Happy New Years 2011 (open to all)

(FYI - this is an open thread, but not an event meaning that the three open thread rule will still apply. Once I get to the ball dropping and fireworks, that'll end for any type of unofficial-official moderation. In the next few posts I will be giving minor descriptions of the ballroom, but you are more than welcomed to change anything up, other than the basic design. Waiters, buffet table, your seats...that's all you. Please also assume that the ballroom itself is gigantic, so feel free to attend the party unnoticed by prying eyes. Enjoy!)





Vivienne climbed the spiral staircase that led to the Grand Piazza's ball room and prayed to god that she would not trip herself on her four inch heels. Running her free hand over her hip, she slightly grimaced over how expensive her dress was, and more importantly, who had sent it to her that afternoon.

Reaching the top of the stairs, her hand on the rail had her embossed invitation and she handed it to a smartly dressed Grand Piazza employee wearing a black tuxedo with flourished gold GP emblems just below his left lapel. He took it with a perfectly manicured hand and laid it on top of the stack of cards in his other hand. With a nod, and nary a peek at her invite, he held a hand out toward the ball room doors where two more tuxedo wearing employees were waiting for her. With a murmured greeting, they opened the doors for her and Vivienne did her best not to gasp out loud.

Red was standing near the door, drinking a flute of champagne. He smiled at the passing lovelies in their glittering dresses and long legs. The other Pipers, all who had been personally invited, wandered in between the crowd of people in the Grand Ballroom, unconsciously surveying the area as well as the other women. Red caught Charlie's eye who gave him a quick nod and raised his glass. Red returned the gesture and took a healthy gulp, draining his own flute. Within five seconds of finishing that glass, a waiter walked by and offered him another. Red happily took another flute when he looked up at the door as it opened. The waiter, Red, and several men on the outer edges of the crowd stopped and looked at the woman entering.

Vivienne walked in with her long brown hair pulled back and pinned up in a crown of curls. She was wearing a charcoal gray, beaded and banded cocktail dress. A sweetheart neckline dipped deliciously low, pushing her ample cleavage up and out. It glittered with bugle beads and sequin detail at right strap, bust, bodice and skirt which dropped to mid thigh. The banded straps were undeniably high fashion, and although he'd never admit to it, he knew what designer she was wearing and he let out a long, wolf whistle, making her turn.

Grabbing another flute, he held one out to Vivienne as she walked over to Red with an unimpressed expression, but the curve of a smile pulling at her lips. "Red, you scoundrel," she said, taking the offered flute.

"Ma'am," he said looking down at her dress, down her legs, to her stiletto bandaged heels. "Herve Leger?"

"I'm stripping at night," she replied and smiled as she sipped her drink. "You know your designers, Red. I'm impressed."

Red pushed his lips to the side and held his flute chest high. "So am I." He could not help flirt with her and he felt himself blush even attempting to do so. That was until Vivienne reached out and playfully pinched his cheek.

"You know I think of you like a brother, Red."

Slumping his shoulders, he abandoned his attempts to woo her and whined, "Now why did you have to say that? That's just mean." Hooking his arm out, Vivienne took it with a goofy giggle and he led her into the ballroom.

The Grand Piazza's ballroom was beyond extravagant. The ceiling was at least three stories high and had thin, gauzy sheets of white material billowing down from the outer edge of the ceiling to the center which was dripping in long, lit lengths of crystal balls. They reached halfway down to the center, accenting the white hardwood floor with geometric patterns. The ballroom was on the corner lot of the hotel, an annex in all actuality, and had only one solid wall on its top level where the party was being held. The side walls were clear glass with a spectacular view of Nachton's skyline. Every twenty feet were thick panes of glass filled with swirling, thin wisps of smoke. Viv had never seen its equal.

Walking with her arm tucked into Red's large one, he guided her to the far right side of the room where the food was being served in the classiest buffet style she had ever seen. The trick seemed to be that you approached the table, picked out what you wanted, and then later your food would be delivered to your table. No fuss, no muss, and especially no carrying your own food around. The people there were just too rich for that, Viv figured.

There were dozens of waiters moving expertly through the crowd, slowly growing in number, with various hors d'oeuvres. Viv reached out and grabbed something small and it tasted like spicy asparagus making her wonder if the vegetable was a staple in all high end events. Red put down his empty flute glass and grabbed another for himself, but Viv shook her head, holding her still nearly full glass.

"So who's here?"

She assumed the Pipers and leadership were present, but so far she had only seen Red in his one button tuxedo, a glimpse of Marthinus looking utterly amazing, oozing class and style in his Armani tuxedo, even Hammer was there looking dapper in his tuxedo which had to have been custom made to even fit around his shoulders.

"We're all here. Commander, LT will be here shortly with Carol," Red pointed past Viv, making her turn around, "and here comes Charlie."

Viv turned and watched as Charlie made his way through the crowd wearing a HUGO virgin wool suit without a tie, but an open starched white shirt that exposed enough of his collarbone to make her swallow hard and concentrate to maintain her friendly smile to keep her jaw from dropping. Two-button jacket with notched, slim lapels made in pure virgin wool, he stood out in the crowd being one of the few men not wearing a tuxedo and wearing it like a rock star. He slipped a hand into his pocket, further accenting his handsome good looks, making the women around him take notice, but he kept his eyes on Viv with a hint of a smile on his lips.

Outwardly Viv tipped her head and smiled at him. Inwardly she melted like butter.

"Looking very double O seven there, Charlie," Viv said easily.

With a polite nod he took a flute of champagne from a passing waiter and let the smile spread across his lips. "Ma'am," he said politely, never breaking eye contact with her.

Feigning a bored sigh, Viv fought to look away and stood on her tip-toes looking for the others. "Where's your Commander? Is he off somewhere desperately seeking out some pretty young thing's virtue?"

Charlie turned and looked around for himself. "Probably," he said in an unimpressed voice which was uncharacteristic for the Sergeant. Even Red noticed as he disengaged himself from Vivienne, flashing an annoyed look but shrugging it off.

"Ah well, let's mingle then."

Brig finished his story and was surrounded by the soft tinkle of female laughter. He had a red head on one arm and a dark haired beauty on the other as he stood over by the opened doors leading out to the balcony attached to the outer edge of the ballroom, surrounded by a gaggle of females. His basic black tuxedo fit his slim frame and the women quite perfectly. He looked at the women in their designer dresses and thanked god he didn't have to really worry about anything beyond a white shirt, bow tie, and a black suit. But at six foot four, he was rocking the shit out of his basic black tux.

Viv had decided they should probably show up separately and maybe find each other closer to midnight. Secretly he worried what she might think finding him on the balcony surrounded by women barely one quarter of his age, but this was the norm for him. Beautiful women, charming smile, and Hammer hovering somewhere nearby looking sour. Looking across the balcony, he saw his cousin exit the ballroom, grimace in place. Catching his eye, he lifted his chin and Hammer returned it by leaning against the railing and snorting.

The women cooed around him, each trying to garner favor over the other, and he realized all he had to do was pick. The sport just wasn't there and it was hardly worth his time. Craning his neck, he looked back into the ballroom, hoping to see his mate, if not catch a whiff of her alluring scent.

Carol giggled as she held onto Lothias' arm. He looked absolutely delicious in the tuxedo she picked out for him. It was a three piece, but he gently refused to wear the vest, which she thought that maybe was a smart idea since it made the tux even more handsome by manning it up. It was a concord, two button charcoal jacket with satin edged lapels. Soft black and charcoal stripping was against the virgin wool fabric and was perfectly fitted to his lean, A-framed body. She hugged his arm, pressing her breasts against him, making him take notice of her happiness.

"You're this happy over me wearing a tuxedo?" Carol thought she heard just a bit of sadness in Lothias' voice and she quickly hurried to rectify it.

"Oh don't get me wrong, I'd rather have you naked, but admit it...you know you look yummy."

Lothias blushed slightly and then pulled Carol away from him to look at her dress as they waited to enter the ballroom. Carol twirled slowly with a giggle, showing off her ivory Grecian inspired, one sleeved jersey gown by Donna Karan. It was tight around her body but flowed down from the one sleeve while the other bared her creamy shoulder. It was suppose to be floor length, but Carol could not resist showing off her legs and she had the dress hemmed up to just above her knees. Somewhere, a fashion designer screamed and died, but paired with her strappy heels and glimmer body lotion, she looked fucking hot and knew it.

Lothias pulled her close and let his lips hover over hers, making her swoon. "You like the dress," she asked in a breathy whisper.

"I do," he said, close enough to kiss her but held back.

Carol put her hands on his chest, her fingers lightly pulling at his lapels. Pulling her bottom lip into her mouth, she gave him a soft smile and then whispered, "Let's find a closet."

Lothias immediately turned her and said, "Ok." They rushed off away from the staircase and entrance, happily in search of somewhere semi-private to fuck.

Man, Carol thought, she was so dirty.

Lily held onto Aidan's left arm with one hand, using the other to make sure she didn't step on the hem of her dress. As they entered the ballroom she immediately saw Iov waiting there for them. She squeezed Aidan's arm and smiled up at her son reassuringly.

She knew what it must feel like for him, a dominant werewolf in a crowd of people who appeared to be ready to jump his pregnant mate any moment. But he had to let the world see her sooner or later and he may as well have done it here where there would be no question who she was. He had been oddly reluctant though and Lily wasn't sure of the reason. She didn't think he doubted his commitment to his mate; there was something else bothering him. It wasn't her business to pry however, so she had let it go.

Moving toward Iov she smiled, wrapped her arms around him, and stood on her toes to kiss him. He would also be unhappy, she reasoned, because there were cameras involved tonight. There were always cameras though; he knew that. The Stafford family was not an insignificant one, and while Gavin was content to hide away in Scotland it was Lily who had become the family face over the years.

"Your son needs a few drinks," she said softly to Iov with a grin, "or he's going to stuff Nikhila into the first closet he finds and guard it with his life from the imaginary rampaging mate-stealing horde."

Aidan could be forgiven his protectiveness... he'd never had a mate or a baby before. He was doing well for a first-timer, she thought. Really. No one was bleeding yet.

Hammer had decided to forgo his eye patch and go commando, so to speak. He ignored some of the lingering and shocked glances at his scarred left eye, but he appreciated the wide berth he was getting. Moving around at six foot five in a tuxedo that actually fit his breadth was already a pain in the ass, but at least he avoided the cameramen outside clamoring to take pictures; people just got out of his way and he liked it.

He caught his cousin's eye on the balcony and nodded toward the door. Hammer had already received the message that the Alpha had arrived. Silently he moved back into the ballroom just as he saw Brig disengage himself from the ladies and come up on left.

"The others?" Hammer asked.

"Oh come on, just because you can't see them, doesn't mean they're not here."

"Hi!" Lewis and Marko slid up to Hammer's right and then moved gracefully through the throng of people to take up the flanks of the entrance.

"Charlie and Red are on your six," Brig murmured with a smile.

Hammer rolled his eye and muttered, "Show off."

"Of course!" Brig said happily.

As he and his cousin made it to the entrance, the Alpha, Hammer's fiance' and the Alpha's mate came in through the door. With a smile reserved only for Lily, he held out his arm to her, happy to feel her warmth.

"You guys are so cute," he heard Brig say behind him.

"Shut up. Son, Nikhila." Looking down at Lily he softly said her name as she embraced him and gave him a soft kiss. "Lils, you look beautiful."

A waiter immediately walked by offering everyone champagne and gave Nikhila a smile and asked what she would like instead.

She hadn't been off the grounds at night since the incident in the preserve. But, Nikhila reasoned, this would be a very public event and it should be safe...ish. After all the vampires wouldn't want to announce their presence too loudly and she wouldn't be leaving Aidan for a second. So she could enjoy herself for a while, now if only he'd relax a bit.

It had taken some fancy internet searching but she'd managed to find a dress suitable for the occasion. Her hair was curled and pinned back from her face but other wise hung down her back and other than a pair of shiny earrings the only jewelry she wore was her engagement ring.

The small gauntlet of cameras was irritating. It was her first honest to goodness experience with them and she was just as glad Aidan had moved them through it quickly.

"That was fun."Â?

She said rolling her eyes. Although, it was moderately better than Christmas shopping, at least it ended faster.

Nikhila never took her arm from Aidan's but she smiled warmly as Lily and Hammer embraced. She happened to agree with Brig, they were cute.

Deciding she wanted something with bubbles too she asked for a sparkling water. At least it would be pretty to look at.

"Hammer, Brig."Â? She said with a smile. "I would, however, prefer not to be shoved in a closet. If it comes to that maybe we can just escape out the back door instead, maybe you can suggest that when the time comes."Â?

Brig smiled at Nikhila and then turned to Lily. He had not officially apologized to Hammer's fiancee yet but he gave her a polite nod and figured he'd try and speak to her privately later.

The Pipers would keep an eye on the Alpha and his pregnant mate until they departed, then Brig figured the men would get stupid drunk and make a mess somewhere. He would tell them to at least wait until after Hammer left for that. Turning, he looked back at Red and Charlie who were standing near the edge of the crowd leading into the ballroom and inhaled deeply.

Brig instantly caught traces of Viv's scent on them, making his eyes narrow suspiciously. His Sergeant picked that moment to look over at him and Brig caught the flash of annoyance on his third-in-command's face. It was gone as quickly as it appeared. Charlie lifted his finger and pointed to the right.

Before Brig's eyes made the trek, Vivienne's scent hit him like a freight train. Holding his hands behind his back, he watched his mate weave herself in between the crowd and approach the Alpha and his group. She gave him one lingering look but let disdain color her face as she looked at Hammer. Their confrontation after their return from Siberia had been awkward, as well as painful to watch, but that was another story.

"My, my," Brig said with a half smile, letting the sarcasm roll off his tongue as he looked at Vivienne. "You do clean up mighty nice." Viv's dress was beaded with bright crystals, but charcoal in color. He had never seen it before, but he appreciated the shortness in its length as it showed off her brown legs. The dress fit her curves perfectly, and although he wasn't the dress connoisseur Red apparently was, Brig recognized money when he saw it. It wasn't Viv's style at all...so whose was it?

"Meh," was all Viv said to him, her eyes sparkling with a hidden smile just for him. "No highwaters on you? Color me surprised as well as grateful."

Rolling his eyes, he looked back at Hammer who took notice of Vivienne just then, but she bypassed his look and greeted the rest of them. Brig took a step back and let Viv move in front of him, letting the scent from her hair engulf him, making him blush with arousal.

Brig noticed her dress, but not for its beauty. Viv nervously stood in front of him, hoping her scent would throw off that train of thought, and addressed the group with a polite curtsy.

"Alpha, ladies." Viv looked at Hammer and gave him her brightest smile. "Hammer," she said through gritted teeth. Her pseudo-adopted brother merely flicked an eye in her direction and they shared a tense moment before she turned away again.

The last time she had spoken to Hammer was just after their return to Siberia. The incident had been painful, to say the least, but he had kept his distance from her and she had did the same. But he was her Beta, unofficially or not, after all and he was due the show of respect whether or not she thought he deserved it.

Suddenly she felt Brig's warmth breath on her back and her arousal was instantly kicked up a notch. Part of her wanted to accidentally step back on his foot to stop him from breathing on her, but then that same part wanted to back into him just to feel his body against hers. Dismissing the thought, she held her hand out toward the crowd and pointed in the direction of their table.

"Table's all ready if everyone else is? We can have the food brought directly to us if you want to pick something out first. Otherwise it's asparagus and amuse bouches till then."

"Sitting with us, Viv?" Brig asked as he put his hand on the small of her back, escorting her to the table. Instinctively she bowed her back, turning to look at him and his hand with an annoyed glare.

"I don't think so..." she started to say before Hammer interrupted her.

"Please do sit with us, Vivienne. Regale us with your tales of Siberia."

"Oh really, Hammer? Boy, I'd love to! Thank you," she said without a trace of sarcasm and without even looking at him.

She rolled her eyes up to the crystal beads that was dripping from the ceiling and took a deep breath. It was going to be a long night.

Charlie watched as Vivienne moved toward the group and immediately began bickering with the Commander. If he didn't know any better, he'd think that their little fights were more of a show than anything else. But he could not help feel the twang of jealousy as they spoke to each other, furthering the gap (and his chances) between him and Viv. She'd be sitting with leadership now, not the other Pipers, but that was probably for the best.

"God stop staring," Red said quietly to him.

"I'm not staring," Charlie replied, still staring at Viv.

"There are literally hundreds of women here. Hundreds, Charlie. Yet you look at the one that you can't have."

Charlie looked away and glared at Red who looked back at him with a raised eyebrow. "Fine, I'm not looking at her."

"She does look pretty tonight," Red said in passing.

"She always looks pretty."

"Yeah I suppose that's the problem, then." Red said with a chuckle.

"LT should be here with Carol shortly. Let me know if you see him first."

Red nodded. Charlie went from love-sick idiot to all business in a heartbeat, which was his style, but it still gave Red great concern over Charlie's obsession with Vivienne. It could only get worse, he sighed to himself.

Simon climbed the stairs with one hand on the railing, the other in his pocket. His tuxedo was Armani and one of his favorites. Looking off to the left was Ellis, moving gracefully up the stairs in her floor length black and gray, ruched and scalloped Jovani evening gown. The bustier was draped with black ruches material and hugged her breasts, amplifying her cleavage. The rest of the dress hugged her vivacious curves and then tapered to a flared ruched bottom. The skirt itself covered in large scalloped, sheer material with silky gray patterns underneath. Her arms were completely bare of any jewelry and wore only dangling diamond tear drop earrings. Her hair was slicked back in a low ponytail with the ends curled just slightly. When they reached the landing, everyone noticed.

Simon produced their invitation and handed it to the tuxedo wearing employee without looking at him. He took it and the other two employees opened the doors immediately, ushering them in. Finally he turned and looked at Ellis who was searching the crowd with her watery green eyes.

"You look beautiful," he said with a smile. He allowed a bit of the arousal he was feeling into their aura and she smiled brightly at him, genuinely flattered.

Ellis wrapped her arm around his and purred as her response.

Simon moved them into the crowd and they mingled with a few faces she seemed to recognize, but he mostly kept to himself, letting his eyes search the crowd until he found her.

Vivienne was sitting with the werewolves - her lover, the one she called 'Brig', Hammerthynn and his Alpha. Concentrating, he stared at Vivienne and decided to try something.

"Excuse me a second, E," he said to Ellis to let go of his arm begrudgingly.

Moving toward the balcony, Simon kept his eyes on Vivienne and concentrated one word to her. His mind began yelling it in her direction, focusing on her until finally she looked up. She immediately excused herself and stood. Satisfied, Simon exited to the balcony and slipped his hands into his pants pockets, looking across the skyline. Viv's distinct heartbeat grew louder and he moved away from the doors and further away from the ballroom itself.

"Ok, that was weird," she said coming up behind him silently.

Turning he looked at her. Viv was beautiful in the beaded dress he had sent to her that afternoon. Her hair was done up in soft curls and her gold brown eyes looked curiously up at him. Smiling he leaned on the rail and asked, "What is weird?"

"The world 'balcony' suddenly hit me like a hammer in between my eyes."

Simon laughed, pleased with the results. "If I concentrate, I can send to you. I wondered if I could by now."

"God," Viv said with an very unladylike slump of her shoulders, "you folks can do that, too?"

"Folks," he murmured with a roll of his eyes. "Only because we're bonded."

Viv reached out and shushed him. "If you don't say it out loud, it may not be true."

"It's not the same, not like with me and Ellis." Viv shushed him again. "Oh stop, it's not that bad. Have you told your Brig?"

"Cuz that's a great idea."

He shook his head, "You and that American slang."

"It's a gift."

"No, it's not," he said with a snort.

Viv pushed her lips to the side and glared up at Simon. "So what's up? Why are we out here?"

Simon gave her his best shocked look. "What, I don't get a thank you for the dress?"

"I thought my wearing it was thanks enough. I am quite hot in it," Viv said with every confidence it was true.

"So modest, but yes, you do look beautiful. So you're welcome."

"Thanks," Viv said with a smile. "Do I want to know how much this cost?"

"No you do not."

