How Green Becomes Wood

[pandakatiefominz]

"You have a nice day, Ciara. I'm really looking forward to visiting with you." After a moment, Daizi grinned impishly and said, "I'll make sure my husband keeps his shirt on this time."

 

[BookKnight]

Ciara's reply was dry as dust. "Yes, please do that. I desire a positive first few encounters with my neighbors before I have half-naked men leaving my apartment."

 

[pandakatiefominz]

Laughing, Daizi said, "I'll talk to him. But you know my husband, always the exhibitionist. Should I worry you moved closer? Given the salacious rumors I've heard about the pair of you?"

 

[BookKnight]

"Indeed, this is true. You will have to keep an eye on him at all times and ensure you know where he is," Ciara sighed. "It will be exhausting for you, I am sure, but it is what must be done."

 

[pandakatiefominz]

"Keeping an eye on things has never been my strong suit," Daizi replied seriously, "Perhaps I'll affix bells to his a--his limbs." This was the most Ciara had ever joked with her, and Daizi wasn't quite sure what the limits were. Stopping just short of saying appendages seemed the safer choice.

 

[BookKnight]

"That may be an appropriate choice," Ciara agreed seriously. "I need to go now, but I look forward to our future meeting. While all of us are fully clothed.

 

[pandakatiefominz]

"I promise we'll all remain fully clothed," Daizi laughed, "We're all delighted to visit you then. We'll talk soon, Ciara, you have a good day."

 

[BookKnight]

Alec stuck his head through the doorway, a streak of strawberry cream cheese decorating his cheek and a dusting of flour on half his hair. "Was that Aunt Ciara?"

 

[pandakatiefominz]

"It was," Daizi replied, "She finally moved into her new apartment and she invited us to a housewarming party."

 

[BookKnight]

Alec blinked rapidly in surprise. "What, seriously? She did? Next you'll be telling me Xander is wearing pink!"

"Why am I wearing pink?" Xander demanded suspiciously as he walked in. He had flour on the underside of his sleeve but appeared to have faired better than Alec.

 

[pandakatiefominz]

"Yes, she did," Daizi replied, then turning to Xander explained, "Ciara invited us to her new apartment for a housewarming party. And you'll never guess where she moved to."

 

[BookKnight]

"Alright, that's close to me wearing pink," Xander admitted. "Where did she move to?"

"She didn't move to our neighborhood, did she?" Alec asked, grinning and not serious.

 

[pandakatiefominz]

"The other end of town, but still in town," Daizi replied, grinning, "It's not as close as this neighborhood, but she said she wanted to be closer in case of emergency."

 

[BookKnight]

"Wow! That close?" Alec said in surprise. "That's awesome! We can take her to see plays and theater and orchestras!"

"That will be pretty cool," Xander agreed, although he did not offer any suggestions for what she could go see or do with him.

Alec grinned at him. "She can come to your next tournament!"

 

[pandakatiefominz]

"She can do a lot now that she's so close," Daizi replied, "I think it's really special she chose to be closer to family. And that she invited us over!"

 

[BookKnight]

"I'm so excited!" Alec said, bouncing a little.

Xander frowned thoughtfully. "What are we taking? We can't go empty-handed."

 

[pandakatiefominz]

"Typically Dark and I bring either an Egyptian or Iraqi dessert, one that keeps in case our host doesn't want to eat it immediately," Daizi replied, "It's a little bit more personal than wine or flowers."

 

[BookKnight]

"I like it," Xander agreed. "Maybe I'll add in a couple of fruit tarts."

"We're going to have enough, and plenty of practice!" Alec said cheerfully.

 

[pandakatiefominz]

"She would be delighted, I'm sure," Daizi said, "Are you looking forward to Milo's birthday? Are your attempts coming to fruiti...on... You must believe me," she chuckled, "that wasn't intentional."

 

[BookKnight]

"Uh-huh, I'll pretend to believe you," Xander said dryly. "I'm having trouble with getting the cups cooked the right amount. Not too much, not too little. Other than that, easy and perfect."

"And absolutely delicious!" Alec said cheerfully.