"Hey! It is MY toast! Well, I mean I bought it."
She giggled when he poked her with his fork. She got up and put a piece into the toaster for herself, then got the honey down from the cabinet.
Drinking too much? She mentally kicked herself for not thinking of that as an excuse to begin with. She really sucked at lying, but guessed it didn't matter since Tristan's assumption was more believable anyway. Whatever it took, she thought.
"Sure hun, you can have the car all day. If I need to go anywhere I'll use Mathias'. I'm going to go grab a quick shower though, and be ready to go in thirty?"
Smearing the honey onto her toast, Shay took a huge bite, and turned towards the bath, while still looking at Tristan. At his nod, she walked into the bathroom, and held the toast in her mouth, as she slipped out of her jeans. Next came the top, and she held the remaining toast in her hand as she pulled first one arm out, then the other, before finally pulling it over her head. The last bit of toast went into her mouth, and she turned on the shower.
Clean body, clean hair, clean clothes, and Shay was ready in fifteen minutes. As usual her hair was damp, but would dry wavy. Not planning on going out anywhere, once the car exchange was made, she opted for wearing sweats, instead of jeans. Once she got back she was going to spend the day writing, and wanted to be comfy for that. She was never very creative trussed up in tight jeans, and fortunately when she wore them, she rarely had the need to be.
"Okay buddy boy...you ready?"
She had picked up Alexi's key, and her wallet, and was sitting on the arm of the couch, waiting. She was pleasantly surprised to see Tris had cleaned up the kitchen before going back to his room. Her little brother really was growing up. How nice it was not to have to nag him, she thought.
Checking It All Out
"Shay! Sis! You look...just great!"
Tris meant every word too. He had missed his big sister, even if it was because she hadn't been around to bail him out of his current 'fuck up'. Not that he really had any control over things. Bad shit just seemed to follow him around, wherever he went.
That was probably why his first thought was to find Shay, even if it meant hitching clear across the country to do so. He never really had forgiven her for flaking out on the family like she had, even if their mom and dad agreed the change would be good for her.
He had run up to the car, the minute he recognized the little blue vehicle, and pulled open the door once she had come to a stop. He reached across the seats and gave her a firm one armed hug, smiling huge.
"I mean it, you really look like the east agrees with you."
He relaxed now, against the seats, and turned the heater vent in his direction.
"Man, it's colder than a witch's tit out there. I'm sure glad you didn't have far to come."
Shay
18 years ago
Patrick Tristan O Mannon
18 years ago
While Shay showered, Tristan finished his breakfast, and then cleaned up the kitchen. It was sure nice being in a place that was clean and well organized. The place he had shared with Kelly, had been anything but either. Tristan had tried to get his roommate to clean up, and keep things put away...for the most part, but while Tristan was a little sloppy, Kelly was a slob...a real pig.
When the kitchen looked again, like before he had begun cooking breakfast, Tristan went into the office and turned on Shay's computer. He checked his mail, sent out a couple replies to friends in California - using a new email address. He then drew up a map of Nachton streets, and printed out a copy. When done, he folded the map, put it into his pocket, grabbed his jacket and was ready.
"Am now."
He said, walking into the living room, and opening the door for his sister, then following her out, to the car.
When the kitchen looked again, like before he had begun cooking breakfast, Tristan went into the office and turned on Shay's computer. He checked his mail, sent out a couple replies to friends in California - using a new email address. He then drew up a map of Nachton streets, and printed out a copy. When done, he folded the map, put it into his pocket, grabbed his jacket and was ready.
"Am now."
He said, walking into the living room, and opening the door for his sister, then following her out, to the car.
Shay
18 years ago
It didn't take long for Shay to drive to where she'd left her car, and was glad to hear Tristan had printed up a map, which he confided to her during the drive.
She asked him if he might consider making a late evening of it, and suggested a couple places where he might want to go for dinner. She also gave him some money, knowing his lack of job would also generate a lack of funds. Not to mention, it helped her feel less guilty about asking him to stay out late. As she explained, Mathias had been under a lot of strain, and it might be easier to tell him about Tristan staying there, if she could do so alone. Plus, she also had that other thing to talk to him about as well.
Tristan seemed genuinely agreeable, and even kissed Shay goodbye, before getting into her car, and driving off.
As soon as she got home, she went into the office. Yet again she was pleased to see the air mattress, sheets, blankets, even Tristan's clothing, was all nice and neat and piled in the corner of the room.
She sat down at the computer, and was involved in the book almost immediately.
After a good three hours of work, Shay broke for a snack, and turned on the television to watch a half hour of one of her favorite soaps. About fifteen minutes into the series, Shay was curled up on her side, on the couch...asleep again.
She asked him if he might consider making a late evening of it, and suggested a couple places where he might want to go for dinner. She also gave him some money, knowing his lack of job would also generate a lack of funds. Not to mention, it helped her feel less guilty about asking him to stay out late. As she explained, Mathias had been under a lot of strain, and it might be easier to tell him about Tristan staying there, if she could do so alone. Plus, she also had that other thing to talk to him about as well.
Tristan seemed genuinely agreeable, and even kissed Shay goodbye, before getting into her car, and driving off.
As soon as she got home, she went into the office. Yet again she was pleased to see the air mattress, sheets, blankets, even Tristan's clothing, was all nice and neat and piled in the corner of the room.
