4/6/99

You say "Jay? Oh... yes, that's tonight, how wonderful. I live on the fourth floor, but I am currently at work. If you give me a moment, I will meet you there?" into the communit.

Your communit crackles to life and says "Sure thing, works for me." in Jay's voice.

Corian gathers up her papers and gently herds a drowsy Sectassian from her lap, towards his father's office. "Yes, later. I promise, dearie." With that, and an amused chuckle, she heads for the exit.

[Travelspam to 4th floor lounge deleted.]

Jay is leaning on the desk, chatting up the receptionist under a SecOff's amused eyes. Not that that keeps his own eyes from checking out every female that walks by.

Corian watches the chatting-up for a moment, expression amused. She moves quietly to your side, observing, "Someday, cha'leket, you will meet a woman with whom you will want to spend the rest of your life. And I cannot help but think that some world, somewhere, will cease to exist at this point."

Jay straightens up hastily with a rueful grin. The receptionist rolls her eyes and goes back to work. "Guess I'll just have to keep on going the way I am now then," he comments cheerfully.

Corian laughs very quietly at that, head shaking fractionally back and forth. "As you wish. Shall we go find something to eat, or would you prefer to remain here a bit longer?" The receptionist gets an amused smile.

Jay half-bows, extending his hand in a sweeping gesture. "Not much takes precedence over homemade food. Lead on, cha'leket."

Corian returns the bow in kind, though she still looks somewhat amused as she moves down the hallway to the Y corridor, then to room 8.

You unlock the door and go into room Y8.

Room Y8

This poor room is very confused. Its owner has traveled extensively, as is obvious from the disjointed decor. Oddly, though, it all seems to fit, and the room certainly matches Corian's personality. The glossy wooden floor is bare, with the exception of one small, circular braided rug. The dark blue overstuffed couch seems new, and is sized to fit an Edreeni. The throw over the couch, however, is faded, and seems to depict some sort of seascape. A low table in front of the couch also seems fairly new. It holds a few books, more paperwork, and a toy wind-up giraffe with a bit of ribbon around its neck. The desk is a convenient little thing, looking like it can fold to a size that may be carried. Of course, that means there are no drawers, but a small portable file-drawer makes up for that. A rather large stack of noveldisks rests on the desk, as well as paperwork in any of a number of languages, a few wooden puzzles, and a photograph. A portable terminal is generally somewhere around the room, depending on where Corian is working at the moment. The chair tucked under the desk is decidedly comfortable, and looks like the seat of choice for Corian. A screen hides the sleeping area from view, and has a brightly-colored piece of cloth tacked to it. A long coat of dark gray skrorg hangs near the door.

Obvious exits:

Out

You come in from the Elevator Lounge.

Jay enters from the Elevator Lounge.

Jay has arrived.

Corian heads over to the desk to drop off her armload of folders, absently moving the sad-faced brown teddy bear to one side to make room. (Funny, she wasn't much of a teddy bear person as a kid.) "Now... was it lasagna we were going to eat? I do hope so, as I do not have much beyond that."

Jay pauses inside the doorway to let a lazy gaze wander the room, then flashes a grin. "I'm not sure we ever decided. Lasagna does sound wonderful, though." He takes slow steps toward the couch, pausing to contemplate the giraffe.

Corian smiles pleasantly as she moves towards the cooking area. "It will be convenient, at least." She starts to take out a few frozen things. "Can I get you something to drink? I have tea, of course--water, some sodas, that sort of thing." She doesn't notice the giraffe-contemplation, as she's starting to put dinner together.

Jay nods, continuing on to drape himself into a corner of the sofa. "Soda? You actually have soda? That'd do me some good right now. By the way, your friend Tarrant sends his best wishes."

Corian chuckles very quietly. "I keep it for my guests, yes. I most certainly do not drink it myself. Do you have a particular preference?" At that last, she smiles fondly. "How kind of him. Where did you see him?"

Jay nods, balancing one ankle on the other knee. "Cola, in that charming red can." He gestures in the vague direction of the park. "Outside, near the playground. He assisted me in toy plane rescue."

