Accidently on purpose cont [Shona and Fisher]

[Fisher nó Bryony]

I held the door for her and once inside we were led to a table. Once we were both seated, I asked, “Wine? They have a lovely selection if you’d like a glass.”

[Shona Tertignan]

I'd slipped in after our walk, still quite happy that fate had made our paths cross.

“A glass wouldn't be indecorous, your pick is mine. This reminds me, do you still have that infamous rice wine, in your office?” I chuckled lightly as I opened the menu and surveyed it with a distracted eye.

[Fisher nó Bryony]

I ordered a glass of white wine for her and a glass of juice for myself before answering.

“Oh yes, I’ve only had one more occasion to offer it to anyone since you had some,” I said with a chuckle.

[Shona Tertignan]

“You're remarkably merciful,” I replied, chuckling. “Who was the hapless victim?”

I made my choice and closed the menu – it would be something light – I had a small appetite, with the heat.

[Fisher nó Bryony]

“Not a victim at all,” I said, chuckling. “It was a patron from a Ch’in delegation. You think so poorly of me.” I gave her a wink and set my menu aside as well.

[Shona Tertignan]

“My opinion of you is awful, I'm just here for the food,” I replied evenly, with my best bluffing face on.

Of course I wasn't. I couldn't believe I'd spent a whole year without Fisher about – it was like being with family again.

[Fisher nó Bryony]

“Oh good, then at least we are both here for the same reason,” I replied, teasing her in return. I was having to fight the grin that wanted to spread across my lips; I really had missed Shona.

[Shona Tertignan]

“Yes, it's a pity this place is so crowded and we have to sit together,” I went on, still fighting down my amusement, my joy, and, well, the grin that was creeping to my lips, and the laughter bubbling into my throat.

[Fisher nó Bryony]

“Perhaps if I bribe the waiter he will let you sit in the corner by the bins?” I suggested, trying to sound helpful and knowing I was losing miserably.

[Shona Tertignan]

“Hm, perhaps,” I replied, “Though that would be an expenditure. I'm flattered that you would spend such a fee on me, though, thank you, Fisher.”

And I couldn't help it, then, I laughed, a quiet chuckle, quickly stifled.

I must have been losing my touch.

[Fisher nó Bryony]

My grin broke across my face when she chuckled. “Anything for you, dearest friend,” I told her.

[Shona Tertignan]

I couldn't help but wriggle my eyebrows. “Anything, hm? Now, that's quite the statement, Fisher dear.”

I couldn't help but chuckle at him, but I was just happy to be there, really.

[Fisher nó Bryony]

“I only speak the truth,” I said with a chuckle.

Our drinks arrived and I waited for her to order before I did.

[Shona Tertignan]

I ordered a glass of green wine, as it would be lighter than the whites or the red, and a plate of Millazzan rice and chicken, though the sauce seemed to be unorthodox, as it included apples, then raised my eyebrow at Fisher, inviting him to take his turn.

[Fisher nó Bryony]

I ordered the fish stuffed with lemon wild rice and a side of vegetables glazed in pomegranate honey.

The server left and I turned to Shona again. “So, where were we?” I asked with a grin.

[Shona Tertignan]

“I believe,” I said, hands under my chin, “that you meant to tell me about Allissande.”

I left it at that, so that Fisher might tell me as much or as little about her as he wished.

[Fisher nó Bryony]

“Ah yes,” I said, leaning back in my chair. “Well, the rest of the story really is that she gave birth to twin girls and there is quite a possibility that I am their father.”

[Shona Tertignan]

Well, he certainly had me by surprised here. I raised my eyebrows a moment, blinking at him. “-- why, congratulations,” I replied. “How do you feel about this particular gamble?”

[Fisher nó Bryony]

“Rather happier than I ever imagined I would,” I said, smiling. “The girls are beautiful and amazing.”

My smile faded a bit. “It’s hard though, for I am not sure how much she wants me involved. She says I can come and see them and her, but there is another man who could be their father as well and the last thing I want is to cause trouble or stress.”

[Shona Tertignan]

I listened, head tilted patiently. Indeed, much had passed since I'd gone to Kusheth, all the way to the rocky province, and back.

“Well,” I said patiently, “do you need the babes to be of your blood, to love them?”

[Fisher nó Bryony]

“No, not at all,” I told her without hesitation. “I love as if they are my own, either way. I just don’t want to get in the way if she wants to be with him instead.”

[Shona Tertignan]

I nodded, just once – I'd been there once myself, and it was a painful situation to be in. “I understand,” I said softly. “Has she given you any reason to believe that you weren't her first choice?”

[Fisher nó Bryony]

“No, but I have no evidence to prove that I was either,” I replied. I sighed deeply and leaned back in my chair. “This is a situation I would never have imagines finding myself in.”

[Shona Tertignan]

“A gamble you couldn't wish to make,” I said thoughtfully. “Of course.”

I leaned into my chair, took a sip of my green wine to buy myself thinking time. After a moment, I spoke with deliberate slowness.

“Does it matter to you? You said you loved her – is loving Allisande not joy enough?”

[Fisher nó Bryony]

“It is… but it is not a joy for which I will risk her happiness,” I replied. “It would be so much easier if I knew if she loved me.”

[Shona Tertignan]

I nodded, and over my glass of wine, I asked, lightly, as if talking about the weather, “Have you asked her?”

[Fisher nó Bryony]

“No…” I said, my voice trailing a little. “How exactly does one ask that?”

[Shona Tertignan]

“This way,” I said softly. I leaned over the table, and tried to look Fisher in the eye, and asked, “Do you love me?”

It wasn't invasive or demanding – it was just a quiet side of supplication, but only enough to beckon attention, but not pity. It was full of tenderness, too – it was lined with silver I love yous.

Perhaps I was no longer an adept. I still new a few tricks.

[Fisher nó Bryony]

For an instant, I was lost in the moment of her asking me that question. The answer rose to my lips, but even as it did I knew there were so many layers to it that there was no way that two or three letters could truly do it justice.

The moment broke and I chuckled. “Yes, like that,” I agreed. “But what if she says no?”

[Shona Tertignan]

“If she says no,” I replied gently, “come to the temple of Anael, and cry on your friend, or brood, or do what you must. You will suffer,” and there was, in the way I spoke, I knew, a bit of the hoarseness of my own suffering. “But at least you will know, and though it may take time, you will be free, too, of this questioning.”

I gave him a soft little smile.

“I know, it's not easy. One can survive the fear and the pain, two fold, Fisher.” I knew it all too well.