She couldn't help but light up when she turned and laid eyes on the shiny Jesse, all washed and polished up. How long would her heart skip a beat like that, whenever he came into the room, she pondered.
"No, there are more steaks, you're safe there."
Taking two more steaks out of the refrigerator, Jillian placed them on a plate next to the other food she'd retrieved, and watched the introductions.
"Oh I still haven't remembered to get those new clothes to him yet. But Drew assured me as long as nothing is paisley, he'd be okay with them. Remind me and I'll get them over to him later?"
How grand it was to be able to joke around with friends like this, Jillian mused. It had been a long time since she had felt this way around anyone but her parents. Her heart warmed to know she was fitting in well, and that those she loved, or liked a lot, were getting along too. It could only get better once everyone got to know each other well. At least that was what she hoped for.
Standing back, Jillian observed the food now sitting on the counter, and considered if it would be enough.
"Anything else?"
Dogsitting
Reign had come by the Den, with Sirius Drew was starting to wonder if she went any where without the dog, with the intention of helping him look at some PhD programs. He still wasn't keen on the idea but he wasn't ruling it out. She seemed to be pushing the idea. Of course that lead to him needling her about what she was doing with her degree and that lead to a fight. The girl did seem to love to argue sometimes.
They'd been in the middle of said argument when she got a call from her manager and had to run. Drew couldn't help but wonder what constituted a pool emergency, but he didn't ask. Promising to only be an hour or two, she asked if she could leave Sirius with him. Drew had been too surprised to say no. He and the dog got on OK though and for a while, they just hung out in his rooms. However, Reign was now almost late and the dog was getting restless. So Drew grabbed and old baseball and took himself and Sirius out to the huge lawn to play fetch. At least it was a good work out for his arm.
Jillian
15 years ago
Reign
15 years ago
“Reign.”
She answered simply accepting his hand; funny how the wolf almost never gave you a clue to the man and visa versa.
“I’m going to be trusting them to do the cooking.”
Reign was starting to feel a bit old in this company, perhaps she should look up the Doc or his date. They seemed more her age. She mentally shook her head trying to clear those thoughts.
“You running around half naked with out me Boy? I’m hurt.”
She was rewarded with a bit of a flustered look that turned into a good-natured grin.
She answered simply accepting his hand; funny how the wolf almost never gave you a clue to the man and visa versa.
“I’m going to be trusting them to do the cooking.”
Reign was starting to feel a bit old in this company, perhaps she should look up the Doc or his date. They seemed more her age. She mentally shook her head trying to clear those thoughts.
“You running around half naked with out me Boy? I’m hurt.”
She was rewarded with a bit of a flustered look that turned into a good-natured grin.
Drew
15 years ago
“Right, steak for the new guy.”
Jillian had that well under control. After taking the bowl and setting it on the counter he wandered off leaving the last fiddly little food things to her while he scrounged up utensils, plates, napkins and something to drink. He could almost hear Reign wanting a beer but she didn’t say anything so they would be skipping that.
“No prob, any time. Well anytime providing I’ve done laundry recently.”
He half laughed at Jillian.
“But I’ve been promised the plaid will bring out my eyes.”
Reign’s quip caught him off guard and his mouth opened and closed a few times before he just grinned and didn’t say anything. That seemed the best tactic.
“Nope I think we’re good just need a way to carry it all.”
Jillian had that well under control. After taking the bowl and setting it on the counter he wandered off leaving the last fiddly little food things to her while he scrounged up utensils, plates, napkins and something to drink. He could almost hear Reign wanting a beer but she didn’t say anything so they would be skipping that.
“No prob, any time. Well anytime providing I’ve done laundry recently.”
He half laughed at Jillian.
“But I’ve been promised the plaid will bring out my eyes.”
Reign’s quip caught him off guard and his mouth opened and closed a few times before he just grinned and didn’t say anything. That seemed the best tactic.
“Nope I think we’re good just need a way to carry it all.”
Jesse
15 years ago
"Any chance there are a few beers in there? Can't think of anything else that would go better with a picnic, can you?"
Jesse knew Jillian wasn't 21, but he also knew she liked wine better, but enjoyed some of the lighter variety of beer as well. He certainly wasn't going to direct her on how to behave one way or the other, knowing full well she had a good head on her shoulders, and trusted her to handle herself. She hadn't ever given him reason to feel otherwise.