There's a pop from the cooking area, and then the sound of pouring. No, it's still a red canned soda, it's just in a -glass- now. She brings the glass over to you with a smile. "I'm glad he's finding time to visit there. He really did seem to enjoy it. But... was the toy plane in distress, that it required rescue?"

Jay takes the glass with a nod and murmured thanks. "According to him, indeed it was. Stuck in a tree, it was. Which he climbed. I do believe he was rather enjoying himself." Taking a drink of the soda, he cocks his head thoughtfully. "Ah, so you did get a chance to take him out there? With or without children accompanying?"

Corian moves back to the cooking area, though her smile is still audible in her voice. "I am quite sure he was enjoying himself. And we did go to the playground the other evening, yes, though the younglings remained at home."

Jay grins faintly. "And did you enjoy yourself as much as he did on the playground?"

Corian laughs quietly at that. There's a bit of rustling and clinking, and then she emerges to perch on the opposite end of the couch. "I am not certain. I did enjoy myself very much, though. It was a most pleasant evening."

Jay's tone definitely holds a pleased note. Lifting his glass, he says, "Here's to an infinity of pleasant evenings for you, my dear." *sip*

Corian lifts her tea mug as well, expression fond. "And to you as well, cha'leket. Many thanks. I do hope that you've been having some pleasant evenings as well?"

Jay shrugs slightly. "Depends on your definition of pleasant, I suppose. They haven't been /bad/, certainly. Got distracted on a project and I've been holed up in my place for a couple of days. I was forced to emerge when the soda supply ran out, and it seemed like a good time to get in some, ah, sight-seeing."

Corian inclines her head to that. "The scenery around the Complex is lovely, yes," she replies. And she doesn't mean women. "Have you left the Steading? I hear that there is a lake beyond the gates, though I have yet to venture quite that far."

Jay shakes his head slightly. "Furthest I've been is..." He has to think back a moment here. "Down to where the Bonded folks live. Cozy place."

Corian shakes her head as well, expression thoughtful. "I have not yet seen it, though perhaps--" A soft chime sounds from the cooking area, and she gets to her feet. "Perhaps I will do so in the future."

Jay mhmmms, planting both feet on the floor to lean forward. "Nice goldfish pond, at any rate. Places aren't much bigger than this though." He gestures to indicate the apartment. "Speaking of which, how /did/ you swing this place?"

Corian chuckles softly at that. "Well, as I am working with the diplomats, it is necessary that I be accessible to them," she says, voice innocent. "That is likely part of the reason, at least." She comes back from the cooking area with a pair of plates, upon which are squares of vegetarian lasagna, happy fun garlic bread, and a bowl containing a salad. "I am uncertain as to whether Riley pulled strings, but I suppose that is possible."

Jay glances downward, considering that, and finally shakes his head. "My bet is you got it on your own merits. I always have a hard time picturing him as a string-puller." Absolute joy brightens his expression as he reaches for a plate. "This looks as good as it smells. You, Corian Treston, are a natural wonder."

Corian offers the plate with the larger portion of food, settling down with her own. "It is quite simple to cook, cha'leket," she replies, with a smile. "I generally make quite a lot of it at once, and freeze it in single-servings for later consumption." She pauses a beat, then offeres, "I could do so for you as well, if you wished?"

Jay actually pauses before plunging into the food. "Would you? If it's not too much trouble?" His voice is wistful. "I mean, I burn /water/, but I do okay with reheating. I think I may even have a hot plate somewhere." He can no longer resist those wonderful spicy aromas and digs in, eating neatly and trying not to go too fast.

Corian nods agreeably to that. "It is no trouble at all, cha'leket. Two dishes are just as easy to make as one. And if I do this, then I will be able to assure Aunt Kareen that you are eating properly." She chuckles quietly, and starts on her own meal, though somewhat more slowly, and definitely daintily. "Reheating the food is not difficult, though. I could even show you how, if necessary." She sounds amused, of course, but her tone is also fond as well.

