"Well Joe of course loves french fries but he doesn't get them very often. He eats surprizingly well and better than I do. You see I have always loved to cook but never really had anyone to cook for but myself. So that's why I eat like crap. I could goto the store and buy food for a meal make it and then waste it all after I ate my small portion. I don't like left overs save for a few things like spaghetti or tuna casserole so it's a bigger waste on money and poor people in Africa for me to have made a dinner back then. Now though, with Joe, I get to pretend to be the worlds best chef for him. I lucked out and that kid likes everything I make. So dinners at home with me are good. My theory is that I'm allowed to destroy my own health but not his."
It was a good rule to live by. Besides when she was old and decrepit she'd need someone strong and helathy to take care of her now wouldn't she? That was along the lines of her logic at least.
"You are not boring me in the least bit. I listen to my sad songs all the time. It's good to hear someone elses." she teased back at him.
His question was a question she had asked herself many times over. The answer was of course! That was all she ever wanted. In the beginning meeting up with the pack and the very idea of living with them all had been frightening. Now they were the closest version of a family that she had. It still didn't fill the void completely though. Her whole life she had always planend to have more children than just one. Nowadays while she was absolutely happy with what she had she still wanted more, it was just she'd about given up the notion that she'd ever have more children.
"All the time and maybe a little bit too much." she admitted openly.
"Thinking doesn't get you anywhere though now does it?" she shrugged her slumped shoulders. "Joe's dad died when I was still pregnant. Now don't get too sad, we weren't some great love story. Not at all. We had only been together for a few months before I became pregnant and then we broke it off mutually. He joined the army and had a freak accident overseas that ended with him dead. It was sad but he wasn't the love of my life so I got over it. I haven't dated since then though. I just mostly dedicated my life to Joe and then life got flipped upside down with this whole werewolf thing. I guess I've been preoccupied. Ultimately it would be a dream to have a family and more kids slash puppies." She threw in the dog joke casually.
"What about you? What do you want? If she doesn't want children and all that where does that leave you? If your not one of the easier men to get along with then selflessness isn't going to fit the bill."
She knew she wasn't supossed to be the one asking questions at the moment but couldn't help it. He didn't seem very hard to get along with now as friends she didn't see how much could change if their relationship were different.
Her face was light as she teased him some more.
"Unless of course you have some ridiculous demands that could counteract the selflessness.Then maybe I could try and pretend that you could be a monster in any way."
Not a date...a look into the vampire myth.
"You look great."
Bastian admitted easily as he held the car door for Diane. Trite as it might sound, it was true, and he meant the words. Thirty minutes after she had left his house he was picking her up, and heading to the marina.
Not only did she look fantastic, she smelled pretty good too. He wasn't sure if it was perfume, or just her clean, fresh skin that was so tantalizing, but whatever it was he liked it.
He had heard about the little restaurant he was taking her to, from one of his more affluent clients, and was curious to try it. The man was co-owner of Le Petit Festin, or The Small Feast, and had done nothing short of beg Bastian to stop by some evening for the best French food he would find this side of Paris.
"I hope you like French food. Jaques Bersaille owns this place with a friend, and swears the food is to die for." Bastian laughed at the poor attempt he made to sound both French, and affected, though he was pretty sure the latter was probably successful. "He owns that mare, Fine Fancy Filly, we had in last week...?" He wasn't sure if Diane remembered the horse, since she had just been in for a check up. "Jaques wants to breed her and needed a certificate to present to the stallion's owner."
Shaking his head, Bastian grunted.
"No...I will not talk shop tonight. This is supposed to be a relaxing evening for us to enjoy...work will wait until tomorrow."
Parking in the lot, Bastian jumped out of the vehicle and ran around to the other side to get the door for Diane. Escorting her up the stairs, he opened the door to the restaurant as well, enjoying the cool night breeze, the sound of the ocean's waves breaking in the distance, and how carefree he was feeling right then and there.
"Would you like to sit outside on the terrace...the moon looks nice on the water, and the air isn't too cool, or would you rather sit near a window view?"
He was glad they had another couple weeks before the next full moon, as it was one less worry tonight.
Diane
16 years ago
Bastian
16 years ago
"Do as I say and not as I do."
Bastian leaned down to pick up a shell on the beach, then tossed it far out into the inky depths. He smiled a genuine smile at Diane, again not taking any moral high ground with regard to how she raised Joseph, and only jokingly giving her a difficult time.
"There is one of my monstrous weaknesses...I hate to cook, at least beyond a few pasta dishes. I also hate to clean, and by nature am not the neatest of persons. I am fortunate though that I can hire people to do those things for me, and do them well. I was raised with certain luxuries that I never got used to living without, and while I don't flaunt them, or I try not to, I do appreciate them, and am grateful I can have them. It has taken me several years to get to a point in my life where I don't need my inheritance to live, and can use it for other means...aiding the pack, for instance. But I can also still live life the way I want."
