Alexander didn't frequent the mall much but he had needed to get a few things so here he was. Nothing unusual. A couple of shirts, a new set of sheets for the guest bedroom (as per Eiryk - no less than 800 count, egyptian cotton, in an eggshell or ecru). Alexander wasn't entirely sure how eggshell and ecru differed but the woman at the store had assured him he'd gotten the shade right.
Eiryk would have normally done any decorating himself, but he was busy with a project right now and Alex had very much wanted to help. It was something for them to do together, and he wanted to do his part. So he'd been saving up a list of things to buy for a while with the intention of going and getting everything at once.
Just kind figured he'd go to the mall on the one night some teenager at the pizza place let the fire get out of hand. How did that happen in a wood-fired oven, anyhow? Faulty construction, maybe. He was sure they were looking into it.
As he made his way out of the mall, bags in hand, to see a crowd of onlookers in the parking lot Alexander decided not to be irritated. Everyone else looked irritated, and there wasn't much point to it. He'd just wait it out. He looked around himself and saw a couple of faces he recognized - distinctly uncomfortable faces. And no doubt. Aishe and Pak were hardly fit to be in a mosh pit, like that. He'd feel uncomfortable too.
Alexander crossed the parking lot to where they stood on one side and casually moved between the two women and the bulk of the crowd. He wasn't a wide man, but he did have bags. And those bags did have things in them.
"Aishe, Pak," he said, smiling softly at them. "Not your night either huh?"
He looked down into the right bag and opened it, holding it out. "Want a shirt?"
Neither woman was very big. Alex had just bought some regular tees, meant mostly for hanging out around the house or doing light workouts in. His shirts would easily cover either woman to her thighs.
Pakpao Sparkles! (Attn Pakpao)
Aishe twisted her lips wryly as she looked at the huge mall. Yuck. Shopping. But it was a necessary evil. If one wanted to go to the beach and swim in the ocean, one should probably have a bathing suit. She did, of course, own one already, but she found herself actually feeling somewhat girly for a change... it was the same suit Kiamhaat had seen on her for the past six years. It would be nice to wear something new, maybe something halfway sexy. Not horribly revealing; she wasn't sure if she could get away with that, but still... nice.
She turned to Pak, who wore an equal expression of distaste on her face. It made Aishe laugh; they were probably the two least likely people to get together for an evening of girl-time at the mall. Yay, the mall! Aishe sighed and laughed.
"Come on," she took Pak gently by he wrist and pulled her into the main entrance, looking for a map. "We'll find the stores we want to look in and go to each one in order of proximity to doorways. We can hit the farthest first so with each stop we're closer to the exit."
Personally, she was hoping it didn't take them more than a store or two to find a suit, but you never know... maybe once they started trying them on they might enjoy themselves. Maybe. In the meantime she was going to plan her strategy. Wouldn't Cris be proud.
Alex Aristos
11 years ago
Pakpao
11 years ago
This was all too bizarre for words, standing barefoot in the mall parking lot while what seemed like half of Nachton mulled about. Even with the threat of fire there were more than one or two leers, appreciative and other wise. Pak did her best to more or less shield Aishe, while she didn't enjoy the looks she was more or less used to them. It had been a while since she'd experienced them but she was used to them.
"I can't believe they wouldn't let us put our shoes on. What if we cut our feet get an infection and die?"
Pak turned to glare at the store employee who apparently had been assigned to watch them. They were, after all, wearing a few hundred dollars in merchandise. Of course, considering that the store had more than that in electronics (Pak never went any where with -just- a phone) she thought perhaps this was an over reaction.
"I should have grabbed my purse."
Being a sender she wasn't too worried about contacting someone, any one, to come and get them. But her keys were inside and she didn't want to hot wire the 'Lil Bird.
As she was debating how much permanent damage it would do to her car or if she should just gt them a car she heard their names and turned to see who it was. Alexander was a welcome sight, even if they were half dressed.
"You might say that and god yes. Shirt, tuxedo, toga, sheet -anything-."
She pulled out a shirt and handed it to Aishe before grabbing one for herself and quickly wriggling into it.
"Thank you!"
"I can't believe they wouldn't let us put our shoes on. What if we cut our feet get an infection and die?"
Pak turned to glare at the store employee who apparently had been assigned to watch them. They were, after all, wearing a few hundred dollars in merchandise. Of course, considering that the store had more than that in electronics (Pak never went any where with -just- a phone) she thought perhaps this was an over reaction.
"I should have grabbed my purse."
Being a sender she wasn't too worried about contacting someone, any one, to come and get them. But her keys were inside and she didn't want to hot wire the 'Lil Bird.
As she was debating how much permanent damage it would do to her car or if she should just gt them a car she heard their names and turned to see who it was. Alexander was a welcome sight, even if they were half dressed.
"You might say that and god yes. Shirt, tuxedo, toga, sheet -anything-."
She pulled out a shirt and handed it to Aishe before grabbing one for herself and quickly wriggling into it.
"Thank you!"
Aishe
11 years ago
Aishe shrugged at Pak, turning away from the mall entrance for a moment. "Maybe burning to death was the more imminent danger. Or maybe they get a bonus for a speedy evacuation. Who knows?"
Her feet were quite uncomfortable. At Pak's words, the girl who was standing near them blushed and turned away, though, and Aishe assumed that meant that perhaps she felt a little bad for not having let the two women get themselves some footwear. The mall had obviously not been about to burn to the ground when they were rushed from it. Aishe smiled at her to ease the sting of Pak's words, and her own. She couldn't know that neither Pak nor Aishe was in any danger of death by bottle cap.
When Pak mentioned her purse Aishe nodded. "Kem offered to come bring us something decent, at least, but I told him not to bother. By the time he even gets here I'm sure we'll be back inside."
A soft, familiar voice made her turn her head and she was pleased to see Alexander there, several bags on his arms, looking calm and unconcerned as if the fire hadn't ruffled him at all. Maybe it hadn't; he looked like he'd shopped the heck out of the place.
He offered them shirts, however, which skyrocketed him to the top of Aishe's 'knight in shining armor' list for the moment. She took the shirt Pak had offered and tugged it over her head, where it fell down to her thighs like a dress.
"My goodness, you're tall," Aishe said, tilting her head back to look up at Alex.
Then she stepped in close and wrapped her arms around his waist. "Thank you," she said emphatically. "Maybe I'll just go to the beach in a tee shirt after this."
She raised an eyebrow at Pak. "Aren't you glad we weren't in the lingerie store?"
