Aislin liked hearing the positivity coming from Naomi. They’d only reconnected a week ago but she had been worrying about her friend and what was eating her alive. She knew enough not to ask and wasn’t that graceful with rooting around in minds—and it was just plain rude to do so without asking first. Of course there were situations where manners didn’t matter but even with a troubled friend, Aislin didn’t think she could do it. But their evening out so far had been full of smiles and now encouragement. It almost felt like a handful of decades ago; all they were missing was the cruising for some men to entertain them. The night was still young and she supposed there was time yet for that.
But the encouragement, as much as it made her smile softly, didn’t ease her fears of being a failure. Just because she acquired a skill didn’t mean she’d ever truly master it or be of any use to Rafe and the Family with it. She liked to believe that she offered skills in other ways and she would always be valuable on some level but how often could you be a disappointment before being dealt with? Aislin didn’t voice any of that as she didn’t want to ruin the mood of their night or make Naomi worry unnecessarily over being back around Rafe so she gave a little nod at the idea of celebrating even the smallest steps. After all, she truly was thrilled to be a dream walker and growing in some ways.
Then Naomi slipped for a moment, mentioning her dreams weren’t pleasant. Aislin desperately wanted to ask what haunted the feline day and night but they were in the middle of a festival and it was clear they were both determined to have a good time by the way Naomi was quickly moving on and asking more questions about the power. Aislin grabbed Naomi’s hand in hers and gave it a squeeze, quietly showing her support, reminding the other woman she would be there for her no matter what and then smiled at the questions.
“Currently I seem to be stronger and with my control when I’m in the same room and touching the person in some way. But I have accidentally wandered while I sleep and found my way in further away.” That was a bit messier, she explained with a chuckle, as that was where her nickname of Fig really started to grow legs. “So far I’m usually just a spectator but some people can see me lurking even when I’m trying not to be seen. I haven’t tried manipulating too much, like planting visions or something like that. Just chatting.” That seemed to be the basics of the power and Aislin felt like getting a better handle on that was better than just ploughing through and doing damage.
A bright peel of laughter escaped at Naomi’s whispered statement a moment later. “Naughty kitty… but I bet you’re right. I’ve flirted with a couple of people but more ‘physical’ interactions are down the list so far.” But maybe she could bump it up a few places since inquiring minds had to know the results. “But how about some real life interactions first? What do you say; shall we cruise the Apple Fest for a hot guy or two? After we slam back a few drinks, of course.” Aislin pointed to the beer tent even though neither one of them would truly feel the alcohol without considerable effort. But it was a traditional part of their routine before hitting the dance floor—even if the festival didn’t truly have one but Aislin saw a few people sway-dancing in the crowd by the stage so that was close enough.
But the encouragement, as much as it made her smile softly, didn’t ease her fears of being a failure. Just because she acquired a skill didn’t mean she’d ever truly master it or be of any use to Rafe and the Family with it. She liked to believe that she offered skills in other ways and she would always be valuable on some level but how often could you be a disappointment before being dealt with? Aislin didn’t voice any of that as she didn’t want to ruin the mood of their night or make Naomi worry unnecessarily over being back around Rafe so she gave a little nod at the idea of celebrating even the smallest steps. After all, she truly was thrilled to be a dream walker and growing in some ways.
Then Naomi slipped for a moment, mentioning her dreams weren’t pleasant. Aislin desperately wanted to ask what haunted the feline day and night but they were in the middle of a festival and it was clear they were both determined to have a good time by the way Naomi was quickly moving on and asking more questions about the power. Aislin grabbed Naomi’s hand in hers and gave it a squeeze, quietly showing her support, reminding the other woman she would be there for her no matter what and then smiled at the questions.
“Currently I seem to be stronger and with my control when I’m in the same room and touching the person in some way. But I have accidentally wandered while I sleep and found my way in further away.” That was a bit messier, she explained with a chuckle, as that was where her nickname of Fig really started to grow legs. “So far I’m usually just a spectator but some people can see me lurking even when I’m trying not to be seen. I haven’t tried manipulating too much, like planting visions or something like that. Just chatting.” That seemed to be the basics of the power and Aislin felt like getting a better handle on that was better than just ploughing through and doing damage.
A bright peel of laughter escaped at Naomi’s whispered statement a moment later. “Naughty kitty… but I bet you’re right. I’ve flirted with a couple of people but more ‘physical’ interactions are down the list so far.” But maybe she could bump it up a few places since inquiring minds had to know the results. “But how about some real life interactions first? What do you say; shall we cruise the Apple Fest for a hot guy or two? After we slam back a few drinks, of course.” Aislin pointed to the beer tent even though neither one of them would truly feel the alcohol without considerable effort. But it was a traditional part of their routine before hitting the dance floor—even if the festival didn’t truly have one but Aislin saw a few people sway-dancing in the crowd by the stage so that was close enough.