Now that was a side that Bastian never revealed to others. He really did enjoy the finer things in life, and accepted they were there for his taking, since they always had been, but he didn't like having people know that about him, and rarely opened up about those things. He would rather they saw him as just a slightly well off vet, who enjoyed some of life's finer attributes...and not someone who might equal Forbes some day, if his finances and investments continued to prosper the way they were.
Though he admittedly had some ways to go.
All things considered, Diane had been living a life of some secrets too, but didn't think she had any ulterior motives for remaining quiet about them. His admiration grew even more to think of her as a new mother, no father for her child, and then being faced with the life of a were. Here he thought he'd had it rough when he was learning to deal with his changes. Diane was a pretty tough cookie...cookie? He thought that was the saying. Maybe that enabled her to look at things with a little more compassion than Reign did. Reign had led a pretty good life herself, though no where near as financially affluent as Bastian had. But Reign had grown up with loving parents, tons of brothers and sisters, and enough money to keep a roof over their heads and a little more.
What had Diane grown up with?
"And your parents? I've not heard you speak of them...are they close enough to spend time with your son...are they still around at all?"
Hiw own parents were dead, yet he still assumed everyone else had theirs. He didn't hesitate at all in asking about Diane's. At this point he didn't think there was anything he would deny her the answer to if he had it, and he hoped the sentiment was the same with her.
"I've always wanted a family, children...sometimes I guess its natural to want what we've never had. Reign has filled a large part of that place in me, and I'm finding the pack now does too. I think you understand it goes beyond that...there is still a special place that is empty."
One day he hoped his own sons or daughters would fill that place inside him.
Bastian leaned down to pick up a shell on the beach, then tossed it far out into the inky depths. He smiled a genuine smile at Diane, again not taking any moral high ground with regard to how she raised Joseph, and only jokingly giving her a difficult time.
"There is one of my monstrous weaknesses...I hate to cook, at least beyond a few pasta dishes. I also hate to clean, and by nature am not the neatest of persons. I am fortunate though that I can hire people to do those things for me, and do them well. I was raised with certain luxuries that I never got used to living without, and while I don't flaunt them, or I try not to, I do appreciate them, and am grateful I can have them. It has taken me several years to get to a point in my life where I don't need my inheritance to live, and can use it for other means...aiding the pack, for instance. But I can also still live life the way I want."
Now that was a side that Bastian never revealed to others. He really did enjoy the finer things in life, and accepted they were there for his taking, since they always had been, but he didn't like having people know that about him, and rarely opened up about those things. He would rather they saw him as just a slightly well off vet, who enjoyed some of life's finer attributes...and not someone who might equal Forbes some day, if his finances and investments continued to prosper the way they were.
Though he admittedly had some ways to go.
All things considered, Diane had been living a life of some secrets too, but didn't think she had any ulterior motives for remaining quiet about them. His admiration grew even more to think of her as a new mother, no father for her child, and then being faced with the life of a were. Here he thought he'd had it rough when he was learning to deal with his changes. Diane was a pretty tough cookie...cookie? He thought that was the saying. Maybe that enabled her to look at things with a little more compassion than Reign did. Reign had led a pretty good life herself, though no where near as financially affluent as Bastian had. But Reign had grown up with loving parents, tons of brothers and sisters, and enough money to keep a roof over their heads and a little more.
What had Diane grown up with?
"And your parents? I've not heard you speak of them...are they close enough to spend time with your son...are they still around at all?"
Hiw own parents were dead, yet he still assumed everyone else had theirs. He didn't hesitate at all in asking about Diane's. At this point he didn't think there was anything he would deny her the answer to if he had it, and he hoped the sentiment was the same with her.
"I've always wanted a family, children...sometimes I guess its natural to want what we've never had. Reign has filled a large part of that place in me, and I'm finding the pack now does too. I think you understand it goes beyond that...there is still a special place that is empty."
One day he hoped his own sons or daughters would fill that place inside him.
Diane
16 years ago
"Definately do as I say not as I do."
It was ironic, it had been the same philosophy her parents had used when she was little and she had hated it. Back then it had been so unfair and something she was never going to do when she grew up. Nowadays as an adult she saw some good sense in her mother and fathers parenting.
"My parents live out in California. They moved out there as soon as I had graduated. I guess you could say it was my graduation gift from them." Her smile was warm as she remembered the odd couple that they were. " They weren't bad parents just not the most involved. We were just standard suburban Americans and they wanted out of the seasonal changes of Michigan. They came back when my son was born and wanted to visit again but I had moved...Basically I told them I'd call them and I haven't. Not so nice on my part. I bet I could arrange to have Joe fly out there for a visit with them."
It was something she hadn't thought of until Bastian asked about her parents. Now that she had Panos's money she could afford such liberties for her son. It was a bit refreshing. Maybe she'd have that as a safety net incase things got too heated around here with a certain neck biter.
"I do have a brother, he's six years younger than me. Total gear head, he's still in Michigan doing what he dreams of. Painting cars." Recently she had started sending him money as well and since he was still mostly a kid he of course claimed she was a stripper and that's how she was getting all this new money but it never stopped him from taking it.