Jay rolls his eyes, snickers, and swallows, reaching for his soda. "Mother was never satisfied with how much I ate when I was still at home, but that'd reassure her. Maybe she'd even stop bugging me to settle down with /one/ woman. You'd best not share this stuff with too many though, or you'll find yourself the center of a new religion."

Corian laughs quietly, with a small shake of her head. "So far I have kept it in the family," she reassures, sounding amused. She pauses, then, and inquires, fork pausing, "Do you not wish to settle down with one woman?"

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

Jay's expression is faintly surprised as he glances at you. He eats. It's a given. "Not particularly. Never found one I actually considered doing so with, at least. Doubt I ever will. Why?"

Corian shakes her head slightly, with a graceful gesture of dismissal. "It was curiosity, only. Honalee seems to find this a necessary thing in life, you see, so I have been attempting to garner other opinions."

Corian shakes her head slightly, with a graceful gesture of dismissal. "It was curiosity, only. Honalee seems to find this a necessary thing in life, you see, so I have been attempting to garner other opinions."

Jay laughs with quiet sympathy. "Well, Honalee is... Honalee. If she's happy with her lot in life, that's great. But we're not carbon copies of her. Rile got lucky- he found Clara. But look how long it took him to do it. I think folks're waiting for me to grow up a bit before I'm going to get bugged about matters of the heart. Of course, I seek out companionship of the opposite sex, whereas you don't seem to. That could make a difference too."

Corian is apparently thinking out loud as she says quietly, "But I have male friends whom I... ah. No, I am not quite so... friendly as you are, cousin." She shakes her head, maybe looking just a bit embarrassed. "But I am still happy with my life as it is, which Hona does not seem to understand."

Jay nods agreeably. "As long as you're happy, that's what counts. I'm not saying you couldn't be happier, but if you're content, then don't worry about what Honalee says." He pauses as if about to say something else, but apparently the lasagna wins out.

Corian turns her attention to her salad, leaving about half of her lasagna. Expression thoughtful, she inquires, "Have you ever had a serious relationship, cha'leket?" Her tone isn't even remotely judgemental, merely thoughtful and curious.

Jay immediately shakes his head. For a guy who doesn't eat much, he's making fast inroads on the lasagna. "Not a one." He pauses, then chuckles. "Computer'd get jealous." Yeah, that's the ticket.

Corian considers that for a moment, lips quirking in amusement as she nibbles on her garlic bread. "Do you suppose you would be happier if you did have a serious relationship?"

Jay considers that while thoughtfully chewing. "Y'know, I've never thought about it really, except in passing. I dunno..." He gestures with his fork. "I mean, you see the folks with lifemates, and they seem deliriously happy. Not sure I've ever risen to that level. I /do/ know I'm satisfied with the way my life is now, and I've always been a great believer in the saying 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it'."

Corian nods thoughtfully as she turns back to the lasagna. "I do believe you're right in that," she says, maybe looking a little relieved. "I love Hona very dearly, and I am sure that she has only my happiness in mind, but I am not altogether sure that she is right, in this."

Jay nods slightly. "You're the only one who can know the full truth of the matter, cha'leket. Besides, she's forgetting one thing. /Looking/ for a serious relationship rarely works. It just... happens."

Corian inclines her head. "That is what I have observed," she replies, with a quick smile. "So I really should not do anything. If something happens, it will not be by any of my actions, after all." With a shake of her head, she adds, sounding abashed, "This is why I wore that ridiculous costume to the ball, you see--Honalee thought I should be noticed."

Jay wags a finger. "Now, I didn't say that. It'd still be by your actions, just by being yourself. What I'm saying is don't change yourself if you don't want to." That last garners a snicker and the shadow of a blush. "She thought right."

Corian shakes her head, with more than a hint of a blush. "I did not tell her of your reaction, cha'leket," she assures you, smiling faintly. Shoulders lifting in a graceful shrug, she adds, "Hona seemed to think that I should change my wardrobe, at least. I see nothing wrong with it."

Jay glances toward you and, eyes resting briefly on the visible necklace, shakes his head. "You're lovely just the way you are. Even if you /were/ looking to attract some attention, changing your wardrobe would present a false image- the woman makes the clothes, not the other way around, after all- and what good's a relationship that starts in such a way?"

