He had arrived at eight o'clock sharp, much to his surprise. Though not one to worry about arriving too early, he did like to avoid being late whenever he made a date, or scheduled an appointment. What surprised him was the difficulty he had experienced in selecting his clothing for the evening. Not familiar with the restaurant, since Val had chosen it, he could only guess it was fairly nice. And while he knew he could pull off wearing jeans almost anywhere, tonight he wanted to look a little classier. Once he had chosen his ensemble, and dressed, he found he was running later than he would have liked. Fortunately, traffic was light, and when it wasn't he still hadn't let it stop him.
Sliding off his bike, Nic straightened his jacket, and made sure the bike was parked in a small, marked area, at the front of the parking lot. He had left his helmet at home, so he drug his fingers through his hair, before entering the elegant but cozy Italian eatery. As he met the maitre'd just inside the door, and gave Val's name as reference, he was quickly seated. Pulling a paper wrapped tube from his inside jacket pocket, Nic unrolled a single red rose, fresh from being plucked from the florist's hand on his ride over, and laid it on the table across from him. He considered placing it in the vase already on the table, with a white rose standing tall within it, and reconsidered. The original intention had been to send Val flowers after their last meeting; however, time had gotten away from him, what with contacting the Flannigans, and the lawyers in New York, and before he knew it the night of the dinner date was upon him.
He hoped the one rose wouldn't look too cheap or not given to much thought, for while it truly hadn't been expensive, he had belabored the thought for a few days. He did see that his choice in clothes had been a good one (see here), being neither too casual or too dressy, and he'd not have that one issue to worry over.
He wasn't sure how he sensed her, before he felt her hand on his shoulder, but he had. And as she trailed her hand along his back, Nic stood and reached for the flower. Once she was sitting, he touched the rose to the far side of her cheek, handed it to her, and then sat back down.
"This pales by comparison, I know, and had I known the restaurant provided them on their tables, I might have reconsidered. " And then not really knowing what else to say he shrugged and grinned.
"You look positively gorgeous, if I might add." And she really did. So much so he had to stop himself from looking under the table to catch sight of her legs again. Without taking his eyes off her, he wiggled his finger for the waiter.
"Did you want something in particular to drink tonight, or shall I get a bottle of champagne?"
Though he could be happy with a beer, Nic didn't mind a nice bit of bubbly for special occasions. And in Nic's book, a second date, was a highly special occasion.
"And yes, traffic was evil...though being on a bike I really had very little to fight."
Unable to let that perk go by uncommented on, Nic only grinned as he waited for her to respond.
è Aumentato (attn: Nic)
She'd gone into work on pretence, something so someone could drop her off. It would hardly be a wise thing to have him pick her up at the Domicile and when they'd made the date Val didn't have a place in town. Something she'd since taken care of.
It had been tricky dressing for dinner, the museum and a club but she'd managed. The skirt was black leather and slightly too short and paired with a black pinstriped jacket. Under that, she wore a white silk camisole. She'd gone with very high black and white high heels that reminded her of old style wing tips and art deco white gold jewelry, necklace, ring, bracelet and earrings all the mettle was diamond cut and boldly scattered through it was diamond chips. It was, at the time, an extravagant gift. Giovanni had given it to her not long after her turning. Valentine often suspected it was an apology, but he had never said so in so many words.
The maitre'd greeted her with more warmth than most of the patrons, but then again Val was a regular. She explained she was meeting someone under a reservation in her name. He smiled and personally escorted her back to the table.
è Aumentato itself was a very elegant restaurant. Pleasantly dim but not so that one could not see the food. Small tables, no booths, were scattered about all covered in long red tablecloths, a white rose in a vase in the center of each one. Tall potted plans were strategically placed so that there was an illusion of privacy at each table, yet one could still see one's fellow dinners and it would be a simple matter to create a large table. The décor was clean and modern done in rich colors. While it was an Italian restaurant it was confident in its identity and did not need to beat its patrons over the head with cliché music, faux finishes and badly mounted prints of The Coliseum.
It was not a large place, holding perhaps one hundred people at a time, but Nic was sitting with his back to her. Val politely dismissed her escort, and rested one hand on Nic's shoulder and slowly trailed it along his back to the other shoulder before sitting opposite him, smiling.
"Sorry I'm a little late. Traffic was positively evil."Â?
((OOC... permission to have Nic there before her and waiting etc.))
Nicholae
18 years ago
Valentine
18 years ago
The rose was exquisite, and red like a rose should be. White was occasionally acceptable but pink, yellow, and others were simply wrong. It would also be easier to carry one flower through the course of the evening than a full bouquet.
“Its lovely, thank you.”
Not at all shy Val took a good look at him. He did clean up nice she decided. So nice she wondered if he’d ridden the bike or found alternate means of transportation tonight. It would be interesting riding the bike in this skirt, but even that would have advantages.
“Glad you approve. You aren’t looking too bad your self.”
Ah he had ridden the bike, she’d get a bit of a lesson then wouldn’t she?
“Let’s go with the champagne it feels right.”
“Its lovely, thank you.”
Not at all shy Val took a good look at him. He did clean up nice she decided. So nice she wondered if he’d ridden the bike or found alternate means of transportation tonight. It would be interesting riding the bike in this skirt, but even that would have advantages.
“Glad you approve. You aren’t looking too bad your self.”
Ah he had ridden the bike, she’d get a bit of a lesson then wouldn’t she?
“Let’s go with the champagne it feels right.”
Nicholae
18 years ago
Less seemed to be better these days, as Nic compared the reaction Val gave after receiving the one rose, to the lack of much response at all from Maeve for a full arrangement. Being one to usually do things up big, it was going to take some getting used to, toning things down.
"You're welcome...though I think I need to tell you...at the risk of sounding like a total loser, I was really looking forward to this dinner tonight for a special reason."
Nic grinned and shook his head as he fiddled with the small vase on the table.
"Since I arrived in Nachton, you're the first person I've met who agreed to a second date with me."
And in truth he wasn't being completely fair to himself. He hadn't actually asked that many people out, and those he had...he never got a chance to ask out again...mainly because he couldn't find them again. Or, in Maeve's case, things had gone so poorly during the first date that he just never bothered to follow up again.
