The Banquet of Plenty - Open

[*]

[presto]

"I've certain it would, and I would appreciate such an opportunity." He takes his place well with asking for a dance to redeem his night and then the way he speaks to me is flattering. He's not like most guys I meet. Most of the guys that I happen to run into are either rude or want to spar with me. Him, on the other hand, makes me wonder what it would be like to receive this kind of voice on a daily basis. He's totally opposite of Matthew. Just in this short time, I can tell he's generally sweet. I'm sure he treats any woman he meets with respect. I let out an inaudible sigh to him.

At this type of a party, I assume the guys would make the first move, and with the offer of a dance, my hand is promptly taken by him as I ask for his name when he starts to lead me to the dance floor.

"Max Orca." I knew he was part of this family. He had to be. Not a lot of the guys around here would act this posh without being somewhat related to this high class type of family. I'm even more stunned that he would even take notice in me at all. As it is, he's more of a gentleman than I'm ever used to and with this short of time with him makes me realize that maybe I deserve someone like this. Not necessarily him, but someone like him. I give him a warm smile in return when he asks my name.

"Kyanite Ruze, at your service, Mr. Orca." I play with my sentence and hope that it'll reward me with a laugh or just a small smile. I figured it would be a tease since he was asking me to do him a favor by helping his night become better after having to dance with his relations. "So, your are an older brother or cousin to Tyren?" I take note that his hair and eye color don't match well to what I remember of him when I saw him in the hospital that day. What I can be sure of is that his calm demeanor reminds me of my fellow pregames participant. As that is said, I wait to see the positioning that he allows his hands in order to know where mine will go. Just wonderful, Ky. Dancing when dancing isn't your forte. Lucky for you, you're a quick learner. Perhaps, he won't notice.[/presto]

[ table by anzie ]

[Jack Lexington]

Tara tells me to go and grab some food while she'll wait at the Orca family table for me. I'm not sure that I want to sit among Tyrens family who clearly can't be fans of mine since I hurt their sibling during the pregames. To sit alone doesn't seem very enticing either. Since I'm not the shy kind, not even when it comes to confrontation I nod at her.
"Allright. Go ahead."
Then I slowly walk over to the large buffet because this way my hobble isn't as obvious and I'd like to hide Marks doing as much as I can.

Over there I stand in line and reach for a plate before I wait my turn at the delicacies.
As I stand there and wait I watch the other couples dance.
Among all the strange face I suddenly spot the most beautiful girl that I've ever laid eyes on. At least in my book. Kyanite. She's here. In a long light grey dress with a leather belt and her hair dangling over her shoulders in dazzling curls.
I stop and stare.
Who is she dancing with? He's wearing a suit and when they turn around I recognise him as the guy I met that one drunken night at Tyrens house: Max, the gambler.
He's a very gentle guy as I recall. Just doesn't know how to choose his words. Yet a pretty decent fellow.
I can't help but wonder whether she's found herself a new guy in her life. I've been gone for a while and never gave her any reason to wait for me, so she has every right to.
Yet it gives me a slightly painful feeling in my chest to watch her with this fellow.
I wanted her to be with a better guy than me but now that I witness it it just hurts. So I turn away and stare at the food in front of me.
"Are you not going to take anything, young man?" An older lady behind me asks and brings me out of my daze.
"Er, yeah, just a moment."
Carelessly I scoop a few things onto my plate and walk back to Tara to sit down next to her and start eating.

[Anatra]

"Kyanite Ruze, at your service, Mr. Orca." She says courtly. Her words impress me though I knew them before she said them since I'd already seen her plenty of times in the pregames. It takes me surprise that a girl this beautiful is here alone, and by any means to my knowledge alone beforehand as well. Not that I pay attention, but one would notice. She brings a laugh from me by replicating my slightly forced politeness. I imagine myself, if I were to ever, with a girl similar to her. But I'd have to overlook the career side. I wouldn't be able to live with the risk of injury to her, without me there to stop it.
I'd be surprised if any man could.

"So, your are an older brother or cousin to Tyren?" She asks me as we get to the dance floor. It had to be one or the other really. I appreciate the curiousity, but I find myself wanting to know more about her. "He's my little cousin." I say briefly. "Gets into a lot of trouble." I point out the obvious, noticing him now at the table I was at only a moment ago, with Matthew and Tara.

