
He dipped his spoon into the dessert and picked out a small orange from the side. It was juicy and sweet with the brandy adding a nice unexpected punch. Jin cracked the glazed top of the dessert and scooped up some of the custard center. It was smooth and wonderful, not too sweet and it had oranges. It was the perfect dessert.
Jin smiled at her. "I wish I could live off this. I would give me an excuse to eat it every day."
The minions were currently going through a training session and preparing for their jobs in the lab. Apparently larger bombs had the right of way on the walkways.
He looked down to realize that his chocolate mousse was gone. Jin leaned forward and sheepishly put the empty glass back on the tray. He picked up the orange crème brulee and set it in his lap.
"This was very sweet of you, Mara." Jin pointed to the oranges with his spoon. "I do love them."
He dipped his spoon into the dessert and picked out a small orange from the side. It was juicy and sweet with the brandy adding a nice unexpected punch. Jin cracked the glazed top of the dessert and scooped up some of the custard center. It was smooth and wonderful, not too sweet and it had oranges. It was the perfect dessert.
Jin smiled at her. "I wish I could live off this. I would give me an excuse to eat it every day."
Mara
13 years ago
Mara smiled and nodded at Jin's answer. There was no particular reason why she had asked other than a desire to know much much more about him. She filed the fact away and immediately began thinking of ways to appeal to that preference. One of her cook books had an extensive section on fruit-based drinks, desserts, and snacks. Mara would have to start experimenting.
Scraping a last little bit of mousse from her own dish she picked up the second creme brulee and tapped her spoon against the top, fracturing the hard caramel into smaller pieces.
"I wasn't sure if I should try," she admitted to Jin with a little smile. "It was a little intimidating."
Making something out of Jin's favorite food had definitely made her think twice. The possibility for messing it up was high given her experience in cooking. She was happy with the result though. She took a little bite herself, nodding at the remembered taste.
Jin's compliments had turned her cheeks pink but she leaned forward and, careful not to get between him and dessert, pressed a warm, orange-scented kiss to the side of his neck.
"I can make them every day," she said. "How do you feel about blood oranges?"
She glanced at the mini movie and chuckled at the minions' frantic arguing, but in truth she was more entertained just talking to Jin. She pulled her legs up onto the couch, crossing them and continuing to nibble at her custard.
Scraping a last little bit of mousse from her own dish she picked up the second creme brulee and tapped her spoon against the top, fracturing the hard caramel into smaller pieces.
"I wasn't sure if I should try," she admitted to Jin with a little smile. "It was a little intimidating."
Making something out of Jin's favorite food had definitely made her think twice. The possibility for messing it up was high given her experience in cooking. She was happy with the result though. She took a little bite herself, nodding at the remembered taste.
Jin's compliments had turned her cheeks pink but she leaned forward and, careful not to get between him and dessert, pressed a warm, orange-scented kiss to the side of his neck.
"I can make them every day," she said. "How do you feel about blood oranges?"
She glanced at the mini movie and chuckled at the minions' frantic arguing, but in truth she was more entertained just talking to Jin. She pulled her legs up onto the couch, crossing them and continuing to nibble at her custard.
Jin
13 years ago
Jin reached out and brushed her cheek with the back of his fingers, smiling softly. "I wouldn't want it to be intimidating. You did a fabulous job with everything. Its the best Valentines Day I can remember."
He didn't like the idea of her being worried about what he might think but he was glad that she tried it anyway, despite that. It proved to him yet again that Mara was a strong person who didn't back down from a challenge. He held still as a light kiss was placed very gently against his neck. It reminded him that dinner and the movie were almost over and he might soon be able to hold Mara in his arms. Every moment had been a delight, and though he longed to pull her closer and kiss her more thoroughly, he did not want to rush the wonderful evening.
Jin went back to enjoying his crème brulee smiling at her when she said she could make them every day. "I think they would become less special that way. I'd like them to remain a treat to remind me of tonight." He considered the blood oranges and shrugged slightly. "They aren't as good as Mandarin oranges...though its hard to top anything Mandarin." Jin gave her a sly grin. "They are good though, I like them a lot. Its a shame they don't have blood in them then they might even be nutritious."
