3/8/99

You unlock the door and go into room E16.

Room E16

Contents:

Elasia

Obvious exits:

Out

You come in from the Elevator Lounge.

Elasia is sprawled on the couch, for once not engaged in any work related activity. Instead she's playing with an Etch-A-Sketch. Hey, what kind of future would this be without Etch-A-Sketches? She beams as you enter, waving. "Hello, love."

Niko is already unfastening his uniform jacket as he comes into the room. "What a day. Whew. I am -so- glad to be done for the day."

Elasia's expression dims a bit in sympathy, "A bad day then?"

Niko tips a hand back and forth as he changes into clothing that isn't related to work. "Weird day. The trip to medbay went well, except that I had to threaten to carry Clara out of there to get her to go home and recuperate from her cold. And she said something about Riley and -systemic shock-, which has apparently been going on, though he's better now. Then," he adds, pausing to pull on his sweatshirt, "Maestro Kirchenbauer showed up, which was nice except that he kept calling me Iolytus, and Kya's picked up on that. And Kya." He shakes his head. "Well, I didn't strangle her, but it was tough." He flops onto the couch with a sigh. "But I'm here, now. What about your day?"

Elasia is simply trying to keep track of all of that it seems, setting aside the toy and making mental note. "Cold, shock, Maestro Kirchenbauer?" There's another pause, "Strangle?" She just shakes her head, "Rather unexciting in comparison. I wrote strategy reports."

Niko takes up the toy as you set it aside, starting to doodle a Dali-esque cow with it. "It was an interesting day," he murmurs. "Y'know, I think I would have preferred writing strategy reports to most of it." With a grin, he adds, "When Zoey hears that the Maestro's here to conduct, she's going to drive Mom and Dad -nuts- wanting to come visit, so she can see him. He really is incredible. You'll have to meet him sometime."

"Hey, I'll keep my strategy reports, they're suddenly quite appealing," Elasia chuckles, leaning over to watch your doodling. "I'd enjoy the chance to meet him certainly."

Niko nods to that, giving up on his cow-drawing as unrealistic. It really doesn't look like a cow. "Are you ready to go, then, love?" he inquires, suddenly looking just a bit nervous. "I mean, if you've got other things you need to do..."

Elasia perks up decidedly at this thought, "Go? As in now? As in get the heck out of here and spend some time together?" Hello hope?

Niko nods at that. "Unless you'd rather stay here? I guess I could go back to work..." Yes, he's evil. He's also very obviously joking. Grinning, he gets to his feet before he is smacked, and moves to take a pack from the closet.

He's just barely in time to avoid a thorough poking, as Elasia chuckles quietly. "Evil knight." She declares, sliding from the couch. "Anything in particular I ought to bring?"

Niko considers for a moment. "Comfortable clothes. Stuff for overnight, that sort of thing. Anything you think you might want. Don't worry about food, though."

Elasia considers a moment and then shrugs affably. She tugs down a backpack from the closet's shelf and sets about stuffing various helpful items into it. Clothes, a toothbrush, that kind of thing. After a few minutes she seems to deem it appropriately filled. "Check."

Niko pulls his pack over his shoulder. "Y'know," he says innocently. "We just might make it in time. You ready, then?" He reaches in an offer to take your backpack as well.

Elasia leans to poke you, shouldering her own bag with an amiable headshake. "I have it. On time, hey, I didn't dawdle ya' goof."

Niko snickers at the poking. "Hey, it's my fault. I didn't say it was yours. I had to finish up with work." He shifts that reach to take your hand. "But I'm here, now. And I think we'll make it."

Elasia interlaces her fingers through yours, squeezing lightly. "Lead on then, love."

Niko seems quite thrilled to do just that, heading out of the room.

[Travelspam deleted.]

Sheltered Clearing

Set far enough from the lake that it's only a hint of blue in the distance, this space in the trees seems natural, rather than man-made. The trees cluster closely enough beyond the clearing to provide some hint of protection from wind. Matter of fact, the clearing itself is in a small, barely-noticeable pocket of a valley, making it seem an oasis of privacy in the relative wilderness. At the back of the clearing, a small creek makes its burbling presence known.

