'A litter'. Something Diane had said when they were riding was remembered. Bastian grinned and shook his head. Diane had a way with words and images that kept him amused. He wondered how amused she might be if she could see what was inside his head right then. Images of him walking into the house after a long day of work, with her running around chasing sextuplet two year olds. A litter could be fun...for him anyway. Somehow he didn't think she'd feel the same though.
"The couch is fine." He bellowed from the kitchen, thinking he might call someone in to redecorate the guest room, and make it more kid friendly. Not that there was much in there now that Joey could hurt, or if he did, that would matter to Bastian. And yet, if there were to be more visits, for lengthier periods of time, it would probably be more practical to make some changes. He wouldn't mention it to Diane now though. There was no point in stirring up something that might have an adverse reaction when it was so early in the relationship.
Once she had him settled, and Bastian had done his work in the kitchen, he met her in the hallway. Before words were spoken he pulled her into an embrace, and gave her the kiss he had wanted to give her all day. It was well worth the wait, he thought, as he moved back a few inches to look at her. He hoped his look of puzzlement didn't upset her. He quickly tried to erase it from his face, and had to hope she had missed it. Or, if not, that she didn't take it as a negative sign. The truth was his feelings couldn't have been more positive, but that was the puzzlement. He found it very odd to think that he could move from Reign to Diane with such ease. It was a sensation he had never experienced, and wasn't sure if he was handling it well.
The tour started downstairs, but Bastian was pretty sure it was more of a refresher. He wasn't sure, but he thought Diane had seen all of the downstairs already.
"When I bought the place I was concerned with keeping some of its historic presence, so I tried to keep things down here as close to original as I could. The prior owners loved the place well, so that wasn't all that difficult. Some rot had to be dealt with, but overall it was in excellent condition. Changes to paint color were the biggest changes...well that, and the kitchen. The kitchen remodel was challenging, but I think they did an incredible job there."
Arriving back at the staircase, Bastian paused to allow Diane to go ahead of him.
"I know you've seen my room, but there are a couple other things up here you may not have seen."
Picnic
The week passed remarkably fast and before he knew it tomorrow was Sunday, and a picnic was expected on his back forty, so to speak.
Bastian was glad business had been so busy. The less free time he had, the less time he could worry about what he expected tomorrow.
Not that he avoiding thinking about Diane all week. To the contrary, it seemed he did little else. And when he wasn't thinking about work, or Diane, he was still thinking about Reign.
In fact, it was during that thinking that he remembered he had missed her birthday, and that floored him. In all the years since he met her, he never once forgot her birthday, even when they had been apart. Realizing his mistake this year just served as further proof that they didn't belong together as he had once thought. It was a small, silly thing, but when added to the list, made his decision more...right?
Back and forth he had gone debating with himself the pros and cons to the budding relationship with Diane. Yet during all that time he continued to plan the little outing for her and her son, and every day looked forward to it more and more. Every day he saw her, worked with her side by side, he held off discussing the date further. It was this apprehension that held him back some. It didn't sway his decision, or want to make him change his mind, but it stymied his thought process a little.
Things were so different between he and Diane, as compared to when he and Reign began dating. There was, of course, the fact that he was substantially older, and more versed in the way of the world as it pertained to women, and in general. But there was also the fact that his perception of how he thought his life was going to be played out had changed.
And now he was expecting, at any minute, to begin this new relationship that involved a new woman, AND a child. The idea thrilled him, and also left him scared shitless.
Bastian
16 years ago
Diane
16 years ago
It didn't take more than ten minutes for Joey to fall fast asleep on the couch. He didn't even have the chance to fuss properly. Diane pat his head with a small smile before meandering back towards the kitchen to see if she could help Bastian with anything. She saw Bastian coming out of the kitchen and before she could say anything he had her in his arms and their lips were locked together. The kiss was dizzying and she quickly wrapped her arms around him to keep from falling. Her body responded with a sigh of relief. All day she had spent on her best behavior and she guessed that Bastian had been doing the same. Now with this kiss he had given her a little piece of heaven.
As Bastian relaxed back, it was hard not to reach out and pull him back to her. A million thoughts and emotions flooded her as she followed him from room to room, most of which were happy. Of course there was the voice in the back of head that whispered caution and to be wary, it seemed that voice was always around and that generally she ignored what it had to say.
Diane had seen most of the first floor before but she hadn’t paid full attention to the detail of things. There of course a quick part of the upstairs she had seen too, a room she had changed in a few times and as she walked up the stairs she wonder what could be held up here.
“You make it sound so mysterious, are their bodies? Or are you luring me up the stairs and once I get up there you’ll knock me out and smash my legs so I can’t get away?” Misery had been such a good book and an all right movie, she wondered if Bastian had heard of either. She hoped so or her off the wall question seemed downright creepy.
“That’s from a book by the way. I have an active imagination if you haven’t noticed.” She added cheerily.
At the top of the stairs she pointed to the room she had frequented before.
