Pak was quite glad Dani was here, all this advice certainly would have sounded odd had it only been coming from one side of the game. Having Dani there evened things out. None of it seemed to sway Aishe though.
Part of her wanted to look Aishe dead in the eye and say that she probably wouldn’t have turned if she’d had the choice. But Pak wasn’t 100% certain that was true and it seemed unfair to push that thought on to Aishe. However, Pak couldn’t think of anything else to say short of listing things that should be carefully considered, everything from sunshine to children. Please god, let Kem be a sensible sort and make the girl think about all of it.
“Well I don’t see why you shouldn’t stay. I mean regardless of which side of the field you’re on its all the same game right?”
Even though she couldn’t read minds, it seemed to Pak that the whole conversation had taken a lot out of Aishe. Well maybe she was imagining that. Leaning back in her chair she grinned, at least he hadn’t yawned first. Letting one hand rest on Artemis’ knee Pak decided he wasn’t a figment of any one’s imagination.
She shook her head as they shifted back to UFOs.
“But it is so much easier to cause trouble when you don’t exist. Hardly anyone questions myths. You get blamed, but no one looks for you... they just let the whole issue go away. You only get into trouble when people believe in you, rather the opposite of Tinker Bell I suppose.”
Did someone say chocolate?
Dani tugged Fatty along behind her and brushed her short hair out of her eyes with her free hand, doing her best to keep up with the group headed to the ice cream shop.
Upon arriving at said location, she nodded to the rest of the group, speaking over her shoulder.
"I'll grab us a table."Â?
That said, she found a black lacquered table with chrome trim near the back and made sure there were sufficient chairs. She took a seat and Fatty did the same, though he didn't flop down as he had in the book store. Fatty wasn't the spiciest bean in the burrito but he knew enough to remember this place and that he sometimes got frozen yogurt; not something he wanted to sleep through.
It wasn't particularly crowded in the shop right now but Dani wanted to grab a minute while the rest were ordering to check her email. Pulling out her palm pilot, she went through the motions and shot off a clipped reply to the press office, who wanted to do a small release on Arin's appearance at the Nachton ball for the magazines and newsgroups interested in such things.
Pakpao
18 years ago
Danielle
18 years ago
Dani reached down to absently pat Fatty’s head while Artemis expanded on his opinions, though she found herself studying the table when he brought her up. She was, she found, quite touched and for a moment was at a loss for words when Artemis finished. While Aishe responded, though, she gave Artemis a little smile and tried not to go all watery eyed on him.
It seemed that the array of opinions hadn’t discouraged Aishe but Dani thought it might be good to throw some good news out there, as this must all be pretty difficult for her.
“On the upside,” she said, waving her spoon up and down, “I would say there’s never been a better time or place to make this decision. As you can see, you’ll get a lot of feedback, but we also have a wonderful support system here.”
The world was changing, despite Anantya’s isolationist efforts and Tacharan’s more exploitative measures. There had never been a time in history so welcoming to new vampires and just sitting here in the towers having a discussion about it was further proof of that.
The choice was, however, almost never academic; rather, there were real people and personal matters involved. Even so, Dani felt that the best possible thing was well intentioned discourse and thought it was excellent that Aishe was speaking to two fine examples of Evenhet vampires.
Not wanting to appear as though she had an axe to grind, though, she quietly decided it would be wise to introduce Aishe to as many vampires as she possibly could in the upcoming days; not only would that serve to possibly help her meet her goal, but she could also have the opportunity to talk with others about their experiences. She wondered if it might even be possible to have her meet some Anantya, though she thought it might be better to pass on Tacharan.
Then she remembered that Aishe had already met Thaddeus. Dani figured he represented Anantya pretty well, right down to the suit and at times eccentric formality. She wondered how that meeting had gone.
She looked to Pak, grinning at the tips for getting away with mischief.
“See, in my experience that just weeds out the easily persuaded, which is admittedly a lot of people, and leaves you with the, ah, ‘creative thinkers.’”
Turning to Aishe, she tilted her head curiously.
“So what did you think of Thaddeus?” She leaned down to check on Fatty, who had fallen asleep with his nose still in the second ice cream bowl, then looked back up. “You guys got a chance to talk at the ball, right?”
It seemed that the array of opinions hadn’t discouraged Aishe but Dani thought it might be good to throw some good news out there, as this must all be pretty difficult for her.
