Her mind was a whirl with activity, but it was also full of happiness. To have people she cared about in her home, to have fun, and get to know each other better...Fallon couldn't think of a better place to be at that specific moment in time.
"I'll need to remind myself that the next time I decide to have a party, I call you both first. You make it all look so simple...and if not that, a heck of a lot more fun than I was having by myself."
Fallon put a hand around each girls neck, and drew them in for a quick hug, before taking a chance on going back into the living room to check on the men.
As she walked in she carried a plate of snack food, and a bottle of red wine with the corkscrew. The wine and utensil she put on the bar, the plate she put on the table.
"I sure hope you both brought huge appetites...I think I have enough food for a block party."
She smiled at Bob, but then sat on arm of the couch, next to Cyrus. As much as she would have liked giving him a proper greeting...or one proper to their possibly new found relationship, Fallon didn't feel completely at ease to do so.
As she was just about ready to ask Cyrus what was in the box, she remembered the bag Aishe had brought her, and jumped from her seat to go get it. As she picked it up and peered inside, the door bell rang again, and she almost sighed. But instead she set the bag down, and went to the door.
Tristan...
"Tristan! You came...how great! Please come in and meet whoever it is you haven't already."
Fallon almost kicked herself when the first thing that came to mind at the sight of Tristan was food. She really hadn't invited him for that...or...well...not totally. Though with the change between her and Cyrus, she didn't look at Tristan for any other reasons now either.
"Cyrus and Aishe you know from the beach...this cute thing over here is Ana, and this nice man is my neighbor, Bob. Everyone, this is Tristan."
Closing the door and taking the six pack of beer from the hand he thrust towards her, Fallon tried not to laugh. She managed to keep her face to just a grin, as she motioned Tristan towards the food, and bar. She also held up the six pack, and watched as he took one of the beer, before sitting down on the opposite end of the couch, from Cyrus.
Putting the beer in the refrigerator, Fallon again picked up the bag from Aishe, and saw there was piano music inside, along with a cd...of piano music!
"Aishe, this is such a treat. I haven't bought any music for my new piano yet. I can't wait to try this out...maybe later, if you all aren't afraid you'll get headaches from my playing."
She set the music on the piano, and took the cd to the player, and put it in. The music that came out was beautiful, and Fallon turned it down low enough to be heard, but not be intrusive. She hugged Aishe again, and whispered...[/i]
"Thank you so much, my sweet friend...my new...sister. You shouldn't have, but I will cherish them."
Party Time?
It certainly was a good thing Fallon didn't work weekends. As it was, it seemed to be taking an inordinately long time to get everything organized for her dinner Wednesday night.
Having set one of the bags on the porch chair, while she unlocked the front door and went inside to put down the other three bags, she returned to the porch and grabbed it now. Then she realized the bag held things that she had bought for the porch, so she set it back down. She would deal with that project later.
For about the fifth time tonight, she wished she had asked Aishe if she wanted to help, but for the fifth time tonight she agreed that it wouldn't have been much of a treat for Aishe if she helped put it together.
No, Fallon was bound and determined to do this on her own, and suffer the consequences.
So far she had received three RSVPs, the sweetest having been Ana's. Such a nice message to leave on her voice mail. But there was still time, and if it turned out there would only be three others, that would still be three more at a party than she'd ever had before.
Noticing she was still standing on the front porch, Fallon laughed before turning and going back inside.
Once she had put the food away, certain she had enough for a house full of frat boys, she gathered all the candles together on the table, and then set out to distribute them through the house. Thinking they would make her house more festive, with spending the smallest amount of money, she had bought many. And they were all in complimenting scents. With winter still upon them in Nachton, Fallon had gone with comfort scents...cinnamon, apple pie, and vanilla. She now just hoped having the house smell like baked goodies wouldn't be offensive to anyone.
Taking the small stack of papers from her purse, she set them inside her bar. She had devised a list of items for the scavenger hunt, and had them printed up. Now she just had to remember where they were, and hope everyone would have fun playing.
Tucking the folded paper bags from her shopping under her kitchen sink, Fallon poured herself a glass of white zin, and went to sit on the porch. The night air was still crisp, but not as biting as it had been the past few nights. Setting her wine glass down, she took the other batch of candles out of the bag on the porch, and the little tin covers, and scattered them around. Some went on the railing, some went along the steps, and some were hung from hooks the prior tenants had left in the porch ceiling. Fallon took the long lighter from the bag, lit all the outside candles, and smiled. It did look very party like, and though it was a small effort, it made her feel a lot better about how things were going to go...or how she hoped they would.
Fallon
18 years ago
Patrick Tristan O Mannon
18 years ago
Having toyed with the idea of a party for almost a week now, Tristan finally made up his mind and figured he'd have nothing to lose, and everything to gain by going.
Though he remembered Fallon from the beach...and a rather odd encounter at the arcade, he was more than a little surprised to receive an invitation to her party. People back home either only invited those they knew really well, or crashed parties of those they didn't know at all. He'd never received an invite from a casual acquaintance before.