Her thoughts wandered back to him having a well taken cared for life. What that must of been like. She wasn't jealous of his upbringing or envious as her life wasn't all that bad.
"You know I think almost everyone wants that love song life. The fairy tale movies where it's the nuclear family and it ends with happiness." She wrapped her arms around herself and looked up at the dark sky.
"Maybe it's a girl thing and the movie exec's and song writters feed in to that but I dont know. It works for me. I fall for it everytime."
It occured to her that she either had alot to say in life or he was very easy to talk too. It could be that there wasn't any pressure to be someone or yourself for that matter like when you were trying to impress a date. It was also a possibility that it was a combination of all three.
"You are pretty easy to talk too did you know that? I'm not sure just anyone would have taken my confession of kidnapping and holding a hostage as well as you have this evening. So thank you."
It was ironic, it had been the same philosophy her parents had used when she was little and she had hated it. Back then it had been so unfair and something she was never going to do when she grew up. Nowadays as an adult she saw some good sense in her mother and fathers parenting.
"My parents live out in California. They moved out there as soon as I had graduated. I guess you could say it was my graduation gift from them." Her smile was warm as she remembered the odd couple that they were. " They weren't bad parents just not the most involved. We were just standard suburban Americans and they wanted out of the seasonal changes of Michigan. They came back when my son was born and wanted to visit again but I had moved...Basically I told them I'd call them and I haven't. Not so nice on my part. I bet I could arrange to have Joe fly out there for a visit with them."
It was something she hadn't thought of until Bastian asked about her parents. Now that she had Panos's money she could afford such liberties for her son. It was a bit refreshing. Maybe she'd have that as a safety net incase things got too heated around here with a certain neck biter.
"I do have a brother, he's six years younger than me. Total gear head, he's still in Michigan doing what he dreams of. Painting cars." Recently she had started sending him money as well and since he was still mostly a kid he of course claimed she was a stripper and that's how she was getting all this new money but it never stopped him from taking it.
Her thoughts wandered back to him having a well taken cared for life. What that must of been like. She wasn't jealous of his upbringing or envious as her life wasn't all that bad.
He
sure didn't act like any of the richies did back home and she was extremely please at that."You know I think almost everyone wants that love song life. The fairy tale movies where it's the nuclear family and it ends with happiness." She wrapped her arms around herself and looked up at the dark sky.
"Maybe it's a girl thing and the movie exec's and song writters feed in to that but I dont know. It works for me. I fall for it everytime."
It occured to her that she either had alot to say in life or he was very easy to talk too. It could be that there wasn't any pressure to be someone or yourself for that matter like when you were trying to impress a date. It was also a possibility that it was a combination of all three.
"You are pretty easy to talk too did you know that? I'm not sure just anyone would have taken my confession of kidnapping and holding a hostage as well as you have this evening. So thank you."
Bastian
16 years ago
Bastian regarded Diane thoughtfully as she talked about her parents. The way she smiled made him feel good, both that she had been lucky enough to grow up in such a loving atmosphere, and that she still felt warm towards her family. Reign too, had been lucky to grow up in such love. It reinforced his faith that such things existed, and if he truly wanted that for himself, he could have it as well.
As they walked he had to stop himself once, when he almost put an arm around Diane, to draw her close to his side. He knew it was habit, he so often did that with Reign, but he knew it was more. He felt a comfort level with Diane he had only felt with one other woman, Reign.
"I, madam, am no girly girl, but I value those things too...I want my princess, my queen, at my side, in my castle. I'd like a huge moat around it all, keeping out the vampires, and Kadzait, and let us not forget those nasty fairies."
When he said 'girly girl' he tried to do an impression of Schwarzenegger, but combining an Austrian accent with his faint but still obvious Italian one sounded more comical than anything else.
And though he was still deeply concerned with Diane's involvment with her vampire, he had to admit the way she spoke of fairies earlier left an impression on him. It brought a grin to his face to think of the tiny creatures being so much more irritating than a truly dangerous fanged undead would be.
Playfully bumping his arm against her shoulder, Bastian nodded in agreement. The banter between them was now light and teasing, and he wanted to foster it, not lose it
"I guess I fall too, but don't tell anyone...I'll deny it with my dying breath. I'll also deny any knowledge of your vampire should the authorities question me."
As easy as she said it was to talk to him, he felt the same toward her, and was increasingly glad he had offered her the job at the clinic more and more.
"But seriously, thank you. I needed this evening away from everything, and it was nice of you to join me. I feel rejuvenated, and think I have a better idea of where I need to go from here. I know it wasn't near as dramatic as your kidnapping a vampire and holding him hostage, but troubles are troubles, and if there is anything I can do to help you with yours...repay you for helping me with mine, I'll do so without question."
As they walked he had to stop himself once, when he almost put an arm around Diane, to draw her close to his side. He knew it was habit, he so often did that with Reign, but he knew it was more. He felt a comfort level with Diane he had only felt with one other woman, Reign.
