[log] pleased to meet you

[lowtohigh]

It isn't easy, planning around Argine's health. Now and then, after all, she simply can't keep an appointment, simply needs to stop and sit, simply stops being a Ten and a mother and becomes a woman struggling against her own mortality. There's a good deal of hoping when it comes to setting dinner dates. A good deal of hoping in general.

But tonight was going to go well. The date had been set a week in advance, and was going to stick. The former Queen has been resting all day, her former Ace hovering and attending with nervous energy. The kitchens had been more than happy to pull together an early meal for three, to drag a table up to Argine's quarters and find a comfortable chair for the woman to rest easy in during an extended conversation. Everything is falling into place. Eileen should be ecstatic.

Is, in some ways. And is also starting to get ridiculously nervous, the way a young person gets when introducing their significant other to their only living parent.

So as the hour draws near, Eileen worries. Frets. Helps her mother pull herself properly into the semblance of the regal woman she used to be and get her settled in at the table. Argine's tsk is soft as she smooths her daughter's cheek, tells her to run along and get ready, not worry so much about an old woman.

She barely sees herself in the mirror as she throws on a bit of makeup, runs her hands through her hair ineffectually and calculates that she doesn't actually have enough time to change out of her usual fare.

Goes to loiter nervously at the door and wait for CJ to arrive. Maybe stealing a kiss before bringing him in will soothe her jangling.

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[lowtohighest.livejournal.com]

There's something briefly bright and youthful in Argine's laugh as her head shakes slightly. "Playing an acoustic guitar, singing in Spanish? And such a handsome boy. Eileen's lucky to have snatched you up, isn't she."

It's a genuine sort of thought. What could possibly be more romantic, after all, set aflutter more hearts of the girls and boys in the Deck inclined toward young men? It's not, of course, what had set CJ apart for Eileen, but she'll take it as a good sign of something like approval from her mother.

"You'll have to let me know when you're playing," Argine adds with a faintly wistful expression. She's unlikely to ever make it to a performance, but the impulse is there.

[jovencitobaston.livejournal.com]

He hadn't expected that, that laugh. But it sounds reminiscent of Eileen's and he smiles softly. "Sometimes..." though he blushed at being called handsome by the older woman, murmuring "I think of the two of us, I'm the luckier one."

His eyes went back across the table as he spoke "There is no one else like Eileen, anywhere. Young guys who sing in Spanish with guitars are a dime a dozen by comparison." He smiled "I'm the lucky one."

He went for more food before looking at Argine, and her offer. "You don't need anything to play acoustic guitar but the guitar. I could always come here and play for you if you want me to, Mrs Fioro..."

[lowtohighest.livejournal.com]

Every mother likes to hear her child is special, just as much as every girl likes boys to tell her she's one in a million. Argine's smile is just a touch tired, clearly getting toward the latter end of her ability to sit up with them, with the excitement and energy. Eileen's is, however, still entirely distinct from her mother's subtle grin--is completely, briefly, the fiercely pleased flash of her father's smile.

"We can both be lucky," she shrugs, taking another bite of the shepherd's pie. Under the table, she taps her foot on top of his. Not at all as satisfying as squeezing his hand, but the best they can do for now.

And that, Argine thinks with a calm sigh, is really what she wants for her daughter: someone who knows he's lucky to have Eileen, and whom Eileen counts herself lucky to have.

For all the exhaustion is starting to show, the former Queen's eyes certainly spark slightly at CJ's offer. "I should hate to put you to so much trouble, humouring an old woman like that..."

[jovencitobaston.livejournal.com]

We can both be lucky. We are both lucky. He can deal with that, he can love that. Both of them feeling lucky.

"I would really like to sing for you Mrs. Fioro. It wouldn't be any trouble at all." but she looks tired, and he feels like he's imposing now. He looks at Eileen, concern trapped between his creasing eyebrows. It's more important that the mother of his girlfriend is ok than for him to celebrate that positive way the evening has gone.

Now, the only thing left, was for Eileen to meet his parents and for the evening to go just as well. But another time. He sets down his silverware and leans towards her mother, murmuring "Señora, if this is... I can go home if you're not feeling well."