Her feet were quite uncomfortable. At Pak's words, the girl who was standing near them blushed and turned away, though, and Aishe assumed that meant that perhaps she felt a little bad for not having let the two women get themselves some footwear. The mall had obviously not been about to burn to the ground when they were rushed from it. Aishe smiled at her to ease the sting of Pak's words, and her own. She couldn't know that neither Pak nor Aishe was in any danger of death by bottle cap.
When Pak mentioned her purse Aishe nodded. "Kem offered to come bring us something decent, at least, but I told him not to bother. By the time he even gets here I'm sure we'll be back inside."
A soft, familiar voice made her turn her head and she was pleased to see Alexander there, several bags on his arms, looking calm and unconcerned as if the fire hadn't ruffled him at all. Maybe it hadn't; he looked like he'd shopped the heck out of the place.
He offered them shirts, however, which skyrocketed him to the top of Aishe's 'knight in shining armor' list for the moment. She took the shirt Pak had offered and tugged it over her head, where it fell down to her thighs like a dress.
"My goodness, you're tall," Aishe said, tilting her head back to look up at Alex.
Then she stepped in close and wrapped her arms around his waist. "Thank you," she said emphatically. "Maybe I'll just go to the beach in a tee shirt after this."
She raised an eyebrow at Pak. "Aren't you glad we weren't in the lingerie store?"
Alex Aristos
11 years ago
Well, two shirts already put to good use, Alex thought to himself. Poor Pak and Aishe. That was a terrible time to be evacuated from the mall. They both looked relieved to have something not quite so skimpy to wear. He understood the discomfort; it was one thing to be half-naked in an environment meant for it, like the beach, but another entirely to be caught unprepared and thrust into it. Alex wouldn't have liked it either. He hated to stand out.
He laughed with soft surprise as Aishe hugged him. Lifting his arms to get the bags out of her way he hugged her awkwardly back, as well as he could manage with his hands full. Then he set them down on the pavement and slipped his arm around her small shoulders when she didn't move away immediately, in a casual hug. He liked Aishe a lot. She and Kem had always seemed to support him, before they ended up being a part of the same strange little family together. Pak he didn't know quite as well but she was Eiryk's friend and that made her his friend too. She was very quiet on the occasion that she did come take a yoga class, not one to linger and socialize after.
"For the record, they both looked fantastic. You were definitely the two hottest evacuees," he said. Then he smiled at Pak. "Just don't mention the toga thing to Eiryk," he warned, "or you're going to have to put your money where you mouth is when he invites you to a toga party."
Alexander adored Eiryk's almost child-like enthusiasm, even if it did get him in over his head on occasion. He was willing to bet Pak enjoyed that trait too... it was hard not to admire it when the person who possessed it was old enough to have long ditched that attitude. Yet it was a part of Eiryk, all the time.
"Maybe you can demand a modeling fee for having shown off some of their merchandise," he suggested, having caught a little bit of the conversation from before.
He laughed with soft surprise as Aishe hugged him. Lifting his arms to get the bags out of her way he hugged her awkwardly back, as well as he could manage with his hands full. Then he set them down on the pavement and slipped his arm around her small shoulders when she didn't move away immediately, in a casual hug. He liked Aishe a lot. She and Kem had always seemed to support him, before they ended up being a part of the same strange little family together. Pak he didn't know quite as well but she was Eiryk's friend and that made her his friend too. She was very quiet on the occasion that she did come take a yoga class, not one to linger and socialize after.
"For the record, they both looked fantastic. You were definitely the two hottest evacuees," he said. Then he smiled at Pak. "Just don't mention the toga thing to Eiryk," he warned, "or you're going to have to put your money where you mouth is when he invites you to a toga party."
Alexander adored Eiryk's almost child-like enthusiasm, even if it did get him in over his head on occasion. He was willing to bet Pak enjoyed that trait too... it was hard not to admire it when the person who possessed it was old enough to have long ditched that attitude. Yet it was a part of Eiryk, all the time.
"Maybe you can demand a modeling fee for having shown off some of their merchandise," he suggested, having caught a little bit of the conversation from before.
Pakpao
11 years ago
Pak made a mental note to bitch something fierce at Kem for not coming to get them. While she actually agreed with Aishe and there wasn't much he could do and they probably would be back inside and dressed soon that didn't mean she couldn't complain about it.
Half snorting half laughing she agreed with Aishe's assessment of Alex's height. Of course even if Eiryk had been the one to rescue them his shirts would have been more than long enough. The Viking, however, would also never let them for get it and tell this story for years, and to a vampire that was saying something. No over all she was just as glad it was Eiryk's partner who found them. She had no doubt Alex would be more... chivalrous about it.
Being less naked made her more relaxed, but she still called Aishe her plan.
"We did not dig around all those suits for you just to wear a cover up and while a man's shirt has a certain appeal in this instance it is decidedly -not- sexy. Please tell her Alexander."
She shamelessly appealed to the Greek's sense of taste. Pak was confidant Alex would side with her and gave Aishe an 'I told you so' look when he agreed that they were more attractive than most of the people standing about the parking lot in this over sized fire drill.
Cocking her head at Alexander she was certain he was right. Eiryk would run with the toga idea but, there might be compensations.
"It all depends on if you'd be cooking..."
While not much of an eater she always seemed to find her appetite when Alexander had made something. She also trusted the yoga instructor not to let his boyfriend get too out of hand. Eiryk would probably try and rent out a Greek Island for said toga party, Alex was much more realistic about things. He really was extremely good for her friend, Pak had to concede she'd never seen Eiryk so happy. And given Eiryk's perpetually good mood that was an impressive feat.
Her eyes widened in horror at the very idea at having been evacuated in a push up bra and transparent nickers.
"We'd have been arrested for indecent exposure and I'd want one hell of a fee for having modeled it."
Half snorting half laughing she agreed with Aishe's assessment of Alex's height. Of course even if Eiryk had been the one to rescue them his shirts would have been more than long enough. The Viking, however, would also never let them for get it and tell this story for years, and to a vampire that was saying something. No over all she was just as glad it was Eiryk's partner who found them. She had no doubt Alex would be more... chivalrous about it.
Being less naked made her more relaxed, but she still called Aishe her plan.
"We did not dig around all those suits for you just to wear a cover up and while a man's shirt has a certain appeal in this instance it is decidedly -not- sexy. Please tell her Alexander."
She shamelessly appealed to the Greek's sense of taste. Pak was confidant Alex would side with her and gave Aishe an 'I told you so' look when he agreed that they were more attractive than most of the people standing about the parking lot in this over sized fire drill.