“The good old changing room. It welcomes all wolves and naked tarp covered ladies. Good times. How old is the house? You said you tried to keep some of it historic, has it been here forever? I don’t know much Nachton history, I came here...well, I was called here I suppose.”
As Bastian relaxed back, it was hard not to reach out and pull him back to her. A million thoughts and emotions flooded her as she followed him from room to room, most of which were happy. Of course there was the voice in the back of head that whispered caution and to be wary, it seemed that voice was always around and that generally she ignored what it had to say.
Diane had seen most of the first floor before but she hadn’t paid full attention to the detail of things. There of course a quick part of the upstairs she had seen too, a room she had changed in a few times and as she walked up the stairs she wonder what could be held up here.
“You make it sound so mysterious, are their bodies? Or are you luring me up the stairs and once I get up there you’ll knock me out and smash my legs so I can’t get away?” Misery had been such a good book and an all right movie, she wondered if Bastian had heard of either. She hoped so or her off the wall question seemed downright creepy.
“That’s from a book by the way. I have an active imagination if you haven’t noticed.” She added cheerily.
At the top of the stairs she pointed to the room she had frequented before.
“The good old changing room. It welcomes all wolves and naked tarp covered ladies. Good times. How old is the house? You said you tried to keep some of it historic, has it been here forever? I don’t know much Nachton history, I came here...well, I was called here I suppose.”
Bastian
16 years ago
"Well, you might see one or two bodies about, though I've tried really hard to keep them out of the middle of the floors. If you see a stray hand beneath a bed, or a leg peeking out from behind a door, I'd appreciate it if you would just casually nudge it out of sight with your foot..."
Fantasy was becoming fun, and Bastian found he could play along just as easily as not.
Glancing down her body, Bastian gave Diane a slightly leering gaze.
"And let me put those fears to rest...I'd like to do some things to your body, but smashing your legs is about the last thing I'd consider. Keeping you hostage isn't though.
The house was built in 1820, but has undergone a couple remodels I think, in addition to what I've done here. All the work was painstakingly done in a way to retain the old world charm you see downstairs, and I've done everything I could to carry on that feeling...downstairs. Up here I gave way to my realistic, practical, and comfort nature, and concentrated on those things rather than history. Where I could I tried to keep things as they were up here as well, but I'll be the first one to admit I'm spoiled with it comes to creature comforts, and spared no expense in that regard."
His hand rested lightly on the small of her back as he guided Diane into the master suite. He knew she had seen it before, but what he wanted to show her now he was equally sure she never had.
Moving to the inside wall, opposite the windows, Bastian pushed a button and watched as the section of wall slid away. Once the doorway was revealed, so was the interior room, though at the moment it was so dark, nothing could be seen. Switching on a light, the sparsely, and sparsely, but comfortable room came into view.
"This used to be my panic room, but it isn't what most would call your typical panic room."
He stepped further into the room, and turned to look at Diane.
"Whatever you do, don't touch that button up there on the door. If you do the door will shut, and won't reopen for twelve hours."
He went on to explain that this was his 'wolf' room, and one he built to protect both himself, and others, during the one night a month he lost control over his shifting. He showed her how the furniture was bolted down, so it couldn't be easily thrown about in a fit of rage. He could still do significant damage if he truly wanted to, but most of it would be from a cosmetic side, and wouldn't require a lot of money to repair.
"I don't really need it anymore, but I had one when I lived in New Orleans, where I came from when I moved here. Installing it here was mostly a security blanket. But even though I don't use it, I'm still somewhat proud of the construction."
Explaining the room to Reign had seemed more profound for Bastian. It was something of accomplishment for him...something that showed he was able to conquer his affliction, and deal with it in a manner that would put no one at risk.
Now, explaining it to Diane, it took on a rather comical feel for him. She could identify with his feelings, he was pretty sure...and having come into his wolf more fully over the past couple months, and no longer seeing it as a curse, had made him even grateful for some of the side effects. Having this room now seemed to be slightly ridiculous. Evidence of a fear he no longer had.
He shrugged as the new feelings took over.
"Eventually I guess I could turn it into a sort of hideaway. If I marry, perhaps my wife would like it, redecorated of course."
Those thoughts had sprung up rather out of no where, and Bastian again wondered if perhaps he might have thought them through a little better before allowing them to just spring forth from his mouth.
Was he really considering Diane as a wife, already?
A little uncomfortable with the turn of focus, Bastian wandered across the hall to the guest suite. Both upper rooms were set up as suites, having the bathrooms incorporated within the rooms, and small sitting areas included as well. The guest room opened up onto a balcony over the front of the house, had windows on almost all the walls, and had a much more airy feel to it. Without any trouble at all, Bastian could see the room being converted to a child's room or nursery.
"And if you and Joey ever decide you need a place to stay...you're more than welcome."
Not that he really saw Diane sleeping in this room, but there was still the issue of propriety to deal with. Again he found himself not wanting to move along too quickly.