Obvious exits:

LAkeside

Elasia walks here from the Lakeside.

Elasia has arrived.

Of course, there's a dome-shaped two-person tent set up in the clearing, and a firepit dug, that sort of thing. Moving to stow his pack in the tent, he looks decidedly chipper. "We don't have to see anybody else, if we don't want to."

Niko would be the he, of course.

[I think Simple ate a pose, here.]

Niko emerges from the tent with a rose--red, of course, and it looks like the thorns have even been removed. "Just us," he says, offering the rose with a smile. "For a whole day. I love you."

Melt, melt, and did I mention melt? Elasia accepts the rose with a positively beamed smile, regarding it at length. "I love you too, more than anything." Obviously enraptured by the flower she brings up her other hand to finger the petals lightly, "Okay, evil, but my knight is romantic..."

Niko looks quite thrilled with your reaction. "And I love you," he says softly, moving close to kiss your cheek. He pauses to snag something from the tent, then suggests, "If we sit at the top of the valley, maybe we can catch the sunset." Part of that something would be a blanket, apparently for sitting.

Elasia melts still further, murmuring quietly, "The sunset, yes." She can't quite restrain a grin, "It's been a while since our last."

Niko moves lightly to the ridge of the valley, and starts to spread out the blanket. "Too long," he says, with a smile. "Far, far too long. But maybe I can make it up to you, hm? I'll certainly try, at least."

Elasia follows along afterward, still tracing the lines of the rose. As you get the blanket spread out she slides to a graceful seat upon it. "Oh Niko, this is wonderful. I don't think you have a thing to make up, it's perfect. Although the last sunset was indeed quite wonderful too."

Niko sits as well, close enough that he can slip an arm around you. "It was," he says, looking boyishly pleased by your praise. "But maybe this one will be better. I'm going to do my best to see it is, at least."

Elasia edges in close, watching the sun drift low over the water. "There is something particularly wonderful about sunsets with you. I do not know exactly how to go about describing it, but it is indeed wonderful. The last time we were supposed to do this, well, things happened."

Niko nods his agreement, looking a little sheepish. "Yeah. I'm really glad that -didn't- happen this time. I felt really horrible about that." He slips an arm around you, holding you close.

Elasia rests her head against your shoulder with a softly contented sigh. "I was not particularly upset at missing the occasion, but that you were hurt. It was not the best of days."

Niko nods his agreement to that, leaning to kiss the top of your head. "Well, I'm going to do my best to see it doesn't happen again," he says softly. "I'd much rather be with you and -not- be hurt." He pauses a moment to peer at the water, and the sunset. "Gorgeous, isn't it?"

"Avoiding banana yellow vinyl should help," Elasia says with all seriousness. "I think that begs disaster." She nods at last, "Absolutely amazing. As if it were a world away from the Complex."

Niko murmurs something about being very glad to avoid banana yellow vinyl. "It's good to get away," he says softly. "The Complex is great, but it seems like it's too easy to get lost in the work and all."

"And all the people, and the fine things, and overly decorated areas," Elasia agrees quietly, resting a hand on your knee, the rose still held in the other. "It's all too self-important. It's a nice place, but good to have a break from."

Niko nods firmly to that. "So we should do this again," he suggests. "If we can. Or maybe try to make it out to Hellas sometime, once we're both able to leave for that long. My family really wants to meet you."

Elasia pats at your knee lightly, adding a nod to the affirmative gesture. "We should visit home. I'd like to meet your family," she chuckles sheepishly, "Heck, I'd judt love to see home if nothing else. I miss my family as well."

Niko nods sympathetically. "It's got to be rough, not having family here. Whenever you think you might be able to get the time--though it might be for a while, I know--let me know, hm? If I give Anya enough notice, I might be able to take the time as well."

"I can generally manage time off, what I do is a little more...schedulable than what you do." Elasia offers a wry grin, "Fewer random chaotic events."

Niko nods at that, with a crooked little grin. "Security's weird that way, yeah." He fumbles in the folds of the blanket, and bring out a scroll. He fumbles with it for a moment, then peers out towards the sunset once more. Funny, he's starting to look a little nervous.