"So I guess that's also my way of saying thank you." He winced as the words left his mouth, but then laughed.
"Okay...this isn't going much like I had planned...and I AM starting to sound like a loser."
He was definitely out of practice and at the rate he was going would probably wind up scaring her away too.
"Maybe I should just stop talking...I might be able to salvage part of the evening anyway."
Nic looked up and caught the waiter's eye. Soon he had ordered and been served a bottle of Krug 1990 Champagne. Tasting the little the waiter had poured, Nic nodded.
"Now this...is good..." He smiled at the waiter and waited for Val's glass to be filled, and his refilled.
"How about I propose a toast to you...kind and generous enough to give this poor sap another chance...thank you."
Tapping the rim of his flute to her's Nic waited until Val had tasted the wine, and hoped she liked it. It tasted a little of figs, but wasn't overpoweringly fruity. Not the most expensive champagne he'd ever had, but a good year and vintage.
"You're welcome...though I think I need to tell you...at the risk of sounding like a total loser, I was really looking forward to this dinner tonight for a special reason."
Nic grinned and shook his head as he fiddled with the small vase on the table.
"Since I arrived in Nachton, you're the first person I've met who agreed to a second date with me."
And in truth he wasn't being completely fair to himself. He hadn't actually asked that many people out, and those he had...he never got a chance to ask out again...mainly because he couldn't find them again. Or, in Maeve's case, things had gone so poorly during the first date that he just never bothered to follow up again.
"So I guess that's also my way of saying thank you." He winced as the words left his mouth, but then laughed.
"Okay...this isn't going much like I had planned...and I AM starting to sound like a loser."
He was definitely out of practice and at the rate he was going would probably wind up scaring her away too.
"Maybe I should just stop talking...I might be able to salvage part of the evening anyway."
Nic looked up and caught the waiter's eye. Soon he had ordered and been served a bottle of Krug 1990 Champagne. Tasting the little the waiter had poured, Nic nodded.
"Now this...is good..." He smiled at the waiter and waited for Val's glass to be filled, and his refilled.
"How about I propose a toast to you...kind and generous enough to give this poor sap another chance...thank you."
Tapping the rim of his flute to her's Nic waited until Val had tasted the wine, and hoped she liked it. It tasted a little of figs, but wasn't overpoweringly fruity. Not the most expensive champagne he'd ever had, but a good year and vintage.
Valentine
18 years ago
Val laughed at his confession. He reminded her of a little boy both proud and embarrassed by an accomplishment, it was surprisingly endearing. Her sentimental side didn’t often last long, but for now she was charmed by it.
“I’d have to assume you aren’t getting out much. It’s a big city and there are plenty of women out there to be charmed by you.”
When he realized what his own musings sounded like she again laughed, but quieter and more diplomatically, if such a thing were possible.
Letting the waiter pour and Nic sample she allowed a temporary silence to fall over the table. She didn’t feel the need to keep up a constant stream of chatter.
As the champagne had met with his approval, she trusted that judgment and returned the toast before sampling.
“I don’t do well with saps.”
She coyly considered for a second.
“Cheers to good timing and poor driving.”
Her grin was saucy. She was pushing him just a bit teasing about their near miss. But it would give her a decent look at his character too, the way he responded to a joke at his expense.
“I’d have to assume you aren’t getting out much. It’s a big city and there are plenty of women out there to be charmed by you.”
When he realized what his own musings sounded like she again laughed, but quieter and more diplomatically, if such a thing were possible.
Letting the waiter pour and Nic sample she allowed a temporary silence to fall over the table. She didn’t feel the need to keep up a constant stream of chatter.
As the champagne had met with his approval, she trusted that judgment and returned the toast before sampling.
“I don’t do well with saps.”
She coyly considered for a second.
“Cheers to good timing and poor driving.”
Her grin was saucy. She was pushing him just a bit teasing about their near miss. But it would give her a decent look at his character too, the way he responded to a joke at his expense.
Nicholae
18 years ago
Only slightly rolling his eyes at her compliment, Nic laughed. At one time he never would have considered anything less. He had ALWAYS had a way with the ladies, and knew he had a charming personality. But his self confidence, since coming to Nachton, had been severely tested.
"That must be it. I haven't been getting out much." As it was now, Nic was rarely home at all anymore. He skipped telling Val that. He didn't need anymore proof that his life didn't seem to be working now.
"You do well with this sap...at least I think so anyway."
Shaking his head, Nic wasn't sure mastering the art of self-depreciation was really the way to go. But more often than not it seemed apropos these days.
That this thing with Val had started off slow, hit a bump, or almost anyway with their freeway encounter, and seemed to have settled into a possible blossoming friendship, was encouraging.
"Wait...what was that? My driving isn't poor, my judgement with a cracked visor was."
He toned down his indignation, and laughed as he spoke firmly. His driving skills were very good, normally, and he didn't like hearing someone considered otherwise. But Val's grin let him know she wasn't being serious, so he was able to take her words without getting angry.
"I won't make that mistake again. It pains me to think I might have caused you harm."
He looked at her seriously now, with all humor gone from his eyes.
"I know you've cut me a lot of slack with what happened on the freeway, and I thank you. But I know I got lucky...or you did, to be more precise."
And this time he did allow for a soft smile. He didn't want to turn the tone of the evening too grim.
Sipping the champagne, Nic then raised he glass to her's again.
"Though, if we hadn't nearly run into each other, we probably wouldn't be here tonight, so...here's to good timing, better driving judgement, and more evenings like this one."
"That must be it. I haven't been getting out much." As it was now, Nic was rarely home at all anymore. He skipped telling Val that. He didn't need anymore proof that his life didn't seem to be working now.
"You do well with this sap...at least I think so anyway."
Shaking his head, Nic wasn't sure mastering the art of self-depreciation was really the way to go. But more often than not it seemed apropos these days.
That this thing with Val had started off slow, hit a bump, or almost anyway with their freeway encounter, and seemed to have settled into a possible blossoming friendship, was encouraging.
"Wait...what was that? My driving isn't poor, my judgement with a cracked visor was."
