InsaneJournal

Tweak says, "Cue the pulse to begin."

echoes, silence, patience & grace (fatebites) wrote in halcyon_halls,
@ 2008-08-21 11:37:00

Entry tags:

easton, kate, rufus, sam

Week Sixteen: Wednesday
When: 7PM
Where: French restaurant in the city
Who: Sam, Easton, Kate and Rufus

Sam had spent the past few days being a wreck. What had happened with Kiernan had been completely out of character for her and the guilt was almost unbearable. How could she have done that to Easton? He had been nothing but fabulous to her and she had to take it and just throw it out the window. And right before his birthday too! Karma was no doubt going to push her down a flight of stairs later, she could just feel it.

But even with a confusing mixture of emotions swirling about her mind, she had one hell of a birthday to plan. She owed Easton at least that much. So she had worked her ass off on the gift she had been making for the past few weeks and made an extra effort to look presentable for the evening. Black dress, black shoes and a red handbag, couldn’t really go wrong there! Or so she hoped anyway. She really should have checked with Kate to figure out how dressy she was going to be. Oh well.

As soon as she was ready and it was time to go, she hurried down to the designated meeting place and couldn’t help but smile. Her heart even gave a familiar flutter and she felt warm. “HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!” It wasn’t an easy feat in heels, but somehow she managed to run and essentially launch herself into his arms. “How’s it feel to be old?” she laughed as she kissed his cheek. “Is that gray I see?” Her eyes twinkled as she teased him but there wasn’t much time so she grabbed his hand and started to pull him along. “Come on, I don’t want us to be late!”

A black town car was waiting for them at the entrance and once they were inside, she popped open a bottle of champagne and handed him a glass flute for a toast. “Happy Birthday, Easty.” The bubbly was sipped but sadly there was only enough time for one glass. “Okay close your eyes, we’re almost here.” Sam made him keep those eyes closed as she helped him out of the car and into the restaurant. Inside awaited their other guests in a sectioned off back area that was littered with balloons and flowers. So maybe she went a little overboard. Oops. “Surprise!”

Ads by Project Wonderful! Your ad here, right now: $0

(Post a new comment)

straight_shot
2008-08-21 07:57 pm UTC (link)

Dressing up was not truly something Kate did often, or very well for that matter. She never had any idea what looked appropriate or what was too much, what colors looked best against her skin tone or what fabrics were most flattering - it simply wasn't her forte. On occasions like tonight, she wished perhaps she knew a bit more or had a girlfriend close enough that she could turn to for the rare little fashion tidbit. It was the first time she'd be meeting Sam and Easton's birthday, so she wanted to look as lovely as possible. Black had been the most obvious choice - nothing too adventurous, it wouldn't be her style. Then again, she truly wasn't sure about the dress she'd gone with, either. The last fifteen minutes or so had been spent contemplating it rather heatedly in the bathroom mirror. Rufus was waiting for her and she didn't want to be late, seeing as their was nowhere near enough time to find something else, it would just have to do.

"Are we all set then?" she emerged from the bathroom a moment later, sifting through dark curls to slid a simple silver hoop into one ear. She felt a bit ridiculous all gussied up like this, but surely she could play it off well enough that no one would be the wiser. "You look quite handsome," she added, giving Rufus the compliment he so deserved while she paused to grab her handbag from the table near the door. She had Easton's gift as well, couldn't go forgetting that. Once Rufus was set, Kate held the door for him and lead the way down to the drive at the front of the school where it'd be easiest to hail a cab. It seemed at least time was on their side, given how quickly one pulled up, and Kate climbed in, giving the directions are soon as Rufus was seated beside her. It wouldn't be long now until they arrived in town to meet the other young couple for dinner.

Kate was thankful they arrived first, as that had been the plan, slipping out of the cab to lead Rufus into the restaurant Sam had selected. It really was a darling little place and their section was rather obvious, given all the decorations Easton's girlfriend had made sure were in place. "It looks darling, doesn't it?" Kate glanced back at Rufus with a smile as the two moved to take their seats at the little 'reserved' table.