Elasia regards the scroll a moment with a lifted brow. I mean it's a scroll. How often do folks in modern socities carry around scrolls? She can't help but question, "Have a grail tucked around here anywhere?"

That gets a laugh, admittedly a still-nervous one. "Uh, yeah, actually. It's in the tent, but it's made of plasglass. Kath gave it to me, kind of a belated birthday gift." Then, with a tentative little smile, he offers the scroll. It's like he's passing notes in class, only there's nobody else present.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To: Elasia

Subject: The scroll

==============================================================================

The paper has been carefully rolled into a scroll. Likely, that'll make it festive to read its contents, but it -looks- suave, at least. The print is Niko's, as his slanted script is unmistakable. The language is, of course, Hellenic, and it's obvious that much care has been taken for the writing to be clear. At the bottom of the page, below the poem, is a rough sketch of a boat and a dock.

Even asleep, we seek closeness. Rapport

comes easily; we've found a home, a niche:

We are one, and yet we are more.


My ladylove is the stuff of tales, of lore--

she has the power to bewitch,

Even asleep. We seek closeness, rapport,


a growing-closer. All that is my core

comes from her, my being is enriched.

We are one. And yet, we are more


than poetry can express; mere metaphor

cannot do justice to the union which,

even asleep, we seek. Closeness, rapport,


love, all found with her whom I adore.

Had I only her, I would still be rich.

We are one, and yet we are more


than I hoped to find. I am the sea, she the shore:

my anchor, my soul, my meteor.

Even asleep, we seek closeness, rapport--

We are one, and yet we are more.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Elasia accepts the scroll with a quiet chuckle, murmuring something about Kathlyn having a really twisted sense of humor. Carefully she manages to unroll the document and her eyes cast back and forth as she reads it. Sniff, sniffle, a single tear runs down from one dark eye although Elasia is beaming fit to provide light for small planetoids. She leans in close to you, tugging an arm around to pull you close. "Evil and -poetic-..."

Niko looks briefly disconcerted by that tear. He didn't want -that- to happen. But you're smiling, so it must be okay. "You like it?" he asks tentatively. "I... I hoped you would." He seems quite happy to move closer to you, though, resting an arm about your waist.

"I like it very much indeed, you're quite talented." Elasia can't quite restrain another sniffle, quite pleased indeed. "Oh love, thank you..."

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

Niko seems reassured by that. Holding you close for a moment, he says quietly, "You're welcome. I love you. I'm really glad you like it." He hesitates for a moment, then inquires, trying desperately to be casual, "How much do you know about, uh, exurb traditions?"

Elasia considers this a moment before shaking her head slightly, "Not a great deal I'm afraid. It wasn't exactly something that was brought up in school after all, and well, after that..."

Niko looks maybe a little disappointed. See, now he has to explain it, and he's a little nervous. Imagine that. "Well," he says slowly. "See, in Mathraki, there's a tradition. It can be a man or a woman who does it, but when a gift is done like this... made, not purchased. Well. See. It's a gift that is given to symbolize the relationship." He's trying desperately to be casual about it. "So the work put into the gift is supposed to be like the work that will be put into the relationship." There's more, as is obvious from his tone, but he doesn't say what just yet.

Elasia brightens still further, the sniffles rather banished at that. Her hand comes up to rest against your chest and she smiles at you. "It's a lovely tradition indeed," she's buying the casual thing it seems. "I'm honored."

Niko smiles suddenly, covering your hand with his own. "Well," he says slowly. "I'm glad. There's a little more, though. See. This is usually done as the start of a... proposal." He shifts somewhat, edging away from you just a bit so he can do the 'down on one knee' thing, though he doesn't release your hand. "Elasia Ianthyl Iakovu--" For a moment, he can't continue. "I love you. I love you with all my heart. Would you do me the honor of being my wife? Will you marry me?"

Okay this is probably -quite- cruel, but for a moment Elasia is far too stunned to say a word. Not even so much as eke out a sound. She prefers kipping on her back? You stunned her just as she was waking up? Whatever it is, she's dead in the water for a few seconds. A few seconds only, but at a moment like this, isn't that an eternity? Then she pounces. Okay, so maybe it's not the most efficent pounce, but she's trying. All through the pouncing activity she's laughing with delight. By way of an answer she attempts to plant a long and involved kiss on you.

