After he'd spoken it occurred to Bastian he might have given Reign a little more information, and built up a reason for asking her to join him and Diane. But once she agreed, he guessed it hadn't been important.
She really did look good, and for that he was truly pleased. It might have been because he'd fallen into the relationship with Diane so quickly, or that he had known for sometime that he and Reign weren't destined for a life long attachment, as he'd once thought, but he now just wanted Reign happy. There seemed to be something hidden behind her eyes, and if it had been a year earlier he would have asked about it. It wasn't a year earlier though, and he no longer had a reason to be up in her business about it. That didn't mean he wouldn't recognize the shuttered look in her though, and at the very least wonder about it.
"Old? Cara you look just as you did that day at school." He grinned that same old grin he'd always given her whenever she'd tried to play down her looks. No matter what their current standing, Bastian would always see Reign as one of the most beautiful women he'd ever known.
Holding out his arm as a request that she proceed to the booth, Bastian put a casual hand to her back as he followed her to where Diane sat. Over Reign's shoulder Bastian shot Diane a look of gratitude for her graciousness, followed by a warm smile. When they reached the table Bastian waited for Reign to take the seat opposite Diane, and then slid into the booth next to the new woman in his life.
"Diane, this is Reign Sorenson. Reign, this is my date Diane McGillick" Sliding his arm along the back of the booth, Bastian now wondered what in the hell ever possessed him to initiate this meeting, and felt an odd sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. "Diane also works for me in the clinic...and forgive me but I can't remember if you two have met before."
While Diane knew a great deal about Reign, and Bastian thought he recalled talking to Reign 'about' Diane, for the life of him he couldn't remember if they had run into each other at the clinic or not.
The evening that never ends (att: Bastian & Reign)
"Afton Boulevard it is then." Diane said as the car came to life. "And, I can do you one better, I have heated seats."
While she was undoubtly thankful that he had sat in the backseat she did find it quite hard to not use the rearview mirror to check Bastian out. Had he sat up front there may have been a car accident.
"How do you plan on shopping stark naked? Is this the nudist end of Nachton?" She grinned into the mirror.
"I can prolly pass this frock off as a dress and go in for you. I will prolly need to get an upgrade on the outfit here too while were at it. The whole no shirt no shoes thing...you know how it goes."
Now that they were human and whole again she felt the overwhelming need to appologize for basically putting his life in danger.
"Also, I just want to say I'm sorry for tonight. If I knew that shit was going to happen I would have never brought you in there like that. I don't know who those other three people were, if they were like him or meh,....I'm just sorry."
To say that she felt stupid was an understatement. If anything the safest time to go would have been in the day time. Why hadn't she waited until the weekend?
"To think I ruined a perfectly good pair of shoes on him. I bet vampire blood doesn't come out of anything."
The shoes were long gone now but she felt awkward about the whole situation.
The clothing store was easy to locate and she pulled into a parking spot that was out of view. Her heavily tinted windows hid the fact that there were scantily clad individuals inside.
"This is the most I've ever been accidently naked in front of someone I would like you to know. At least I can say I'm glad it's you."
Bastian
15 years ago
Diane
15 years ago
Trying her best to act nonchalant, Diane watched the city outside the window. Out the corner of her eye she noticed that Reign had agreed to come to the table.
"Hooray." She mumbled quietly to herself.
Straightening her posture as they approached, Diane slipped a bright smile on her face. Was she supossed to shake her hand? What was the etiquette for this situation?
She smoothed a section of hair behind her ear and nodded politely in Reigns direction. Thankful as Bastian slid next to her, his warmth fueling her security of the situation.
"Hello, I don't think we've met formally but I'm sure I've seen you around here and there."
That sounded a little stalkerish to Diane but she mentally shrugged. Bastian had called her his date, no doubtedly Reign would picture some nice evening out instead of the near death tragedy they had experienced. Diane bit her lip and suppressed an urge to giggle. Hopefully all their dates didn't involve vampire altercations.
Not knowing what to say next, Diane moved her hand from her knee to Bastians under the table. He had to be feeling more awkward than she was.
"Hooray." She mumbled quietly to herself.
Straightening her posture as they approached, Diane slipped a bright smile on her face. Was she supossed to shake her hand? What was the etiquette for this situation?
She smoothed a section of hair behind her ear and nodded politely in Reigns direction. Thankful as Bastian slid next to her, his warmth fueling her security of the situation.
"Hello, I don't think we've met formally but I'm sure I've seen you around here and there."
That sounded a little stalkerish to Diane but she mentally shrugged. Bastian had called her his date, no doubtedly Reign would picture some nice evening out instead of the near death tragedy they had experienced. Diane bit her lip and suppressed an urge to giggle. Hopefully all their dates didn't involve vampire altercations.
Not knowing what to say next, Diane moved her hand from her knee to Bastians under the table. He had to be feeling more awkward than she was.
Reign
15 years ago
“So I looked old back at school too?”
Reign tossed back lightly. It was a halfhearted attempt at the light teasing they used to share.
Settling in to what was now her side of the table Reign felt an odd twinge as Bastian made himself at home on the other side. That just wasn’t right. But it was a booth what were you going to do? Still to have him… and to call her his date… fuck fuck fuck. Yes let’s just slap Reign in the face by flaunting our –DATE-. God fucking damned it. Gir… oh yeah social.
She missed a blink and might have been a bit slow off the mark but still Reign quickly got her initial reaction under control and found a smile and offered this Diane her hand. Maybe not her best smile ever but it managed polite.