I place my hands instinctively around her waist just below and just above both of the more intimate areas. We dance a little to the now more casual music, more people on the dance floor but not making as much noise as a drunken group. Drinks are flowing though, to those of age at least. The place is quite strict on the fact, and out of us two I believe only one of us is old enough for a drink. "Will you be wanting a drink?" I ask her, as it'd be rude not to I think.

W O R D. C O U N T : 298

N O T E S :

"Max seems to be enjoying himself." Tara tells me, looking over at him whilst he's on the dancefloor. I privately conceal my thoughts about that fact though, "Ha, yeah he sure does." I also see Alex on the dancefloor with a girl, this one I don't know though. Alba is dancing with somebody else and Joe is sitting at our table with his girlfriend. The tables are circular so everybody can practically see each other, but they are reasonable in size. Uncle Mike and aunt Lucy are to my right and Tara sits in between me and Matt, Joe on the other side of Matt and his girlfriend, who's name is apparently Sabrina, is next to him. Matt just comes back with his food and I feel a bit of envy now that he has it. "You okay?" Tara asks, and I roll my eyes. "He's fat, that's what he is." I wait to see if it gains any laughs. "Tyren," I get beckoned by Mike, the chilled out uncle of mine who is holding a medium sized present that isn't on the gift table. Probably a gift just for me rather than one for me and Alex, like most do to avoid expense. I narrow my eyes at him wondering what it could be. I unwrap it quickly, eyes fixed on my uncle. It's a stare of humor though, nothing serious.

I look down and it is a dog tag necklace.

I look back at him, my stare crushed by a smile. "This is why you're the best," I begin. "Look closer." He says to me, pointing at it subtly. 'Tyren F ORCA' is inscribed upon it, on the flipside is one singular arrow. Dog tags come with two actual tags, and on the other is Alex's copy of the same tag. He must have one too, then. "It's great, thanks a lot. I'm gonna be all styled for years to come." I say, looking to Matt in recognition of his gift to me, the bracelet, as well. I take off my red suit jacket revealing a short-sleeved shirt, black waistcoat and black tie. I undo the top button because it's getting a bit hot around the hall and I slip the necklace on quickly.

Small talk at a party is hard to come by, so thinking of things to say to anybody is quite difficult if you're looking to avoid the obvious party talk of 'Happy birthday' and 'Did you enjoy your present'. But Mike seems perfectly capable of doing so. "It'll serve well wherever you and Alex decide to go." I've already told him of my plans because we talk about it on the oft times I see him. "Whether that's peacekeeping or training others." He's right, it's a universal gift with a lot of sentimental value. That's two things I'll be keep on me at all times from now on I think. A remind of my friend and a reminder of my brother.

Brother, that's what I hear in the back of my ear. Not Alex, by Tyler.

Mum comes up to me holding him like a burden. She literally dumps him on my legs and I have a pretty sarcastic look on my face. "Thanks!" She says before going off to dance. "You're welcome." I say sarcastically once she's out of earshot. Tara steals his nose whilst I down whatever is in the champagne glass. By the taste, the expected. I cringe a little at the sourness that is a bit unpleasant, but somebody had to. Mainly so Tyler doesn't knock it over or drink from it.

W O R D. C O U N T : 608

N O T E S :

[Jack Lexington]

As I come back to the table there is a conversation going on. I can't help but shoot another look back at the dance floor where Max' hands are resting on my ex girl friends hips. I have to avert my gaze because the whole picture of them dancing is messing with my mind. I never thought I'd be the jealous type. Especially not after blowing Kyanite off like a did. This is not what I had in mind though.

Tara asks whether I'm okay and just when I want to give her a fake nod Tyren declares that I'm fat and has me gawking at him in awe. Did he really just dare to say that?
I mean he might be right. I used to train four to five times a week and have just not moved my ass for the past four weeks or so. I might have gotten a little chubby around the edges but ...
"Still in better shape than you." I mock back and give Tara a friendlier look than him.
"Fine, not fat, thanks for asking." I start picking at my food and looka round. Most others are finished or aren't eating so I dig in. "Are you sure you don't want anything?" I wonder a little too friendly for my own good. "I'd be happy to share mine...your cousin seems to think that might be a good idea."
Tyren is consumed in some present that somebody else gave him, which turns out to be dog tags.

"You're joining the military, man?" I wonder with my mouth full momentarily forgetting good manors. Then the peace keeper training is mentioned and I remember what he told me.
"Are you really going through with that whole PK thing?"