Those few seconds were eternal, yes, and kept Niko's heart in his throat. He stares for a moment, then manages not to get bowled over by the pounce, arms going around you automatically. Naturally, he returns the kiss, with interest. Rather hopefully, he asks, as it concludes, "Was that a yes? Please, love... I don't think I could ask again."

Elasia does not even bother to stifle a sunny laugh, nodding. "That was a most emphatic yes. Oh Niko... Yes, yes, and yes again..."

Niko lets out a held breath, his grin nearly splitting his face. "Wonderful! Oh, Ela... thank you." He takes a moment to grin rather stupidly, then says, "I guess I should give you your ring, then, eh?"

Elasia attempts to claim another kiss before looking more than a bit stunned again, "Ring?"

Niko blinks a few times. "If you don't want it... I mean... do folks in the mainurb not use engagement rings?"

Elasia blushes a quite festive shade of red, as has been noted before, when she blushes, she -blushes-. "They do, and I do, and I didn't mean... I'm sorry, I'm still a bit stunned here. Give me just a moment, my brain will catch up, honest." She grins, "A lot of happiness all at once can be confusing."

Niko grins at that, brushing lightly at one beblushed cheek with his fingertips. "Sorry, love," he says, though he really only sounds a little apologetic. "I shouldn't have gone quite so quickly. We've got plenty of time, after all. All the time in the world."

Elasia reaches up to place her hand over yours in an attempt to capture it, "No, no this was the perfect time. Another perfect sunset, the timing you have."

Niko lets his hand get captured, and draws your hand to his lips, so he can kiss it. "I try," he says, with a crooked little grin. "And I'm glad you like it." He fumbles for a moment in a pocket. No, it's not another scroll. This time, it's a ring. And it's not what would now be termed a traditional ring, as the stone is dark blue instead of clear-ish. Matter of fact, it looks like a star sapphire. "This was gigia's," he says softly, as he slides the ring onto the appropriate finger. "She said she hoped you would like it. I hope you do, too. I love you."

You're going to need a -spatula- to get the puddle of Ela up now. "Oh," she breathes softly, once again stunned for a moment into wordlessness. "It's lovely Niko, and it was...Thank her for me?" She finally lights upon the words she wants, "I love you too Niko, thank you. Thank you for making me this happy."

Niko nods at the request, looking absolutely thrilled at the reaction--and maybe at the fact that he's asked, and you said yes, and the world is just basically a really happy place. "I'm glad you're happy, hon, but it's kind of a mutual thing."

Elasia grins again, the expression sunny despite the growing darkness. "Okay, you did top the last sunset."

Niko slips an arm around you. "I thought this might do it," he says cheerfully. "Though I have to say, I had the -worst- time not saying anything. Did you suspect it?"

Elasia shakes her head, settling back into her former position against you. "Not in the slightest, I uh, don't suppose I'd dared to hope that much."

Niko looks a bit relieved. "I'm glad it was a surprise," he says softly. "As many people as knew, I was afraid someone would give it away." After a quick kiss, he adds, "As for hoping... well... I guess it's kind of early to be asking and all, but I know I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Why not make it official?"

Elasia can't quite resist a chuckle, "As many people as knew?" She shakes her head, "I don't think it's early, I think it was the perfect moment." There's a nod, "Not to mention it's the perfect way to fend off overly curious relatives who wish to know when you're going to get married."

Niko looks just a bit sheepish. "I, uh, asked some folks for advice, and some for help with the camping gear and all. And then I just had to talk about it. I hope you don't mind." After a brief pause, he adds, a little more cheerfully, "I'm glad I can help, then. Gee. That's exactly why I asked."

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

Elasia laughs softly, shaking her head. "I don't mind, I got asked, I'm not about to complain about not being the first to know." There's another sunny grin, "Really? Dang, such a sweet one you are."

Niko puts his arms around you, looking generally amused. "Oh, -now- I'm sweet? I thought I was evil."

Elasia considers this a moment and then chuckles, "You're evil -and- sweet. It's a gift you have, love."

Niko grins broadly at that. "If you say so, hon, I guess I have to be. Maybe I'll only be evil on days that end in -y."