The last minion movie had the girls in it. Gru was gone but a government worker was coming to check on the children. The minions and the girls were doing their best to make the place look friendly and normal. Some of their creative ways to cover things up were very amusing.
Jin spooned out another orange and popped it into his mouth. He pressed the fruit gently letting the juices and alcohol spread over his tongue. He looked down and noted that this dessert was disappearing even faster than the last one.
He didn't like the idea of her being worried about what he might think but he was glad that she tried it anyway, despite that. It proved to him yet again that Mara was a strong person who didn't back down from a challenge. He held still as a light kiss was placed very gently against his neck. It reminded him that dinner and the movie were almost over and he might soon be able to hold Mara in his arms. Every moment had been a delight, and though he longed to pull her closer and kiss her more thoroughly, he did not want to rush the wonderful evening.
Jin went back to enjoying his crème brulee smiling at her when she said she could make them every day. "I think they would become less special that way. I'd like them to remain a treat to remind me of tonight." He considered the blood oranges and shrugged slightly. "They aren't as good as Mandarin oranges...though its hard to top anything Mandarin." Jin gave her a sly grin. "They are good though, I like them a lot. Its a shame they don't have blood in them then they might even be nutritious."
The last minion movie had the girls in it. Gru was gone but a government worker was coming to check on the children. The minions and the girls were doing their best to make the place look friendly and normal. Some of their creative ways to cover things up were very amusing.
Jin spooned out another orange and popped it into his mouth. He pressed the fruit gently letting the juices and alcohol spread over his tongue. He looked down and noted that this dessert was disappearing even faster than the last one.
Mara
13 years ago
Mara took in the expression on Jin's face, check-listing every little sign that spoke of happiness or contentment as he spoke. She laughed softly, uncertain if he was serious about his claim about the best holiday ever or if he was just feeling particularly romantic. Either way she felt her heart swell as she watched him.
"A good kind of intimidating," she clarified gently. Mara was a bit of a perfectionist and it had been important to her to get every detail just right for tonight. She thought it might be her subconscious taking a page out of Amir's book but she had found it a challenge. Daunting, yes, but it meant Mara had simply had to work that much harder to make things right.
She tried to decide how serious she'd been in her offer to make oranges for Jin every day. Mara had said it mostly in jest so she smiled and nodded when Jin gave her a serious answer, understanding what he meant completely. "In that case I'm even happier you like it," she said, indicating the little ramekin in his hands. "I'd hate your reminder of tonight to have come out badly."
In truth, though, Mara realized that if Jin had been serious then she would, indeed, have been happy to do this every evening for him. The thought was a little frightening and a little exciting.
At Jin's sly grin and Mandarin comment Mara flashed him a little grin in response, inclining her head at him as she dipped her spoon into her custard again. She was hardly going to argue that point, seeing as how she was inclined to agree with him.
As they watched the last short movie Mara finished her brulee and placed the little dish back onto the tray. She closed her eyes and gave a short sigh of contentment. The meal had turned out well, she thought, for someone who had very little skill. She had enjoyed preparing it. Maybe she would do so again in the future.
The only hitch was, she hadn't entirely planned on what to do next. She supposed any entertainment was fair game. She hadn't really expected the evening to go in one direction or another; of course she'd invited Jin to stay the day but in what capacity, that was yet to be determined. If they did nothing but hold each other and fall asleep that way, Mara would be happy. The night was not over yet though, and at least an hour or two remained before true daylight forced them to remain inside.
In the back of her mind was the little fear that he would decide it was time to leave and that was the one outcome she hoped against. The more Mara sat here, the more it seemed right to have Jin here in her area with her, and that was a feeling she didn't particularly want to let go of. Not yet.
"A good kind of intimidating," she clarified gently. Mara was a bit of a perfectionist and it had been important to her to get every detail just right for tonight. She thought it might be her subconscious taking a page out of Amir's book but she had found it a challenge. Daunting, yes, but it meant Mara had simply had to work that much harder to make things right.