But things around Shay's had been a little tense and quiet since they got back from the hospital, so he felt he could use an evening of diversions...and getting blotto couldn't hurt either.
Yet again he was thrilled that his sister let him drive her car. He did have to promise not to have any weed on him, and also not to drive the car home later, if he had more than three drinks. Shay knew he mostly just drank beer, and that three beers over the course of an evening wouldn't really impair his motor skills so much that he couldn't drive the five or six miles back home. But he promised faithfully to call for a ride home if the limit was exceeded.
Stopping by a local convenience store, he picked up a six pack...force of habit. The girl behind the counter was hot, and just getting off work, so he thought about asking her if she wanted to join him, but then remembered the invite didn't say anything about a guest.
The drive to the house was quick, as it couldn't have been more than a few blocks away. Tristan rang the bell, and nodded his greetings to everyone, once he was inside. He kept a beer, and took a seat on the sofa, but had immediate second thoughts when he heard the music playing on the cd player. Party music it wasn't.
Though he remembered Fallon from the beach...and a rather odd encounter at the arcade, he was more than a little surprised to receive an invitation to her party. People back home either only invited those they knew really well, or crashed parties of those they didn't know at all. He'd never received an invite from a casual acquaintance before.
But things around Shay's had been a little tense and quiet since they got back from the hospital, so he felt he could use an evening of diversions...and getting blotto couldn't hurt either.
Yet again he was thrilled that his sister let him drive her car. He did have to promise not to have any weed on him, and also not to drive the car home later, if he had more than three drinks. Shay knew he mostly just drank beer, and that three beers over the course of an evening wouldn't really impair his motor skills so much that he couldn't drive the five or six miles back home. But he promised faithfully to call for a ride home if the limit was exceeded.
Stopping by a local convenience store, he picked up a six pack...force of habit. The girl behind the counter was hot, and just getting off work, so he thought about asking her if she wanted to join him, but then remembered the invite didn't say anything about a guest.
The drive to the house was quick, as it couldn't have been more than a few blocks away. Tristan rang the bell, and nodded his greetings to everyone, once he was inside. He kept a beer, and took a seat on the sofa, but had immediate second thoughts when he heard the music playing on the cd player. Party music it wasn't.
Montana
18 years ago
Ana hugged Fallon as she gushed about their making the party look easy.
"Wait a minute, I'm making it look easy? I'm just helping and following not-so-directional head nods and pointings to bowls..." Shaking the thought from her head, she returned to the living room to socialize.
Then Fallon brought in a young man named Tristan. He was almost a head taller than she. She shook his hand firmly.
She sat down next to Bob and chatted with him amiably; he looked almost as out of place as she felt, even though she'd spent time with both Fallon and Aishe.
Cyrus though was a mystery. She might need to speak to him soon if she could drag Fallon off the sofa arm next to him.
"Wait a minute, I'm making it look easy? I'm just helping and following not-so-directional head nods and pointings to bowls..." Shaking the thought from her head, she returned to the living room to socialize.
Then Fallon brought in a young man named Tristan. He was almost a head taller than she. She shook his hand firmly.
She sat down next to Bob and chatted with him amiably; he looked almost as out of place as she felt, even though she'd spent time with both Fallon and Aishe.
Cyrus though was a mystery. She might need to speak to him soon if she could drag Fallon off the sofa arm next to him.
Cyrus
18 years ago
Cyrus offered Tristan an abreviated bow of his head and restrained himself from commenting on the abundance of food. Pleased with the proximity of his host, he stroked the small of her back gently.
"You really went all out Fallon. When do we eat?"
Again the inside joke made him grin. While the food smelled wonderful the abundant array and varriety of blood amused him.
"You really went all out Fallon. When do we eat?"
Again the inside joke made him grin. While the food smelled wonderful the abundant array and varriety of blood amused him.
Aishe
18 years ago
Aishe succeeded in kicking Fallon out of the kitchen, however briefly, and nodded with satisfaction as Ana joined the group in the living room. She heard the doorbell ring and poked her head out long enough to see the newcomer.
"Oh! Hi Tristan!"
The CD of piano music was playing softly; she was thrilled that Fallon liked it, and wondered what her guests would think of such... low-key party music, but she didn't care, it suited the mood just fine.
Making herself completely at home in the kitchen, she fixed up the last few things that could use fixing, popped one or two dishes into the oven, and set the timer for 20 minutes.
Then she went back out into the living room, wondering if she was so comfortable in Fallon's home because it was Fallon's, or because she knew most of the people here already.
Disdaining the furniture, she sat cross-legged on the floor a little bit away from Fallon and Cyrus, soda in one hand and a few carrot sticks in the other.
"Oh! Hi Tristan!"
The CD of piano music was playing softly; she was thrilled that Fallon liked it, and wondered what her guests would think of such... low-key party music, but she didn't care, it suited the mood just fine.
Making herself completely at home in the kitchen, she fixed up the last few things that could use fixing, popped one or two dishes into the oven, and set the timer for 20 minutes.