“Oh probably. I’m sure we’ve seen each other as I was headed back into town. Nice to meet you. So, you work at the clinic? Have you been doing that long?”
Exactly how long –had- Bastian been looking to replace her? What the fuck. Reign bit the inside of her cheek, something she often did to try and refocus. And it was refocus or make a scene. She was going to give the two of them a second to explain before she went with the scene.
Reign tossed back lightly. It was a halfhearted attempt at the light teasing they used to share.
Settling in to what was now her side of the table Reign felt an odd twinge as Bastian made himself at home on the other side. That just wasn’t right. But it was a booth what were you going to do? Still to have him… and to call her his date… fuck fuck fuck. Yes let’s just slap Reign in the face by flaunting our –DATE-. God fucking damned it. Gir… oh yeah social.
She missed a blink and might have been a bit slow off the mark but still Reign quickly got her initial reaction under control and found a smile and offered this Diane her hand. Maybe not her best smile ever but it managed polite.
“Oh probably. I’m sure we’ve seen each other as I was headed back into town. Nice to meet you. So, you work at the clinic? Have you been doing that long?”
Exactly how long –had- Bastian been looking to replace her? What the fuck. Reign bit the inside of her cheek, something she often did to try and refocus. And it was refocus or make a scene. She was going to give the two of them a second to explain before she went with the scene.
Diane
15 years ago
Diane reached across the table and accepted Reigns hand with her own firm and friendly shake. She had to be careful not to retract it back too fast after Reign's comment.
Cute. Real cute, dirty bitch. Was it possible to shift into a wolf twice in one night? At the rate this had started Diane hoped so, it would feel nice to crush a hand or two between her teeth. See how well she'd play pool with mangled and scarred extremities.
"Not nice!" she chided herself inwardly. She could picture telling Bastian that she'd ate his ex, and not in a dirty way. It wouldn't go over well.
"Well, I moved here almost two years ago but didn't start right away, so maybe eighteen months? I think that's right, thankfully Bastian is an excellent educator and I catch on quick."
She shrugged sweetly, making a point of using the word IS rather than WAS.
Cute. Real cute, dirty bitch. Was it possible to shift into a wolf twice in one night? At the rate this had started Diane hoped so, it would feel nice to crush a hand or two between her teeth. See how well she'd play pool with mangled and scarred extremities.
"Not nice!" she chided herself inwardly. She could picture telling Bastian that she'd ate his ex, and not in a dirty way. It wouldn't go over well.
"Well, I moved here almost two years ago but didn't start right away, so maybe eighteen months? I think that's right, thankfully Bastian is an excellent educator and I catch on quick."
She shrugged sweetly, making a point of using the word IS rather than WAS.
Bastian
15 years ago
So alright, this wasn't the smartest move he'd ever made, but really, in a situation like this he was probably damned if he did, and damned if he hadn't. For now he had no choice but to try and make the best of it all until they could simply part ways amicably.
"I spoke to you about hiring Diane I'm sure...you know how much I needed the help." He looked at Reign first, trying to gage her mood, but not succeeding very well. Used to be he could read her pretty well, but not so much any longer. Was it because his focus had shifted to Diane? Was it normal that a man could only really concern himself with the moods and emotions of one woman at a time? Made sense now that he considered it, but it really was all new to him, so he couldn't be sure.
"She belongs to my pack, and she has a young son to support. She had the general skills and knowledge I required, so it seemed a natural move that she come to work for me."
He wasn't altogether sure why he felt it necessary that Reign know the full story, but he gave it anyway. He had nothing to hide. He really hadn't looked twice at Diane until things with Reign ended. But he couldn't believe Reign had any issues with Diane or his relationship with her anyway. Reign had seemed quite happy to end things, and from what Bastian had seen, she just about forced the issue herself.
He wondered how 'her' wolf was doing...
"She's really good with animals...best move I could have made."
And that, was that, as they said. Any other information Reign was interested in she would need to ask about outright.
"How did the tour go...you did go, right?"
As best as he could recall, she had been setting one up around the time of their break. When they'd been together he had followed her every move, but lately he'd lost track. Vampires, and pretty wereladies had taken over his free time. He could have told her that too, and as a result his concern with the other wolf had also diminished, but he didn't. He really didn't care to talk about that one.
Feeling Diane's hand on his knee, he covered it with his own hand, giving it a squeeze. Awkward situation? Yes it was, but she gave an admirable outward appearance of handling it nicely.
"I spoke to you about hiring Diane I'm sure...you know how much I needed the help." He looked at Reign first, trying to gage her mood, but not succeeding very well. Used to be he could read her pretty well, but not so much any longer. Was it because his focus had shifted to Diane? Was it normal that a man could only really concern himself with the moods and emotions of one woman at a time? Made sense now that he considered it, but it really was all new to him, so he couldn't be sure.
"She belongs to my pack, and she has a young son to support. She had the general skills and knowledge I required, so it seemed a natural move that she come to work for me."
He wasn't altogether sure why he felt it necessary that Reign know the full story, but he gave it anyway. He had nothing to hide. He really hadn't looked twice at Diane until things with Reign ended. But he couldn't believe Reign had any issues with Diane or his relationship with her anyway. Reign had seemed quite happy to end things, and from what Bastian had seen, she just about forced the issue herself.
He wondered how 'her' wolf was doing...
"She's really good with animals...best move I could have made."
And that, was that, as they said. Any other information Reign was interested in she would need to ask about outright.
"How did the tour go...you did go, right?"
As best as he could recall, she had been setting one up around the time of their break. When they'd been together he had followed her every move, but lately he'd lost track. Vampires, and pretty wereladies had taken over his free time. He could have told her that too, and as a result his concern with the other wolf had also diminished, but he didn't. He really didn't care to talk about that one.