Elasia seems to give that lengthy consideration. "I -suppose- that will do." This is as if a great concession. "I can manage that much evil I think."

Niko blinks at that. "Wait, wait, wait. You get to be evil, too? I don't know if I like -that-." Of course, he sounds fond.

Elasia is all innocence indeed as she blinks up at you, all so harmless. "But, but, if -you're- evil, shouldn't I be? So I can take part in your life?"

Niko looks maybe a little worried. "Uh, no, I don't think you need to be evil. I mean, we're getting on fine as it is." He muffles a snicker, then, and pulls you a little closer.

[Something is missing here.]

Niko inquires, though he seems really happy having you closer, and serving as a bizarre kind of living coat, "Getting cold? We could build a fire."

"How evil, a decision," Elasia says quietly, peering up to the stars. "A fire would be lovely certainly, but then again curling up here with you is equally lovely."

Niko offers, with a smile, "You can curl up with me next to the fire, if that makes the decision any easier."

Elasia grins at that and nods, "It does, the combination is too powerful to resist. A fire would be lovely indeed, it's quite dark."

Niko claims a kiss, then gets to his feet. "A fire it shall be, then. And before you say it, I'm much better at burning things than I am at rollerskating and such." With a grin, he offers you a hand.

Elasia accepts the hand, unfolding herself to her feet. "I shall remember to add that to your list of skills. Setting fire to things." She offers a grin in the low light.

Niko laughs as he gathers up the blanket, heading back to the firepit, which, conveniently, has already been dug. "The chem department on Evinast gave me an award for that," he says, with an irrepressible grin.

Elasia pads along afterwards, laughing. "Now -that- does not surprise me. Although, if you don't mind, if you could avoid using LOX to start it?"

Niko says cheerfully, "I brought a firestarter, hon." He's got Drew Barrymore stuffed in the tent, that's it. "Much safer that way." Wow, he even has the firewood already in the pit. "Just a sec, it's in the tent."

Elasia slides down to sit cross-legged by the firepit, although she's a safe distance back. Well, for normal fire, if you do something scary she is doomed. "And less likely to burn down the woods, yes."

Niko emerges from the tent. "It'll be a lot less private if we burn down the woods. I think I'll keep 'em." And, yes, he manages to light the fire without scorching anything, and there is soon a respectable blaze burning.

Elasia sighs softly, a decidedly pleased sound. "I guess they'd notice if we didn't go back."

Niko nods, settling close to you once more. "Kath was very specific," he says, echoing the sigh. "We don't come back, she's going to lead a group to come and find us."

Elasia shakes her head with a chuckle, "A group led by Kath, fate worse than death. Still, a night is better than nothing."

Niko nods once more. "A night will be enough--this time, at least." After a bit of rummaging in the parcel he brought from the tent, he offers a marshmallow. "Got chocolate and grahams, too," he adds, with a grin. "We can pretend tomorrow is forever away."

Elasia's eyes widen in delight at the proffered confection. She accepts it with a grin, "Sweet, evil, and -resourceful-. Forever and a day away, yes. For now it's just you and me and s'mores and the outside."

Niko snags a stick from the ground next to him, absently brushing it off on his pants. Laundry will be annoyed, but that's nothing new. Taking a marshmallow of his own, he impales it with the stick--Niko Tsepes, woo hoo!--and starts to toast the sucker. "That sounds... perfect."

Elasia rummages about for a stick as well, carefully peeling the bark back from the end and stabbing her own marshmellow. Carefully she tilts it over the coals, roasting it evenly. "I have to agree, yes." There's a pause, "Does your family know? I mean, I assumed since you said about, but..."

Niko nods, a hint of amusement in his manner. "They know, yes. When I wrote Gigia to ask her to send the ring, she replied, 'Nikolaos, what took you so long?'" He chuckles quietly. "She knew. I should have known. And they all approve. The girls are going to go nuts when they hear--Losi especially. She informed me the last time I was there that I needed someone to keep an eye on me. The brat." Of course, his tone is fond.

Elasia looks vastly amused at that, "Niko, love, when all the women in your life seem to share the same opinion, does it not occur to you that there might be some foundation?"