Fantasy was becoming fun, and Bastian found he could play along just as easily as not.
Glancing down her body, Bastian gave Diane a slightly leering gaze.
"And let me put those fears to rest...I'd like to do some things to your body, but smashing your legs is about the last thing I'd consider. Keeping you hostage isn't though.
The house was built in 1820, but has undergone a couple remodels I think, in addition to what I've done here. All the work was painstakingly done in a way to retain the old world charm you see downstairs, and I've done everything I could to carry on that feeling...downstairs. Up here I gave way to my realistic, practical, and comfort nature, and concentrated on those things rather than history. Where I could I tried to keep things as they were up here as well, but I'll be the first one to admit I'm spoiled with it comes to creature comforts, and spared no expense in that regard."
His hand rested lightly on the small of her back as he guided Diane into the master suite. He knew she had seen it before, but what he wanted to show her now he was equally sure she never had.
Moving to the inside wall, opposite the windows, Bastian pushed a button and watched as the section of wall slid away. Once the doorway was revealed, so was the interior room, though at the moment it was so dark, nothing could be seen. Switching on a light, the sparsely, and sparsely, but comfortable room came into view.
"This used to be my panic room, but it isn't what most would call your typical panic room."
He stepped further into the room, and turned to look at Diane.
"Whatever you do, don't touch that button up there on the door. If you do the door will shut, and won't reopen for twelve hours."
He went on to explain that this was his 'wolf' room, and one he built to protect both himself, and others, during the one night a month he lost control over his shifting. He showed her how the furniture was bolted down, so it couldn't be easily thrown about in a fit of rage. He could still do significant damage if he truly wanted to, but most of it would be from a cosmetic side, and wouldn't require a lot of money to repair.
"I don't really need it anymore, but I had one when I lived in New Orleans, where I came from when I moved here. Installing it here was mostly a security blanket. But even though I don't use it, I'm still somewhat proud of the construction."
Explaining the room to Reign had seemed more profound for Bastian. It was something of accomplishment for him...something that showed he was able to conquer his affliction, and deal with it in a manner that would put no one at risk.
Now, explaining it to Diane, it took on a rather comical feel for him. She could identify with his feelings, he was pretty sure...and having come into his wolf more fully over the past couple months, and no longer seeing it as a curse, had made him even grateful for some of the side effects. Having this room now seemed to be slightly ridiculous. Evidence of a fear he no longer had.
He shrugged as the new feelings took over.
"Eventually I guess I could turn it into a sort of hideaway. If I marry, perhaps my wife would like it, redecorated of course."
Those thoughts had sprung up rather out of no where, and Bastian again wondered if perhaps he might have thought them through a little better before allowing them to just spring forth from his mouth.
Was he really considering Diane as a wife, already?
A little uncomfortable with the turn of focus, Bastian wandered across the hall to the guest suite. Both upper rooms were set up as suites, having the bathrooms incorporated within the rooms, and small sitting areas included as well. The guest room opened up onto a balcony over the front of the house, had windows on almost all the walls, and had a much more airy feel to it. Without any trouble at all, Bastian could see the room being converted to a child's room or nursery.
"And if you and Joey ever decide you need a place to stay...you're more than welcome."
Not that he really saw Diane sleeping in this room, but there was still the issue of propriety to deal with. Again he found himself not wanting to move along too quickly.
Diane
16 years ago
The mere idea of being Bastian's hostage sent shivers of excitement down her spine. There were too many things she could say that would be completely inappropriate right now. Well halfway inappropriate at least.
It was interesting to hear the history of his house. So many lives had been lived here, in this house. It had a life of its own and a history to back every bit of it.
It wasn't until they stepped into his room and he showed her what had been added that she felt sadness wash over her. She watched Bastian step inside and compared him to the cold hard room that was meant to be used as a jail cell to contain him as a wolf. From the bolted furniture to the twelve hour dead lock on the doors, it almost brought tears to her eyes to see him inside it and think that at any time he had used such a room on himself.
Unable to walk inside of the small room she merely lingered in the door frame and looked around.
"A Werewolf panic room." was all she said.
Diane felt sad for the time in Bastian's life that he had been truly afraid of himself and the battles he must had faced in efforts to come to terms with his self. While the road she had journeyed had not been a cake walk either, she had never been afraid of herself enough to want to be caged. She imagined herself behind the doors watching them close as the last of the sunlight was shut off for hours upon hours, alone, trapped and sealed away. It wasn't a pleasant thought.
Shaking the rainclouds away she forced a bit of humor out of the room before Bastian shut it away.
"Well, I would say the robbers would want it for when they broke into the wrong house and a wolf attacked them. It would be a backwards panic room then. I bet they would even call the cops on themselves then."
"Of course though, if she were a fembot you wouldn't need to redecorate it at all, just add the weapons and wahlah."
Diane's would rather see the room boarded up and the sadness sucked away.
