Gathering: Summer Party

[concierge]

Outside of the Nexus Hotel, waiters and hotel staff had begun to set up the umbrellas and the tables in the middle of the day. Soon, it became clear that something was happening in the shadow of the Nexus. White tablecloths were draped on the tables and drinks and food were brought out with the help of several waiters and servers, staffing tables with hot and cold foods beside bartending stations. Summery drinks in bright, neon colors are laid out one by one and soon, the afternoon light casts a radiant look on the scene.

Music plays faintly in the background and a note at the front desk invites all the Nexus guests to head outside and join in on the summer party, which promises to continue going as long as there are people to stay and continue keeping the warm atmosphere rolling.

On the lawn, social games had been set out -- lawn bowling, croquet, and tables were set up with chairs for anyone who didn't quite have the will or the spirit to get into such games. Soon, a small number of people had begun to mill around, but as with all parties, there's always room for more.

Comments

[vampire_shield]

"As long as I remember to put it in my pocket when I hunt," Bella said, and made a mental note to do just that. "I can just see it snagging on a branch or something in the middle of that forest and I'd hate to lose it, especially that way."

[powerof_water]

"It would find its way back," Adam said with a smile. "I charmed it so it should try to stick with you, otherwise it wouldn't be very good at protecting you. Benefits of dating a witch, I guess."

[vampire_shield]

"One of many, I think. Including being resistant to frostbite," Bella said, and added a teasing wink into it before looking at the stone again. "And now I feel like a complete jerk because I don't have anything for you."

[powerof_water]

"I didn't give it to you so you would give me something back," Adam protested. "It was just a gift because I care about you, Bella, and not something I gave you because I expected you to turn up with something to give me right back. Don't worry about it."

[vampire_shield]

Bella smiled and raised up onto her toes to kiss him lightly. "I was teasing you a little, Adam. Probably a sure sign I don't have much of a sense of humor, but...I care about you, too, Adam. You've become the reason I'm happier here than I ever remember being anywhere else."

[powerof_water]

"See? I'm good for something," he said, kissing her back. He took her hand in his, twining their fingers together. "Someday, I want to go with you when you're hunting. I know I can't do anything to help you but I just...I want to see it."

[vampire_shield]

Bella bit her lower lip, more out of habit than anything so human as an itch or chapped lips. "We'd have to be careful about that. Very. Maybe bring Nick along or something in case...," She was thinking out loud and stopped to look up at him. "When I'm hunting, I'm thinking about food. Having a human there...," she trailed off, not wanting to even think about what could happen.

[powerof_water]

"And I start looking a lot like dinner?" Having Nick there did not really make it the romantic thing that Adam thought it might be but he could definitely understand Bella's concern. Adam did not want to be the cause of any concern or guilt on her part.

[vampire_shield]

"It's not that I'd think of you that way when we went in, but if my mind was set on hunting and I smelled your blood?" Bella considered. "If there was some way you could use magic to mask your scent entirely, though? That might work."

[powerof_water]

"I'll work on it. I know a few shielding spells to keep me hidden from divination," Adam said, musing out loud. "So in theory, I might be able to do it. It's something to keep in mind."

[vampire_shield]

"We can test it pretty easily, and without a whole lot of risk," Bella offered. "If it works here, and I can't find your scent, it'll work there, too. I just..."

She ducked her head a little. "If it does work, and you do come with me, don't get disgusted or anything, okay?"

[powerof_water]

"I'm not going to be disgusted. You are what you are," Adam said, "And I would be kind of a jerk if I didn't understand that when I'm asking to come see you in your element."

[vampire_shield]

"Okay, then. We'll see if we can make it work." Bella nodded, smiled, and then raised on her toes to kiss him. "Thank you. For saying that."

[powerof_water]

"Adam Conant - mostly not a jerk?" Adam said, grinning at her a little. "Right? At least, that's what I aim for on a regular basis."

[vampire_shield]

Bella frowned. "No, Adam Conant. Wonderfully openminded and adventurous and never even in the same zip code as jerk." She poked his belly softly. "You're talking about my boyfriend there, so be careful what you say."

[powerof_water]

"Oh, well, I don't want to be caught badmouthing a vampire's boyfriend," Adam said, grinning back at her.

"I am never going to get tired of hearing you call me your boyfriend. So, you know, you can do it whenever you want."

[vampire_shield]

"Is that right?" Bella giggled and tightened her arms around him just enough for a good squeeze. "Things like 'I think my boyfriend should kiss me now.'?"

[powerof_water]

"Yeah, that sounds great," Adam said, wrapping his arms around her and kissing her softly. It was still in public, so he kept it mostly chaste, but it was enough of a kiss that anyone around would know that he and Bella were together.

[vampire_shield]

Bella sighed against his lips moved her body closer to his. Her fingers threaded into his hair. "Sounds great, and felt even better,"

[powerof_water]

"We're kind of obnoxious, you know." Adam didn't think it was necessarily a bad thing but he wondered if everyone else at the party would be into him and Bella basically making out in a corner.

"In the best ways."

[vampire_shield]

"I don't mind a little obnoxious if you don't." Bella said against his lips, and kissed him again.

[powerof_water]

Adam didn't think that anyone would care much about two teenagers making out at a summer party, even if one of said teenagers was actually an immortal, supernaturally beautiful vampire. Still, he kissed her quickly and tugged at her hands.

"Want to go to the maze? Less likely to get caught in there."

[vampire_shield]

"Did I mention that I like the way you think?"

Bella slipped her hand into his and tugged. "Lead the way."

[powerof_water]

The maze was a group of hedges, high and private, and Adam liked to walk through it whenever he got the chance. Right now, with his hand in Bella's, it seemed like the perfect way to spend a summer afternoon.

"I hardly ever get to see you in sunlight. I like it."

[vampire_shield]

Bella held her free hand up to the light. "You like seeing me like a glitter factory exploded all over me?"