"I think Brig noticed. This doesn't look like I bought if off the rack."

"He can appreciate it later when he takes it off you, then."

"Please...no discussing sex with you. It's like talking to my brother about my period."

"You don't have to keep referring to my," Simon held up his fingers in an air quote, "designation of 'brother'. I do not want to have sex with you."

"Such a liar," Viv said leaning against the rail next to him with a smile.

"I don't. That dress was strictly my way of throwing a pity party for you. You have horrible style and taste."

"Such a charmer!" Viv laughed and nudged him with her shoulder.

It was odd, her relationship with Simon now. She genuinely cared for the vampire, as much as she cared for the Pipers, maybe a little more so. When he looked at her now, there was no rush of arousal, but a true and defined friendship. Their Siberian adventure had done more than find more questions than answers for their search, but it made her see him in a completely different light. Viv did not have many friends, not true friends, but she could honestly say Simon was one of her closest.

He was giving her a strange look when she turned and looked back at him. "Did you get that heart murmur checked out?"

"I do not have a heart murmur," she squealed with annoyance.

"Ok, but you should have that checked."

"Stop listening to my heartbeat, that's creepy."

"Would you rather I undress you with my eyes," he said with a lecherous grin.

Reaching out, she pinched his arm, making him yelp. "I'm heading back in. But honestly, thanks for the dress. It was sweet of you." She pulled the sleeve of his jacket and kissed his cheek, much like a little sister. "Did you get that - I kissed you like a sister would."

"Stop doing that!" he growled and tugged at one of her curls. "Have fun tonight."

"Look at me, I'm gorgeous. How could I not have fun?" Viv winked at him as she walked away, putting a little sway in her walk on purpose. She heard him sigh and she grinned as she entered the ballroom.

Cinderella never had it so good, Aishe thought. She was dressed to the nines in a gorgeous gown, headed into the ballroom at the Piazza with three of the hottest guys she knew, and getting ready to ring in the new year with glee. She couldn't recall whose idea this party had been but she and Kem hadn't seen Eiryk and Alex since before their vacation and they were all eager to catch up with each other.

She could do worse than be escorted by these three. Eiryk looked fantastic, of course, because Eiryk never went anywhere without looking fantastic. Of the three of them he was the only one in a classic, clean-cut black and white tux. And, like usual, he made it look spectacular instead of the other way around. She was girlishly jealous ut she suspected voicing that to him would only make him laugh. He probably knew how good he looked already. Alexander had cleaned up stunningly well and although he looked like he might prefer to be in something more casual, Aishe didn't think he was even slightly hard on the eyes. His look was streamlined and tailored, a touch of satin on his lapels and a burgundy vest and tie under his jacket which looked good with his dark complexion. He reminded her of a cat with his fluid movement and quiet manner.

She could almost feel the female heartbreak in the room as it became apparent that Alexander and Eiryk weren't there alone, but with each other. All four of them were moving close together but, though discreet, if you looked you could see the two had their hands entwined. Alex never did anything overtly though, they'd all learned, so Aishe was pleasantly surprised to see him loosen up a little on this one occasion.

She wanted to be there although the moment they entered the room she felt the press of the crowd and began to tense up. She couldn't help it; ever since her turning, really, she'd become terrible in large groups. Aishe had her bond with Kem though, and between that and his glamour if it became too bad, she could handle it.

As they made their way to a table that was in a less-populated section of the ballroom, Aishe smiled up at Kem and squeezed his arm. It was he who had surprised her the most with his tux. Instead of playing down his unusual coloring he had played to it instead and he looked, in her opinion, almost entirely supernatural. His black jacket was mandarin-style, no buttons on it and no collar, open to show the silver-grey fabric of his vest and tie beneath it, and a white shirt beneath that. There was no color anywhere, yet it complemented his pale hair and silvery eyes perfectly.

Looking around her, Aishe fixed each man with her piercing green eyes. "You realize I'm stealing a dance with each one of you right? At least one. Maybe more."

She smiled up at her fiance. "Definitely more, in your case."

"Oh, I figured I wouldn't get out of it that easily," Kem said as they reached an empty table. "I can't actually complain."

[Because you look stunning,] he added silently to Aishe, who really did. The gown she'd picked out had looked pretty enough on the mannequin in the store but Aishe's curves were far richer in spite of her lack of inches. The deep indigo color beneath the sequins and beads looked luxuriant against her skin and while he was used to seeing her in far more casual attire, she looked completely at home in this too. He knew she'd gone through courses in etiquette and ballroom dance and all the things her mom in particular had thought proper, but according to her she hadn't taken well to them. Apparently she'd just meant she hadn't liked them.

He pulled her chair out for her and slid it back as she sat. A waiter came by when he saw them settling in, offered them champagne, and signaled to another man who delivered a tray of edibles to their table. The flow of conversation continued seamlessly though, even with minor interruptions.

"That's why we have stand-in dancers though," he said, flashing a grin at Eiryk and Alex. "If they don't wear each other out you can do your worst with them too."

He seated himself as Alex and Eiryk did the same, watching Aishe as he sipped at the champagne in the flute before him.

[Are you all right so far?]

She didn't like crowds. Not big ones like this. He couldn't blame her; he had had the chance to feel what she felt. But things being as they were, he could share his own calm with her as she had frequently done for him while he was learning to cope with heights. As always they balanced each other well.

Aishe's response was positive and cheerful, and while he could feel her tension he knew it was well under control. He'd told her it didn't matter to him if they came out or not. He'd have gladly spent the evening with their friends at home goofing around. But they'd all wanted to go out, Aishe included, so he'd try to make sure she enjoyed it.

Alexander felt his eyes grow wide at the notion that he might actually have to dance. Alex wasn't a dancer. Making him try that would surely be the precursor to a disaster of Eiryk-scale proportions. He didn't like being on the dance floor at all. He always felt like everyone was looking at him and it made him freeze up.

"If you're stealing it, then you're going to take it with you when you go, right? And that means I won't have to do it?"

He looked at Aishe hopefully but he didn't really think he was going to get away with it. He didn't look at Eiryk, just clutched his hand tighter under the table. He did not want to dance. At all. It would be awful.

"If that's the case you can steal as many as you want."

Alex wasn't sure if his twist on words was going to work. If he'd learned on thing about Aishe it was that the woman was extraordinarily stubborn. If anything, he might just have made things worse for himself by refusing. He finally let his eyes flicker over to Eiryk's face, hoping for some support in the matter.

So his tux was a little more classic and a little less trendy or modern. It fit perfectly and he knew full well he looked good in it. besides at this rate he'd stand out just because of the traditional look.

Kem cleaned up quite well and Eiryk was a little jealous of the man's coloring. It was rather exotic and then when contrasted with Alex's darker completion, well he might look good, but maybe a bit boring. Oh well. He wasn't about to worry. Besides Aishe put them all to shame and he'd told her as much already.

"I've always wanted to be a stunt dancer. I wonder if the band is insured."Â?

Eiryk cocked his head to thoughtfully considered the band before teasing Kem.

"If you don't dance with your fiancé at least a few times, you'll have to dance with me."Â?

If he didn't fall flat on his face or take out four other couples Eiryk was a decent dancer. It was just he could... well it could end badly.

He squeezed Alex's hand as he tried to squirm out of dancing. It wasn't going to happen. While Eiryk hadn't planed to dance the night away he had planned on getting at least one dance in with his boyfriend and apparently Aishe had the same idea.

"You might as well relax and enjoy it. I'm sure Aishe won't let you come to harm."Â?

Xeph smiled at Hammer as he met them at the entrance to the ballroom. Suddenly, it seemed, there were Pipers everywhere. The realization that they were all present in some way shape or form made him almost limp with gratitude and he relaxed marginally. As they made their way toward a table he bit back the mild embarrassment that his mother's comment had caused; he knew she was making a point.

He turned to Nikhila. "The closet is pretty easy to defend," he said. Then he thought a moment. "Unless there are ducts. Then you're right, the back door might be better."

Everyone always got in and out via some sort of duct in the movies. He'd have to watch out for those when he was picking out Nikhila's closet.

Feeling much better surrounded by his Pack, he finally peered past his tunnel vision to take in everything around them. He smiled to Viv and inclined his head to her when she showed up, but ignored the byplay between the Pipers in general. There were many undercurrents happening there. Xeph was aware of some of them and in the dark about others. There was only so much he could control though; he had no right to pry into peoples' private lives. No matter how much they effected his.

Instead he watched his mother and Hammer interact. There was a softness about his Beta that only revealed itself when Lily was present. How had they avoided that all those years?

Turning back to Nikhila he helped seat her and bent attentively to her. "Can I get you anything? Something to eat maybe?"

The idea of leaving her side was not appealing but she would be here with her family ad he could step away if it meant providing for her.

Lily beamed at Iov's complement. "Thank you," she said softly. "You look intimidating, menacing, and completely gorgeous yourself."

She liked that he left his missing eye exposed. It was part of Iov like everything else and she silently disapproved of his hiding it. Whenever she looked at his face or spoke to him, she always looked at his entire face. She noticed people tended to focus on his remaining eye but Lily had known Iov for so long that if it had ever stood out to her, it no longer did.

Vivienne appeared and let them know there was a table ready for them. "Thank you," she said with a smile. She was sure by this point Nikhila didn't want to be on her feet any longer than she had to.

At Brig's greeting and nod, Lily simply watched him for a moment with cool eyes before nodding back. They hadn't interacted much in the months since the fight in Iov's apartment. Lily had a difficult time forgiving him for his harsh words. She couldn't command his respect as the wife of their dead Alpha or the mother of the current one. It wasn't in her. Her strength had lain solely in her ability to keep Liam in check. Aidan didn't need that sort of thing.

She finally returned his silent greeting, her eyes sliding away as quickly as they'd met his. She remained close to Iov and didn't look at his cousin again. She refused to let him cause her to feel shame when she had worked so hard to get beyond that.

Brig watched as Vivienne got up unexpectedly from their table. He was sitting next to her only because everyone had coupled up at this point. Looking away, he tried not to think about where she was going and wondered where his nephew was hiding. Brig wagered they were somewhere having sex, he just hoped it wasn't out in public. He knew Carol, she was wily like that and LT would love it. Brig shuddered imagining his nephew and Carol when he caught Hammer's eye.

"The LT?"

Brig smiled realizing his cousin was thinking the same thing. "Probably with his girlfriend. I'm sure he'll sit with the men though."

"He should be here, with leadership."

Brig shrugged with a slight grimace, "Naw, let him have his fun...in whatever closet that might be in right now."

"Closet?"

He shook his head, "Nevermind."

Just then Viv returned to the table and sat down. Her expression was softly humored as she ignored Hammer's inspecting glare. He felt his possessive Alpha rear in him as he detected another scent on Vivienne, one he immediately recognized. With a deep breath, he exhaled through his mouth and looked directly at Viv.

"Hungry?" Brig asked rising from his seat.

"A little, grabbing me something?"

"No," he said as he took her arm and pulled her back up out of her chair without looking at her. Viv pulled back away from him, but he gently applied more pressure with his fingers, encouraging her to stand with him.

"All right, guess I'm going with you," Viv mumbled as she let him pull her away. When they put distance between them and the table, she whispered with a concerned voice up to him. "What are you doing? Why are you being so grabby?"

"I can smell him on you." Brig felt the sneer on his face harden. He turned away so Viv could not see how angry he was getting. "He bought you that dress, didn't he?"

"Aw come on, Brig."

"Listen," he turned to her and did his best to rein in his anger. "I understand you're...friends...with him, but I don't have to like it. It goes against everything in me, Viv. You gotta understand that."

"I do. I know. I'm sorry," she said softly. He could see that she wanted to reach out to him and it placated his anger. Still, Viv was his and the need to show it was overwhelming. "And yeah, this dress is from him. It's Herve Leger, I couldn't help it!"

Viv gently stomped her foot and gave him a serious look. It made him laugh and he gently took her hand as discreetly as possible.

"I don't even know who that is, but you could have asked me to get it for you."

"I didn't ask him and you probably don't want to know how much this cost."

Brig rolled his eyes and guided her again toward the buffet selection, this time less aggressively. "Just...please ask him to stop. It's not that I can't compete, because I can...I have money you know," Viv rolled her eyes at him and smiled, "it's just that it's my job to spoil you. Not...his."

Brig sniffed again, smelling the tainted pheromones from Huntington on his mate. It enraged him all over again. Moving closer to the food and further into the crowd standing by the tables, Brig stood behind Viv and pulled her against his chest, doing his best to erase the vampire's scent and leave his own. The smell of the food helped some, reminding him he was hungry.

"Are you seriously rubbing up against me to leave your scent?" Viv laughed as she laid her head back against his chest. "Someone can see us all canoodlin' and then what would we say?"

Brig considered it. He and Hammer were back to the way things were, maybe with a greater understanding of each other, and Viv had been fully accepted into the pack, despite Siberia. But because of Siberia, Hammer might not react as positively to their relationship...and neither would Brig's father, Duncan. Both were immensely suspicious of Viv now and it wasn't Brig's place to defend her. Not as just the Commander, but maybe as her mate. What choice did they have now?

The realization of this made the item in his left jacket pocket make itself known. He had been carrying around the item since right before she left for Siberia unexpectedly, but he had resisted the urge to give it to her, even after reuniting with her again. Their short week apart made him realize how much he needed her in his life, he had just been waiting for the right time. But if there had ever been a right moment, this had to have been it.

"Fine. Let's tell them."

Nikhila was going to have to try and remember to thank the Pipers again for their help with the house and moving everything. It would wait though.

Table? That meant chairs. While determined to dance at some point tonight sitting would also be good right now.

Siberia? Nikhila curious, but she was always interested in other people's travels. But given the way Vivienne was moving about it might be some time before she got to ask that question. Instead she was distracted by an apparent strategy lesson.

"Closets are also stuffy and leave me with no escape route. So why don't we just go sit down instead?"Â?

She thought there were some interesting things going on but she wasn't certain and it wasn't really her business. Although she did raise an eyebrow at Lily, however, Nikhila knew even if Lily did chose to elaborate it wouldn't be here or now.

Letting Aidan settle her at the table she lightly kissed his cheek. He was trying so hard to be perfect and a provider, it was sweet.

"You'd brave asparagus for me? No, I don't think I'll stave to death right. Why don't you just sit down and relax for a little bit. Try and enjoy yourself?"Â?

"What?!" Viv said a little too loud and with an extremely high voice. Clearing her throat, she tugged on him, taking him out one of the balcony doors, away from the crowd. "What the...what? Tell them? Right now?"

"Right now," Brig said with a shrug.

"Oh well, sure why not?" Viv yelped with an incredulous look. "Uh, no. What about Hammer? What about...oh my god, what about your parents?" Viv began to fret. Seriously fret. "We should wait. Yes, waiting is good!"

Brig was looking calmly at her, no doubt waiting for her to stop freaking out, but the fact that he even suggested it and wasn't reacting properly was freaking her out even more.

"Brig, baby, I love you. Love. You. But we seriously have to think this through."

"Shut up," Brig said interrupting her in his strangely calm voice.

"Wha-? Rude! Have you lost your friggin mind?"

"Viv, really. Stop talking."

Her hysteria had now reached epic proportions. Her shoulders slumped, seemingly falling off her body at how weirdly calm he was being. She opened her mouth again and he held his hand up.

"What if," he started.

"What if what?"

"I'm not going to say this unless you stop talking." Viv bristled and crossed her arms angrily. "What if we wait to tell them, but you let me give you something first?"

"Give me what?"

Brig slowly dropped to one knee and pulled a box out of his pocket.

Then Viv fainted.

Aishe felt her face grow warm from the quiet complement. [You don't look half bad yourself,] she replied in kind, the 'words' colored with warm appreciation for Kem's appearance. He looked like ice, or a statue come to life, but she knew he was anything but cold or hard. What he was was gorgeous all dressed up like that. Maybe he looked otherworldly but she loved it.

[I'm fine so far, 'Isu-mery. If anything changes you'll be the first to know.]

Alexander's reaction to her tiny little request (okay, demand) was interesting and she took to it like a pit bull with a bone. "Just one dance Alex, you'll live through it. I promise! I haven't lost a partner yet."

She was doing her best to be persuasive. Eiryk was up for it she knew, which would be interesting. And of course Kem would dance with her. But Alex was a challenge. She sipped at the champagne in the flute, pondering the best way to go about convincing Alex to dance. Peer pressure? Possibly. Guilt? Also a possibility.

LT's jacket was on the floor of the broom closet, which was surprisingly large for what it was. Carol's dress was pushed up to her hips and she was moaning so loud in his ear that he was fairly certain people could hear them, but honestly...he did not care.

Pushing roughly up into her, he felt the sweat run down his back as he tried not to bite down on her skin. They were pressed up against a wall and she was squeezing her thighs and moving her hips, driving him insane as they reached the end of their quickie. Grabbing her thighs tightly, he pushed hard up into her until he finally heard her telltale, long moan of delight and the pressure of her nails digging into his neck and he joined her, his orgasm ripping through him, making him moan just as loud.

A year ago he would have never considered sex in a broom closet with anyone. He was a bit of a prude, he realized, after meeting Carol. She, on the other hand, clearly was not. She was always up for public sex, sex in tight places, sex in the open, sex in the car, sex in an elevator, sex in a pool, against a tree, in the middle of the night or during lunch. He had never met a woman who enjoyed sex as much as Carol did, nor gave it as good as she did, for that matter.

Carol began to giggle in his ear, dizzy from their climax. It was her 'thoroughly satisfied' giggle which was reserved for medium rare prime rib and mind blowing sex. LT was proud of himself considering it was just a quickie. He let her slide down to the ground and she leaned against the wall, smiling at him. Pulling his trousers up, he took a step back and blushed at her.

"Wanna do it again?" she asked with a smile.

"Yes, but no. We gotta go in and find my uncle," he said with soft laugh. He grabbed a paper towel from a dispenser over a sink in the closet and dabbed at his face. He handed one for Carol and she did the same. "Should we go out one at a time?"

Carol giggled again, pulling her dress back down and wiping at the wrinkles. "Probably. Meet you at the door?"

"Ok," he said and leaned in to kiss her softly, to which she responded by wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him deeply. He moaned into the kiss and she pulled him back up against the wall again. "Wait...wait," he said laughing.

"Party pooper, sheesh," she complained but then winked at him. "You go first then, I'm going to hit the bathroom to freshen up a little more."

LT pinched her chin with his thumb and index finger before he opened the door and discreetly exited. Heading back toward the door he was met by Charlie.

"You're flushed and sweaty. Why am I not surprised," Charlie said with a smile.

LT blushed and shook his head. "Everyone here?"

"Yup. Beta wants you to make an appearance at their table, right now. Where's Carol?"

"Bathroom."

"You did it in the bathroom?"

"Charlie...shut up," LT said trying not to laugh. "And no, we did not. I said I'd meet her at the door."

"I can wait for her. You should go on."

LT nodded leaving Charlie at the entrance and went to search out the Beta.

Kem rolled his eyes at Aishe. Naturally he'd be the first to know. he couldn't help being the first to know. She gave him a little smirk while she eyed Alexander speculatively over the rim of the champagne flute, just sipping; she wasn't a drinker normally.

He turned his pale eyes to Alex. "You might as well get it over with," he said. "I think you're out of luck."

Then, grinning at Eiryk, he added, "and I said stand-in, not stunt. Although with you I doubt there's much of a distinction. Maybe you should check with the band first. Because if they aren't insured they might appreciate some warning."

Eiryk's ability to create chaos was quickly becoming legend. Usually it was limited to himself but there were plenty of times when people within a three-mile radius were also in danger. With so many celebrants in close proximity Kem didn't doubt that this could quickly turn into one such occasion.

[You're really going to force poor Alex to dance, aren't you,] he stated more than asked. Kem wasn't sure Alex deserved that. Aishe's response was gleefully positive. [You realize it's cruel to torment him. At least offer him a slow dance so he can shuffle around without looking silly.]

Alex looked at Eiryk with despair. "It's a dance, not a visit to the proctologist," he muttered at his boyfriend through gritted teeth. "Are you gonna tell me it'll be over faster that way too?"