Then she went back out into the living room, wondering if she was so comfortable in Fallon's home because it was Fallon's, or because she knew most of the people here already.
Disdaining the furniture, she sat cross-legged on the floor a little bit away from Fallon and Cyrus, soda in one hand and a few carrot sticks in the other.
Fallon
18 years ago
Because she truly did appreciate the help, Fallon had no issue with either Ana or Aishe being in her kitchen. She had never been territorial about anything, mainly because she never had anything worth being territorial over. And now, well, now she just wanted to share her life with people, and making them feel at home in her house seemed to be a good way to start.
As usual, Cyrus' touch helped calm her, and she looked around the room noticing people chatting, and eating. Apparently snacks was not what Cyrus had on his mind, so she smiled at him, and shook her head.
"Soon, but the only things on the menu are still in the kitchen."
She wasn't sure where his mind was, but knowing him even the little she did, she could imagine.
Noticing the box on the piano, Fallon went and picked it up. It looked Asian, from the markings, and then she remembered Cyrus had brought something tonight. She held it up, and tried to catch his eye, before she set out to open it. Another box was within, and once it was opened she saw a lovely blue and white vase. It looked quite old, but yet age didn't seem to have diminished its beauty at all. She turned it over in her hands, and admired everything about it, before she cleared everything off the center of the piano, and set it down there gently.
Hands full of boxes and peanuts, Fallon looked at Cyrus and wanted to cry. She just couldn't figure out what she had done to have him come into her life.
She shrugged to herself, knowing she needed to take the wrappings into the kitchen, but even more than the need to rid the living room of its clutter, she just had to get a minute to pull herself together. She certainly wouldn't be much of a host, if she were to break down in sobs now.
As usual, Cyrus' touch helped calm her, and she looked around the room noticing people chatting, and eating. Apparently snacks was not what Cyrus had on his mind, so she smiled at him, and shook her head.
"Soon, but the only things on the menu are still in the kitchen."
She wasn't sure where his mind was, but knowing him even the little she did, she could imagine.
Noticing the box on the piano, Fallon went and picked it up. It looked Asian, from the markings, and then she remembered Cyrus had brought something tonight. She held it up, and tried to catch his eye, before she set out to open it. Another box was within, and once it was opened she saw a lovely blue and white vase. It looked quite old, but yet age didn't seem to have diminished its beauty at all. She turned it over in her hands, and admired everything about it, before she cleared everything off the center of the piano, and set it down there gently.
Hands full of boxes and peanuts, Fallon looked at Cyrus and wanted to cry. She just couldn't figure out what she had done to have him come into her life.
She shrugged to herself, knowing she needed to take the wrappings into the kitchen, but even more than the need to rid the living room of its clutter, she just had to get a minute to pull herself together. She certainly wouldn't be much of a host, if she were to break down in sobs now.
Cyrus
18 years ago
"Spoilsport." Was his whispered reply as he sipped his drink. He had not wanted her to get up but she did, probably to fuss about in the kitchen. When she stopped at the package he brought he watched her intently.
He carefully placed his drink on the coffee table atop a coaster and watched Fallon open the gift. It was a triffle really not super old or valuable, but still he hoped she liked it.
As she placed it atop the piano after clearing everything else off he stood and smiled. With a slight tug on Aishe's hair as he walked past he made his way towards Fallon. Gently removing all the packaging and shoving it into the wooden inner box he placed it aside, in a corner of the room for now.
Without comment he wrapped his arms around the brunette and kissed her. Lips firmly planted upon hers, sucking gently upon her bottom lip before his tongue swept into her mouth. Wishing company away did not make it so unfortunately. Slowly releasing her and allowing her to slide back to the floor made him realize he had lifted her slightly.
"I hope you like it."
He carefully placed his drink on the coffee table atop a coaster and watched Fallon open the gift. It was a triffle really not super old or valuable, but still he hoped she liked it.
As she placed it atop the piano after clearing everything else off he stood and smiled. With a slight tug on Aishe's hair as he walked past he made his way towards Fallon. Gently removing all the packaging and shoving it into the wooden inner box he placed it aside, in a corner of the room for now.
Without comment he wrapped his arms around the brunette and kissed her. Lips firmly planted upon hers, sucking gently upon her bottom lip before his tongue swept into her mouth. Wishing company away did not make it so unfortunately. Slowly releasing her and allowing her to slide back to the floor made him realize he had lifted her slightly.
"I hope you like it."
Fallon
18 years ago
Her intention was to go into the kitchen, cry a little, and then return to the group as if nothing had happened. Yet it appeared Cyrus had other intentions, as he took the box, set it off to the side of the room, and then pulled her into an embrace, and kissed her. And boy howdy, did he kiss her.
Fallon opened her eyes once she felt her feet touch the ground, and hid her face in the side of his neck. She must have been blushing, because she felt like everyone else in the room was watching them.
She couldn't berate him for doing something that felt so good, but she did answer his question. Her voice was low, to avoid including the entire room in the conversation.
