driftfleet | (no subject)

Who: Beverly Crusher and invited guests
Broadcast: No
Action: Planetside
When: October 13th, mid-morning

[Another year for the Drift Fleet, another birthday for Beverly. She’s given up on trying to determine exactly how old she is - fifty seems a good enough compromise - but that does not mean she’s not going to celebrate. She’s had people she loves unexpectedly returned to her and that alone is worth celebrating.

So, after a bit of flying around the forested planet, she finds the perfect location for a little birthday brunch picnic, right on the edge of a grassy mesa, with one of the enormous fungus-trees providing some cool shade. A large blanket is set out with the finest smorgasbord the Blue Fish can offer: smoked t-rex meat, fresh fruit from the garden, pastries, and of course, syntheholic mimosas. People are of course free bring their own food as well. There are also a couple of decks of cards and poker chips, should anyone fancy a game. All in all, a it’s a very relaxed, casual atmosphere, simply a nice meal with close friends.]

ooc: if you have any questions regarding invitations, feel free to send me a message

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[She glances at the ring.]

Is there someone at home?

Oh, uh - no, this is a family heirloom.

[His expression grows more wistful as he holds his hand up, for her to better look at the ring (after all, he's always wearing it).]

There was someone a while ago, but I broke it off 'cause of the whole vampire-thing.

[Beverly studies the ring more closely. She has noticed it in the past, but never really thought to ask about it. A family heirloom - must be from the beginning of the nineteenth century, or even the end of the eighteenth.]

It's beautiful.

[Smiling gently, she fixes her gaze back on his face.]

I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring up anything painful for you.

No, it's more... I haven't had much of a chance to think about it.

[Between Alex leaving and the general chaos that had been their lives for the past few months, Stefan's been way too busy (and a little overwhelmed).]

And honestly, it was for the best. I don't want to drag anyone else into this whole thing.

[She nods, understanding perhaps more than he suspects. Not about being a vampire of course, but at least about being on the receiving end of finding out someone you're in love with is not exactly what they seem.]

Sometimes these things don't work out, and that's okay. I'm just glad you haven't completely shut yourself off.

The temptation's there, believe me. [Stefan's cheeks turn a faint red.] But it's - life's amazing because it's so ephemeral. The best things don't last forever.

Even if I do? I'd be selling myself short if I didn't get out there.

[She smiles softly.]

You sound like someone I once knew.

Yeah? [He blinks back surprise.] I hope that's a good thing.

Edited 2016-11-01 04:30 (UTC)

Very much so. I cared about them a great deal.

I can tell. What kind of person were they, if you don't mind me asking?

They always were - are - [He's not dead Beverly. Just... different.] up for a new experience, a new friendship, never wanted to let a moment go to waste.

[Headtilt.]

I hope you'll get to see them again. They sound pretty cool.

Maybe someday... but they have a new life now, one that I chose not to be a part of.

I see.

[All this time, he'd assumed that the "were" was because, well, everyone's separated from home. He presses his lips together, deciding against the full story.]

In that case, [he says, leaning in to kiss her cheek,] I hope your new life is just as exciting.

[It's appreciated, though she'd tell him if he did ask.

As it is she just laughs.]

I don't think I ever have to worry about a lack of excitement.

No, but I can at least hope it'll be the good kind.

[As opposed to, you know, the drama and mayhem that regularly plagues his homeworld. He catches sight of someone - Allen, maybe? Maglor? - and gives Beverly another kiss on the opposite cheek.]

Don't let me steal you away too long, but uh, again, happy birthday.