He hoped Drew and Reign weren't against alcohol, though if they were, he could survive without a brew.
Seeing Jillian had found some bottles of the amber liquid, Jesse took a couple from her, and put them on the counter.
"Where are we going with all this...back outside on the Long Run?" The early evening weather was still nice enough that they could enjoy the setting sun, and cooling breeze.
Jesse knew Jillian wasn't 21, but he also knew she liked wine better, but enjoyed some of the lighter variety of beer as well. He certainly wasn't going to direct her on how to behave one way or the other, knowing full well she had a good head on her shoulders, and trusted her to handle herself. She hadn't ever given him reason to feel otherwise.
He hoped Drew and Reign weren't against alcohol, though if they were, he could survive without a brew.
Seeing Jillian had found some bottles of the amber liquid, Jesse took a couple from her, and put them on the counter.
"Where are we going with all this...back outside on the Long Run?" The early evening weather was still nice enough that they could enjoy the setting sun, and cooling breeze.
Jillian
15 years ago
Head still buried in the fridge, Jillian turned sharply to Drew as Reign spoke of his 'running around half naked', and without her yet. Jillian was sure there was a joke there, but couldn't help giving Drew a look that indicated she understood the relationship must be a bit further along than just one of friends. It wasn't Jillian's business, but that didn't stop her from being curious. Now wasn't the time to question her friend though, and she was glad to have the distraction of looking for beer now.
"That does sound good, and yep, you're in luck once again. What about you two? How many of these should we take?"
Jillian didn't recognize the brand of beer, but assumed because it was lighter in color, it should be something she would like. There were a few bottles of a darker beer toward the back, but her limited experience reminded her she would probably find that a little on the bitter side.
"That does sound good, and yep, you're in luck once again. What about you two? How many of these should we take?"
Jillian didn't recognize the brand of beer, but assumed because it was lighter in color, it should be something she would like. There were a few bottles of a darker beer toward the back, but her limited experience reminded her she would probably find that a little on the bitter side.
Reign
15 years ago
“Finally some one who speaks my language.”
Reign quipped. Although, from the look of the bottles they’d turned up it was a dialect she didn’t often speak. Too light, too mass produced, how sad. Still any port in a storm.
“Mind I still have to drive home.” She cast a significant look at Drew. “So just one for me. He’s on his own.”
Sirius stood and circled a bit indicating he was restless. Reign muttered something in Latin at him, he whined a bit but sat back down.
Reign quipped. Although, from the look of the bottles they’d turned up it was a dialect she didn’t often speak. Too light, too mass produced, how sad. Still any port in a storm.
“Mind I still have to drive home.” She cast a significant look at Drew. “So just one for me. He’s on his own.”
Sirius stood and circled a bit indicating he was restless. Reign muttered something in Latin at him, he whined a bit but sat back down.
Drew
15 years ago
He just wiggled his eyebrows at Jillian who was doing her best not to ask about Reign’s little comment.
Drew could be totally oblivious to some things but he could also be scarily observant. Now he was getting the feeling that both Reign and the mutt were anxious to get out and about again. Fortunately, he found a big plastic tub and just piled everything inside, it was easy enough to carry.
“Grab a few, the dark ones are probably better. What we don’t drink we can bring back.”
Getting a look at the labels Drew winced.
“Yeah I really have got to find out if some one would shoot me if I started brewing her. We could do –so- much better.”
Maybe Reign would lend him her place, that might be better. They’d talk.
“Where ever is good with me. Lead on MacDuff.”
Drew could be totally oblivious to some things but he could also be scarily observant. Now he was getting the feeling that both Reign and the mutt were anxious to get out and about again. Fortunately, he found a big plastic tub and just piled everything inside, it was easy enough to carry.
“Grab a few, the dark ones are probably better. What we don’t drink we can bring back.”
Getting a look at the labels Drew winced.
“Yeah I really have got to find out if some one would shoot me if I started brewing her. We could do –so- much better.”
Maybe Reign would lend him her place, that might be better. They’d talk.
“Where ever is good with me. Lead on MacDuff.”