Cocking her head at Alexander she was certain he was right. Eiryk would run with the toga idea but, there might be compensations.
"It all depends on if you'd be cooking..."
While not much of an eater she always seemed to find her appetite when Alexander had made something. She also trusted the yoga instructor not to let his boyfriend get too out of hand. Eiryk would probably try and rent out a Greek Island for said toga party, Alex was much more realistic about things. He really was extremely good for her friend, Pak had to concede she'd never seen Eiryk so happy. And given Eiryk's perpetually good mood that was an impressive feat.
Her eyes widened in horror at the very idea at having been evacuated in a push up bra and transparent nickers.
"We'd have been arrested for indecent exposure and I'd want one hell of a fee for having modeled it."
Aishe
11 years ago
Aishe found it amusing to be caught between Pak and Alex. They were two polar opposites, as far as friends went. Pak was almost adorable in her grousing, as much as Alex was in his soft-spoken positive manner.
She turned to Alex with a raised eyebrow when Pak asked for his opinion on the shirt. She was already smiling at his flattery, and was curious to see which woman he'd side with on this issue, or if he'd find a way to skirt around the topic.
"Oh a toga party might be fun," she said brightly, nodding with Pak. "You can make Greek food again!"
She'd tasted Alexander's cultural cuisine before, and it was delicious. He had mentioned in passing that his grandmother had taught him how to make a dish or two. Two had apparently turned into a whole lot more, because she'd had several he'd made.
Yes, they might have to restrain Eiryk but Alex tended to be incredibly good at it. "I'd wear a toga for your cooking."
She turned to Alex with a raised eyebrow when Pak asked for his opinion on the shirt. She was already smiling at his flattery, and was curious to see which woman he'd side with on this issue, or if he'd find a way to skirt around the topic.
"Oh a toga party might be fun," she said brightly, nodding with Pak. "You can make Greek food again!"
She'd tasted Alexander's cultural cuisine before, and it was delicious. He had mentioned in passing that his grandmother had taught him how to make a dish or two. Two had apparently turned into a whole lot more, because she'd had several he'd made.
Yes, they might have to restrain Eiryk but Alex tended to be incredibly good at it. "I'd wear a toga for your cooking."
Alex Aristos
11 years ago
"Uh well actually," Alex said, looking from Aishe to Pak, "I think it's pretty widely acknowledged to be hot. Although that's mostly for the bedroom." Then he thought for a moment. "That said, I can't think of anyone who would complain about you swimming in it, getting it all wet and... clingy. And stuff."
Giving his opinion on the topic didn't bother him; Alexander was often more comfortable with other women than he was with most men. It had taken him a while to reconcile himself to that fact but once he'd accepted it in himself, he had become used to it very quickly.
Alexander blushed lightly as both women immediately leaped from 'Eiryk throwing a party' to 'Alex cooking for the party.' He was slightly embarrassed but in a good way. He enjoyed cooking a great deal and took more than just a passing interest in it.
"What have I done?" He said, shaking his head. "I'll cook for you without you having to get dressed up in togas."
He raised his head as there was some activity in the direction of the mall entrance. A firefighter had come out and was talking to a man in a suit. In just a moment, the man in the suit waved his arm in an inviting gesture and people began to head back into the mall.
"Hey, there we go," Alex said. "Now we can get you ladies some shoes. It must have been a pretty small fire."
He glanced down. "Do you want me to carry you?"
Alex wasn't sure he could carry them both but he would certainly try. He wouldn't relish walking around on the pavement and the dirty mall floor in his own bare feet.
Giving his opinion on the topic didn't bother him; Alexander was often more comfortable with other women than he was with most men. It had taken him a while to reconcile himself to that fact but once he'd accepted it in himself, he had become used to it very quickly.
Alexander blushed lightly as both women immediately leaped from 'Eiryk throwing a party' to 'Alex cooking for the party.' He was slightly embarrassed but in a good way. He enjoyed cooking a great deal and took more than just a passing interest in it.
"What have I done?" He said, shaking his head. "I'll cook for you without you having to get dressed up in togas."
He raised his head as there was some activity in the direction of the mall entrance. A firefighter had come out and was talking to a man in a suit. In just a moment, the man in the suit waved his arm in an inviting gesture and people began to head back into the mall.
"Hey, there we go," Alex said. "Now we can get you ladies some shoes. It must have been a pretty small fire."
He glanced down. "Do you want me to carry you?"
Alex wasn't sure he could carry them both but he would certainly try. He wouldn't relish walking around on the pavement and the dirty mall floor in his own bare feet.
Pakpao
11 years ago
Pak rolled her eyes at Alexander half siding with Aishe but she didn't argue with him. Ever now and then she was afraid she'd 'break' Alexander. Her sarcasm and personality could take some getting used to and could be easily misunderstood and she liked Alexander enough to make an effort.
"What and miss the chance to eat spanakopita after having destroyed some of Eiryk's twelve hundred thread count sheets?"
Just the thought of it made Pak smile. She couldn't remember if she'd paid Eiryk back for the USB cable incident. She probably had and this would be fresh instigation, but she could live with that.
A bit of activity near the mall entrance was encouraging and Pak had to smother an overwhelming desire to sprint past all of them and get her clothes and get out of Dodge. You'd think something like this would get them some kind of a discount, but capitalism rarely made sense and so that probably wouldn't happen.
The offer was quite polite and a little tempting, but Pak had walked barefoot through the Nachton sewers, and that was while immortal, she'd walked barefoot through some damned nasty stuff as a human too. But she had a bit of a fastidious side and really didn't want to tread on chewed gum or broken glass.
"Are you making two trips? Or how does this work?"
Her tone was carefully moderated t be playful and curious lest she be misunderstood.
"What and miss the chance to eat spanakopita after having destroyed some of Eiryk's twelve hundred thread count sheets?"
Just the thought of it made Pak smile. She couldn't remember if she'd paid Eiryk back for the USB cable incident. She probably had and this would be fresh instigation, but she could live with that.
A bit of activity near the mall entrance was encouraging and Pak had to smother an overwhelming desire to sprint past all of them and get her clothes and get out of Dodge. You'd think something like this would get them some kind of a discount, but capitalism rarely made sense and so that probably wouldn't happen.
The offer was quite polite and a little tempting, but Pak had walked barefoot through the Nachton sewers, and that was while immortal, she'd walked barefoot through some damned nasty stuff as a human too. But she had a bit of a fastidious side and really didn't want to tread on chewed gum or broken glass.
"Are you making two trips? Or how does this work?"
Her tone was carefully moderated t be playful and curious lest she be misunderstood.