“On the upside,” she said, waving her spoon up and down, “I would say there’s never been a better time or place to make this decision. As you can see, you’ll get a lot of feedback, but we also have a wonderful support system here.”
The world was changing, despite Anantya’s isolationist efforts and Tacharan’s more exploitative measures. There had never been a time in history so welcoming to new vampires and just sitting here in the towers having a discussion about it was further proof of that.
The choice was, however, almost never academic; rather, there were real people and personal matters involved. Even so, Dani felt that the best possible thing was well intentioned discourse and thought it was excellent that Aishe was speaking to two fine examples of Evenhet vampires.
Not wanting to appear as though she had an axe to grind, though, she quietly decided it would be wise to introduce Aishe to as many vampires as she possibly could in the upcoming days; not only would that serve to possibly help her meet her goal, but she could also have the opportunity to talk with others about their experiences. She wondered if it might even be possible to have her meet some Anantya, though she thought it might be better to pass on Tacharan.
Then she remembered that Aishe had already met Thaddeus. Dani figured he represented Anantya pretty well, right down to the suit and at times eccentric formality. She wondered how that meeting had gone.
She looked to Pak, grinning at the tips for getting away with mischief.
“See, in my experience that just weeds out the easily persuaded, which is admittedly a lot of people, and leaves you with the, ah, ‘creative thinkers.’”
Turning to Aishe, she tilted her head curiously.
“So what did you think of Thaddeus?” She leaned down to check on Fatty, who had fallen asleep with his nose still in the second ice cream bowl, then looked back up. “You guys got a chance to talk at the ball, right?”
Aishe
18 years ago
Aishe was grateful for the fact that the conversation seemed to be shifting slightly away from her purpose in Nachton, and onto things she could speak about without either wanting to hide her head in a paper bag or huddle up under a blanket.
Smiling along with her new friends at their tips for causing trouble, she was slightly surprised when Dani asked her about Thaddeus.
"We did speak at the ball, very briefly," Aishe responded. "He was quiet, but... very kind. Surprisingly so. I was still very new here and I wasn't sure what to expect." She shot an apologetic glance to Artemis and Pak. "I was still laboring under the assumption that at some point, I was going to discover that all the rumors and stories and movies were true. I've learned a great deal since then."
Shaking herself back to the topic at hand, she thought back to Thaddeus' words on the balcony.
She felt her smile grow. "He said something to me that I shouldn't forget, and shouldn't lose sight of. He, Alfarinn, and Mai, too, were all kinder than I probably deserved. But what Thaddeus said, I think, was truly from the heart. I would very much like to speak with him again someday."
Once again she had that lonely feeling. It was strange to feel so out-of-place. She hadn't felt this way since she'd first moved to America, before she'd grown used to being 'the foreigner.' It was odd to go through it again. Perhaps Thaddeus' words then had touched on that. Maybe he'd felt that way at some point, too. She didn't know.
Lifting her shoulders in a self-conscious little shrug, she said, "Like I said, we didn't speak a lot, but what he did say had quite an impact."
Smiling along with her new friends at their tips for causing trouble, she was slightly surprised when Dani asked her about Thaddeus.
"We did speak at the ball, very briefly," Aishe responded. "He was quiet, but... very kind. Surprisingly so. I was still very new here and I wasn't sure what to expect." She shot an apologetic glance to Artemis and Pak. "I was still laboring under the assumption that at some point, I was going to discover that all the rumors and stories and movies were true. I've learned a great deal since then."
Shaking herself back to the topic at hand, she thought back to Thaddeus' words on the balcony.
"Don't apologize. Particularly if you go through with this; don't apologize for being who you are and doing what you believe is right...There is a great deal that is possible in this world."Â?
She felt her smile grow. "He said something to me that I shouldn't forget, and shouldn't lose sight of. He, Alfarinn, and Mai, too, were all kinder than I probably deserved. But what Thaddeus said, I think, was truly from the heart. I would very much like to speak with him again someday."
Once again she had that lonely feeling. It was strange to feel so out-of-place. She hadn't felt this way since she'd first moved to America, before she'd grown used to being 'the foreigner.' It was odd to go through it again. Perhaps Thaddeus' words then had touched on that. Maybe he'd felt that way at some point, too. She didn't know.
Lifting her shoulders in a self-conscious little shrug, she said, "Like I said, we didn't speak a lot, but what he did say had quite an impact."
Artemis Bellezone
18 years ago
Artemis smiled kindly at Aishe.