No one seemed to be offering any sympathy. In fact Eiryk and Kem seemed to agree that he should just dance. Alex couldn't put into words how badly he did not want to dance. He might throw up instead. That would do it.

And yet Aishe looked so earnest. Creepily stubborn but earnest. And if it made her happy, maybe he could manage. Maybe. No. No, he couldn't.

"Sorry Aishe. I'm really not a dancer. I swear. You're better of with Eiryk."

That didn't sound good either. He smacked himself in the forehead with the palm of his hand and peeked at Eiryk. "I didn't mean it that way but you know... I mean. She is."

"I'll tell you anything you want if you'll play nice and dance with the only woman brave enough to accompany us. Just one little dance."Â?

Eiryk unabashedly turned on the puppy dog eyes. He wasn't above begging and pleading to get his way. He didn't think that suggestion would work on Alex under the circumstances. He'd try it but it would be a last resort.

He had to laugh when Alex verbally hooked him up with Aishe.

"I think that means I get to go first."Â?

Since he'd started the joke he could hardly give Kem a hard time for taking the bait. He only smiled good naturedly.

"We'll just paint flames on some of the instruments and call it action ballroom. We can sell hot dogs and popcorn."Â?

Eiryk leaned back in his chair, crossed his legs and sipped at his champagne, basically looking far too at home and comfortable.

Marthinus passed Charlie on his way out of the ballroom. The Sergeant was standing there, hands in his pockets, waiting when Marthinus noticed his lack of tie.

"You're a heathen, sir."

Charlie smiled and nodded at Marthinus as he walked by. "Me and bow ties aren't friends."

"Oh my, your grammar hurts me deeply, as well." Charlie laughed and ran his hand through his short brown hair. "Are you on a mission?"

"Waitin' on LT's girl."

"Oh right, I get to meet her finally."

"You haven't met her yet? She's...unique."

"I'm sure she'd have to be for the LT. Doesn't quite seem to settle very easily."

"That he does not."

Marthinus continued toward the bathrooms and waved to Charlie over his shoulder, leaving him behind. He walked slowly toward the bathroom to wash his hands when he reached up and touched the silk bow tie of his Armani tuxedo. He almost wasn't ready for Carol when she jumped on him.

"Oh jesus!" he yelped as the pretty blond jumped into his arms.

"Marty! Baby!" Carol wrapped her legs around Marthinus' hips, despite the shortness (and tightness) of her dress, and planted a large kiss on his lips. "You never call. Never write. I'm hurt!"

Marthinus laughed and let Carol kiss him. "Oh my," he mumbled through the kiss and finally she pulled back and smiled at him.

"Hi!"

"Hello, Carol," he said, lowering her to the ground. He half turned away as she adjusted her dress and straightened his tie as people stared as they passed by. "How have you been?"

"Superfine, thank you for asking," Carol sang as she smoothed the wrinkles out of her dress. "I'm here with my new man."

"Oh really? Everything going well?"

"Aye, captain. Very well indeed." Carol gave him an appraising look with her hands on her hips.

Marthinus looked down at himself and tried to see what she was seeing. Finally she pointed at him.

"I did not think it was possible, but you're a little hotter than before. It's completely changed you, hasn't it?"

Marthinus shoved his hands into his pockets and smiled. "It's been some time now, but I think this is as good as it gets."

"Well, I'm a little turned on, so it's pretty durn good." Her smile faded and Marthinus watched it change from happy to somber. Carol's voice was quiet and a little hurt. "You never return my calls or texts. Why?"

Marthinus put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her to a set of soft, comfortable chairs that lined the hallway. Sitting her down, he sat next to her and took her hands in his.

"The line between the old world and the new has blurred considerably, but is still very distinct. The Pack has been very welcoming. I just," Marthinus looked down at Carol's hand and shrugged.

"You just don't miss your old life," Carol finished for him. "You don't miss me?"

Marthinus smiled at her. Her face was soft and suddenly very innocent. It wasn't like Carol to be sad, to expose herself to that kind of pain. He knew she went through it when it ended with Simon, but that had been her choice - not that she had any other. Marthinus reached out and touched her face.

"You were always like a daughter to me, Carol. You always will be."

"Only now I'll die before you will." Carol made a face. "Man...that will suck."

Normally this was the sort of thing Pak avoided. Lots of people and formal wear and forced celebration and all. But Kem had said something, and Aishe had said something and Eiryk had said something. She would have tagged along stag at that point but invited Artemis to come as well. She'd done an admirable job of not getting too giddy when he said yes.

Pak managed not to fuss with her dress. She wasn't sure about the plum color but had been assured that she looked good in it. As evening dresses went it was fairly conservative, with cap sleeves and a high choker neckline. The incredibly high slit and the open back negated some of that but still, it was mostly conservative. Her hair was swept into a complicated smooth up do to show off the back and the beading on the shoulders.

"Does formal wear count as a costume?"Â?

She mused aloud. If it did they were going for some wrapped sort of record. It seemed they never went out together while dressed normally.

They'd gotten her after the others, but between her bond with Kem and a quick bit of sending and receiving it was simple enough to find every one. And no one had to look foolish jumping up and down or resort to a cell phone.

Remembering Halloween she carefully lead them around the crowd to the table where Kem, Aishe, Eiryk and Alex were apparently trying to badger Alex into something.

"What did we miss?"Â?

Ellis watched as Simon strolled nonchalantly back into the ballroom. She reached out into their aura and poked around. Concentrating, she searched deep into their aura, trying to pick up Simon's disposition when she realized he was purposely holding back again. Subterfuge was ungodly unfair, especially since she did not have it. Simon's ability to suppress what feelings Ellis could detect was annoying, as well as hurtful. She had no choice in what leaked into their aura, but Simon did and she knew he hid more than he showed.

Her fingers clenched so hard on her champagne flute that it snapped in her hands. Ellis let the shards of glass fall away from her and she moved toward him to meet in the middle.

Simon immediately looked over at her. She could not help the intense anger and jealousy she was feeling, but she wanted him to feel it. To see what he was doing to her. Ellis watched as the happiness his face was betraying faded, leaving the typically smooth and unemotional expression she knew too well.

"Good talk?" she asked with glaring eyes.

"Wow, jealousy does not suit you, Ellis," Simon said dryly. "It's a little ironic."

Ellis felt the pain of despair at his sarcasm. "Why do you always pull away like this? What's the point of having this bond when it's only to your advantage?"

Simon's face clouded in confusion and then he reached out to her, taking her hand. Ellis resisted pulling away and just walking off. It had been several years since they had gotten back together and she was fairly certain Carol was nowhere in his life, but now there was this Vivienne Sena. He had said Siberia was all business, but now they were chummy, sharing secrets and forcing Ellis to share Simon yet again. She didn't give up everything for him, just to be cast side. Again. Granted the first time she never saw it coming, but now that she could, it frightened her almost as much as infuriated her.

Slowly she felt Simon release his hold on his feelings - the emotion trickled into the aura and she could feel his love for her.

"What is Vivienne to you? Now?"

Ellis waited for the inevitable feeling of arousal at the mention of another woman's name, but it never came. It was a very distinct, protective feeling of admiration Simon leaked into their aura. But could the aura lie? She wondered.

"It's always been you, E." Her suspicion flared into their aura and Simon pulled her close to him, wrapping his arms around her in response to it. "You know this."

But did she?

"Is that...?"

Brig smiled as he opened the box and showed her the diamond engagement ring he had been carrying around with him for weeks. It was a round brilliant cut three stone ring named after the Scottish Wildflower Poppy. Treasured for its beautiful, billowy petals, Poppy's center stone is accented with two flush-set pear cut diamonds. The diamonds were flawless and they sat in a platinum setting adding zero color to the colorless diamonds. The center round was just over 1.5 carats and the pear shape accents were .33 carats, not to overshadow the main attraction. Brig held it up to her and watched her fall forward and faint before he could even ask her.

"Viv...wait...oh shit," and she fell forward, unconscious, over his shoulder. He stood slowly and spun around as people began to gather. "She's fine just tired." Peeking into the ballroom, Brig searched for Hammer as he made a mad dash into the crowd, weaving in and out with Viv over his shoulder.

"Hi...excuse me...no, she's fine. Excuse me. Viv. Wake up, Viv."

Making it through the ballroom without seeing either a Piper or Hammer, he ran down the hallway in the opposite direction to find a quiet place. Turning a corner he ran up to a couch that lined the wall and lowered her into it. He knelt there in front of her, tapping her face lightly when a waiter came up to him. He was holding a glass of water.

"I thought she might need some water?"

Brig marveled over the service of the Grand Piazza and took the glass. He tried tipping the waiter, but the young man just held the tray against his chest and watched. "Try splashing some of it on her face?" the waiter suggested.

Brig dipped his fingers into the glass and splashed the cold water into Viv's face and her eyes fluttered. Immediately she sat up and grabbed her head. "Ugh," she muttered.

"I get ready to ask you to marry me and you faint?"

Sitting completely up, Viv moved her legs forward and made room for Brig. He settled down next to her with a nod to the waiter who smiled and departed. "Ugh," she muttered again.

Leaning back into the couch, he put his arm around her shoulders and squeezed her with a laugh. "Can I ask you now or are you going to faint again?"

"God, shut up," she said, covering her face with a snort. "I can't believe I fainted. I didn't even get to see the ring." Viv turned and looked at him, snapping her fingers. "Let's see it."

Snorting Brig pulled the box back out but didn't open it. "You get to see it if you say yes."

"That's not how it works. My answer is dependent on the size of the rock. Come on, give."

Brig slid to the ground and onto one knee again. "Let me ask first..."

Viv grabbed the box out of his hands and turned to the side out of his reach. Opening it, she gasped and then pulled the ring out. Brig reached out and gingerly took the ring from her, watching her expression. He started to laugh at how shocked she was with her mouth gaping open like a fish. He took her left hand and slipped the engagement ring onto her ring finger.

"Vivienne Sena?" Viv pulled her eyes away from her ring finger and looked him in the eye. "Will you marry me and be my," he squinted his eyes and looked up, "uh...fifth wife?"

Immediately she punched him in the chest and laughed. "Oh that's just fucking nice, Brig."

He hugged her hips, dropping to both knees and kissed her as they laughed. "I love you," he said and for the first time knew he never loved anyone more than he loved her. "I'm ready to tell Hammer, my father...everyone. I'm asking you to be my wife."

"All right," Viv said pointing at him, "but just this once."

This was going to be an evening of surprises, shocks, and firsts. He just knew it. Artemis didn't let other people do the driving very often, but Pak had asked him out this time, so he didn't put up much of a fight when she wanted to drive. Not that he would have with her anyway, but he had been a bit surprised by the invitation. He was always surprised a little when she agreed to be seen in public with him, but this time it was actually her idea.

Pak looked especially lovely tonight. The color purple made her skin glow. Artemis did his best not to get caught admiring the view too much. He had to admit that he liked the parts of the dress that were missing. Smoothing the front of his suit, he smiled as he stole another look at his date. The suit was no where near as spectacular as the traffic stopping dress. A simple two button black Armani suit with a black silk tie. Artemis reached out a hand and let her lead him through the crowd. Perhaps of she held his hand, he wouldn't give in to the almost irresistible temptation to lightly caress her exposed back.

"Hmm. The suit is not my usual attire. It isn't particularly comfortable. I am not entirely sure that I put all of the pieces on correctly. Yes, I would say it definitely counts as a costume."

Once they found the others, he smiled and greeted them all warmly. He hoped they hadn't missed too much, or that the others had been waiting long.

The music began to stream in softly from hidden speakers and the party goers began to disperse, leaving the center floor open for dancers. Couples swayed slowly to the jazzy smooth music as the center crystals dripping from the ceiling twinkled softly.

Simon slipped his right hand up above Ellis' shoulder blade and held his left hand out, easily stepping into a slow waltz with her. Finally the tight anger in her face dissipated, as well as in their aura. He spun her lazily, moving in between the other dancers, making her laugh occasionally. He was surprised at her reaction to Vivienne, but there was a lot about Ellis that still surprised him. However, her jealousy was just as angry as was her need for vengeance against the Council.

His return from Siberia was quiet with almost no questions from Ellis until he told her of the events of the past week he had been gone. Once Vivienne entered the equation, Ellis' attention was perked and her jealousy ignited. It was something he vaguely felt when Carol was mentioned, but she rarely ever was, so Ellis' anger had been tempered. As he spun her, flaring the hem of her long skirt out, he reminisced at how lucky and unlucky his love life had been.

There was a sudden murmur of voices behind them, but he ignored it, no doubt someone of note was passing through. He only caught the tail end of a tall man carrying an obviously drunk woman over his shoulder out of the ballroom. It wasn't even midnight, yet.

Simon carefully released more emotion into their shared aura and let it intermingle with Ellis' sudden and extreme happiness. They spent the next few minutes dancing close together until he guided them to the edge, leading her off the floor.

"Hungry?" he asked her as Ellis took a champagne flute off a passing waiter's tray.

"I could nibble on something, I suppose." Her smile was bright and conniving.

"Remember, not where we sleep." Simon left her smiling happily as she sipped slowly at her drink.

Moving through the crowd, he paid particular attention to avoiding touching anyone. It just bugged him, being jostled as he walked, so he took great pains to avoid the throng of people, leading him near the edge of the crowd to the doors back out to the hallway. Just as he passed it, Vivienne's lover Brig walked into the door with a large smile on his face, completely oblivious to his surroundings, including Simon. Curiosity got the better of Simon and he redirected his path toward the door and exited out, interested in seeing what was making the man smile.

Viv was standing at the end of the long hallway, in the opposite direction of the bathrooms and spiral staircase. He could just barely see the hip of her dress as she stood with her back against the wall, rounding the corner to the right. Listening, her heartbeat was unmistakable and suddenly he was filled with a ridiculous giddy feeling, obviously not his own. Holding the door open, he slipped through and made haste down the hallway toward her. Her mind must've been elsewhere since she didn't seem to react to his scent as he came up behind her and leaned against the corner of the wall.

"What's got you all giddy?" His voice trailed off as he leaned over and saw what she was looking at. Her left hand came up and on the ring finger was a bright, shiny bauble.

That was interesting. Vivienne was wearing an engagement ring.

Viv walked slowly back to the main hallway with Brig. She wrapped her left arm around his right and fingered her engagement ring with her thumb, twisting it against the fluorescent lights, watching it twinkle.

"This is so beautiful," she said in a light and giddy voice.

"I'm glad you like it. It's from a Scottish jeweler. They called it the 'Poppy'. I thought you'd like it."

"I love it," she sang happily, smiling so hard she felt her face begin to crack. She sighed, knowing she'd have to take it off soon, but she knew she'd never be without it - always with her, more than likely on a chain if not on her finger. "About telling everyone right now...."

"It's all right, babe. We can wait. There's no rush. We'll do it when you're ready." Brig's hand came up and he placed it over her hand, stroking it with his thumb.

She pulled away from him gently and turned to put her hands gently on his chest. "I love you. You know that. I'm just...meh, a little scared."

"Well, I'd say you have nothing to be scared about, but the truth is we both do. We'll do it, soon, but we have to be careful about how we broach the subject."

"I am so relieved you said that."

Brig leaned down and kissed Viv softly. His right hand cupped her face as he rubbed his nose against hers and then pulled away to return to the ballroom. "Don't be long," he said with a smile.

Viv watched him go as she leaned against the corner of the wall turning back to the long hallway. Once he made it to the doors, she turned to put her back on the wall and stared at her ring. Just looking at it made her giggle stupidly, but she didn't care. Neither one of her ex-husbands ever made her feel this way when they proposed. Sure she liked them, cared for them even, but not like Brig. Pulling her bottom lip into her mouth, she chewed on it as she admired her beautiful ring.

"What's got you all giddy?"

Viv turned and saw Simon standing behind her, his eyes locked onto her engagement ring. She lifted her hand and wiggled her ring finger. She tee-hee'd with delight.

Simon flicked his hazel eyes up to her and made a face. "Did you just 'tee-hee'?"

Viv reached out and pulled Simon's tuxedo lapels, pulling him into the hallway with her, and then wrapped her arms around his neck, lifting her feet off the ground. "Oh my god I am so happy right now!"

"Yeah," Simon said, pulling back and lowering Vivienne to her feet. He held onto her with his long arms as she looked back at her ring. "I can tell. I mean, I really can tell. I felt your giddiness from down the hall."

"Oh, is that a bonding thing?"

"Yeah." Simon paused. "So is this what it feels like to be a newly engaged woman? Because I don't normally want to giggle and scream like a school girl. It's kinda...neat."

Viv pushed him and then bit her bottom lip again as she looked at her ring. She felt the tears in her eyes.

"Now you're going to cry, aren't you? You are going to give me whiplash with these emotions, Vivienne."

Xeph made a face and shook his head at Nikhila, sitting down next to her as she'd suggested. "I said I'd get you something with asparagus. I didn't say I'd eat it," he clarified. "I'd have to think about whether you're worth it before actually putting that stuff in my mouth."

He gazed at her innocently, hoping the expression would save him from retaliation.

Brig and Viv both disappeared again and Xeph considered them for a moment. They weren't being forthcoming on the details of what was going on between them but he had a reasonable idea. He wondered if his father knew. He wasn't certain. He might get along well with his Piper cousins but his own work had him away enough that he didn't know all the details of the dynamics between them. He tried to keep track but he wasn't always always successful.

He put his arm around Nikhila's shoulders and rubbed gently. It wouldn't be long now and they would have a baby. The though distracted him from anyone else's relationships and he smiled at her. "Do you want to dance, then, or wait until a little later?"

Lily noted when Brig left and breathed a short sigh of relief. pushing her chair back she stood and looked at her son and his mate. "I'll go get some food," she volunteered. "It looks like they're delivering it right to the tables."

She wanted to look around the ballroom a little bit as well. The decorations were beautiful, and it would be a shame to stay at their table the entire time. It was all right for Aidan, who was sunken into a pool of Kadzait overprotectiveness, but Lily had to stop and greet a few people and may as well see about something to nibble on while she was up.

She stood with her champagne flute and looked down at Iov with a smile. "Come with me?" she offered. "I know we're going to get stopped a few times but I'll bet you can make those little meetings a bit shorter."

She gave him a hopeful look; if anyone could discourage social interaction with a glare it was Iov. Lily didn't mind a bit of public relations here and there but while she wanted to see the ballroom, she didn't want to be gone from the table for the entire night.

Hammer had already decided not to keep getting up as Vivienne popped back and forth to the table. It would be like that all night, so why waste the energy, he decided. The second Lily rose an inch out of her chair, he did stand politely...and because he would follow her until she told him to sit, anyway.

"I'd be more than happy to blink my left eye. It's ghastly and would definitely ruin a few people's nights if you like?"

He gently smiled at her and nodded toward his son and Nikhila. "Eat your vegetables, boy. Builds character."

Kem chuckled at Eiryk's willingness to jump into danger. "Actually, it means I get to go first." He shrugged. "My privilege," he said with a smile.

Standing, he took Aishe's hand and pulled her from her seat. "Shall we?"

As they left the table they ran into Artemis and Pak. Kem greeted them both, kissed Pak on the cheek and called her lovely, and continued on his way with Aishe in tow.

It had been a long time since he'd danced but you couldn't live sixteen hundred years without learning how, so he didn't worry much. The song was a waltz, a good way to start. It was natural to pull Aishe into his arms and she was more familiar with the dance then he'd thought she'd be. He didn't think her lessons as a youth had been extensive but clearly they'd been adequate.

As they moved across the floor they actually spoke very little; just the occasional short exchange. Everything else that could have been spoken was unnecessary. They just shared in a few minutes of mutual warmth and happiness before returning to their table. Kem hadn't been about to give up the first dance; he didn't begrudge anyone else a dance with Aishe even if he would have gladly hogged them all.

[I wasn't going to be cruel about it,] Aishe argued lightly. [But the torment part, yes, maybe a little. And that's a good idea. I'll keep it in mind.]