Aishe
11 years ago
Aishe, who was still nestled against Alexander's side, beamed up at him when he pointed out the advantages of wet tee-shirts and then poked her tongue out playfully at Pak. "So it's the temptation of what's underneath," she said, in a tone that indicated her sudden understanding. "So a shirt would almost be better than, say, a tiny little embarrassing bikini that my boobs are falling out of."
She laughed at the notion that Eiryk would actually offer up his own bedsheets for a toga party. She doubted it, although the blond vampire was certainly well-off enough for it. Aishe wasn't sure she'd ever seen Eiryk purchase anything less than the best.
"Why not kill two birds with one stone and destroy his sheets while eating spanakopita? Why wait until after the sheets are through?"
It seemed practical to accomplish both goals together. Aishe turned to look up at Alex with big green eyes. "You can make spanakopita right? What about other stuff? Like, with chocolate in it?"
Yes, chocolate was her addiction. Considering the many things on this planet that were addiction-forming, Aishe thought she was doing pretty well.
Alex's offer to carry them both came as no surprise. He was a sweetheart. Aishe didn't doubt he would try to carry them both and, given his physical health and the stature of the women he was making the offer to, Aishe thought it possible that he might be able to carry it out. Such an effort would surely exhaust him, though, and the irony of it all was that either Aishe or Pak would be far more fit to carry him than the other way around. Pak was playing with him, though, and Aishe couldn't help but join in.
"You're kind of a glutton for punishment, Alex dear," she said. Grabbing his bags she moved around and hopped lightly onto his back, clinging with her knees and one arm while she held his purchases with the other. He reached one arm around behind to steady her.
Aishe didn't intend to stay on his back but she, too, couldn't help teasing him a little.
She laughed at the notion that Eiryk would actually offer up his own bedsheets for a toga party. She doubted it, although the blond vampire was certainly well-off enough for it. Aishe wasn't sure she'd ever seen Eiryk purchase anything less than the best.
"Why not kill two birds with one stone and destroy his sheets while eating spanakopita? Why wait until after the sheets are through?"
It seemed practical to accomplish both goals together. Aishe turned to look up at Alex with big green eyes. "You can make spanakopita right? What about other stuff? Like, with chocolate in it?"
Yes, chocolate was her addiction. Considering the many things on this planet that were addiction-forming, Aishe thought she was doing pretty well.
Alex's offer to carry them both came as no surprise. He was a sweetheart. Aishe didn't doubt he would try to carry them both and, given his physical health and the stature of the women he was making the offer to, Aishe thought it possible that he might be able to carry it out. Such an effort would surely exhaust him, though, and the irony of it all was that either Aishe or Pak would be far more fit to carry him than the other way around. Pak was playing with him, though, and Aishe couldn't help but join in.
"You're kind of a glutton for punishment, Alex dear," she said. Grabbing his bags she moved around and hopped lightly onto his back, clinging with her knees and one arm while she held his purchases with the other. He reached one arm around behind to steady her.
Aishe didn't intend to stay on his back but she, too, couldn't help teasing him a little.
Alex Aristos
11 years ago
"Exactly," Alex said, playing along with Aishe's 'light bulb' moment, although he didn't think for a second she was that naive. He'd seen her with Kem plenty of times. Nothing innocent about that relationship. Discreet, sure; chaste, not a chance.
Clearly the bikini comment was meant for Pak, though, and Alex guessed that the two had had a difference of opinion on selections while suit shopping. Aishe was jibing her friend playfully though, so he thought nothing of it and laughed along.
"Why do we have to destroy Eiryk's sheets at all?" he asked curiously. "What kind of toga party were you expecting?"
He raised his eyebrows at Pak and Aishe, the latter of which just shrugged and smiled impishly at him before asking about his culinary skills. Alex grinned. "Yes. I can make spanakopita. And something chocolate."
He was going to have to spend tomorrow in the kitchen. Maybe if he supplied Greek cuisine now, he could forestall the inevitable toga-crashing. Alex knew he was being teased but he did enjoy cooking and since both women appeared interested he hadn't even questioned the possibility of cooking for them. It wasn't an 'if' but a 'when.' If Alexander missed anything about his family, it was sitting down all together at a table to have a big meal. Granted, sitting down together had inevitably come with criticism of his lifestyle, his habits, his hobbies, and everything else about him, but it was still an image he craved. He'd gotten to experience it at Thanksgiving and again on Eiryk's boat with a few guests, and Alex loved it. Just as much as he loved being able to be himself, with friends who accepted his lifestyle choices, didn't criticize him for it, and in fact supported them. Leaving home was the best thing he'd ever done.
His reflection was cut short as Aishe jumped lightly onto his back, holding his bags. He reached back to steady her and, with a laugh, turned to Pak. With his free arm he gathered her up and lifted her.
"This is how it works, apparently," he said, grunting a little with the effort of holding both women and purchases. He was strong, however, and he began making his slow, cumbersome way toward the mall entrance despite the crowd of onlookers who glanced and laughed at their antics.
"I know, I know," he responded to Aishe's teasing, "but at least I'm a man of my word."
There was a sudden flare-up of pain in his knee just then, the one that had been troubling him on and off for quite some time. He didn't let it show - he didn't want either woman to think they'd hurt him. He did stop, though, letting Pak slide down and then crouching so Aishe could get off of his back.
"Okay, end of the road. I'm going to have to build a harness or something for the next emergency. Like a rescue dog or something. Maybe Eiryk can hang a barrel of mead around my neck."
Clearly the bikini comment was meant for Pak, though, and Alex guessed that the two had had a difference of opinion on selections while suit shopping. Aishe was jibing her friend playfully though, so he thought nothing of it and laughed along.
"Why do we have to destroy Eiryk's sheets at all?" he asked curiously. "What kind of toga party were you expecting?"
He raised his eyebrows at Pak and Aishe, the latter of which just shrugged and smiled impishly at him before asking about his culinary skills. Alex grinned. "Yes. I can make spanakopita. And something chocolate."
He was going to have to spend tomorrow in the kitchen. Maybe if he supplied Greek cuisine now, he could forestall the inevitable toga-crashing. Alex knew he was being teased but he did enjoy cooking and since both women appeared interested he hadn't even questioned the possibility of cooking for them. It wasn't an 'if' but a 'when.' If Alexander missed anything about his family, it was sitting down all together at a table to have a big meal. Granted, sitting down together had inevitably come with criticism of his lifestyle, his habits, his hobbies, and everything else about him, but it was still an image he craved. He'd gotten to experience it at Thanksgiving and again on Eiryk's boat with a few guests, and Alex loved it. Just as much as he loved being able to be himself, with friends who accepted his lifestyle choices, didn't criticize him for it, and in fact supported them. Leaving home was the best thing he'd ever done.