(Reply to this) (Thread)

east_winds
2008-08-21 07:58 pm UTC (link)

Easton might have made quite the production of others' birthdays, but he wasn't overly-fond of his own. It truly was just another day, though he would never keep his loved ones from putting whatever effort they felt appropriate into celebrating his 'big day.' He knew Sam would likely go all out, make it an unforgettable evening, and the few gifts she'd sent to his classes he would wager were only the icing on the cake...though very tasty icing they had been. The one rule had been that he dress to impress, of course, and so he had attempted to do just that. It had taken a bit of rifling through his closet to find something that he felt might be worthy of whatever Sam had planned for his birthday, but eventually he'd found a rather nice jacket tucked away for such an occasion. He made sure to shower and shave, taming the lengthening strands of his hair into a bit more presentable style for the evening. East went rather classic for the evening, not wanting to steal the thunder from the lovely ladies he'd most likely be dining with.

Grabbing the few things he'd need for the night, he set out to meet Sam just a few minutes prior to the time they'd agreed upon. He was still a bit in the dark about her intentions and so he assumed being earlier was preferable to showing a few minutes late - didn't want to unintentionally mess anything up, after all. How she ever caught sight of him so early was beyond him, the girl must have had radar, but her enthusiastic greeting left him unable to not smile in return. "Thank you, Sammy," he caught her as she launched herself at him, his arms sliding around her waist. "Well, I think you safely managed to not break my hip throwing yourself at me like that, though we'll have to be home bright and early so I don't miss my bedtime." He teased her with a wink, leaning in to brush his lips to hers before she went on teasing him about gray and all but hauling his scrawny butt out the front door. When Sam was on a mission, there was no stopping her.

He slid into the back of the car beside her, pulling the door closed as she took care of serving them each up a glass of champagne. There was time enough for a brief toast, the trip just long enough to allow them to enjoy that one glass before he was closing his eyes, admittedly a bit worried about what might be coming. He swore to God if he opened his eyes to see a Dora themed birthday party, he was going to refuse to leave the car. Ha. What was worse was attempting to exit the car and follow Sam into whatever location without tripping, falling or otherwise embarrassing himself with his eyes closed. Whatever she'd planned, she intended to make him work for it, that was clear.

Once he was given the all clear, he opened his eyes to take in the sight before him...he was thrilled to see Kate and who he could only assume was Rufus ready and waiting for them, not to mention the decor Sam had probably gone to some trouble to put together. "Everything looks great, Samster," he slipped his arm around her waist again, giving her an affectionate squeeze, "thank you."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

riotous_touch
2008-08-22 02:32 am UTC (link)

Jeans, and trainers wouldn't do for the night. That became obvious, the moment Kate began taking outfits from her closet to try on. He'd watched her curiously, before she'd slipped away into the bathroom with them. With brows knit together, and the inside of his bottom lip caught securely between his teeth, he had decided then, that he needed to dig something out of the end of his own closet, that he didn't visit very often. Slacks, check... now, he needed a jacket. Ah, it had a match after all. A dress shirt, well, that was another issue. Rufus couldn't honestly remember the last time he had bought one, so there was no telling how the ones he had would fit. Best not to risk being completely uncomfortable the entire night. So, one of his nicer t-shirts would have to do.

After combing through his hair, and placing on a bit of cologne, he sat on the end of their bed, hands threaded together, as he waited for Kate. When she did, his jaw went momentarily slack. "Wow..." He stood, his eyes sheepishly sweeping over her. Yeah, it was his wife, but it wasn't polite to ogle someone. "No, you look stunning, Kate." He said, a bare blush tinting his cheeks, as he smiled. They should get going, she was right about that. He had no complaints when she took lead. Though he'd never admit it, it gave him a rather enjoyable view, not only down to the cab, but into the restaurant, once they'd arrived. "I'm not under dressed, am I?" He asked, leaning down to whisper to her, once they stepped inside. She looked completely amazing, so it was making him think that he should have at least attempted to squeeze into a button up.

