How Green Becomes Wood

"No, it would not be," He agreed, "You have done all you can, it is on them to accept it or not. Sometimes, people need time to think through how to respond, or they need time to be angry, and that is okay. Unfortunately for us, it is their decision if they forgive you or not. Now, if they tell you your apology was insufficient, and make you keep apologizing, that is when we reevaluate."
 
"You're right," Alec sighed. "Sometimes, it can just be so hard to wait, but that is all we can do."

"Hey, am I cleaning this up by myself, or are you helping?" Xander called to Alec.

Alec gave Dark a quick smile. "Thanks. Mama and Ivy are likely waiting for their cameraman, but... thanks." He finished cleaning off the table and took the dishes to Xander to wash.
 
"You are welcome. I hope she forgives you." Dark replied, squeezing Alec's shoulder before heading outside to try and catch Ivy saying her first word on camera.

It took a while, but just as they were considering giving up and trying again the next day, she pointed at the roses and said ah-wa! when asked, so the video was quickly sent to Cooger, Sally, all of Daizi's other friends, and all of Daizi's family. Then he sat, wondering if it was something he should also send to Ciara and Tristan. It was a big moment, and Daizi was adamant they were family, but he didn't want to put pressure onto them to feel the same. After a few moments, he texted them both, Ivy said her first word today, we have a video of her repeating it, if you would like to see.
 
Sally responded with the expected amount of enthusiasm, gushing excitedly over how big Ivy had gotten, how perfect her first word was, and congratulations to Dark and Daizi both for getting to experience it. She was genuinely excited both to see a new milestone for Ivy, and for Daizi to get to experience it.

Ciara responded dutifully that it was an impressive feat and that, yes, she would like to see the video.

Tristan was somewhere between the two responses, truly impressed. He asked what the word was and said yes, he would like to see the video.
 
Dark's excitement was present, but certainly muted due to his own personality, although after he had sent the video out, she proceeded to excitedly gush about it to every single one of her friends, including Sally, although she didn't want to annoy Ciara and Tristan with it.

As soon as he heard their responses, Dark sent both Tristan and Ciara the video, and explained, She is saying Zahra, which means Flower in Arabic.
 
Last edited:
Sally was only too happy to share the excitement, and she asked, "Isn't it early for Ivy to be talking?"

Ciara's reply was short and polite, as was typical for her, saying that Ivy did a good job with the word.

Tristan's reply was that he thought that was an excellent word for Ivy to choose, and he suggested bringing her to the shop sometimes in the winter if she wanted to see more flowers when the ones outside had died.
 
It is early! Daizi replied excitedly, once more scooping Ivy up and kissing her all over her head and face, I can't believe it, but you heard it just like I did!!! She spoke early!!!

Dark didn't push on Ciara too much and told Tristan Ivy would probably enjoy seeing all of the flowers at the shop.
 
Sally happily cooed over Ivy and talked to Daizi about her for as long as she wanted about her sweet little baby. This was a big milestone! And Ivy was early! This time in something more pleasant than being early for birth.

Tristan thanked Dark for keeping him updated and mildly asked if Dark had considered coming to work at the shop even part time.
 
Daizi brought Ivy inside while she finished her conversation with Sally, since it was getting colder in the evenings, and sat happily on the couch holding her.

Sighing at Tristan's text, Dark replied, I left my career as a teacher to be nearer my daughter, so I could help my wife and let her work her dream job, and not miss moments like we had tonight. I cannot say I hated my time helping you, but I do not think it is where my time is needed most.
 
Are you certain you will not change your mind? You have a couple of customers who ask after you regularly. It seems a shame to disappoint them. Tristan knew without a doubt that there was no way Dark would ever come work with him, and he was perfectly fine with that. At the same time, he could not pass up the opportunity to tease him a little.
 
Yes, well, as delightful as it is to have old women flirt with me all day, I do prefer the company of my wife and children over Cybill and Madge. Dark replied, mildly amused as he headed back inside.
 
Tristan chuckled to himself as he responded. Well, I cannot say that no inquiries have come from that part, but, no. I did not mean those who desired to drool over you.
 
The two I am thinking of are much younger and have something different in mind when thinking of you. They haven't much money to spend, but they come in nearly every Saturday and cautiously ask after your health.
 
I remember what you told me to tell them, but when I looked in the girl's eyes, I did not have the heart. Instead, I have told them you had to go into hiding from those that seek to own you. Not a complete lie if you think about it. I said that I had some contact with you - carefully, of course - and they come asking for updates and asking if you are still safe.
 
Mostly, I have been unable to contact you. I must wait for you to contact me. It is safer that way. However, you did tell me that you were able to find a safe haven with a friend you trusted and have been lying low while working out and practicing your self-defense skills. One child desires to know more about the friend. The other wishes to know if you have an adequate early alert system and proper traps for invading bad guys. Care to guess which is more concerned about which aspect?
 
I fear to guess who asked what in case I reveal a gender bias. Dark replied sardonically, looking over at Daizi as she rocked and hummed to their baby, But to answer their questions: my friend is a powerfully sorceress, capable of seeing far into the future and deep into the past. Her enchantments keep us both well-guarded, and we have a hell-hound guarding the premises like Ceberus.
 
I think that answer shall delight both of them. I shall let them know what you have told me. They both hope to see you again but would rather you stay safe. They are most concerned about your safety since you are such a nice vampire.
 
Back
Top