His reflection was cut short as Aishe jumped lightly onto his back, holding his bags. He reached back to steady her and, with a laugh, turned to Pak. With his free arm he gathered her up and lifted her.
"This is how it works, apparently," he said, grunting a little with the effort of holding both women and purchases. He was strong, however, and he began making his slow, cumbersome way toward the mall entrance despite the crowd of onlookers who glanced and laughed at their antics.
"I know, I know," he responded to Aishe's teasing, "but at least I'm a man of my word."
There was a sudden flare-up of pain in his knee just then, the one that had been troubling him on and off for quite some time. He didn't let it show - he didn't want either woman to think they'd hurt him. He did stop, though, letting Pak slide down and then crouching so Aishe could get off of his back.
"Okay, end of the road. I'm going to have to build a harness or something for the next emergency. Like a rescue dog or something. Maybe Eiryk can hang a barrel of mead around my neck."
Pakpao
11 years ago
"You will get your tiny bikini and you will like it!"
Pak threatened playfully. She had a feeling they were both done looking after this adventure though. She might finish trying on what was in her fitting room but she wasn't sure she was in the mood for looking for anything else. They'd see.
Blinking at both Aishe and Alex Pak shook her head.
"What do you think we're making the togas out of?"
Any further thoughts of togas was put on hold as Aishe hopped onto Alexander's back. She had to laugh, that was cut a bit short as Alexander caught her off guard and picked her up as well. While startled Pak did her best to try and support as much of her own weight as possible. Certainly neither she or Aishe was heavy or huge but Alexander was a human. In great shape and no 98 pound weakling but still, human and she didn't want to make life harder than it had to be or have to tell Eiryk she'd broken his boyfriend.
He moved relatively slowly and carefully but steadily toward the door and she gave a rather un-Pak like giggle
"You're also a bit of a soft touch."
Which was either a really good thing or a really bad thing when taken in combination with Eiryk's personality.
When he stopped though she quickly and obligingly slid down onto her own two feet.
"I don't know harnesses and a keg of mead around your neck sounds like you might be brought in for indecent exposure too..."
She quietly teased, it was also slightly out of character.
"Did you have anything else you needed, or what do we owe you for the ride?"
Pak threatened playfully. She had a feeling they were both done looking after this adventure though. She might finish trying on what was in her fitting room but she wasn't sure she was in the mood for looking for anything else. They'd see.
Blinking at both Aishe and Alex Pak shook her head.
"What do you think we're making the togas out of?"
Any further thoughts of togas was put on hold as Aishe hopped onto Alexander's back. She had to laugh, that was cut a bit short as Alexander caught her off guard and picked her up as well. While startled Pak did her best to try and support as much of her own weight as possible. Certainly neither she or Aishe was heavy or huge but Alexander was a human. In great shape and no 98 pound weakling but still, human and she didn't want to make life harder than it had to be or have to tell Eiryk she'd broken his boyfriend.
He moved relatively slowly and carefully but steadily toward the door and she gave a rather un-Pak like giggle
"You're also a bit of a soft touch."
Which was either a really good thing or a really bad thing when taken in combination with Eiryk's personality.
When he stopped though she quickly and obligingly slid down onto her own two feet.
"I don't know harnesses and a keg of mead around your neck sounds like you might be brought in for indecent exposure too..."
She quietly teased, it was also slightly out of character.
"Did you have anything else you needed, or what do we owe you for the ride?"
Aishe
11 years ago
"A bit?" Aishe asked Pak, looking at her friend over Alex's shoulder as he somehow managed to move forward with their combined weight. "He's a complete mush."
Alexander had never given her a tough guy impression. Even though he did have a little bit of a sarcastic streak that she'd seen pop out on occasion, for the most part he was as sweet as they came. For every one sarcastic comment he must have made at least ten or twenty gestures of kindness, and she had never even spent the entire day with him. It was amazing he made any money at his store, because she could almost see in him the propensity to give discounts all the time.
Aishe hopped to the ground when Alex crouched and proclaimed their free ride over with. She leaned in and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. "He bakes and he knows how to sweep a woman off her feet, as well as give fashion advice! I hope Eiryk knows what he's got, because if not I'm going to steal you and keep you at my place."
She handed Alex's bags back to him once his hands were free, laughing at the image of Alex with a little mead barrel around his neck. "Maybe not Eiryk's mead," she warned, "otherwise people are likely to call on you for imaginary emergencies just to get some. Even I think it's yummy, and I'm really not a drinker."
Alexander had never given her a tough guy impression. Even though he did have a little bit of a sarcastic streak that she'd seen pop out on occasion, for the most part he was as sweet as they came. For every one sarcastic comment he must have made at least ten or twenty gestures of kindness, and she had never even spent the entire day with him. It was amazing he made any money at his store, because she could almost see in him the propensity to give discounts all the time.
Aishe hopped to the ground when Alex crouched and proclaimed their free ride over with. She leaned in and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. "He bakes and he knows how to sweep a woman off her feet, as well as give fashion advice! I hope Eiryk knows what he's got, because if not I'm going to steal you and keep you at my place."
She handed Alex's bags back to him once his hands were free, laughing at the image of Alex with a little mead barrel around his neck. "Maybe not Eiryk's mead," she warned, "otherwise people are likely to call on you for imaginary emergencies just to get some. Even I think it's yummy, and I'm really not a drinker."
Alex Aristos
11 years ago
Alex snorted at Pak's first question. "Togas, I'm pretty sure, are made out of 400 thread count. We might have to consult Eiryk on that but I'm pretty certain we're not using the guest room sheets."
As he lowered both women down, content to be labeled a softy, Alex laughed at Aishe. "I get treated well enough," he said with a grin. "If I ever feel under-appreciated I'll let you know."
He knew the girls were joking with him and he didn't mind. For some reason once women knew they were in the company of a gay man, suddenly he became completely non-threatening and turned into something between a brother, a best friend, and some kind of adorable squishy thing. Alex didn't like to analyze it too deeply but he suspected the reason he enjoyed it was because love in any form had been in very short supply until recently. Battling against insecurity and feelings of self-worthlessness got difficult after so many years, and he'd have taken approval wherever he could get it.
He didn't quite need it anymore, but old habits died hard. If woman wanted to fawn over him he was just fine with it. It was comfortable for him and it still made him feel a little warm inside.