She grinned at Alex to let him know he wasn't off the hook. "I'll take my chances with you both," she said. And then, as Pak and Artemis finally showed up, she smiled at them too. "Maybe with Artemis too, if he's brave enough and Pak doesn't monopolize him."

She didn't have time for long greetings though; Kiamhaat was ready to take her up on her offer... challenge... whatever. And she wasn't going to say no. Dancing wasn't always her cup of tea but here, it seemed like it was the main attraction. They were in a ballroom after all.

It only took a few moments for her to remember the basic moves of the waltz. Even if she hadn't, she doubted she'd have had a problem following Kem. Snuggled into his arms she nearly purred as they moved together. She remembered watching him ice skate a couple years back and was reminded that he was, as usual, full of surprises. Because he was a pretty decent dancer, when you considered how many men nowadays actually knew ballroom dance.

They'd begun in the middle of the song, so they didn't get to dance very long; a few minutes at best. It was enough to warm her up though, and as they made their way back to their table she almost considered letting Alex go. And then she noted the look of abject terror in his eyes when he saw her returning and that notion flew out the window.

Pak and Artemis arrived, giving Alex a respite. Kem took his fiance away to dance too, which also helped. Only, the thing was, he liked Aishe a lot. He was almost willing to bite the bullet and give it a try. Oh he doubted she'd be forceful. He'd known her long enough to understand the difference between her teasing and seriousness.

"You haven't missed anything. Just blatant coercion," he said by way of greeting Pak and Artemis, rising as he did and waiting until they seated themselves. "Happy new year," he added.

Eiryk was looking unfairly comfortable in this setting. It made Alex wonder just how many black tie events he'd been to; he did have some pretty wealthy clients. As Pak and Artemis made themselves comfortable one of the omnipresent waiters swooped by with another tray of drinks.

Alex looked at Eiryk, who hadn't been as supportive as he'd hoped with the whole not dancing thing. Then it dawned on him why. "Wait," he said. "Don't tell me. I'm supposed to dance with you too?"

Once again it came out badly. Alex gave up. "Okay, okay, I'll do it."

It was just about then he saw Aishe and Kem returning, obviously close enough to have heard him agree to this foolishness. "Gah," he added, looking at Aishe with something akin to panic.

Nikhila only raised an eyebrow.

"I am carrying around a twenty pound pup for you and you're not willing to eat asparagus?"Â?

Guilt could be much more effective than a poke in the shoulder. Besides she hadn't actually asked him to eat it, so he deserved some guilt if nothing else.

"We may have to reconsider this arrangement."Â?

The comings and goings, were enough to make Nikhila dizzy. But so long as everyone was having a good time it didn't really matter. Lily's offer brought a smile and nod. Where as Hammer's comment brought a little giggle. She couldn't help but notice how attentive he was to Lily. It was quite chivalrous offering to scare people off like that. And as they seemed to be leaving the table she wouldn't feel as bad about doing the same.

Nikhila wasn't sure if she could dance, or how they would manage with the baby between them but the music was slow and smooth and very tempting. They would work it out.

"Both."Â?

She answered enthusiastically. She didn't want to be on her feet all night so breaking the dancing up into short bursts would be good and let them avoid the faster songs.

A little self conscious about it, she let Aidan help her up. While she could do it herself it was just easier this way. He found their way to the dance floor without biting any one or letting her get jostled too much. Impressive considering the crowd.

"I was so hopping for a jitter bug..."Â? Her lips quirked in a soft half smile. "but this will do."Â?

It was very much a slow dance, something soft that just about any one should be able to follow with some grace.

Eiryk smiled watching Kem and Aishe slide off on to the floor. They really were very sweet together. If he didn't know that Aishe could be a bit of a spitfire and Kem had a bit of a mischievous streak to him they'd have been quite boring. Sweet, but boring. Thank god they both had a bit of spice.

Speaking of spice, there was Pak and the same date. it was a minor miracle. He politely stood up both as Aishe left and Pak arrived.

"Who in the world talked you into that color?"Â?

He gave Pak just long enough to either get self conscious or cross before continuing.

"It looks brilliant, they should be rewarded. And I see she hasn't broken you yet, excellent."Â?

Pak sat down, Eiryk sat down and Alex got sulky. Eiryk patted his boyfriend's knee.

"It isn't coercion it is persuasion."Â?

Both of his eyebrows shot upward as Alex slighted him, unintentionally of course, but still! Chuckling slightly he shook his head.

"Just one dance."Â?

Eiryk smiled brightly when Alex agreed, however reluctantly, and discreetly squeezed his hand under the table. He was letting Alex set the level of PDA he was comfortable with tonight.

The first thing that Mara noticed when she walked into the ballroom at the Piazza was the enormous chandeliers dripping from the ceiling. She immediately wanted one. As she tightened her hand on her companion's arm she began to ponder the mechanics of making such a thing. Obviously she'd have to tone it down, and perhaps not a chandelier but a mobile of glass? That could work.

Putting those thoughts on the back burner for the time being, Mara gazed out at the sea of colors before them. She glanced at Jin, smiling softly. "Looks like everyone in Nachton is here," she said.

This wasn't entirely her idea of a perfect night out; far too many people crammed into one spot. But it was beautiful and elegant and she was wearing a gown that made her feel floaty and delicate. That, and the dance floor was enormous. It caught her eye as the couples already dancing moved over it, swaying and swirling. So it wasn't the perfect venue, but it wasn't a far cry.

She wasn't going to lie to herself either - it was nice to be here with Jin without any pressing Clan business to attend to, without implements of torture readily available (unless you counted old women in overly-sequined dresses), and without any raw sewage handy. Oh, my. What would they do for fun? They might have to... well... open some doors. They'd improvise.

The thought made her soft smile turn into a slightly more mischievous grin. Her eyes, their odd pale color covered by a pair of deep blue tinted contacts, once more strayed over to Jin. "Where did you want to begin?" she asked him, curious to see which way he'd go when there wasn't a pressing mystery anywhere in sight.

"Not that you don't look dashing, because you do, but next time we go out I vote for normal clothes."Â?

Pak told Artemis. Kem and Aishe seemed to be headed for the dance floor.

"I danced at Halloween. He did a fine job but I might be danced out."Â?

She round about gave her permission for Aishe to dance with her date. If Pak knew her friend Aishe had designs on dancing with every male currently at their table. Probably more than once.

Alex's accusation of coercion just made Pak laugh as she found a champagne flute and sat down. She crossed her legs and had to admit she sort of liked the thigh high slit and how it showed off her legs without looking like a hooker. Reaching over she patted Alexander's hand.

"Welcome to the family."Â?

Coercion, teasing, abuse, they were all just signs of affection and that he belonged. As if to demonstrate Eiryk took to picking on her dress. Pak was just about to get huffy about the comment when he twisted it into a compliment.

"Stupid Viking."Â? She said fondly. "I'm still not as pretty as you though."Â?

"Right," Xeph drawled at his father, "because what I need is more character. As if you didn't do your best to pack me full of it already."

To Nikhila he shrugged apologetically. "Anything but asparagus," he said. "I'm still waiting for the study to come out but anything that makes your pee smell funny for a day can't be be good for you."

He ignored the irony of someone in his profession saying that. He refused to eat it himself. They were going to have to strap him down to this table and force feed him. And he wouldn't go quietly!

As Hammer and Lily went off to search out food and play halfway nice with the other celebrants, Xeph accompanied Nikhila to the dance floor. Wrapping his arms around her he did his best to throw a Hammer-like glare at anyone who even looked like they might get too close to Nikhila.

"We'll save the jitterbug for next time, how about?"

The slow song was perfect; if they had to mingle he preferred to do so with Nikhila safely embraced. If anything happened he could pick her up and have her away at a moment's notice.

Jin took in the enormous ballroom and then turned to watch his date. Mara's reaction to things was far more interesting to him than the event itself. Her eyes went to the giant chandeliers almost immediately. Jin could almost detect a predatory gleam behind the deep blue contacts. If there was a way to get that impressive collection of tinkling crystal home without anyone noticing he suspected the Piazza would find themselves short one very expensive light.

If there was a way to get it in his vehicle he'd be tempted to find some way to do it himself.

As her eyes focused on him, he smiled and shrugged his tuxedo clad shoulders.

"Really? I hadn't noticed."

She was a vision of immortal grace and beauty. The cat in him found the swirls of deep blue fabric to be mesmerizing and the man in him found the glimpses of well toned leg through the sheer fabric to be bewitching. There was a thrill to the mystery, just catching a glimpse of flesh. Jin figured it was like the chases that he adored so much.

Shaking himself out of his reverie, Jin peered over the rims of his smoky tinted glasses out at the crowd.

"Well, we should probably save the excitement of opening doors until later."

He turned and gave her a mischievous smile.

"How about we get some dancing done while we can before there are fireworks to see... and while people are still sober. Its so much more fun when we don't have to watch out for flailing arms and drunken wobbles."

Mara's eyes sparkled back at Jin when she found him looking at her. His appreciation was certainly returned twofold. Mara thought he made a handsome picture himself. She wasn't fond of tall men, and for her Jin was the perfect height. His dramatic coloring was set off well by his choice of apparel. Sharp inside and out, she thought. Jin didn't miss a trick. She loved that.

"Agreed," she said. "Perhaps another night for the human gauntlet." Tonight, tonight was just for fun.

As they made their way into the ballroom and onto the dance floor Mara said, "I had forgotten about the fireworks. That will be fun!"

She had loved fireworks ever since she'd first seen them, oh, hundreds of years ago. They appealed to her love of sparkly things, and when viewed through contacts such as she wore now, they were easier to look at than the first few times she'd seen them.

As the orchestra began a new tune, Mara smiled wider. "Lovely." It was a viennese waltz, classic, refined, and much faster than the standard slow waltz. The dance was meant to be done with a pattern of turns and rotations, and it was fun to fly across the floor doing them.

Mara slipped into Jin's arms easily, instinctively remembering his hold from Halloween. She was more comfortable with him now than she'd been before, and it was not difficult to melt into the rhythm of the dance, gown swirling out around her, delicate shoes sliding over the floor. The faster pace of this waltz had scared off a few of the more casual dancers and they had a bit of room to move in, which was good. Mara was pretty certain they'd use it. Having only had a taste of Jin's dancing skills before, she was happy to find her partner once again more than equal to the task. She didn't need heightened perception to flow easily with Jin; following his moves was becoming easier and easier the more time they spent together.

Lily and Iov wound their way easily through the party-goers toward the buffet-style setup, where they found they they had only to point at what they wanted and it was served for them and delivered to their table. Excellent. Lily carefully selected an array of flavors and textures. There was very little that would appeal to those of hers or Aidan's tastes, most of it seafood. They were used to that however; in a world largely unaware of their existence they didn't expect to find raw steak and chicken at public events. Sushi was just fine. She included several varieties of vegetables both cooked and raw, and some assorted breads as well.

"That's settled," she said, nibbling at a little bit of cracker with smoked salmon that was too tempting to make it all the way to their table unassaulted. She smiled at Iov with barely-disguised mischief. "Now we just need to pay our respects to various business people, and we'll be in the clear."

As was typical for her, she embellished her accent when she wanted to make the conversation brief. years of living in Australia had not dulled the Scottish burr she'd grown up with although it had acquired a distinct Australian flavor that made it unique. And hard to understand at times, which tended to make her visitations short when necessary.

Tonight it was necessary. She greeted three or four people, thanking them for their continued support of the Stafford Foundation, and was in turn greeted by numerous people herself who either wanted a contribution for their own cause or simply wanted to be seen talking to her. Lily had grown up with such attention and didn't mind it. Years of dealing with it had taught her many ways to slip out of such situations with grace and poise, but none were so effective as having Iov along.

Hammer looked at the food and rubbed his tummy. He pointed to the left of the buffet station as a server looked up at him expectantly and then Hammer moved his finger across all the items, going left to right, until he stopped.

The server raised his eyebrows in confusion. "I'm sorry, which...?"

"All the cooked. No sushi. Well, ok the sushi, too."

The server looked up at Hammer and then back down at the buffet station. "It'll be a moment...then."

"Thank you," he said and then turned to follow Lily. She was approached by several people, asking questions. Hammer looked up at the ceiling and then back down at each individual, making contact with his lone, right eye. It kept the conversations short and he nodded politely as they quickly retreated.

Hammer considered his position for a moment. It was not unlike before Xeph had been conceived, as he recalled. He had been her looming shadow, never more than two feet behind her, and ever diligent in his protection and silence. He preferred it. Talking was overrated. But now he was her fiance' although he had never introduced himself as such. There were men that approached her, certainly more handsome than he, but they always moved on without having to be told. Hammer decided to make it clear when another gentleman approached her, smiling and oozing charm.

Again, overrated, he thought.

The man was several inches shorter than Hammer who stood at six foot five. Dark hair, blue eyes...two of them. Hammer narrowed his eye at the man who openly ignored him and began to flirt with Lily. No, he decided, that would not do.

"Lils," he said, getting her attention, and then he reached out, wrapped his arm around her waist. Without hesitating, Hammer pulled her close and kissed her, rather aggressively.

The man took note of him finally and left.

Hammer broke the kiss and let them hover over her lips. "Sorry...about that." He cleared his throat and smiled at her sheepishly. "I thought kissing you was a clearer message for him to shove off than physically doing it myself."

Nikhila discreetly elbowed Aidan for giving his father trouble. But it was half hearted at best this what how they always were and it was probably a very good thing that had continued.

With practiced ease she ignored his quip about vegetables, especially asparagus but vowed to make him eat something green before the baby. Something, anything.

It wasn't hard to recognize what he was doing. That Aidan was very much in Alpha/protector mode. Even thought Nikhila thought this party would be safer than not she didn't argue with him or try and talk him down. Instinct was a powerful thing.

"I will take an IOU on that."Â?

She agreed easily before settling into his arms.

Funny as much as she had longed to be out before, now she was happy to just be dancing quietly with her mate. The people and the party and the decorations were nice, but not necessary. Nikhila rested her head on his shoulder and let Aidan lead. Compared to some of the other dancers they probably looked quite ordinary, boring even. But that was fine with her.

Of course, the sweetness couldn't last. As the song drew to a close and she looked up at him, slightly sheepishly.

"I might be hungry now."Â?

Mara seemed excited about the fireworks later and he had to admit that he felt a certain childlike joy while watching the brilliant displays, not to mention a certain amount of national pride.

Yes, those loud, sulfurous, light shows...we invented those.

The tune was ending as they made their way to the area set aside for dancing. Finding a free spot on the floor, he put his arm around Mara's waist just as the next song began. Perfect timing.

Jin smiled at her as they took the first steps of the Venetian Waltz.

"I agree."

They twirled around the ballroom floor with fluid grace that made the dance look elegant and effortless. In the formal hold of the waltz their heads were tilted away from one another, gazing out upon their fellow dancers. Perhaps it was the last remnant of the earliest form of the dance where it was done in a circle with other couples or perhaps it was simply so they could see where they were going with all the spinning. He remembered a time when the dance was considered scandalous with its holds that allowed couples to dance close together.

Chuckling, he shared his thoughts with Mara.

"Remember when this was considered terribly improper? I recall all the fuss Lord Byron made of it, of all people."

He caught the image of them dancing in the reflection upon the large windows and felt that they appeared serene and stately. It was amazing what a few years did to change one's opinion of what was acceptable in polite company.

Putting historical thoughts aside, Jin was content to simply enjoy the steps and the company.

Jin gave her a mischievous grin as the dance came to an end.

"What should we hope for next? A Quickstep?"

Yes, indeed, Iov was effective. Lily smiled into his kiss as he proved his effectiveness very publicly to the astonishment of several onlookers. She looked up at him somewhat breathlessly, having completely forgotten who she was talking to or why.

"Yes, very clear," she said. Then she tugged gently on the jacket of his tux. "Do it again."

There was something exhilarating about being able to do that with Iov and it was even more amazing that he had initiated it although it had been purposeful and meant to send a message. Lily threw caution to the wind for another kiss like that one.

"You know, the food is on its way to the table," she suggested in his ear. "We don't have to go back immediately."

It was true; the Pipers were all around, Aidan and Nikhila were dancing... they could do the same, just once, or... well... whatever else.

Xeph was happy holding Nikhila on the dance floor. They didn't have to do anything fancy; they just swayed to the music and enjoyed the rhythm while they got lost in each other for a few too-short moments. When the song ended and Nikhila made her confession to him he just laughed softly. He was getting used to these things happening. Nikhila wasn't flighty by nature but with her body going somewhat haywire during her pregnancy she didn't always call the shots... it quite often called them for her.

"By all means, let's feed you both," he said, slipping his arm around behind her to escort her back to their table.

They got there just as an impressive array of food began to arrive, a large percentage of it cooked, and of the protein variety. Xeph chuckled. "This is what my mother gets for bringing Hammer along to the buffet," he guessed.

They couldn't see either of them, big as the crowd was, and the Pipers were still moving back and forth although Xeph never went without being able to see one of them somewhere. That fact more than anything relaxed him and he served Nikhila with relative peace of mind, knowing his family were around.

He avoided the asparagus though. He refused.

Mara smiled and laughed softly when Jin detailed his train of thought. "All because it was indecent to put your arms around someone's waist. What would they think of today's dances?"

She remembered that period well. Mara rolled her eyes upward with a grin. "I was too afraid to try it with a stranger. I made Amir learn it," she confessed. Mara wasn't exactly a slave to convention; she had been dying to try the scandalous new dance. But close embraces with strange men didn't suit her at all, and her poor creator had been dragged into once again learning another dance.

As the waltz drew to a close, Mara didn't move away from her partner. Instead she stayed in that close hold, considering how she might best do a faster, more energetic dance in this gauzy gown. It might look silly.

"They seem to be mixing it up a good bit," she observed. The orchestra was playing a fairly wide variety but they seemed to be putting in a number of slow songs, perhaps for those dancers who weren't familiar with the formal steps of traditional ballroom styles.

The next dance, as it turned out, was a cha cha. "No quickstep this time," she said as they moved seamlessly into the new rhythm.

Once more they slid over the floor, upper bodies still this time, feet doing all of the movement. Jin was a graceful dancer; Mara expected no less but was pleased anyway. This time instead of looking away as the waltz had required, she was able to watch his face as they danced.

The floor had become slightly more crowded now, with the familiar cha-cha rhythm, so they had a little less room to maneuver in. Mara found herself not minding that. This particular dance was somewhat short, and when it was through the orchestra went back to something much slower. The floor filled back up again and Mara was pressed closer to her date out of necessity and self-preservation.

She hesitated for a moment before wrapping her arms around Jin's neck. She wasn't sure if he, like her, just enjoyed dancing for the sake of it, or if he preferred the formalities and patterns of the traditional ballroom styles.

"Did you want to stay, or...?"

It would be best to give him an out if he wanted it; surely he hadn't come with her to spend the entire night crushed in a sea of awkward slow-dancers. However, Mara thought she could learn to enjoy it, with such a companion as Jin.

LT moved through the crowd of party-goers with relative ease. He was surprised to see just how large the ballroom was and how many people had crammed into it, albeit politely. The Piper's invitation had come as a surprise, but they would have made arrangements to come along as the Alpha's security anyway. Immediately his eyes went to the exits as his hand slipped into his pocket for his phone. He sent a message to them all and immediately they all replied, checking in with their positions. The Alpha's table was not that hard to find, he just had to find the one with the most food, and lo' and behold, the parade of waiters with food formed a direct line to it. Catching Red's eye who lingered near the table speaking to a pretty brunette, LT followed the direction of his nod toward the Beta. Changing direction, he moved directly toward his large Beta and his fiancee.

Immediately LT blushed as he came up the Beta's six and realized he was kissing the Alpha's mother. He halted momentarily and then looked back at Red. Red was silently laughing, his entire body shaking. Rolling his eyes, LT came up on the Beta's right and cleared his throat.

The Beta was seriously kissing Miss Lily. So much so that LT felt his blush burn on his cheeks. It was not a normal occurrence to see the Beta show any type of emotion, other than annoyance, much less show anyone the type of tenderness he showed the Alpha's mother. Maybe that's what was bothering LT - the fact that it was Miss Lily...it was like watching his Uncle and an ex-wife make out. LT cleared his throat again a little louder, finally getting the Beta's attention.