He toned down his indignation, and laughed as he spoke firmly. His driving skills were very good, normally, and he didn't like hearing someone considered otherwise. But Val's grin let him know she wasn't being serious, so he was able to take her words without getting angry.
"I won't make that mistake again. It pains me to think I might have caused you harm."
He looked at her seriously now, with all humor gone from his eyes.
"I know you've cut me a lot of slack with what happened on the freeway, and I thank you. But I know I got lucky...or you did, to be more precise."
And this time he did allow for a soft smile. He didn't want to turn the tone of the evening too grim.
Sipping the champagne, Nic then raised he glass to her's again.
"Though, if we hadn't nearly run into each other, we probably wouldn't be here tonight, so...here's to good timing, better driving judgement, and more evenings like this one."
Valentine
18 years ago
She watched him start off miffed by the joke but quickly recognized the humor in her voice and treat it as a joke. Part of Val, rather ungenerously, wanted to goad him into an out and out fight; she’d been too much of a good girl of late and it was starting to bore her. But she couldn’t bring herself to do it, perhaps if he’d given her a reason but he hadn’t. Even with thier near miss he’d apologize right away and it had taken the wind out of her sails, so to speak.
“Don’t worry about it. Everything worked out and besides I’m tougher than I look… well that and a good air bag is a wonderful thing.”
Wouldn’t Nic be surprised exactly what she could walk away from with little or no damage. However, since he didn’t know she kept her tone serious, until the last few words which were sparked with humor.
They seemed to be reaching a mutual toast, but in a slightly wicked and ironic mood she countered with one of her favorites from Ireland.
“Sláinte chuig na fir, agus go mairfidh na mná go deo.”
She didn’t speak fluent Gaelic, but what she knew was perfectly accented. This particular toast translated to ‘Health to the men, and may the women live forever’. Something she quite aspired to.
“Now tell me, where did you develop this love for your bikes?”
“Don’t worry about it. Everything worked out and besides I’m tougher than I look… well that and a good air bag is a wonderful thing.”
Wouldn’t Nic be surprised exactly what she could walk away from with little or no damage. However, since he didn’t know she kept her tone serious, until the last few words which were sparked with humor.
They seemed to be reaching a mutual toast, but in a slightly wicked and ironic mood she countered with one of her favorites from Ireland.
“Sláinte chuig na fir, agus go mairfidh na mná go deo.”
She didn’t speak fluent Gaelic, but what she knew was perfectly accented. This particular toast translated to ‘Health to the men, and may the women live forever’. Something she quite aspired to.
“Now tell me, where did you develop this love for your bikes?”
Nicholae
18 years ago
He knew her airbag hadn't deployed, but he appreciated her desire to keep a humorous slant on the whole episode. He smirked, and shook his head.
"Being strong is a good thing to be, especially in this day and age, and I'm glad you're not the hysterical, flighty kind of woman. But you certainly don't look at all tough."
In fact, there was something about Val that made Nic want to watch out for her. He had already deduced it wasn't necessary, but a protectiveness in him, for her, was already building.
He recognized her toast as being Gaelic, but didn't understand the words. He raised he glass again, after filling them both, and then sipped in response.
"I'm afraid I don't know that one...I've been to Ireland, but never spent a great deal of time there. It is beautiful country though."
Her interest in his affection for motorcycles had him grinning again. He wasn't sure if she really wanted to know or was just making conversation, but he thought it was nice of her either way. He was surprised, but pleased.
"I don't know where it came from really. I had a horse first, then got a regular bike, and eventually I saw a motorcycle that totally intrigued me and I had to try it. Once I did, all thoughts of horses and bikes were replaced with those of motorcycles. I've always liked the thrill of speed, and with a cycle you get that feeling without pushing yourself too hard. The wind in your face, the scenery flying by your sides, the road rushing beneath you...You can experience it so much more fully on a cycle, than in a car. And knowing you're more vulnerable makes it more exciting too. Nothing between you and the asphalt but your skill. It can be scary, but exilerating as all hell.
Anyway, after my first bike I was hooked."
And having watched the evolution of motorcycles, from as far back as the European Daimlers, and Millets, to the more sophisticated American made Metz Orient-Asters, Nic had just bided his time until the style became less cumbersome, and more efficient. It was then he gave the motorcycle a try, and instantly fell in love.
That his first bike had been a 1907 Harley Davidson, from the states, wasn't anything he could come forth with yet. He could always refer to the bike as an antique he had purchased, but he really didn't see the reason to lie. He doubted Val's interest would run that deep anyway.
"And you...when did you decide you had such an interest in cars?"
"Being strong is a good thing to be, especially in this day and age, and I'm glad you're not the hysterical, flighty kind of woman. But you certainly don't look at all tough."
In fact, there was something about Val that made Nic want to watch out for her. He had already deduced it wasn't necessary, but a protectiveness in him, for her, was already building.
He recognized her toast as being Gaelic, but didn't understand the words. He raised he glass again, after filling them both, and then sipped in response.
"I'm afraid I don't know that one...I've been to Ireland, but never spent a great deal of time there. It is beautiful country though."
Her interest in his affection for motorcycles had him grinning again. He wasn't sure if she really wanted to know or was just making conversation, but he thought it was nice of her either way. He was surprised, but pleased.
"I don't know where it came from really. I had a horse first, then got a regular bike, and eventually I saw a motorcycle that totally intrigued me and I had to try it. Once I did, all thoughts of horses and bikes were replaced with those of motorcycles. I've always liked the thrill of speed, and with a cycle you get that feeling without pushing yourself too hard. The wind in your face, the scenery flying by your sides, the road rushing beneath you...You can experience it so much more fully on a cycle, than in a car. And knowing you're more vulnerable makes it more exciting too. Nothing between you and the asphalt but your skill. It can be scary, but exilerating as all hell.
Anyway, after my first bike I was hooked."
And having watched the evolution of motorcycles, from as far back as the European Daimlers, and Millets, to the more sophisticated American made Metz Orient-Asters, Nic had just bided his time until the style became less cumbersome, and more efficient. It was then he gave the motorcycle a try, and instantly fell in love.