"I, madam, am no girly girl, but I value those things too...I want my princess, my queen, at my side, in my castle. I'd like a huge moat around it all, keeping out the vampires, and Kadzait, and let us not forget those nasty fairies."
When he said 'girly girl' he tried to do an impression of Schwarzenegger, but combining an Austrian accent with his faint but still obvious Italian one sounded more comical than anything else.
And though he was still deeply concerned with Diane's involvment with her vampire, he had to admit the way she spoke of fairies earlier left an impression on him. It brought a grin to his face to think of the tiny creatures being so much more irritating than a truly dangerous fanged undead would be.
Playfully bumping his arm against her shoulder, Bastian nodded in agreement. The banter between them was now light and teasing, and he wanted to foster it, not lose it
"I guess I fall too, but don't tell anyone...I'll deny it with my dying breath. I'll also deny any knowledge of your vampire should the authorities question me."
As easy as she said it was to talk to him, he felt the same toward her, and was increasingly glad he had offered her the job at the clinic more and more.
"But seriously, thank you. I needed this evening away from everything, and it was nice of you to join me. I feel rejuvenated, and think I have a better idea of where I need to go from here. I know it wasn't near as dramatic as your kidnapping a vampire and holding him hostage, but troubles are troubles, and if there is anything I can do to help you with yours...repay you for helping me with mine, I'll do so without question."
Diane
16 years ago
If her hiddens warm feelings for him hadn't came back by the middle of their evening, they certainly had now. She looked forward to work a little more now even though she enjoyed everyday there as it was. It was silly and featherbrained but she wouldn't let herself get carried away.
His knock into her shoulder caused her to laugh. She swayed back and forth lightly.
"No castle is worthy unless it's fairy free that's for sure! I can just see the visual signs out front of it. It would be almost as tall as you with all the signs having red circles with lines through them. It's good to believe in all those things. It gives life hope and a tad bit of romanticism. And there's nothing wrong with that but don't worry I wont utter a word to anyone. I'm awesome at keeping secrets." It was hard to contain the smirk that was slowly aching to travel across her face.
"I also wouldn't worry about any authorities cross examining you about ...vampires." She almost had said his name but thought against it last moment. She didn't know how dangerous Panos really was and she didn't want Bastian to possibly search for him by name.
A thought occured to her that she hadn't though of before. She hoped she hadn't placed him in any danger by telling him about Panos. If any repercussion's should arise out of her actions they should only be brought down on her head. No, it was wise to leave out the more sorrid details and hope that Panos would be none the wiser to Bastian's knowledge should something go wrong.
Now was not the time to think about that. She had no idea what the look on her face was at that moment and quickly she fixed herself to reflect her gratitude.
"There is no repayment needed sir, my sometimes ok advice and listening ear come at no price to you, but thank you. You know, who knows when I'll take you up on that offer. I might be distraught with worry over a new pair of shoes that I can't decide on and call you." she teased but only half heartedly. She knew that he'd be the one she would call if she was in need.
His knock into her shoulder caused her to laugh. She swayed back and forth lightly.
"No castle is worthy unless it's fairy free that's for sure! I can just see the visual signs out front of it. It would be almost as tall as you with all the signs having red circles with lines through them. It's good to believe in all those things. It gives life hope and a tad bit of romanticism. And there's nothing wrong with that but don't worry I wont utter a word to anyone. I'm awesome at keeping secrets." It was hard to contain the smirk that was slowly aching to travel across her face.
"I also wouldn't worry about any authorities cross examining you about ...vampires." She almost had said his name but thought against it last moment. She didn't know how dangerous Panos really was and she didn't want Bastian to possibly search for him by name.
A thought occured to her that she hadn't though of before. She hoped she hadn't placed him in any danger by telling him about Panos. If any repercussion's should arise out of her actions they should only be brought down on her head. No, it was wise to leave out the more sorrid details and hope that Panos would be none the wiser to Bastian's knowledge should something go wrong.
Now was not the time to think about that. She had no idea what the look on her face was at that moment and quickly she fixed herself to reflect her gratitude.
"There is no repayment needed sir, my sometimes ok advice and listening ear come at no price to you, but thank you. You know, who knows when I'll take you up on that offer. I might be distraught with worry over a new pair of shoes that I can't decide on and call you." she teased but only half heartedly. She knew that he'd be the one she would call if she was in need.
Bastian
16 years ago
Her keeping secrets had never been in doubt, not that anything he had told her tonight was truly a secret. He also felt that Diane's attention and care to his thoughts was beyond that of an employee, or even a casual friend. Something was there between the two of them, and had he been free he might have pursued it in more detail tonight even.
But thinking things like that was as good as giving up on Reign, and surely he owed the two of THEM more than that...? Reign was angry...she always got angry when she thought Bastian was trying to control her life. That he had absolutely no designs on controlling her life seemed to be unbelievable to Reign, and that part he had taken issue with. Not only did she not believe him, but she didn't believe IN him, and the lack of trust hurt more than anything else. Yet he had to cut her slack there too, considering everything else that had gone on in their past. What he couldn't do was to just turn tail and forget everything he cared about, just because it didn't agree with Reign's take on things.