Jesse
15 years ago
The lack of enthusiasm about the beer had Jesse wondering if Drew and Reign had something against beer, but then dismissed that idea when they both agreed to the bottles as well. Jesse did catch the look Drew made, and guessed perhaps the beer wasn't the best around, but with the swill Jesse had drunk out on the streets, he knew it had to be an improvement for him.
"It's your business of course, but spending the night around here seems to be a welcome event. I'd say not to worry if the beer gets to you. They seem to have an endless number of guest rooms."
Jesse winked at Jillian, thankful he had been relegated to one of those rooms, and through that feeling of luck saw no reason not to be the one extending hospitality now. Not that he would approach anyone off the street and offer them a home, nor would he suppose to offer anyone a permanent residence either. He still wasn't overly fond of people in general, even if he had recently met a few he was learning to trust. But he did believe in returning favors whenever possible.
Finding a basket, Jesse took what Drew hadn't, and piled it in. No reason the girl's should have to lug the food outside, when they would probably be the one's fixing it once they all got out there. Jesse grinned, and winked at Jillian again, then turned and carried his bounty out of the kitchen.
"Last one outside gets to sit by me."
And where did that come from now? Shaking his head, Jesse didn't give the comment any more thought than that.
"It's your business of course, but spending the night around here seems to be a welcome event. I'd say not to worry if the beer gets to you. They seem to have an endless number of guest rooms."
Jesse winked at Jillian, thankful he had been relegated to one of those rooms, and through that feeling of luck saw no reason not to be the one extending hospitality now. Not that he would approach anyone off the street and offer them a home, nor would he suppose to offer anyone a permanent residence either. He still wasn't overly fond of people in general, even if he had recently met a few he was learning to trust. But he did believe in returning favors whenever possible.
Finding a basket, Jesse took what Drew hadn't, and piled it in. No reason the girl's should have to lug the food outside, when they would probably be the one's fixing it once they all got out there. Jesse grinned, and winked at Jillian again, then turned and carried his bounty out of the kitchen.
"Last one outside gets to sit by me."
And where did that come from now? Shaking his head, Jesse didn't give the comment any more thought than that.
Jillian
15 years ago
Tucking a few things into the tub Drew carried, and adding a few more things to the basket Jesse held, Jillian threw up her hands, and smiled at Reign.
"Looks like we're just along for the pleasure." As Jillian giggled, an idea popped into her head, and she left the kitchen.
"Be right out, you all go on ahead."
Knowing the grass outside would be soft enough to sit on, Jillian decided a big blanket would still add a little bit of atmosphere to the event. Sitting on the lawn was fine, and of course something she did all the time, but a blanket would add a nice touch of coziness to the seating. Once she dug one up from the large linen closet, she found herself outside hunting down her group.
"Hang on a sec, let's put this down first, okay?"
"Looks like we're just along for the pleasure." As Jillian giggled, an idea popped into her head, and she left the kitchen.
"Be right out, you all go on ahead."
Knowing the grass outside would be soft enough to sit on, Jillian decided a big blanket would still add a little bit of atmosphere to the event. Sitting on the lawn was fine, and of course something she did all the time, but a blanket would add a nice touch of coziness to the seating. Once she dug one up from the large linen closet, she found herself outside hunting down her group.
"Hang on a sec, let's put this down first, okay?"
Reign
15 years ago
“Shall we ask the boy how he holds his liquor? He might not be able to –find- his rooms.”
Reign couldn’t help but tease him, it was natural. She felt a level of comfort and familiarity with Drew than she hadn’t felt with anyone other than Bas since arriving in Nachton, and it hadn’t lasted with Bas. Aishe came close, Reign was surprised she’d been able to open up to her neighbor and her relationship with Pakpao was growing, stabilizing. Still Drew was… well Drew.
She also couldn’t help but laugh as Jillian came up with some reason or another to make herself last one out. That action spoke of a girl with a crush of some sort. Nothing wrong with that, hell it was healthy.
She and the mutt found what looked like a good spot half commandeering one of the more rustic gazebos with a rock wall. It would give them options of a place other than the ground to sit and shade if they wanted it and the wall would also serve as something to lean on and hold the food.
Without a word she helped Jillian spread out the blanket then flopped on it, her half reclined sprawl quickly turned to a full on flat on her back. She closed her eyes enjoying the feel of the sun on her face. Cracking one eye open she caught Sirius sniffing at Jesse.