Feeling Diane's hand on his knee, he covered it with his own hand, giving it a squeeze. Awkward situation? Yes it was, but she gave an admirable outward appearance of handling it nicely.
Reign
15 years ago
It took some effort but Reign ignored the slight cattiness Diane tossed at her. She was going to be nice, for now. Besides she had always been slightly possessive of Bas, why would she except another woman not to be. Probably because she hadn't fully given up her claim to him yet, however, that was an issue between she and Bastian. Diane wasn't involved in that.
"Good deal. He can be a good teacher if he doesn't let himself get frustrated."Â?
Reign couldn't help but wonder if Diane had known Bastian was in a relationship when she'd gotten hired on. Even if both of them had been honorable as old get out it had to be convenient to have another woman to turn to right in your own back yard. Literally.
Ah, the pack thing. That probably had something to do with it. Bastian had never let her in on that part of his life. Given her own experiences with her pack she was beginning to understand that until he had let her in, let the pack know her she would only ever know half of him. At least she assumed that would be how it worked. That seemed to be how it worked with her pack.
And a son. Great built in family. She never stood a pray. Reign could only heave a mental sigh and go back to putting up a public front.
"That's probably for the best then. A lot easier to keep schedules coordinated and what not."Â?
She managed a smile.
"It went well enough. Won both of the one's I had set off for and got my invite to nationals. Hence the hair. I have to start out that way in the next few days."Â?
Bas would probably remember that she drove to tournaments so that she could easily take the mutt.
"Just a few more errands before I hit the road."Â?
"Good deal. He can be a good teacher if he doesn't let himself get frustrated."Â?
Reign couldn't help but wonder if Diane had known Bastian was in a relationship when she'd gotten hired on. Even if both of them had been honorable as old get out it had to be convenient to have another woman to turn to right in your own back yard. Literally.
Ah, the pack thing. That probably had something to do with it. Bastian had never let her in on that part of his life. Given her own experiences with her pack she was beginning to understand that until he had let her in, let the pack know her she would only ever know half of him. At least she assumed that would be how it worked. That seemed to be how it worked with her pack.
And a son. Great built in family. She never stood a pray. Reign could only heave a mental sigh and go back to putting up a public front.
"That's probably for the best then. A lot easier to keep schedules coordinated and what not."Â?
She managed a smile.
"It went well enough. Won both of the one's I had set off for and got my invite to nationals. Hence the hair. I have to start out that way in the next few days."Â?
Bas would probably remember that she drove to tournaments so that she could easily take the mutt.
"Just a few more errands before I hit the road."Â?
Bastian
15 years ago
Reign's reference to his getting frustrated wasn't really warranted in his opinion, but he let it go. Remembering when he'd taught her to ride, he thought hard but couldn't come up with one case when he's lost his cool, or become irritated. Then too, he was on the other end of things, and might not be seeing things as clearly as Reign was. He'd bring it up with Diane and get her opinion on their relationship later. He hoped she didn't harbor similar feelings.
"Thats great Reign! I'm happy to hear you're right back where you were before, in the winner's circle. You know I wish you all the best...I won't say luck, because I know it takes a lot more than that. You really have a talent, and skills that I've always known would take you as far as you wanted to go." He smiled at her lovingly, both from habit, and because no matter what had become of them, and what he had now with Diane, Reign would always have a piece of his heart reserved for just her.
He almost offered to watch Sirius for her while she traveled, but stopped himself when he remembered the dog was good company as well as protection for her. No matter how strong she claimed to be, and how far apart they were emotionally, Bastian would always consider her human limitations a frailty that made her more vulnerable, and he would always care about her happiness. What he wouldn't do was comment on it, or let it affect his life, or the relationship they now had as friends.
"How long will you be gone...and do you..." He shook his head and didn't finish his thought. He was about to offer to check her place while she was gone, but she'd made other arrangements during her last tour, and he was sure she had all that arranged just as well this time.
"Well...knock em dead." He gave her his best wishes, and squeezed Diane's hand again, finding comfort in her nearness. The meeting with Reign seemed to be going well, but also signified to Bastian just how 'over' they really were. He realized just how much of a coward he was when he came to terms with how much he would have dreaded this without Diane along.
"Thats great Reign! I'm happy to hear you're right back where you were before, in the winner's circle. You know I wish you all the best...I won't say luck, because I know it takes a lot more than that. You really have a talent, and skills that I've always known would take you as far as you wanted to go." He smiled at her lovingly, both from habit, and because no matter what had become of them, and what he had now with Diane, Reign would always have a piece of his heart reserved for just her.
He almost offered to watch Sirius for her while she traveled, but stopped himself when he remembered the dog was good company as well as protection for her. No matter how strong she claimed to be, and how far apart they were emotionally, Bastian would always consider her human limitations a frailty that made her more vulnerable, and he would always care about her happiness. What he wouldn't do was comment on it, or let it affect his life, or the relationship they now had as friends.
"How long will you be gone...and do you..." He shook his head and didn't finish his thought. He was about to offer to check her place while she was gone, but she'd made other arrangements during her last tour, and he was sure she had all that arranged just as well this time.
"Well...knock em dead." He gave her his best wishes, and squeezed Diane's hand again, finding comfort in her nearness. The meeting with Reign seemed to be going well, but also signified to Bastian just how 'over' they really were. He realized just how much of a coward he was when he came to terms with how much he would have dreaded this without Diane along.