She sat down at the computer, and was involved in the book almost immediately.
After a good three hours of work, Shay broke for a snack, and turned on the television to watch a half hour of one of her favorite soaps. About fifteen minutes into the series, Shay was curled up on her side, on the couch...asleep again.
Mathias
18 years ago
The bright gray of the day had faded with evening's arrival as MAthias made his way back home from The Domicile. He had begun to make some..sense..of events,if not peace or acceptance. First and foremost however,was getting home and in Shay's arms. In that peaceful place he could try and come to grips with what had occurred.
The house was dark as the cab pulled up.His car was in the driveway but hers was gone. Perhaps she went out for a bit? he thought to himself,regretting not calling before he left. No,Shay would have called or left a message.
He let himself in,quietly moving through the darkened house. Noticing a flickering light,Mathias couldn't help but smile when he discovered a sleeping Shay on the couch,some television show going unwatched. Leaning down,he softly brushed his lips against hers.
"Hello love, I am home "
And he truly was
The house was dark as the cab pulled up.His car was in the driveway but hers was gone. Perhaps she went out for a bit? he thought to himself,regretting not calling before he left. No,Shay would have called or left a message.
He let himself in,quietly moving through the darkened house. Noticing a flickering light,Mathias couldn't help but smile when he discovered a sleeping Shay on the couch,some television show going unwatched. Leaning down,he softly brushed his lips against hers.
"Hello love, I am home "
And he truly was
Shay
18 years ago
Slipping in and out of a very light, dreamless nap, Shay heard him at the door, even before he came inside. Being more familiar with the heavy footsteps of her brother, she knew it was Alexi as soon as he walked into the room. Though he was a good sized man, he walked, and carried himself with a quiet grace. She guessed it must have been a combination of a lot of things...his life experiences, his work, and his overall self...all went into making him the gentle man he was with her.
Keeping up the pretense of sleep, Shay had to dig deep for control over her need to jump him. Instead, when she felt his lips touch hers, she reached up with both hands going around his neck, and pulled him down onto the couch with her, and deepening the kiss significantly.
Her relief that he was now back home, safe and well, was reflected in the fierce hug she gave him, once he was lying along side her.
She spoke, breathlessly, into his ear...
"Thank god you are. I had thought I might go mad with worry. Are you truly okay Alexi? All parts present and accounted for?"
She really didn't doubt his physical well being, at least not after having seen him already, earlier. But his manner seemed troubled, and she was afraid of what he would tell her had happened...that he had been a part of, or witness to.
She moved back into the cushions more, trying to give him enough room so he wouldn't fall off the couch, but also so she could make out his face, in the dim light of the television. Her fingers traced the furrows between his brows, and she leaned in to kiss his eyelids softly.
"What happened today, baby...please tell me."
Her hand remained on his neck, lightly toying with the ends of his hair.
Keeping up the pretense of sleep, Shay had to dig deep for control over her need to jump him. Instead, when she felt his lips touch hers, she reached up with both hands going around his neck, and pulled him down onto the couch with her, and deepening the kiss significantly.
Her relief that he was now back home, safe and well, was reflected in the fierce hug she gave him, once he was lying along side her.
She spoke, breathlessly, into his ear...
"Thank god you are. I had thought I might go mad with worry. Are you truly okay Alexi? All parts present and accounted for?"
She really didn't doubt his physical well being, at least not after having seen him already, earlier. But his manner seemed troubled, and she was afraid of what he would tell her had happened...that he had been a part of, or witness to.
She moved back into the cushions more, trying to give him enough room so he wouldn't fall off the couch, but also so she could make out his face, in the dim light of the television. Her fingers traced the furrows between his brows, and she leaned in to kiss his eyelids softly.
"What happened today, baby...please tell me."
Her hand remained on his neck, lightly toying with the ends of his hair.
Mathias
18 years ago
Mathias paused for a moment,trying to find the right way to explain everything and realizing just telling her was the only answer.
"We..that is Clan Tacharan, initiated an operation against the facilities of Terrence Hillman. He had in possession an...item that belonged to us. Something that Hillman,or anyone else for that matter, could be allowed to possess. Our mission was to retrieve the item,or failing that, to destroy and any information Hillmanhad regarding it."
Mathias took a breath,remembering Ellis' briefing and her thoughts regarding any moral qualms over The Beast. You did not join a fucking picnic ,she said...the ruthlessness very clear.
"Ellis went in first,to deal with Hillman and ensure retrieval or destruction of the object. We were there in support and to aid Ellis. Well as it happens were needed and Tacharan descended upon Hillman's compound like the Wrath of God Almighty. Make no mistake love,those who worked here were no innocents. If they did not know directly what Hillman had there they knew they were involved in unsavory business practices."
Which was a lie Mathias told himself to make it all right. Except it wasn't all right and he could almost here Annabelle's mocking laughter. Some noble knight you are.. he could almost hear her mocking tone How valiant,to mow down innocent dockworkers.
"There were...complications. The explosives we planted went off early and trapped Simon and Ellis inside the burning wreckage of their facility. "
He looked down,pretending to clean imaginary dirt from his fingernails. It was still a tough subject to think about,much less discuss.
