More than a shoulder

[Lovely]

Sept 8, 2008
6:45 pm
Veinna Estate

Aberto had taken up his usual position in any social gathering like this one, at the edges and away from the others as much as he could be. He found himself standing beside his brother and he followed Armand's gaze before speaking quietly to him. "Ahh nice view.. Mirabella.. she's nineteen or twenty now?" He asked, surprised to find his brother watching the gorgeous young woman and pretending he didn't know too much about her. Aberto knew plenty about the woman but was curious about how closely his brother was watching her. "She has been involved with the family since she was a little girl. Her father is deeply held in the family fold, so she is a familiar face at gatherings and such that associates like him are invited to. She is not deeply rooted in the family secrets but knows something more of the family than outsiders do." He pondered quietly, watching Armand carefully and curiously.

He realized after a moment that Aberto was talking about the girl who had caught his eye. It made him a bit uncomfortable, more than usual, for Aberto to know anything about his likes and dislikes, ever since the fiasco with Suzy in the fourth grade, but he wasn't denying that he was caught watching just the same. It was the kind of look that said he had his eye on her through walls and around doors. "Girl? I don't suppose you could tell me just as much about that delicious looking chocolate cake," he said, pointing to the less-sweet confection in the same line of sight and trying to pass it off to no avail. The beer in his hand sprang to life with his own agitation, nearly exploding. "Damned crazy gifts," he said, cursing his accelaration abilities, and set the bottle of foam down. He was caught, he might as well get information on the sweet he was really interested in. "Mm. Mirabella? Didn't her boyfriend die... and who might I thank?"

"I don't bake cakes." He said in a slightly annoyed tone as his brother tried to change his focus to something so ridiculous. "I was going to mention that I'm sure it could be arranged for her to know more if someone had their eye on her.. but nevermind." He shrugged and smiled as he gazed over at the fetching young lady. "I heard that her boyfriend died, think that's why she's home and not away at school. I take it, you didn't care much for Kenny, then?"

"She was dating Kenny? Her? Oh well, you know the phrase "only the good die young"? He always was a -very- good boy... called home to his maker so very soon," Armand said, hand over his heart and trying to sound sincere. His beer had stopped foaming and he resumed drinking it. He didn't appear overly upset about the lad's demise. He shook his head. "Had I known it was Kenny... And such a tragic accident it was.. that hotdog at the park - choked to death on the relish, they said." He peered into his bottle, forcing the bubbles now to stop bubbling quite so much. "Could have been a that pop fly into the stands that lodged the dog... and the ball ... in his larynx. The coroner wasn't exactly sure." He mused a moment longer and finished his bottle.

Aberto sighed, keeping up the somber act though he truly wanted to laugh, Armand really liked this girl. "It was a terrible accident.. and now she looks so sad and lonely without the nice young man escorting her. She's probably very upset, likely in need of someone with a good shoulder to lean on."

He gave Aberto a look, confused about the nearly charitable response from his brother as if he wanted him to be that shoulder and wasn't volunteering himself? His eyebrow raised as he looked at Mirabella then back as his brother. "Oh, and if Richie's looking for his collectors' signed baseball... I haven't seen it," he said, going for another beer to help him with the courage to approach the girl.

"I'll make sure it finds it's way back to Richie's mantle." Aberto chuckled and nodded, watching Armand as he started to walk off. He decided to follow and help encourage his brother. "But she's not wearing black, that's a good sign. She seems to be taking it well. I heard she's not going back to school for awhile though.. so she'll be around.."

[Lovely]

"Be glad to help her biology.. chemistry, I'm sure... labs and experiments...," he went on almost dreamily, taking a spot against a closer wall to watch her, sipping his beer.

"She hasn't declared a major yet, suppose she's exploring her options... I know her father is hoping for premed." He spoke casually of the delightful woman and the man they both knew well enough. He chuckled at Armands studying comments. "I'm sure you would.. wipe the drool off your lips would you?"

Mirabella was across the room, gazing out the patio doors, her arms gently folded around her middle. The light breeze seemed to crop up from nowhere as she stepped through the doors to get away from all the people and wander in the gardens while the dusk faded.

"Not drooling, it's the beer... side effec-.... nevermind," he sighed, wiping off his chin just the same and following after her, leaving the drink to settle itself on the counter. "Bella... Mirabella... I wouldn't walk alone out there after dark."

She turned, the breeze kicking up in a gust with her startle as he came out behind her. "Oh.. I.. just felt a little too crowded in there." She gave a small smile, her hand raising to smooth back long dark hair.

"You might find yourself uncomfortably crowded out here if the night shift isn't expecting you. May I come with you?"

"Oh.." She sighed, her gaze drifting out over the slowly darkening grounds. "I wasn't thinking.." She murmured, her eyes dropping down and hen following from his feet up to his face. her smile was faint and soft as she gave a nod to his offer. "Yes, please.. you can keep me from getting lost.. or help me get lost, if you'd be so kind."

