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]

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.]

[herbrotherslove.livejournal.com]

Ah, I forgot! Weren't there special tools you needed to eat that? Should I get my sword?

[becomethesniper.livejournal.com]

No, this one's already open. I just need melted butter and I'm set.

[herbrotherslove.livejournal.com]

. . . I'll be right back.

[Lachesis stands up abruptly and walks in as dignified a manner as she can around the corner. ... Not so coincidentally, Lyle may have realized the table had been set up right behind the entrance to the grounds from the cafeteria.

She returns in about three minutes with a stick of butter on a plate.]

[becomethesniper.livejournal.com]

You didn't have to get up and get that yourself, you know.

[Nevertheless, he grabbed a nearby butter tower, took out his lighter, and lit the candle. He put some butter in the dish and let it melt.]

[herbrotherslove.livejournal.com]

[Was that what it was for? She had intended to light the candle once the sun had set for mood. Luckily, Lyle didn't know this and so she smoothly slides it closer to him with a smile.]

Your birthday, Lyle. Whatever you'd like tonight is what you're going to get.