[lowtohighest.livejournal.com]

"Aren't you a thoughtful young man," Argine all but hums with a fairly kind smile. "You'll have to forgive the brevity of the evening."

"He understands," comes the quick response from Eileen as she sets down her own fork, pushes back to stand and squeeze her mother's elbow. "I'll get Kevin to help you back to bed, nn?"

There is, of course, not stopping Eileen once she's set her mind to something like this. Both of Argine's hands lift briefly in surrender as her daughter flits toward the door, before one extends in CJ's direction. "Come here a moment, will you?"

[jovencitobaston.livejournal.com]

His eyes follow Eileen who runs out to get help and he's about to stand when the older woman asks him to come closer. "Please, don't strain yourself for me." He begs, as he does what she asks, coming closer to sort of kneel at her feet, trying to be at eye level with her.

"Yes Ma'am? Can I do anything to help?" Please don't die Mrs Fioro. I want you to be there for our wedding, one day. To see her beautifully in white walking down the aisle to him. And grandchildren, some day. Please don't die, it would break Eileen to lose her mother too.

[lowtohighest.livejournal.com]

There's a slight click of her tongue as she shakes her head, one hand reaching calmly for one of his. "All the same, you young people. I'm not made of glass, you know?"

Not entirely, at any rate. The illness had taken away much of her life, true, but the doctors had given her one year tops... over four years ago. She had clung stubbornly, deteriorated only slowly, since retiring her position as Face. Certainly, certainly, she'd be able to hold on longer if she set her mind to it.

"I only wanted to say, mm?" Her voice is stronger when she speaks quietly, more like the Queen she had been for so many years. "That while I'm certain you already know what a special girl Eileen is... Please promise you'll look after her. I can't..." Couldn't promise she'd be around forever, but it was more than that. "...I can't look after her now, like when she was a little girl. Promise me you'll keep her safe, will you?"

[jovencitobaston.livejournal.com]

He takes her hand and covers hers with the other, vaguely amused "She loves you, you're her mom. And since you're important to her, you're important to me too, Señora."

"Ma'am... I promise, whatever happens, I will try to take care of her for as long as I'm alive. I swear." He looked pained, as he held her hands, murmuring back "Please hold on a little longer. When I get back from university, and I can take care of her... please be here for that. When I can love her like a man and really take care of her. Please."

Eileen would never accept him now, would never accept his proposal. But he wanted to marry her, he knew that, he couldn't imagine marrying anyone else. But if her mother died while he was gone, he wanted her to know at least that he had good intentions. That he really was serious about Eileen, and their relationship, and that one day when they were both ready, he was going to propose and do his best to make her happy for as long as both of them lived.

[lowtohighest.livejournal.com]

Such a serious young man. So incredibly intent and earnest. Exactly like the men of the Clubs ought to be. Not unlike Eileen's biological father, really. Hopefully determined enough to stick through the ups and downs she knew life with her daughter must have.

Her laugh is soft, not overly tired, as she pats the hand on top of her own. "I certainly have no plans of going anywhere in the next four years. Rest assured of that."

There's the faintest sigh as she squeeze his fingers and leans back in her chair again.

"Eileen's father," she murmurs, mostly to him but half lost in memory, "used to dread the thought of her growing up. Bringing home a gentleman who'd need to have the fear of God put in him." The barest sparkle returns to her eyes as she looks at him properly again. "But I expect you don't need anyone threatening your life and limb to want to see her happy, do you."

[jovencitobaston.livejournal.com]

As far as CJ was concerned, only ups. He smiles at her "It makes me glad to hear that, Mrs. Fioro. Now, to make my parents see what you have seen." He grinned, a playful, happy, childlike smile from the heart.

He lets her hand go when she leans back, standing to look for Kevin and Eileen, to get her back to bed and let her rest. Only to look at her again when she spoke. "No Ma'am, and my parents already put the fear of God in me, her father wouldn't have to worry on that account. All I want is to see her happy, from the bottom of my heart."

[lowtohighest.livejournal.com]

Argine, at least, can't imagine any set of parents in the world who wouldn't be pleased with her sharp, ambitious daughter. Surely nothing to be concerned about there, baring Eileen losing track of her tongue and boring everyone horribly.