" No we wont hold it against you. Though we would of course reserve harassment rights, and of course make you earn your keep. I have been desperately trying to fill the janitor position. Some jobs are too dangerous for just anyone to do"
It sounded like a joke and for the most part it was. Artemis did not intend to make Aishe his long sought after janitor. The position held a fair amount of danger in Artemis's department. In normal areas of the IT department there was enough wiring and voltage to warrant caution. In other areas, such as creation labs, anything could happen. Cleaning and basic utility repair work had to handled with care, precision, and often times speed and a thick skin. Add a few top secret projects and it all equalled one big headache for Artemis. He should just invent himself a robot. VampBot 1000. Robo Janitor. Alfie X5000.
Lost in his own musings, he had almost missed the mention of Thaddeus. Just as he caught it, he quickly dismissed it. Artemis knew from experience that some Anantya could appear quite gracious and be evil incarnate. He would not speak of his concerns on the matter to Alfarinn or even Dani until he had had a chance to observe the situation more closely.
With that he looked down at the hand on his knee and grinned. With all the talk about being figments of Aishe and Dani's imagination, he was tempted to tell Pak she could pinch him. But not too hard because he might bruise. It then occurred to him that people generally pinched themselves and not the figment. That was ok, he would gladly pinch her instead. But somehow he got the impression that she would probably kick his ass if he did it in front of the others. Of course that doesn't mean he couldn't threaten her with it though. Artemis leaned over slightly in Pak's direction.
"I have been thinking about this believers versus non-believers thing. When uncertain of the reality of a thing, people generally get pinched to provide the convincing that is needed. So do I pinch you or them?"
" No we wont hold it against you. Though we would of course reserve harassment rights, and of course make you earn your keep. I have been desperately trying to fill the janitor position. Some jobs are too dangerous for just anyone to do"
It sounded like a joke and for the most part it was. Artemis did not intend to make Aishe his long sought after janitor. The position held a fair amount of danger in Artemis's department. In normal areas of the IT department there was enough wiring and voltage to warrant caution. In other areas, such as creation labs, anything could happen. Cleaning and basic utility repair work had to handled with care, precision, and often times speed and a thick skin. Add a few top secret projects and it all equalled one big headache for Artemis. He should just invent himself a robot. VampBot 1000. Robo Janitor. Alfie X5000.
Lost in his own musings, he had almost missed the mention of Thaddeus. Just as he caught it, he quickly dismissed it. Artemis knew from experience that some Anantya could appear quite gracious and be evil incarnate. He would not speak of his concerns on the matter to Alfarinn or even Dani until he had had a chance to observe the situation more closely.
With that he looked down at the hand on his knee and grinned. With all the talk about being figments of Aishe and Dani's imagination, he was tempted to tell Pak she could pinch him. But not too hard because he might bruise. It then occurred to him that people generally pinched themselves and not the figment. That was ok, he would gladly pinch her instead. But somehow he got the impression that she would probably kick his ass if he did it in front of the others. Of course that doesn't mean he couldn't threaten her with it though. Artemis leaned over slightly in Pak's direction.
"I have been thinking about this believers versus non-believers thing. When uncertain of the reality of a thing, people generally get pinched to provide the convincing that is needed. So do I pinch you or them?"
Pakpao
18 years ago
Pak almost laughed at Aishe’s quasi confession. Their kind sure had one hell of a stereotype to shake didn’t they? Of course, she was relived that she didn’t have to wear black capes, speak in odd accents and sleep in coffins. Yuck, what a downer that would be.
“I think we can find you something saf… er… better than janitor. It all depends on how good your coffee is.”
No, she didn’t need it but coffee and cloves and been easy habits to fall into, but some people just couldn’t manage coffee. Not even when it came pre measured in those dumb packets that were never strong enough.
Pak looked over to Artemis and gave a short almost giggle at his question. She wound up frowning in thought and biting at her lower lip, what and odd question.
“Well if I were dreaming you’d pinch me but since we’re the dreams you must have to pinch them. Unless of course they decide they do believe in vampires and then they are off the hook.”
[Just who did you want to pinch any way?]
She cocked her head, raised an eyebrow, and grinned wickedly at him with that last thought.
Now though, he’d put an idea in her head and Pak gave his knee a pinch.
“Did we disappear?”
“I think we can find you something saf… er… better than janitor. It all depends on how good your coffee is.”