His green eyes took in their surrounds, and the added zest that had been put in place for the Birthday celebration. "It does. She didn't hold back at all, did she?" Rufus recognized Sam from inner beast control, so, when they stepped in, he nodded his head in their direction. "That must be them... well, obviously." He had yet to meet Easton, well, in person. So, it was safe to say that he was anxious about how the evening would go. Whether or not he'd approve. He was Kate's best friend after all, practically her brother. It was important that he passed the test with him.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

fatebites
2008-08-22 02:12 pm UTC (link)

Sam had been worried about the night going off without a hitch. Sure she had planned and then over planned it like a hundred times, but there was still that nagging sense of doubt that he wouldn't like his birthday celebration. Regardless of any other issues or feelings she might be dealing with at the moment, she did want this birthday to be one of the best. She just wanted him to be happy, that's all she ever wanted for him.

Now a Dora party would have been a fabulous idea! If only she had thought about it, drat. Oh well, there was always next year, right? Oo and then she'd have a reason to buy a piñata! So exciting! Hmm, wonder how much he would hate her then? Anyway, moving on!

Sam grinned and leaned into his embrace, turning her head so that she could kiss his cheek. "Anything for you Easty," she whispered before returning her attention to their guests. "My, my Rufus, you certainly clean up nicely," she smiled as she gave him a quick look over. "And I'm guessing that you're Kate." Slipping away from Easton, Sam walked over and gave the other woman a hug. "It's nice to finally put a face to the name." Briefly Sam glanced between the couple, noting how they weren't exactly traditional looking pair but how it also seemed to work for them. "Shall we sit?"

As they all took their places, Sam gave a quick look over to the waiter who disappeared for a split second before returning with a bottle of wine. One she had decided on earlier in the day. "Everything looks so good," she said as she skimmed the menu. "What's the birthday boy planning on having?"

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

((replying for both Kate and Easton! hee hee))

east_winds
2008-08-24 10:49 am UTC (link)

Rufus' reaction to her dress helped to ease most of the discomfort that, for Kate, such a "daring" choice gave her. She'd wondered for a moment if, perhaps, allowing the salesgirl to convince her to buy the dress had been a mistake - not that her wardrobe truly held many other options for an occasion such as this. Even if she had wanted to change, there really wasn't much else for her to choose from. Before she could second guess her outfit for another moment, they were on their way downtown. The ride was relatively short as there didn't seem to be much traffic out and so they made it to the little French restaurant Sam had told her about even earlier than Kate had thought they might. She stepped from the cab, taking Rufus' hand as htye made their way inside together.

"You look brilliant," she assured Rufus as he questioned his own clothing choices now, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze. Finding the area set aside for Easton's little private party wasn't that difficult, given all of the decorations Sam had made sure to have set up. Having heard about all of the lengths Easton had gone to for Sam's birthday, it was nice to see that favor be returned now for his. "That's them," Kate nodded with a smile as the other couple arrived to join them. "It's lovely to finally meet you as well," she smiled, returning the hug that Sam moved around the table to offer, "I've heard so much from Easton, it's nice to finally be able to meet in person."

"Let's," Easton nodded as Sam suggested they sit, moving to pull out her chair for her. "It's nice to meet you, Rufus," he offered up a hand in a shake of greeting before they moved to sit beside their significant others. Sure he and Rufus had talked briefly over the school's journaling system, but a face-to-face meeting was something quite different. The man was married to one of his very best friends, after all. Thankfully, from everything he'd seen so far, he seemed more than worthy of such a title.

Introductions made, Easton finally took up his seat beside Sam, settling in next to her. There was barely a moment's hesitation before a waiter arrived with a bottle of wine in hand to serve the foursome as they looked over their menus. Everything really did look quite delicious, he had to agree with Sam there. And there were so many options... "I'm not quite sure," East admitted, "one of the seafood dishes perhaps. Have you made a selection yet?"