"There's a good boy," she hums, attention flitting over to her daughter as Eileen appears again, familiar shadow of Kevin in tow. "I suppose this is where we say good night, then. It was a pleasure to meet you, Carlos."

It's the end of the visit. It's an easing of tension. And it's entirely natural, despite the other two in the room, for Eileen to slip to CJ's side as Kevin moves to Argine's, her fingers catching his to lace quietly.

[jovencitobaston.livejournal.com]

Well, time will tell. Her being a killer, even an accidental one, and not a catholic doesn't settle too well with his folks. Not yet.

"Goodnight Mrs. Fioro. It was mutual." He exhales slowly, as he holds onto her hand when it slips back into his. Much better than he'd hoped. Much, much better. "See me out?" he murmurs to her.

[lowtohighest.livejournal.com]

One of these things, at least, could be changed, when it came time. There were at least four years between then and now, however.

Her fingers cling just slightly to his as she tsks first at her mother in rapid, nearly accent-less French, "Je vais dire bonsoir à mon copain. Écouter Kevin, Mère."

"Go," Argine sighs, waving at them lightly before letting Kevin help her to her feet. "I'll see you in the morning, mon lionceau."

So Eileen gives his hand a tug, brings him quickly back to the door so she can shut it tightly behind them. Throw her arms at last, properly, around his neck and release a breath she didn't know she was holding. "You were fantastic."

[jovencitobaston.livejournal.com]

He laughs, following after her, so sure of her tugging now that he rarely stumbles. His arms circle around her waist and he leans against the door, grinning, exhaling loudly "I think I did ok... she likes me." He steps away to twist her in his arms, spinning her around in the hallway before he settles her down and captures her cheeks in his hands.

"I think she really likes me. Eileen..." he laughs, breathless "Oh geez, that was nerve wracking!"

[lowtohighest.livejournal.com]

Amazing how much of a relief it is to be able to cling to him again. How wonderful it feels to be swung around in his arms. Her fingers catch his wrists as he holds her cheeks, laughter soft but completely relieved.

"Of course she did. You're wonderful." Her lips catch his briefly, smile still beamingly bright as she bumps her nose against his. "Thank you. Thank you for--"

For what? For coming to dinner? For dazzling her mother? For being himself? For everything, really, over the last five years.

"Just thank you, nn?"

[jovencitobaston.livejournal.com]

He kisses back, grinning when she rubs noses with him. "Just you're welcome."

He grabs her hand and pushes it to his chest, chuckling "God... my heart is racing. Feel it." Babumpbabumpbabump, it's beating hard, as he strokes back her hair and smiles.

"I love you. Thank you for inviting me." He smirks "But I'm still hungry. You think you can sneak away to have a burger with me or something?"

[lowtohighest.livejournal.com]

She laughs as she ducks her head, hand pressed to his heart. Hard part done, right? He'd made a wonderful first impression. Would come back again, make more good impressions, solidify a place for himself fully in her mother's heart.

Perfect. Solid. Really, truly in it for the long term, now.

"Yeah." She doesn't stumble over his 'I love you's anymore, accepts them and doesn't panic over the fact she's not there yet herself. "Let me just say goodnight, nn? I'll meet you in town, if you want."

[jovencitobaston.livejournal.com]

"Ok, usual place alright?" he takes her hand to his mouth and kisses her fingers. As far as he was concerned, his place was solid already. And Argine... she'd said something to him that made him feel she understood that. Understood he planned to stay. He hoped she understood, because he was dead certain, already planning for his future by her side.

"Hurry... I'll see you there" A final kiss, until he sees her again soon.

[lowtohighest.livejournal.com]

Only left to meet his family. And that, thankfully, would take a long time to complete. Certainly enough time to get her mind around the idea of marrying anyone at all.

"Just a few minutes. Promise."

One final kiss. And then a few final moments with her mother, speaking quietly, confirming that yes, she has picked a good one. A keeper. The sort of boy not to let go of, even if he did have to vanish off to Spain for a few years.

And finally a few moments changing into something for her boyfriend (http://cdn3.gossipcenter.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/fullsize_image/images/a/anna-michael-081610-3.JPG) rather than her mother before running to meet him in Town.

Because there are a lot more moments to spend tonight, celebrating.