That his first bike had been a 1907 Harley Davidson, from the states, wasn't anything he could come forth with yet. He could always refer to the bike as an antique he had purchased, but he really didn't see the reason to lie. He doubted Val's interest would run that deep anyway.
"And you...when did you decide you had such an interest in cars?"
Valentine
18 years ago
She knew her small stature often made people, especially men, think she was fragile or in need of protection. Some days that bothered her and some days, it didn’t and then some times she took advantage of it; today she just smiled and let it slide. Although, she was curious if her past and… hobbies might shock him.
“It really is a wonderful place, you should go back if you at all can. I’ll probably make a trip back myself soon, maybe next year.”
There were a few things she should check up on, like making sure her donations were getting to the right places; something just couldn’t be put in writing.
Listening to him talk about his bikes she wondered if he knew that his going from horse to bike to motorcycle dated him, sounded a little suspicious. Then again, she knew what he was and was half listening for clues to his age, very probably most people wouldn’t have noticed.
She put off her story momentarily as a waiter came to take their order. Val ordered a shrimp and pasta dish she had developed a fondness for in her visits here and waited for Nic to order before continuing.
“Actually it isn’t that different. I started out as an exercise rider for Da’s stable and,” her smile was wicked yet apologetic, “speed can be addictive. He wouldn’t hear of me becoming a jockey, so I had to find another way to get my fix. You can’t quite develop the relationship with a car that you can with a horse, but there is still a level of communication and understanding that I’ve found appealing.”
“It really is a wonderful place, you should go back if you at all can. I’ll probably make a trip back myself soon, maybe next year.”
There were a few things she should check up on, like making sure her donations were getting to the right places; something just couldn’t be put in writing.
Listening to him talk about his bikes she wondered if he knew that his going from horse to bike to motorcycle dated him, sounded a little suspicious. Then again, she knew what he was and was half listening for clues to his age, very probably most people wouldn’t have noticed.
She put off her story momentarily as a waiter came to take their order. Val ordered a shrimp and pasta dish she had developed a fondness for in her visits here and waited for Nic to order before continuing.
“Actually it isn’t that different. I started out as an exercise rider for Da’s stable and,” her smile was wicked yet apologetic, “speed can be addictive. He wouldn’t hear of me becoming a jockey, so I had to find another way to get my fix. You can’t quite develop the relationship with a car that you can with a horse, but there is still a level of communication and understanding that I’ve found appealing.”
Nicholae
18 years ago
"Yes! It's much like that for me. My family had vineyards, and horses were much better suited for laboring in the fields. I never got too involved in the running of the farm, but because we already had horses, I was riding from the age of about two years."
A seemingly contradiction in personalities, Nic didn't understand how a woman as strong as Val was, had let her father dissuade her from anything. Today's women knew ways to get what they wanted, and from what he had seen, fathers weren't usually exempt from those practices.
"I've never been one to get close to animals, and I like the cold, impersonal traits of metal, so the transition for me was very easy. I do feel the communication you mention, but appreciate more how there is no temperament, or attitude to worry over with a bike. Just keep the vehicle superbly maintained, and gassed up, and it's always there for you. That's what I find appealing. Reliability...consistency...and theoretically an almost indefinite lifespan, that I find appealing."
After he placed his order for prime rib and garlic new potatos, Nic again considered trying to find out more about his date.
"Can I ask you...I know you mentioned a certain someone from your past, who was serious at one point but from who you drifted away...would you mind telling me how that happened? I can understand how events might happen to change the way a person feels about another, but just drifting apart...that's what I don't understand. When you meet someone and fall for them, what has to happen to allow such a rift?"
Losing Iuliana the way he had, Nic was given no choice there. Since then he'd never gotten involved enough to worry about anything similar happening.
"And if that's too personal, I won't be offended to be told...or ignored. I just thought...well...I can't get my mind around that type of situation."
A seemingly contradiction in personalities, Nic didn't understand how a woman as strong as Val was, had let her father dissuade her from anything. Today's women knew ways to get what they wanted, and from what he had seen, fathers weren't usually exempt from those practices.
"I've never been one to get close to animals, and I like the cold, impersonal traits of metal, so the transition for me was very easy. I do feel the communication you mention, but appreciate more how there is no temperament, or attitude to worry over with a bike. Just keep the vehicle superbly maintained, and gassed up, and it's always there for you. That's what I find appealing. Reliability...consistency...and theoretically an almost indefinite lifespan, that I find appealing."
After he placed his order for prime rib and garlic new potatos, Nic again considered trying to find out more about his date.
"Can I ask you...I know you mentioned a certain someone from your past, who was serious at one point but from who you drifted away...would you mind telling me how that happened? I can understand how events might happen to change the way a person feels about another, but just drifting apart...that's what I don't understand. When you meet someone and fall for them, what has to happen to allow such a rift?"
Losing Iuliana the way he had, Nic was given no choice there. Since then he'd never gotten involved enough to worry about anything similar happening.
"And if that's too personal, I won't be offended to be told...or ignored. I just thought...well...I can't get my mind around that type of situation."
Valentine
18 years ago
“DaVinci said that next to man the horse was God’s noblest creation and without them human history would be very different. You would be surprised at the level of intimacy you can gain with a horse, that’s one of the reasons most trainers favor a regular jockey, to say nothing of exercise riders and barn staff. It can be quite rewarding. You should try it.”
To this day horses were one of Val’s passions and she had rather gone off on a tangent on Nic, but she didn’t even notice it. She felt he’d been depriving himself of an essential part of horsemanship and also had to wonder how long he’d ridden before mechanization. Maybe he wasn’t all that much older than she was.
“Giovanni?”
Val asked surprised. She certainly hadn’t expected a former lover to be brought up during a date. The unexpected turn of conversation left her at a temporary loss for how to respond.
Finding his tone almost wistful she didn’t think a flip answer would be welcome, appreciated or understood; and Val lapsed into silence for several seconds.
“We drifted from each other. I suppose you could say we needed… ‘recharging’. A fire needs fuel, something to feed on or it simply burns out; and Giovanni was,”
She trailed off and smiled wryly considering a good adjective for him and finally settled on the obvious.