Corian says lightly, "I generally purchase my clothing, rather than make it, but, yes, I see your point. No relationship is, by far, preferable to a dishonest one. And thank you for your kind words, cousin. I do appreciate them." Even though -she- doesn't happen to think that she's lovely. And stop looking at your cousin's... necklace!

Jay shakes his head quickly, offering a smile, and suppresses a groan at the joke. "My words are nothing compared to your lasagna. Not that it'd take food for me to've given them to you." He nods in agreement at one point. "I may be a cad, and a scoundrel, and a hellion, but I can say I do try to deal honestly with women. Lost more than a few that way, but..." He shrugs.

Corian pauses in her eating and leans over to rest a hand lightly on your arm. "Cha'leket, you are as you are. I am not surprised to find you honorable, but I am also most pleased, as well. And I thank you for your advice, as well. I would like to please Hona, of course, but if I cannot control what happens, I suppose there is nothing I can do."

Jay chuckles, giving that hand a carefully cousinly pat or two. "Anything for you, Cori. As for Honalee... ah, we'll send her some pics of you enjoying yourself and maybe she'll turn down the volume a bit."

Corian smiles fondly as she returns to her meal. "Perhaps that would be helpful, but it would also involve the pictures being taken." As she's a bit camera-shy, she won't be too keen on that. "Though I believe some were taken at the ball. Hona would like that, even though she's already heard about it." And, for no apparent reason, a slow blush rises to her cheeks.

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

Jay's eyebrows rise at the blush. "Oh dear. What'd she hear, beside the fact you had every guy there drooling?"

Corian shakes her head quickly. "It is not what she -heard- so much as what she said." If anything, the blush darkens. She sets aside her fork, observing lightly, "She does enjoy teasing."

Jay chuckles softly. "Well, I'll give her credit for one thing- she /does/ know what'll attract a poor fool's attentions. I would guess that maybe she was hoping you'd like all the attention, and things would go naturally from there."

Corian shakes her head at that. "Well, if that was her intention, then I am afraid that I must disappoint her. I am unsurprised that the clothing did as she intended, though. She has had quite a lot of time to observe such things, after all." There's another brief headshake as she rearranges the last of her salad with her fork. "Perhaps when she visits, if she is able, she will -see- that I am happy. Though I suppose she'll have just as much fun teasing me." Her tone is fond, though; she won't object -that- much.

Jay chuckles, reluctantly pushing away his plate with only a crust remaining of his meal. "Someday we'll have observed as much." His mouth quirks slightly, eyes amused. "That'd certainly be handy. Easier to convince her in person. And it's /always/ fun teasing you, Cori."

Corian shakes her head at that as she gets to her feet, taking up both plates. "I'll thank you to remember, Jay," she says, though her severe tone is belied by the spark of mirth in her eyes, "That I am no longer the girl whose hair you cut."

Jay chuckles, taking up his soda again. "And I'm no longer the silly kid who'd do such a thing." He pauses to add mischievously, "These days shaving all the hair off is required." Yes, he's joking.

The startled gasp from the dining area suggests that the joke fools Corian for a moment, but then she laughs, returning with a box. "Cha'leket, I do hope that that -was-, indeed, a joke." She settles the box on the table, adding, "Would you like some dessert? They are toffee cookies." And toffee cookies are most certainly not what Corian would generally buy, as she's not usually a fan of such sweet a dessert.

Jay snickers softly, nodding. "Yes, I wouldn't dare assault your hair these days, Cori." Eyes widen, and fingers dive for the box. "Toffee's more than passable, believe me. It bears a passing resemblance to its noteworthy cousing caramel."

Corian settles back against the couch, watching your box-diving with amusement. "You may take them, if you like. It is somewhat unlikely that I will eat them, after all."

Jay nods more than a little eagerly, happily ending little cookie lives via his teeth. "Sure, I'll take 'em off your hands. Though why you have them here if you don't eat them, I don't quite understand."