" Simon is resting at a Duibne Industries facility,recovering from his wounds. Ellis..Ellis did not make it. she is buried in the rubble of that building. If the fires and explosives did not destroy then the sun would have. It was a complete job of destruction."
He paused,trying to choose the next words carefully. He knew Shay did not like Ellis but she had wanted to know what happened.
"There is something else though. Before everything went to hell, Carol was screaming about how Ellis sold the clan out - that she was in alliance with Hillman. And then Simon went in to extract Ellis,but she doesn't make it out when she is older and stronger than either of us. Something doesn't add up - I can't put my finger on it yet,but there is something not right about all this."
Quiet,he held Shay close,feeling her warmth and the strength it gave him
"What happened today, baby...please tell me."
Mathias paused for a moment,trying to find the right way to explain everything and realizing just telling her was the only answer.
"We..that is Clan Tacharan, initiated an operation against the facilities of Terrence Hillman. He had in possession an...item that belonged to us. Something that Hillman,or anyone else for that matter, could be allowed to possess. Our mission was to retrieve the item,or failing that, to destroy and any information Hillmanhad regarding it."
Mathias took a breath,remembering Ellis' briefing and her thoughts regarding any moral qualms over The Beast. You did not join a fucking picnic ,she said...the ruthlessness very clear.
"Ellis went in first,to deal with Hillman and ensure retrieval or destruction of the object. We were there in support and to aid Ellis. Well as it happens were needed and Tacharan descended upon Hillman's compound like the Wrath of God Almighty. Make no mistake love,those who worked here were no innocents. If they did not know directly what Hillman had there they knew they were involved in unsavory business practices."
Which was a lie Mathias told himself to make it all right. Except it wasn't all right and he could almost here Annabelle's mocking laughter. Some noble knight you are.. he could almost hear her mocking tone How valiant,to mow down innocent dockworkers.
"There were...complications. The explosives we planted went off early and trapped Simon and Ellis inside the burning wreckage of their facility. "
He looked down,pretending to clean imaginary dirt from his fingernails. It was still a tough subject to think about,much less discuss.
" Simon is resting at a Duibne Industries facility,recovering from his wounds. Ellis..Ellis did not make it. she is buried in the rubble of that building. If the fires and explosives did not destroy then the sun would have. It was a complete job of destruction."
He paused,trying to choose the next words carefully. He knew Shay did not like Ellis but she had wanted to know what happened.
"There is something else though. Before everything went to hell, Carol was screaming about how Ellis sold the clan out - that she was in alliance with Hillman. And then Simon went in to extract Ellis,but she doesn't make it out when she is older and stronger than either of us. Something doesn't add up - I can't put my finger on it yet,but there is something not right about all this."
Quiet,he held Shay close,feeling her warmth and the strength it gave him
Shay
18 years ago
His words were scary, and she could understand immediately why he seemed so...fragile.
The names were familiar, with the exception of Hillman. The object he spoke of must have been something, but Shay couldn't imagine anything being worth dying over. And with destruction a prime goal, it seemed logical to her that casualties would be probable.
The word explosives confirmed that casualties would be almost certain, and hearing Ellis was one, didn't have the same effect on Shay, as it had on Alexi. Still, knowing his loyalty to the woman, Shay did not voice her thought on how glad she was to hear the woman was no more. She didn't know Simon, but hearing he survived sounded good to her. With the one exception Alexi had mentioned, Shay didn't like hearing people were killed.
His next words...'Ellis sold the clan out', were not difficult for Shay to believe, at all. Sure, her impressions of Ellis were colored by her one meeting with the woman, but there was a gut level instinct about the woman that Shay hadn't been able to shake. Something just wasn't on the level...Shay knew it, even if she had nothing concrete to back it up.
Maybe, if those aside from Alexi believed Ellis truly had sold them out...maybe there had been some assistance in having her perish...maybe this Simon hadn't really tried to save her. Under those circumstances, with the safety of the clan in peril because of Ellis...Shay felt even better that Ellis was no longer. It served her right, and thank god something had been done about it before more of the clan had died as a result of her doings.
"So I take that to mean this isn't over for you? You intend to pursue this until it all adds up? Alexi, love...why can't you just accept that older, and stronger still doesn't mean indestructible. It was time for Ellis...her time to leave...we all have one...though some are waaaaaaay longer than others."
Not being fond of organized religion, Shay only knew the basics she was raised with. She had later developed her own theory on life, and death, and in between time. Specifically though, she believed everyone was put on earth for a specified time, to do a specified job. If the job was accomplished during that time, the soul had the option of coming back or going onto heaven, or nirvana, or paradise. If the job wasn't accomplished, then the soul came back, like it or not, to try again.
To her way of thinking, everyone died when it was their time...and that accounted for why it was one person could survive a plane crash, when there were no other survivors...or another person could live to be 105, having smoked cigarettes, drunk alcohol, and screwed their life away, while a pious man might die at the age of 25.
She rubbed the back of his neck, and wished there was something she could say, to help him accept things as they were.
The names were familiar, with the exception of Hillman. The object he spoke of must have been something, but Shay couldn't imagine anything being worth dying over. And with destruction a prime goal, it seemed logical to her that casualties would be probable.