Alex shook his head at Pak as he let her down. "Well there would be clothing under the harness," he pointed out. "I meant you know... something to wear over that."
Aishe then made a good point and he reconsidered. "You're right. I hadn't thought about that. Eiryk's mead is pretty damn good. We'll have to give it some more thought."
They continued toward the mall, Alex retrieving his bags from Aishe. He smiled at Pak. "I'd say first ride is free but that just sounds wrong. So, let's just pretend it never happened. Instead I will give you my top secret emergency number, just in case you ever get caught barefoot in public again."
He didn't have anything else to do so he accompanied them into the mall. Maybe he was crashing their party but he'd rather make sure they retrieved their belongings safely... plus they were wearing his shirts. "I don't need anything else myself," he said. "Were you both finished, too? Was this shopping for, I don't know, some sort of beach party that might be coming up?"
Alex smiled; he was looking forward to the party. He understood the need to have it at night, and he thought that was a great idea anyhow. He was planning to cook, and there were grills in the picnic area at the park if that's where they wound up. Of course, at this rate it sounded like he'd be better off making some spanakopita at home and bringing it along with him... and something chocolate, of course.
As he lowered both women down, content to be labeled a softy, Alex laughed at Aishe. "I get treated well enough," he said with a grin. "If I ever feel under-appreciated I'll let you know."
He knew the girls were joking with him and he didn't mind. For some reason once women knew they were in the company of a gay man, suddenly he became completely non-threatening and turned into something between a brother, a best friend, and some kind of adorable squishy thing. Alex didn't like to analyze it too deeply but he suspected the reason he enjoyed it was because love in any form had been in very short supply until recently. Battling against insecurity and feelings of self-worthlessness got difficult after so many years, and he'd have taken approval wherever he could get it.
He didn't quite need it anymore, but old habits died hard. If woman wanted to fawn over him he was just fine with it. It was comfortable for him and it still made him feel a little warm inside.
Alex shook his head at Pak as he let her down. "Well there would be clothing under the harness," he pointed out. "I meant you know... something to wear over that."
Aishe then made a good point and he reconsidered. "You're right. I hadn't thought about that. Eiryk's mead is pretty damn good. We'll have to give it some more thought."
They continued toward the mall, Alex retrieving his bags from Aishe. He smiled at Pak. "I'd say first ride is free but that just sounds wrong. So, let's just pretend it never happened. Instead I will give you my top secret emergency number, just in case you ever get caught barefoot in public again."
He didn't have anything else to do so he accompanied them into the mall. Maybe he was crashing their party but he'd rather make sure they retrieved their belongings safely... plus they were wearing his shirts. "I don't need anything else myself," he said. "Were you both finished, too? Was this shopping for, I don't know, some sort of beach party that might be coming up?"
Alex smiled; he was looking forward to the party. He understood the need to have it at night, and he thought that was a great idea anyhow. He was planning to cook, and there were grills in the picnic area at the park if that's where they wound up. Of course, at this rate it sounded like he'd be better off making some spanakopita at home and bringing it along with him... and something chocolate, of course.
Pakpao
11 years ago
"When I make a toga I do it right."
Pak quipped. If Eiryk could buy nine million thread count sheets she could make togas out of them, besides it wasn't like the damned Viking couldn't afford to buy new ones.
She gave a very delicate snort at the idea that Aishe was going to steal Alex.
"Ah yes that's going to go over really well with Kem keeping an Alexander around the house."
That and the raccoons If Kem thought the house was getting small before he'd be sure to think that once Alex showed up. Although, she was careful not to mention the raccoons just on the off chance that Alex didn't know what she and Aishe were.
For some reason all this talk about mead and harnesses was making Pak hungry. Maybe she could talk Aishe into a super quick stop at the HoP on the say home. She'd also have to keep her eyes open for an unsuspecting snack while they were here.
"Excellent, I'll be needing a card with that number as I'm frequently caught barefoot in public."
They entered the mall and the air conditioning washed over them. Even in the middle of the night the air had been hot and humid, and while she loved this weather it the temperature control was welcome as well, even if you could still smell the smoke.
Pak casually hooked her arm around one of Alexanders and helped to steer him in the right direction.
"Well that had been the plan. Are you sure you don't want us to bring anything, and don't you dare give me the Eiryk answer. I'm asking you."
Eiryk was a sweetheart and he would say 'no' to any offer to bring anything. Pak, however, wanted to contribute.
Pak quipped. If Eiryk could buy nine million thread count sheets she could make togas out of them, besides it wasn't like the damned Viking couldn't afford to buy new ones.
She gave a very delicate snort at the idea that Aishe was going to steal Alex.
"Ah yes that's going to go over really well with Kem keeping an Alexander around the house."
That and the raccoons If Kem thought the house was getting small before he'd be sure to think that once Alex showed up. Although, she was careful not to mention the raccoons just on the off chance that Alex didn't know what she and Aishe were.
For some reason all this talk about mead and harnesses was making Pak hungry. Maybe she could talk Aishe into a super quick stop at the HoP on the say home. She'd also have to keep her eyes open for an unsuspecting snack while they were here.
"Excellent, I'll be needing a card with that number as I'm frequently caught barefoot in public."
They entered the mall and the air conditioning washed over them. Even in the middle of the night the air had been hot and humid, and while she loved this weather it the temperature control was welcome as well, even if you could still smell the smoke.
Pak casually hooked her arm around one of Alexanders and helped to steer him in the right direction.
"Well that had been the plan. Are you sure you don't want us to bring anything, and don't you dare give me the Eiryk answer. I'm asking you."
Eiryk was a sweetheart and he would say 'no' to any offer to bring anything. Pak, however, wanted to contribute.
Aishe
11 years ago
Aishe grinned at Pak. "I'm fairly certain togas were not traditionally made from bedsheets, although that would have saved on clothing costs, wouldn't it? I guess that wasn't the point though. The whole idea was, the more fabric one could afford to swath him or herself in, the wealthier they were and the more status they had."
She couldn't help it. At times like these, the historian and scholar in her came out. One didn't get a degree in this stuff without being able to spew random useless facts out about it, after all. There were, of course, other significant facts about togas but Aishe did have some sense of self-restraint.
She did make a little face at Pak though. "Kem would be fine with it. He likes Alex. He'd be happy to play wii with him, but we'd have to keep him in your guest room."
They had taken to referring to it as Pak's room since she was usually the only one who stayed over on a fairly frequent basis. That didn't mean they let her decorate it, lest hey end up with ugly leather curtains or something crazy, but they still called it hers.