[Anatra]

Damn it Tyren you've gone and made Mr Dunham upset. I think to myself, happy and content with my party, but not necessarily my words said. "Still in better shape than you." He looks at Tara more pleasantly than I, which tells me that probably wasn't a nice joke. I hope he's joking too... I say, mentally viewing myself, checking I am relatively in shape. I know that I am, because I've hit the gym much earlier than Matt since the pregames. Must have been joking. "Are you sure you don't want anything?" He asks and I almost think he's talking to me and nearly go to respond. "I'd be happy to share mine...your cousin seems to think that might be a good idea." Pfff.

She smiles, sensing a little bit of a rift. Tara feels that being offered food is a great thing, not because she's hungry or barely eats (because she does), but because food is so great to her. She's not remotely fat, either. She practically knocks most manners out of the court when she reaches over quickly, cheekily and guiltily to grab an onion ring from his plate. "Nah, I'm good." She says after.

Tyler, the three year old toddler, is giving me a dead leg. How they grow this fast, I don't know. He looks so similar to me, there's no need in even asking if he's my brother or not. It's not a freakishly similar look though, his facial features are more like mine whilst his hair is the lighter side of brown like Max - which is different. Tyler needs something to distract him I think. There's not that many children his age at this kind of party. I take off my bracelet so he can hold it. "What's this then, ey?" I speak at him. He reaches out to grab it, childishly gasping "T'anks Ty-Ty." He doesn't sound overly enthusiastic, probably bored. He puts it in his mouth straight away, the string of it hanging out. "Um, no." I pull it from him and his gives me an irritatingly quizzical glare. He casually holds it in his hand, flailing it about a little bit.

"You're joining the military, man?" I raise a brow at him, having told him this already. "Are you really going through with that whole PK thing?" I nod with a bit of sarcasm. "Yeah, they accepted me a couple of weeks ago. Alex too." Alba takes her seat next to Joe's girlfriend with food as well and begins mingling with that side of the table. "I was just telling my uncle about how I've decided what I'll do after I leave home." I pause. "I mean, it was always going to be either a peacekeeper or a trainer, but I'm going with trainer." I wonder how the news will rest with him, since we both know each other's opinions about the pregames and the career programs in general.

W O R D. C O U N T : 499

N O T E S :

[Jack Lexington]

"Still a pk if you're a trainer." I state very clever dragging that comment with a bit of disgust.
I've never been a fan of those guys. Not like a lot of the other boys who are looking up at their shiny uniforms and clubs and want nothing more than that same sort of power they hold.
I was always on the other end. Trying to evade the pks because I got in trouble. They never caught me, which didn't exactly earn them any respect either.
"You go right ahead. At least I know who to turn to when I'm in trouble." I smirk at him and then the little guy on his lap who looks remarkably like him.
The ladies at the table seem to find him very cute, too so I do my best to interact with the kid.

After Tara has stolen one of my onion rings I offer him one as well. "Onion ring for you, too, buddy?"
Of course I can't help teasing Tyren. "Aren't you a little young for a kid?"

That's when his pretty cousin, well the other pretty cousin who's a little older, sits down with us.
"Hi, Alba." I greet her because we've met twice before as well. Last time she seemed to be a little more polite than the first time. Maybe she's gotten over her inhibitions now.

Before I know it the kids on my lap trying to get the rest of the onion rings from my plate. "Watch out, buddy."
I try to prevent the worst and hold my plate and his small back so nothing hits the floor because this is literally the first time I've ever been this close to a small child.

[*]

[presto]

He's my little cousin. Gets into a lot of trouble." I nod my head and slightly grin. So far, from the games, I would assume that he would have been trouble to his family for taking part in that game and then coming out almost dying in the end.

"I think we all cause a bit of trouble in our youth. Most of us just never outgrow it, while the lucky few do." I let a smile play on my lips for him as he glances over at the table that holds a few of his family members and I also seem to notice Matthew sitting with a girl. So, he's already moved on, didn't he? Already found himself someone else to hang out with. I see how why he didn't want me around. I tear my attention away from the table the moment I feel Max slip his hands around my waist and we start to move. My good arm reaches up to his neck, draping over his shoulder, while my casted arm just kinds rests on his other shoulder, but I keep it elevated that he don't feel the weight of the darn thing. I would have to say that I'm throughly enjoying this feeling. Another man to be around, that wants me around, if only for one dance. Maybe this is where my brother was getting at when he wanted me to be with someone else.