No, she didn’t need it but coffee and cloves and been easy habits to fall into, but some people just couldn’t manage coffee. Not even when it came pre measured in those dumb packets that were never strong enough.
Pak looked over to Artemis and gave a short almost giggle at his question. She wound up frowning in thought and biting at her lower lip, what and odd question.
“Well if I were dreaming you’d pinch me but since we’re the dreams you must have to pinch them. Unless of course they decide they do believe in vampires and then they are off the hook.”
[Just who did you want to pinch any way?]
She cocked her head, raised an eyebrow, and grinned wickedly at him with that last thought.
Now though, he’d put an idea in her head and Pak gave his knee a pinch.
“Did we disappear?”
Pakpao
18 years ago
Pak almost laughed at Aishe's quasi confession. Their kind sure had one hell of a stereotype to shake didn't they? Of course, she was relived that she didn't have to wear black capes, speak in odd accents and sleep in coffins. Yuck, what a downer that would be.
"I think we can find you something saf... er... better than janitor. It all depends on how good your coffee is."Â?
No, she didn't need it but coffee and cloves and been easy habits to fall into, but some people just couldn't manage coffee. Not even when it came pre measured in those dumb packets that were never strong enough.
Pak looked over to Artemis and gave a short almost giggle at his question. She wound up frowning in thought and biting at her lower lip, what and odd question.
"Well if I were dreaming you'd pinch me but since we're the dreams you must have to pinch them. Unless of course they decide they do believe in vampires and then they are off the hook."Â?
[Just who did you want to pinch any way?]
She cocked her head, raised an eyebrow, and grinned wickedly at him with that last thought.
Now though, he'd put an idea in her head and Pak gave his knee a pinch.
"Did we disappear?"Â?
"I think we can find you something saf... er... better than janitor. It all depends on how good your coffee is."Â?
No, she didn't need it but coffee and cloves and been easy habits to fall into, but some people just couldn't manage coffee. Not even when it came pre measured in those dumb packets that were never strong enough.
Pak looked over to Artemis and gave a short almost giggle at his question. She wound up frowning in thought and biting at her lower lip, what and odd question.
"Well if I were dreaming you'd pinch me but since we're the dreams you must have to pinch them. Unless of course they decide they do believe in vampires and then they are off the hook."Â?
[Just who did you want to pinch any way?]
She cocked her head, raised an eyebrow, and grinned wickedly at him with that last thought.
Now though, he'd put an idea in her head and Pak gave his knee a pinch.
"Did we disappear?"Â?
Danielle
18 years ago
Dani raised her eyebrows in surprise at Aishe’s assessment of Thaddeus, though she was far from displeased. She still wasn’t totally sure about that guy but it was good to know that he left a positive impression.
“You met Mai, too? I didn’t realize, that’s really cool. I mainly asked about Thaddeus because he and Mai are both from a different clan; seems like you’re really broadening your horizons.”
With all the talk of pinching Dani looked over at Aishe, grinning a little.
“What do you say, on three we break for it?”
She turned to the pair of vampires who were speculating on who would be the appropriate recipient of a pinch and did her best to look innocent.
“Of course, since we’re the ‘real’ ones in this scenario, I think you’re the ones who ought to be pinched. Either that or Fatty could judge your reality.” She looked down at her sleeping dog and spoke in a commanding voice. “Fatty, if those two are real and not figments of our imagination, just lay there.” Looking up, she nodded her head solemnly. “See? Fatty can always tell.”
When looking down at Fatty her watch had caught her eye, and while she could certainly take some time out for ice cream and being social she really should be getting back to work soon.
“Speaking of making a break for it, though, I really should head back to the office. Who knows what the PR department will come up with in my absence.”
“You met Mai, too? I didn’t realize, that’s really cool. I mainly asked about Thaddeus because he and Mai are both from a different clan; seems like you’re really broadening your horizons.”
With all the talk of pinching Dani looked over at Aishe, grinning a little.
“What do you say, on three we break for it?”
She turned to the pair of vampires who were speculating on who would be the appropriate recipient of a pinch and did her best to look innocent.
“Of course, since we’re the ‘real’ ones in this scenario, I think you’re the ones who ought to be pinched. Either that or Fatty could judge your reality.” She looked down at her sleeping dog and spoke in a commanding voice. “Fatty, if those two are real and not figments of our imagination, just lay there.” Looking up, she nodded her head solemnly. “See? Fatty can always tell.”