The word explosives confirmed that casualties would be almost certain, and hearing Ellis was one, didn't have the same effect on Shay, as it had on Alexi. Still, knowing his loyalty to the woman, Shay did not voice her thought on how glad she was to hear the woman was no more. She didn't know Simon, but hearing he survived sounded good to her. With the one exception Alexi had mentioned, Shay didn't like hearing people were killed.
His next words...'Ellis sold the clan out', were not difficult for Shay to believe, at all. Sure, her impressions of Ellis were colored by her one meeting with the woman, but there was a gut level instinct about the woman that Shay hadn't been able to shake. Something just wasn't on the level...Shay knew it, even if she had nothing concrete to back it up.
Maybe, if those aside from Alexi believed Ellis truly had sold them out...maybe there had been some assistance in having her perish...maybe this Simon hadn't really tried to save her. Under those circumstances, with the safety of the clan in peril because of Ellis...Shay felt even better that Ellis was no longer. It served her right, and thank god something had been done about it before more of the clan had died as a result of her doings.
"So I take that to mean this isn't over for you? You intend to pursue this until it all adds up? Alexi, love...why can't you just accept that older, and stronger still doesn't mean indestructible. It was time for Ellis...her time to leave...we all have one...though some are waaaaaaay longer than others."
Not being fond of organized religion, Shay only knew the basics she was raised with. She had later developed her own theory on life, and death, and in between time. Specifically though, she believed everyone was put on earth for a specified time, to do a specified job. If the job was accomplished during that time, the soul had the option of coming back or going onto heaven, or nirvana, or paradise. If the job wasn't accomplished, then the soul came back, like it or not, to try again.
To her way of thinking, everyone died when it was their time...and that accounted for why it was one person could survive a plane crash, when there were no other survivors...or another person could live to be 105, having smoked cigarettes, drunk alcohol, and screwed their life away, while a pious man might die at the age of 25.
She rubbed the back of his neck, and wished there was something she could say, to help him accept things as they were.
Mathias
18 years ago
"That could very well be. and if that is what I discover then my fears will be at ease. However far too many things do not make sense for me to simply let them lie."
He sighed, wishing that somehow he could explain to Shay better what troubled him so. Mathias understood that Shay did not like Ellis,a fact he attributed to some sort of female alpha issue.
"But if Ellis did sell The Clan out - why did Simon go back for her? To bring her back for justice? If someone had betrayed you,sold you and yours out...how interested would you be in seeing them alive and able to face justice? Or would you simply let them perish if the opportunity presented itself? Simon went in and only Simon came out. I find that a most troubling occurence."
Shifting position,Mathias lay back in Shay's arms,just wanting to exist there..a safe place where nothing wrong ever happened.
" I know you did not like Ellis,Shay. And I have never tried to change your mind about that. And for them to believe that Ellis would throw all that way? No,something is amiss and I will find out what it is."
"So I take that to mean this isn't over for you? You intend to pursue this until it all adds up? Alexi, love...why can't you just accept that older, and stronger still doesn't mean indestructible. It was time for Ellis...her time to leave...we all have one...though some are waaaaaaay longer than others."
"That could very well be. and if that is what I discover then my fears will be at ease. However far too many things do not make sense for me to simply let them lie."
He sighed, wishing that somehow he could explain to Shay better what troubled him so. Mathias understood that Shay did not like Ellis,a fact he attributed to some sort of female alpha issue.
"But if Ellis did sell The Clan out - why did Simon go back for her? To bring her back for justice? If someone had betrayed you,sold you and yours out...how interested would you be in seeing them alive and able to face justice? Or would you simply let them perish if the opportunity presented itself? Simon went in and only Simon came out. I find that a most troubling occurence."
Shifting position,Mathias lay back in Shay's arms,just wanting to exist there..a safe place where nothing wrong ever happened.
" I know you did not like Ellis,Shay. And I have never tried to change your mind about that. And for them to believe that Ellis would throw all that way? No,something is amiss and I will find out what it is."
Shay
18 years ago
Venting was a good thing, if it accomplished something. With Alexi here in her arms, she could listen to him vent all night. It was just good feeling him near. But she still would want him to ultimately resolve his inner turmoil, and listening to him talk, she didn't think that was going to happen...at least not tonight.
So the best she could do was be there, and try to be objective.
"Doesn't that answer your question? If Simon did go back for Ellis, wouldn't that mean he truly had intended on saving her? If he had wanted her destroyed, wouldn't he have just left her to fend for herself?"
Cradling his head against her breast, she ran her nails softly through the hair at his temple, occasionally bringing the soft pads of her fingertips across his forehead.
Biting her bottom lip a little, as she heard him go on about Ellis, and Shay's dislike for her, she guessed she had been less than covert in hiding her feelings.
"On this point, my love, I'm afraid we're going to need to agree to disagree. You haven't tried to convince me to change the way I feel, and I love you more for it. I hope I haven't given any indication I want you to change the way you feel...I know why you have this need to make things right in your mind with Ellis. I accept that, and if I can ever do anything to help, you know I will.
It's just this gut instinct...maybe women's intuition, though I loathe using that term most of the time. This feeling in me is just too strong to ignore, and if I said nothing to you about it, for me it would be tantamount to letting you walk blindly into traffic."
They were not going to come to any conclusions about this tonight. And she had yet to tell him about Tristan.