Why not try? If possible. Tonight, I'm a free spirit.

"Will you be wanting a drink?" His words catch me off guard as I turn my full attention back to him once again. I dip my head downward and smile politely. If I was at the club after midnight, then I wouldn't hesitate for a drink because lets face it, everyone does it when it's not allowed, but here at this nice get together for everyone with Tyren and his brother's birthday, I might need to play it safe, because I'm no where near the age to consume. Will he think little of me If I decline? Should I accept the offer?

"A virgin drink, perhaps." I mention as we take a turn with the music. I can't help but keep the smile on my face with Max. For once, fun never felt so free to me and if that's such a rare occurance, why do I find my eyes darting over toward Matthew again for only a brief moment? [/presto]

[ table by anzie ]

[Anatra]

"I think we all cause a bit of trouble in our youth. Most of us just never outgrow it, while the lucky few do." Yes, she is right. The trouble I used to get into was simple little arguments with my parents about little things. As bad as it sounds, I wish I was more rebellious when I was younger because I would've got more entertainment out of my youth. But, that being said, punishments aren't simple here, especially with a strict family. My dad would never stay mad at me for long anyway, and my mum is all too caring to even pretend to be too mad in the first place. People often say they can see where I get it from. I'm just not an angry person, and being around angry people is all too foreign to me. "I agree, he's grew up a lot, especially today." I nod with agreement.

"A virgin drink, perhaps." It takes me a minute to register what she meant, but I nod my head with an understanding behind it. "Ah, I see." I can perhaps see where she is coming from, but I don't think it will stop me in the long run. Maybe for now, but soon enough I'll end up with a drink in my hand simply because it removes anything boring and just generally improves the night. Confidence is a big thing when it comes to drink, at least for me. I find myself more relaxed after anything remotely alcoholic. "Each to their own." I smile at her, wanting her to see that I can be reasonable as well as charitable. Maybe humble was a better word, but I'm not so sure that'd be the truth.

We keep dancing for now, and it's lovely. I feel a warmness in my chest because being with somebody, even just temporarily, lightens the heart a little bit - eases anything painful. I don't have much pain, as a person. No baggage really. Sometimes I feel outplayed when somebody has a whole long list of historical events in their life. I don't have many at all, and I'm the eldest.

I can see a glint in her eye that looks over to Tyren's table. I don't begin to assume anything because to be honest, I don't think me and her have something amazingly serious. I don't know what it is, it's just not an instant connection that you would expect after such words being traded. "I'll get you that drink." I say, lowering my hands to my side. I say it directly, not giving her a choice because I want to be kind. I find myself making a lot of extra effort just for this one girl, but I'm not sure why. Maybe I'm just in a good mood, or something of the sort. Being a good host, too. But only Francis and Cecilia really know who helped and who didn't when it came to making the party come together. I realize on my way to the bar that I hadn't actually asked her what she would like. Unless she's behind me, I'll have to guess. My first instinct would be orange juice. But something is telling me apple is the fruit of the day.

W O R D. C O U N T : 544

N O T E S :

"You go right ahead. At least I know who to turn to when I'm in trouble." If I wasn't going to be trained, I would probably bail him out of trouble, come to think of it. I think he's mentioned being in trouble with the Peacekeepers before, or at least that he breaks a lot of rules. I guess I should prepare for when that day comes. I don't dwell on the thought that one day I'd have to decide between friend and career.
"Onion ring for you, too, buddy?" He offers Tyler one. My inside thoughts conjure up some excuse for him not to have once simply because I'm protective like that. 'That'll be too hot', I would think but not say.

"Aren't you a little young for a kid?" I hear him ask, jokingly. I give a brief laugh but it draws more thought than humor. "Uncle Mike was eighteen when he and Lucy had Max." I state as thought it was actually a possibility. But Tyler is three, not zero, so if it were mine I'd be fifteen and that is too young. That would make Mike thirty-seven, which is quite young really in comparison to other parents. Like mine who are considerably older. Around fifty, but I forget. The age gaps are mainly to do with the fact having a child for our family back then was rarely affordable, but now we could all have one and have enough to get by, I think. Maybe I'm exaggerating, probably am. "Hi, Alba." He greets her. She smiles mutually at him. "Hey, how you doing?" She replies. Since Matt gave him one, Tyler is wanting another and leaps from my leg. At first I sigh a little bit because I was taken by surprise, but I can't deny the kid some fun.