Diane
15 years ago
Diane kept a relaxed smile on her face as Reign and Bastian conversed unsure of what to say. Rather than sound lame by making insincere comments, she chose the quiet and polite route. Besides this was their first run in with each other and she didn't have much of a place to say anything. She felt better being the moral support and when Bastian gave her hand another squeeze her smile grew.
When Reign mentioned leaving town, Diane did a small mental dance. Possibly Reign would find how much she loved some other city and decide to stay there. That would end little run ins like these for sure.
That wasn't nice of Diane to wish for but she would be lying if she said Reign's presence didn't shake her a bit. They had a long history together and who knows what magic words it would take for them to be star-crossed lovers once again.
Stopping herself before the run down negative street got out of hand Diane lifted the mug of hot chocolate to her lips to check if it had cooled down for a distraction.
When Reign mentioned leaving town, Diane did a small mental dance. Possibly Reign would find how much she loved some other city and decide to stay there. That would end little run ins like these for sure.
That wasn't nice of Diane to wish for but she would be lying if she said Reign's presence didn't shake her a bit. They had a long history together and who knows what magic words it would take for them to be star-crossed lovers once again.
Stopping herself before the run down negative street got out of hand Diane lifted the mug of hot chocolate to her lips to check if it had cooled down for a distraction.
Reign
15 years ago
Hrmph the ninny couldn’t even be bothered to speak to her. Reign couldn’t decide if the woman was a snob or stupid. What was she going to do sit there and smile all night. Is that what he wanted? Part of her wanted to rage at him, and her as well, and part of her wanted to just cry. Why the hell had Bas invited her over to this table? To flaunt his new lover? To rub it in her face that she was still alone?
Reign counted to ten, not noticing how viciously she was jabbing at the ice cubes in her coke, before responding. She managed a half a laugh and was quite pleased with herself.
“I’m starting to have to fight to stay on top. The odds makers are giving that number two bitch the edge. They think I’ve gotten soft being off the circuit so long.”
She hadn’t quite adjusted to that idea either. Of course, that just brought out a nasty cold competitive streak in her so Reign didn’t really mind. Some times, it was fun to be the underdog and take people down a notch or two.
What the hell?! Was she being dismissed? He was trying to get rid of her. Nope, nothing doing she was going to out last him in this twisted little game of his.
“I’ll be gone about three weeks with the drive and the pre stuff and the games themselves.”
See she could be the bigger person here, she was going to prove it.
“If you’re in town maybe you’d be willing to swing by and make sure the place hasn’t burned to the ground?”
Reign counted to ten, not noticing how viciously she was jabbing at the ice cubes in her coke, before responding. She managed a half a laugh and was quite pleased with herself.
“I’m starting to have to fight to stay on top. The odds makers are giving that number two bitch the edge. They think I’ve gotten soft being off the circuit so long.”
She hadn’t quite adjusted to that idea either. Of course, that just brought out a nasty cold competitive streak in her so Reign didn’t really mind. Some times, it was fun to be the underdog and take people down a notch or two.
What the hell?! Was she being dismissed? He was trying to get rid of her. Nope, nothing doing she was going to out last him in this twisted little game of his.
“I’ll be gone about three weeks with the drive and the pre stuff and the games themselves.”
See she could be the bigger person here, she was going to prove it.
“If you’re in town maybe you’d be willing to swing by and make sure the place hasn’t burned to the ground?”
Bastian
15 years ago
It wasn't like he expected the two women at the table to ever become fast friends, but he seriously had thought they could get along. Though he wasn't really seeing any animosity between them, and could have been totally mistaken, he thought he sensed some tension in the air. Of course the way she was demolishing the ice in her glass seemed to support his gut feelings.
But none of it made any sense to Bastian.
Reign had done everything in her power to let him know she had no further interest in staying with him, and building a future together. Even before they formally ended it, she went out of her way to show him just how she didn't agree with the way he wanted to live life, and fought him about it on several levels. Hadn't they agreed that to retain any semblance of friendship, it was right to end it then? They had just changed too much, grown to far apart, and into roles that no longer complimented the other. Apart he knew they were good people, together they were becoming something ugly.
He wasn't clean of any wrong doing, and accepted his faults, as well as partial responsibility in the destruction of their relationship, but he wasn't going to take it all on, one hundred percent.
Considering all these points, that he had already mulled over several times before and since they'd parted ways, Bastian was seeing Reign in a different light, and it just added to his feelings that they were no longer suited. But that still didn't mean he wished her anything but happiness.
Her request surprised him on several levels, and while he agreed, he had to preface his acceptance.
"Sure, I'd be happy to drive by and look in...but I have to say I'm surprised that you'd ask. Especially after the last time I checked on your place, and what became of what I found. Are you sure you wouldn't feel better having your friend keep an eye on things, he probably will anyway?"
There was no point in saying his name, there was no way she wouldn't know who he was talking about. If asked, he would have had to admit it also surprised Bastian to not see the Kadzait with her, or hear her speak of him. He completely expected them to take up together once he had moved out of the picture.
But none of it made any sense to Bastian.
Reign had done everything in her power to let him know she had no further interest in staying with him, and building a future together. Even before they formally ended it, she went out of her way to show him just how she didn't agree with the way he wanted to live life, and fought him about it on several levels. Hadn't they agreed that to retain any semblance of friendship, it was right to end it then? They had just changed too much, grown to far apart, and into roles that no longer complimented the other. Apart he knew they were good people, together they were becoming something ugly.
He wasn't clean of any wrong doing, and accepted his faults, as well as partial responsibility in the destruction of their relationship, but he wasn't going to take it all on, one hundred percent.