Her mood was easily changed when she saw the view from the upper balcony. She was taken back, from the ground she had obviously seen that there was a balcony up here but it wasn't until she stood upon it that she could really appreciate its awesomeness.
"It is simply awesome up here. I think this is the best part. They don't make houses like this anymore. I bet with all these windows and openness you can sit in the middle of the room and literally watch the sunrise and explode into here. All I'm gonna say is it's prolly just as amazing as unicorns in a waterfall."
She gave him a big wide silly grin and laughed.
"Did I mention I'm really a little kid on the inside?"
It was interesting to hear the history of his house. So many lives had been lived here, in this house. It had a life of its own and a history to back every bit of it.
It wasn't until they stepped into his room and he showed her what had been added that she felt sadness wash over her. She watched Bastian step inside and compared him to the cold hard room that was meant to be used as a jail cell to contain him as a wolf. From the bolted furniture to the twelve hour dead lock on the doors, it almost brought tears to her eyes to see him inside it and think that at any time he had used such a room on himself.
Unable to walk inside of the small room she merely lingered in the door frame and looked around.
"A Werewolf panic room." was all she said.
Diane felt sad for the time in Bastian's life that he had been truly afraid of himself and the battles he must had faced in efforts to come to terms with his self. While the road she had journeyed had not been a cake walk either, she had never been afraid of herself enough to want to be caged. She imagined herself behind the doors watching them close as the last of the sunlight was shut off for hours upon hours, alone, trapped and sealed away. It wasn't a pleasant thought.
Shaking the rainclouds away she forced a bit of humor out of the room before Bastian shut it away.
"Well, I would say the robbers would want it for when they broke into the wrong house and a wolf attacked them. It would be a backwards panic room then. I bet they would even call the cops on themselves then."
"Of course though, if she were a fembot you wouldn't need to redecorate it at all, just add the weapons and wahlah."
Diane's would rather see the room boarded up and the sadness sucked away.
Her mood was easily changed when she saw the view from the upper balcony. She was taken back, from the ground she had obviously seen that there was a balcony up here but it wasn't until she stood upon it that she could really appreciate its awesomeness.
"It is simply awesome up here. I think this is the best part. They don't make houses like this anymore. I bet with all these windows and openness you can sit in the middle of the room and literally watch the sunrise and explode into here. All I'm gonna say is it's prolly just as amazing as unicorns in a waterfall."
She gave him a big wide silly grin and laughed.
"Did I mention I'm really a little kid on the inside?"
Bastian
16 years ago
The feeling that a change had come over Diane was slight, but there. He noticed how she held herself back, and didn't enter the room. Looking at it again he could see how it could look pretty bleak, and guessed that was where her reservations stemmed from. He didn't quite see it in the same way, but he did see it in a different light from when he first conceived of it.
But that was a good thing, right? A happy thing. For him anyway.
He chuckled at her quip about robbers, and had a quick flash of the encounter at Reign's. The thought was dismissed, and Bastian focused on Diane.
"Fembot? There's little chance of that. I like my women strong, but soft too."
He winked as he moved on. He left off the part about also still liking the idea of being the stronger of a two in a relationship, and being the protector. He was all for equal partnership, but no matter what anyone said, women were built differently from men, though delightfully so. There were things they could do that he couldn't, and vice versa. Such was life. Why so many chose to ignore those axioms went beyond his understanding.
He was glad he showed her the wolf room, and then the guest room. The difference in her reactions was palpable.
"I've watched the sunrise from my porch downstairs, but no, it never occurred to me until now, to sit up here and watch it."
Watching something like that from an intimate bedroom setting seemed to be something to share. Someday...
Sometimes Bastian could really be a romantic sap, and he felt one of those times washing over him now. He grinned seductively, and turned to slowly pull Diane into his arms. Looking down into her eyes...beautiful, sexy eyes...Bastian spoke low and softly.
"As long as you let the lovely lady loose now and then, I don't mind the child at all."
His eyes remained on hers as he lowered his mouth to hers, brushing her lips with his before claiming the warm, sweet necter inside.
Once he began the kiss, knowing for the brief moment he and Diane were completely alone, Bastian also knew he wouldn't want to stop after just a second or two, as he had with their kisses thus far. Feeling the heat from her body, next to his, he crushed her against him, not caring if she felt his arousal. His mouth plunged into hers with abandon, and he just let the moment expand into what it would.
He grabbed her ass, pulling her up against him even more strongly, then let his hands roam up her back, to her sides, and brush along her breasts. A loud groan into her mouth roused him, and he sadly returned to the fact that nothing was going to happen with them now, beyond kissing.
He didn't want to need to explain something like this to Joey...not yet. It was Bastian's feeling that a child shouldn't be brought into a relationship between two people, unless that relationship was at least slated for some sort of permanence. It wasn't really Bastian's decision to make, but that didn't stop him.
They had time. And if this was to become as serious as he now hoped, a little more time wouldn't hurt.