Turning back to Alex Aishe said, "I think we're finished. I can't imagine not buying this thing after running around outside in it. Maybe I feel like since I wore it outside the mall it must be mine."
Purchase through guilt, that was new. But effective, apparently.
She couldn't help it. At times like these, the historian and scholar in her came out. One didn't get a degree in this stuff without being able to spew random useless facts out about it, after all. There were, of course, other significant facts about togas but Aishe did have some sense of self-restraint.
She did make a little face at Pak though. "Kem would be fine with it. He likes Alex. He'd be happy to play wii with him, but we'd have to keep him in your guest room."
They had taken to referring to it as Pak's room since she was usually the only one who stayed over on a fairly frequent basis. That didn't mean they let her decorate it, lest hey end up with ugly leather curtains or something crazy, but they still called it hers.
Turning back to Alex Aishe said, "I think we're finished. I can't imagine not buying this thing after running around outside in it. Maybe I feel like since I wore it outside the mall it must be mine."
Purchase through guilt, that was new. But effective, apparently.
Alex Aristos
11 years ago
Alex chuckled at let the women argue about togas. He was fairly sure Pakpao was joking, though he didn't really know her well. He was a little uncertain why she would want to destroy something that belonged to someone she considered a friend, even if it was as trivial a thing as a sheet, but then, Pak had a sense of humor Alexander didn't always quite understand so he let it go. She and Eiryk had known each other a long time, so surely they understood each other. Alex didn't need to pry.
He did tilt his head at her as she asked what she could help with. Did she think Eiryk would have given a different answer?
"Nothing," he said. "We've got it all under control."
The idea to throw this beach party had been an idea hatched between all of them, really. No on person had come up with it. Alex, though, had quite naturally taken charge of the food arrangements, which was something he enjoyed and no one ever really seemed too put out about.
"If you must bring something, how about, your own bedsheet?"
He couldn't help a little bit of sarcasm, although in this case it was the humorous type. Alex didn't really think Eiryk needed protecting, necessarily, but he was always in his boyfriend's corner. Always.
"I have everything else under control, though."
They headed toward the store the women had been shopping at, arm in arm, and Alex looked down at Aishe when she commented about the bathing suit she had on. "Oh, you definitely need to buy it," he said, "regardless of whether you've already worn it in public or not. It was smoking."
He reconsidered his words. "And not just from the fire in the mall. I mean, it looked great."
He let go of Pak and Aishe so they could go change back to their regular clothing. "I'll wait here," he said.
He did tilt his head at her as she asked what she could help with. Did she think Eiryk would have given a different answer?
"Nothing," he said. "We've got it all under control."
The idea to throw this beach party had been an idea hatched between all of them, really. No on person had come up with it. Alex, though, had quite naturally taken charge of the food arrangements, which was something he enjoyed and no one ever really seemed too put out about.
"If you must bring something, how about, your own bedsheet?"
He couldn't help a little bit of sarcasm, although in this case it was the humorous type. Alex didn't really think Eiryk needed protecting, necessarily, but he was always in his boyfriend's corner. Always.
"I have everything else under control, though."
They headed toward the store the women had been shopping at, arm in arm, and Alex looked down at Aishe when she commented about the bathing suit she had on. "Oh, you definitely need to buy it," he said, "regardless of whether you've already worn it in public or not. It was smoking."
He reconsidered his words. "And not just from the fire in the mall. I mean, it looked great."
He let go of Pak and Aishe so they could go change back to their regular clothing. "I'll wait here," he said.
Pakpao
11 years ago
Before Pak could quip that, 'No, bed sheets had been made from togas.' Aishe had gone into teacher mode. It was rather cute and so she didn't bother to go into the fact that you could find similar ideas in other cultures and time periods, including hers, through out the world.
Instead she focused on the fact that her 'turf' was being threatened and she just couldn't let that happen.
"Unless you plan on putting Alexander," She offered Alex a quite apology before continuing on, "in a closet when I come over I think this idea needs some more thinking."
Maybe Kem was right and they should get a bigger house. Dual masters would be OK. It was odd considering living away from the Towers, away from the clan but to Pak Kem, and by extension Aishe, was more than that. Just to be obnoxious, since she was thinking about him, Pak did pull at their bond, something rather similar to a friendly punch in the arm. She didn't have anything to say, she just wanted to make her presence known.
She sighed at Alexander. No one could say she hadn't tried though.
"It is a beach party. Sheets are not appropriate."
Although maybe she would bring some towels and blankets. While the boys might have everything under control, you never could have too many towels and blankets at the beach.
"That one you have to buy. Maybe in two colors."
[i]Shedding Alex's t-shirt and offering it to him before returning to the dressing rooms, Pak quickly ditched the far too reveling suit and with inhuman speed tried on two more, quickly rejecting each. The third she asked Aishe for a quick consult, but unless the younger woman literally vomited Pak was getting it, even she had to admit it looked good.
Changing back to her street cloths she called to Aishe,
"Are we ready and do you think they'll give us a discount?"
Instead she focused on the fact that her 'turf' was being threatened and she just couldn't let that happen.
"Unless you plan on putting Alexander," She offered Alex a quite apology before continuing on, "in a closet when I come over I think this idea needs some more thinking."
Maybe Kem was right and they should get a bigger house. Dual masters would be OK. It was odd considering living away from the Towers, away from the clan but to Pak Kem, and by extension Aishe, was more than that. Just to be obnoxious, since she was thinking about him, Pak did pull at their bond, something rather similar to a friendly punch in the arm. She didn't have anything to say, she just wanted to make her presence known.
She sighed at Alexander. No one could say she hadn't tried though.
"It is a beach party. Sheets are not appropriate."
Although maybe she would bring some towels and blankets. While the boys might have everything under control, you never could have too many towels and blankets at the beach.
"That one you have to buy. Maybe in two colors."
[i]Shedding Alex's t-shirt and offering it to him before returning to the dressing rooms, Pak quickly ditched the far too reveling suit and with inhuman speed tried on two more, quickly rejecting each. The third she asked Aishe for a quick consult, but unless the younger woman literally vomited Pak was getting it, even she had to admit it looked good.
Changing back to her street cloths she called to Aishe,
"Are we ready and do you think they'll give us a discount?"
Aishe
11 years ago
Aishe changed back into her actual clothes before returning to the store and handing Alex his shirt back. "Thank you so much," she said, with another grateful smile. "I don't know what the difference is between being at a pool or the beach in a suit, and standing on the sidewalk in one - but there's a difference."
After she had given Pak her approval on the suit when her opinion was asked for, she let her friend know she was also ready to go. She had two new suits now, and that made her happy.