Considering all these points, that he had already mulled over several times before and since they'd parted ways, Bastian was seeing Reign in a different light, and it just added to his feelings that they were no longer suited. But that still didn't mean he wished her anything but happiness.
Her request surprised him on several levels, and while he agreed, he had to preface his acceptance.
"Sure, I'd be happy to drive by and look in...but I have to say I'm surprised that you'd ask. Especially after the last time I checked on your place, and what became of what I found. Are you sure you wouldn't feel better having your friend keep an eye on things, he probably will anyway?"
There was no point in saying his name, there was no way she wouldn't know who he was talking about. If asked, he would have had to admit it also surprised Bastian to not see the Kadzait with her, or hear her speak of him. He completely expected them to take up together once he had moved out of the picture.
Diane
15 years ago
It wasn't Reign's askance to keep watch over her house that cuased Diane to pause, it was Bastian's response. Did he not see the way Reign was sacrificing her ice cubes to the drink gods? If she had an ice pick in her hand instead of the straw, Diane would have been concerned for their well being.
With a quickly shifted gaze in Bastian's direction, Diane felt the supremely delicate balance of things left unsaid wobble. Maybe this was a good time to take a bathroom break? Would that work without looking completely obvious?
She was seated on the inside of the booth which ultimately forced her to stay still even though the alarm bells were ringing in her head. This could go badly but Diane hoped not. Quickly she thought of something to offer that might be a distraction and of use.
"We could arrange for people to stop by and make it look occupied if that works better for you?" Diane suggested, trying her best to use her ability to come off as sweet and neighborly (regardless of them actually being neighbors).
With a quickly shifted gaze in Bastian's direction, Diane felt the supremely delicate balance of things left unsaid wobble. Maybe this was a good time to take a bathroom break? Would that work without looking completely obvious?
She was seated on the inside of the booth which ultimately forced her to stay still even though the alarm bells were ringing in her head. This could go badly but Diane hoped not. Quickly she thought of something to offer that might be a distraction and of use.
"We could arrange for people to stop by and make it look occupied if that works better for you?" Diane suggested, trying her best to use her ability to come off as sweet and neighborly (regardless of them actually being neighbors).
Reign
15 years ago
Reign’s eyes flashed a warning at Bastian from behind her glasses. Is that what he thought? Is that what he –really- thought? Is that why he’d hooked up with this other woman so fast/ Reign was just astounded he’d have such a low opinion of her. God all that time and he knew nothing about her.
“I don’t expect any one to house sit just take a look if you happen to be in the neighborhood.”
Diane’s suddenly piping up kept her from saying more. Which was just as well, if she thought about what Bastian was implying she would have gotten hostile. She was the one who’d been replaced her. He had –no- right to get like that. No right to imply she’d done something less than honorable.
It was an odd thing, Reign knew she wanted to be snide and rather rude to her replacement right then. Presumptuous wench. But she couldn’t manage it.
“No, thanks though. I could do that too and I’ve never liked the idea of strangers running around in my place.”
“I don’t expect any one to house sit just take a look if you happen to be in the neighborhood.”
Diane’s suddenly piping up kept her from saying more. Which was just as well, if she thought about what Bastian was implying she would have gotten hostile. She was the one who’d been replaced her. He had –no- right to get like that. No right to imply she’d done something less than honorable.
It was an odd thing, Reign knew she wanted to be snide and rather rude to her replacement right then. Presumptuous wench. But she couldn’t manage it.
“No, thanks though. I could do that too and I’ve never liked the idea of strangers running around in my place.”
Bastian
15 years ago
Somehow his attempt at leaving the past behind, and making an attempt to move on, yet still remain friends, and even try to get Diane and Reign acquainted, had failed miserably.
He really didn't want to check on Reign's house, except he felt he owed her that, especially if they were to remain friends...friends did that, right? But he was still very irritated at that whole escapade with the other werewolf, and really believed it would have been more appropriate if Reign had asked him, instead of Bastian. Plus, he doubted agreeing to do Reign a favor, when Diane herself knew the details of their breakup would make much sense. He hoped she didn't jump to too many conclusions before he had time to explain.
He was getting a headache. The meeting was a disaster. What would be an appropriate amount of time before they could say their goodbyes and head for home...
"I'll do that." He said, almost absent-mindfully, patting Diane's thigh under the table.
"But I'm afraid we're going to have to call it a night. Diane and I just stopped her on the way home for coffee..."
He certainly couldn't go into further details of what they had been up to earlier, and right now all he really wanted to do was call it a night. Of course Diane was still staying over, and he did want to clarify some things with her, but he felt like so far he'd been on the verge of game playing with Reign, and he just didn't have it in him to proceed along those lines.
"What do you think?" He asked Diane, assuming she'd be right behind that idea.
"And I will gladly check your place when I go into town. I hope you do great, Reign, seriously. Knock em dead."
And then there wasn't anything else to say...was there?
He really didn't want to check on Reign's house, except he felt he owed her that, especially if they were to remain friends...friends did that, right? But he was still very irritated at that whole escapade with the other werewolf, and really believed it would have been more appropriate if Reign had asked him, instead of Bastian. Plus, he doubted agreeing to do Reign a favor, when Diane herself knew the details of their breakup would make much sense. He hoped she didn't jump to too many conclusions before he had time to explain.
He was getting a headache. The meeting was a disaster. What would be an appropriate amount of time before they could say their goodbyes and head for home...
"I'll do that." He said, almost absent-mindfully, patting Diane's thigh under the table.