DAMNIT! He had to stop doing this! It was rude and inconsiderate to Diane, and he could depress himself to his hearts content later, when he was alone.
Noticing Diane had grown quiet as well, he wondered what had captured her thoughts for the moment. Before he could inquire, she was talking, and his own feelings were on the rise again.
"Now shoes...good, well-made Italian shoes...shoes I know!" And that set him off laughing again. He really knew nothing about shoes, except he liked soft, expensive Italian leathers, and had his shoes made to order, then shipped direct from Italy. He wondered how Diane might like a custom pair of heels...ones that he'd seen on models, with those killer spikes that made a woman's legs look like they went on for miles. He could talk to the woman he ordered from at Pattino, and be very surprised if she didn't find exactly the pair Diane might fall in love with. How fun it was for him to find gifts for people that they never expected, and how much more fun it was when they appreciated them. "And what size shoe do you wear?" Now that had sounded terribly suspect, and didn't come out the way Bastian had intended. Was he truly so pitiful at trying to find out HER secrets? "Nevermind...I'll be patient and wait for your call, then I'll see what your perfect shoes look like, and give you my well instructed opinion."
So they were talking about shoes? That was just frivilous and wacky, and only made Bastian want to talk about even more crazy things.
"In fact, that should be our next date...shopping! I'll help you find a nice, sensible pair of shoes, and you can help me choose a nice, sensible tie. And then instead of looking at sensible things, we can go wild and see how outrageous we can get, and when we're finished, we will both wear our purchases to dinner, and the winner will be chosen by the most looks we get from everyone else."
From a lovely evening, through sad, angry, sentimental thoughts of Reign, to ideas of future relationships, and now to the absurd...someone most certainly spike his champagne with something out of the ordinary. That must be what accounted for Diane's ideas of fairies, as well.
Leaning in close, Bastian stopped, and he breath lingered on Diane's neck as he poised his lips near her ear.
"I've no rational idea where all that came from, though it still does sound fun, I've never done such a harebrained thing in my life...at least not while I was sober."
And as if the bones in his legs suddenly disappeared, Bastian found himself seated on the sand, looking up at Diane. Still laughing from the shoe matter, the tears now began running down the sides of his face. He hadn't laughed this hard in...ever?
But thinking things like that was as good as giving up on Reign, and surely he owed the two of THEM more than that...? Reign was angry...she always got angry when she thought Bastian was trying to control her life. That he had absolutely no designs on controlling her life seemed to be unbelievable to Reign, and that part he had taken issue with. Not only did she not believe him, but she didn't believe IN him, and the lack of trust hurt more than anything else. Yet he had to cut her slack there too, considering everything else that had gone on in their past. What he couldn't do was to just turn tail and forget everything he cared about, just because it didn't agree with Reign's take on things.
DAMNIT! He had to stop doing this! It was rude and inconsiderate to Diane, and he could depress himself to his hearts content later, when he was alone.
Noticing Diane had grown quiet as well, he wondered what had captured her thoughts for the moment. Before he could inquire, she was talking, and his own feelings were on the rise again.
"Now shoes...good, well-made Italian shoes...shoes I know!" And that set him off laughing again. He really knew nothing about shoes, except he liked soft, expensive Italian leathers, and had his shoes made to order, then shipped direct from Italy. He wondered how Diane might like a custom pair of heels...ones that he'd seen on models, with those killer spikes that made a woman's legs look like they went on for miles. He could talk to the woman he ordered from at Pattino, and be very surprised if she didn't find exactly the pair Diane might fall in love with. How fun it was for him to find gifts for people that they never expected, and how much more fun it was when they appreciated them. "And what size shoe do you wear?" Now that had sounded terribly suspect, and didn't come out the way Bastian had intended. Was he truly so pitiful at trying to find out HER secrets? "Nevermind...I'll be patient and wait for your call, then I'll see what your perfect shoes look like, and give you my well instructed opinion."
So they were talking about shoes? That was just frivilous and wacky, and only made Bastian want to talk about even more crazy things.
"In fact, that should be our next date...shopping! I'll help you find a nice, sensible pair of shoes, and you can help me choose a nice, sensible tie. And then instead of looking at sensible things, we can go wild and see how outrageous we can get, and when we're finished, we will both wear our purchases to dinner, and the winner will be chosen by the most looks we get from everyone else."
From a lovely evening, through sad, angry, sentimental thoughts of Reign, to ideas of future relationships, and now to the absurd...someone most certainly spike his champagne with something out of the ordinary. That must be what accounted for Diane's ideas of fairies, as well.
Leaning in close, Bastian stopped, and he breath lingered on Diane's neck as he poised his lips near her ear.