“He’s friendly and I think someone has a ball around here and I probably have a Frisbee in the car.”
Reign couldn’t help but tease him, it was natural. She felt a level of comfort and familiarity with Drew than she hadn’t felt with anyone other than Bas since arriving in Nachton, and it hadn’t lasted with Bas. Aishe came close, Reign was surprised she’d been able to open up to her neighbor and her relationship with Pakpao was growing, stabilizing. Still Drew was… well Drew.
She also couldn’t help but laugh as Jillian came up with some reason or another to make herself last one out. That action spoke of a girl with a crush of some sort. Nothing wrong with that, hell it was healthy.
She and the mutt found what looked like a good spot half commandeering one of the more rustic gazebos with a rock wall. It would give them options of a place other than the ground to sit and shade if they wanted it and the wall would also serve as something to lean on and hold the food.
Without a word she helped Jillian spread out the blanket then flopped on it, her half reclined sprawl quickly turned to a full on flat on her back. She closed her eyes enjoying the feel of the sun on her face. Cracking one eye open she caught Sirius sniffing at Jesse.
“He’s friendly and I think someone has a ball around here and I probably have a Frisbee in the car.”
Drew
15 years ago
It was hard not to catch the dig and if his hands hadn't been full, he would have tossed something at her.
"Ummmm pot, kettle."Â?
And that was the end of that little discussion.
As Reign made herself comfortable and relaxed, he nudged at her a bit with his foot.
"Come on little help."Â?
He had a tone of questions for Jesse, especially because, if he guessed right, Jillian was falling for the boy or at least thinking about it. still he didn't want to come off as rude or -look- like he was interrogating one of the newer arrivals.
"So, Jesse, where did you come in from? I mean I don't think I'd run into you before Jillian came pounding on my door."Â?
"Ummmm pot, kettle."Â?
And that was the end of that little discussion.
As Reign made herself comfortable and relaxed, he nudged at her a bit with his foot.
"Come on little help."Â?
He had a tone of questions for Jesse, especially because, if he guessed right, Jillian was falling for the boy or at least thinking about it. still he didn't want to come off as rude or -look- like he was interrogating one of the newer arrivals.
"So, Jesse, where did you come in from? I mean I don't think I'd run into you before Jillian came pounding on my door."Â?
Jesse
15 years ago
So where was Jillian? Had she needed help in bringing things outside, or was she purposely arranging to be the last to arrive. Why had he said something so lame?
Before Jesse could decide to go look for her, Jillian arrived, and thankfully had a blanket in her arms. Not that he cared at all about sitting on anything but the ground, but it showed she wasn't arriving late to the little group just to get the opportunity to sit with him.
And why did THAT now bother him? Jesse chuckled to himself, and watched the two girls spread out the blanket. Catching Jillian's eye, Jesse just grinned.
"He's a very well behaved animal." He answered when Reign sort of introduced the dog, patting the friendly head.
Distracted from locating the ball, Jesse then turned his head toward the questions he assumed were going to be part of the picnic, and though he wasn't fond of those kinds of things, knew manners dictated a cordial response. Having Jillian within arms reach gave him a sense of security he was only recently coming to find as comforting.
"I'm from New York originally. My pack sort of died out, and as a promise to my grandparents, I came to Nachton. My grandfather was big on tradition, and felt I owed some duty to Xeph - not that I felt otherwise."
Unbeknown to Drew, he had drawn out one of the longer bits of information about the young man, than others ever could have hoped to. That Jesse was sitting down in the middle of the grassy area with three other people was in itself pretty amazing. Jillian was the one to thank for that, Jesse admitted easily.
Opening the beers, Jesse handed one to Jillian, then Reign, and Drew. Lastly he opened a bottle and took a huge swig himself, before resting back on his elbows, watching Jillian busy herself.
The night held promise.
Before Jesse could decide to go look for her, Jillian arrived, and thankfully had a blanket in her arms. Not that he cared at all about sitting on anything but the ground, but it showed she wasn't arriving late to the little group just to get the opportunity to sit with him.
And why did THAT now bother him? Jesse chuckled to himself, and watched the two girls spread out the blanket. Catching Jillian's eye, Jesse just grinned.