Corian says absently, straightening her skirt, "Mr. Veruzac brought them, though I am not quite sure why. Please feel free to take them. It will be helpful to me, actually, as I will not have to find another use for them, then."

Jay's eyebrows rise a fraction. "Veruzac? /Terrence/ Veru..." He cuts himself off abruptly, shaking his head. "Yes, I'll take them with me. Thank you. Very much."

Corian replies, expression curious, "Yes, Terrence Veruzac. We had a very... interesting conversation up here the other evening." Oddly, there's a hint of sympathy in her manner.

Jay mumbles something that sounds like, "I just bet." Shaking his head again, he casts around for a strong change of subject. He fails.

Corian regards you for a moment, then observes quietly, "Cha'leket, I do not have illusions about this man. I know that he takes advantage of women. But I do not think he will do so to me."

That particular notion brings a rather unpleasant light to Jay's eyes, though he's careful to keep his expression neutral. "Amusing as it'd be to see Riley toss him in the brig, Veruzac had better not even /think/ of trying his tricks on you."

Corian shakes her head at that. "Cha'leket, I do not believe he will do so. I am, after all, my mother's daughter." After a brief pause, she adds, "And, as has been said, I would prefer an -honest- relationship. I find it extremely unlikely that I would find one with Mr. Veruzac... even if he -were- my type."

Jay hmphs. "The man is slime. I wouldn't put anything past him." He pauses, offering a slight smile. "I didn't think you would. I just don't like the idea of him trying to seduce you." Jay's blunt when he's upset.

Corian is quiet for a moment. Must... not... blush! "He was here for quite some time," she ventures, "And he did not say anything that I found to be improper. Though I do think your assessment of him may be somewhat harsh, cousin."

Jay looks at you for a long moment, then abruptly nods. "I'll dig a little further and re-evaluate then."

Corian smiles warmly at you. "Thank you, Jay. I do not mean that he hasn't done wrong to some women, of course--I am not so naive. But I believe that he has a reason for doing so." She shakes her head fractionally. "That does not excuse it, of course, it merely explains it."

Jay mhmms, relaxing somewhat. He even seems passingly amused. "Funny, you seem to do a great job of understanding /others/."

Corian's brows lift, and she inquires, "Why the emphasis, cha'leket?"

Jay gestures slightly. "Cause when it comes to yourself, you're easily set to questioning."

Corian smiles faintly at that, and shakes her head fractionally. "I believe that your observation is correct, but that this is a change, having begun only recently."

Jay ahs quietly, snatching another cookie. There may not be any left to be taken home by the time he's done. "Change isn't a bad thing, when taken in moderation."

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

Corian's lips quirk fractionally. "It depends, I suppose, on whether it is a change for the better. I have yet to determine that."

Jay mhmmms. "True, but you'll learn from it, either way."

Corian nods at that, with another brief smile. "That is true. And learning expreiences are to be appreciated." Her gaze shifts around the room, resting briefly on that teddy bear, before turning back to you.

Jay nods, glancing toward said bear, and gestures widely to indicate the contents of the room. "You've got more than most."

Corian nods once more, with a fond smile. "I decided, since I would be here for a year, that I could take it out of storage. Some of it traveled with me, of course, but it was easier to deal with less, then."

Jay yeahs, "Time and a place for everything, including unpacking, horrid as it is. Most've my stuff's still in storage, I blush to admit." Actually he looks rather pleased about it.

Corian inquires curiously, "Are you going to move on as well, cousin? I thought you were the one asking me to remain here."

Jay shakes his head quickly. "Naw. For one thing, I haven't the space to bring everything out. For another, I don't really need a whole lot of furniture, and I've few knick-knacks. I hate unpacking, and the size of my place gives me a great excuse to avoid doing so."

Corian inquires, "You are housed on the second floor, yes? The rooms there -are- quite small." Funny that she knows that, huh? "It is a shame that you weren't able to get more room." She glances about her own spacious quarters. "I do not need all this space, certainly, and could very easily do with less."

Jay nods, giving you a curious look. "Ah, but how often do you end up with lodgings like this? Enjoy it while you can. And I'm quite happy where I am housed," he smiles.