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

riotous_touch
2008-08-25 08:40 pm UTC (link)

At least they were in common company. Good common company at that. Both unsure of their clothing choice for the evening, both having the others reassurance that they did indeed look on point. To him, she looked more than appropriate, beautiful even. He really ought to find out that sales girls name, and send her a thank you note. Now, he loved Kate the way she looked every day, but this was a treat. He may just have to plan a fancy dinner from time to time, to see a repeat appearance of the dress. "Yeah? Okay, I'll take your word for it." He grinned lightly, leaning over to place a kiss to her cheek, before threading their fingers together.

"Hiya, Sam." Giving her a small wave, he blushed lightly at her compliment. "Not as nicely, as you two ladies." Well, it was true, they both looked stunning. Though, it was a bit strange to see her outside of class, all dolled up. No, they weren't the most obvious couple. He looked as if he should be rather wild, and Kate appeared to be a proper English Rose. Which she was. Rufus was far from wild though, he was relatively calm, and down to earth. It was their personalities that meshed so well. That was made them work.

As the two approached, and Easton extended his hand in greeting, Rufus rose from his seat to return the shake. "Pleasure to meet you, mate. Happy Birthday." He felt his throat tighten some what, as if he was sitting down for a job interview or something. He felt he did have to pass some sort of test with Easton. But, he wasn't going to put on, and try to be something he wasn't. Kate loved him for who he was, so, he was just going to be himself. Once seated, he tucked his hair behind his ears, and then lifted his menu. "Have... you all been here before?" He asked the gathered party. This wasn't the typical restaurant he would visit, so... he really had no clue what to order.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

fatebites
2008-08-25 09:44 pm UTC (link)

"Aww thanks, Rufus," she replied with a bright smile. "And he's right Kate, you look gorgeous tonight." The dress really was quite flattering on her. Definitely a good choice in Sam's book. Sam looked back and forth between Rufus and Easton a moment and couldn't help but quirk a brow at the fact that they didn't know each other. Seemed rather odd considering how close he and Kate were supposed to be. Weird.

Sipping her wine, she looked from item to item and shook her head. "I haven't but I got rave reviews from different people around town. It's supposed to be really authentic." Sam wasn't about to bring Easton to some two bit French place for his birthday after all. "Hmm, the seafood sounds good but I don't know..." The glass she was holding was replaced back onto the table. "I was thinking about maybe starting with the Tomate Farcie Au Crabe," she continued, her French coming across rather naturally. "Or maybe the Saumon Tartar. Hmm." At least that way she could get some of that delicious sounding seafood in.

"I think for the main course I'm going to go with the Canard Aux Baies Roses. It's been ages since I've had duck." So there she had it. Some sort of seafood appetizer to start with followed by some duck. Sounded like a good plan to her. "I think you should get the Crevettes à Niçoise," she said as she turned to look at her rather handsome date. "And then I think you should let me try a bite," she added with a grin.

Closing her menu, she set it on the table and reached for wine glass again. "So tell me, how's married life?"

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

straight_shot
2008-08-26 08:11 am UTC (link)

Had their wedding been anything other than the spur of the moment decision it had been, Kate would have made sure that Rufus and Easton were properly introduced. As it was, the meeting had - regretfully, up until this point - slipped through the cracks. His birthday was most likely a bit of a nerve-wracking occasion to have such initial introductions made, but there wasn't a doubt in her mind that the two would get along brilliantly. It was so easy to get caught up in all the everyday going-ons of ones life, Kate had to assume that was why she hadn't had the pleasure of meeting Sam up until now either. "Oh, thank you," she smiled lightly across the table at Sam, "you look lovely as well." It seemed they all made quite the dashing foursome indeed. And now that all the greetings were done, she and Sam as well as Rufus and Easton, they could settle in for a relaxing celebration.