When looking down at Fatty her watch had caught her eye, and while she could certainly take some time out for ice cream and being social she really should be getting back to work soon.
“Speaking of making a break for it, though, I really should head back to the office. Who knows what the PR department will come up with in my absence.”
Aishe
18 years ago
Aishe couldn't help but laugh at the suggestions made for her prospective employment.
"I really hate to say it, but I'd make an awful janitor," she demurred. "Although I've been told that I do make a mean cup of coffee for someone who doesn't drink it much. No, unfortunately my forte has always been elaborate mudpies and holes in the dirt. It's not work until you're up to your ears in excavations."
In response to Dani, she nodded. "I did meet Mai, in fact she was one of the first people I met when I got to Nachton. She introduced me to Alfarinn and Thaddeus at the ball. I wasn't really even aware of the different clans then. I really am learning a lot. I never thought it was so complex." She grinned back at the woman as the conversation turned toward pinching, and looked over at Pak and Artemis.
Huh. This pinching thing sure looked a whole lot like flirting.
Aishe gave a nod to Dani. "Well, since we may or may not be the only two at the table and I don't want to be stranded alone... or possibly alone... or pinched..." She broke off, grinned at Artemis and Pak... "I should probably be off as well. It was really kind of you to take time from your work to show me this place. And I'm glad I met you both."
The last was addressed to Pak and Artemis. Aishe was unable to see what was going on under the table but was fairly certain there might be some sort of pinching involved. She didn't think it would be aimed at her any time soon, but one never could tell. Without Dani there she would most certainly be a fifth wheel, or a third in this case, she supposed, and she really didn't want to overstay her welcome.
"I really hate to say it, but I'd make an awful janitor," she demurred. "Although I've been told that I do make a mean cup of coffee for someone who doesn't drink it much. No, unfortunately my forte has always been elaborate mudpies and holes in the dirt. It's not work until you're up to your ears in excavations."
In response to Dani, she nodded. "I did meet Mai, in fact she was one of the first people I met when I got to Nachton. She introduced me to Alfarinn and Thaddeus at the ball. I wasn't really even aware of the different clans then. I really am learning a lot. I never thought it was so complex." She grinned back at the woman as the conversation turned toward pinching, and looked over at Pak and Artemis.
Huh. This pinching thing sure looked a whole lot like flirting.
Aishe gave a nod to Dani. "Well, since we may or may not be the only two at the table and I don't want to be stranded alone... or possibly alone... or pinched..." She broke off, grinned at Artemis and Pak... "I should probably be off as well. It was really kind of you to take time from your work to show me this place. And I'm glad I met you both."
The last was addressed to Pak and Artemis. Aishe was unable to see what was going on under the table but was fairly certain there might be some sort of pinching involved. She didn't think it would be aimed at her any time soon, but one never could tell. Without Dani there she would most certainly be a fifth wheel, or a third in this case, she supposed, and she really didn't want to overstay her welcome.
Artemis Bellezone
18 years ago
Artemis grinned at the attack on his knee, before taking the offending hand in his own.
[You of course. Would you like to know where?]
Artemis watched Fatty take up space in true Fatty fashion. He couldn't help but laugh at the jest.
" Well that's comforting. At least we know I am real. Whatever would the world do with only an imaginary Artemis."
Artemis looked over at Pak and smiled, before reaching under her chair to grab the toy car. He was quite glad she was real too. He still owed her more than a few answers, but there was something he needed to do first. After giving Pak's hand a squeeze, he let go long enough to pass the toy car across the table to Aishe.
" Here. You should practice your driving. Given your background, chances are you will be headed for the same department as this little toy of mine. This particular project is primarily for the Antiquities Department."
He smiled at Dani. Conscientious as ever. Artemis marveled at why he wasn't obsessing himself. There were at least ten projects laid out in his lab. Keri was currently in Las Vegas, something about pretending to be her own granddaughter for a convention. This of course meant he would have to lay off the drink if he was going to get enough work done to be satisfied. Truth was, he was not in his usual rush to return to the lab. Oh well, maybe he could find another distraction.
" We certainly don't want to keep you Dani. I know making sure Arin stays out of trouble is a full time job. Not that I would ever have any hand in causing that trouble mind you."
Artemis once again took hold of Pak's hand, wondering what her thoughts and plans were.
[You of course. Would you like to know where?]
Artemis watched Fatty take up space in true Fatty fashion. He couldn't help but laugh at the jest.