“Fiery. We were so much when we were together that, after several years, we both needed something else.”
To this day horses were one of Val’s passions and she had rather gone off on a tangent on Nic, but she didn’t even notice it. She felt he’d been depriving himself of an essential part of horsemanship and also had to wonder how long he’d ridden before mechanization. Maybe he wasn’t all that much older than she was.
“Giovanni?”
Val asked surprised. She certainly hadn’t expected a former lover to be brought up during a date. The unexpected turn of conversation left her at a temporary loss for how to respond.
Finding his tone almost wistful she didn’t think a flip answer would be welcome, appreciated or understood; and Val lapsed into silence for several seconds.
“We drifted from each other. I suppose you could say we needed… ‘recharging’. A fire needs fuel, something to feed on or it simply burns out; and Giovanni was,”
She trailed off and smiled wryly considering a good adjective for him and finally settled on the obvious.
“Fiery. We were so much when we were together that, after several years, we both needed something else.”
Nicholae
18 years ago
"DaVinci huh?" Nic pondered the man's opinion a little longer. "Yes, I guess things would have been a lot different if we hadn't had horses to aide us in battles, or travel, or even our work. And I don't doubt if you have the patience to deal with their personalities, a relationship with a horse might be very rewarding. Unfortunately, my patience doesn't normally extend beyond the people I care about. It's not a flattering trait, I'm aware, and I do try to temper it, so you are not in danger." He chuckled.
"I promise though, the next time I have the opportunity to be alongside a horse I'll take your words to heart."
Character studies were something Nic did a lot of, and as often as the opportunity presented itself. He had no problem asking Val about a prior beau, as long as he was a PRIOR beau. Had she expressed an interest in anyone now, he would have avoided the topic like the plague. But Nic was interested in how any man could let Val slip away, and why she would give up on someone she had once felt so strongly about.
He understood what she was saying, but not really how such a thing could come to pass. Of course he hadn't been in any relationship of length for a couple hundred years, so there was nothing in his past to associate those kinds of feelings with.
"And does that mean once the two of you 'recharge' you will be getting back together?"
Passion, he guessed, could burn out. Val was professed proof of it. Nic just found it a little difficult to understand. It seemed more likely to him that maybe they both just needed a break from each other, and if they had really felt as strongly as she claimed to, they would eventually find they needed each other again. If that was the case, Nic couldn't very likely steer Val in any other direction, but he could enjoy her company now.
"I promise though, the next time I have the opportunity to be alongside a horse I'll take your words to heart."
Character studies were something Nic did a lot of, and as often as the opportunity presented itself. He had no problem asking Val about a prior beau, as long as he was a PRIOR beau. Had she expressed an interest in anyone now, he would have avoided the topic like the plague. But Nic was interested in how any man could let Val slip away, and why she would give up on someone she had once felt so strongly about.
He understood what she was saying, but not really how such a thing could come to pass. Of course he hadn't been in any relationship of length for a couple hundred years, so there was nothing in his past to associate those kinds of feelings with.
"And does that mean once the two of you 'recharge' you will be getting back together?"
Passion, he guessed, could burn out. Val was professed proof of it. Nic just found it a little difficult to understand. It seemed more likely to him that maybe they both just needed a break from each other, and if they had really felt as strongly as she claimed to, they would eventually find they needed each other again. If that was the case, Nic couldn't very likely steer Val in any other direction, but he could enjoy her company now.
Valentine
18 years ago
Studying the champagne for a second. Val found it rather odd Nic was interested in her relationship with Giovanni. Of course there was no way to explain she’d been with Giovanni for fifty odd years and that defiantly had an impacted on their decision to split up.
“Oh I suppose anything is possible, but it’s no way to spend a life. Needing to take extended breaks from each other and all. Like I said though we still see each other once in a while and its great but it’s not long term either.”
She sat back and began idley toying with the flute, just for something to do with her hands. It was better than playing with her ring.
“Why the sudden interest in my past life? Looking for skeletons?”
It was said in a teasing manner but she was very serious. If someone was going to pick her apart, any part of her, she wanted to know why.
“Oh I suppose anything is possible, but it’s no way to spend a life. Needing to take extended breaks from each other and all. Like I said though we still see each other once in a while and its great but it’s not long term either.”
She sat back and began idley toying with the flute, just for something to do with her hands. It was better than playing with her ring.
“Why the sudden interest in my past life? Looking for skeletons?”
It was said in a teasing manner but she was very serious. If someone was going to pick her apart, any part of her, she wanted to know why.
Nicholae
18 years ago
At last Val seemed to be curious about him, even if it was to find out why he was curious about her. Nic smirked.
"I'm always curious about people. My career used to be one where it was very helpful to be adept at portraying various personalities. To do that, you need to understand those personalities first. By getting to know people, watching and talking to them, I've been able to pick up on nuances, and traits that I can then draw upon if need be. Old habits are difficult to break, I guess."
He sat back in his chair a little, and kept his gaze leveled on her.
"But more so...is it not natural to be interested in one's date? And is it really sudden? I've been trying to get you to open up about yourself...something I don't normally have such difficulty in. At least its been my experience to date women who like talking about themselves." He grinned even wider.
"That you seem to want to hold onto things so closely, only makes me more curious, I'm afraid."
He picked up his champagne and gave her a small salute.
"But henceforth I will cease all questions of your 'past life', and concentrate on the present and future, if you prefer."
Sipping his drink, Nic decided Val was a vampire. There was no clear cut reason behind his decision...just a lot of little things. Moreover, he decided it didn't matter. Not yet anyway. For whatever reason, possibly her own protection, he didn't think she was being totally candid with him. But he had yet to invest a lot of time into this relationship, and if she felt uneasy he could give her space. He figured she would either eventually start to lower her fences, or they would 'drift' away from each other and any possible involvement. He certainly wasn't playing his own cards close to the vest. He couldn't be more open, except were he to just blurt out...Hi! I'm a vampire of the Evenhet clan.
"I'm always curious about people. My career used to be one where it was very helpful to be adept at portraying various personalities. To do that, you need to understand those personalities first. By getting to know people, watching and talking to them, I've been able to pick up on nuances, and traits that I can then draw upon if need be. Old habits are difficult to break, I guess."