"Tell you what...I'm kinda hungry...you too tired to go out for a bite?"
She giggled at all the double entendres that one sentence had. Maybe if they could get out, and away from things for just a bit, she could spill the news on Tris, as well as why she had to go back to New York.
So the best she could do was be there, and try to be objective.
"Doesn't that answer your question? If Simon did go back for Ellis, wouldn't that mean he truly had intended on saving her? If he had wanted her destroyed, wouldn't he have just left her to fend for herself?"
Cradling his head against her breast, she ran her nails softly through the hair at his temple, occasionally bringing the soft pads of her fingertips across his forehead.
Biting her bottom lip a little, as she heard him go on about Ellis, and Shay's dislike for her, she guessed she had been less than covert in hiding her feelings.
"On this point, my love, I'm afraid we're going to need to agree to disagree. You haven't tried to convince me to change the way I feel, and I love you more for it. I hope I haven't given any indication I want you to change the way you feel...I know why you have this need to make things right in your mind with Ellis. I accept that, and if I can ever do anything to help, you know I will.
It's just this gut instinct...maybe women's intuition, though I loathe using that term most of the time. This feeling in me is just too strong to ignore, and if I said nothing to you about it, for me it would be tantamount to letting you walk blindly into traffic."
They were not going to come to any conclusions about this tonight. And she had yet to tell him about Tristan.
"Tell you what...I'm kinda hungry...you too tired to go out for a bite?"
She giggled at all the double entendres that one sentence had. Maybe if they could get out, and away from things for just a bit, she could spill the news on Tris, as well as why she had to go back to New York.
Mathias
18 years ago
Although they disagreed on this,Shay's forthrightness and honesty made Mathias love her all the more for it. He appreciated her concerns even as he did not see them as valid.
"Thank you Shay, words can not adequately express how much what you say and do mean to me."
Her suggestion of dinner sounded wonderful and might help Mathias get his mind off of current events,if only for a moment. Standing up,he extended his hand to Shay.
"Yes,food does sound wonderful my love...shall I call The Grand Piazza and make reservations for us?"
He could also do with a shower,and a change of clothes. Maybe Shay could join him...Mathias could always make the reservations for a later time...
"Thank you Shay, words can not adequately express how much what you say and do mean to me."
Her suggestion of dinner sounded wonderful and might help Mathias get his mind off of current events,if only for a moment. Standing up,he extended his hand to Shay.
"Yes,food does sound wonderful my love...shall I call The Grand Piazza and make reservations for us?"
He could also do with a shower,and a change of clothes. Maybe Shay could join him...Mathias could always make the reservations for a later time...
Shay
18 years ago
Sitting up, she took his hand, and stood up along side him. She was not a tiny girl, but like this, she always felt slightly diminutive. Best yet, she liked the feeling...when with him.
"That sounds wonderful...but Alexi...I need to tell you something first."
In case Tristan came back before they'd left, Shay didn't want Alexi to wonder what the hell was going on. Her voice was light, and not at all serious, lest he think she was going to dump bad news on him.
"My brother, Tristan, showed up yesterday, and is in a bit of a mess. I told him he could stay with us for a few days...until he got things straightened out. But I told him about us, and that you live here, and it's as much your place as mine. He promised not to be a pain...
I hope that was okay?"
She rested her hand on his shoulder, as she looked into his eyes.
"I didn't want him coming through the door, with me out of the room, and having you think he was breaking in or something."
"That sounds wonderful...but Alexi...I need to tell you something first."
In case Tristan came back before they'd left, Shay didn't want Alexi to wonder what the hell was going on. Her voice was light, and not at all serious, lest he think she was going to dump bad news on him.
"My brother, Tristan, showed up yesterday, and is in a bit of a mess. I told him he could stay with us for a few days...until he got things straightened out. But I told him about us, and that you live here, and it's as much your place as mine. He promised not to be a pain...
I hope that was okay?"
She rested her hand on his shoulder, as she looked into his eyes.
"I didn't want him coming through the door, with me out of the room, and having you think he was breaking in or something."
Mathias
18 years ago
She...has a brother? Mathias realized they hadn't really taken time to talk about her or any family she had. Mathias remembered her briefly mentioning a dear friend but any mention of brothers was quick or he had forgotten it.
"Of course it is love, he is your family after all. While this is our home, it was yours first and I would expect your wishes to come first."
Shay's mention of his being in a mess set off his trouble alarm.
"This mess you mention..is it anything that might visit us? Or something I can help him with?"
An idlely scratched itch reminded Mathias of that shower he needed.
"Assuming you have no other surprises for me.." he winked at Shay " I need to take a shower if I am to be somewhat presentable...care to join me? "
He reached for the phone,dialing the restaurant while he waited on Shay.
"Of course it is love, he is your family after all. While this is our home, it was yours first and I would expect your wishes to come first."
Shay's mention of his being in a mess set off his trouble alarm.
"This mess you mention..is it anything that might visit us? Or something I can help him with?"
An idlely scratched itch reminded Mathias of that shower he needed.
"Assuming you have no other surprises for me.." he winked at Shay " I need to take a shower if I am to be somewhat presentable...care to join me? "
He reached for the phone,dialing the restaurant while he waited on Shay.
