Beach BBQ [Open]

[asharpertongue]

Levi's idea for a beach party had been a good one. After the past few weeks they both needed to blow off a little steam and Lara had taken to the idea like the proverbial siren to water, inviting all her employees and friends. Levi had put the word out at the police station and among his closer friends so between them a decent crowd was forming.

The tables lining the beach were piled high with food and drink, a DJ was already in full swing and people were drifting over to the large bonfire for warmth as the chill started to cut through the summer evening. A few of the Heart of Gold employees had brought their kids along for the festivities and a friend of Lara's was performing little glamours and tricks to keep them entertained. Large clusters of huge pillows were dotted about the beach just a little way from Levi's house and lanterns and firelight bathed the whole area in a warm glow.

Maybe Lara had taken it a little far but she liked to treat her friends and everyone could use a little R&R.

OOC: Levi and Lara's friends have been officially invited, but everyone else feel free to wander in at your leisure~.

Comments

[jasonwright]

Jason looks confused but follows Lara, never one to say no. "Uh, sure. What's going on?"

[asharpertongue]

"Nothing bad, I promise. It's to do with Iris. I understand she's been practicing her persuasive skills with you and Eli and others. I wanted to ask, how have you felt about that?" Spreading her hands, Lara smiled. "Honesty would be appreciated."

[jasonwright]

"It felt weird, I mean just the sensation of it, but comfortable. I trust Iris and I'm happy to help her practice." He answers honestly, scratching the back of his head.

[asharpertongue]

"Are you?" Lara said, tone sharper, eyes more assessing. "Because to truly understand her heritage she's going to have to practice using all of her powers. Potentially with strangers." She could see by the line of his shoulders that he didn't enjoy that idea and softened her tone, smiling. "Of course, I don't want that for her."

She waved a hand down the beach back towards where Iris was chewing on her nails. "Traditionally, another siren would be training with her from an early age when they both came into their powers. Obviously Iris was robbed of that chance and now we're having to...improvise." Lara watched the information sink in with Jason and left the unasked request for him to help Iris hang in the air. She would persuade him if she had to but she wanted him to come to this decision himself if at all possible.

[jasonwright]

"So who's supposed to help her now?" he asks, because strangers are out and she obviously didn't get to train with another siren growing up. Which left...her friends.

"She's mentioned the...sexual side of things," he scratches his head. "I don't think she should practice with a stranger, that doesn't seem right for her, but if she wants that, that's her decision. Otherwise that just leaves Eli, Kennedy, and...me." He's confused. He's not sure exactly why Lara's approaching him about this but looking at Iris' anxiousness, he's starting to have an idea. "How can I help her with something like that? She should like the person."

[asharpertongue]

Lara smiled at Jason and looked pointedly at Iris before looking back. Jason was a smart man. He'd understand.

"She's a shy girl." She said simply.

[jasonwright]

Jason looks at Iris then back to Lara and shifts because...he's a idiot. "I...really had no idea. She's so nice to everyone."

[asharpertongue]

"And you're a good man who doesn't take advantage of nice girls in their innocence." Lara said warmly. "If you were anything else then you and I would be having a very different conversation."

Smiling, Lara looped her arm through his again, walking slowly fifty yards from Iris and closing. "She needs someone she can trust, someone she can genuinely be free with. Someone who won't hurt her. She's chosen you. You're free to say no, of course, but if you're going to then do it now, please, and do it gently."

Lara doubted very much that he would. She could see the realisation taking root and the affection in his eyes for Iris growing with every step they took closer.

She let him walk the final few yards alone, letting go of his arm with a reassuring smile. This was for them to work out now.