He sat back in his chair a little, and kept his gaze leveled on her.
"But more so...is it not natural to be interested in one's date? And is it really sudden? I've been trying to get you to open up about yourself...something I don't normally have such difficulty in. At least its been my experience to date women who like talking about themselves." He grinned even wider.
"That you seem to want to hold onto things so closely, only makes me more curious, I'm afraid."
He picked up his champagne and gave her a small salute.
"But henceforth I will cease all questions of your 'past life', and concentrate on the present and future, if you prefer."
Sipping his drink, Nic decided Val was a vampire. There was no clear cut reason behind his decision...just a lot of little things. Moreover, he decided it didn't matter. Not yet anyway. For whatever reason, possibly her own protection, he didn't think she was being totally candid with him. But he had yet to invest a lot of time into this relationship, and if she felt uneasy he could give her space. He figured she would either eventually start to lower her fences, or they would 'drift' away from each other and any possible involvement. He certainly wasn't playing his own cards close to the vest. He couldn't be more open, except were he to just blurt out...Hi! I'm a vampire of the Evenhet clan.
Valentine
18 years ago
“Of course you’re welcome to ask anything you’d like. I’ve just never been terribly talkative on some subjects, but, as you say, old habits die hard.”
Most of her life she had simply been used to not talking about herself; first with Giovanni and Capone’s ‘family’ and then with the IRA and then on top of that not being human, you just didn’t open yourself up to being analyzed. You could never quite be sure what you might say that would give someone a clue.
She refrained from pointing out that not all women were the same and perhaps he’d been limiting his exposure to the fairer sex.
“Now what is this former profession that required you to be a mimic, something unseemly I hope it makes for more interesting dinner conversation.”
She nodded to the server as they set down their meals and basically took care of she and Nic, making sure they were settled and cared for before politely disappearing. It really was remarkable how efficient and discreet they were.
“At the very least you get to tell me what you’ve learned.”
Most of her life she had simply been used to not talking about herself; first with Giovanni and Capone’s ‘family’ and then with the IRA and then on top of that not being human, you just didn’t open yourself up to being analyzed. You could never quite be sure what you might say that would give someone a clue.
She refrained from pointing out that not all women were the same and perhaps he’d been limiting his exposure to the fairer sex.
“Now what is this former profession that required you to be a mimic, something unseemly I hope it makes for more interesting dinner conversation.”
She nodded to the server as they set down their meals and basically took care of she and Nic, making sure they were settled and cared for before politely disappearing. It really was remarkable how efficient and discreet they were.
“At the very least you get to tell me what you’ve learned.”
Nicholae
18 years ago
So yes, he was trying to learn patience. Kem was a great teacher, but Nic still had to learn how to put what he had been taught into practice. That was the difficult part, but he was at least aware of it, and knew it was up to him to make it work.
But how did you get to know a person when they didn't like talking about themselves? And when pushed to choose between a challenge and the quick and easy, Nic would always go the easy way. With Val he could see that was not going to be an option.
"What say we both try something new then, in an attempt to help us kick one of our older, less desirable habits? I will try to get you to talk a little more about yourself, and you can try and get me to be more patient...?" And if that didn't sound like a challenge for them both! Hopefully it would pan out.
That she swiftly turned the tables back on his life wasn't lost on him. But he just smiled.
"I guess unseemly was a term they used for actors at one time...though I don't think we really deserved it. We weren't so much different from the general public as we were just more public about our private lives. And while we instigated a lot of the publicity for our own purposes, a lot was forced on us by the media. You won't hear me complaining though...it was a lucrative and exciting career for me, while it lasted. Unfortunately Oscar worthy I wasn't, and my knack for investing gave me something else to fall back on."
It was hard for Nic to downplay his love of acting, and his involvement in it, but without knowing more about Val, he couldn't risk giving up too much information.
Her last comment left him slightly confused.
"What I've learned?"
He wondered about what, specifically. Cutting into his beef, Nic found it somewhat amusing that he had been so wrapped up in Val that he hadn't even noticed when the food had been delivered.
But how did you get to know a person when they didn't like talking about themselves? And when pushed to choose between a challenge and the quick and easy, Nic would always go the easy way. With Val he could see that was not going to be an option.
"What say we both try something new then, in an attempt to help us kick one of our older, less desirable habits? I will try to get you to talk a little more about yourself, and you can try and get me to be more patient...?" And if that didn't sound like a challenge for them both! Hopefully it would pan out.
That she swiftly turned the tables back on his life wasn't lost on him. But he just smiled.
"I guess unseemly was a term they used for actors at one time...though I don't think we really deserved it. We weren't so much different from the general public as we were just more public about our private lives. And while we instigated a lot of the publicity for our own purposes, a lot was forced on us by the media. You won't hear me complaining though...it was a lucrative and exciting career for me, while it lasted. Unfortunately Oscar worthy I wasn't, and my knack for investing gave me something else to fall back on."
It was hard for Nic to downplay his love of acting, and his involvement in it, but without knowing more about Val, he couldn't risk giving up too much information.
Her last comment left him slightly confused.
"What I've learned?"
He wondered about what, specifically. Cutting into his beef, Nic found it somewhat amusing that he had been so wrapped up in Val that he hadn't even noticed when the food had been delivered.
Valentine
18 years ago
“What you’ve learned about me.”
‘At one time’ ‘we weren’t’ Either Nic didn’t realize how much he was tipping his hand, he was careless, he’d decided she was older than she looked or she was seeing things where she shouldn’t because of her conversation with Maeve. Val didn’t care for any of the options, they were all less than generous, although maybe she was going to have to be a hard ass here. Whether that was a negative reflection on Nic or herself Val hadn’t decided yet.
“‘All the world’s a stage and all the men and women merely players.’ I would never short change the importance or passion of acting. Everyone does it to a certain extent in every day life, and not every one is good at it. Did you do theater or film?”