"But I'm afraid we're going to have to call it a night. Diane and I just stopped her on the way home for coffee..."
He certainly couldn't go into further details of what they had been up to earlier, and right now all he really wanted to do was call it a night. Of course Diane was still staying over, and he did want to clarify some things with her, but he felt like so far he'd been on the verge of game playing with Reign, and he just didn't have it in him to proceed along those lines.
"What do you think?" He asked Diane, assuming she'd be right behind that idea.
"And I will gladly check your place when I go into town. I hope you do great, Reign, seriously. Knock em dead."
And then there wasn't anything else to say...was there?
Diane
15 years ago
Public disaster adverted for the moment Diane was slightly relieved when Bastian mentioned heading out. She also found this to be a great time to give them a few minutes alone.
"It has been a long evening for sure. Why don't I run across the street and grab my car? It won't take but a few minutes and it'll be all toasty for you when I pull up."
Diane sat forward and readied herself to slide out once Bastian gave her the room.
"It was nice to meet you Reign. I hope you do well in your tournament." There wasn't a bit of sarcasam or malice in her words and she meant what she said.
The last thing she wanted to do was walk away and leave the two of them alone but she knew it wasn't a good idea for them to depart on edge. Besides there was no doubt things they wanted to say to each other that was better said when she was out of earshot. Which for her, was slightly farther away than your average person.
Hopefully when she'd come back there would be no bloodshed on the diner's glass windows, or worse yet, no tender moments to witness.
"It has been a long evening for sure. Why don't I run across the street and grab my car? It won't take but a few minutes and it'll be all toasty for you when I pull up."
Diane sat forward and readied herself to slide out once Bastian gave her the room.
"It was nice to meet you Reign. I hope you do well in your tournament." There wasn't a bit of sarcasam or malice in her words and she meant what she said.
The last thing she wanted to do was walk away and leave the two of them alone but she knew it wasn't a good idea for them to depart on edge. Besides there was no doubt things they wanted to say to each other that was better said when she was out of earshot. Which for her, was slightly farther away than your average person.
Hopefully when she'd come back there would be no bloodshed on the diner's glass windows, or worse yet, no tender moments to witness.
Reign
15 years ago
Reign heaved a huge mental sigh. There was just no way to make this work. Something wasn’t right. It was probably the other woman but she could hardly say that with the culprit standing right there. Maybe she hadn’t let go quite as well as she thought. At least they were still speaking, sort of, mostly, kind of, if you could call his hasty retreat speaking.
His well wishes sounded nearly sincere, but hallow as well. Maybe she was waiting for one more word. Just one. Cara. That’s all she wanted and she’d die if he used that endearment for her replacement in her hearing. Well die or kill some one, she’d decide if it happened.
Hmmm the replacement was leaving. Reign smiled at her as she excused herself.
“Thanks. It was nice meeting you.”
OK so ‘nice’ wasn’t the word she wanted but it was the polite thing to say and Diane hadn’t done anything to let Reign get away with being overtly hostile.
With Diane gone she just looked at Bastian. God she was torn between wanting to shout at him, to let loose with all she’d held back and wanting to touch him. So she did the sensible thing, nothing.
His well wishes sounded nearly sincere, but hallow as well. Maybe she was waiting for one more word. Just one. Cara. That’s all she wanted and she’d die if he used that endearment for her replacement in her hearing. Well die or kill some one, she’d decide if it happened.
Hmmm the replacement was leaving. Reign smiled at her as she excused herself.
“Thanks. It was nice meeting you.”
OK so ‘nice’ wasn’t the word she wanted but it was the polite thing to say and Diane hadn’t done anything to let Reign get away with being overtly hostile.
With Diane gone she just looked at Bastian. God she was torn between wanting to shout at him, to let loose with all she’d held back and wanting to touch him. So she did the sensible thing, nothing.
Bastian
15 years ago
At first Bastian almost flew into a panic when Diane suggested leaving. Then he looked across the table at the woman he'd shared so much of his life with. His first true love...the first woman who showed him he could be loved for himself, and not his money...the first person who showed Bastian what a real family was...why on earth would it panic him to be alone with her?
Moving off the seat, Bastian let Diane out of the booth, and leaned in to kiss her temple.
"Grazie, Bella, I'll be there soon."
Taking back his seat once she'd left the diner, Bastian looked at Reign again.
"Thank you. I'm sure that wasn't easy on either of you, and I'll admit I've had better meeting myself, but I'm grateful to you both for your ability to weather such circumstances with the beauty and grace I've always found admiring.
I know my desires have no place in your life now, but I'm hoping in the long run you'll agree that what we've shared over all these years is worth protecting? I will always love you Reign. I've never understood how people could truly love one another one minute, and later find nothing but hatred for them...you're still you, and you still have all the things I fell in love with...its the places in our lives where we're at that have changed. Things that weren't important to me before, are now. What I want out of life is what's changed, and to expect you to follow those changes just because I have is where things start to fall apart."
Bastian shook his head slightly, but his eyes remained on Reign.
"No matter where we are now, or where we wind up a year from now, I never want you to forget that I will always love you, and only want you to be happy...no matter if that happiness matches my ideas or not. You deserve to find someone who will share your dreams, and goals. In the mean time, if you ever need anything...anything I can give you, please...put aside that marvelous pride of yours, and just ask."
And while that open invitation might cause a little friction with Diane, Bastian thought she would ultimately see it was something he had to give, and to do less would make him less the man that she now cared about.
Moving off the seat, Bastian let Diane out of the booth, and leaned in to kiss her temple.
"Grazie, Bella, I'll be there soon."
