How Green Becomes Wood

[pandakatiefominz]

"We were not frisked, but there was some metal detector. They tried to be subtle about it, but it was obvious." Dark told them, before describing Ciara's outfit, "She looked very nice."

 

[BookKnight]

"Cool. A metal detector," Xander nodded.

"She sounds very cool! Was everyone else as on theme as you and her?" Alec pestered.

 

[pandakatiefominz]

"For the most part," Dark replied, "some people put on suits and called it a day. There was a live band, which I was fond of."

 

[BookKnight]

Alec's eyes lit up. Xander played it a little more cool.

"No way, really? That sounds awesome! Did you dance? You and Aunt Ciara?" Alec asked eagerly.

 

[pandakatiefominz]

"We did, a simple little waltz. She is better than she believes." Dark told them, "Then many other women swarmed like sparrows at a feeder, demanding I dance with them as well."

 

[BookKnight]

"They must have loved watching you!" Alec grinned.

"They must have been desperate for a guy who'd be willing to dance," Xander drawled.

 

[pandakatiefominz]

"The latter, I believe," Dark replied, "and I would have denied there request if I were noy so keen on making a good impression for your aunt's sake."

 

[BookKnight]

Xander dipped his head curiosly. "What was she like in her element?"

"A party being her element?"

"Well, with her people, then."

 

[pandakatiefominz]

"She seemed rather like herself," Dark answered, lifting Ivy up out of her highchair to hold her in his lap, "But I did learn her name scares people off."

 

[BookKnight]

"Really? Like she's a bad date or a bad dance?" Alec asked quizzically.

Xander had a darker thought. "Did she shoot people she didn't like or something?"

 

[pandakatiefominz]

"My interpretation of the events is she has a higher position in the organization than she had otherwise made us aware of," Dark replied, "so all the less senior employees fear her ire."

 

[BookKnight]

Alec grinned. "That is so cool!"

Xander checked his watch. "Ba, we've got fifteen minutes before we have to leave. You might want to be a little less dramatic in your retelling."

 

[pandakatiefominz]

"Okay, okay," Dark replied, holding up his hands. Then he explained with actual detail all of the events of the night, except for the argument he had with Ciara on the drive home.

 

[BookKnight]

Alec listened with rapt attention, taking in every detail. That sounded like such a grand time!

Xander hated the sound of it, but he admired his father's comportment of himself. That was the kind of person he hoped to be somday; to do stuff he didn't like without anyone the wiser, all with style and composure.

 

[pandakatiefominz]

"I still wish I could've been there," Daizi sighed, although her husband coming home, still dressed to the nines and smelling like her favourite cologne, wanting only to dance with her, despite her not so much as being in her nice pajamas, had been a very romantic consolation prize.

"Ciara told me she would make it up to you," Dark told her, "She is very concerned."

"But I want to go out somewhere fancy like that with you," Daizi pouted.

"I will find somewhere for us," Dark assured her, bringing her back of her hand to his lips.

 

[BookKnight]

"You could always tell Aunt Ciara that's what you want," Alec grinned. "See what she can make happen."

Xander stood and started limping toward the door. "Yeah, 'cause that's exactly what she wants; to have her FBI status abused by relatives. That's why she's so forthcoming about her position."

Alec made a face at him and scrambled up. "You're so pessimistic! Bye, Ba! Bye, Mama! Bye, Ivy!"

"Bye, parental figures. Bye, Mini," Xander called.

 

[pandakatiefominz]

"We can find something suitable well on our own," Daizi sniffed indignantly before she and Dark made their goodbyes. Ivy told them bye-bye in a sad little voice, but thankfully did not cry this time.

 

[BookKnight]

School was good. There was nothing particularly special about the day except that everyone was looking forward to the weekend. Alec did talk to Claire briefly, but since they'd be spending time together later, he did not loiter as much as he wanted to.

After school, the twins returned home, and Xander stayed by the door, waiting impatiently as Alec dashed up to his room. He came back down in black pants, a bright pink shirt, and a black vest. He'd added just a hint of pink eyeliner and shadow to his eyes. "Ba! Ba, how does this look? Is this okay?" he panted, straightening his hair, which had a slight wave and curl to it.