Val didn’t often eat much, but she made an exception for well done Italian food. It was one of the few habits/comforts she had; if something went very poorly she could often wind up sitting alone in an Italian restaurant just recharging; possibly because so much of her early life had to do with Italians and food. Therefore, she was paying a certain amount of attention to her food, which was superb.
She smiled, it was a very cat like smile, but still mostly hid her large vicious canines.
Suddenly in the mood to be slightly provocative and perhaps a bit difficult, she threw him another curve ball.
“My turn again? Well I could tell you I was in the IRA, it’s been a few years though, after Giovanni and I split.”
It was possible the statute of limitations had run out on most of the things she’d been charged with, that would be a positive thing; not that anyone would ever find her.
To forestall any real answer she took a large bite of her supper, she couldn’t talk with her mouth full after all.
‘At one time’ ‘we weren’t’ Either Nic didn’t realize how much he was tipping his hand, he was careless, he’d decided she was older than she looked or she was seeing things where she shouldn’t because of her conversation with Maeve. Val didn’t care for any of the options, they were all less than generous, although maybe she was going to have to be a hard ass here. Whether that was a negative reflection on Nic or herself Val hadn’t decided yet.
“‘All the world’s a stage and all the men and women merely players.’ I would never short change the importance or passion of acting. Everyone does it to a certain extent in every day life, and not every one is good at it. Did you do theater or film?”
Val didn’t often eat much, but she made an exception for well done Italian food. It was one of the few habits/comforts she had; if something went very poorly she could often wind up sitting alone in an Italian restaurant just recharging; possibly because so much of her early life had to do with Italians and food. Therefore, she was paying a certain amount of attention to her food, which was superb.
She smiled, it was a very cat like smile, but still mostly hid her large vicious canines.
Suddenly in the mood to be slightly provocative and perhaps a bit difficult, she threw him another curve ball.
“My turn again? Well I could tell you I was in the IRA, it’s been a few years though, after Giovanni and I split.”
It was possible the statute of limitations had run out on most of the things she’d been charged with, that would be a positive thing; not that anyone would ever find her.
To forestall any real answer she took a large bite of her supper, she couldn’t talk with her mouth full after all.
Nicholae
18 years ago
Nic chuckled. First he has to beg and plead her to talk about herself, and then she wants a recap of what she's said. That wouldn't be difficult.
"Your dad trained horses and you grew to love them too...you were born in Chicago, of Irish heritage, with no brothers or sisters. In addition to horses, and fast cars..." He winked. "You like to dance, you're not married but might have been close once." He stopped talking and rubbed his chin in an attempt to appear deep in thought. It was an old acting trick that he never used on screen, but thought was funny now. "And I believe that's about it...yep, can't say I know anything else."
Now Nic looked at her with one eyebrow raised, and smirked.
"And turnabout is fair, don't you think? What do you know about me?"
He seemed to have done nothing but talk since they first met...how much had she heard? Nic could have taken on a role with Val, and kept his life under wraps, much like she had, but he chose not to act in real life. He also chose not to play games too much with the details of his life. He had spoken of it often enough to know that the average person really didn't listen to more than seventy five percent of what another acquaintance said. And unless she shared more than his love of fast vehicles with him, any slight slips of his past would be overlooked. If she had more in common than she was letting on, he didn't care if she knew his secrets.
"Funny you should mention how so many of us act in daily life. I try to do just the opposite...but then having made a living at it, I had to learn to make a distinction early on. Now...my life is an open book.
As for being good at it, I guess the fact that I worked often must say something. I stuck to film for the most part. I found I don't need the immediate audience response you get from theater, and film is a lot less stressful."
Nic's eyes rarely left Val's face, and once or twice he thought her smile had revealed something he suspected from the kiss during their last date. But it was always just a flash of something...nothing concrete.
When she spoke of being involved with the IRA, and stated that happened...'a few years though, after Giovanni and she split'...Nic's suspicions were almost put to rest.
"I must ask...just how old are you anyway? You look...twenty...surely no more than twenty five tops, and yet you've had a relationship with a man that was more than a little serious, built yourself into a fantastic career, and had time to fight for a cause?"
Either she had very understanding parents, or was much more adept at living a full life than Nic could ever hope to equal. Something was amiss here, he thought, but he would not press. If she chose to avoid answering him now, he'd let it go. For now. But he had to at least comment.
"Your dad trained horses and you grew to love them too...you were born in Chicago, of Irish heritage, with no brothers or sisters. In addition to horses, and fast cars..." He winked. "You like to dance, you're not married but might have been close once." He stopped talking and rubbed his chin in an attempt to appear deep in thought. It was an old acting trick that he never used on screen, but thought was funny now. "And I believe that's about it...yep, can't say I know anything else."
Now Nic looked at her with one eyebrow raised, and smirked.
"And turnabout is fair, don't you think? What do you know about me?"
He seemed to have done nothing but talk since they first met...how much had she heard? Nic could have taken on a role with Val, and kept his life under wraps, much like she had, but he chose not to act in real life. He also chose not to play games too much with the details of his life. He had spoken of it often enough to know that the average person really didn't listen to more than seventy five percent of what another acquaintance said. And unless she shared more than his love of fast vehicles with him, any slight slips of his past would be overlooked. If she had more in common than she was letting on, he didn't care if she knew his secrets.
"Funny you should mention how so many of us act in daily life. I try to do just the opposite...but then having made a living at it, I had to learn to make a distinction early on. Now...my life is an open book.
As for being good at it, I guess the fact that I worked often must say something. I stuck to film for the most part. I found I don't need the immediate audience response you get from theater, and film is a lot less stressful."
Nic's eyes rarely left Val's face, and once or twice he thought her smile had revealed something he suspected from the kiss during their last date. But it was always just a flash of something...nothing concrete.
When she spoke of being involved with the IRA, and stated that happened...'a few years though, after Giovanni and she split'...Nic's suspicions were almost put to rest.
"I must ask...just how old are you anyway? You look...twenty...surely no more than twenty five tops, and yet you've had a relationship with a man that was more than a little serious, built yourself into a fantastic career, and had time to fight for a cause?"
Either she had very understanding parents, or was much more adept at living a full life than Nic could ever hope to equal. Something was amiss here, he thought, but he would not press. If she chose to avoid answering him now, he'd let it go. For now. But he had to at least comment.