Taking back his seat once she'd left the diner, Bastian looked at Reign again.
"Thank you. I'm sure that wasn't easy on either of you, and I'll admit I've had better meeting myself, but I'm grateful to you both for your ability to weather such circumstances with the beauty and grace I've always found admiring.
I know my desires have no place in your life now, but I'm hoping in the long run you'll agree that what we've shared over all these years is worth protecting? I will always love you Reign. I've never understood how people could truly love one another one minute, and later find nothing but hatred for them...you're still you, and you still have all the things I fell in love with...its the places in our lives where we're at that have changed. Things that weren't important to me before, are now. What I want out of life is what's changed, and to expect you to follow those changes just because I have is where things start to fall apart."
Bastian shook his head slightly, but his eyes remained on Reign.
"No matter where we are now, or where we wind up a year from now, I never want you to forget that I will always love you, and only want you to be happy...no matter if that happiness matches my ideas or not. You deserve to find someone who will share your dreams, and goals. In the mean time, if you ever need anything...anything I can give you, please...put aside that marvelous pride of yours, and just ask."
And while that open invitation might cause a little friction with Diane, Bastian thought she would ultimately see it was something he had to give, and to do less would make him less the man that she now cared about.
Reign
15 years ago
If he still loved her how could he walk out the door with some one else. How could he replace her?! Some of what Bas said made sense and some of it just made her mad. God she was so confused. This was a bad –bad- state of mind to be in with a tournament coming up.
She almost bellowed at him, almost shouted at the top of her lungs, “I know! I know its not who we are its where we are but why the –fuck- wasn’t I worth working it out with!” How could he love her and walk away? How could she love him and not be willing to put it out there. Because she –did- love him and didn’t want to hurt a new relationship.
Fuck. Just fuck. Altruism sucked balls.
“You know there has never been anyone else. Not really, not ever.”
Maybe there would be some day. Or maybe she’d wind up some sad old maid with a dozen cats. Time would tell on that one. She wouldn’t dwell on it. But as it stood, they’d both said more than enough to make the other one think.
She had to get out of there, or he did. One of them had to split before she did something stupid. Reign screwed up a cocky smile and leaned across the table and punched him in the shoulder.
“I’ll think about it. But the same goes for you. You know where to find me if you need me.”
She almost bellowed at him, almost shouted at the top of her lungs, “I know! I know its not who we are its where we are but why the –fuck- wasn’t I worth working it out with!” How could he love her and walk away? How could she love him and not be willing to put it out there. Because she –did- love him and didn’t want to hurt a new relationship.
Fuck. Just fuck. Altruism sucked balls.
“You know there has never been anyone else. Not really, not ever.”
Maybe there would be some day. Or maybe she’d wind up some sad old maid with a dozen cats. Time would tell on that one. She wouldn’t dwell on it. But as it stood, they’d both said more than enough to make the other one think.
She had to get out of there, or he did. One of them had to split before she did something stupid. Reign screwed up a cocky smile and leaned across the table and punched him in the shoulder.
“I’ll think about it. But the same goes for you. You know where to find me if you need me.”
Diane
15 years ago
Diane had made it to car safely with only a few moments of panic. Regular night time noises that usually were comforting gave her a little jump this evening. Understandably so of course. She half expected the vampire to jump out of the shadows somewhere and attack her.
Thankfully, that didn't happen.
Once inside her vehicle she instantly turned the seat warmers on full blast. Nothing was more comfortable than a toasty butt on a cold night. Resisting the urge to tear off across the street to the diner, Diane took her time buckling her seatbelt, starting the car, and finally putting it into gear.
The streets weren't very busy at this time of the night and she had no problem cutting across the lanes to slid up neatly in front of the brightly lit podunk diner. Stealing a glance out her window to look inside, Diane noted there was no blood shed or broken glass. That was a good sign right? Thankful of her heavily tinted window she once again resisted another urge. Remaining in her car she sat idly, catching up on an issue of US Weekly that she had left in the back seat of her car while she waited for Bastian.
Thankfully, that didn't happen.
Once inside her vehicle she instantly turned the seat warmers on full blast. Nothing was more comfortable than a toasty butt on a cold night. Resisting the urge to tear off across the street to the diner, Diane took her time buckling her seatbelt, starting the car, and finally putting it into gear.
The streets weren't very busy at this time of the night and she had no problem cutting across the lanes to slid up neatly in front of the brightly lit podunk diner. Stealing a glance out her window to look inside, Diane noted there was no blood shed or broken glass. That was a good sign right? Thankful of her heavily tinted window she once again resisted another urge. Remaining in her car she sat idly, catching up on an issue of US Weekly that she had left in the back seat of her car while she waited for Bastian.
Bastian
15 years ago
Hearing her tell him she'd never loved anyone else, wasn't really what he wanted to hear, though he suspected. Bastian knew she loved, and probably still did love Vince, but he also knew it had never been like the love the two of them had. Hell, he loved Diane, but even that wasn't like what he and Reign had shared. They were both firsts for the other, and not only grew to understand love together, but had survived so many things that most couples could never dream about, much less expect to get past. They had, and in Bastian's mind they had both come out much stronger for it.
That didn't change things, no matter how much he hoped at one time that it would. That they both reached the decision to go their separate ways, at the same time in their relationship, only convinced him the decision was the right one. The pain they seemed to inflict on each other was something that had to end, and he was glad they both found that out when they did.