" Well that's comforting. At least we know I am real. Whatever would the world do with only an imaginary Artemis."
Artemis looked over at Pak and smiled, before reaching under her chair to grab the toy car. He was quite glad she was real too. He still owed her more than a few answers, but there was something he needed to do first. After giving Pak's hand a squeeze, he let go long enough to pass the toy car across the table to Aishe.
" Here. You should practice your driving. Given your background, chances are you will be headed for the same department as this little toy of mine. This particular project is primarily for the Antiquities Department."
He smiled at Dani. Conscientious as ever. Artemis marveled at why he wasn't obsessing himself. There were at least ten projects laid out in his lab. Keri was currently in Las Vegas, something about pretending to be her own granddaughter for a convention. This of course meant he would have to lay off the drink if he was going to get enough work done to be satisfied. Truth was, he was not in his usual rush to return to the lab. Oh well, maybe he could find another distraction.
" We certainly don't want to keep you Dani. I know making sure Arin stays out of trouble is a full time job. Not that I would ever have any hand in causing that trouble mind you."
Artemis once again took hold of Pak's hand, wondering what her thoughts and plans were.
Pakpao
18 years ago
That had been the right answer and the corners of her mouth twitched upwards as he took her hand.
[Surprise me.]
"Well it's a good thing that Fatty decided we were real otherwise I'd say that Dani just threatened us."Â?
How Dani stayed so focused on her work was beyond Pak. She was currently working on an excuse to get out of a conference call. There were very good odds that she would lose her temper with one of the other programmers involved and she didn't feel like dealing with that right now. No point in stressing about it too much, she always came up excellent excuses when needed.
Well Aishe certainly got around didn't she? At least she was doing her research and that made Pak feel a little better about the whole idea, even if the car was being given away.
"If you run out of things to run into let me know. I'm sure we can find something for you to roll over. Or answer any other questions."Â?
Just because she was weary of Aishe's decision didn't mean she disapproved and Pak certainly wanted things to be easier for Aishe than they had been for her at first.
With Artemis having taken her hand again Pak's train of thought just sort of stopped. Although it seemed very important she get out of that call right about now. ... They'd never miss her.
"Don't worry Dani, I'm sure you can get them back under control."Â?
Not her most articulate moment, but there were extenuating circumstances.
[Surprise me.]
"Well it's a good thing that Fatty decided we were real otherwise I'd say that Dani just threatened us."Â?
How Dani stayed so focused on her work was beyond Pak. She was currently working on an excuse to get out of a conference call. There were very good odds that she would lose her temper with one of the other programmers involved and she didn't feel like dealing with that right now. No point in stressing about it too much, she always came up excellent excuses when needed.
Well Aishe certainly got around didn't she? At least she was doing her research and that made Pak feel a little better about the whole idea, even if the car was being given away.
"If you run out of things to run into let me know. I'm sure we can find something for you to roll over. Or answer any other questions."Â?
Just because she was weary of Aishe's decision didn't mean she disapproved and Pak certainly wanted things to be easier for Aishe than they had been for her at first.
With Artemis having taken her hand again Pak's train of thought just sort of stopped. Although it seemed very important she get out of that call right about now. ... They'd never miss her.
"Don't worry Dani, I'm sure you can get them back under control."Â?
Not her most articulate moment, but there were extenuating circumstances.
Danielle
18 years ago
Dani nodded to Aishe, who seemed to be taking her leave as well.
“Do let me know if you need anything; MARI can always reach me; even when I’m out and about I have my mobile to forward messages to. You can find your way back okay?”
Laughing at the suggestion that Artemis got Arin into trouble, she shook her head in denial.
“Goodness knows there are worse things Arin could get up to than staying close to home to enjoy a few drinks with a trusted friend.”
Like go off and get mauled by psychotic vampires, she thought but did not say. In truth she felt a bit more at ease when Arin chose to stay close to home; such a high profile figure was bound to have people after him and sometimes it was hard not to worry.
Grinning over at Pak, she gave a little roll of her eyes.
“Yeah, I’ll whip them into shape; they take me so seriously over there, you know.”
She was about as effective with the PR team as she was with Fatty in instilling order, but they all shared a mutual respect conducive to good work come crunch time and so she looked the other way more often than not when they decided to blow off a little steam with silly articles and the photocopying of silly faces.
Rising from her chair, she gave Fatty’s leash a tug, deciding he could finish off his nap in her office.