Niko muffles a yelp as his marshmallow comes close to making a kamikaze dive into the fire, catching it on a scrabbled graham cracker. "Well," he says, as he fumbles for a square of chocolate, "Yes. I'm just glad it's you."

Elasia reaches for a cracker with a bit more aplomb, grinning. She scoops the treat together, careful not to burn herself. "As am I for that matter, hon." She can't quite help but grin, "My mother will look quite stunned."

Niko's grin is maybe a little shaky. This, after all, is his future mother-in-law, and he's heard -stories- about those. "She... she'll be okay with it, though, right?"

Elasia offers you an amused look after munching a moment, "Oh you're quite safe from my mother, dear." Notice she doesn't mention her father.

Niko is, however, not quite clueful enough to pick up on the absence. His family is matriarchal, after all. "Good," he murmurs. "I'd really rather -not- have difficulties with parents about getting married."

Elasia continues to snicker softly and mutters something about parental interviews and family dogs.

Niko blinks several times. "Interview?" There's a pause. "Dogs? -What-?"

Elasia licks the remaining stickiness from her fingers. "I should warn you now, love, lest you wish to back out quickly. My father will probably wish to, talk to you a bit. He's kind of old fashioned. And don't believe him about the dogs, they're innocent."

Niko pauses before popping the last bit of his own treat into his mouth. "Love," he says mildly, "Uh, old-fashioned is kind of a relative thing." He grins, then. "Like my relatives." Eyes glinting, he inquires, "Is he going to ask what my intentions are, and how I'm going to support you?"

Elasia can't quite stifle some quiet laughter, "I would -not- be surprised dear. He'll try to scare you more likely. Still, he's a politician, you're used to those by now... He has three girls, it's in the contract he must be overbearing."

Niko sets aside his marshmallow-torturing stick, the better to get closer to you. "I think I can deal," he says, though not without a hint of trepidation. "Warning is good, though." After a pause, he inquires, "Is he likely to come to Linnae to, uh, speak with me?"

Elasia shakes her head amiably, "No, not likely. Harassing you is one thing, leaving work is another. He and Mom both are very ... dedicated. He really is a nice man, honest. He just wants to tease."

Niko looks just a bit relieved by that. "Teasing. Okay. I can handle that. I mean, if he were serious about it, if he really wanted to stop us from getting married..." Of course, he can't help but grin at the m-word. "Married," he murmurs. "Wow."

Elasia shakes her head quite emphaticly. "No, for you see he is after all a man with three daughters, and a sensible one. He knows when one of them says, 'I want that one Daddy', he just nods and smiles and gets used to the idea of a son-in-law."

Niko inquires, a hint of his own teasing in his voice, "So are you going to say that, or are you going to let him torture me a little first?"

Elasia considers this a moment, "That depends," she says at last.

Niko blinks. "On what?" he inquires, brows lifting. He's still smiling, but perhaps a bit warily.

Elasia is entirely innocent, "On whether or not you'll pass me another marshmellow."

Niko snickers very quietly. He takes out a marshmallow, clearly resisting the urge to throw it at you. Instead, he offers it. "Your puffed sugar, m'lady."

Elasia accepts the confection with a courtly bow of head and shoulders. "Truly kind you are, dear." She stabs the object on her stick again.

Niko sighs melodramatically as he skewers his own marshmallow. "Evil, sweet, kind... I'm getting a split personality, love." He grins, then, and leans over to kiss you.

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

Elasia returns the kiss, flavored as it is with chocolate and marshmellow. She has a sweet tooth after all. She also roasts her marshmellow. Multi-tasking. "You're my split-personality though."

Niko grins brightly at that. "Sure am," he says cheerfully, slipping an arm around you as he starts to toast his own marshmallow. "I guess I can handle being just about anything, as long as it's -your- anything."

Sappy sigh, Elasia's quite pleased with that response it seems. "You know," she says, "If you keep saying things like that to make me melt, I'm going to need a bucket."

Niko muffles a snicker at that. "Clara said that's how you'd be. Something about puddles on the floor, that sort of thing. As long as we don't leave puddles in the tent--Kayce would be less than pleased." With a grin, he adds, "I'll get you a bucket for your birthday, then."