Corian considers that for a moment. "The last time I had such spacious quarters was... of course, it had to be on Cloister." A hint of a shadow crosses her face, quickly replaced by her usual pleasant expression. "But, as you say, it was not a frequent occurrence."

Jay mhmms. "If you really want to appreciate all this space, bring those kidlets up here. The place won't seem large enough very quickly."

Corian, expression amused, replies, "I have--though only three of them at one time. They were most fascinated by Father's carvings. He was quite pleased."

Jay grins. "Kidlets with good taste? Thought I'd never see the day."

Corian nods her agreement. "If I thought she would agree, I might even ask Ximena if I could steal her youngest. He's such a sweet little boy, especially for his age."

Jay chuckles softly. "Pining for one of your own?"

Corian shakes her head, with a quick smile. "I do not believe so, no," she replies, with a low, bubbling laugh. "I love borrowing other people's children, but I do not know that I would do well having one with me constantly. After all, that would be difficult when one is traveling."

Jay nods after considering that for a moment. "Yes, you've probably got a point there, at least for the first few years of a child's life."

Corian shakes her head fractionally. "Or for perhaps longer than that. Having a stable environment is most important for a child." And, as she traveled so much with her parents when she was younger, she'd know that by experience.

Jay nods slightly, swishing his soda. "Depends on your definition of 'stable', I think."

Corian is kind and doesn't say anything about a place to put horses. "Of course. It is all relative. But the point is moot for me, as I would not be likely to have a child who would only have one parent."

Jay shudders slightly. "I'll definitely agree with you on that point."

Corian chuckles very quietly at that. "I think you would make a good father, cha'leket--assuming you could manage to settle down with the child's mother."

Jay acks. "No no no no no. Not in my destiny, on either point."

Who said Corian is nice? Amusement dances in her gray eyes as she inquires, tone pleasant and innocently perplexed, "Are you certain, cha'leket? Aunt Kareen would be most pleased to be made a grandmother."

Jay shivers. "So I've been informed. I'm afraid she's out of luck. Kids and I do not mix."

Corian suggests thoughtfully, "Perhaps you merely have not yet met the proper children." Gears are turning. She's going to offer an invite to play with the Sectassians if a diversion isn't offered. Aiee!

Unfortunately for Jay, he'd never suspect his sweet cousing Cori of being so... well, sly isn't quite the right word. "Probably not. I've tried to keep meetings with children to a minimum."

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

Corian suggests, "You could join the younglings and me some afternoon, if you like. I generally spend an afternoon a week with them, sometimes more--we tell stories, or go to the park, or do something else to amuse them. Ximena is most appreciative to have the help."

Jay swallows hard. Now how's he supposed to turn down /Cori/? "I suppose I could drag out my copy of 'Byte in Shining Armor'. Think I read it when I was... eight, maybe."

Corian is not quite as evil as she could be. Or maybe she is. Noting the look, she says, sounding quite sincere, "It is not necessary for you to join me, cha'leket. I enjoy spending time with them, but if you would not, of course, you should not come." Maybe it's reverse psychology. Who knows?

Jay shakes his head quickly, rising valiantly to the occasion. "No, that's alright. It'd be... a learning experience."

Corian's smile is bright, and quite pleased. "Oh, it most certainly is, cousin. They can make the most fascinating statements. Is there a day which would be more convenient for you? I can talk with Ximena, and arrange it so that it will be easier for you--perhaps only four or five of the children."

Jay spreads his hands, pausing at the number. "Ohhh, they're the ones with thirty-some? Four or five would be good." He taps at his communit and nods at the result. "I've got a consultation in two days, in the morning, but my schedule's free other than that."

Corian nods pleasantly at that. A glance at her wall-clock elicits a brief pause, but she still smiles as she says, "I will speak with Ximena about it, then, and contact you later?"

Jay nods, glancing down at the box on the table. "That sounds good. Do they like cookies?" His gaze strays to the clock. "Whoops. Past your bedtime, isn't it?"