Hammer pulled away from Miss Lily, but only slightly. He turned his head and looked at LT.

"I apologize, sir. Just...reporting in. Area is secured."

Hammer straightened to his full height as he dropped the hand that was cupping Miss Lily's face. "Very good, Lothias. Care to join us at the table?"

LT knew the invitation was coming to sit with leadership. It would have been an honor, but he was not yet sure he wanted to introduce Carol officially. Once that was done, the truth of what he was would soon follow, and just wasn't prepared for that.

"If it's all right, sir, I think someone needs to keep an eye on the men." LT remembered his manners and then turned to Miss Lily. "I'm sorry. Ma'am," he said nodding politely at her. "You look very beautiful tonight."

Carol gave Marthinus another inappropriate kiss good bye, to which he blushed and smiled shyly, and said she'd see him inside.

"I'll bring my man by so you can meet him!"

"I would like that, Carol."

Marthinus touched her face with his unusually strong hands and moved toward the bathrooms. Carol watched him go and felt her heart heavy with something akin to sadness. The clan had lost something very precious when it let Marthinus go, but then he wasn't very far. He had made himself scarce, only barely maintaining his appearance at Duibne, but his son Jacob was doing his father proud, so Carol could not really ask for more. She missed Marthinus though.

Reaching into her sleeve, Carol slipped out her small tube of lip gloss and reapplied her lipstick as she moved toward the entrance. Standing handsome as all get out was adorable and sweet Charlie. He had his hands in his pockets and was chatting up a little lovely blond when Carol came up and touched his arm.

"Carol," he said with a sweet smile. He pointed to the other blond and introduced her. "This is Mary."

"Hi, Mary," Carol said, keeping her distance from Charlie so not to confuse the situation. "Are you Charlie's date?"

"Oh no," Charlie said quickly. "Just met. This is my friend's girlfriend, who I was waiting for," he said to Mary who smiled politely. She reached out and touched his arm, letting her fingers linger as she told him she'd hopefully see him inside. Charlie replied in the affirmative and then turned away from the woman completely. Carol watched as Mary seemed a little disappointed but then shrugged lightly and walked off. Carol waited till she was out of ear shot and then smacked Charlie on his chest.

"What was that?"

"What?"

"She was totally into you."

"Oh," Charlie said uncomfortably. "She seemed nice."

Carol gave Charlie a sad look. "Seriously Charlie, you really need to get out more and meet women. Some torches really need to be put out and away." He gave her a confused look and then half rolled his eyes in an uncharacteristic show of annoyance. Carol immediately regretted her words and then reached out again, touching his arm. "Ack, I'm sorry Charlie. That's none of my business."

Charlie shrugged and smiled again at her.

"Let's go in and get drunk!"

Charlie hooked out his arm and Carol happily took it, following him into the ballroom.

Simon couldn't help but grin as he watched Vivienne stare at her ring. He knew she had been married twice before, but international public records weren't as detailed as you'd like. They had been brief marriages, neither one lasting more than two years, and considering she was technically in her sixties, he wondered if she spent majority of her adult life alone.

"So you're really excited about this." She looked up at him quickly and smiled through her tears. He reached up and wiped a tear away with his thumb. "I'm guessing I'm not invited to the wedding, then."

"No one even knows we're together. Well, one person does. Ironically his ex-girlfriend."

"Oh that's classy," he murmured sarcastically.

"She's a friend. Yeah," Viv said looking up at him with a thoughtful expression. "Yeah, I suppose she is. I don't have many female friends so that's a first."

"Yes, you seem to play well with the opposite gender rather than your own."

"Oh har," she snorted, looking back down at her ring.

Simon found himself feeling left out, weirdly enough. He actually did want to see Viv get married, but the odds of that happening were nil since it would more than likely erupt into a full on blood bath. It was a relief that his happiness for her was not tainted with jealousy, but she had become something almost more special than just a potential lover.

Siberia had been enlightening. It had started with the sound of her heartbeat interrupting his evening, to a sleepy kiss and case of mistaken identity - granted that was more on her part than his. He knew exactly who he was kissing and it wasn't his fault she was asleep and mistook his touch for her lover's. Yes, he took advantage of that situation, but really, it had been worth it.

He spent the next week trying to recapture the passion of that kiss, but she had made a promise that their task was business only and she kept it. It never happened again, as much as he wanted it to. It wasn't that he was in love with Vivienne, it was just her insistence that she belonged to someone else and her complete devotion that had infuriated him. Simon wanted to taint that pure love she had. How dare she be in love, one hundred percent, deeply in love with no regrets? Love wasn't supposed to be as glorious as it was for her. So final. Simon had felt the pleasure of true love and the painful sting of loss and he wanted Viv to feel it, for some reason. Maybe just so he wasn't alone in his misery.

Viv's grin as she continued to stare down at her ring cut him like a knife. Ellis loved him, he could feel that in their aura, and she was unable to hide it, but he found himself pulling away from her. Ellis was trying so hard to be what he needed, but how could she even know what that was when he didn't.

Simon let his hand linger on her face as he cleaned the tears off her cheek. He listened to her heart beating that odd double beat that he had been telling her to have checked and was about to remind her when she turned suddenly to his right, just as he felt her lover's hand grab a handful of his collar and push him away from her.

Aishe smiled with ill-concealed glee as she heard Alex capitulate. Glancing up at Kem she aised her eyebrows at him. He laughed down at her, shook his head, and released her hand. [Go easy on him,] was all he said.

[I have plans for him. I promise he'll be unscathed,] she replied.

To Alex, Aishe said, "I heard that." She held her hand out in a 'come hither' gesture and tilted her head at him. "It'll be fun, I promise."

Alex favored Eiryk with an 'oh my God help me' glance as he reached out toward Aishe. Eiryk returned it with a 'good luck, have fun sinking or swimming' wave as Aishe tugged Alex up with a grin.

Once she'd pried him free Aishe took Alex's arm and headed back to the dance floor. She didn't stop on the edge nearest their table as she had with Kem but instead she wound her way through the crowd with Alex in tow until they were well out of sight. By the time she stopped and turned she saw Alex's face go from terrified to curious.

"Been a while, has it?" she asked kindly, nodding her chin at the dance floor.

Alex looked surprised, and then shrugged and laughed uncomfortably. "Pretty much never."

Aishe had guessed at that much. Now she took a stab at the rest of it. "So. You want to dance with your boyfriend but you're afraid you're going to be a mess."

The truth was written on his face; Alexander wasn't a very good liar. Aishe just smiled. "You really ought to get it by now. He wouldn't care if you were constructed entirely of left feet. But since it's important to you, here's what we're going to do."

With some laughing, a good deal of fumbling, and more than one blush, Aishe soon had Alex holding her properly. Not really a ballroom dance hold, but the casual dance hold most people without experience used. The song was slow, meant to draw couples close together.

"Now relax," she told Alex. He rolled his eyes at her, but to his credit he did his best.

She was taking too long. It had been only a few minutes, but as he kept his eyes on the entrance back into the ballroom, the time seemed to drag on. He tried to let it go and continued his slow sweep of the ballroom, concentrating on the Alpha's table from his perch by the doorway, but his eyes kept returning to the door in anticipation of seeing Viv walk in and wanting to see her happy expression again. But she never came back. Brig looked back into the crowd and located Red and made eye contact. Red lifted his glass and raised his eyebrows with a smile. Then Charlie and Carol came into the room but he let them pass without going to them.

Then his eyes moved back toward the door again.

Finally he turned toward the door and exited back out into the hallway. Looking down to the left where he had left her to admire her ring, he saw no trace of her, and could not detect a fresh trail of her scent near the door. She hadn't gone toward the bathrooms, so where was she?

Looking off to the right, Brig moved left and then walked quickly down the hallway when her scent picked back up again. With relief he moved his long legs quicker when another scent mixed in with hers. His hackles rose and the wolf of him began tearing at his skin, badly wanting to pierce the surface, when he smelled Huntington again. It was thick and palatable, and as Brig turned the corner quickly, he saw the vampire there, touching Viv with a tenderness that the possessive alpha in him could not, would not, tolerate.

Brig shot forward and grabbed Huntington's collar, surprising the vampire as he stared intently at Viv, caressing her face. Brig felt his skin grow tight as he held back on his wolf, not wanting to attract unwanted attention, but the possessiveness in him surged with his adrenaline and he shoved the vampire up against the wall with all his strength.

"Don't. Touch. Her."

Viv yelped in surprise, but she saw him coming first. The second he turned the corner, he saw her already looking in his direction, but he moved as quickly as he could and she could not react until he already had the vampire pushed up against the wall.

"Calm down, hero," Huntington growled through gritted teeth.

Brig's grip tightened as Huntington grabbed his wrists and started to apply painful pressure without almost any struggle.

"Brig, stop." Viv hissed in his ear, pulling at his arm. "Not here. Not like this."

"I was just congratulating your fiancee, Brig."

"Simon, you are not helping. Brig, let him go before someone sees the three of us. Here. Fighting. It would be kind of hard to explain."

Brig turned his head and glared at her. "I told you, Viv. I don't have to like it. But this...silu...doesn't touch you. Ever."

"You really have to tell me what that means," Simon muttered, looking at Viv.

"Shut up," both he and Viv said to Huntington without looking at him.

"Just...let him go." Viv's eyes were hard and serious, but her hands were gentle on his arm. Brig took a step back and slowly released his grip on Huntington. He looked at the vampire as he straightened his bow tie.

Huntington's expression was smug, that was until Viv reached up and punched his arm. "What?" he exclaimed with surprise.

"Seriously, both of you are acting like idiots. You," she pointed at Brig, "know better. And you," she pointed at Huntington, "I know YOU know better."

It was Brig's turn to look smug. Both men glared at each other as Vivienne stepped around them and walked off. Brig took another step back and Huntington pushed himself off the wall and together they glared at each other as they followed Viv back to the ballroom.

Brig knew neither one of them could go to her and risk having to explain why to someone who might notice. The Pipers were hovering and would undoubtedly see the three of them walk in together, but he'd be damned if he'd let Viv go in without him.

"Viv," he said, making her stop and look back. She had already slipped her engagement ring off and hid it. Brig went to her side and stood by her, his eyes still on Huntington as he passed Viv without a word and entered the ballroom. He stared after the vampire, the hate bubbling inside him when he heard Viv huff loudly. He looked at her with a sheepish smile.

"Sorry," he said quietly.

Alex suffered momentary panic as he trailed behind Aishe to the dance floor. She had a surprisingly strong grip. The panic turned into curiosity as they traveled across the dance floor, out of sight of everyone else.

He wasn't necessarily surprised that Aishe suspected what was up; what was startling was the extent to which she nailed it. Then again, Aishe was always observant. It shouldn't surprise him that she'd guessed at this too.

Alex did his best not to run from the floor as he gathered Aishe into his arms. It was like holding nothing; the woman was tiny. How did Kem manage? And then as they began to move he decided that in spite of Aishe's efforts there actually were millions of people watching them; he was being televised and broadcast onto a "how not do dance" channel. Nope, this wasn't his thing. Definitely not.

And then Aishe stood on her tiptoes to say something to him. Alex bent to listen to her. "Two o'clock. Left foot."

His eyes followed her instructions and he couldn't help laughing at the guy obviously trying to impress his date with six inches of toilet paper stuck to his left shoe.

"Four o'clock. Hair." That directed him to an elderly man whose toupee was clearly about to fall off, most likely onto the oblivious elderly woman dancing with him.

Alex chuckled and hissed back at Aishe, "Who wears a toupee these days? Seriously?"

She grinned back. He didn't understand the point of her people-watching until two dances later, when he realized they were now swirling over the floor in a slow, easy rhythm, no intricate footwork or spinning or anything like that; just following the music, laughing at the other folks who were far more attention-worthy, and, as Aishe had promised, having fun. Slightly bemused, Alex gave Aishe a wry smile.

"Okay. Points to you," he said. "This isn't half bad."

She beamed up at him, pretty in her enthusiasm. He tried to see what Kem saw and didn't find it difficult. Aishe's spirit made her an easy person to like. She stood on tiptoes again. "Now look over there. Next lesson."

She nodded and he turned. For a moment he didn't see what she saw. And then it registered. There were two guys dancing, mixed in the crowd with everyone else. "And there." He followed her eyes again to see two women together.

He looked back at Aishe, feeling ashamed for thinking what he thought. She shook her head at him. "No one can blame you for not wanting to be scrutinized," she said, "but then again, maybe people don't care as much as you think."

Alex chewed on that while he danced another song with Aishe. He knew she was right. He couldn't explain why it was ingrained so deeply, not here and not now. Maybe not ever. But what better time could there be to overcome your old hangups than New Years' Eve? And what better partner to do that with than the person you loved?

Sighing at himself for being an insecure idiot Alex bent once more and gave Aishe an impulsive, uncharacteristic hug. "Thanks Aishe," he said simply.

As they walked back through the crowd to their own table, this time it was Alex who pulled Aishe along. Reaching their friends, Alex took a deep breath and released Aishe back to her boyfriend, then held his hand out to Eiryk.

"Dance with me?"

Jin laughed at the thought of Amir learning to waltz with some stranger in order to do the dance with Mara. Funny as the mental picture was, no doubt the instructor thought Amir was an eager teen hoping to learn something scandalous, he understood exactly why the man would do it.

Mara.

"It was for a good cause."

It didn't need to be said that he would have made the same choice in a heartbeat. Of course, Jin would have enjoyed it far more for the sake of mischief and the social situations that it would lead to than the Huntsman. Knowing the waltz,like many other dances before it, had led to invitations and conversations that were invaluable to the Night.

The cha cha was a nice change and he gave Mara a big smile as they danced to the faster beat. He loved the complicated leg work and was glad that with this dance they could use visual directions to add more complicated hold changes and some flair. It had been near flawless dancing with Mara on Halloween and now it was even more seamless.

If they could send between each other like the Evenhet then the two of them could conquer the dancing world. Quite possibly even without such unfair communication aid.

The song came to an end and the slower music started. Jin noticed they suddenly had more company. He watched Mara to see if she wanted to leave the crowded dance floor. She wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him the choice.

Was there really any question? Not to his mind, but it was considerate of her to ask.

"I am happy where ever you are."

He slid both his arms around her waist and pulled her nearer. Leaning down, he whispered.

"But I have less excuse to hold you close at the buffet table."

Eiryk almost laughed when Alex looked a bit distressed at Aishe pulling him off to dance. It wasn't the most subtle tactic ever, but since Alex had agreed one couldn't fault Aishe at all. It was hard not to stare at his boyfriend, but as he didn't want to make Alexander self conscious he avoided it.

It was tempting to go off and find something to eat. But, since his New Year's resolution was to tell Alex about his diet, that didn't seem right. A client or two stopped by and he bantered cheerfully with them. He even managed to persuade one that they had a room that needed updating and get another to agree to let him do a vacation house her husband had given her for Christmas. God love the stupidly rich.

The house was on the water on Cape Cod. He'd have to send one of his other designers to over see a majority installations and execution. But, even though it was the off season, he might be able to persuade Alex to come with him for a working weekend.

She was just leaving as Alex and Aishe came back to the table. When Alex asked him to dance Eiryk practically beamed.

"Of course."Â?

Not giving Alex a chance to reconsider Eiryk fell over himself, literally, before escorting (or being escorted, it was hard to tell) to the dance floor.

Since Alex had just had a lesson Eiryk let him take the lead. Once Alex settled his arms around him Eiryk could have sighed with happiness. Instead he just maneuvered them slowly and steadily through the crowd on the floor. Feeling Alex was growing a bit more confidant he turned the 'lead' such as it was over to him and rested his head on Alexander's shoulder.

"It isn't me. I swear it is all your son."Â?

Nikhila laughed as he got them back to the table. Nikhila's eyes widened as she saw all the food on it. For a second she thought they had walked to the buffet instead of their table. As Aidan settled her in her chair she picked a bit of this and that. Oddly enough wishing for a very rare stake. But that wasn't likely to be there.

The bubbles in the sparkling water were amusing tonight. She had picked the drink mostly for the carbonation. The champagne had looked pretty and she had wanted something to match. Apparently her fascination with it was equally entertaining to the waiters who made certain the glass was always full.

Having eaten enough to appease her appetite, at least for now, undoubtedly they would be back to the table and she would eat even more. There were days she swore that was all she did was eat, but for now she persuaded Aidan to take her back to the dance floor.

It really was impressive that they managed to get even remotely close together while dancing. Just as they were finding pace with the music, even if it was probably too slow for the song, the baby kicked, hard. Nikhila twinged a bit. He was a strong little thing. But she refused to stop dancing. If she were to go into labor right now she might refuse. Labor took hours after all.

"You think I look dashing? That is probably not the best argument for normal attire. Now if you said you preferred less clothing.... that could certainly be arranged."Â?

If she turned and looked at him right at this moment, she would have noticed the twinkle in his eyes and the devilish grin. The expression was unfortunately ill timed with what appeared to be a requisition from Aishe. Clearly he had missed half of conversation somewhere. At first, Artemis wasn't sure what he was being signed-up for, but he quickly schooled his features before someone mistakenly assumed his impish mischief was directed at the wrong woman. That would only end badly.

Fortunately, Pak had deciphered that Aishe was offering to dance with him. That was certainly ok, but he was more than a little disappointed that Pak didn't want to herself. He would have to try and change her mind before the night was over. There was nothing better than bringing in the new year with someone you cared for. Before Artemis could really say more than 'Hi' and 'Bye' to the other couple, Kem had whisked Aishe away to the dance floor. He couldn't help but see the humor in the situation, and started to laugh.

"Now that is a man on a mission"Â?

Still smiling, he greeted Alex and Eiryk and followed Pak around the table. He pulled out a chair for her as she sat down. Hopefully she wouldn't mind that he was ridiculously old fashioned in some ways. In response to Eiryk's comment he laughed.

"Not for lack of trying. She drove."Â?

Realizing that Alex was politely still standing, he took a glass of champagne from the waiter and sat down next to his date. Artemis sipped from his glass and watched the people dancing. He was amused as Alex returned from his dancing with Aishe and immediately asked Eiryk to dance with him. For a man who had appeared terrified of the dance floor, he was doing quite well for himself. In fact, he had strengthened Artemis's resolve to try and convince Pak to dance with him later.

To Kem, he smiled and asked, "Any New Year's resolutions you would like to share?"Â?

Mara chuckled softly. "I'm not sure he saw it that way. But he did it." The amount of creator-originated grumbling had definitely increased at the request. Mara didn't elaborate, though. She didn't want to discuss Amir tonight. He'd told her to stay away; she was doing so. And enjoying herself immensely while at it, which was the bigger surprise.

Jin's words actually made her heart do a little butterfly flutter. She stifled the panic that that caused, in turn, and didn't resist as she was pulled closer. Jin's hands settled at the curve of the small of her back and she smiled, peering up at him through thick dark lashes.

"All this time, and you were waiting for an excuse?"

If that was the deal, she wasn't going to be leaving the dance floor in the near future, because Jin's arms were comfortable and thrilling at the same time. His whisper made her shiver and she let her fingers twine themselves into his soft hair. Pressing her cheek against his she barely felt her feet on the ground as they danced. There were no illusions of following or leading here; there was no longer any space between them.

Jin was warm and perfect to cling to as they swayed; all planes and angles to her rounded curves. There was no softness to him; he was lean and too athletic for that, and yet there was no hardness either as he held her gently. Mara breathed in his scent; some sort of subtle spicy-sweet cologne that reminded her of night time. Beneath that the every day smells of soap and clean things that she loved. Together the mix was one she wouldn't soon forget.

((ooc: permissions and descriptions and such granted))

Hammer inwardly smiled at the LT's discomfort in seeing him kiss Lily. As young men, Hammer was not all that different than LT's uncle, but he was just more discreet about his women. One of the advantages of never marrying, he enjoyed the single life, empty though it was. Although kissing Lily publicly had taken some time, he had no reservations about his public display of affection now that she was properly his. Still, he was glad the LT had sought him out.

"I think you should consider your position within Command, Lothias. Dining with leadership is a burden you'll have to bear eventually."