Shay
18 years ago
Glad he didn't mind, she still had to dispell this idea that she had more rights to the house than he did...whether she had been there first or not. I wouldn't sit well with her otherwise.
But that could wait for later, she imagined he wanted to clean up, and she could always use another shower.
"Let's talk about it at dinner, okay? It's not a big deal though, really...just little brother stuff."
As he dialed, she started for the bathroom.
"I'll get the water hot for you...but just a shower...I'm hungry."
She laughed as she turned, pulled off her sweatshirt, and walked into the bathroom.
Not wanting to wash her hair again, and risk drying it out, she pinned it up, and removed the sweat pants. Tossing the clothes into the hamper she noticed it was becoming full, and she would need to do laundry soon. And that was the last thought she gave such drudgery...for now.
Turning on the water, she got into the shower as soon as it was nice and steamy, and began to wash, keeping an eye on the door, through the shower glass. If they could make it through a shower, and only shower...she giggled to herself, and let the thought drop.
But that could wait for later, she imagined he wanted to clean up, and she could always use another shower.
"Let's talk about it at dinner, okay? It's not a big deal though, really...just little brother stuff."
As he dialed, she started for the bathroom.
"I'll get the water hot for you...but just a shower...I'm hungry."
She laughed as she turned, pulled off her sweatshirt, and walked into the bathroom.
Not wanting to wash her hair again, and risk drying it out, she pinned it up, and removed the sweat pants. Tossing the clothes into the hamper she noticed it was becoming full, and she would need to do laundry soon. And that was the last thought she gave such drudgery...for now.
Turning on the water, she got into the shower as soon as it was nice and steamy, and began to wash, keeping an eye on the door, through the shower glass. If they could make it through a shower, and only shower...she giggled to herself, and let the thought drop.
Mathias
18 years ago
Reservations made, Mathias began to slowly undress. While not injured to the extent Simon was,he had still taken his share of lumps,bumps and bullets. Especially that damn guard he thought I need to find out what he was on.
The wounds were healing nicely,mostly a collection of bruises. Gingerly Mathias stepped into the bathroom. Shay was watching him,and Mathias did his best to hide exactly how badly he hurt.
The steam from the shower rolled over him like a humid ave as Mathias opened the door to join Shay.
Winking at the wet form of his love,Mathias picked up a wash rag and soap.
"Now remember dear, the reservations are for tonight,so we must focus on the shower..."
As they began to lather up he felt his arousal growing,kept in check by his focus on the operation and the events after. But now,here with Shay next to him his mind began to wander,and imagine....
The wounds were healing nicely,mostly a collection of bruises. Gingerly Mathias stepped into the bathroom. Shay was watching him,and Mathias did his best to hide exactly how badly he hurt.
The steam from the shower rolled over him like a humid ave as Mathias opened the door to join Shay.
Winking at the wet form of his love,Mathias picked up a wash rag and soap.
"Now remember dear, the reservations are for tonight,so we must focus on the shower..."
As they began to lather up he felt his arousal growing,kept in check by his focus on the operation and the events after. But now,here with Shay next to him his mind began to wander,and imagine....
Shay
18 years ago
Seeing him as he entered the bathroom, Shay could only make out a soft, fuzzy likeness, from all the steam. When he joined her in the shower she frowned.
"You were hurt."
She spoke softly, but anger tinged her words. She could almost feel the pain she imagined within him. Though it could have been infinitely worse...he was, after all alive, and not lying in a hospital bed.
His joking lightened her spirit some, but didn't diminish the need she had to want him better. So, taking her washcloth, she soaped it up, and nudged him until he was facing away from her. A kiss to the back of his neck, she applied the washcloth there, and began moving in in massaging circles, down his shoulders, and back.
"I'm focused...YOU focus." She laughed, and continued to wash him, placing random kisses as she moved down his backside.
"You didn't tell me you were run over by a hummer."
Knowing he had time to heal quite a bit, she hesitated to think about how he had looked under his clothes, when she had picked him up outside the warehouse.
"You are so lucky you survived that hell..."
That said, as she remembered again Ellis hadn't, Shay stuck to her agenda.
Finishing washing down his legs, she then rinsed herself off, and moved behind him to get out of the shower. She needed to put a little space between them, just long enough to get over the fact that he might have been the one to perish. If she had stayed with him in the shower then, she would have given into her desires, and they wouldn't have made it out to dinner.
But mixed with her desires was too much fear, and anger. She didn't want to be with him like that. It was her problem, and she knew she could deal with it...with just a few minutes of space.
Pulling a towel from the rack, Shay wrapped it around herself, and closed the bathroom door behind herself. She was dressed in minutes, wearing a deep blue silk blouse, enough of the top buttons left undone, to show off the little cleavage she had. Paired with the blouse was a black silk flouncy skirt, cut a modest four inches above her knees. Black panty hose, and heels finished her outfit, and simple silver hoops went into her ears.
Shaking out her hair, she changed her mind about wearing it down, and twisted it up, pinning it against the back of her head. The curls spilled over the pins, and one or two slipped down in front of her ears, and temples. Under normal circumstances the style would have been too flirty for her mood, but she was hoping her mood would change.
"You were hurt."
She spoke softly, but anger tinged her words. She could almost feel the pain she imagined within him. Though it could have been infinitely worse...he was, after all alive, and not lying in a hospital bed.