“Take care guys!”
/ooc Dani out pending responses
“Do let me know if you need anything; MARI can always reach me; even when I’m out and about I have my mobile to forward messages to. You can find your way back okay?”
Laughing at the suggestion that Artemis got Arin into trouble, she shook her head in denial.
“Goodness knows there are worse things Arin could get up to than staying close to home to enjoy a few drinks with a trusted friend.”
Like go off and get mauled by psychotic vampires, she thought but did not say. In truth she felt a bit more at ease when Arin chose to stay close to home; such a high profile figure was bound to have people after him and sometimes it was hard not to worry.
Grinning over at Pak, she gave a little roll of her eyes.
“Yeah, I’ll whip them into shape; they take me so seriously over there, you know.”
She was about as effective with the PR team as she was with Fatty in instilling order, but they all shared a mutual respect conducive to good work come crunch time and so she looked the other way more often than not when they decided to blow off a little steam with silly articles and the photocopying of silly faces.
Rising from her chair, she gave Fatty’s leash a tug, deciding he could finish off his nap in her office.
“Take care guys!”
/ooc Dani out pending responses
Aishe
18 years ago
Aishe received the toy car with a look of surprise, then gave a soft laugh. "I'll try not to run anyone over."
Then, remembering the bookstore, she cocked an eyebrow at Artemis. "Or perhaps running into people is the idea?"
She shook her head and waved a hand in dismissal as she realized Artemis and Pak were definitely moving along on their own, figuratively speaking.
"I will practice for any eventual job assignments, sir, and thank you for a much welcome activity!" She gave Artemis a little salute and tossed a friendly wave at Pak.
Smiling at Dani as the woman left, Aishe thanked her once more and nodded to let her know she'd be fine getting back to her new rooms.
Before Aishe left, she turned to the two still at the table once more.
"I still don't know how things work around here," she said, "but it was a pleasure meeting you both." She fidgeted a moment, uncertain of how to broach such an odd subject, and then settled it by saying, "Please... if either one of you ah... needs... anything at all... let me know. I'd be happy to help if I can."
Aishe had never been big on donating blood, but her growing understanding of how the people around her worked was making her see it in a new light, and she found that for certain people, the idea wasn't as objectionable as she had thought it might be.
Hoping she'd made her point, she glanced once more at the car in her arms and then gave another soft laugh, shaking her head at the couple as she headed out of the ice cream shop, contemplating her inevitable driving lesson.
((ooc: Aishe out!))
Then, remembering the bookstore, she cocked an eyebrow at Artemis. "Or perhaps running into people is the idea?"
She shook her head and waved a hand in dismissal as she realized Artemis and Pak were definitely moving along on their own, figuratively speaking.
"I will practice for any eventual job assignments, sir, and thank you for a much welcome activity!" She gave Artemis a little salute and tossed a friendly wave at Pak.
Smiling at Dani as the woman left, Aishe thanked her once more and nodded to let her know she'd be fine getting back to her new rooms.
Before Aishe left, she turned to the two still at the table once more.
"I still don't know how things work around here," she said, "but it was a pleasure meeting you both." She fidgeted a moment, uncertain of how to broach such an odd subject, and then settled it by saying, "Please... if either one of you ah... needs... anything at all... let me know. I'd be happy to help if I can."
Aishe had never been big on donating blood, but her growing understanding of how the people around her worked was making her see it in a new light, and she found that for certain people, the idea wasn't as objectionable as she had thought it might be.
Hoping she'd made her point, she glanced once more at the car in her arms and then gave another soft laugh, shaking her head at the couple as she headed out of the ice cream shop, contemplating her inevitable driving lesson.
((ooc: Aishe out!))
Pakpao
18 years ago
"Good night Dani and Fatty."Â?
She really couldn't imagine anyone not taking Dani seriously if she wanted to be taken as such. So had to grin at the self-deprecation as she watched the two of them leave.
Then apparently Aishe seemed to be leaving too, but at least she appreciated the gift of the car and seemed to have the right idea about running people over. She had to cough to cover a laugh at that quip.
When she turned back and essentially offered to be dinner, Pak quickly turned her attention to the melting remains of the sundae. Her own eating habits were a bit confusing, even to her, and wasn't sure what proper etiquette for the situation was. It took a second but she did look up and managed a muddled smile.
"Thanks... Nice meeting you."Â?