"It's not a burden, sir."

"No, it is an honor." Hammer narrowed his one eye at the LT and was decidedly pleased that Lothias did not back down, but instead maintained eye contact and an authoritative posture. LT wasn't the boy Hammer used to always see following Brig around. He was far from it now. Hammer gave the boy a rare smile. "But I wouldn't want to either. The Pipers would definitely be more fun."

LT blinked and then returned the smile.

"You brought your girlfriend with you tonight?"

Lothias paused and then nodded. Apparently the boy wasn't ready to introduce her to leadership or to the pack for that matter. He would definitely not pressure him to do so if he wasn't ready.

"Why don't you go find her and enjoy yourself then? See to the Alpha and his mate until they leave and send an accompaniment to see them home after midnight."

"Already done, sir."

Hammer hesitated for a moment before he reached out and put his hand on Lothias' shoulder. "There's a good lad, then."

Physical contact with verbal appreciation just wasn't the Hammerthynn way. It wasn't Hammer's way. But he felt the LT deserved it for his blind devotion to the Pack and duty. When Brig stepped up into his father's Elder position, Lothias would fit easily into the Commander role, despite his young age. The LT was a good man and Hammer was proud of him.

LT's reaction was a slightly slacked jaw and wide eyes.

This was even better, Alex thought, than trying to dance with Aishe's little wisp of a form. he'd had ample time in the last couple of months to memorize everything about Eiryk; taste, smell, feel... everything. Now he could add dancing to the list of things they had done. And would do again, because Eiryk's reaction to being held was everything Alex could have asked. This was a far better picture than the previous image he'd had in mind of making a complete idiot out of himself while he clumsily tried to figure it out.

Alex searched the couples nearby and found Aishe and Kem on the floor nearby, holding each other just as close. As if on cue Aishe opened her eyes, which had been closed while she rested her head against Kem's chest, and blinked at him slowly. Then she smiled knowingly and closed her eyes again.

Alex dropped his own head to rest his cheek against Eiryk's hair. "Did I mention I love you tonight?"

The phrase was still fresh to him. Christmas in Vermont had been liberating in more than one way. Now that he felt the words were all right to say, he didn't want Eiryk to go without hearing them. "Because I do."

Inside his head, Alex was trying to figure out how exactly he could thank Aishe in a way that didn't involve his lifelong indentured servitude. By showing him how not to fuck this up, she'd inadvertently given him one of the best gifts she could have given.

Kem watched Eiryk with amusement as he managed to work business into pleasure without batting an eyelash. Then again, Eiryk loved his work. So maybe business had less to do with it.

Aishe and Alexander were gone for far longer than just one song, and Kem resisted the urge to check in on Aishe. From the way she 'felt' he could tell things were going well, from her perspective. She seemed calm... and curiously confident. And satisfied. He was dying with curiosity. If he could die again, that was.

He snapped back to the present as Aishe and Alex returned, and didn't quite manage to hide a wide-eyed expression as Alex boldly pulled Eiryk to his feet and they practically bulldozed their way to the dance floor.

[What the hell did you do, give him a lobotomy?]

Aishe smiled at him, holding her hands out, and he took them. Turning to answer Artemis he said, "I went easy on myself this year. I have resolved never to let go of what I love again. So, if you'll excuse me..."

He smiled apologetically at his two friends, but if Aishe said 'dance' tonight, he was dancing. She was irresistible to him on a regular basis... having her in that clinging gown with beads dripping from it, warm and molded to him, the love in her heart reaching out along the bond they shared to add another dimension to it. Well, suffice it to say he didn't need to be coerced.

They danced near their friends and Kem suspected Aishe was lending her silent support. He approved.

[Has anyone told you lately, you're a damned good vampire? I'm a little jealous.]

She only tightened her arms around him and laughed against his chest. [You are not. Now hush and kiss me.]

He didn't need to have his arm twisted.

((ooc: skip Aishe!))

Lily was more than pleased with Iov's response. Surprised but pleased. In a display that was uncharacteristic for her, too, she wrapped her arms around his neck and returned his enthusiasm with enough to match and then some. It didn't dawn on her that they were being interrupted right away.

Peering over Iov's shoulder at LT, she flushed. A little. LT seemed flustered as well though, and Lily just smiled and hid the expression behind Iov's arm. She didn't want LT to think she was laughing at him.

"Thank you," she said when he complimented her. "And thank the Pipers, too, for being here for Aidan and Nikhila. They didn't have to. I know it's their holiday too, but... it helps."

When they had finished there, Lily and Iov went back to their table, sat, and ate with Aidan and Nikhila until the other two decided to dance again. They were joined by Brig and Viv after that, so they were never quite alone. But that was all right. No wolves truly liked to be alone. Even Lily, who was a bit distanced from the Pack, still liked to know they were around.

Smiling at Viv, Lily said, "Are you enjoying yourself tonight? You seem quite busy."

Pak blushed a little as he held her chair for her. She was old enough that that kind of gesture was natural and she just accepted it when it happened.

You'd think after a few hundred years and being a practicing member of the world's oldest profession for a century or so she'd be immune. But she wasn't. It was different when some one actually cared and was interested.

"But do you blame him?"Â?

Pak looked for something on the table to throw at the crack about her driving. But the Piazza was too classy to leave sugar packets about and flatware was just mean. Instead she leaned in to nudge Artemis with her shoulder.

"And it would be wise to remember I have to drive back yet."Â?

There was so much back and forth and dancing and not, it was enough to remind her why she didn't go out on New Year's eve. Although it made her smile to see Eiryk and Alex make their way out to the dance floor. Maybe she hadn't used up her dancing quota for the year yet.

Kem was in one of his eloquent moods and Pak opted not to tease him for a change. Probably because she could feel the truth and sincerity in that answer. It was a bit of a surprise. Smiling she turned to her date,

"Does that mean you want to share yours? Or would you rather talk me into dancing? Apparently, we are missing out."Â?

For a change Pak had thought a head and her heels were only three inches instead of four. Well that and the music currently playing was slow and she could manage it.

"Or did I step on your toes one too many times on Halloween?"Â?

They were back to the dance floor sooner than Xeph had expected but he was all right with that. When his son kicked hard enough for him to feel it he laughed, albeit sympathetically. "Soon," he said to Nikhila's belly. "Tonight, you stay put. You'll have a New Year's eve soon enough."

Swaying with Nikhila over the dance floor, he chanced to look up and saw a sight both welcome and unwelcome. Kem and Aishe. They were everywhere. He growled softly under his breath. Nothing more awkward than to see two people he liked and didn't want to be around.

He began to move away but he was a little late; his mismatched eyes met Kem's and he nearly shuddered at the overwhelming effect of the vampire's presence and attire. He was colorless. He was ghostly. And he was nodding his head politely, his eyes as cool as ice and the same shade.

And Nikhila was greeting the couple warmly, which meant Xeph could do no less. There wasn't any hand-shaking, but they all moved closer together.

"You have been teaching him to dance while I've been a sleep haven't you?"Â?

Nikhila laughed while she marveled at the weird but wonderful sensation of the baby rolling over and with any luck listening to his father and hopefully going back to sleep. He was due any day now, but she wasn't looking to have a New Year's baby.

She'd caught sight of one person from the lab, but they hadn't noticed her and under the circumstances she was fine with that. Nikhila really hadn't expected to see anyone from outside the Pack that she knew here. After all, her work was mostly within the Pack. So seeing Kem and Aishe was a bit of a surprise. But it was a pleasant one.

Kem's appearance was very striking, but Nikhila suspected he knew that and had even worked to play it up. If that was the case he should be pleased with the effect. She had heard Aidan's growl, and understood it on some level, it was counter intuitive to be polite or even nice to their kind. But Kem had proven he wasn't holding a grudge. After all he had been quite a friend to Reign and Drew. He was still helping Drew.

She squeezed her mate's hand sportively. They wouldn't talk long, for everyone's peace of mind.

"Kem, Aishe... Happy New Year."Â?

Viv shook her head and started to pull away from Brig.

"Wait a minute...," he said gently tugging on her hand.

"Don't ruin this, Brian. Please?" Viv had used his real name, hopefully a very large clue as to the seriousness of her request.

"What is that suppose to mean? Ruin what?"

"This. Us. Don't pull this alpha bullshit with me. It was cute at first but I'm not your property."

"I just proposed to you. You have my ring. That says something, doesn't it?"

Viv felt the color drain out of her face. It took everything not to give him his ring back. A frantic feeling rose up from her stomach and began to suffocate her. Did he actually think she belonged to him like a piece of furniture or a favorite bone? Was he that jealous that he'd put those kind of restraints on her and put stipulations on her life? Was she about to start hyperventilating?

Viv closed her eyes and exhaled slowly from her mouth. Without a word, she turned away from him. The need to throw the ring back in his face and run was overwhelming. For the first time in Nachton, the first time she had been with Brig and been so fervently in love with him, she questioned it. She gave him a final look and she saw his face drop with realization of what he said and the irreparable damage it had just done.

"Viv...."

Viv swallowed and turned back to him, her hand reaching into her hiding place in her dress and fingering the ring. "We need to head back in." Her hand balled up into a tight fist, making the prongs of the ring bite into her skin as she fought the need to give it back and walk away. "I'm going in."

She walked through the opened doors and slipped the ring back into her dress. Looking down she saw the impression of it on the palm of her hand. If Brig was behind her, she couldn't hear him, but the crowd of people pressed in around her obscuring his footsteps. Once she made it back to the table, she settled down into her chair and Brig appeared next to her within a few moments. Putting the happy mask back on was easier than she had thought it would be and she caught Red's eye as she looked up. With a grin, he winked at her. She stuck her tongue out at him briefly, making him laugh from his perch a couple tables away.

Then Lily was speaking to her. Was she enjoying herself, she asked. Heh, Viv thought and smiled prettily.

"This fanciness is just crazy for country folk like me," she said jokingly. "Actually, I'm enjoying myself. Saw a few people I know, said hello." Viv looked down at the food and raised her eyebrows. "I see we're all ready to start grazing?"

Charlie sat Carol down at the Piper's table and Domingo immediately inundated her with compliments and food. With a warning look, to which Carol and Domingo both smiled mischievously, he made his way back across the ballroom to meet up with LT who was just breaking off from seeing the Beta.

"Your woman is in the capable hands of Domingo."

"Oh great," LT whined.

"You better get to it, then." Charlie slapped LT on the back and moved toward the buffet table, selecting his own dinner for the night.

He watched as waiters lined up from the service station back toward the middle section of the ballroom and saw the huge helping of food stacking up on the Alpha's table. Grabbing a plate, he moved toward it and saw Vivienne and the Commander return to the table. Neither one paying the other any attention but sitting next to each other.

The seat next to Vivienne was open, presumably for the LT, but Charlie didn't think he'd be joining them with Carol just yet. LT's nervousness was palatable before they had even left the Den. So Charlie circled the table and stood by the empty chair, waiting for Viv to finish speaking to the Alpha's mother. Viv looked up at him and smiled as he pointed to the chair, not wanting to interrupt their conversation, and Viv nodded and pushed the chair part way out. The Commander turned and looked at Charlie, his face tight but not unwelcoming as he nodded and then turned back away.

Settling down with a plate, Charlie nodded to the Beta and smiled at the Alpha's mother, picking at some of the cooked food nearby, waiting for Viv to free up to chat.

Brig began to grind his teeth as he turned away from acknowledging Charlie at the table. The Sergeant felt familiar enough to sit at leadership's table, but Brig knew Charlie was there because of Viv. Reaching out, Brig began picking from the smorgasbord of food that Hammer had undoubtedly selected. There was plenty for everyone but Brig was fairly certain Hammer meant it for himself. He caught his cousin eye and winked as he partook in his food. Hammer narrowed his eye at Brig, making him laugh, forgetting that the woman he loved and just proposed to was on the verge of either killing him or giving the ring back. The former felt like the latter, in any case.

Charlie had honed in on Viv as if the asshole knew his chances with Viv had become infinitely better. Brig blushed, embarrassed he thought of Charlie so poorly, but he knew a vulture when he saw one. Brig angrily ate his food, trying hard not to listen to Viv talk to the Alpha's mother.

"Brian?"

Looking up he saw one of the lovely ladies from the balcony earlier standing a few feet away. Smiling, he politely rose. "Lisa, wasn't it?"

"Good memory." She pointed to the chair and asked, "May I?"

Pulling the chair out for the barely in late twenties female, she settled in and began talking with him. Brig turned his back to the rest of the table and concentrated on Lisa. Half of him knew he was acting according to the norm - a beautiful woman comes by, he was more than apt and ready to chat her up. The other half of him was embarrassed that he was chatting up another woman as he sat next to his now fiancee. He wanted to turn and introduce Viv as such, to put the thing out into the open, but anyone finding out about them was the least of his problems now. Brig pushed his plate away and tried to concentrate on the girl, hating himself for it.

Kem was ambivalent about running into Xephier; they had a tentative sort of truce going but he wasn't sure how far it went. Although no one was here for anything but a good time. In another world, he and Xephier could have gotten along much better.

"Happy New Year," he said, as Aishe echoed the sentiment. "Not a bad party so far."

Nikhila's condition was obvious and he nodded his head toward her. "Congratulations," he said. He wasn't entirely sure that what the world needed was more werewolves, but this wasn't the time to be unfriendly. It wasn't normally time to be unfriendly when you were him. So Kem smiled and meant what he said.

Aishe glanced up at him and squeezed him around the waist; he relaxed marginally and sighed. And smiled again, a little more genuinely. "It's good to be able to celebrate. Staying for the fireworks?"

Lily returned Viv's smile, as usual not entirely comfortable making small talk. Some days were better than others, but she had been cut off from her own Pack for so long that it still wasn't natural for her to interact informally with anyone.

"I'm glad," she said when Viv told her she'd said hello to a few people. She was sure Viv was downplaying her experience. The adopted Vyusher always seemed on top of her game to Lily, and also seemed to get along well with just about everyone she met. Just about.

"Grazing time, indeed," she said with a short laugh. "It was kind of Iov to make sure everyone was provided for."

Like some sort of Brazilian grill, the waiters continued to come. The plates had very little time to be emptied before more were offered up by harried-looking servers. Lily didn't envy them; feeding the Pipers was not for the faint of heart.

"From what I understand it isn't possible for the Piazza to do a bad event."Â?

It wasn't surprising that Aidan wasn't being terribly chatty, and didn't press the issue. At least he wasn't chasing them off and Nikhila did like Kem.

"Thank you."Â?

She smiled and placed a hand on her protruding belly before casting a quick look at Aidan.

"I'm looking forward to them."Â?

It wasn't exactly an answer. They had planed to leave early but she would like to see them. Even if they stayed for the fireworks the party would continue for a few hours afterward and could avoid most of the crowd going home.

Trying not to drag things out she switched subjects rather abruptly.

"I did want to say thank you. I got the note you sent back with Drew and understand you were quite helpful to Reign as well."Â?

Vampire or not Nikhila wasn't burning any bridges here. Not when Kem had already provided a good link between Reign and the blood sample project.

Aishe had fallen silent after greeting Xephier and Nikhila and Kem knew she was doing what she generally did in these scenarios; acting shy, making observations, letting him do the talking. He raised his eyebrows with interest at Nikhila's words.

"I hope it was helpful," he said regarding the note he'd sent with Drew. "I could only guess at your research topic really, but I wanted to throw the ideas out there."

Yeah. He knew what she was looking into and if he was right it was the sort of thing he shouldn't be helping her with. But he didn't get a bad vibe from Nikhila and furthermore, Aishe didn't. That spoke volumes. So he was willing to let it go for now.

As for Reign, Kem just smiled. "She's our neighbor. And our friend. We do our best."

He didn't say he hoped it would be reciprocated; he knew it wouldn't be. Xephier had made it clear. Kem remember their previous conversation though, and knew there was more Xephier was hiding. Almost thought there was more that he wanted Kem to know, but how to go about learning it was beyond either of them. It was frustrating, trying to communicate this way.

Xeph gritted his teeth, trying to avoid asking personal questions. He was still feeding information to the jackal, although as far as he knew there had been no action on it. He'd never been told what it was for. Maybe no harm would be visited upon them at all.

He refused to get stuck in that train of thought. It was just another layer of vampiric compulsion, he told himself, to make him complacent. He wouldn't do it.

Xeph finally managed to force a smile from somewhere. Kem didn't realize how lucky he was, to be free to do what he wanted. To talk to the people he wanted to. To tell Aishe whatever he wanted to tell her. He never thought he'd be jealous of a vampire, but, Xeph realized, he kind of was.

"Reign's lucky to have you as neighbors," he was able to say. His smile to Aishe was far less forced, but he meant the words sincerely. Reign had been lucky several times over and at least a couple of those instances had been due to her friends.

He wrapped his arms around Nikhila and tugged a little. "Will you excuse us? I only have limited dance time before I have to get Nikhila to rest. Happy New Year."

Xeph didn't want to stay and chat with them. He definitely didn't want to know more about their lives. He refused to feed that jackal silu any more than was strictly necessary.

Jin shrugged.

"Excuse... invitation, either way."

He looked bashful and gave her a sheepish grin. Over the years it had become difficult for him to tell whether it was a cultural shyness or simply his own personal preference not to be overly forward.

It was a terrible trait for a vampire and one that he had to grimace and push past in some of the roles that he has played in the past for the Night. Jin was not working or playing a part with Mara though, this was himself and her feelings were very important to him.

Right now, the feeling of her cheek on his was quite important as well and he sighed a soft happy sound.

"We could go find one of those doors...and, perhaps make some of our own mischief."

Leaning back, he gave her a tender smile. Jin planted a soft kiss on her cheek before sliding his own once more against her's.

"Whatever the lady would prefer."

Jin's words surprised Mara. She wasn't sure what she'd thought, but his sudden shyness caught her off guard. Maybe it was his confidence, the assurance with which he seemed to perform every task, but she hadn't realized he'd been waiting for a signal from her. Giving signals of that sort was not natural to Mara. It frightened her to realize she enjoyed his affection and wanted more of it, and at the same time she didn't care if she was afraid or not. It had been a very long time since she'd been with anyone at all and then, it hadn't felt anything like this. She was willing to explore it. Maybe. Potentially.

"I had thought," she began, but she stopped. What could she say? She had depended on him to know the signs? Because she assumed for some reason that someone like Jin, handsome, charming, confident, would naturally have ridiculous amounts of experience with the signals an interested partner would send. Don't be insulting, she told herself. Just because that may be the case didn't mean he'd act on those signals without some kind of certainty, like he said, an invitation.

She bit her words off and rubbed her cheek against his fondly. "If I knew what a proper invitation was, rest assured I would give it," she said softly into his ear. It made her very nervous to say that but it did have to be said. The option was turning Jin away, and she didn't really want to do that.

His smile was returned with warmth and his lips on her cheek turned it pink, to match the other. She tightened her arms slightly and made a small purring sound in her throat. "For now, the lady would prefer to finish this song out with her charming date."

Which they did, swaying contentedly back and forth over the polished wooden floor of the ballroom. When the music stopped however, Mara was finally ready to leave the press of the crowd of dancers. She slipped her hand into Jin's and smiled at him. "Now, we can open one of those doors. I have an idea."

Ignoring the buffet table and the rest of the crowd, she made her way out of the ballroom altogether with Jin beside her, and located the elevator. Riding it to the top of the impressive building where there were several large private suites, they stepped off. Mara glanced up and down the halls and saw what she was looking for; a locked door that expressly forbade them to go through.

She flashed Jin a smile full of cat-like mischief. "Practically a demand to be opened," she said. "That is, if you think a more private fireworks show would be enjoyable."

The door would certainly lead them to the roof of the Piazza, where they could see the fireworks by themselves. It was chilly out and her coat was still downstairs in the coatroom but she expected they might be able to improvise. She hoped they could, anyway.

Remembering Jin's trick of opening doors from the wrong side she looked at him hopefully. "Do you think you might be able to work your magic here?"

"Just tonight."Â?