[jovencitobaston.livejournal.com]

He waited in the diner, somewhere low key where they had a regular booth pretty much, and knew the menu like they knew each others lips. The fact that it was in his price range didn't hurt either. He'd taken off his tie and shoved it in a pocket, now that he didn't have to impress Eileen's mom, anymore tonight.

He had ordered her usual iced tea and his own soda, and was waiting for her when he got a look of her in the window. The table wobbled as he got up to stare, gasping at the shortness of her skirt, because beyond him... she'd changed. Holy crap...

He sagged back into the booth, his jaw on the table as he stared when she walked in, his face flushed "Wow... just wow..." he breathed as he made room for her beside him. "Did your mother let you walk out of the house like that?" She had gorgeous legs he couldn't get enough of but.

Yeah, his heart had stopped. He was pretty sure of it. He was both embarrassed for her parading around like this, and yet also super excited... you know, excited, and yet on the third hand touched she'd wear something like this for him.

"I-- I--"

[lowtohighest.livejournal.com]

Of course she brightens when she sees him through the window. Of course her hand lifts in a tiny wave as she steps inside to make her way over toward him.

It's the look on his face up close that has her faltering slightly, hesitates just a moment before sliding in next to him. She's a good girl, leaves a bit of space between them instead of snuggling up next to him.

"She knows I own this skirt." Had not seen her leave her room wearing it to go meet her boyfriend, true, but had at some point been made aware Eileen owned it. Her fingers fidget slightly to tug it down a hair now that she's seated, edge it closer to her knees. "Is it too much?"

Not that she could do much of anything now. Maybe wrap his jacket around her waist or throw it over her lap, but not much beyond that.

[jovencitobaston.livejournal.com]

He looks down at the displayed part of her upper thigh and swallows, breathing "She does?" before he shook his head, his face scrunching up a little "Maybe... too little?" He blushes, and struggles but manages to peel his eyes away from the succulent display of her thighs.

"I mean... wow... you know I love your legs but..." its an audible swallow before he leans in to whisper "Wow... I won't be able to stand up for a while now that ... you know, because... geez Eileen, you have gorgeous legs."

He sips his soda and adjusts his collar, suddenly feeling hot, before trying to focus on what he wanted to tell her before she showed up "... you want to just share an order?"

[lowtohighest.livejournal.com]

It's the reaction she wants, of course. Tongue-tied, almost stammering, captivated. The knowledge that there's not a thought in his mind for at least the few minutes that he was staring beyond thoughts of her.

"If you like them, feels wrong not to let you enjoy them," she shrugs slightly. Maybe it's mean. Maybe wearing short skirts that got him excited when they were out in public wasn't the nicest girlfriend thing to do.

But wasn't she always good, at the end of the day, at helping out with exactly that sort of problem?

"Only if you're certain. You didn't eat much." Her fingers lift to pinch his cheek lightly before reaching for her iced tea. "Would splitting be enough for you?"

[jovencitobaston.livejournal.com]

She got exactly what she wanted, he's practically beside himself with reaction at those legs. "Cruel, wonderful girlfriend that you are..." he chuckles, sighing. Somehow, he'd be able to get out of the boot without embarrassing himself. Somehow. And yeah, she was, but she was devious for doing this to him.

He slid his arm along the back of the booth behind her and grinned, kissing her wrist when she pinched his cheek. "I had a soup, and part of a salad and the pie thing. We could share and split dessert. That would fill me up ok. Unless you want your own food, that's cool too. I'm sure I could finish whatever."

His arm reaches to caress her far shoulder and he pulls her closer, wanting to touch her after not being able to touch her at all when he was in their suite. "I missed you, come here."

[lowtohighest.livejournal.com]

It's hard not to scoot closer with his arm around behind her. Much better when he gives a nudge and she can nestle in against him properly. She'll cross her ankles like a good girl, at least, head dropping briefly to rest against his shoulder.

"How on earth could you have missed me?" She understands, really, but it's nice to tease. Nice to be themselves properly again, alone together, rather than caught up in being completely behaved versions of themselves under scrutiny. "I wasn't more than fifteen minutes. Tops."

They don't need menus, but she leans forward slightly to look at the ice cream flavours available for the day. A sundae isn't a particularly healthy way to end the day, but they're luxuriating and being a little naughty now, right?