"You are really something, bella ragazza. You tease my mind with fancy, and at the same time take my breath away with your scent, and the feel of your warm body. I feel like I could fall into your eyes if I don't hold you tight, but I also want to fall."
His eyes were full of wonder, and crinkled at the corners as he smiled lovingly at her. He brought his index finger to her bottom lip, where he stroked it softly.
"And these lips...madre dios...these lips should be outlawed, for every time I press mine to them I feel as if my very soul is being stolen."
Not giving her a chance to speak, Bastian again kissed Diane, and again had to pull himself back, and away from her grudgingly.
"Do you think we can do this? Do YOU WANT to do this? I don't want to do anything that might harm Joseph, but I find myself very strongly drawn to you Diane, and I would like to get to know you better, and if you want to as well, see where this beginning takes us..."
What he really wanted to say was how much he wanted her to move in with Joey, lock, stock, and barrel. He wanted to make love to her right now, tonight, tomorrow morning, and for days to come. He wanted to wake up holding her, and spend the day with her, and her son. The idea of Joey's laughter ringing through the house gave Bastian such a sense of gladness, that he wanted to have it around him now.
But he didn't say any of those things. Having so recently moved on from the one woman he thought he would spend his life with had made him cautious, with good reason. Bastian didn't want to mangle Diane's life, or cause either of them pain. And while he knew there were never any guarantees, he also believed if they took it a little more slowly, the chances might be diminished.
She had already given him positive responses on her part, but to make sure there was no confusion or misunderstanding, Bastian was now looking to Diane for a more definite verbal acknowledgment.
"I want you Diane, for more than a night. I feel more than a casual attraction. I have feelings for you that I believe will deepen, if they are reciprocated..."
And now he waited.
But that was a good thing, right? A happy thing. For him anyway.
He chuckled at her quip about robbers, and had a quick flash of the encounter at Reign's. The thought was dismissed, and Bastian focused on Diane.
"Fembot? There's little chance of that. I like my women strong, but soft too."
He winked as he moved on. He left off the part about also still liking the idea of being the stronger of a two in a relationship, and being the protector. He was all for equal partnership, but no matter what anyone said, women were built differently from men, though delightfully so. There were things they could do that he couldn't, and vice versa. Such was life. Why so many chose to ignore those axioms went beyond his understanding.
He was glad he showed her the wolf room, and then the guest room. The difference in her reactions was palpable.
"I've watched the sunrise from my porch downstairs, but no, it never occurred to me until now, to sit up here and watch it."
Watching something like that from an intimate bedroom setting seemed to be something to share. Someday...
Sometimes Bastian could really be a romantic sap, and he felt one of those times washing over him now. He grinned seductively, and turned to slowly pull Diane into his arms. Looking down into her eyes...beautiful, sexy eyes...Bastian spoke low and softly.
"As long as you let the lovely lady loose now and then, I don't mind the child at all."
His eyes remained on hers as he lowered his mouth to hers, brushing her lips with his before claiming the warm, sweet necter inside.
Once he began the kiss, knowing for the brief moment he and Diane were completely alone, Bastian also knew he wouldn't want to stop after just a second or two, as he had with their kisses thus far. Feeling the heat from her body, next to his, he crushed her against him, not caring if she felt his arousal. His mouth plunged into hers with abandon, and he just let the moment expand into what it would.
He grabbed her ass, pulling her up against him even more strongly, then let his hands roam up her back, to her sides, and brush along her breasts. A loud groan into her mouth roused him, and he sadly returned to the fact that nothing was going to happen with them now, beyond kissing.
He didn't want to need to explain something like this to Joey...not yet. It was Bastian's feeling that a child shouldn't be brought into a relationship between two people, unless that relationship was at least slated for some sort of permanence. It wasn't really Bastian's decision to make, but that didn't stop him.
They had time. And if this was to become as serious as he now hoped, a little more time wouldn't hurt.
"You are really something, bella ragazza. You tease my mind with fancy, and at the same time take my breath away with your scent, and the feel of your warm body. I feel like I could fall into your eyes if I don't hold you tight, but I also want to fall."
His eyes were full of wonder, and crinkled at the corners as he smiled lovingly at her. He brought his index finger to her bottom lip, where he stroked it softly.
"And these lips...madre dios...these lips should be outlawed, for every time I press mine to them I feel as if my very soul is being stolen."
Not giving her a chance to speak, Bastian again kissed Diane, and again had to pull himself back, and away from her grudgingly.
"Do you think we can do this? Do YOU WANT to do this? I don't want to do anything that might harm Joseph, but I find myself very strongly drawn to you Diane, and I would like to get to know you better, and if you want to as well, see where this beginning takes us..."
What he really wanted to say was how much he wanted her to move in with Joey, lock, stock, and barrel. He wanted to make love to her right now, tonight, tomorrow morning, and for days to come. He wanted to wake up holding her, and spend the day with her, and her son. The idea of Joey's laughter ringing through the house gave Bastian such a sense of gladness, that he wanted to have it around him now.