"Watch out, buddy." Matt says, which reassures me about his ability to look after Tyler. He's still young and more than definitely innocent. Our family makes sure not to show children the Games until it is bound to appear in their lives, like through talking at school or such similarities. I'm quite glad about that, because he knew I probably would be his favorite relative. And I'm not even being arrogant when I say that, he is clingy and it's me who he clings to most of the time. I really do love having him around though, and sometimes it does make me think what having my own child would just as good if not better. It is something I know I'll want in the future. That's half the reason being a peacekeeper isn't a realistic option for me. But the training is what I need, really.
When we're at home and it isn't awfully snowy outside, me and Alex would play football from time to time. It's not something that is done so much at all anymore, if it at all ever was done much. It's just us usually, or Max (but he's not at all decent at it). The girls don't like it, though Alba would watch. Now, we let Tyler join in and I don't think cute is a word for it. It's such a warmth to hear the happiness in his laughter.

If anything happened to that kid, things would be the same ever again.

I can tell just by looking here, now, that Matt is feeling a little bit of the same fatherly affect. Just from afar I can tell so I don't intervene, hence why I stopped my protective thoughts. Nothing bad would happen, I don't think. If it did, I'd kick myself for not looking after him.

W O R D. C O U N T : 603

N O T E S :

[Jack Lexington]

Of course the little brown hair fellow on my lap isn't Tyrens son. He would have been 12 or 13 when he had him...although it's a possibilty. Tyren doesn't strike me as the stupid, uncareful type though. Plus he never mentioned a kid. He seems quite protective over him though.
"Uncle Mike was eighteen when he and Lucy had Max." He explains that it's a possibility.
"The Max who's dancing with Kyanite?" I can't help myself. I don't even want to look at the being so close.
"Are they together now?" Even just saying that tastes really sour in my mouth.

I distract myself by offering the kid a potatoe vedge with sour cream. "No more onion rings, little man. Do you want to try that?"
For the first time he seems to realize whose lap he's actually on and turns to look at me with those big brown eyes. He looks a little scared so I give him a gentle smile. I'm not one to play with kids usually but he's kinda cute. I could be an uncle or something.
"It's okay, I'm Matt, hi!" I offer him my hand and he just giggles and turns around to dip his little fingers in the sour cream on my plate.
"Yum. You need to finish the rest of this now." Of course he goes to lick it off.

I return my gaze to Alba who looks really stunning tonight and finally answer her question. "Alright I guess. Good company." I make the small guy bounce on my right leg a bit while holding him with both hands.
"And you? You look so girly tonight. Very pretty." I try a compliment.
Then look over at Tara. "Are you two sisters?" They do look alike at a closer look. Just a slight age different but similar features.

Tyren next to me watches the kid with hawk eyes so I ask him. "So if he's not your son, who is he to you?"

[Anatra]

"The Max who's dancing with Kyanite?" I innocently look round, even though I know exactly what he's talking about. I see them together, he is just telling her something and then he goes to the bar to get drinks. Why is my cousin being a player? It's a little annoying, considering I have to deal with what could perhaps be the result of it. "Um, yeah. I guess that's him in a nutshell." I say, to ease it. If I at least make it out that he's like this all the time it may not be as bad. But in honesty he's not, he rarely talks to girls but seems to have a lot of advice for doing so. Whether he's good at it himself I wouldn't know. So I don't know whether he's doing well over there or not. Doing well over there, means doing bad over here though, if Matt has anything to do with it.
"Are they together now?" I doubt it, I think, not knowing what to say. "I doubt it." Tara copies without knowing. "I don't think he likes girls." She admits. Alba intercepts the accusation, "Ha! I don't think so. Have you seen the way he had her there? You couldn't not like a girl after that." She says with laughter, completely unaware that Matt had a relationship with Kyanite. All of this is being said at a table with Max's parents which is slightly awkward, for them. I of course don't know the truth, as always.

"No more onion rings, little man. Do you want to try that?" He's good with kids, as it happens. I see a worried face on Tyler though and feel an urge to bring him back over. Some part of me hates how protective I can be, but the other part needs it to keep calm. "It's okay, I'm Matt, hi!" Tyler replies. "Hi!" With his hand waving. His voice stops my bad thoughts though, because there's no reason to be worried, I don't think. "Yum. You need to finish the rest of this now." And so Tyler goes to try.