"He's a very well behaved animal." He answered when Reign sort of introduced the dog, patting the friendly head.
Distracted from locating the ball, Jesse then turned his head toward the questions he assumed were going to be part of the picnic, and though he wasn't fond of those kinds of things, knew manners dictated a cordial response. Having Jillian within arms reach gave him a sense of security he was only recently coming to find as comforting.
"I'm from New York originally. My pack sort of died out, and as a promise to my grandparents, I came to Nachton. My grandfather was big on tradition, and felt I owed some duty to Xeph - not that I felt otherwise."
Unbeknown to Drew, he had drawn out one of the longer bits of information about the young man, than others ever could have hoped to. That Jesse was sitting down in the middle of the grassy area with three other people was in itself pretty amazing. Jillian was the one to thank for that, Jesse admitted easily.
Opening the beers, Jesse handed one to Jillian, then Reign, and Drew. Lastly he opened a bottle and took a huge swig himself, before resting back on his elbows, watching Jillian busy herself.
The night held promise.
Jillian
15 years ago
The easy banter between Drew and Reign made Jillian's heart smile. Handing the blanket to Reign, they had it quickly laid out and were soon getting the food ready. How nice it was, Jillian thought, to have friends like these to spend time with. They all seemed to have their own little jobs to do, and did them effortlessly, in tune with each other, readying the meal.
"His description of his arrival is just a teeny bit bony. What he neglected to tell you was how he actually arrived in Nachton days earlier, but insisted on checking us all out before coming forward. The man is used to living on his own, and by his wits...I doubt there is anything he does off the cuff, without thoroughly investigating it first."
Jillian hoped her comment didn't sound snide. She was very proud of Jesse and his accomplishments. More than anything she wanted Drew to recognize that the man wasn't a child, but was smart, and level headed.
The look she gave Jesse was one that she knew would brook no misunderstanding. The two of them had spoken long of his arrival, and her discovery of him. There was little, actually, that the two of them hadn't talked about, and both knew the others feelings on every subject they'd broached. Never before had Jillian met anyone she could talk to at such depth...and Jesse had confessed the same to her.
Taking one steak out of the cooler, and placing it on a plate, Jillian held a spoon over one salad, asking Jesse for his preference with her eyes. That the meat was completely raw was never a concern. Jesse ate raw meat nearly every day, usually as a kill in the forest. Though she preferred a little cooking, and was planning on the cold chicken, even Jillian was getting more used to raw meat, partially out of necessity.
She assumed Drew was going the 'tar-tare' route as well. Reign, perhaps would join her in the cold chicken.
By this time Jillian had decided Reign was Illamar, though that really changed nothing. While Jillian almost always hung out with her pack, outside of school anyway, she liked Illamar almost as much as those of her pack. She had just never really known anyone to the extent she had known those of her pack. The opportunity had never presented itself, but she had nothing at all against taking the one that was now before her.
When she had finished a plate for Jesse, and herself, leaving Reign to deal with Drew, Jillian dug in. She was hungry, and made no bones about it, or how much she loved food.
"MMMMMMMMM, this is so good,"
Her fervor was difficult to hide, and realizing such, Jillian giggled, and blushed just a bit, glancing to each of her dinner partners.
"His description of his arrival is just a teeny bit bony. What he neglected to tell you was how he actually arrived in Nachton days earlier, but insisted on checking us all out before coming forward. The man is used to living on his own, and by his wits...I doubt there is anything he does off the cuff, without thoroughly investigating it first."
Jillian hoped her comment didn't sound snide. She was very proud of Jesse and his accomplishments. More than anything she wanted Drew to recognize that the man wasn't a child, but was smart, and level headed.
The look she gave Jesse was one that she knew would brook no misunderstanding. The two of them had spoken long of his arrival, and her discovery of him. There was little, actually, that the two of them hadn't talked about, and both knew the others feelings on every subject they'd broached. Never before had Jillian met anyone she could talk to at such depth...and Jesse had confessed the same to her.
Taking one steak out of the cooler, and placing it on a plate, Jillian held a spoon over one salad, asking Jesse for his preference with her eyes. That the meat was completely raw was never a concern. Jesse ate raw meat nearly every day, usually as a kill in the forest. Though she preferred a little cooking, and was planning on the cold chicken, even Jillian was getting more used to raw meat, partially out of necessity.