"Of course I love it...it's from you. It's beautiful, my very first piece of art! And it so reminds me of you.
But Cyrus...we're in a room full of people...it's a little room, and alright, so it doesn't take many people to fill it, I realize, but..."
She dared to look into his eyes now, feeling somewhat in control again.
"I need to get the food ready."
She hoped, all the way to her toes, that he wouldn't be angry with her. She wasn't telling him no...just...later.
Rubbing some of her lip gloss off his upper lip, Fallon turned right around and kissed him again, but kept it soft, quick, and barely touching. She then actually made it to the kitchen, and finished setting everything out.
Fallon opened her eyes once she felt her feet touch the ground, and hid her face in the side of his neck. She must have been blushing, because she felt like everyone else in the room was watching them.
She couldn't berate him for doing something that felt so good, but she did answer his question. Her voice was low, to avoid including the entire room in the conversation.
"Of course I love it...it's from you. It's beautiful, my very first piece of art! And it so reminds me of you.
But Cyrus...we're in a room full of people...it's a little room, and alright, so it doesn't take many people to fill it, I realize, but..."
She dared to look into his eyes now, feeling somewhat in control again.
"I need to get the food ready."
She hoped, all the way to her toes, that he wouldn't be angry with her. She wasn't telling him no...just...later.
Rubbing some of her lip gloss off his upper lip, Fallon turned right around and kissed him again, but kept it soft, quick, and barely touching. She then actually made it to the kitchen, and finished setting everything out.
Montana
18 years ago
Ana had seen the happy-cry-scared look on Fallon's face, and the sudden turn towards the kitchen, only to have her flight interrupted by Cyrus. Striding across the room imperiously and gracefully - "wow men can be graceful?" - he swept her up in his arms and kissed her.
"Well I guess that answers my question if they're together."
He set her down, she turned, turned back to him, kissed him again fleetingly, then disappeared into the kitchen.
Ana rose to join Fallon, excusing herself from Bob.
Inside the kitchen, she closed the door behind her slightly. "That looked like one awesome kiss. I had been wondering if you two were, you know, an item, but wow. Lucky in both directions, I think!" She winked and gave Fallon a thumbs up. "So uhm, what was it like? And why did you look like you were about to cry?"
"Well I guess that answers my question if they're together."
He set her down, she turned, turned back to him, kissed him again fleetingly, then disappeared into the kitchen.
Ana rose to join Fallon, excusing herself from Bob.
Inside the kitchen, she closed the door behind her slightly. "That looked like one awesome kiss. I had been wondering if you two were, you know, an item, but wow. Lucky in both directions, I think!" She winked and gave Fallon a thumbs up. "So uhm, what was it like? And why did you look like you were about to cry?"
Aishe
18 years ago
Aishe poked her tongue out at Cyrus' back as he tugged on her hair on his way past. She saw Fallon open his gift, and saw the look on her friend's face. Then, astonishingly, Cyrus lifted her off her feet and... oh, boy.
But what she knew of Fallon... that would embarrass her. There was nothing not to like about it, and Aishe particularly thought that perhaps Fallon should learn to get used to it, but that was like learning to swim by being thrown into the deep end of the pool!
Fortunately, they weren't all staring... too hard. Aishe watched as Fallon made her escape to the kitchen, followed by Ana. She stood and went to Cyrus.
Hands on her hips, she cocked her head at him. "Way to go. Did you have one of those for everyone, or is it just Fallon you were hoping to embarrass? Because honestly, it's been a while since I had one like that."
She said it with a grin, hoping she wasn't coming across as rude, but sometimes... sometimes there were some things men just didn't understand, no matter how sweet and caring they were. Aishe figured she had firsthand knowledge of that particular male trait.
But what she knew of Fallon... that would embarrass her. There was nothing not to like about it, and Aishe particularly thought that perhaps Fallon should learn to get used to it, but that was like learning to swim by being thrown into the deep end of the pool!
Fortunately, they weren't all staring... too hard. Aishe watched as Fallon made her escape to the kitchen, followed by Ana. She stood and went to Cyrus.
Hands on her hips, she cocked her head at him. "Way to go. Did you have one of those for everyone, or is it just Fallon you were hoping to embarrass? Because honestly, it's been a while since I had one like that."
She said it with a grin, hoping she wasn't coming across as rude, but sometimes... sometimes there were some things men just didn't understand, no matter how sweet and caring they were. Aishe figured she had firsthand knowledge of that particular male trait.
Cyrus
18 years ago
He allowed Fallon to escape into the kitchen. Perhaps he would explain himself later but right now he just watched as Ana did the female following thing into the kitchen.
Aishe's ribbing was not unexpected. Though when she asked if he had one for everyone he couldnt resist giving back as good as he got.
"Maybe I do, if your lucky."
He chuckled and turned to look at the vase. Adjusting it slightly so the winter scene was visible he frowned at the glaze bursts along the corners. Shaking his head he realized it was not the best quality Ming produced, though typical. He would see if the Palace Jar was better when it arrived as Fallon's acceptance into Anantya gift.