Corian chuckles quietly. "They are very fond of cookies, yes, but their mother has asked that I stop bringing them. Apparently, she is not fond of the aftereffects of so much sugar." After another glance to the clock, she shakes her head. "I do not sleep quite so early," she says, with a smile. "Though," she adds, "I was up somewhat late last night, talking with Mother and Father."

Jay's mouth quirks. "Funny, my mother used to say the same thing." Eyebrows rise slightly over his glass as he finishes the soda. "How're they doing?"

Corian pauses a beat before replying smoothly, "Quite well, for the most part. Mother is as busy as ever, and Father is planning to send another of his sculptures." Her expression is fondly amused at that. "They asked after you, of course, and asked me to send their greetings."

Jay catches the pause, and pauses himself before replying. "Always glad to get greetings from them of course. You'll have to pass on my best wishes the next time you speak to them."

Corian nods to that, with a smile. "I will likely speak with them before the end of next month, so I will be certain to do so."

Jay mhmms, stretching a bit, slouches a little more. "And your late night last night... you fully awake here, cha'leket?"

Corian's head inclines in a brief nod. "I am, yes. I do believe, though, that I should sleep soon. We should do this again, though--it was quite a pleasant evening."

Jay nods with an amiable smile, shifting his stance somewhat. "Another point of agreement. Much as I love your food, I'll have to return the favor. No worries- I order food in, I wouldn't poison ya."

Corian laughs quietly at that. "That sounds quite nice, cousin. We will certainly have to do so, though I am more than happy to cook for both of us."

Jay grins ruefully. "No wonder Honalee's bugging you. You'd make a man and a litter very happy."

Corian's cheeks color a bit at that. "Thank you, cha'leket. But my cooking made you happy, yes? And I believe it has made Riley happy in the past, as well. That is certainly enough for me."

Jay nods a confirmation, and grins. "Hmmm. If we get the cooking while you're manless, I may just have to beat suitors away with a stick."

Corian can't help but laugh at that, with a shake of her head. "There are no suitors, Jay, so you may put away your stick."

Jay sits forward, pantomiming doing just that. "Awww, and here I was looking forward to it."

Corian shakes her head once more, expression quite amused, if a bit tired. "I am most sorry to disappoint you. Should one, by some miracle, make an appearance, I will be certain to warn you both."

Jay ahs, "So I'm not the only one? Riley's proved protective of your cooking as well?"

Corian shakes her head at that, eyes holding a hint of humor. "The two of whom I spoke were you and the hypothetical suitor. I am not sure if Riley would go quite so far to gain himself some lasagna."

Jay ahas, lowering his voice to a ridiculous bass, and flexes an almost nonexistent bicep. "Yes, I am a manly man, much feared among the suitor population."

Corian, to her credit, doesn't laugh. Yet. She might even giggle once you're gone, though such would be undignified. "Well, then," she says, only the amusement in her eyes giving her away, "I will have to endeavor to avoid gaining a suitor, so that the poor man will not need to face you."

Jay snickers, dropping his arm. Well aware of his lack of stature, /he/ thinks it's funny. "Why? Would he die laughing?"

Corian settles against the back of the couch, looking rather amused. "As he does not exist, cha'leket, I cannot venture a guess."

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

Jay grins. "Well, we'll see what happens in the coming years. Never know what might come around the corner next."

Corian nods equably, lifting a hand to muffle a yawn. "Of course, of course. The future is a mystery, after all. Please forgive me, cousin," she adds, a bit apologetically. "It seems that last night's late evening is catching up with me."

Jay nods, wagging a finger. "As I was about to note, you are looking awfully tired. Mustn't neglect your beauty sleep, even though you don't need it." He exchanges glass for box, climbing to his feet. "It was, cha'leket, one of the most enjoyable evenings I've had here so far."

Corian gets to her feet as well, taking up the teddy bear as she pauses by the desk on the way to the door. "Then," she replies with a smile, "We must certainly do this again. I enjoyed the evening very much as well."

Jay smiles brilliantly, pausing as he opens the door to bow sweepingly. "Quite glad you did. It'd be my honor, and my pleasure, Corian." And with that, he's gone.

Jay leaves the room.

Jay has left.


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