Eiryk teased softly. But very softly he would never make fun of Alex's feeling. Especially because he felt the same way. He was doing his best to be subtle and not call too much attention to them. While they weren't the only same sex couple dancing tonight, there weren't many. And for as much as he was enjoying holding Alex and being held Eiryk would absolutely jump to Alex's defense if needed.

As Alex rested his head on Eiryk's, Eiryk quickly and discreetly kissed Alex's neck. Thrilled that he could, that Alex would let him.

"And you know that I love you too."Â?

He didn't just say it to say it or because it was the proper response. He said it because he meant it. If he didn't mean it he could never tell Alex about his real alternative life style.

"I don't' think I'm going to let Aishe borrow you ever again. Although, she does get good results."Â?

There really wasn't any need to talk right now, he could have stayed on the dance floor forever.

Nikhila smiled warmly at Aishe. She hadn't spent much time with the young woman but the impressions she'd gotten from Aishe had been good; clear simple, happy, loving.

She looked slightly uncomfortable at the idea that Kem had guessed what she was up to. It had to look terrible to him. Of course, it might not look any better if he knew she was trying to derail the research. For all she knew he an Hoang were the best of friends. Although, that didn't mesh well with her impressions of Kem.

Knowing that she might want or need Kem's help some where in the future she tried to explain.

"It isn't my favorite topic, or a comfortable working environment and it seems to have spilled over..."Â?

There wasn't much more he could say. Not here not, now.

"It is very generous of you. I know she appreciated it as do we. She's a good friend."Â?

Aidan liked her, Nikhila had gotten the opportunity to speak to her more often and liked her as well. Beyond that she knew Reign's mother and quite liked Reagan. So all around she would be very upset if anything would happen to Reign.

Right now though, she was a bit more worried about Aidan. He seemed a bit tense and anxious. Nikhila didn't know why. It could be just because of what Kem and Aishe were, it could be the crowd, it could be the crowd, of any number of other things or all of the above. She didn't challenge him. Besides, she didn't want to monopolize Kem and Aishe all night.

She smiled again and said some polite good byes and again wished them a happy New Year and let Aidan lead them away from the other couple, in a slow gentel dance. Once she was confidant she wouldn't be over heard she looked up at him with a combination of amusement and concern.

"I don't recall you ever being this anxious to dance with me before."Â?

Aishe watched the conversation as well as listened to it. She understood part of the tension between Xephier and Kem, but not all of it. There were colors around Xephier that she didn't think had anything to do with his two vampire acquaintances, anger foremost among them. It was faint, too; it didn't seem to be directed at them.

[I can see what you wanted me to see but I don't know what it means,] she told her fiance as they wished the doctor and his partner a happy holiday and turned away as they all moved apart again.

She rubbed her hands up and down Kem's back, trying to relieve the tension she felt there. He smiled down at her, the expression not forced, but somewhat weary. [I don't know what it is he wants me to understand,] Kem responded. [I just think that's what he was trying to tell me before. That he wants... something.]

Aishe rested her head against Kem's chest once more. She didn't have any good advice. Whatever was going on between the werewolf and her vampire was beyond her control, and worrisome.

[Leave it be for tonight,] she suggested. [Just let it be us here. With our friends.]

Kem's arms tightened around her and he bent to kiss the top of her head. [Sound advice. Like usual.]

Aishe glanced over at Eiryk and Alex, smiling at the sight of their friends. Alex was no Astaire, but he was managing just fine. And, she realized happily, his particular mix of colors was back to normal for him. She liked that.

"Is that so?"

He was a little surprised and then somewhat bemused by his uncertainty. The clan considered him an ancient but Mara made him feel like a school boy again. She was so beautiful and full of life; a part of him worried that he would not measure up. It was like seeing the most dazzling girl in the court and knowing that you likely didn't stand a chance of being noticed by her. Had it really been such a long time ago that he had actually cared about the outcome of a relationship? Worried that his heart might be broken if she told him no?

They were not there yet. It was a tantalizing brink that he was standing on, and he hoped they were standing there together. He knew that the more time he spent with Mara meant the more places she would touch his life and the harder it would be to imagine living without her. It was scary and exciting at the same time. A very special door to push open and see where it led. It made him dizzy with happiness.

He realized that somehow he had managed not to say the wrong thing to the most beautiful woman in the court and she had noticed him. Leaning back, he grinned.

"Can I get that in writing?"

He chuckled softly, squeezing Mara a little tighter before forgetting everything else but his partner and the dance. It seemed to be over in a flash. Jin looked up and gave the musicians an annoyed frown.

"I'm sure that I remember that song being longer..."

Turning back to Mara, he dismissed the thought as unimportant. She told him they could go open doors. There was even an idea! The spark of adventure was an extra thrill and Jin happily followed where his partner led.

Once they got to the top floor, Mara stopped in front of the Employee Only sign that he figured went to the roof. The light of understanding dawned and he favored his companion with an impressed smile.

"You are absolutely brilliant."

He peered at the heavy metal door with interest. Becoming ethereal, Jin slipped to the other side of the closure. Unlocking it, he held the door open for Mara.

"Milady."

The roof was a wide open space; sturdy plastic tables and chairs were stacked neatly against one side of the chest high wall that ran all the way around the structure. Events were likely held here in the warmer months and no doubt the fourth of July would see this area crowded with tables and party goers.

It was too cold for that tonight. He glanced briefly at the chairs but went to the front wall instead. It was a large thick structure made of the building's stone and then topped with a thick cap of smooth white cement; it looked like the perfect perch to him. Turning to Mara, he picked her up by the waist and set her gently on the wall. Climbing up behind her, Jin settled his legs on either side and pulled Mara gently to his chest, wrapping his arms around her.

Leaning down to her shoulder, Jin placed a gentle kiss on her neck.

"I like the results of this door much better than the last one."

((OOC: Permission to move Mara))

Jin was obviously not opposed to Mara's rooftop plan. She waited while he slipped through the door, feeling suddenly cool and alone. The root of her fears was in that feeling. People left you; they always went away. It hurt when they went away but they inevitably did. Her life was full of people leaving her. Only Amir had stayed, and would always stay, which was why she trusted him. It would hurt when Jin left too; there was no point in denying that. The question was, how much closer could she let him get before the prospect of his departure was too much too handle?

All of those tiny thoughts found their way in in the tiny space of time that Jin was gone. And then he was back, opening the door from the other side so that she could join him on the roof. She brushed away her worries, tried to ignore the relief that the door had actually opened, and gave her subconscious a little lecture on trust and why it was necessary in any relationship.

She wandered across the rooftop with Jin; as she'd suspected there were supplies up here for springtime and summertime parties. Moving toward the wall at the front of the building that faced the waterfront and the direction the fireworks would be in, Mara leaned out over it. Then she felt the warmth of Jin's hands as he set them upon her waist and lifted her effortlessly and carefully to the top of the wall.

She watched him with unblinking blue eyes as he climbed up and then settled behind her. It was cold out but she didn't have time to really feel it because she was quickly nestled into Jin's embrace, her back to his chest. She rested one of her hands over the top of his; her other hand stole up to toy gently with a strand of his hair that slipped down over both of their shoulders as he leaned forward. She did shiver when he kissed her neck but it was clearly not because of the cold.

"I should hate it here," she confessed to Jin with a sheepish smile of her own. "I can't stand the cold." She leaned her head back and rested it upon his shoulder, turning slightly to smile up at him. "But you're right. This door is a distinct improvement over the last several."

All right, so maybe she could pick a decent door once in a while.In spite of the hard cement beneath them and the cold air around them Mara felt herself relaxing back against Jin's solid warmth. She'd thought to look up at the stars some but the current view was so much more appealing and much closer than the tiny, cold, distant points of light.

Charlie waited patiently for Viv's conversation to end, and it did rather quickly. The Alpha's mother was a very quiet woman and was maybe just making small talk. Turning to Viv, he put his arm on the back of her chair and leaned in to talk over the growing voices of the crowd around him.

"Are you having a good night?" Viv leaned in close to hear him and he felt his face flush with red. Her hair was pinned up in curls with what looked like carefully planned ringlets draping down the back of her neck. He resisted the urge to touch them and tried to focus on being sociable.

Viv raised her eyebrows and sighed. "Yeah, I guess. This is a little too high falootin' for me though."

Charlie chuckled. "High falootin'? What does that mean?"

As far as he knew, Viv was from Australia or had spent the majority of her life there. There wasn't a whole lot of information about her without the Pack, but her knack for American slang was certainly impressive.

Viv gave him a sheepish grin. "It's a little too fancy for me. But who doesn't like dressing up, right?"

"Well, I don't, to be honest." Charlie loathed it, hence his dressy casual suit. Everyone around him was in a tuxedo, even the Beta. "I don't look as good in a tux as say the Commander, there."

Viv turned and looked at Commander Jameson. The CO was already talking with another female, although Charlie was surprised at how easily it came to the Commander. When Viv turned back, she was smiling but her eyes were hard and it looked more forced than anything.

"He's a charmer, isn't he," she said in a monotone voice.

Charlie sighed and shrugged. The Commander had always been flagrant with his women and it got old over time. Leaning in closer, Charlie whispered, "the other pipers find parties with the CO fruitless, if you get my meaning."

"I bet," Viv said, the smile draining from her face. Looking back into his eyes she said, "I think you look handsome though."

Charlie grinned sheepishly, shrugging self consciously. The current topic was not what he had planned for, so Charlie turned and looked at the dance floor. Far along the clear glass windows hung a huge analog clock with the current time: 11:45 p.m. At midnight the crowd of people would be surging to the dance floor to get a good view of the fireworks from the harbor and searching out someone to kiss. Charlie was tempted to ask Vivienne who she planned on kissing, but his nervousness got the better of him. It was definitely something the Commander could have done as suave as you please, but that wasn't Charlie's style. Instead he scoot his chair back and stood.

"Come on," he said, holding his hand out to Viv. "Let's dance."

Viv looked up at him for a moment and then hesitated. He was beginning to think he was just being too forward when she smiled brightly at him and took his hand. Charlie helped her out of her chair and the Commander turned and half rose out of his seat in respect. The CO's date laughed suddenly and stood, taking his hand and dragging him to the dance floor as well. As they past them, Viv looked at the Commander with a blank face while the CO didn't even bother to look at her.

Charlie watched the short exchange and wondered....

"Ready?" Viv said suddenly, hooking her arm around his.

"Oh yeah, let's go."

Walking her to the floor, Charlie saw the CO and his date disappear into the throng of people. Viv pulled him in the opposite direction to the center of the dance floor. She turned and faced him with her arms up, ready. Quickly he placed his right hand just above her shoulder blade and took her right hand with his left, twisting her into a fierce waltz with a snapped spin.

She immediately started to laugh and danced expertly with him. Charlie kept the pace fast with his eye on the clock. It count down to 11:50 when Marko and Red danced by with their dance partners. Red gave him a strange look and then shook his head as he moved his date on.

Charlie kept his eye on the clock, occasionally dipping Viv, making her curls bounce and whip around her face. "Ready...one more dip," he said as he spun her around and dipped her one last time, snapping her forward so her face was close to his. Her breath was warm on his face and her laughter infectious as he looked back at the clock again.



At the stroke of midnight he was going to throw caution to the wind and try kissing Viv one last time. Charlie figured he could get away with a quick kiss, but he hoped that it could turn into something else altogether, making this New Year's Eve a memorable one. Viv liked him, he could tell, but whether it was enough to let go of whoever had her would remain to be seen.

Shit...

Viv enjoyed her dance with Charlie. He was an exceptional dancer, but she caught him looking at the huge clock facing the dance floor one time too many which could only mean he was waiting for midnight. Everyone knew what you did at midnight, and as handsome as he looked, Charlie was not the one she wanted to kiss. No that person was halfway across the room with a leggy blond named 'Lisa' apparently. Brig may have been playing his part, and she might have given every reason to leave her alone, but the thought of him kissing someone else was making her physically ill. So with Charlie betting he could kiss her first, her entire night was pretty much going to shit.

Whoa, she thought to herself as he dipped her one more time and then snapped her back, close to his chest. Charlie then slowed the dance down completely. Viv glanced up at the clock for the two minute warning.

The Grand Piazza's manager and host for the New Year's Eve ball took to the front stage and began warning everyone about the time. More and more people crowded to the dance floor, couples clinging to each other as the excitement began to grow.

Viv put her hand on Charlie's chest and looked down at her fingers, specifically her ring finger that looked hopelessly alone. The ring was tucked into the folds of her dress and it burned against her skin.

30...29...28...

Viv inhaled deeply, trying to locate Brig's scent but she only caught a faint whiff of it mixed in with the hundreds of other people gathering around her and Charlie. Standing on her tip toes, she looked over at the dinner tables and saw that they were all almost empty, making the next twenty seconds of her life the longest ever.

20...19...18...

"Uh, Viv?"

Viv looked up at Charlie as he held her close, barely moving now.

"Was there someone else you'd rather...? It's getting close, I mean."

Viv looked into Charlie's eyes and saw the hope mixed in with disappointment. She kicked herself for dancing with him, encouraging him only because it made her feel better.

"Oh, no. Charlie, really it's ok," she lied. "No tongue, though. Ok?" she said with a laugh that felt forced.

Charlie raised his eyebrows and chuckled with her.

10...9...8...

Viv swallowed and did a final sweep of the surrounding people, looking for Brig but not seeing him.

7...6...5....

Her heart was racing in her chest, making what dinner she had begin its revolt back up. Throwing up on Charlie would definitely make the night memorable, but maybe not the way he wanted. Viv tapped his chest with her fingers and looked back up into his face.

4...3...2...1...

Charlie smiled hesitantly and pulled her close, brushing his lips against hers.

"MAZOL TOV!!!!" Red pushed in between Viv and Charlie and planted one, right on Charlie's lips.

15...14...13...

Lisa was dancing close to Brig, whispering into his ear about promises of extremely dirty things after midnight. Swallowing, he laughed, trying to sound encouraging but definitely not meaning it. Spinning Lisa around, he caught Charlie moving with Viv to the center of the dance floor and beginning to dance. Lisa had managed to pull him all the way to the edge by the balcony, trying to get him to herself.

12...11...10...

Brig looked down at Lisa and she smiled at him mischievously, her fingers playing with the back of his neck as she pressed her glorious body against his. Brig listened as the countdown to midnight ticked down loudly with everyone yelling out the numbers.

5...4...

"Lisa, I'm sorry. I have to go," Brig said, pulling her arms off his neck and rushing toward the center of the dance floor.

"Wait...what?!" she yelled as he pushed through the crowd, searching for Viv.

3...2...1...

Brig finally caught a glimpse of Charlie and Viv and he was painfully close to kissing her, if he wasn't already from what he could tell, when Red burst out of nowhere and grabbed Charlie, kissing him on the mouth instead.

Viv took a step back and began to laugh out loud, clapping as Red pulled away and Charlie began wiping his mouth with his hands. "Oh god, was that tongue?!" Charlie yelled out.

Brig reached out and grabbed Viv's arm, spinning her around. The look on her face was surprise, anger, then relief. They stood there and looked at each other as everyone around began kissing, pushing, and singing Auld Sang Lyne.

"I don't think anyone knows the words to this song," he said with a hopeful smile.

"Shit, I don't. Are you going to kiss me or what?" she asked, finally smiling at him.

Pulling her further away from the crowding Pipers, Charlie specifically, Brig pulled Viv into his arms and kissed her as the clock finished its chiming and the fireworks began shooting into the night sky above the harbor, giving everyone in the Piazza a perfect view.

It was a chaste kiss, much like their first ever in her bedroom that first night together. Brig pulled away but let his lips hover over hers.

"I love you and I'm sorry," he said with his eyes closed, almost wincing from what her reaction might be.

"Open your eyes, Brig," she said. He did and she was smiling up at him, giggling to herself. "Happy New Year. I love you, too...you dick."

Before he could kiss her again, Marko came up and grabbed Viv out of his arms, giving her a wild kiss on her cheek. The rest of the Pipers came over and Red even tried to kiss Brig who happily kissed him back, much to everyone's disgust.

Charlie came up and touched Viv on her shoulder and smiled. She reached up and gave him a kiss on his cheek and inwardly Brig thanked god for Red. Looking at the tall red head, his Piper pulled him aside and said in Brig's ear.

"You owe me, sir. Happy New Year. Can I kiss her now?" Red asked hopefully.

Viv laughed and grabbed Red's face, planting a kiss on his lips. Brig shook hands with his Pipers and received more kisses from the neighboring ladies while his fiance was kissed by every single Piper. Finally he felt her small fingers entwine with his and he turned to look at her. She gave him a wink as she moved her fingers in his and he felt her ring on her finger.

Marthinus made it to the crowd of Pipers just as Viv kissed Red, making the tall red head blush. Just then a dark haired woman pulled his arm and spun him around, kissing him passionately on the lips. Marthinus felt closed his eyes in surprise but kissed her back. After a few moments the brunette pulled back and licked her lips at him.

"Hi, I'm Gloria."

"Uh," Marthinus said, "hi?"

"Nice to meet you," she said and pulled Marthinus close again and kissed him. Happy New Year, he thought to himself and kissed her back.

Ellis looked over at Simon who smiled sweetly at her. He had been disappearing off and on since they got there, but finally he returned and stayed by her side. As the clock counted down, he pulled her out to the dance floor and held her close.

"You're not going to run off again, are you? To the bathroom...Siberia?"

Simon smiled back at her and pulled her close, brushing her lips with his. "Nope, I'm staying right here with you."

"Good," she said and kissed him deeply, wrapping her arms around his neck. Just then she felt their aura pulse and fill with what he had been holding back. It was flooded with arousal, love, and contentment, almost making her cry. It pained her how much he held back, but pleased her at the same time knowing what it was he was keeping to himself. Sharing him with anyone else would not be tolerated and Ellis planned on broaching the subject with the new target of his recent interest.

Happy New Year, indeed.

LT pushed up inside Carol as he heard the yelling from the ballroom all the way from the broom closet.

"We're missing New Years, I think," he said with his lips pressed against her neck.

"Did you want to stop?" Carol asked with a laugh, squeezing her legs around his hips.

"No, we'll catch up in a minute."

"A minute...please say you're kidding!"

LT looked up at Carol and kissed her, laughing into her lips as he pressed her up against the broom closet wall.

Xeph shook his head at Nikhila, smiling down at her. "Well, let's be honest," he said, "when's the next time it's going to be convenient like this? One day very soon one or the other of us will have their hands full."

Back and forth several times to their table, they managed to strike a balance between dancing and nibbling for most of the evening. When the countdown to midnight began they were down on the floor and Xeph was doing his best not to bite anyone. But really all it seemed to take was a hostile glare in the direction of anyone who got near, taking a page out of his father's book, and people left Nikhila alone and un-jostled.

They stood quietly while they counted, Xeph behind Nikhila, his arms around her shoulders, his hands and hers resting lightly on their unborn son. "It's going to be a good year," he said.

While the crowd rioted around them they remained still, one little tiny speck of motionlessness in a sea of cheering bodies. Xeph leaned down over Nikhila's shoulder, rested his cheek against hers, and smiled. "Love you," he said simply.

The party flowed on around them but he didn't need to be a reveler tonight; he had everything he wanted there in his arms. As the fireworks began, he looked around, let go of Nikhila long enough for them all to exchange hugs, kisses, well-wishes, and cheers with their family who were swarming around them, and then just held her to watch the stunning display in the sky over the waterfront.

Alex could have cheered; he and Eiryk spent the evening dancing, for the most part without mishap. As he remembered not to be self-conscious, Alex loosened up more and more. They didn't dance to anything fast, but he began to understand that the Piazza wasn't going to fall down on him just because he'd set foot on a dance floor.

Whether by chance or by design Aishe and Kem were never far away from them and Alex was happy for the silent support of their friends. He traded Eiryk away to Aishe once or twice, as promised, while he and Kem went on a drink-hunting expedition. There was very little excitement involved, as waiters with drinks were everywhere, waiting to provide. Thus it was that thirty seconds before midnight the four of them were standing together, champagne flutes raised high, counting down enthusiastically with everyone else.