"And you? You look so girly tonight. Very pretty." He replies to Alba. By her face it looks like she's completely over whatever lust she may or may not have had for Matthew. She looks completely calm, so unless she's had something to drink, she doesn't look nervous. To me at least. "Thanks, you look quite terrifyingly formal yourself. Suits you." She giggles at her own joke, and it becomes clear she has had something to drink. "Are you two sisters?"

"Cousins," Tara starts with a smile. "She's older though." Alba opens her mouth to speak, clearly over her little joke from earlier. "It gets more complicated the more of us you meet. Just wait until you meet the other half of the family. The other half being the next half." I think she means the ones to come? I don't know.

"So if he's not your son, who is he to you?" He asks me. "He's my brother, and their cousin. He's called Tyler, obviously inspired by the greatest name of all." I tell him. "He's named after grandpa Tyran, not you." Uncle Mike says with a laughter. "He's only three, probably the best thing to have happened so far." It gets me thinking about what Matt may think of this. My dad was 30 when he had me, which is quite late for some. That was after 20 years as a peacekeeper, but his first six years were in the Peacekeeper Academy when they had a youth program. He kind of cheated the system a little, but it was still technically 20 years. That means he was 46 when he had Tyler, which is old. My mother isn't as old as him though, there's almost a 10 year gap between them I think. Something like that, I don't remember the specifics. "Got any younger ones in your family?" I ask him, genuinely curious.

W O R D. C O U N T : 683

N O T E S : I want onion rings now.

[Jack Lexington]

I'm somewhat relieved to hear that Tyren doubts that Max is seeing Kyanite although it might just be about to happen judging by theri close dancing and now even sharing drinks. Maybe I should go on over and try to fight to get her back. But why? Just to feel like I'm not good enough again? Or get pushed away by her this time?
Am I not good enough.
I search her in the crowd just to watch her clink glasses with Max. Maybe he's no better than me, after all I just want her best.
"I don't think he likes girls." The girls at the table are exchanging their thoughts. "Ha! I don't think so. Have you seen the way he had her there? You couldn't not like a girl after that."
Just like I thought. I'm starting to get a weird sensation. That i should do something right now before she goes and falls for this Max.
Or maybe I should try to find somebody else as well.
"Thanks, you look quite terrifyingly formal yourself. Suits you." Alba compliments me. So I smile at her and lower my eyes. "Thank you."
The kid on my lap is still playing with my food so I decide to leave it up to him and maybe get another plate later.
I learn that his name is Tyler and a little more about Tyrens huge family tree before he asks me about mine.
that's when I become pretty quiet because my sister does have a child, which I've never seen because she hates my gutts. I chew a little bit on my lower lip before I make a face.
"None that I know. It's just dad and me now."
I sigh heavily because this surely isn't light party conversation topic.
"My sister split a while ago. I never met her son."
With that I hand Tyren back the small kid on my lap and get up.
"Excuse me, ladies. I think I need a refill. Tyler took care of this one."
With the plate in hand I walk away from the table only to let my eyes scan the room for Kyanite again.

I can't help myself. This time I take the long way round and walk past the cocktail bar where she's standing with Max.
When I'm close enough I straighten up and put the nicest look on my face that i can manage right now.
"Hello Ky, are you having a nice evening?"

[Deleted]

"Are you all right? You don't talk much." He asks me. I take a little moment to think about that. "Well," I begin, "most boys don't really talk to me much." I blush a tiny bit. So tiny that I hope he didn't notice.

It's because I'm so tall. Yes I admitted it. I'm freakishly tall. "C'mon." I say politely. "The dancing already started."

It's true. I hear the music and laughter in the background. It is faint but I still hear it. I get ready to walk in.



OOC: Sorry It doesn't have effects and such, and that its short. I'm really busy and I'm sorry that I didn't respond sooner.

[*]

[presto]

It's wonderful for Max to talk about his relation with a positive word. With Max saying that he's grown up a lot and especially with it being today, I make plans to go visit Tyren as soon as I get a free moment. Even when the moment comes when he asks me if I want a drink, I decline the want for something a little more alcoholic and instead ask for something more 'age appripriate' while here. I assume he didn't expect that kind of a reply, as I can see that small amount of confusion for only a split second before he fully understands. "Each to their own."