"Honestly, I did not want her to weep over a gift. I simply gave her something else to put her mind on." He quietly explained before looking about the room once more.
He quietly added with a wink. "Besides, she said I couldnt eat the guests. What else was I to do?"
Aishe's ribbing was not unexpected. Though when she asked if he had one for everyone he couldnt resist giving back as good as he got.
"Maybe I do, if your lucky."
He chuckled and turned to look at the vase. Adjusting it slightly so the winter scene was visible he frowned at the glaze bursts along the corners. Shaking his head he realized it was not the best quality Ming produced, though typical. He would see if the Palace Jar was better when it arrived as Fallon's acceptance into Anantya gift.
"Honestly, I did not want her to weep over a gift. I simply gave her something else to put her mind on." He quietly explained before looking about the room once more.
He quietly added with a wink. "Besides, she said I couldnt eat the guests. What else was I to do?"
Aishe
18 years ago
"That's all well and good," Aishe retorted when Cyrus teased back, "but if you have one for me you're going to have to make good on that with Bob and Tristan as well, and something tells me they won't take it quite the same way."
She crossed her arms and listened to his explanation, shaking her head. "I know what you were doing... and she does too, I'm sure. But you know, a little one would have done just as well, you oaf."
Turning her back to him she grumbled good-naturedly over her shoulder, keeping her voice soft, "Honestly. Stow the appetite for the next couple of hours, and don't embarrass my sister anymore... and if you're that desperate you can..." she glanced over at the other two men in the room and surreptitiously held her wrist out behind her, not intending him to do so now, but just for emphasis... "you can damn well snack on me. This once. Later. If you behave."
She certainly wasn't in the habit of offering, but Aishe liked Cyrus and adored Fallon, and if it would help either of them, she'd certainly be willing. She said it all with mock ill-humor, knowing Cyrus would see through her gruff facade but knowing he probably wouldn't realize what it meant to her, to make the offer to begin with.
She crossed her arms and listened to his explanation, shaking her head. "I know what you were doing... and she does too, I'm sure. But you know, a little one would have done just as well, you oaf."
Turning her back to him she grumbled good-naturedly over her shoulder, keeping her voice soft, "Honestly. Stow the appetite for the next couple of hours, and don't embarrass my sister anymore... and if you're that desperate you can..." she glanced over at the other two men in the room and surreptitiously held her wrist out behind her, not intending him to do so now, but just for emphasis... "you can damn well snack on me. This once. Later. If you behave."
She certainly wasn't in the habit of offering, but Aishe liked Cyrus and adored Fallon, and if it would help either of them, she'd certainly be willing. She said it all with mock ill-humor, knowing Cyrus would see through her gruff facade but knowing he probably wouldn't realize what it meant to her, to make the offer to begin with.
Fallon
18 years ago
Fallon was so focused on making sure the food was ready for eating, and that everything looked good, that she didn't hear Ana come in until she spoke. Jumping just a bit, she then turned and smiled at her friend, even though her question took Fallon by surprise all over again.
"Yes, it was...awesome...but as far as us being...an item..."
Well, were they? He had told her she meant something to him, and asked her to be patient with him. Why would he have cared or needed her to be patient, if he didn't want to be with her. And the kiss just now...he told her he didn't live wildly, wouldn't that include relationships with women?
"I'm just not sure."
She looked at Ana and giggled. Then she realized she was giggling, and started laughing. Still talking softly, not wanting the entire living room to hear them...
"I'm sorry. So many things have happened to me since I left North Carolina, and just when I think I'm getting a handle on them, something else pops up. I love how I've met you, and Aishe...and Cyrus...I've never had real friends, or much family as far as that goes. But when you're just not used to it all...sometimes it gets overwhelming...you know?"
She hated that her life was starting to sound a little like a broken record, but there was just no other way to explain things.
"And with Cyrus...he's just so different. He seems to enjoy being with me...Me! He does the nicest things for me, he's teaching me things...and he's never once asked me for anything, except to be patient with him. And yet all the time I think of things to tell him, and things I want to do for him...because he doesn't expect them."
Fallon grabbed Ana's arms and shook her gently, and briefly.
"I think he even might love me. That's why I started crying. It's an odd thing to hear from me, Ana...but I'm so happy right now, I'm having a difficult time NOT crying."
And eyes filled with tears, Fallon started laughing again, and hugging Ana. But feeling as if she had some major epiphany, Fallon straightened up, and brushed her hands across her eyes, before taking a deep breath.
"Let's feed this brood, and then...well, we'll see what happens?
But lets keep this here...between you and me?"
Fallon gestured with her hand in a large circle, indicating what was just said in that part of the room, would stay there.
Going to the door, Fallon pushed it open, and said loudly.
"Dinner is ready...in here!"
She was still laughing, and still had tears in her eyes, and after making that comment she made sure she saw Cyrus, so she could give him a wink, before she stepped back to allow everyone to come in and fix their plates.