But he didn't say any of those things. Having so recently moved on from the one woman he thought he would spend his life with had made him cautious, with good reason. Bastian didn't want to mangle Diane's life, or cause either of them pain. And while he knew there were never any guarantees, he also believed if they took it a little more slowly, the chances might be diminished.
She had already given him positive responses on her part, but to make sure there was no confusion or misunderstanding, Bastian was now looking to Diane for a more definite verbal acknowledgment.
"I want you Diane, for more than a night. I feel more than a casual attraction. I have feelings for you that I believe will deepen, if they are reciprocated..."
And now he waited.
Diane
16 years ago
Diane gave Bastian a quizzical look.
"You have never thought to come up here and watch the sun rise?" her voice was laced with disbelief. "Sir you have not fully appreciated this house yet then."
It was hard to contain the smile as she glanced back over the veranda. It was a setting that dreams were made of; the view and the cool airy breeze accompanying it, the historic house, and most of all the man who stood beside her.
“Oh believe me this kid knows how to be a lady when it’s important.” She halfway teased as she wrapped her arms lightly around his strong chest.
His eyes, two very deep pools of liquid mahogany were easy to lose herself in and when his lips met hers she felt the enlightening flames rush around them and suck her in. It was all the feelings of hope, desire, excitement and plain Utopia that fueled those flames brighter and higher than ever before.
When he pulled back to speak to her she held to him tightly, not willing to let go just yet.
Listening to the words he spoke about her made Diane nearly melted. Did men really talk like this? There was no way. She was certain that with words alone Bastian to could change the minds of millions no matter what subject they were debating. Diane was also certain that as long as he continued to talk like this, she would have a hard time not being smitten. Not that she was making any efforts to do so otherwise, she had only spent months playing out scenarios in her head should he had ever became single.
Now here they stood and he was asking –her- if this is what she wanted. She tilted her head to look at him better.
“Angel of mercy, how did you find me, where did you read my story?” she quoted from a song.
“Are you kidding me? I’m here aren’t I? I wouldn’t be anywhere else right now, you have no reason to worry about me, and I promise you that. I’ve spent more than enough time sitting and thinking, mostly about you but about a lot of things.”
And then against her better judgment she place her hands on each side of his face and brought their lips together once more letting all those thoughts wash away for another moment of heaven.
Pulling back but leaving her hands in place a few seconds longer she asked him a question that had stirred around in her head regardless of what was said.
“But are you sure this is what you want? I’ve been around for a while now, I can always be around if you…I dunno, if you really wanted to wait or something.”
She squeezed her eyes shut briefly at her amazing ability to stumble over awkward words.
"You have never thought to come up here and watch the sun rise?" her voice was laced with disbelief. "Sir you have not fully appreciated this house yet then."
It was hard to contain the smile as she glanced back over the veranda. It was a setting that dreams were made of; the view and the cool airy breeze accompanying it, the historic house, and most of all the man who stood beside her.
“Oh believe me this kid knows how to be a lady when it’s important.” She halfway teased as she wrapped her arms lightly around his strong chest.
His eyes, two very deep pools of liquid mahogany were easy to lose herself in and when his lips met hers she felt the enlightening flames rush around them and suck her in. It was all the feelings of hope, desire, excitement and plain Utopia that fueled those flames brighter and higher than ever before.
When he pulled back to speak to her she held to him tightly, not willing to let go just yet.
Listening to the words he spoke about her made Diane nearly melted. Did men really talk like this? There was no way. She was certain that with words alone Bastian to could change the minds of millions no matter what subject they were debating. Diane was also certain that as long as he continued to talk like this, she would have a hard time not being smitten. Not that she was making any efforts to do so otherwise, she had only spent months playing out scenarios in her head should he had ever became single.
Now here they stood and he was asking –her- if this is what she wanted. She tilted her head to look at him better.
“Angel of mercy, how did you find me, where did you read my story?” she quoted from a song.
“Are you kidding me? I’m here aren’t I? I wouldn’t be anywhere else right now, you have no reason to worry about me, and I promise you that. I’ve spent more than enough time sitting and thinking, mostly about you but about a lot of things.”
And then against her better judgment she place her hands on each side of his face and brought their lips together once more letting all those thoughts wash away for another moment of heaven.
Pulling back but leaving her hands in place a few seconds longer she asked him a question that had stirred around in her head regardless of what was said.
“But are you sure this is what you want? I’ve been around for a while now, I can always be around if you…I dunno, if you really wanted to wait or something.”
She squeezed her eyes shut briefly at her amazing ability to stumble over awkward words.
Bastian
16 years ago
Diane knew pretty much all of Bastian's overall history with Reign, since he had been pretty open with her. Diane had shown interest whenever he talked about his problems with Reign, and it helped him to have her to talk to. But there were a lot of details to their relationship that he hadn't disclosed. Before he realized his attraction to Diane, or acknowledged it anyway, he saw no reason for details. What he had with Reign was between the two of them. However, now that things with Diane were changing, it seemed natural to open up even more intimate parts of his life to her...or it would eventually.