"I've no rational idea where all that came from, though it still does sound fun, I've never done such a harebrained thing in my life...at least not while I was sober."
And as if the bones in his legs suddenly disappeared, Bastian found himself seated on the sand, looking up at Diane. Still laughing from the shoe matter, the tears now began running down the sides of his face. He hadn't laughed this hard in...ever?
Diane
16 years ago
He knew shoes too?
"Are you sure your not a girly man?" She challenged him with a grin.
Bastian's next suggestion made her wonder just how much he had to drink at dinner. She was pretty sure it hadn't been too much. The....date, that's what he called it, sounded ridiculous and crazy. It also sounded extremely fun. She would so kick his ass in that challenge. Diane had never been one to have the greatest taste but she found that it wasn't that bad. She'd be able to knock out some looks from passerbyers and diners no problem.
Turning her head to taunt him about his obvious demise in this contest she was frozen in place when he was suddenly at her side. She could feel his breath tingle against her skin. Immediately her eyes closed and a shiver slithered down her spine. The words she was about to say now half remember as her mouth was still held slightly open. What had he just said to her? Her mind was moving to slow to connect it all just yet.
What seemed like ten minutes was only half a second as she quickly caught herself and forced time to speed back up. As she opened her eyes she was in time to see him plop to the sand in a fit of laughter. It wasn't long before his laughter was infectious and she joined in. Minding her skirt she moved to squat down in front of him. Placing the back of her hand on his forehead she checked for a fever.
"Well you don't seem to have a fever so your on. Challenge accepted. I must warn you though, I can be a little competitive and I'm prolly not gonna play fair."
Getting her laughter under control she stood back up and held her hand out to him for assistance.
"Need help getting up?"
"I hope your ready to go down sir. I'll be writing my acceptance speech for the big win so you just pick when and I'll be there, awesome speech in hand. I'll try not to make it too long winded." She bit her lip to keep from laughing again.
"Are you sure your not a girly man?" She challenged him with a grin.
Bastian's next suggestion made her wonder just how much he had to drink at dinner. She was pretty sure it hadn't been too much. The....date, that's what he called it, sounded ridiculous and crazy. It also sounded extremely fun. She would so kick his ass in that challenge. Diane had never been one to have the greatest taste but she found that it wasn't that bad. She'd be able to knock out some looks from passerbyers and diners no problem.
Turning her head to taunt him about his obvious demise in this contest she was frozen in place when he was suddenly at her side. She could feel his breath tingle against her skin. Immediately her eyes closed and a shiver slithered down her spine. The words she was about to say now half remember as her mouth was still held slightly open. What had he just said to her? Her mind was moving to slow to connect it all just yet.
What seemed like ten minutes was only half a second as she quickly caught herself and forced time to speed back up. As she opened her eyes she was in time to see him plop to the sand in a fit of laughter. It wasn't long before his laughter was infectious and she joined in. Minding her skirt she moved to squat down in front of him. Placing the back of her hand on his forehead she checked for a fever.
"Well you don't seem to have a fever so your on. Challenge accepted. I must warn you though, I can be a little competitive and I'm prolly not gonna play fair."
Getting her laughter under control she stood back up and held her hand out to him for assistance.
"Need help getting up?"
"I hope your ready to go down sir. I'll be writing my acceptance speech for the big win so you just pick when and I'll be there, awesome speech in hand. I'll try not to make it too long winded." She bit her lip to keep from laughing again.
Bastian
16 years ago
Her hand felt cool to the touch on his forehead, but it had the same effect as if it had been ice cold. Bastian's mind had very probably snapped just then, but he was fortunate it also seemed to snap right back. Crazy? Surely Reign was driving him so...his thoughts led him back to her as the cause anyway. He'd never felt so tangled up in side when it came to women, and in fact the only thing that had cost him this much sanity in his past had been his fear of not amounting to anything in life. During his later college years he had worried almost incessintly for several months, until finally Sabine had pulled him up by his boot straps, and smacked him upside the head, figuratively, and he made sense of himself.
Money and women...weren't those the downfall of all men?
What was stranger this time was he really didn't have those worrying feelings he had dealt with ten years ago. Now it seemed a matter of confusion, for certain, but not worry.
Taking Diane's hand, Bastian pulled himself together and stood, only barely tugging her hand for effect. Once standing he brushed his lips across her knuckles and release her fingers.
"Thank you fair lady, your kindness is much appreciated, yet again. Though you may need to take your hand in and have it checked, for I'm most certain I'm dilerious with the fever."
A skeptical grin was tossed her way when she began congratulating herself for a contest yet won. Bastian always did like it when a woman exuded confidence, especially when they weren't trying. Hadn't that been what had drawn him to Reign? She hadn't known a thing about him, and treated him just like she had treated any guy back then, not at all impressed by his gentlemanly ways.
Yes, a tough cookie was a good term to use when describing Diane too...tough but sweet.
"You just do that now, little miss...we'll see who's speech is read when the time comes, and prepare yourself for my normal windy ways."