"Yes, it was...awesome...but as far as us being...an item..."
Well, were they? He had told her she meant something to him, and asked her to be patient with him. Why would he have cared or needed her to be patient, if he didn't want to be with her. And the kiss just now...he told her he didn't live wildly, wouldn't that include relationships with women?
"I'm just not sure."
She looked at Ana and giggled. Then she realized she was giggling, and started laughing. Still talking softly, not wanting the entire living room to hear them...
"I'm sorry. So many things have happened to me since I left North Carolina, and just when I think I'm getting a handle on them, something else pops up. I love how I've met you, and Aishe...and Cyrus...I've never had real friends, or much family as far as that goes. But when you're just not used to it all...sometimes it gets overwhelming...you know?"
She hated that her life was starting to sound a little like a broken record, but there was just no other way to explain things.
"And with Cyrus...he's just so different. He seems to enjoy being with me...Me! He does the nicest things for me, he's teaching me things...and he's never once asked me for anything, except to be patient with him. And yet all the time I think of things to tell him, and things I want to do for him...because he doesn't expect them."
Fallon grabbed Ana's arms and shook her gently, and briefly.
"I think he even might love me. That's why I started crying. It's an odd thing to hear from me, Ana...but I'm so happy right now, I'm having a difficult time NOT crying."
And eyes filled with tears, Fallon started laughing again, and hugging Ana. But feeling as if she had some major epiphany, Fallon straightened up, and brushed her hands across her eyes, before taking a deep breath.
"Let's feed this brood, and then...well, we'll see what happens?
But lets keep this here...between you and me?"
Fallon gestured with her hand in a large circle, indicating what was just said in that part of the room, would stay there.
Going to the door, Fallon pushed it open, and said loudly.
"Dinner is ready...in here!"
She was still laughing, and still had tears in her eyes, and after making that comment she made sure she saw Cyrus, so she could give him a wink, before she stepped back to allow everyone to come in and fix their plates.
Montana
18 years ago
Ana felt bad, surprising Fallon as she did.
"Yes, it was...awesome...but as far as us being...an item..."
A pause.
"I'm just not sure."
Ana moved closer to Fallon.
"Sometimes it gets overwhelming, you know?"
Ana didn't know. The only times she'd been overwhelmed recently had been her father's funeral, and Olivia's, then again with Rorri at the Piazza. But those hadn't been "good" overwhelmings, the way Fallon seemed to be exuding positivity and happiness.
"And yet all the time I think of things to tell him, and things I want to do for him...because he doesn't expect them."
Fallon grabbed Ana's arms and shook her gently, and briefly.
"But I'm so happy right now, I'm having a difficult time NOT crying." Ana hoped that some day Fallon might explain just what she meant by that.
Was this what love was? Happiness to the point of tears? Ana honestly couldn't imagine it, never having had that for herself.
Then Fallon was hugging her yet again. Ana really didn't mind; she felt warm and comfortable and needed, wanted. Fallon brushed her tears away.
"But lets keep this here...between you and me?"
Ana nodded, but before she could respond with a sincere "of course, you know where to find me if you need an ear or a shoulder," Fallon had whirled away, her "hostess face" back on.
"Yes, it was...awesome...but as far as us being...an item..."
A pause.
"I'm just not sure."
Ana moved closer to Fallon.
"Sometimes it gets overwhelming, you know?"
Ana didn't know. The only times she'd been overwhelmed recently had been her father's funeral, and Olivia's, then again with Rorri at the Piazza. But those hadn't been "good" overwhelmings, the way Fallon seemed to be exuding positivity and happiness.
"And yet all the time I think of things to tell him, and things I want to do for him...because he doesn't expect them."
Fallon grabbed Ana's arms and shook her gently, and briefly.
"But I'm so happy right now, I'm having a difficult time NOT crying." Ana hoped that some day Fallon might explain just what she meant by that.
Was this what love was? Happiness to the point of tears? Ana honestly couldn't imagine it, never having had that for herself.
Then Fallon was hugging her yet again. Ana really didn't mind; she felt warm and comfortable and needed, wanted. Fallon brushed her tears away.
"But lets keep this here...between you and me?"
Ana nodded, but before she could respond with a sincere "of course, you know where to find me if you need an ear or a shoulder," Fallon had whirled away, her "hostess face" back on.
Cyrus
18 years ago
Cyrus chuckled but withheld his 'when in rome' comment. If Aishe was quite young or human she may not be too understanding. Of course if the two didnt like it he could simply eat them, which was a win win situation in his eyes.
Of course she then had him blushing like a youth. He really had intended to give Fallon a hug and small kiss but it got out of control quickly. Restraining his hand from running through his hair and causing complete disarray.
Apparently Nachton was a hotbed of vampires and those in the know. He wondered what side of the fence Aishe fell onto and in whos yard. Her offer was just as mind boggling as Fallon's had been. How generous these women were.