"There are a lot of women in the world who don't seem to care much about romance."
And while Reign had her moments, she had never seemed to care overly much about such things. After a while, Bastian had stopped trying. He had continued to send her flowers, and cards for both special occasions and no reason, but a lot of the little things he just quit trying.
Not that it bothered him. He wasn't so spoiled that everything had to be his way or no way. In fact he had really tried to change several parts of himself to be more accomodating to Reign. It was after he realized he was having to change too many things, that it became clear things weren't going to work out after all. Having a woman come to him so readily, so warmly, without hesitation, and with such enthusiasm...it was very nice, he mused. His arms held her more securely then.
Her initiating their next kiss stoked the fire deep in his belly, and made his loins tighten. Hearing her unbridled thoughts added to his excitement, and he almost wished Joseph wasn't downstairs again.
Huskily he spoke, wanting to tear his eyes from hers, to clear his head, yet not even trying.
"It is most definitely what I want. I don't just want you 'around'...I want you here...a lot..."
Tough as it was, he steeled himself and didn't let his own enthusiasm get away from him. If he had no one else to think about, he would have opened his house to the two of them moving in tomorrow, and found someone to watch over Joseph, while he made love to Diane all night long.
But things were already moving along like a race car speeding out of control...Bastian had to take time, and make sure that this was going to be best for everyone. Difficult as it might be, he knew it was necessary, and that it would be well worth it in the long run. It would...yes it would.
Releasing one side of her, Bastian turned the two of them until they were gazing out the window again.
"I think I should get you both home now. I don't want to, but I think it would be for the best."
His hand stroked her side, as his arm remained around her waist. His eyes caught hers again as he spoke.
"I'll see you at work of course, and we've a date for Thursday, but I'd like to take you to dinner Saturday as well, if you're available. Perhaps you could find someone to watch Joey all night...?"
His eyes twinkled with unspoken promises that he hoped to share with her then.
"I'd like you to spend the night, and wake up in my arms, watching the sunrise...which I HAVE seen from my own balcony."
He chuckled, and kissed her nose, doubting now that she would refuse his invitation, unless she was truly busy of course.
"There are a lot of women in the world who don't seem to care much about romance."
And while Reign had her moments, she had never seemed to care overly much about such things. After a while, Bastian had stopped trying. He had continued to send her flowers, and cards for both special occasions and no reason, but a lot of the little things he just quit trying.
Not that it bothered him. He wasn't so spoiled that everything had to be his way or no way. In fact he had really tried to change several parts of himself to be more accomodating to Reign. It was after he realized he was having to change too many things, that it became clear things weren't going to work out after all. Having a woman come to him so readily, so warmly, without hesitation, and with such enthusiasm...it was very nice, he mused. His arms held her more securely then.
Her initiating their next kiss stoked the fire deep in his belly, and made his loins tighten. Hearing her unbridled thoughts added to his excitement, and he almost wished Joseph wasn't downstairs again.
Huskily he spoke, wanting to tear his eyes from hers, to clear his head, yet not even trying.
"It is most definitely what I want. I don't just want you 'around'...I want you here...a lot..."
Tough as it was, he steeled himself and didn't let his own enthusiasm get away from him. If he had no one else to think about, he would have opened his house to the two of them moving in tomorrow, and found someone to watch over Joseph, while he made love to Diane all night long.
But things were already moving along like a race car speeding out of control...Bastian had to take time, and make sure that this was going to be best for everyone. Difficult as it might be, he knew it was necessary, and that it would be well worth it in the long run. It would...yes it would.
Releasing one side of her, Bastian turned the two of them until they were gazing out the window again.
"I think I should get you both home now. I don't want to, but I think it would be for the best."
His hand stroked her side, as his arm remained around her waist. His eyes caught hers again as he spoke.
"I'll see you at work of course, and we've a date for Thursday, but I'd like to take you to dinner Saturday as well, if you're available. Perhaps you could find someone to watch Joey all night...?"
His eyes twinkled with unspoken promises that he hoped to share with her then.
"I'd like you to spend the night, and wake up in my arms, watching the sunrise...which I HAVE seen from my own balcony."
He chuckled, and kissed her nose, doubting now that she would refuse his invitation, unless she was truly busy of course.
Diane
16 years ago
As he turned them back towards the window Diane felt the inevitable sadness creeping in. She damned herself only partially for behaving sensibly and not solely on feelings.
“It sucks, but you’re probably right. “She sighed.
He was right and she knew that. It had been a great day, no an amazing day, and it was best if it ended the same way. They would have time there was no doubt of that, and at least they had made their intentions clear. She could at least rest easily on that tonight.
Diane wrapped both arms around him and leaned her head onto him not just ready to head back down to her jeep.