His smile was small but kind. "Only if you let me help find you again, Bella. May I call you that? Less ... well, more... you."

"I'll think about it.. not certain when I'll want to be found." Her smile peeked out again but faded quickly, leaving a hint of warmth in her eyes. "Everyone calls me Mira.. you can call me Bella if you like.. it's different.. I think I like how you make it sound."

"When you decide, I want to be sure to help you. Take your time," he reassured, letting her find her way through her grief. "I understand you're not returning to school this term?"

"Thank you." She whispered softly, reaching to slip her hand into his arm and step further away from the house. She was happy for his company and kindness, as happy as she could be in her grief. "No.. I don't know if.. when I'll go back.. just can't even think about classes and all that right now."

"Not asking you to... just merely satisfying my curiosity," he murmured, settling a hand over hers on his arm. He appeared dark and brooding, but his demeanor was ever curious. That was much how he approached his work and his play, an intensity often mistaken for him being far more serious than he was. "Rather, how much time I might have to offer distraction until you return to them."

[Lovely]

"How does forever sound.. is that too long for you? I don't know that I'm even going back.. just please don't tell my father.. he doesn't want to hear that right now."

"On the contrary, I think I might like the sound of that. But don't let my brothers hear me or you say that either," he warned softly, letting the grin linger a while longer this time. "You'll owe him the truth eventually, though."

She sighed heavily and nodded. "I know.. he just doesn't want to hear it right now. He didn't want me taking any time off. He's so set on me going to school.. and going away for it.." Her head shook some and she ran her fingers over e leaves of a plant they passed. "Eventually.. yeah I'll have to stand my ground, I don't feel that strong right now."

He knew better, but making her see it in herself would take time. Armand offered her more solace if she'd take it, moving his arm out from under her hand to offer its protective curl as the breeze continued, bringing in the cool night air.

The curl of her fingers pulled the breeze softly around them in a warm tickle, even though the evening had been slightly cool. She hesitated for a breath as he offered his arm, but stepped to curl into it after the brief consideration.

"Are your thoughts as toussled as your breeze, Bella? The evening blossoms seem to like you passing by... ever warm and gentle. If you'd like to talk, I'll listen."

"You really want to listen to me ramble on?" she chuckled softly, a gentle motion of her hand to wrap the warm air around them again. "Neat parlor trick for the kiddies.. not very useful.."

"I do want to listen. It will keep me from talking," he teased, showing he was still a little shy. "But I want to hear what you think about, if I can help in some way. As for your 'trick', it is more useful than you know, but likely just not honed."

Her eyes shone with a little more life now when she titled her face to smile at him. "I was enjoying listening to you.. I don't think you've talked to me this much in all the times I've come here... though I always wished you would.." She blushed a bit and looked away, feeling guilty for still thinking he was attractive when she'd just lost Kenny.

"Blame the beer," he murmured, wondered if he hadn't spoken too much out of turn. "I spend so much time with my own work that I don't often drink, except dinner wine and the occasional cognac. Beer... may just get me into trouble."

"Do you think I'm trouble?" She asked him softly, pausing on the path and turning in front of him to make him stop as well.

"What? No... no, nothing like that. I..," he seemed stunned that she'd ever think that. He smirked a little and turned to admire the tiles of the walkway. The sheepish expression rose slowly. "I meant my being trouble for you. Forgive my inappropriate ideas in advance, would you?"

[Lovely]

She shook her head, reaching to turn his chin and gaze back to her with light fingers. "I will.. if you'll forgive my less than perfect behavior and occasional uncontrolled emotions."

He nodded, offering her his hand again. "Though don't mention that to my brothers, either. I'm not known for being terribly forgiving," he grinned a little. He was least forgiving with himself.

"Why would I tell your brothers anything? It's not their company I want." She took his hand with a tiny smile that didn't disappear quickly like the others had.

"I would hope not. Well.. Scotty being married, but older than would ever work out... and frankly that girl Fauve with Richard... I wouldn't challenge her... just ask Marcus, rather... don't. Aberto... means well, but I'm afraid I'd have to damage him severely, because I want your company to myself... and on that I cannot blame the beer," he admitted timidly.

"So... you don't just feel sorry for me? Good.. I was afraid maybe you were just being nice because I was so pathetic." Her lower lip was perched between her teeth for a moment as she studied his face. "I hope you don't think I'm terrible for being happy that you want my company."

"If it were a situation you'd put yourself into willingly, wanting to get hurt, then I might question it, but I would never consider you pathetic in any sense, bella. I am, however, sorry that you are hurting, but as far from sorry as any could manage to hear... that perhaps you feel the same. It is not terrible. It's called healing."

Mira nodded and sighed, taking one step closer to him and leaning in to softly kiss his cheek. "Thank you for understanding.. " She remained close for a moment longer, looking deeply into his eyes.