Elasia seems to find that vastly amusing, quickly rescuing her marshmellow from a firey doom and transferring it to a cracker. "I'll have to thank Kayce as well then, for the loan of the tent." She nods, "Clara had the right of it, indeed."

Niko's own marshmallow gets a little charred, and he frowns a bit as he splops it onto a graham cracker. "You... uh, don't mind that I talked to her about it, do you? I mean, she and I are friends and all, and I still care very much for her, but it's nothing like my feelings for you."

Elasia shakes her head, munching on her second s'more. "No, I don't mind at all, love. You asked, that's all that matters to me right now."

Niko grins at that, looking just a bit relieved. "Good. Very good. I'm really, really glad you feel that way." He crunches on his s'more for a moment, then sighs very quietly. He's got lots of sugar, his fiancee, a fire, and no broken bones. All's right with the world.

Elasia is not quite as neat with this second s'more, but sets about licking the sticky from her fingers with relish. Err, enjoyment. Relish and marshmellow would be gross. "Married, marriage...husband and wife..." Welcome to tasting of words.

Niko pauses a moment to watch the finger-licking, trying to figure out how many minutes it's been. Then he gives himself a small shake, and smiles rather goofily. "We have a lot of things to decide with that," he says tentatively. "I guess it can wait, though."

"Deciding is good, right now I'm just enjoying it all." Elasia offers you a grin. "I'm sorry, it's silly I suppose, but it all sounds so -right-..."

Niko polishes off the last of his s'more and enfolds you in his arms, snagging the blanket to wrap around us both as he does so. "Of course it does," he says softly. "This is true love. Think it happens every day? Of course it feels wonderful... not silly at all to think that." With a crooked grin, he adds, "Only reason I'm not finding a rooftop for shouting is that I've got you -here-, and we've got our time together."

Elasia curls into your arms, shifting in your lap. See, it's only a matter of time. "Together, all by ourselves, our own time. Speaking of things that do not happen every day, this is most assuredly to be treasured and held onto."

Niko gives you a gentle squeeze at that, kissing the top of your head. "Just like you," he murmurs.

Elasia sighs softly, not about to object to yet another wonderful comment. "Can I keep y..." She pauses, "I -can- keep you," she says with a bit of wonder.

Niko nods firmly to that. "I'm yours," he says, with a quick grin. "Nobody else's. Never going to be. If you have any doubt, I can follow you home and make puppydog eyes at you, so you -have- to keep me."

Elasia flashes a delighted grin up at you, "Would you? I'd love that. My very own Niko following me home."

Niko muffles a snicker, and nods. "Sure, if you like. Just don't get a leash, okay? That'd be a bit much." He pauses a beat, then. "Uh. By the way. If the Maestro says something about rope and nets when you meet him, that's my fault."

Elasia blinks a few times, looking a hair fearful, "Nets and rope?"

Niko looks just a bit sheepish, but doesn't move away from you. Matter of fact, he holds you a little closer. "See, we were talking about why I don't play piano any more, and why that's good, and he said something about giving up guns and hang-gliding and girls, and then Kya said it was just -one- girl, and he asked if I'd finally caught somebody." He can't help but muffle a snicker. "I told him I did, and that I used a net and some rope. It was a joke, but you can never tell how he takes these things."

Elasia chokes back a snicker, burrowing closer into the warmth. "You are quite silly. But I shall make sure to express at length the -quality- of the net you used. And the fineness of the rope."

Niko is, after all, your own personal heater. What else should he do besides provide warmth, and, of course, make sappy comments. With a muffled snicker, he says, "He'll have fun with that, I'll bet. I think you'll like him, hon. He's the neatest guy."

Hey, it's cold out here, personal heaters are key. Elasia chuckles, "I look forward to meeting him, yes. It sounds vastly amusing."

Niko nods firmly at that. "Be interesting to see if he flirts with you, too," he murmurs. With a snicker, he adds, "When I asked what brought him to the Complex, the first thing he said, was 'pretty girls'."

Elasia considers this a moment, "On one hand I'm not flirt okay, but on the other, should I be dissapointed if he doesn't try?" She winks.