She tried to decide how serious she'd been in her offer to make oranges for Jin every day. Mara had said it mostly in jest so she smiled and nodded when Jin gave her a serious answer, understanding what he meant completely. "In that case I'm even happier you like it," she said, indicating the little ramekin in his hands. "I'd hate your reminder of tonight to have come out badly."
In truth, though, Mara realized that if Jin had been serious then she would, indeed, have been happy to do this every evening for him. The thought was a little frightening and a little exciting.
At Jin's sly grin and Mandarin comment Mara flashed him a little grin in response, inclining her head at him as she dipped her spoon into her custard again. She was hardly going to argue that point, seeing as how she was inclined to agree with him.
As they watched the last short movie Mara finished her brulee and placed the little dish back onto the tray. She closed her eyes and gave a short sigh of contentment. The meal had turned out well, she thought, for someone who had very little skill. She had enjoyed preparing it. Maybe she would do so again in the future.
The only hitch was, she hadn't entirely planned on what to do next. She supposed any entertainment was fair game. She hadn't really expected the evening to go in one direction or another; of course she'd invited Jin to stay the day but in what capacity, that was yet to be determined. If they did nothing but hold each other and fall asleep that way, Mara would be happy. The night was not over yet though, and at least an hour or two remained before true daylight forced them to remain inside.
In the back of her mind was the little fear that he would decide it was time to leave and that was the one outcome she hoped against. The more Mara sat here, the more it seemed right to have Jin here in her area with her, and that was a feeling she didn't particularly want to let go of. Not yet.
Jin
13 years ago
"Somehow I doubt that would be possible." Jin smiled at Mara.
He finished his dessert and set the the little dish down on the tray with the others. The minions were now done with their antics and they were back to the special features menu. As Master of the Remotes, he reached down and turned the DVD player and the television off.
The resulting quiet was charged with anticipation, at least for him. Jin had one more gift in his pocket. He turned to Mara and pulled out the little rectangular wrapped box. It was wrapped in painted paper like the others. This one had painted feathers and pearls on it.
He set it in his lap for the moment and looked up at her. "This one is the future. My hopes for it anyway."
Jin carefully set the little package down on her knee and then sat back to wait. This one caused him some anxiety as well. He wanted her to like it and if she understood what he was saying with it then he hoped that she wasn't upset by it. He had said that it was the future and he was not setting a time on that. He was being fanciful perhaps but romantic and optimistic.
He finished his dessert and set the the little dish down on the tray with the others. The minions were now done with their antics and they were back to the special features menu. As Master of the Remotes, he reached down and turned the DVD player and the television off.
The resulting quiet was charged with anticipation, at least for him. Jin had one more gift in his pocket. He turned to Mara and pulled out the little rectangular wrapped box. It was wrapped in painted paper like the others. This one had painted feathers and pearls on it.
He set it in his lap for the moment and looked up at her. "This one is the future. My hopes for it anyway."
Jin carefully set the little package down on her knee and then sat back to wait. This one caused him some anxiety as well. He wanted her to like it and if she understood what he was saying with it then he hoped that she wasn't upset by it. He had said that it was the future and he was not setting a time on that. He was being fanciful perhaps but romantic and optimistic.
Mara
13 years ago
Mara thought back to the first couple batches of mousse and the first attempt at the oranges. She grinned. "Believe me, it's possible," she laughed. Then she realized he'd meant the words in a context that implied more than just food and her expression softened. She looked at Jin and simply smiled at him, for him, or because of him. Probably all the above.
When he turned the TV off she felt her heart beat a little faster. Would he go now? Would he stay? She was leaning back with her eyes closed by that point and she remained as she was, a little afraid to open them. Then Jin spoke again and she did, seeing the little box in his lap. He leaned forward and set it on her knee and she was momentarily stunned by his nearness. Every time he was close it happened, that warm, satisfied, floating, happy feeling.