“Saturday is absolutely doable. I have a very good nanny/sitter who loves more than anything to spend time with Joey. It helps that Joey also thinks the world of her, he loves her like a big sister.”
It was true that having one of the pack mate’s teenage daughters as a nanny worked out better than she could have ever imagined. Angela was newly eighteen and smarter than a whip. Without her Diane would never had been able to keep such close tabs on her little vampire house for the past year. In that sense Diane felt like she owed the young girl much more than the ample salary she had already been given. Blood money or not, Panos’s money went to a good cause in one way or another and it made Diane feel better for stealing so much of it.
She smiled when he kissed her nose.
“Well, we will eventually have to test out rooms to see what sunrise looks best.”
Work was going to be a tab bit more difficult these days, with not much encouraging her to NOT randomly pounce on him.
“I guess I should go wake up the little peanut, just not before one more of these…”
Reaching up with her face for his deliciously soft lips, Diane never wanted to let go. She could live like this, locked in Bastian’s arms, locked in kiss, locked in a world of bliss.
There was no way she could have any nightmares tonight, not after a day like this.
“It sucks, but you’re probably right. “She sighed.
He was right and she knew that. It had been a great day, no an amazing day, and it was best if it ended the same way. They would have time there was no doubt of that, and at least they had made their intentions clear. She could at least rest easily on that tonight.
Diane wrapped both arms around him and leaned her head onto him not just ready to head back down to her jeep.
“Saturday is absolutely doable. I have a very good nanny/sitter who loves more than anything to spend time with Joey. It helps that Joey also thinks the world of her, he loves her like a big sister.”
It was true that having one of the pack mate’s teenage daughters as a nanny worked out better than she could have ever imagined. Angela was newly eighteen and smarter than a whip. Without her Diane would never had been able to keep such close tabs on her little vampire house for the past year. In that sense Diane felt like she owed the young girl much more than the ample salary she had already been given. Blood money or not, Panos’s money went to a good cause in one way or another and it made Diane feel better for stealing so much of it.
She smiled when he kissed her nose.
“Well, we will eventually have to test out rooms to see what sunrise looks best.”
Work was going to be a tab bit more difficult these days, with not much encouraging her to NOT randomly pounce on him.
“I guess I should go wake up the little peanut, just not before one more of these…”
Reaching up with her face for his deliciously soft lips, Diane never wanted to let go. She could live like this, locked in Bastian’s arms, locked in kiss, locked in a world of bliss.
There was no way she could have any nightmares tonight, not after a day like this.
Bastian
16 years ago
He didn't expect her to fight him, though he could hear disappointment in her sigh, and crazy as it sounded, that made him feel a little better. Her acceptance of his invitation for Saturday excited him, but he kept a damper on that emotion for fear of things getting out of hand now, again. And his pulse quickened further when she spoke of viewing sunrises. Seeing the sunrise always implied more than seeing the sunset.
The kiss she gave him when they readied to leave, was going to need to last several days, unless he managed to squeeze one or two in during the work day. Needless to say he encouraged her action, and deepened it himself, nearly crushing her against him. He recognized his diminishing will though, and let his arms go slack, while remaining circled around her waist.
"Its difficult not to just let this go on, and on to its natural conclusion, but...next Saturday."
His voice was husky, and his eyes smoldering hot as they looked into hers, yet somewhere he found strength, and released her altogether. Taking her hand, he brushed his lips against her knuckles, then led her downstairs.
Scooping the still sleeping tot up into his arms, Bastian carried Joey out to the car, following behind Diane. Once she was seated, he placed the boy in her lap, closed the door, and got in on the drivers side.
The trip taking her home was quiet, but in that silence there were heated exchanges, and thoughts so palpable as to be verbal. It would be a long week, in some respects, but Bastian easily saw how it would all be worth it in time. This courtship would be faster than his last, but with age and experience under his belt this time, he knew it would be just as momentous, if not more.
(Diane and Bastian out)
The kiss she gave him when they readied to leave, was going to need to last several days, unless he managed to squeeze one or two in during the work day. Needless to say he encouraged her action, and deepened it himself, nearly crushing her against him. He recognized his diminishing will though, and let his arms go slack, while remaining circled around her waist.
"Its difficult not to just let this go on, and on to its natural conclusion, but...next Saturday."
His voice was husky, and his eyes smoldering hot as they looked into hers, yet somewhere he found strength, and released her altogether. Taking her hand, he brushed his lips against her knuckles, then led her downstairs.
Scooping the still sleeping tot up into his arms, Bastian carried Joey out to the car, following behind Diane. Once she was seated, he placed the boy in her lap, closed the door, and got in on the drivers side.
The trip taking her home was quiet, but in that silence there were heated exchanges, and thoughts so palpable as to be verbal. It would be a long week, in some respects, but Bastian easily saw how it would all be worth it in time. This courtship would be faster than his last, but with age and experience under his belt this time, he knew it would be just as momentous, if not more.
(Diane and Bastian out)