His joking lightened her spirit some, but didn't diminish the need she had to want him better. So, taking her washcloth, she soaped it up, and nudged him until he was facing away from her. A kiss to the back of his neck, she applied the washcloth there, and began moving in in massaging circles, down his shoulders, and back.
"I'm focused...YOU focus." She laughed, and continued to wash him, placing random kisses as she moved down his backside.
"You didn't tell me you were run over by a hummer."
Knowing he had time to heal quite a bit, she hesitated to think about how he had looked under his clothes, when she had picked him up outside the warehouse.
"You are so lucky you survived that hell..."
That said, as she remembered again Ellis hadn't, Shay stuck to her agenda.
Finishing washing down his legs, she then rinsed herself off, and moved behind him to get out of the shower. She needed to put a little space between them, just long enough to get over the fact that he might have been the one to perish. If she had stayed with him in the shower then, she would have given into her desires, and they wouldn't have made it out to dinner.
But mixed with her desires was too much fear, and anger. She didn't want to be with him like that. It was her problem, and she knew she could deal with it...with just a few minutes of space.
Pulling a towel from the rack, Shay wrapped it around herself, and closed the bathroom door behind herself. She was dressed in minutes, wearing a deep blue silk blouse, enough of the top buttons left undone, to show off the little cleavage she had. Paired with the blouse was a black silk flouncy skirt, cut a modest four inches above her knees. Black panty hose, and heels finished her outfit, and simple silver hoops went into her ears.
Shaking out her hair, she changed her mind about wearing it down, and twisted it up, pinning it against the back of her head. The curls spilled over the pins, and one or two slipped down in front of her ears, and temples. Under normal circumstances the style would have been too flirty for her mood, but she was hoping her mood would change.
Mathias
18 years ago
Alone in the shower,Mathias' thoughts drifted to Shay's words. Yes he had been hurt..more than some,far less than others. He had a millennia of experience to draw upon...some of those Mercs had less than 10 years as a vampire. So much destruction,so much lost..and for what?
Lucky? Ellis was dead,and the path Mathias contemplated put him on a collision course with Tacharan's new leader - whom he suspected of it not actually killing Ellis then making the most of the opportunity and lying to cover himself.
No,lucky was not something Mathias considered himself.
Finishing his shower in verbal and mental silence, Mathias quickly dried himself off,heading into the bedroom to get dressed. Catching sight of Shay, her hair done up..some of the curls falling like slender rivers.
Suddenly every grim and sullen thought was gone,disappearing in the light that she constantly radiated.
"You..look beautiful" was all he managed to get out
"You are so lucky you survived that hell..."
Lucky? Ellis was dead,and the path Mathias contemplated put him on a collision course with Tacharan's new leader - whom he suspected of it not actually killing Ellis then making the most of the opportunity and lying to cover himself.
No,lucky was not something Mathias considered himself.
Finishing his shower in verbal and mental silence, Mathias quickly dried himself off,heading into the bedroom to get dressed. Catching sight of Shay, her hair done up..some of the curls falling like slender rivers.
Suddenly every grim and sullen thought was gone,disappearing in the light that she constantly radiated.
"You..look beautiful" was all he managed to get out
Shay
18 years ago
It had been right for her to leave Alexi in the shower. This little bit of time she'd had getting dressed, helped her get back into a better mental outlook.
Hearing his compliment, gave her a shiver, but she couldn't let it distract her. He did that way too easily as it was.
Glancing into the full length mirror on the closet door, she smiled...first at herself, and then at him...and he got a wink as well.
"Yes...I am, aren't I!"
Good...it was working...her teasing was keeping her mood elevated.
"And now you sir...shall I be the gentleman's valet? What did you wish to wear tonight sir?"
Shay stood tall, and tried to look pompous, as she looked into the closet. She pulled out a deep navy jacket, and held it up.
"This?" She didn't know if he wanted to wear a tie or not...and pants...she had no idea. Dressing a man was not something she'd done before...but she could have fun learning.
But Alexi didn't seem eager to play. She was being selfish, and unthinking, so she went to him. He didn't need silliness...he needed her support, and love.
She went to him, and found his skin warm and slightly damp, when she wrapped an arm around his waist. Her other hand rubbed against his pec, and nipple, and she wondered when he fed last...
All her post shower frivolity stopped, almost as quickly as she had begun it.
Shay thought about it...he lived on blood, and she didn't think what little he'd taken from her lately would have been enough to sustain him. She never asked him where or who he fed from...it was one of those things that happened, but nothing she needed to know details of...just a bodily function. She knew he wouldn't kill to feed, and trusted those who fed him didn't suffer, so she was able to not dwell on it. Maybe he'd gotten something while at the Domicile, but until she knew he wasn't in any danger there, it would bother her.
"Alexi...when was the last time you fed?"
Hearing his compliment, gave her a shiver, but she couldn't let it distract her. He did that way too easily as it was.
Glancing into the full length mirror on the closet door, she smiled...first at herself, and then at him...and he got a wink as well.
"Yes...I am, aren't I!"
Good...it was working...her teasing was keeping her mood elevated.
"And now you sir...shall I be the gentleman's valet? What did you wish to wear tonight sir?"