Totally unlike him, he was rarely this talkative, or spontaneous, or all around goofy at all. But he was thoroughly enjoying this new side, and hoped to keep it up now that he'd discovered it.
Seeing the position of the moon in the sky, Bastian knew it was getting late, and as luck would have it tomorrow he had a full schedule at the clinic.
"As loathe as I am to suggest it, I think I should be getting you home soon."
Some unexpected, and as yet some undefined other thoughts tried to intrude, but Bastian pushed them back and held them at bay. He was already fighting a war from within with regard to what was to become of him and Reign, and just didn't think he had it in him to add more to the mix now.
Tomorrow...or as soon as he could get back together with Reign, and talk this whole thing through rationally...then he might be able to reopen these new thoughts, and see where they took him.
Money and women...weren't those the downfall of all men?
What was stranger this time was he really didn't have those worrying feelings he had dealt with ten years ago. Now it seemed a matter of confusion, for certain, but not worry.
Taking Diane's hand, Bastian pulled himself together and stood, only barely tugging her hand for effect. Once standing he brushed his lips across her knuckles and release her fingers.
"Thank you fair lady, your kindness is much appreciated, yet again. Though you may need to take your hand in and have it checked, for I'm most certain I'm dilerious with the fever."
A skeptical grin was tossed her way when she began congratulating herself for a contest yet won. Bastian always did like it when a woman exuded confidence, especially when they weren't trying. Hadn't that been what had drawn him to Reign? She hadn't known a thing about him, and treated him just like she had treated any guy back then, not at all impressed by his gentlemanly ways.
Yes, a tough cookie was a good term to use when describing Diane too...tough but sweet.
"You just do that now, little miss...we'll see who's speech is read when the time comes, and prepare yourself for my normal windy ways."
Totally unlike him, he was rarely this talkative, or spontaneous, or all around goofy at all. But he was thoroughly enjoying this new side, and hoped to keep it up now that he'd discovered it.
Seeing the position of the moon in the sky, Bastian knew it was getting late, and as luck would have it tomorrow he had a full schedule at the clinic.
"As loathe as I am to suggest it, I think I should be getting you home soon."
Some unexpected, and as yet some undefined other thoughts tried to intrude, but Bastian pushed them back and held them at bay. He was already fighting a war from within with regard to what was to become of him and Reign, and just didn't think he had it in him to add more to the mix now.
Tomorrow...or as soon as he could get back together with Reign, and talk this whole thing through rationally...then he might be able to reopen these new thoughts, and see where they took him.
Diane
16 years ago
She silently thanked God it was dark because when Bastian lightly brushed his lips acrossed her knuckles her faced burned hot. As soon as he let it go she swept the hand behind her back, hiding it from herself.
Catching his glance at the moon she knew what he was thinking before he said it.
"You sir are correct. We don't need dark circles under our eyes tomorrow at work or the animals might start to wonder. Let's head back up, two year olds get up earlier than roosters sometimes."
Sadness tried to rear it's ugly head inside her but she knew that tomorrow would come and she would see him again, even if it was only at work. The thought of that was enough to keep her spirits high as they were calling the evening to an end. She hadn't dreamed in a million years that they'd be out together socially like this, well of course she had dreamed about that back in the first few months of working with him but she had pushed it all to the side. What she didn't think would happen had and she had enjoyed every minute of it. Probably too much but that didn't really matter.
Catching his glance at the moon she knew what he was thinking before he said it.
"You sir are correct. We don't need dark circles under our eyes tomorrow at work or the animals might start to wonder. Let's head back up, two year olds get up earlier than roosters sometimes."
Sadness tried to rear it's ugly head inside her but she knew that tomorrow would come and she would see him again, even if it was only at work. The thought of that was enough to keep her spirits high as they were calling the evening to an end. She hadn't dreamed in a million years that they'd be out together socially like this, well of course she had dreamed about that back in the first few months of working with him but she had pushed it all to the side. What she didn't think would happen had and she had enjoyed every minute of it. Probably too much but that didn't really matter.
Bastian
16 years ago
It had to be done, calling it a night, but why did he regret it so much? He had accomplished what he wanted tonight...to have an enjoyable meal, learn a little about Diane, try to resolve his feelings for Reign...and he had done all that...for the most part. So what purpose would it have served to continue on longer?
The drive home was quiet, yet Bastian felt no awkwardness. It felt good just feeling the slightly cool breeze inside the car, as they drove through the streets of Nachton. Out of habit he still found himself thinking to reach over and touch the woman in the passenger seat...hold her hand...caress her cheek or neck... He had been spared the embarrassment of doing such a thing when his brain would come back from his lower regions and he recalled who that woman in the passenger seat was.
When they reached her door, Bastian turned the key off, and jumped from the Hummer, to catch her door for her. He also walked her to her door, as it was what he always did when he escorted a lovely woman somewhere. What he did next was something he never did, except with Reign.