Menus were opened so that the four could take in the choices offered, the list really quite extensive. Easton glanced up for a moment, listening to Sam's suggestions - they'd eaten enough meals with one another to know what each might like in a place like this. "Tomate Farcie Au Crabe, is always a good choice." One of his personal favorites, after all. "Rufus, you enjoy a bit of seafood, yeah?" Easton turned his attention to the couple seated across the table for a moment - had to make sure everyone would enjoy their food this evening, after all. It would be horrid if one of them ended up with something less than delicious when the other three were enjoying their selections.

"And I suppose if I were to go traditional with a bit of Coq au Vin, you wouldn't care to try it?" he teased. There was little to no desire within that endless pit of a stomach of his to try rooster - he couldn't imagine it was quite that tasty. "Perhaps the crevettes or a bit of pansette de gerzat. It's been ages since I've have lamb." There was so much to pick from, too much for someone who loved food as much as Easton did. "I don't suppose they'd serve me the left side of the menu?" he grinned, perfectly aware of how sizable his appetite was.

Across the table from the two, Kate glanced over her menu as well. "There's so much..." she laughed lightly, her eyes sweeping up to Rufus for a moment before returning to the menu. She hadn't had French cuisine in ages, thankfully she still tended to remember a bit of what she'd liked and what she hadn't. Escargot, for example, was not a dish she was particularly fond of. "What are you thinking about getting?" she asked her husband, as Sam and Easton debated over the same issue.

Her attention turned from the menu only as Sam inquired about married life, a smile touching her lips as she snuck another quick glance to Rufus at her side. "It was a bit odd at first, attempting to adjust to everything. But now, it's really quite lovely - still a bit strange in certain ways, but I've gotten quite used to that." Like the fact that they lived together in a dorm, which seemed a bit odd, or the full moons that required her to stay elsewhere. But, it's just how their life was together at the moment, they'd each adjusted to things and moved on.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

riotous_touch
2008-08-28 01:40 am UTC (link)

Because they were still in the stages of getting to know one another, that had been their main focus as a couple. Of course, meeting each others friends was very important, but, the time just hadn't come about yet. He would agree with Kate, this was the perfect occasion for it. "I do, aye. I'm really not that picky, if it taste good enough, I fancy it." Rufus grinned, thinking back to the date he'd shared on the beach with Kate. The food hadn't been his focus that day, even though it had been a lovely touch. Rufus would never say he was a bottomless pit, but, he was open to try just about anything. Living abroad, he'd eaten some interesting meals in his time. What might not look, nor sound good, could very well surprise you. He'd also developed an amazing tolerance for spices, one which he wouldn't trade for the world. Though, as everyone went one, naming off meals, he felt slightly lost. He knew nothing of French food, nor the language. Might be best to just stick to the menu.

When Kate turned, and questioned him, his brows drew together. "Um... the Herring Pa-pillotes, I know I didn't say that right... Anyway, that sounds fetching at the moment." Seafood did seem to be the most drawing dishes for that night. "What about you? What's caught your eye?" He asked, looking over to her, his arm rising the sling over the back of her seat. He lifted his glass of wine then, sipping it, while his focus shifted between her, and the couple across from them. "You know, I think the English might have a thing for weres." It was then that the smile returned. "After all, you, and Easton have both taken a liking to the once a month furballs, like Sam, and I." He teased, reaching up to finger one of her curls, allowing it's natural spiral, to twist around his finger.

Rufus nodded in agreement with all that she said about being married. "It is lovely, but yeah, quite the adjustment. We've, likely gone about it, differently from most couples. Doing our own thing, you might say... Best thing I've ever done, though." He said honestly. There was no way in hell, that he would change a thing. Well, maybe that wasn't true. He did wish he was more 'smooth', and didn't blush so much. But, that was improving, as he no longer minded that Kate made him blush. In fact, it was a good thing. But. as for their relationship, and how it progressed, he was blissfully happy. This was a topic, that he could very easily go completely cheesy on. It was true, love made everything more exciting, made life brighter. As it was, he didn't want to over do it just yet.