Valentine
18 years ago
“Well done.”
Val teased him slightly. Although Nic had gotten all the major points listed, or at least enough that she knew he was interested. She was very amused at his request for a recap, she’d picked up more than a little from him but in some ways he’d been equally closed mouthed, how many years had he been leaving out?
“Let’s see… fast bikes, family vineyards, former actor and considering developing a hotel. Ah yes, also dreadfully curious.”
She favored him with her first truly generous smile, exposing her teeth. Val generally played them off as a genetic fluke, which was the truth as Giovanni had quite large teeth as well.
“Actually I gave my parents hell and ran off with Giovanni when I was pretty young, it just felt right and I never regretted it. Then he gave me the seed money for the dealership, so that saved me a lot of hassle. But either way I’m actually closer to my thirties, I just have very good skin.”
In that whole thought there wasn’t a single lie, just exaggeration and stretching of the truth. Val decided she was going to have to be careful with Nic, he seemed to be looking for a hint to who she was, or more appropriately, what, she was.
"It takes a brave man to ask a woman her age. I'm impressed."
Val teased him slightly. Although Nic had gotten all the major points listed, or at least enough that she knew he was interested. She was very amused at his request for a recap, she’d picked up more than a little from him but in some ways he’d been equally closed mouthed, how many years had he been leaving out?
“Let’s see… fast bikes, family vineyards, former actor and considering developing a hotel. Ah yes, also dreadfully curious.”
She favored him with her first truly generous smile, exposing her teeth. Val generally played them off as a genetic fluke, which was the truth as Giovanni had quite large teeth as well.
“Actually I gave my parents hell and ran off with Giovanni when I was pretty young, it just felt right and I never regretted it. Then he gave me the seed money for the dealership, so that saved me a lot of hassle. But either way I’m actually closer to my thirties, I just have very good skin.”
In that whole thought there wasn’t a single lie, just exaggeration and stretching of the truth. Val decided she was going to have to be careful with Nic, he seemed to be looking for a hint to who she was, or more appropriately, what, she was.
"It takes a brave man to ask a woman her age. I'm impressed."
Nicholae
18 years ago
Only slightly grinning, Nic took on a more serious expression as he listened to Val. She responded back to his question the same as he had...quick and precise, with no elaboration. His style was forced, as it was easy for him to talk about himself. But he was learning her ability to keep quiet was more natural - or at least it appeared effortless for her.
That she was cautious with her words made him suspicious. That she had some strange spots in her biography made him suspicious. That she was a little reckless with her life made him suspicious. Sure, these were all his opinions of her, but the were derived through talking to her.
"I don't know how brave I am...stupid is probably more like it. But you know...that's the crux of it really. Sure, I usually am a friendly, talkative kinda guy, and maybe I should be more careful in who I tell what to, but lately it seems like no matter what tactic I take, I end up in trouble. There really does need to be some sort of happy medium somewhere. I just hope I survive long enough to find it."
All of a sudden Nic was a little angry. Not at Val, but at himself. After so many hundreds of years, life should have become easier, not more complicated and difficult. But it was anything but easy. He thought about all he had been through since arriving at Nachton, as he ate. It started when he decided to lay down roots, and make a home in one place. That prompted him to start thinking about establishing a career here...the hotel...and beyond. He obviously was awful at dating these days, and even if the end result had been better, it just wasn't an activity he was fond of. But when he never seemed to meet the right person, it all became...painful.
Maybe he should go ahead with the hotel, and if it worked out, move on somewhere else to do it all over again. The hotel part, not the dating. Maybe he should only focus on one thing at a time.
"But you find me impressive, huh?"
How could he pass that comment up? Sitting up a little straighter in his chair, he raised his glass to her again, before he sipped.
That she was cautious with her words made him suspicious. That she had some strange spots in her biography made him suspicious. That she was a little reckless with her life made him suspicious. Sure, these were all his opinions of her, but the were derived through talking to her.
"I don't know how brave I am...stupid is probably more like it. But you know...that's the crux of it really. Sure, I usually am a friendly, talkative kinda guy, and maybe I should be more careful in who I tell what to, but lately it seems like no matter what tactic I take, I end up in trouble. There really does need to be some sort of happy medium somewhere. I just hope I survive long enough to find it."
All of a sudden Nic was a little angry. Not at Val, but at himself. After so many hundreds of years, life should have become easier, not more complicated and difficult. But it was anything but easy. He thought about all he had been through since arriving at Nachton, as he ate. It started when he decided to lay down roots, and make a home in one place. That prompted him to start thinking about establishing a career here...the hotel...and beyond. He obviously was awful at dating these days, and even if the end result had been better, it just wasn't an activity he was fond of. But when he never seemed to meet the right person, it all became...painful.
Maybe he should go ahead with the hotel, and if it worked out, move on somewhere else to do it all over again. The hotel part, not the dating. Maybe he should only focus on one thing at a time.
"But you find me impressive, huh?"
How could he pass that comment up? Sitting up a little straighter in his chair, he raised his glass to her again, before he sipped.
Valentine
18 years ago
“There is –always- some stupidity in bravery. That much I know.”
Val related bravery to what she’d seen in Chicago and in Ireland and there had been very real consequences for either bravery or stupidity. Often there wasn’t any difference. Granted those consequences weren’t quite as real for her but she’d seen it in others.
Fortunately Nic kept things from getting to serious. She flashed him another smile, specifically designed to be engaging and sexy. Val took it one step further and ran her foot up the back of his leg.
“Maybe. At the very least you have a few things going for you.”
Val was absolutely not above feeding an ego and playing the game. It was fun.
Val related bravery to what she’d seen in Chicago and in Ireland and there had been very real consequences for either bravery or stupidity. Often there wasn’t any difference. Granted those consequences weren’t quite as real for her but she’d seen it in others.
Fortunately Nic kept things from getting to serious. She flashed him another smile, specifically designed to be engaging and sexy. Val took it one step further and ran her foot up the back of his leg.
“Maybe. At the very least you have a few things going for you.”
Val was absolutely not above feeding an ego and playing the game. It was fun.