Standing closer to the vase than Aishe, Cyrus watched Bob make his way into the kitchen. With a quiet voice he thanked the exotic woman who had offered him her wrist. "Thank you for the offer, I am quite honored and humbled by your generosity Aishe. Though last time I accepted a beautiful woman's offer it lead to quite a bit more than a simple meal."
His head cocked in interest as Fallon called everyone into the kitchen for food. With an evil grin he nudged Aishe and commented one last time. "Plus Fallon said I could only eat things in the kitchen. Oh look, time for dinner. "
With that comment hovering in the air he gently tugged on her arm, pulling her towards the kitchen miming biting.
Of course she then had him blushing like a youth. He really had intended to give Fallon a hug and small kiss but it got out of control quickly. Restraining his hand from running through his hair and causing complete disarray.
Apparently Nachton was a hotbed of vampires and those in the know. He wondered what side of the fence Aishe fell onto and in whos yard. Her offer was just as mind boggling as Fallon's had been. How generous these women were.
Standing closer to the vase than Aishe, Cyrus watched Bob make his way into the kitchen. With a quiet voice he thanked the exotic woman who had offered him her wrist. "Thank you for the offer, I am quite honored and humbled by your generosity Aishe. Though last time I accepted a beautiful woman's offer it lead to quite a bit more than a simple meal."
His head cocked in interest as Fallon called everyone into the kitchen for food. With an evil grin he nudged Aishe and commented one last time. "Plus Fallon said I could only eat things in the kitchen. Oh look, time for dinner. "
With that comment hovering in the air he gently tugged on her arm, pulling her towards the kitchen miming biting.
Fallon
18 years ago
Just as soon as Fallon made her statement and saw everyone head to the kitchen, she realized her mistake, laughed to herself, and shook her head. Once Cyrus entered the kitchen as well, she moved over just behind him, and rubbed his back while leaning in to give him another quick kiss. This one landed on his neck.
"I'm sorry, I didn't realize what a spectacle I was making of myself. But I really do love the vase, and...you, for giving it to me. Thank you."
Everyone else seemed involved in getting their food, so Fallon felt less on display now, and freer to tell him how she felt. She rested her head on his shoulder for a second, looked at him and smiled, before returning to her post to oversee everything, and move a little more out of the way to make room for everyone.
Catching Ana's eye, she gave a wink, and then moving a little closer to Aishe, she patted her back, and gave her a quick hug as well.
"Things seem to be going good, yes?"
"I'm sorry, I didn't realize what a spectacle I was making of myself. But I really do love the vase, and...you, for giving it to me. Thank you."
Everyone else seemed involved in getting their food, so Fallon felt less on display now, and freer to tell him how she felt. She rested her head on his shoulder for a second, looked at him and smiled, before returning to her post to oversee everything, and move a little more out of the way to make room for everyone.
Catching Ana's eye, she gave a wink, and then moving a little closer to Aishe, she patted her back, and gave her a quick hug as well.
"Things seem to be going good, yes?"
Aishe
18 years ago
"You can keep your 'bit more.' I'm only offering what I offered, and you can get a 'bit more' from somewhere else," Aishe said, continuing her mock ill temper while Cyrus drew her along to the kitchen. "I have standards, you know. Only if you need to, and only if I offer. That's the deal."
She was rambling a bit, she knew, but she wanted it clear to Cyrus that she was perfectly willing to be a donor, under certain circumstances. She would take offense to being treated as 'food.' The way she saw it, her blood was hers to give and not to be taken. She didn't mind the giving, though, when friends were involved.
They headed toward the kitchen and Aishe wondered how Fallon would take her offer if she knew about it. She put the thought out of her mind; she would offer the same for Fallon in a heartbeat. The same as she'd done for Kem. She understood what made her vampire friends run.
Pausing at the kitchen entrance, she raised her eyebrows at Cyrus, and with a deliberate exaggeration, stepped over the threshhold.
"Time for dinner, indeed."
She returned Fallon's quick hug, glad to see her friend was all right.
She was rambling a bit, she knew, but she wanted it clear to Cyrus that she was perfectly willing to be a donor, under certain circumstances. She would take offense to being treated as 'food.' The way she saw it, her blood was hers to give and not to be taken. She didn't mind the giving, though, when friends were involved.
They headed toward the kitchen and Aishe wondered how Fallon would take her offer if she knew about it. She put the thought out of her mind; she would offer the same for Fallon in a heartbeat. The same as she'd done for Kem. She understood what made her vampire friends run.
Pausing at the kitchen entrance, she raised her eyebrows at Cyrus, and with a deliberate exaggeration, stepped over the threshhold.
"Time for dinner, indeed."
She returned Fallon's quick hug, glad to see her friend was all right.
Patrick Tristan O Mannon
18 years ago
He stood up and walked into the kitchen. The atmosphere of the group was nice, but just not his idea of 'party people'. No one had broken anything, or made any rude gestures...everyone was pretty much just sitting around talking. It had been a mistake to come, and now he guessed he would just bide his time.
Everyone was nice...very...and treated him well, including him in conversations, and what have you. But when he thought of partying, he thought of really cutting loose. This party reminded him of ones his parents had.