She assumed Drew was going the 'tar-tare' route as well. Reign, perhaps would join her in the cold chicken.
By this time Jillian had decided Reign was Illamar, though that really changed nothing. While Jillian almost always hung out with her pack, outside of school anyway, she liked Illamar almost as much as those of her pack. She had just never really known anyone to the extent she had known those of her pack. The opportunity had never presented itself, but she had nothing at all against taking the one that was now before her.
When she had finished a plate for Jesse, and herself, leaving Reign to deal with Drew, Jillian dug in. She was hungry, and made no bones about it, or how much she loved food.
"MMMMMMMMM, this is so good,"
Her fervor was difficult to hide, and realizing such, Jillian giggled, and blushed just a bit, glancing to each of her dinner partners.
Drew
15 years ago
Drew found himself judging the new guy by his interactions with the mutt. It wasn’t actually enthusiastic but he wasn’t afraid or leery so that was good; not great but good. He took it as a positive.
“Nothing wrong with tradition, at least as long as you’re not doing it mindlessly.”
God only knew how many traditions he knew and was a part of.
He flopped comfortably next to Reign and grinned greedily when she handed him a nice raw steak. That looked so good and he couldn’t remember the last time he ate must have been hours. After catching a look from Reign he did consent to use silver wear though.
He half laughed at what Jillian said though.
“Really? We’re harmless you know. Nothing to be suspicious of at all here.”
Actually, that worried him a bit. Drew didn’t know any lone wolves when you went somewhere new you checked in with the pack. He took a long drink of the mediocre beer to cover his thinking.
“Nothing wrong with tradition, at least as long as you’re not doing it mindlessly.”
God only knew how many traditions he knew and was a part of.
He flopped comfortably next to Reign and grinned greedily when she handed him a nice raw steak. That looked so good and he couldn’t remember the last time he ate must have been hours. After catching a look from Reign he did consent to use silver wear though.
He half laughed at what Jillian said though.
“Really? We’re harmless you know. Nothing to be suspicious of at all here.”
Actually, that worried him a bit. Drew didn’t know any lone wolves when you went somewhere new you checked in with the pack. He took a long drink of the mediocre beer to cover his thinking.
Reign
15 years ago
Reign liked cold fried chicken. She’d been known to buy fried chicken one day put it in the fridge and eat it the next day. Hey, every one had quirks.
She grinned reassuringly at Jillian while slowly munching. Something was making the boy think, something she didn’t understand. He’d tell her if it was something to really worry about though.
“I get the feeling if I keep hanging around here I’m going to need to work on my metabolism.”
Jillian’s pronouncement about Jesse’s knack for living off the land made her look at him a bit more closely.
“But do you play chess?”
It was a classic game of strategy, she loved it but wasn’t very good at it. Pakpao rather could kick her ass with out even looking at the board, it was creepy.
She grinned reassuringly at Jillian while slowly munching. Something was making the boy think, something she didn’t understand. He’d tell her if it was something to really worry about though.
“I get the feeling if I keep hanging around here I’m going to need to work on my metabolism.”
Jillian’s pronouncement about Jesse’s knack for living off the land made her look at him a bit more closely.
“But do you play chess?”
It was a classic game of strategy, she loved it but wasn’t very good at it. Pakpao rather could kick her ass with out even looking at the board, it was creepy.
Jesse
15 years ago
Jillian's attempt to make Jesse sound somehow 'better' wasn't taken negatively, and in fact Jesse appreciated that she saw him the way she did.
But he knew if he had been a better...or more conscientious pack mate, he would have come directly to the Tikerak upon his arrival. The truth was he needed to assure himself of his safety first, just like he had done for most of his life. His grandparents had done admirably with his upbringing, yet Jesse had supplemented his life lessons from an early age himself. Relinquishing his life in any part wasn't going to be something he would do easily, or quickly, if ever.
Besides, all things considered, it turned out the best this way, even if he sensed a little skepticism in Drew's comments. Jesse would never find fault in the way Drew or anyone else looked upon him initially. Everyone was entitled to their own opinions, and Jesse knew sometimes it took longer than others to make up those opinions. Hell, he was the same way himself.