"Wishful thinking on my part," he whispered, hoping for the best as he reached for a more direct and light kiss before she slipped too far away.

She was a bit surprised as he kissed her, but she didn't pull away from it. Her eyes fluttered closed and her lips parted softly, the kiss was light and amazingly tender, so lovely that she lingered in it for an extra moment.

The kiss ended and the doctor was beeming quietly, not sure what to say, but pointed to the last rays of sunlight putting a pink edge on the clouds..

She smiled and slipped her arm around his waist, leaning her head softly against his chest to watch the last of the day fade beautifully into night.

"Even as a man of science, there are some things we'll never be able to recreate," he murmured in quiet awe directed only in part to the richly glowing sunset, but also in part to the curious warmth of the quiet girl beside him.

She let out a long contented sigh, shifting into a closer snuggle against him. "Some things are amazing just as they are.. " She tilted her head to offer him a gentle warm smile.

[Lovely]

"Indeed they are, bella," he agreed, barely a hint of a grin peeking back at her. They shuffled slowly, further away from the house and the small garden lamps began to flicker to life on the edges of their path. He paused and the grin tipped more. "Follow the yellow brick road or the road less traveled?"

"I think I'll go with the road less travelled.. been following the path someone else laid out for me all my life." She turned slightly to gaze at the glow of the garden lamps. "I think I've finally had enough of doing everything just how they tell me.."

"Oh. Well I was merely going to suggest a stroll that way, down to the orchards, but... how about I don't 'tell' and we just 'do'?"

She made a little bit of a face and pushed his shoulder. "I didn't mean you silly."

He chuckled, a strangely loud and sudden sound he didn't utter nearly often enough as he turned from being 'damaged' by the push. "How about we simply turn here and we go where we go?"

"I think that sounds like a good idea." She smiled more brightly having heard his chuckle and finding the sound the nicest that she'd heard in a long while. "Just.. stay very close.. I don't want to get eaten by your dogs."

"They are not 'my' dogs. They actually do very much as they please, it seems, but they will not eat as much as taunt you. Were they completely unfamiliar with you, you'd have reason to fear. Else, simply be annoyed and I don't want to see your smile dim, bella. I like it too well."

"If you say so.." She winked, her smile staying bright for him for now. Her long gently flowing skirt lifted and caressed her legs along with a breeze that came lightly around them. "I'll try not to let them annoy me too much.. "

"Very glad to hear that. It would annoy me terribly if they upset you, which I'm known for almost as much as I am for not being forgiving. If that makes sense," he paused, concerned he was confusing her.

"No.. not entirely.. but I suppose eventually it will. I'll just have to get to know you more myself."

"Yes, you will. I will insist," Armand mused gently. He pointed past a hedge that was well groomed and rounded off, but harder to see as the night closed in. "Through there, then there is a slope. You... may want to tie your skirt down a little so you don't get caught."

"hmm.. not sure about tying this flimsy material.. Maybe you should be ready to hold on.. We'll have to proceed carefully. What about these shoes.. oh well won't know till we give it a try." Mira smiled, gathering her skirt up in one hand and holding on to his arm with the other.

[Lovely]

"I suppose, I may just have to carry you off entirely, though I appear to have left my club behind and there are no caves on the estate, so being bold and discrete may be more challenging, hm?"

She laughed softly, curling towards him, her eyes sparkling in the soft garden lights. "No clubs needed .. though being carried off by you sounds pretty nice." A faint color warmed her cheeks as she spoke.

"Well... try the shoes first. I can't guarantee I wouldn't drop you," he faltered a little, not have expected that type of response.

She giggled, blushing more at the way he dodged and thinking she was making a fool of herself. "Shall we..?" She motioned for him to take a few steps ahead of her.

In his own attempt to be valiant and assist her down the slope, he should not have turned as suddenly as he did at the lip of it. He'd reached to offer her a hand to steady her, but promptly found the ground and few feet of distance on his knee as he slid on the unseen underbrush that carried him down.

She let out a tiny yelp as he went down and darted after him, keeping her balance a little better. "Dr Veinna.. Armand!?" She skidded down after him, tumbling slightly into him near the end of the downslope.

His hand went up as he straightened himself up. "It's alright. The second baseman missed me completely," he grinned just as he was bowled into, nearly knocking them both over. He was up enough to catch her, mostly in his lap. "Hmm... and I'm not sure whether you're safe or not."

She threw her arms around his shoulders and hugged him. "Thank goodness you're alright.. you never would have caught me if you'd broken your leg!" She couldn't resist a slight tease and smiled sweetly at him. "Safe at second base.. is that possible?" Mira tilted to give him a small kiss on his cheek. "My hero.." Her warm breath tickled over his cheek and neck.

"Mmm... don't do that," he warned gently, though his hold on her told her not to stop.

"Do what?" She asked, leaning closer to let the warmth wash over his ear and down his neck. She turned slightly to kiss his cheek again.