He hoped the reasons Reign could no longer be with him, didn't carry over into any future possibilities for her relationships. It didn't seem logical that it would, any more than give him reason not to open himself up to a relationship with Diane. Diane wasn't Reign, but she did have some of the characteristics Bastian had been attracted to in Reign. She was also made up of purely 'Diane' characteristics, and after years of soul searching, they were the things Bastian now knew he wanted in his partner. It didn't make Reign bad, or wrong, or ill-suited, to anyone except for him.
"And now that you have rid yourself of me, you should be able to change that, and truly be happy. There are so many people in the world, and so many who will be able to give you what I couldn't...men who appreciate your iron will, and strength..." Not that Bastian didn't, but not to the extent Reign seemed to need it.
He reached across the table, and took her hand in both of his, caressing it, and smiling as he searched her eyes. She was being most agreeable, and he hoped it was easy for her. After everything, he knew it would tear out his heart if he thought she was having second thoughts.
Bringing her hand to his lips, Bastian brushed her knuckles with his lips, and replaced her hand.
"Good luck, Cara. This isn't the end, just a fork in the road. Take care of yourself, and I'm sure we'll be seeing each other again. We both live in Nachton now, how could we not?"
Standing, Bastian looked out the window to see where Diane was, and when he saw her parked he nodded, unaware if she could see him or not.
With nothing really left to say, he put some money on the table for the waitress, to cover anything and everything that had been ordered, as well as a more than healthy tip. A quick rap of his knuckle on the formica table, he looked at Reign once more, and then left the diner.
"Thank you for waiting, and for giving us those few minutes. I think it went well..."
Looking into the diner, Bastian looked at Diane, and smiled a much bigger smile.
"The seat is warm, but how about we go back to my place where we can warm up more than our natiche?"
That didn't change things, no matter how much he hoped at one time that it would. That they both reached the decision to go their separate ways, at the same time in their relationship, only convinced him the decision was the right one. The pain they seemed to inflict on each other was something that had to end, and he was glad they both found that out when they did.
He hoped the reasons Reign could no longer be with him, didn't carry over into any future possibilities for her relationships. It didn't seem logical that it would, any more than give him reason not to open himself up to a relationship with Diane. Diane wasn't Reign, but she did have some of the characteristics Bastian had been attracted to in Reign. She was also made up of purely 'Diane' characteristics, and after years of soul searching, they were the things Bastian now knew he wanted in his partner. It didn't make Reign bad, or wrong, or ill-suited, to anyone except for him.
"And now that you have rid yourself of me, you should be able to change that, and truly be happy. There are so many people in the world, and so many who will be able to give you what I couldn't...men who appreciate your iron will, and strength..." Not that Bastian didn't, but not to the extent Reign seemed to need it.
He reached across the table, and took her hand in both of his, caressing it, and smiling as he searched her eyes. She was being most agreeable, and he hoped it was easy for her. After everything, he knew it would tear out his heart if he thought she was having second thoughts.
Bringing her hand to his lips, Bastian brushed her knuckles with his lips, and replaced her hand.
"Good luck, Cara. This isn't the end, just a fork in the road. Take care of yourself, and I'm sure we'll be seeing each other again. We both live in Nachton now, how could we not?"
Standing, Bastian looked out the window to see where Diane was, and when he saw her parked he nodded, unaware if she could see him or not.
With nothing really left to say, he put some money on the table for the waitress, to cover anything and everything that had been ordered, as well as a more than healthy tip. A quick rap of his knuckle on the formica table, he looked at Reign once more, and then left the diner.
"Thank you for waiting, and for giving us those few minutes. I think it went well..."
Looking into the diner, Bastian looked at Diane, and smiled a much bigger smile.
"The seat is warm, but how about we go back to my place where we can warm up more than our natiche?"
Reign
15 years ago
Rid herself of him?! Ha! He’d been the one to do the leaving, and the replacing. And yet, right now, right at this very second she didn’t care. It would be great to be someone else right now, some one who could make up their mind to either sock him or tell him it was a mistake to end it. But NOOOOoooooooo she couldn’t do that. What was wrong with her?!
Fork in the road? More like a dead end. Seriously, what else did she have? Who else? No one. No, that wasn’t true she had the pack now. Granted it was a new relationship but she did have them. Of course, that was family and family was always different than a lover. But it was something, something she was going to have to hold on to for all she was worth.
Watching as he lightly kissed her hand Reign refused to get sentimental.
“The city isn’t that big.”
Once he was gone, she slouched forward and beat her head on the table a few times. It was oddly satisfying.
“I am the world’s biggest loser and or idiot.”
At least she wasn’t hungry any more. She was going home where she could make a scene without any one knowing.
Reign slid out of the booth and out of the dinner. Home just sounded really good right now. That was a step in the right direction, she supposed, she wasn’t looking to run away this time. Car found, door slammed she aggressively jammed the wagon into gear and headed out.
((OOC… Reign out))
Fork in the road? More like a dead end. Seriously, what else did she have? Who else? No one. No, that wasn’t true she had the pack now. Granted it was a new relationship but she did have them. Of course, that was family and family was always different than a lover. But it was something, something she was going to have to hold on to for all she was worth.
Watching as he lightly kissed her hand Reign refused to get sentimental.
“The city isn’t that big.”
Once he was gone, she slouched forward and beat her head on the table a few times. It was oddly satisfying.
“I am the world’s biggest loser and or idiot.”
At least she wasn’t hungry any more. She was going home where she could make a scene without any one knowing.
Reign slid out of the booth and out of the dinner. Home just sounded really good right now. That was a step in the right direction, she supposed, she wasn’t looking to run away this time. Car found, door slammed she aggressively jammed the wagon into gear and headed out.
((OOC… Reign out))