They hit the Happy New Year mark with a clink of glass and a rowdy cheer, and as the fireworks began Alex turned to say something to Aishe and realized that she was... otherwise occupied, standing on her tiptoes and kissing her fiance rather enthusiastically.

A few glasses of champagne had been sufficient to give Alex a lot more confidence than he normally would have had, and it seemed like everyone around them was occupied anyhow. So he turned away from their two friends to find Eiryk's eyes on him. Alex grinned at his boyfriend, shrugged, and was leaned down to kiss Eiryk softly.

At the last minute he changed his mind. "Fuck it. Happy New Year," he said, and, wrapping his arms around Eiryk's waist he half-lifted him off his feet and did his best to show up Aishe and Kem.

He forgot there were fireworks... five minutes later they were still re-inventing the kiss while the sky lit up beyond the windows.

"Unless you plan on stopping at one... it will be both of us."Â?

Nikhila answered with a smile. It was a good answer and the one she wanted to hear but it didn't ring quite true. She wanted to pry, she wanted to know what was going on. But not tonight. Soon though, because too often something seemed to be off with her mate and she worried about him.

It really was amusing how much he could look like Hammer when he glared at people. As long as he didn't get over protective she wouldn't say anything or worry about it. And since he'd brought her out tonight Nikhila didn't think they were in too much danger of that happening. Besides, it was rather nice to have such a clear cut pocket of personal space in this crowed.

She leaned back into him as the last few seconds of 2010 ticked buy. It just felt right, protected, safe, comfortable, loved and otherwise right. She felt his hands on her belly, on their child and could only nod. It was nearly impossible to find words for the feeling.

"It will be a wonderful year, and an adventure."Â?

Turning her head Nikhila softly kissed his cheek. She'd save their New Year's kiss for a more private venue, like home. She hugged Lily and any others Aidan let get near her wishing them happy New Year, but was otherwise happy to melt back into her mate's arms, the father of their child, and watched the fireworks as they reflected in the water.

Jin tilted his head and looked down at her and found her smiling up at him. That smile made his heart melt and he, for one, found himself barely noticing the weather. He didn't know she hated the cold; that made this a very sweet idea.

He returned her smile and said.

"I hope you don't hate it so much at the moment."

Curling his body around her just a tiny bit more, Jin asked.

"Do you want my coat as well?"

They could change forms and be plenty warm but then his glasses wouldn't be any help and the fireworks would hurt his eyes. More important, it was not as romantic.

Looking at his watch, he could see that it was almost time. Too bad they didn't have any champagne for a toast.

Holding up his wrist so that they could both the countdown, Jin laid his head lightly against Mara's

"Almost time."

The little watch flipped over and he could hear the cheering from the streets and the building below. Moving around to Mara's side, Jin leaned forward and gave her a slow, gentle kiss. Savoring the delicate warmth of her lips for a long moment, he reluctantly pulled away.

Jin smiled tenderly and his voice was hushed but in their private space he knew she would have no trouble hearing him.

"Happy New Year, Mara."

Artemis considered the question for a moment. He had harbored a death wish for 1600 years because of his love for one woman. And, he had come back from that, in part, because of another. To say that he understood, would be an understatement. Pak was truly special and important to him, but he wasn't ready to say it yet. Truth be told, and all jokes and innuendo aside, he wasn't quite ready for the 'show me your wine rack and I will show you my corkscrew' part of a romantic relationship. He definitely wasn't ready for those three little words. But he had been once. Watching Kem and Aishe, he smiled.

"No, I can't blame him at all."Â?

He chuckled a few moments later when he received a shoulder nudge for his comment to Eiryk. Artemis draped his arm along the back of her chair and grinned. To emphasize the point he was about to make, he gave Pak an appreciative look and then wiggled the thumb of his other hand.

"I will admit that your attire is better suited for showing a little leg. Which is probably more effective than my thumb at getting a ride. And, since I left the jet pack in my other suit, I guess I will have to try and behave."Â?

Artemis smiled as Kem and Aishe once again headed for the dance floor. He had not expected the other man to wax quite so poetic, but it was good to have goals. He also hadn't expected his girlfriend to call him on the question quite so soon, so he didn't have a list of his own prepared. A boyish grin spread across his face as Artemis realized there was an offer for dancing in there somewhere. Standing, he left one hand on the back of her chair so that he could move it out her way when she was ready.

"As I recall, I was the one who placed you on my toes, so I can't really complain can I?"Â?

Artemis offered his free hand to Pak.

"How about we discuss New Year's Resolutions while we dance?"Â?

Mara snuggled back against Jin. "I can't even feel it," she said. Then she paused and admitted, "And I like your coat best with you in it."

It was true, Jin's arms around her made her plenty warm in spite of the coldness of the season. Nestled against him she kept her arms clasped over his, her fingertips lightly stroking the back of his hand. When he held up his watch, his face against hers, she counted down the seconds quietly.

As the cheering began, Mara tried to remember spending any New Year celebration quite like this but she couldn't. When Jin moved she was ready for what came next, and she tilted her head up to his as he kissed her. The sudden chill she felt when he abandoned her back was forgotten in the soft but overwhelming sensation of that one small caress against her lips. Instinctively she slipped her arms beneath his coat, wrapping them around his waist and pressing close.

When he pulled away she rested her head on his shoulder. His words floated down to her ear and she nuzzled her nose lightly against his neck.

"Happy New Year, Jin."

She tilted her head and softly kissed his neck just beneath his ear as fireworks began to blossom in the sky over the waterfront.

Hammer gladly let Lily kiss him deeply and profoundly in front of god and everyone as 2010 came to a close. It had been an exciting year as well as painful, but in the end he was with the woman he loved, his son, his best friend, and his Pipers.

He happily wrapped his arm around Lily as he reached out and touched his son on the shoulder, giving it a squeeze. Soon Xeph would be a father, a joy Hammer had only known by extension, and he himself would be a grandfather. Hammer wasn't quite sure how to articulate the joy he was feeling, much less show it, but it was there and it made him happy.

To have his best friend and cousin back meant more to him than anything, and when Brig stepped up to him with his hand out, Hammer slapped it away playfully and wrapped his other arm around Brig's neck, hugging him tightly while still holding onto Lily. Brig put his hand on Hammer's face and playfully pushed it and looked as happy as any man could be.

Viv stepped out from behind Brig and looked up at Hammer with her curiously brown eyes, watching him quietly with a hint of a smile. It would not have been beyond Hammer to be rude and ignore the Vyrusher female, but she had a way in worming herself into the good graces of everyone she was in contact with, himself included in some privately painful moments, so he did the best he could and gave her his best smile. Which really wasn't much of a smile at all, but she must've understood because she walked up to him and kissed him on the cheek.

"We can pretend this never happened after we leave but," Viv said with her hands on his chest, but she whispered up into his ear, "I knew you were there when my spine was severed. Your breathing is unmistakable."

Hammer pulled back and looked at her, a blush in his face. "Right, this never happened." He touched her shoulder and wished her a happy new year before she turned to leave.

"You call the shots," Xeph said to Nikhila. "I just want you and whatever family we have. Kids, dogs, cats, fish, anything. So long as you're here with me."

His father's hand fell on his shoulder and Xeph turned. Keeping one arm around Nikhila he slung the other over Hammer's shoulders and squeezed hard, then bent to kiss his mother's flushed cheek. He gave her a saucy grin and shook his head at her; Lily gave him the 'don't start with me' look he remembered from when he was a child himself, but it was tempered with her quiet humor. Seeing her happy made him happy as well.

The fireworks hadn't quite ended when Xeph quietly bade farewell to his large family, Pipers, mother, father, all of them. He ushered Nikhila out with her assent, both of them happy to beat the traffic back to the Den. He suspected that there would be no few Kadzait renting rooms at the Piazza. Maybe he was getting old... but going back home to the quiet newness of their cabin sounded just right.

He would put Nikhila's feet up and rub them. They'd start a fire in the fireplace in their bedroom. And he'd begin this new year by showing her as much love as he could until she fell asleep in his arms.

Yeah. That sounded pretty ideal.

((ooc: Nikhila and Xeph out, can't keep the mom-to-be out TOO late!))

The little kiss on his neck made him shiver far more than the cold had. Jin would like to ignore the fireworks all together and go back to giving Mara his full attention but he knew that while she might not be cold just yet, she would be soon.

Besides, she wanted to see them and he wanted to enjoy watching them with her. Jin felt it likely, despite not having a written invitation, that he would get a chance to kiss her again. He could be remarkably patient when the rewards for doing so where so high.

Resuming his seat, he curled his arms around Mara once more.

The pyrotechnicians were starting off with the standard colourful bursts. The pace was slow at the beginning and they could hear the crowd below "oooh" and "ahhh" with each one. From this distance the crack and boom of the large display sounded like canon fire and the rumble of the after shock could be felt in the chest. It was unique to be sitting outside near other tall buildings. The windows moved with each firework and the sound echoed off the structures.

"With this display the evil spirits have been well and truly warned."

He hoped they listened and stayed away from Anantya. Jin would like to be able to ward off the more corporeal evil that was plaguing the clan with fireworks as well.

The blooms of colour had been replaced by the showering of golden sparks. They must be launching those from the air because the fountains were an impressive length.

Jin grinned.

"I always loved those; though they are very bright."

The fountains gave way to red lights that flashed one at a time, chasing each other in a spiral pattern.

"Wow, those were nice."

He felt happy and carefree, almost like a kid again. Almost. Jin snuggled closer to Mara.

"Can we do this again when my new year comes around?"

Although she was sorry not to be kissing Jin still, Mara was grateful to have him wrapped around her once again. There was a smile on her face that only grew wider and a little sillier as they settled against each other to watch the show in the sky.

They nearly vibrated, themselves, with each report. Mara kept her hands curled over Jin's, slipping them beneath his when she began to feel the chill of the wind on her skin. She did flinch away from the brighter fireworks a bit; contact lenses were tinted enough to dull the bright lights some but not as much as a pair of glasses like Jin's would have.

"I like these the best," she said as several sparkling silver fireworks shot up and didn't explode but rather crackled down in glittery starfalls of silver and purple.

Laughing softly at Jin's request she only nodded and rested her head back against his chest once more. "I would like to spend that night with you. However we spend it. If that's what you want."

The show seemed to go on forever. Each time there was a climactic series of fireworks, the crowds cheered and then waited with anticipation in silence as if dreading the end of the display. And each time they weren't disappointed; the show of colorful explosions began again, each time outdoing the last in complexity and frequency.

Mara found herself very nearly overwhelmed by the massive reports as they reached what must surely be the conclusion of the show. She exclaimed along with the crowd below at the color and shapes that filled the sky.

"Look," she said, as the fireworks came flying at them in star shapes and other random shapes; faces, objects, and, she grinned and clapped her hands softly, a cat.

The end of the display was heralded with a series of splashing, sprawling fireworks that created a fading shiny backdrop for the piece de resistance, an enormous "2011" in changing colors that drifted slowly downward over the harbor.

Mara heard the crowd cheering their loudest below as the cracking and booming finally subsided. She applauded as well, although it couldn't be heard from the rooftop, and turned sideways in Jin's arms.

"Thank you," she said, once more wrapping her arms around his waist. "I can't think of a better way to close out one year and begin another."

Quelling the butterflies that still threatened, she returned his kiss from before, brushing her lips softly against his with a smile.

"I'm pretty sure I'm showing a lot of leg."Â?

Pak quipped.

Apparently her round about suggestion that they should actually dance had made him happy and his smile was infectious. Pak couldn't help but grin back as he lead her out to the floor. It seemed like half of Nachton was here tonight but that didn't stop them.

A bit to her own surprise Pak really didn't ant to leave the dance floor once they'd gotten there. Now and then she caught glimpses of Eiryk and Alex. She might have pestered Eiryk a bit but he and Alex were totally into each other and she didn't really want to intrude. She spotted Kem and Aishe here and there too but they were also rather wrapped up in each other.

It didn't matter she was happy trying not to trample Artemis' feet. It was fun and she quite enjoyed the company. It was amazing how fast midnight had snuck up on them. Before she knew it people were counting down the last few seconds. The dancing came to a stop as the count down progressed. At 'one' amongst the cries of 'Happy New Year' she stood on tip toe and kissed Artemis' cheek.

"It is a month or two early, but happy new year."Â?

As they counted down the New Year along with clock and the rest of the crowd, Aishe knew she was beaming just as widely as Kem behind her and Alex and Eiryk beside them. There was very little missing from the equation. She wished Chris had been here to share in the celebration but she would find him tomorrow night and give him a belated hug and an embarrassingly smoochy kiss to make up for it.

At the stroke of midnight she turned, of a mind with her fiance, whose arms were already circling her. They didn't have to exchange words. Or well-wishes. They had eternity ahead of them. Every New Year came and went and they spent it secure in their love for each other; this one was no different. Last year had thrown them some curveballs. The one before it had too. This one surely would as well. But now that they had each other they would weather the storms together.

Aishe happily threw her arms around Kem's neck and stood on her tiptoes as he bent to kiss her, deeply, gently, and very thoroughly. He straightened, taking her with him, and lifted her easily up over him. She laughed, looking down at his face, which for once was unguarded, totally open, and full of joy. And as he lowered her, she clung and kissed him a few more times... for good luck.

Looking over at their friends Aishe laughed as she realized that Alex and Eiryk were putting on their own personal fireworks show. It was a good thing Eiryk didn't require much air, because he sure wasn't getting any. Reaching over, Aishe very gently and discreetly removed his champagne glass from his hand so he could embrace his boyfriend properly.

She and Kem turned away to watch the fireworks after that, but she noted it was at least another full five minutes before Eiryk took the champagne flute back. Aishe turned and giggled at him; he looked disheveled, slightly sheepish, and completely pleased with the situation. Biting back a little grin, Aishe reached out and gently tugged Eiryk's lopsided collar up to cover the hickey Alex had left. Glancing at the taller human, Aishe laughed and let the grin go as Alex caught her eye, shrugged, bit his lip, and rolled his eyes innocently up at the ceiling.

Eiryk kissed Aishe on the cheek and was tugged back to Alex's side to watch the actual fireworks outside, finally. When the ballroom began to empty, they looked around for Pak and Artemis but didn't see them. It wasn't as if she couldn't get in touch with them if necessary or vice versa. Deciding they hadn't quite had enough celebrating, they headed to one of Nachton's nicer restaurants and spent a few hours drinking and laughing, finally going their own ways just before the sun came up on a new year.

((ooc: Kem, Aishe, Alex, and Eiryk out with permission. Descriptions etc all permissified.))

Charlie was slouched in his chair, his jacket off and hung on the back, with a grumpy look on his face. Carol, who was sitting on LT's lap, reached out and grabbed Charlie's face, kissing him on the mouth. Charlie blushed and leaned onto his elbows on the table. LT was laughing into Carol's shoulder, trying hard to hide his face from Charlie's admonishing one.

The other Pipers were there as well: Marko, Lewis, Dougie, and Domingo, all picking at the leftover food on the table, courtesy of the Beta.

LT moved his face from behind Carol and asked, "I have hopes for 2011. We're all here, together. Except for Jones...where is he?"

Domingo leaned forward conspiratorially and whispered, "Didn't you see him with that brunette who attacked him at midnight?"

"Who's Jones?" Carol asked, turning back to look at LT.

"He's one of our newer men on the team. Good man."

"He's having sex right now, you realize," Brig offered with a grin.

"Well, we already did twice." Carol paused and covered her mouth, causing another round of laughter.

"I can't believe you two missed New Years because you were schtuping in the broom closet." Charlie rolled his eyes and added, "Again."

"Ringing in the New Year with a bang is a bloody good idea," Red said coming up to the table and sitting down.

"Where have you been?"

They all looked at him. He slumped his shoulders and gave them an expectant look.

"Banging the new year in?" Marko said sheepishly.

Red sat forward, "Exactly, Marko. Exactly!"

Viv looked around. "Where is she? Did you just leave her?"

"I am grabbing her some cigs from the bar."

"Ew," Carol said with a wrinkled nose.

"Exactly, again. I left her up in her room. Does that make me a bad boy? Someone spank me!"

"You are the biggest dick, sir," Charlie said leaning on his arms and covering his face as he laughed.

Everyone at the table chorused, "That's what she said!"

"Ooooh," Viv said laughing.

She looked around the table with a large smile and a light heart. The most special people in her life were at that table right then, save for a certain villainous vampire, but he was closer to her than anyone would realize. Simon had her back, she knew that, and it gave her great comfort as she let her large smile fade to a small grin.

Charlie and Red were playing fighting, still upset over Red slipping him the New Year's Eve tongue. Marko and the other Pipers were doing rock/paper/scissors to see who would have to DD all the drunks. Carol and LT were canoodling...again. And Brig was sitting next to her, leaning on the table watching everyone at the table as well. When their eyes met, he reached out and poked her shoulder annoyingly.

"What are you, twelve?"

Brig continued to poke her as he grinned happily until she smacked his hand away.

New Years Eve moved slowly into New Years day, ushering in another year. Only this time it wasn't just another day, in another city, with people she neither cared for nor even knew. 2010 had ended with not an explosion, much to her surprise, and certainly not with a whimper, but 2011 felt good to Viv. She found herself happy, loved, with good friends, and a place to call home.

It was definitely a damn good start.




((OOC Pipers, Hammer, Viv, Brig, Simon, Ellis, Marthinus, Carol, LT out. Hammer and Lily out with permission.))


Continues in The Reveal

"I can't think of a better way to spend -any- New Year."

Maybe they could celebrate the old lunar calendar and the Hebrew New Year... He's sure there were several more to add as well.

The increased pace was leaving the sky clouded over with smoke and the ingenious shapes and bright colours were now standing out vividly against the aftermath of the predecessors. Jin was amazed at the intricate shapes, beautifully displayed in gigantic proportion over the harbor.

He laughed and smiled with Mara at the cat getting a place in the works. Someone had some good planning. 2011 would be the year of the Rabbit, or the Cat, depending on who's calendar you went with.

"Very appropriate. I approve."

There was a pause and he could tell from the collective disappointed sigh that everyone was sure that was finally the end. And then, there was one more round of flashing sparkling fireworks that climaxed with a large silvery 2011 sparkling in the sky.

Jin partially closed his eyes, listening to the crowd below and watching the numbers fade back into the cold night air. The night was perfect and he was reluctant to move. It would surely break this magical moment.

Mara moved, turning in his arms, he sat up straighter and looked into those deep blue eyes. He smiled and tenderly slid a strand of raven hair off her shoulder. Focusing his attention on the silken ribbon for a long moment before bringing his gaze up to meet her's again.

"You've made this year look so much brighter than I had expected it to be when I got here. Thank you."

Jin savored the second kiss of the New Year. He closed his eyes and committed the feel of Mara's lips to memory. It would keep him warm for the rest of the night as they made their way off the roof and down to the car in the brisk winter air.

((OOC: Mara and Jin out, with permission))

"I would say that I hadn't noticed, but I doubt that anyone would beleive me."

The playful mood, at least on his part, continued throughout the evening. The conversation remained lively and entertaining as the flowed from one dance to the next. He couldn't ask for a better way to spend New Year's Eve.

As the countdown began, Artemis couldn't help but get a little caught up in the excitement as well. The new year always presented new opportunities and possibilities. And of course, fireworks. Artemis smiled in response to Pak's kiss. Bending slightly, he gave her a gentle and chaste kiss in return.

"Happy New Year to you too. Would you like to go outside and watch the remainder of the fireworks?"

Fire works were always good and she didn't have to be persuaded to get a better look at them. Since they had all spent Thanksgiving together and even Halloween had been almost a double date Pak didn't feel bad about mentally poking Kem and chasing he, Aishe and the boys off. Apparently Kem didn't feel bad about it either.

"If you are going to lend me your coat again... yes. I think we should."Â?

Honestly, she shouldn't leave the towers until April or May. Poor Artemis she was going to still all of his outer wear at this point.

But they did find a nice spot outside to get a better look at the fireworks. When they were over and the two of them had made there way back in, it was impressive how fast the ballroom had cleared out. But that also meant they didn't have to wait forever for the valet to get her car back and there was a lack of traffic for the ride home.

((OOC.. and Pak and Artemis out as well))