"Just this one will be fine. I don't swim that often," she said. "And I'll only be wearing one next weekend, anyhow."
She didn't need approval, really, but it was still nice to have both Pak's and Alex's votes that she looked good in her chosen swimwear. After all, she usually just went with 'functional.' This was a little bit of a frivolous departure for her. She only hoped Kiamhaat liked what he saw but she couldn't imagine he wouldn't. In all their years together he had never failed to express his appreciation for her looks. Yes, Aishe knew she was never going to be a supermodel, but knowing the one person who truly mattered found her gorgeous and irresistible meant a lot.
Pak suggested they might get a discount and Aishe chuckled. "Maybe," she said. Approaching the register she raised her eyebrows at the cashier. "I don't suppose we'd get a break on these since we did spend a few minutes modeling them outside?"
The cashier looked stumped for a second, glancing at the other woman who was probably her superior. That one rolled her eyes, laughed, and punched in a code at the register. "Ten percent," she said, "for covering up before all that many people got to see."
Aishe grinned; she hadn't been expecting any discount at all; it was mostly a joke. But she'd take it. These suits were pricey.
After she had given Pak her approval on the suit when her opinion was asked for, she let her friend know she was also ready to go. She had two new suits now, and that made her happy.
"Just this one will be fine. I don't swim that often," she said. "And I'll only be wearing one next weekend, anyhow."
She didn't need approval, really, but it was still nice to have both Pak's and Alex's votes that she looked good in her chosen swimwear. After all, she usually just went with 'functional.' This was a little bit of a frivolous departure for her. She only hoped Kiamhaat liked what he saw but she couldn't imagine he wouldn't. In all their years together he had never failed to express his appreciation for her looks. Yes, Aishe knew she was never going to be a supermodel, but knowing the one person who truly mattered found her gorgeous and irresistible meant a lot.
Pak suggested they might get a discount and Aishe chuckled. "Maybe," she said. Approaching the register she raised her eyebrows at the cashier. "I don't suppose we'd get a break on these since we did spend a few minutes modeling them outside?"
The cashier looked stumped for a second, glancing at the other woman who was probably her superior. That one rolled her eyes, laughed, and punched in a code at the register. "Ten percent," she said, "for covering up before all that many people got to see."
Aishe grinned; she hadn't been expecting any discount at all; it was mostly a joke. But she'd take it. These suits were pricey.
Alex Aristos
11 years ago
In short order they were ready to go. Alexander had his now slightly broken in shirts back and the women had their belongings, which had presumably gone unmolested. He laughed as they were, indeed, given a discount at the register.
"That would never have worked for me," he said. Then he rolled his eyes upward thoughtfully. "Of course, I don't have the figure for it either."
He wasn't a cross-dresser. But, in the company of Aishe and Pak, who he knew reasonably well, he could joke a little bit. It wasn't like the two employees wouldn't immediately realize he was gay. It was his voice, he guessed. While he didn't speak like a dive, with a lisp or anything ridiculous, he had been told his soft, somewhat cultured tone gave the impression of being less than straight. Alex didn't see it, but whatever... he didn't mind. He'd never spoken any other way, in spite of all the speech classes his parents had forced him into. Hell, they had probably made the problem worse. That was where he'd learned to use such clear, precise tones.
"Anywhere else you needed to go?" He asked as they finally left the store. He couldn't offer them a ride home, as he'd walked to the mall himself, but he would be happy to hang out with them a little. Their company was enjoyable, even when they were play-arguing with each other. He understood that that seemed to be how Pak liked to show affection.
"That would never have worked for me," he said. Then he rolled his eyes upward thoughtfully. "Of course, I don't have the figure for it either."
He wasn't a cross-dresser. But, in the company of Aishe and Pak, who he knew reasonably well, he could joke a little bit. It wasn't like the two employees wouldn't immediately realize he was gay. It was his voice, he guessed. While he didn't speak like a dive, with a lisp or anything ridiculous, he had been told his soft, somewhat cultured tone gave the impression of being less than straight. Alex didn't see it, but whatever... he didn't mind. He'd never spoken any other way, in spite of all the speech classes his parents had forced him into. Hell, they had probably made the problem worse. That was where he'd learned to use such clear, precise tones.
"Anywhere else you needed to go?" He asked as they finally left the store. He couldn't offer them a ride home, as he'd walked to the mall himself, but he would be happy to hang out with them a little. Their company was enjoyable, even when they were play-arguing with each other. He understood that that seemed to be how Pak liked to show affection.
Pakpao
11 years ago
Pak was pleased with the discount and thanked the two ladies manning the floor. That really was a decent thing to do, there might be some guilt involved since they hadn't even gotten to grab their shoes. But she chuckled at Aishe's mild surprise. While not a big shopper, she was good at it and knew full well you didn't ask you didn't get and she'd haggled with the best of them.
It was Alex who made her laugh out right though.
"Sure it would. You have an adorable figure, but you might need to shave your legs."
It had taken a while before she'd felt comfortable enough teasing Alexander. Certainly he had to have some sense of humor and had to understand teasing or he and Eiryk would never work out in a million years. But she also didn't want to alienate her friend's boyfriend, so she'd had to cautiously work her way up to it.
"Well there was talk of lingerie shopping..."
She wasn't as keen on that idea as she had been and suspected Aishe would feel the same way. Maybe Pak would just slide her a gift card, Aishe was far too practical to let a gift card go to waste. That would also have the added benefit of keeping her from knowing what exactly Aishe thought would turn Kem on. -That- she didn't need to know.
"Or we could offer you a lift home if you need it."
Eiryk had a car, and it was possible Alex would have driven that. It was equally possible that Alex had his own car. But, it never hurt to be polite.
It was Alex who made her laugh out right though.
"Sure it would. You have an adorable figure, but you might need to shave your legs."
It had taken a while before she'd felt comfortable enough teasing Alexander. Certainly he had to have some sense of humor and had to understand teasing or he and Eiryk would never work out in a million years. But she also didn't want to alienate her friend's boyfriend, so she'd had to cautiously work her way up to it.
"Well there was talk of lingerie shopping..."
She wasn't as keen on that idea as she had been and suspected Aishe would feel the same way. Maybe Pak would just slide her a gift card, Aishe was far too practical to let a gift card go to waste. That would also have the added benefit of keeping her from knowing what exactly Aishe thought would turn Kem on. -That- she didn't need to know.
"Or we could offer you a lift home if you need it."
Eiryk had a car, and it was possible Alex would have driven that. It was equally possible that Alex had his own car. But, it never hurt to be polite.