Shay stood tall, and tried to look pompous, as she looked into the closet. She pulled out a deep navy jacket, and held it up.
"This?" She didn't know if he wanted to wear a tie or not...and pants...she had no idea. Dressing a man was not something she'd done before...but she could have fun learning.
But Alexi didn't seem eager to play. She was being selfish, and unthinking, so she went to him. He didn't need silliness...he needed her support, and love.
She went to him, and found his skin warm and slightly damp, when she wrapped an arm around his waist. Her other hand rubbed against his pec, and nipple, and she wondered when he fed last...
All her post shower frivolity stopped, almost as quickly as she had begun it.
Shay thought about it...he lived on blood, and she didn't think what little he'd taken from her lately would have been enough to sustain him. She never asked him where or who he fed from...it was one of those things that happened, but nothing she needed to know details of...just a bodily function. She knew he wouldn't kill to feed, and trusted those who fed him didn't suffer, so she was able to not dwell on it. Maybe he'd gotten something while at the Domicile, but until she knew he wasn't in any danger there, it would bother her.
"Alexi...when was the last time you fed?"
Mathias
18 years ago
Smiling,Mathias gave consideration to Shay's question. If she wanted to play,he could at least indulge her.
"Hmm..I like the jacket..perhaps we can match it with a white shirt,gray slacks and purple tie?"
Mathias had no head for fashion really - he knew enough to not embarrass himself but putting together a 'killer look' just wasn't his thing. Ellis had though,and the memory brought a halt to his good cheer.
Trying his best to hide it from Shay,Mathias put on a good show. However he was reminded it had been a while since he had any blood and the operation had required extensive use of his abilities.
When was it? Well it had been before the operation so at least a day,likely more. He wasn't ravenous but definitely needed to feed.
If he drank from Shay he doubted she would feel like dinner out afterward. That left hunting,and that could delay dinner as well..
"It's..been a little while love"
"And now you sir...shall I be the gentleman's valet? What did you wish to wear tonight sir?"
Smiling,Mathias gave consideration to Shay's question. If she wanted to play,he could at least indulge her.
"Hmm..I like the jacket..perhaps we can match it with a white shirt,gray slacks and purple tie?"
Mathias had no head for fashion really - he knew enough to not embarrass himself but putting together a 'killer look' just wasn't his thing. Ellis had though,and the memory brought a halt to his good cheer.
Trying his best to hide it from Shay,Mathias put on a good show. However he was reminded it had been a while since he had any blood and the operation had required extensive use of his abilities.
"Alexi...when was the last time you fed?"
When was it? Well it had been before the operation so at least a day,likely more. He wasn't ravenous but definitely needed to feed.
If he drank from Shay he doubted she would feel like dinner out afterward. That left hunting,and that could delay dinner as well..
"It's..been a little while love"
Shay
18 years ago
Considering that, she wished she understood his needs better, in that respect anyway.
He didn't LOOK bad, so she would assume he wasn't starving, and might be able to go a few more hours...but then, how much would he need. Could she satisfy him until he could get out, and 'fill up'?
"Uhm...when you take from me...you're not really feeding, like on a complete meal, are you? I mean...how long do I sustain you?"
It occurred to her talking to him about this was harder than talking to him about sex, almost more intimate, and yet all they were talking about was consuming what was necessary to live.
"If we went to dinner now, could I give you what you needed until you could get what you really need?"
Noticing her shirt was sticking to his damp skin, she moved away a bit. Fortunately, the shirt didn't actually get wet, so she didn't need to change.
Thinking about his hunger, she had moved her hand down to rub across his belly...
"Or should we put off dinner out?"
He didn't LOOK bad, so she would assume he wasn't starving, and might be able to go a few more hours...but then, how much would he need. Could she satisfy him until he could get out, and 'fill up'?
"Uhm...when you take from me...you're not really feeding, like on a complete meal, are you? I mean...how long do I sustain you?"
It occurred to her talking to him about this was harder than talking to him about sex, almost more intimate, and yet all they were talking about was consuming what was necessary to live.
"If we went to dinner now, could I give you what you needed until you could get what you really need?"
Noticing her shirt was sticking to his damp skin, she moved away a bit. Fortunately, the shirt didn't actually get wet, so she didn't need to change.
Thinking about his hunger, she had moved her hand down to rub across his belly...
"Or should we put off dinner out?"
Mathias
18 years ago
That was Shay - ever the considerate one. He could survive on what she could safely give him and still be up for dinner.
"All that I need is standing before me - however,were I to feed lightly from you before dinner I would be quite fine."
His hand slid under her skirt as Mathias closed the distance between them. He could feel the heat emanating from between her legs and it took all his self restraint to not take her body and soul right there.
His breath hot on her neck,Mathias' fangs scraped the soft flesh of her neck. he didn't say anything - he didn't need to. They both needed/wanted the release this would bring...it was only a matter of playing their little game.
"All that I need is standing before me - however,were I to feed lightly from you before dinner I would be quite fine."
His hand slid under her skirt as Mathias closed the distance between them. He could feel the heat emanating from between her legs and it took all his self restraint to not take her body and soul right there.
His breath hot on her neck,Mathias' fangs scraped the soft flesh of her neck. he didn't say anything - he didn't need to. They both needed/wanted the release this would bring...it was only a matter of playing their little game.