What mattered now what that Drew seemed to be able to put aside his skepticism and possible concerns, and allow Jesse into his circle, even if only peripherally now.
Then too, Jesse knew a large part of that acceptance was due to Drew's relationship with Jillian. Strangely enough, Jesse was glad Jillian had Drew around to be there for her. Or more accurately, she had him around before. Now that Jesse was here, he hoped she wouldn't find the need to rely on anyone else but him.
"Old habits are hard to get rid of. When you've been on your own as long as I have..." Jesse shrugged, hoping Drew didn't take his caution as a personal affront.
Taking the food from Jillian, Jesse cut the steak in quarters, and then tore off a piece in his teeth. His salads he ate with a fork, but there was something odd to him in eating meat that way, unless it was cooked, and he was eating at a table somewhere. Even still, he chewed discreetly, and didn't make noise while he chewed. He wasn't a complete barbarian, even if he did have a couple mannerisms.
"My grandfather taught me to play chess when I was about six, if I remember right. We used to play almost every week. I have to admit I haven't played once since he died."
Carrying a chess set around on the street wasn't too practical, and it wasn't like Jesse ran into that many people there who knew how to play.
He wasn't sure if Reign was making small talk or truly interested in finding an opponent to play against though, so Jesse didn't offer anything further. Instead he busied himself with his food. He was hungrier than he thought.
But he knew if he had been a better...or more conscientious pack mate, he would have come directly to the Tikerak upon his arrival. The truth was he needed to assure himself of his safety first, just like he had done for most of his life. His grandparents had done admirably with his upbringing, yet Jesse had supplemented his life lessons from an early age himself. Relinquishing his life in any part wasn't going to be something he would do easily, or quickly, if ever.
Besides, all things considered, it turned out the best this way, even if he sensed a little skepticism in Drew's comments. Jesse would never find fault in the way Drew or anyone else looked upon him initially. Everyone was entitled to their own opinions, and Jesse knew sometimes it took longer than others to make up those opinions. Hell, he was the same way himself.
What mattered now what that Drew seemed to be able to put aside his skepticism and possible concerns, and allow Jesse into his circle, even if only peripherally now.
Then too, Jesse knew a large part of that acceptance was due to Drew's relationship with Jillian. Strangely enough, Jesse was glad Jillian had Drew around to be there for her. Or more accurately, she had him around before. Now that Jesse was here, he hoped she wouldn't find the need to rely on anyone else but him.
"Old habits are hard to get rid of. When you've been on your own as long as I have..." Jesse shrugged, hoping Drew didn't take his caution as a personal affront.
Taking the food from Jillian, Jesse cut the steak in quarters, and then tore off a piece in his teeth. His salads he ate with a fork, but there was something odd to him in eating meat that way, unless it was cooked, and he was eating at a table somewhere. Even still, he chewed discreetly, and didn't make noise while he chewed. He wasn't a complete barbarian, even if he did have a couple mannerisms.
"My grandfather taught me to play chess when I was about six, if I remember right. We used to play almost every week. I have to admit I haven't played once since he died."
Carrying a chess set around on the street wasn't too practical, and it wasn't like Jesse ran into that many people there who knew how to play.
He wasn't sure if Reign was making small talk or truly interested in finding an opponent to play against though, so Jesse didn't offer anything further. Instead he busied himself with his food. He was hungrier than he thought.
Jillian
15 years ago
'Mindlessly'? Seriously? Did Drew really think Jesse was the type to do anything mindlessly? Jillian cast a dry glance at her friend, unmindful if he caught it or not.
Appeasing her hunger took minor precident over participating in the conversation right then, but with focus directed to Jesse, it didn't matter. Not until Reign spoke of 'chess', did Jillian speak up. Jesse was handling himself winningly, she thought.
"I'll leave chess to you guys. I'm afraid my dad could never get me to sit still long enough to learn it. I can play a mean game of checkers though!"
She offered expectantly. Checkers, or any game that was over sooner rather than later, was about the only kind Jillian liked. Otherwise she was much happier moving about playing things like baseball, vollyball, basketball, or anything else outdoorsy.
Yet she was kind of glad to hear Jesse liked it, for in her mind that meant he had to be good at it. Why that mattered was something she didn't stop to consider.
"Or better yet, we should match up and play volleyball. That's a game four can play easily enough. That is if you're up to it."