And then there were two. The sudden departure of both Aishe and Dani hadn't really allowed time to switch from a group dynamic to a one on one dynamic. That and she had no idea what Artemis' plans for the evening were.
"I suppose that means I ought to get back to work too."Â?
She sounded reluctant because she was reluctant. With a mix of curiosity and hope she turned to her fellow figment.
"Unless you had a better idea..."Â?
She really couldn't imagine anyone not taking Dani seriously if she wanted to be taken as such. So had to grin at the self-deprecation as she watched the two of them leave.
Then apparently Aishe seemed to be leaving too, but at least she appreciated the gift of the car and seemed to have the right idea about running people over. She had to cough to cover a laugh at that quip.
When she turned back and essentially offered to be dinner, Pak quickly turned her attention to the melting remains of the sundae. Her own eating habits were a bit confusing, even to her, and wasn't sure what proper etiquette for the situation was. It took a second but she did look up and managed a muddled smile.
"Thanks... Nice meeting you."Â?
And then there were two. The sudden departure of both Aishe and Dani hadn't really allowed time to switch from a group dynamic to a one on one dynamic. That and she had no idea what Artemis' plans for the evening were.
"I suppose that means I ought to get back to work too."Â?
She sounded reluctant because she was reluctant. With a mix of curiosity and hope she turned to her fellow figment.
"Unless you had a better idea..."Â?
Artemis Bellezone
18 years ago
Artemis smiled as Dani and Fatty prepared to leave.
" Don't work too hard. talk to you soon."
It seemed that Aishe also needed to go. Artemis found that he truly hoped things worked out for her. In a well thought out, not so rash sort of way.
" Goodbye Aishe, it was a pleasure to meet you."
As he watched Aishe leave, he made a mental note to pick up another toy car. Looking down at the hand in his, he gave it a quick squeeze. Artemis was in no particular hurry to leave, but there were things that he needed to take care of. Turning to Pak, he gave her a devilish grin.
" I do, but unfortunately they will have to wait. How about dinner, or more a bottle of wine and good company, day after tomorrow?"
Artemis kissed the top of Pak's hand before standing. He placed the trash on the tray so that it could be disposed of on the way out.
" Shall we?"
OOC: Artemis out pending response
" Don't work too hard. talk to you soon."
It seemed that Aishe also needed to go. Artemis found that he truly hoped things worked out for her. In a well thought out, not so rash sort of way.
" Goodbye Aishe, it was a pleasure to meet you."
As he watched Aishe leave, he made a mental note to pick up another toy car. Looking down at the hand in his, he gave it a quick squeeze. Artemis was in no particular hurry to leave, but there were things that he needed to take care of. Turning to Pak, he gave her a devilish grin.
" I do, but unfortunately they will have to wait. How about dinner, or more a bottle of wine and good company, day after tomorrow?"
Artemis kissed the top of Pak's hand before standing. He placed the trash on the tray so that it could be disposed of on the way out.
" Shall we?"
OOC: Artemis out pending response
Pakpao
18 years ago
Resisting the urge to point out that he’d actually asked her out Pak just raised her eyebrows in vague question. It was also next to impossible not to return a smile like that. Granted Pak tried, but failed and wound up wearing a rather twisted grin of her own.
“That sounds like an excellent plan.”
This kiss to her hand brought another smile, but a much softer smile. He was not going to make it easy to get any work done, was he? Ah well she hadn’t been able to put two thoughts together for most of the evening, at least this was a more… interesting distraction.
Standing she took the tray Artemis had neatly gathered things up on and nodded.
“I think we shall, or they’ll just wind up throwing us out. For loitering or something equally innocent.”
Just a little tease but since when could Pak keep her mouth shut?
Quickly disposing of the trash and returning the tray, she gently, playfully, nudged Artemis with her shoulder before walking out with him.
((OOC… both out. Lock please. Thanks!))
“That sounds like an excellent plan.”
This kiss to her hand brought another smile, but a much softer smile. He was not going to make it easy to get any work done, was he? Ah well she hadn’t been able to put two thoughts together for most of the evening, at least this was a more… interesting distraction.
Standing she took the tray Artemis had neatly gathered things up on and nodded.
“I think we shall, or they’ll just wind up throwing us out. For loitering or something equally innocent.”
Just a little tease but since when could Pak keep her mouth shut?
Quickly disposing of the trash and returning the tray, she gently, playfully, nudged Artemis with her shoulder before walking out with him.
((OOC… both out. Lock please. Thanks!))