"Ringraziarla, la donna dolce. Lei ha fatto la mia sera più di sopportabile. La vedrò domani."*
His hands lightly resting on her shoulders, Bastian kissed Diane's forehead, turned, and walked back to his car. There was more he could have said, and probably would at a later date, but tonight his life was still too disorganized to think to bring someone else into it.
When he reached the car door he looked up and grinned.
*Loose translation "Thank you, sweet woman. You made my evening more than bearable. I shall see you tomorrow. "
The drive home was quiet, yet Bastian felt no awkwardness. It felt good just feeling the slightly cool breeze inside the car, as they drove through the streets of Nachton. Out of habit he still found himself thinking to reach over and touch the woman in the passenger seat...hold her hand...caress her cheek or neck... He had been spared the embarrassment of doing such a thing when his brain would come back from his lower regions and he recalled who that woman in the passenger seat was.
When they reached her door, Bastian turned the key off, and jumped from the Hummer, to catch her door for her. He also walked her to her door, as it was what he always did when he escorted a lovely woman somewhere. What he did next was something he never did, except with Reign.
"Ringraziarla, la donna dolce. Lei ha fatto la mia sera più di sopportabile. La vedrò domani."*
His hands lightly resting on her shoulders, Bastian kissed Diane's forehead, turned, and walked back to his car. There was more he could have said, and probably would at a later date, but tonight his life was still too disorganized to think to bring someone else into it.
When he reached the car door he looked up and grinned.
*Loose translation "Thank you, sweet woman. You made my evening more than bearable. I shall see you tomorrow. "
Diane
16 years ago
They made it back to Shady Pines without her falling asleep.She had been alot more tired than she thought and usually riding in cars lulled her fast asleep. Thankfully that embarassment would be saved for some other time.
To her surprized he had not only made sure she got out of the monster automobile but he also walked her to the front doors of the large asylum. Awkwardness bit at the pit of her stomach as they neared the doors but he faced her with his hands on her shoulders and spoke to her in a language she did not understand. With a kiss on the forehead he stunned her as he walked away.
By the time she was able to turn around he was already in his vehicle with a large grin on his face. Smirking she shook her head and raised her arm in a single wave goodnight. What in the world had he said to her? The only words she had somewhat recognized was dolce and she only remembered that on a dessert menu somewhere. For all she knew he had called her a piece of cake or an apple pie.
She waited for him to drive away before using her access card on the door to let herself in and quickly went to her quaters where she found it hard to not collapse into a deep dream ridden slumber without even changing her clothes. There was much to dream about and play with in her sleep tonight.
(ooc : Diane out)
To her surprized he had not only made sure she got out of the monster automobile but he also walked her to the front doors of the large asylum. Awkwardness bit at the pit of her stomach as they neared the doors but he faced her with his hands on her shoulders and spoke to her in a language she did not understand. With a kiss on the forehead he stunned her as he walked away.
By the time she was able to turn around he was already in his vehicle with a large grin on his face. Smirking she shook her head and raised her arm in a single wave goodnight. What in the world had he said to her? The only words she had somewhat recognized was dolce and she only remembered that on a dessert menu somewhere. For all she knew he had called her a piece of cake or an apple pie.
She waited for him to drive away before using her access card on the door to let herself in and quickly went to her quaters where she found it hard to not collapse into a deep dream ridden slumber without even changing her clothes. There was much to dream about and play with in her sleep tonight.
(ooc : Diane out)
Bastian
16 years ago
While he intended to wait until Diane was safely inside, it appeared she intended to wait until he drove off.
The woman was raising a child on her own, and had single handedly captured a vampire...why was he concerned?
Knowing it went beyond caring for her safety, Bastian relinquished his self appointed role as protector, and did drive off. He then circled the block, and relaxed when he drove by Shady Pines again, to see no signs of Diane.
The trip home was uneventful, at least until he got out into the country, and narrowly avoided running over what could only have been a bobcat. Bastian was aware that the small cats were native to the area, but since he hadn't seen any previously, assumed they tended to keep to themselves. He was lucky his thoughts had him driving slower than usual, and found it easy to swerve and avoid a collision. Of course by the time the car stopped, there was no trace of the cat.
Concentrating more on the drive, Bastian made it the rest of the way without issue, and was himself safely tucked into bed in under an hour.
(Bastian out)
The woman was raising a child on her own, and had single handedly captured a vampire...why was he concerned?
Knowing it went beyond caring for her safety, Bastian relinquished his self appointed role as protector, and did drive off. He then circled the block, and relaxed when he drove by Shady Pines again, to see no signs of Diane.
The trip home was uneventful, at least until he got out into the country, and narrowly avoided running over what could only have been a bobcat. Bastian was aware that the small cats were native to the area, but since he hadn't seen any previously, assumed they tended to keep to themselves. He was lucky his thoughts had him driving slower than usual, and found it easy to swerve and avoid a collision. Of course by the time the car stopped, there was no trace of the cat.
Concentrating more on the drive, Bastian made it the rest of the way without issue, and was himself safely tucked into bed in under an hour.
(Bastian out)