Jillian's teasing gaze was directed to Drew, since she still didn't know Reign well enough to be quite that familiar.
Appeasing her hunger took minor precident over participating in the conversation right then, but with focus directed to Jesse, it didn't matter. Not until Reign spoke of 'chess', did Jillian speak up. Jesse was handling himself winningly, she thought.
"I'll leave chess to you guys. I'm afraid my dad could never get me to sit still long enough to learn it. I can play a mean game of checkers though!"
She offered expectantly. Checkers, or any game that was over sooner rather than later, was about the only kind Jillian liked. Otherwise she was much happier moving about playing things like baseball, vollyball, basketball, or anything else outdoorsy.
Yet she was kind of glad to hear Jesse liked it, for in her mind that meant he had to be good at it. Why that mattered was something she didn't stop to consider.
"Or better yet, we should match up and play volleyball. That's a game four can play easily enough. That is if you're up to it."
Jillian's teasing gaze was directed to Drew, since she still didn't know Reign well enough to be quite that familiar.
Reign
15 years ago
“I’ve tried the on your own thing and found I didn’t care for it too much.”
Reign found she was much better with family and friends about. Sure she –could- manage but that didn’t mean she wanted to.
She was a little weirded out by the idea that some one as apparently young as Jesse had been on his own but she wasn’t going to pry either. Instead she just frowned sympathetically and muttered her condolences.
“Well if you’re ever stuck for a partner I’d take you up on it. Mind I’m not very good.”
Reign did her deer in the headlights imitation at the idea of volleyball. She sucked at that game. She’d play… but she’d suck.
Reign found she was much better with family and friends about. Sure she –could- manage but that didn’t mean she wanted to.
She was a little weirded out by the idea that some one as apparently young as Jesse had been on his own but she wasn’t going to pry either. Instead she just frowned sympathetically and muttered her condolences.
“Well if you’re ever stuck for a partner I’d take you up on it. Mind I’m not very good.”
Reign did her deer in the headlights imitation at the idea of volleyball. She sucked at that game. She’d play… but she’d suck.
Drew
15 years ago
“I think we’re lucky you sit still long enough to eat!”
Drew cheerfully teased Jillian she did always seem to be in motion.
He was also happy enough to let Jesse and Reign talk. It was hard to imagine but he might find her less … aggressive? Suspicious? Judgmental? Well what ever you wanted to call it he was going to roll with it.
“I didn’t know you played chess.”
He said around a mouthful of steak.
“But I’m on Jillian’s side that sounds like a much better game. If we finish eating soon it will still be light enough for a few games.”
Drew cheerfully teased Jillian she did always seem to be in motion.
He was also happy enough to let Jesse and Reign talk. It was hard to imagine but he might find her less … aggressive? Suspicious? Judgmental? Well what ever you wanted to call it he was going to roll with it.
“I didn’t know you played chess.”
He said around a mouthful of steak.
“But I’m on Jillian’s side that sounds like a much better game. If we finish eating soon it will still be light enough for a few games.”
Jesse
15 years ago
Living the solo life wasn't anything Jesse thought most women were good at. At least none of the few he'd known. Without someone to share with, fuss over, and basically just nest around, girl's seemed to be somewhat at a loss. Of course that was a wide generalization, and he wouldn't mind being proven wrong, but he nodded when Reign supported his theory.
Used to eating meals quickly, mostly on the run, it wasn't long before Jesse had eaten his fill. Lying backward his head struck Jillian's extended leg. Checking it, and shifting his body a little, he reclined again, but this time rested the back of his head on her lower thigh. Turning his face in her direction, he grinned, raised his bottle of beer in salute, and sipped it. For the time being he was very content to just lay there and relax.
"I'm game, but don't anyone rush on my account. I can force myself to lay here for a while longer."
Used to eating meals quickly, mostly on the run, it wasn't long before Jesse had eaten his fill. Lying backward his head struck Jillian's extended leg. Checking it, and shifting his body a little, he reclined again, but this time rested the back of his head on her lower thigh. Turning his face in her direction, he grinned, raised his bottle of beer in salute, and sipped it. For the time being he was very content to just lay there and relax.
"I'm game, but don't anyone rush on my account. I can force myself to lay here for a while longer."