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

fatebites
2008-08-29 12:22 am UTC (link)

Sam wrinkled her nose. "You wouldn't order it so it's not a problem." So no, she wouldn't ask for a bite if he did order just to spite her. It never had sounded appealing to her in the past and probably wouldn't ever in the future. "If you want the entire left side of the menu, then you get it. Anything my Easty wants for his birthday!" She meant it too. Sure the waiter might look at them strangely but if that's what he wanted and it would make him happy then she would make sure that he got it.

A laugh parted her lips at Rufus' observation. "I certainly hope that after all the years we have known each other my turning into a were wasn't what finally helped me catch his eye." In fact, it was quite the opposite. Sam's issues once a month were what put them on rocky ground to begin with. But enough thought about that.

Sam nodded as both Kate and Rufus gave their opinions on being married. "Well I have to commend you both for being so brave. Getting married like that is something I could never do. I am definitely not a spur of the moment kind of girl." Sam might not want an extravagant wedding but dammit, she was going to have the dress and flowers. And the cake. Oh how she loved her some cake.

A moment later, the waiter returned for their orders and they were left once again with only conversation to pass the time before their appetizers arrived. "So Kate," she began after she had taken another sip of her wine. "Since it is Easton's birthday, it is only fair that you tell us something deliciously embarrassing about him...."

(Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

east_winds
2008-09-01 11:14 am UTC (link)

It was probably true....as adventurous as Easton's eating habits might have had a tendency to be from time to time, rooster was not on that list - at least not now. As amusing as ordering it just to spite her might have been, then he'd have to at least try it and that just didn't appeal to him. So maybe just pass on the rooster, go for a nice boulibase instead, something a bit more normal for his tastes. He chuckled at the mention of him ordering an entire side of the menu, leaning back to drape his arm across the back of her chair, "I don't think I'll quite go that far. Perhaps we could all order a few starters to share, get a taste for several things." There were just too many that sounded good to simply order a single one.

Across the table, Rufus slipped his arm around Kate while the two contemplated the menu. His attempt at French brought a fond smile to her lips and she took a moment to correct his pronunciation. "I haven't quite decided just yet," she admitted, "though seafood does sound quite good." And surely a place like this would be serving only the best, freshest product - it was bound to be quite yummy, she just had to find an entree that really jumped out at her. As talk turned she and Easton and their "fondness" for weres, she couldn't help but laugh lightly. "I don't know if I'd quite say that you being a were was what attracted me," she glanced over at Rufus as he toyed with her hair, "more like it was something that shouldn't get in the way." Sure it was an obstacle, but they worked around it. They cared enough to make it work.

Thankfully talked segwayed more into marriage and that was an easier topic to discuss, not to mention listen to. Knowing the issues that Sam had about being a were, it wasn't something that he wanted to really have a sit-down about on his birthday. "I still can't quite believe the two of you went off and did it," Easton admitted with a laugh, "but congratulations to the two of you, definitely. Rufus, you seem like a brilliant bloke, now that I've finally met you. I think the two of you are rather lucky to have found one another." He truly was happy for Kate, it was nice to see one of his oldest friends so obviously pleased with the turn her life had taken.

Conversation was interrupted for a moment so that the foursome could place their orders, clearing off a bit of their table as they handed their menus back over. "Now, now, I don't think we need to have that conversation," Easton laughed, as Sam started digging for a bit of that dirt. "I'm sure I have a little something nice and embarrassing that I could share with everyone," Kate teased him from across the table, leaning into Rufus, "there was a time when we were about eight that his mother decided to make him fill an empty space in one of the dance recitals at the school where she taught...." "We definitely do NOT need that story re-visited," Easton laughed, shaking his head. No thanks.

(Reply to this) (Parent)