Niko muffles a snicker. "Depends whether or not I'm there, I guess. I mean... I would hope he wouldn't flirt with you if I'm right -there-. He's a wonderful guy, though--great with kids."

Elasia nods, although it's more a nuzzle against your chest. "Don't let the Sectassian's find out, or the poor man will be swamped."

Niko hates that nuzzle. It's obvious, especially in the way he hugs you for a moment. Ick, ptooey, girl germs. "I'll have to mention them to him. I swear, -too- many kids..."

Elasia nods simply. "Children are a good thing, but there really is such as too much of a good thing."

Niko nods emphatically at that. "And even half as many kids as the Sectassians would be too much of a... well, I guess they're good kids. Individually."

Elasia shakes her head in a an amused negative gesture, "Most of them aren't though. Maybe it's because there are so many...Have you ever had to babysit any of them? I swear..."

Niko shakes his head. "Just had to drag them -all- out of an infobooth," he mutters, with a grimace. Blinking, he inquires, "You didn't have to -babysit- them, did you? Hon, I'm very sorry. Toss them at Corian if it happens again; she actually -likes- the Sectasslets."

Elasia just shudders slightly, "Only in small groups. I hope not to have to again. I am told it was akin to a hazing ritual."

Niko gives you a quick kiss on the cheek. "Hope it doesn't happen again, hon. That's just mean, having you do that. It's not like they don't have enough mothers, after all."

Elasia murmurs a quiet sound of agreement, "True enough. It was quite an adventure though, and a couple of them were nice enough to make up for the others."

Niko nods at that. "I heard a rumor that there are nice Sectassians," he says, with a crooked grin. "Glad to hear that confirmed."

Elasia laughs softly, poking you gently in the ribs. "I hate to say this, as comfortable as this is, but perhaps we should climb into the tent? It's a bit chilly."

Niko nods agreeably to that. "Warmth is good. If you want to go ahead, I can take care of the fire."

Elasia uncurls from your lap, claiming a kiss as she does so. "Thank you, I appreciate it dear." She heads into the small tent, removing her shoes at the door.

Niko banks the fire, though he doesn't follow immediately. Instead, he pauses to pump his fist and mouth 'yes!' a couple of times. He must use Herbal Essence shampoo. Then, of course, he follows you into the tent, leaving his shoes outside and zipping the tent closed behind him. "Cozy," he says, with a quick grin.

Elasia murmurs her agreement as she continues zipping sleeping bags together, "It's indeed a very nice tent." She grins, "Nice and close and comfortable." There's another grin, "And warm."

Niko stays at the edge of the tent, so he doesn't get in the way too much. "Warm is good," he repeats. "And -that-," he adds, with a gesture towards the sleeping bags, "Is a good idea. Didn't know they did that. Of course, since I got 'em from Kath, I should've guessed."

Elasia finishes attaching the two, clambering down into the combined bag. She murmurs something about needing to tell Shan Kathlyn owns such sleeping bags. "A lot do, I figured I'd check. It's a bit cold to lie on top of them, and I'm spoiled by having a Niko to cuddle with."

Niko moves to follow you, being very careful about knees and elbows and feet. "I'd much rather have my Ela with me, yup," he says cheerfully. After a pause, he adds, with a quizzical grin, "Shan -would- find that interesting, wouldn't he? Huh, they should probably go camping, too."

Elasia chuckles softly as she curls up to you, still fire-warmed. "He would probably sigh a lot and go on at length. It's quite comical. He is often stationed downstairs. Treena has quite the crush on him, it's the white hair."

Niko inquires, biting back a yawn, "Treena? And I wonder how much he'd hurt me if I just -told- Kath."

"I think the question that is begged is, 'Would Kath believe that?'" Elasia snuggles into her preferred evening position. "Tired love?"

Niko says vaguely, "Depends on if Shan was there too, and what he did when I told her." That, presumably, is in reference to the first question. "And I'm kind of tired, yeah. It's been a day." He cuddles closer to kiss you. "The bad points were pretty nasty, but the good points more than made up for them. Thank you."

Elasia returns the kiss. Quite effusively in fact. With silver quarters. "It has been a wonderful day. Sleep will probably do you good."


Back