Perhaps, I made the wrong choice, although he seems to take it well enough. I just don't want to make a fool of myself in front of everyone. First impressions are the best, right? With the Orca's, Tyren? With each movement that we dance, my head rushes with so many thoughts. The way that his hands rest on my hips and it seems that the night will be great, but can he sense that one moment that I looked to Matthew? Probably. The next moment, he declairs that he's going to retreive that drink I had mentioned earlier and he drops his arms from my waist leaving a cold rush of air to take over where the warmth was. Once again, alone. I give him a pleasant smile.

"Thank you." I tell him and watch as he walks away. This feeling is all too familiar once again but he'll be back, right? Or was that just something to be said to excuse himself? I find myself doubting my want to come here already, but a moment later, I notice Matthew coming to the table nearest me. A cold chill instantly runs through my back to see him, but does he even notice me? I drop my head to the ground, so I'm not stareing.

"Hello Ky, are you having a nice evening?" What's in his voice? I've never heard that before. Is he being genuinely nice or just asking out of a need to basis. I draw my eyes up first then follow with my head as I give him a gentle nod.

"Yeah. Of course. Beautiful party. Dance partners. It's a wonderful evening." I mention to him and can't help but let my eyes wash over his attire. He looks so handsome. Once again, he amazes me cause he cleans up so well for some party like this. I glance over to Max whose still getting the drinks, then back to Matthew. "You enjoying yourself, too, right?" [/presto]

[ table by anzie ]

[Jack Lexington]

I notice the way she looks at me. It's almost as if I've startled her or she's embarassed to be approached by me. It might just be my interpretation though.

She replies to my question. "Yeah. Of course. Beautiful party. Dance partners. It's a wonderful evening."
'Dance partners.' I notice that part as if she's said it because that's what makes her evening nice.
Is that all he is though? Right now I don't dare to ask because it's really none of my business.

She gives me the once over making me all self conscious because I feel out of place in a suit and tie while most of these Orcas look like they crawled out of their mommas womb in a tiny suit.
Like the guy she's glancing at now.
"You enjoying yourself, too, right?"
Does she really care whether I do?
I shurg slightly. "I guess so." She must have seen me dance with Tara. Maybe that's why she's asking.
"Nice dance partner, right?" I raise a brow because this seems like a little game between us.

That approach feels all wrong to me though so I tone it down a notch and compliment her instead.
"You look really nice in this dress. Suits you much better than the track suit."
With a nod at Max I tell her.
"Your date's coming back with the drinks. I should go and...get my plate filled."
Any excuse will do.

[*]

[presto]

I let my eyes go over to Max while he's still getting the drinks, yet I can't help but ask Matthew if his evening is just as well. Though, I'm sure he's enjoying himself a lot more than I considering that he's at the table with the birthday boy and a few other guests and that girl that sat beside him. It makes me self-conscious why he'd be over here talking with me, when that girl could easily be wondering where he'd ran off to. Then, he throws my own words back into my face and it stings, royally.

"Nice dance partner, right?" I fidgit with my fingers for only a moment and I feel nothing but nerves for some reason. Why did we have to break up? Why am I feeling this way toward someone who didn't want me? Is he really just talking to me to taunt me? What a cheap shot, Matthew. Ultimate low from you.

Without even expecting it, a compliment comes from his mouth instead of an insult or something I was half expecting. Though, for some reason, the compliment doesn't seem to flatter me at all. For all I understand, he could just be using that as a tactic to get under my skin. After all, we once used to be together, but could he also miss me? Why would you compliment someone you let go?

"Thanks, but don't get used to it... special occasions only." I state, with a small shrug of my shoulders, but for some reason a hint of smile comes across my lips easily. Almost as if, he didn't want to be around me anymore, that or the fact that MAx might be coming back at any moment, he tries to excuse himself.

"Yeah, maybe." I let my voice come out, but the tone is wanting. The way it leaves my lips makes it seem like I don't want that at all to happen, but I know his date will be waiting for him. "You clean up real nice, Matthew. Totally unexpected." I state, wondering if he'll get the gest of where I came with. EAch time he's impressed me, I've mentioned it to him in that tone. It hurts my heart to not be able to touch him, yet stand so far from each other. Things will never be the same again.

"Hope the rest of your evening is just as well." I state and start to walk past him, as I walk to meet with Max.[/presto]

[ table by anzie ]