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

[herbrotherslove.livejournal.com]

It's your birthday. You can do whatever you'd like.

[becomethesniper.livejournal.com]

Well, if you say so.

[Ten minutes later, he shows up. He's wearing a polo shirt and khakis.]

[herbrotherslove.livejournal.com]

[She's waiting for him outside the main entrance, turning to smile as he approaches. The sun is setting. It's a pretty nice day, as is normal, in Confuto . . . ]

Happy birthday, Lyle. Thank you for coming.

[becomethesniper.livejournal.com]

I should be thanking you. After all, you went to the trouble to do something for me.

And I'm already enjoying it. You look ravishing in that dress.

[herbrotherslove.livejournal.com]

No trouble at all. It's the least I could do after all the time you've spent on me.

[She walks to him now, slipping her arm into his and gesturing with her right hand.]

Shall we take a walk, then?

[becomethesniper.livejournal.com]

Of course. You're the one who knows what you're doing here.

[herbrotherslove.livejournal.com]

[And so she leads him around the corner, down a path, heading into a more isolated area of the grounds.

Oh, my. What is this? A table set for two? Carefully positioned with both seats angled away from the sun so as not to be blinded? Covered with dish upon steaming dish? Who could have done something like this.]

[becomethesniper.livejournal.com]

...Whoa. Looks like someone here was hard at work.

[herbrotherslove.livejournal.com]

I'd love to pretend I cooked it all myself, but i can't take much credit. A good amount was ordered, picked out from different worlds.

[On the table is a selection of the majority of food items Lyle has ever expressed a liking for. Including lobster.]

[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.