Ninth -- Thirty First Birthday Party

[herbrotherslove.livejournal.com]

[action]
[For the last few days, Lachesis has been scarce within the compound.  Despite the excitement over the integration of Aethr, something perhaps equally important has been on her mind.  Every now and then, she can be seen running down the hall carrying a bundle of something or another; more often, she can be found entering and exiting the Gate Compound repeatedly, looking worn out, yet pleased.

Nearer to 5:00 in the afternoon, she has changed out of her armor for once and sits in the lounge in an attractive red and gold dress, nervously flipping through the television channels and looking at the clock every five seconds or so.

And at 5:30. . . ]

[voice, to Lockon]
Oh, Lyle . . . I am sorry the day's fallen simultaneously with such an important event.  If you'd prefer to join the party in Aethr, I understand.  We can do something nice just as well tomorrow.  It's your birthday, after all.

Comments

[becomethesniper.livejournal.com]

You still arranged all of this. So you deserve a lot of credit yourself.

Let's sit down. I didn't realize how hungry I was until I set my eyes upon the food here.

[herbrotherslove.livejournal.com]

None at all. I only wish I had the imagination for something less predictable.

[Lachesis lingers for a moment before slipping her hand away, then mock-curtsies, pulls out Lyle's chair for him, and seats herself.]

You must absolutely tell me if anything isn't to your taste, Lyle.

[becomethesniper.livejournal.com]

I don't think I'll have to worry about that. All of this looks delicious!

[He starts with some rolls.]

[herbrotherslove.livejournal.com]

[Lachesis will take some food herself. But mostly, she watches Lyle with a glossy sort of expression in her eyes.]

I'm glad . . .

[becomethesniper.livejournal.com]

[And he digs in for a bit, before...]

Something on your mind?

[herbrotherslove.livejournal.com]

What?

[She seems to come back to herself with a start.]

Oh. Er. N-Nothing of any importance.

[becomethesniper.livejournal.com]

You sure? I want to know if something's bugging you.

[herbrotherslove.livejournal.com]

I don't think it's something you'd want to know.

[becomethesniper.livejournal.com]

Why wouldn't I want to know?

[herbrotherslove.livejournal.com]

Well.

[She draws out the words for a few moments.]

I was thinking . . .

In the setting sun, you see . . . your hair is the most beautiful auburn shade I've ever seen.

[becomethesniper.livejournal.com]

...You don't say. Well, I'm glad to hear I'm pleasing to your eyes.

[herbrotherslove.livejournal.com]

As if that was to be doubted.

[becomethesniper.livejournal.com]

Doesn't make it less nice to have it reinforced.

[Digging into the shrimp now.]

[herbrotherslove.livejournal.com]

I could stare at you all day if you'd like, but I wouldn't be able to get much done.

[becomethesniper.livejournal.com]

Don't worry, I'm not vain enough to ask you to do that. Just spending time with me like this is enough.

[herbrotherslove.livejournal.com]

That, I wouldn't mind doing all day.

[becomethesniper.livejournal.com]

[Munch munch.]

The food, by the way? As delicious as it looks.

[herbrotherslove.livejournal.com]

[A small flush creeps across her cheeks.]

I'm glad you approve. I . . . helped with this one.

[She points at a small pan of what appears to be baked ziti.]

And somewhat with the sea insects.

[becomethesniper.livejournal.com]

Then I'll try that next.

[He reaches for the ziti.]

[herbrotherslove.livejournal.com]

Oh, please, allow me.

[Lachesis stands up a little to serve Lyle. ... Probably more than is necessary because when she means 'helps', she means this is the only thing on the table she made herself. Then holds her breath.

Two decades of being a princess didn't lend much to one's culinary skills.]

[becomethesniper.livejournal.com]

[Well, he's had better...]

Not bad.

[But he's also had worse.]

[herbrotherslove.livejournal.com]

[Well, there were far worse reactions, although it wasn't the one she had hoped for. ... To be realistic, though, it wasn't very likely that baked pasta made by anyone could cause the ecstasies of joy she had briefly envisioned.]

I appreciate the honesty. ... That was honest, wasn't it?

[becomethesniper.livejournal.com]

...Of course it was!

h-html fail.... she sounds vaguely evil now

[herbrotherslove.livejournal.com]

Then have as much as you'd like.

. . . But perhaps not too much. Save some room.

I thought that might be the case.

[becomethesniper.livejournal.com]

Oh, I will. I know how to pace myself.

[He reaches for a lobster tail now.]