As he had sat sipping his beer, he did take the opportunity to watch everyone. He was very surprised to see Fallon and Cyrus as close as they seemed, though they had been together at the beach. But after the night at the arcade, Tristan had thought Fallon was a free agent...so to speak. Her actions tonight didn't agree.
Bob was okay. He seemed a little closer to Tristan's level, and even accepted one of Tristan's beers. He knew a little about cars, and that was a common interest they chatted about.
Ana...he had seen her before somewhere, but couldn't put his finger on where. She was here alone from what he could see, and had thought to talk to her more. Yet when he made the move to do that, she turned and went into the kitchen with Fallon. So Tristan sat back in his seat and sipped his beer some more.
Aishe...she was fun. He liked her from the beach. But she also seemed way out of his league. Something about her...she seemed strong...and smart. Tristan didn't trust himself not to feel foolish around her, so he kept his contact to smiles, and few words.
Cyrus intimidated Tristan. The man seemed to have everything going for himself, and money too boot. At least he dressed like he had money...Tristan could tell he didn't buy his clothes from Walmart. So he was content to give him a wide berth, as well.
Passing Fallon as he entered the kitchen and began to get some food, he did feel it necessary to acknowledge his being invited to the party.
"Fallon, this is great. Thanks for inviting me. You've got a really nice place here too."
And again sensing something going on between Fallon and Cyrus, Tristan just got out of the way, put some food on a plate, and returned to his place on the couch.
Everyone was nice...very...and treated him well, including him in conversations, and what have you. But when he thought of partying, he thought of really cutting loose. This party reminded him of ones his parents had.
As he had sat sipping his beer, he did take the opportunity to watch everyone. He was very surprised to see Fallon and Cyrus as close as they seemed, though they had been together at the beach. But after the night at the arcade, Tristan had thought Fallon was a free agent...so to speak. Her actions tonight didn't agree.
Bob was okay. He seemed a little closer to Tristan's level, and even accepted one of Tristan's beers. He knew a little about cars, and that was a common interest they chatted about.
Ana...he had seen her before somewhere, but couldn't put his finger on where. She was here alone from what he could see, and had thought to talk to her more. Yet when he made the move to do that, she turned and went into the kitchen with Fallon. So Tristan sat back in his seat and sipped his beer some more.
Aishe...she was fun. He liked her from the beach. But she also seemed way out of his league. Something about her...she seemed strong...and smart. Tristan didn't trust himself not to feel foolish around her, so he kept his contact to smiles, and few words.
Cyrus intimidated Tristan. The man seemed to have everything going for himself, and money too boot. At least he dressed like he had money...Tristan could tell he didn't buy his clothes from Walmart. So he was content to give him a wide berth, as well.
Passing Fallon as he entered the kitchen and began to get some food, he did feel it necessary to acknowledge his being invited to the party.
"Fallon, this is great. Thanks for inviting me. You've got a really nice place here too."
And again sensing something going on between Fallon and Cyrus, Tristan just got out of the way, put some food on a plate, and returned to his place on the couch.
Cyrus
18 years ago
The seriousness Aishe showed in defining things made him chuckle. Plus stepping over the kitchen threshold. Ah, how easy life would be if everything was that easy. But knowing how women can be, someone would get upset, so he merely bowed his head to Aishe, honoring her offer but declining just the same. Before the night ended he did intend to find out just whos clubhouse she belonged to.
The brief kiss and backrub from Fallon was nice. Instead of turning into it, he simply smiled lopsidedly at her, hoping she didnt mind his earlier display. "Thank you. Everything is amazing."
Quickly gathering up a plate full of the interesting food, he grabbed utensils and napkins. With a quick kiss on his hostess' cheek he made his way back to the spot he had claimed earlier. His coat was still draped across the back of the couch. It was reassuring to him to have the blades nearby. The one hidden in his boot was sufficient to damage an intruder but the protective feelings made him happy for more nearby.
The brief kiss and backrub from Fallon was nice. Instead of turning into it, he simply smiled lopsidedly at her, hoping she didnt mind his earlier display. "Thank you. Everything is amazing."
Quickly gathering up a plate full of the interesting food, he grabbed utensils and napkins. With a quick kiss on his hostess' cheek he made his way back to the spot he had claimed earlier. His coat was still draped across the back of the couch. It was reassuring to him to have the blades nearby. The one hidden in his boot was sufficient to damage an intruder but the protective feelings made him happy for more nearby.
Montana
18 years ago
Ana smiled at Fallon's wink, then got to the end of the line for food. Everything looked so nummy... Spooning a little bit of everything onto her plate, she got to the salads and realized something that she hadn't needed to worry about in quite some time.
She was allergic to mustard and shellfish.
She found Fallon, then stood behind her and whispered, "Uhm, is there any mustard or shellfish in anything you've made?"
She was allergic to mustard and shellfish.
She found Fallon, then stood behind her and whispered, "Uhm, is there any mustard or shellfish in anything you've made?"