Mara looked down at the box, wrapped in paper just as prettily painted as Jin's others. She sat up carefully so as not to dislodge the box, and picked it up. She looked back up at Jin, all sorts of phrases popping into her head to say he shouldn't have, didn't need to, but they were redundant. He had.
So Mara carefully unwrapped the little box and opened it. Inside was a necklace; not a pendant on a chain but a delicate slender version of a pectoral. It was silver, and the slender band held in its center a bird, a phoenix, with its wings spread. The phoenix was made of tear-shaped blue stones, lapis perhaps, and sparkled prettily in the dim light of Mara's apartment.
Jin's hopes for the future. A phoenix rising. Something born from where there had been nothing before, growing and increasing, flashing brightly in the sky.
Mara smiled at Jin. "Jin, this is beautiful," she said softly. She didn't know how to answer him in words, but there was certainly one action that would convey to him the fact that she felt the impact of his hopes, understood what she thought he was trying to say.
She slid over closer to him on the couch and handed it to him. "Would you?"
Mara gathered her thick hair and held it away from her neck. She could have put it on herself but it seemed fitting that Jin do so. It only occurred to her as Jin leaned forward that she hadn't considered the entire picture.
Phoenixes burned out. They had a finite lifespan, and at the end they turned to ash. She didn't want this to burn out. Whatever little candle Jin had lit inside of her was growing and it felt good. Without it, life would be very cold and very dark. Yet she hardly thought that that part of the phoenix's life was what Jin meant to convey.
And yet, the critical little voice in her head said, you can hardly expect Jin to make promises of undying affection when your lives are so long you may grow apart a century from now. You wouldn't even know how to handle that sort of sentiment. Take it for what it is, she told herself. A thing of beauty now. It may not last, but while it does it will be one of the most amazing things that has ever happened to you.
And that was true.
When he turned the TV off she felt her heart beat a little faster. Would he go now? Would he stay? She was leaning back with her eyes closed by that point and she remained as she was, a little afraid to open them. Then Jin spoke again and she did, seeing the little box in his lap. He leaned forward and set it on her knee and she was momentarily stunned by his nearness. Every time he was close it happened, that warm, satisfied, floating, happy feeling.
Mara looked down at the box, wrapped in paper just as prettily painted as Jin's others. She sat up carefully so as not to dislodge the box, and picked it up. She looked back up at Jin, all sorts of phrases popping into her head to say he shouldn't have, didn't need to, but they were redundant. He had.
So Mara carefully unwrapped the little box and opened it. Inside was a necklace; not a pendant on a chain but a delicate slender version of a pectoral. It was silver, and the slender band held in its center a bird, a phoenix, with its wings spread. The phoenix was made of tear-shaped blue stones, lapis perhaps, and sparkled prettily in the dim light of Mara's apartment.
Jin's hopes for the future. A phoenix rising. Something born from where there had been nothing before, growing and increasing, flashing brightly in the sky.
Mara smiled at Jin. "Jin, this is beautiful," she said softly. She didn't know how to answer him in words, but there was certainly one action that would convey to him the fact that she felt the impact of his hopes, understood what she thought he was trying to say.
She slid over closer to him on the couch and handed it to him. "Would you?"
Mara gathered her thick hair and held it away from her neck. She could have put it on herself but it seemed fitting that Jin do so. It only occurred to her as Jin leaned forward that she hadn't considered the entire picture.
Phoenixes burned out. They had a finite lifespan, and at the end they turned to ash. She didn't want this to burn out. Whatever little candle Jin had lit inside of her was growing and it felt good. Without it, life would be very cold and very dark. Yet she hardly thought that that part of the phoenix's life was what Jin meant to convey.
And yet, the critical little voice in her head said, you can hardly expect Jin to make promises of undying affection when your lives are so long you may grow apart a century from now. You wouldn't even know how to handle that sort of sentiment. Take it for what it is, she told herself. A thing of beauty now. It may not last, but while it does it will be one of the most amazing things that has ever happened to you.
And that was true.