Music had started from the small band to one side of the dance area, and many couples had already arrived, chating and laughing as they mingled with the rest. The kids, each having received a toy, were having fun running around the place with them, showing them to parents and playing with each other.

Veldahar led Lyuthi into the lighted area, grabbing two drinks, and handing one to her. “A toast… to the most beautiful Princess in the land!” He bowed slightly as he raised his glass to her.

Lyuthi blushed, slightly embarrassed but held up her glass. “And to the most handsome and kind man I know.” She said gently tapping her glass against his. She still wasn’t used to the idea of being called Princess or even…being a Princess was so foreign to her.

Veldahar laughed, “Not so sure about being kind.” He said, sipping from his drink, and turning to survey the others who were here. “Everyone really outdid themselves for today.” He said in amazement.

“They really did! Everyone looks so good!” She said setting her glass down after  taking a sip. “Let’s dance!” She grabbed both of his hands and began to pull him towards where the dancefloor.

Veldahar laughed, quickly putting his drink down as he was dragged to the dance floor, quite red as he realized they were the first to take up the dancing.

Lyuthi didn’t care nor did she notice. Positioning herself correctly she placed Veldahar’s hands in the correct place then nodded. “The music is nice enough. We should take advantage.”

Veldahar chuckled, “I guess so.” He said, guiding her along the dance floor to the music, slightly clumsy in his movements.

Lyuthi chuckled, she enjoyed seeing him being like this. She did her best to guide him and smiled when she noticed a few other joining them. “…You are so cute.” She giggled.

Veldahar blushed more, smiling down at her. “Really? Well I think you’re the cuter of the two of us.”

Lyuthi giggled, blushing also. “Of course you do. But I think you are.” She said winking at him.

Veldahar grinned, dancing around with her happily. She was a better dancer than he was, but he was having fun all the same.

Cade smiled as they walked on, he admired everyone all dressed up. He could feel their positive energy and he couldn’t help but smile more. “Wow…everyone really out did themselves. Shall we go say hello to the others?”

Keelin smiled and nodded as she lead Cade over to the others. “Hello Silver, Lei, Iris, Rena. Enjoying the party so far?”

Cade smiled at the group, bowing to them all. “You all look very very nice.” He said looking to Lei for a moment then to Keelin with a smile. “It’s nice to see everyone in nice spirits…”

“Except Bast and Jing, but that’s normal for them.” Silver said with a smile, nodding to Lei, then poked his wooden dragon up for inspection. “Look! I got a gift from Chert too!” He said happily, hopping up and down as he shoved the toy at the two.

Lei looked at the dragon closely, laughing “Wow Silver. It looks pretty cool. But I thought Chert gave all the KIDS toys?” He teased.

Keelin smiled, watching them and looking at the toy. A small, sad smile came to her face as she looked at it. Remembering when she had met Chert, and bought a toy from him for her children. The sad smile dissapered as quickly as it came though as she hugged Cade. This was to be a happy night, she wouldn’t let her sadness come!

Cade looked to Keelin and smiled. “Want to dance?” He asked hugging her gently back. He’d notice her sadness and grinned. “Oh..I hear the spirits..uh..provided cookies…” He said his ear twitching in embarrasment.

Silver went quite red, pulling the toy back. “W…well it’s because I look tiny.” He said, bushy tailtip bristling. “But I don’t mind, it’s more a figurine than a toy anyways, and Jing’s getting one too!”

Lei burst out laughing, patting Silver on the head. “Oh I’m just teasing you. As long as a person enjoys a toy it doesn’t matter how old they are.”

Keelin grinned, “Sure!” She said, taking his hand and going over to where others were dancing. “We can have some yummy spirit cookies after a few dances.”

Cade turned red, by now Keelin knew he made them(I mean she knew from the beginnging), but it still was a bit embarrassing. “..Su-sure.” He said with a chuckle as they walked onto the dance floor. Placing his hands on her hips he smiled. “…I’m glad to be here with you.” He said his tail twitching behind him.

Silver huffed, and then took Rena’s hand, “May I have this dance?” The girl giggled, putting her own toy away she nodded, and the two waltzed onto the dance floor. Iris watched them with a smile, sighing as her eyes roamed over the couples dancing.

Lei smiled at them all going out and dancing, then looking at Iris. “You okay?”

Keelin giggled, nodding at Cade. “I’m glad to be here with you.” She said as she danced with him.

Lyuthi giggled as they danced, smiling at the other couples. Waving to Cade and Keelin as the xweetok nearly tripped onto the dancefloor. “You two look wonderful together~” She said happily.

Cade laughed, red from almost tripping. “You both look stunning yourselves.” He turned to Keelin then got back in position. “..It..Its been awhile since I last danced..” He said, obviously nervous.

Iris nodded, sighing once more as she stood. “I’m going to find some refreshments.” She said, turning away from the couples dancing.

Keelin smiled at him “Its Okay. I’ve never danced much either.” She admitted.

Lei watched Iris before looking back at the dancing and walking off a bit to find a place he couldjust sit down and watch.

Lyuthi saw Lei as she danced and looked up at Veldahar. “Would you mind if I asked Lei to dance once with me?” She asked hoping he’d be okay with it.

Cade chuckled. “Well then we’ll have to go slow.” He said as he began to lead her along the dancefloor. “What else do you do at these sort of parties?”

Veldahar grinned, glancing as the two separated. “Only if you get him to take Iris out for a dance afterwards.” He winked.

Lei watched silently, just enjoying the music. He really didn’t like these kinds of things, he had just come to well… show up. He wasn’t planning to stay long.

Keelin hummed a little, trying to think of stuff. “Dance, eat and drink and talk with friends… besides that I’m not really that sure.”

“How long do they last?” Cade asked as they continued to dance. “….I am interesting in trying the food. And..well getting to know the others better since I am going with your group now.”

Lyuthi giggled. “I will try! If not I’ll dance with her~” She said kissing his cheek before walking after Lei. “Lei!~” She called out happily, holding up her dress as she walked.

The draik smiled as he walked to one side, trying some of the dishes as he watched Lyuthi hunt Lei down with a small grin.

“Again I’m not really sure. I guess how ever long people want to stay out.” Keelin said with a shrug.

Cade laughed nodding as she spoke. “I see….Well I don’t know how long I’ll be out.” He couldn’t stay here long..just in case something happened… “…I think I may ask Iris to dance after this. You should ask your old friend…whose…name I don’t know.” He chuckled nervously.

Keelin nodded a little, “Chert you mean? Yes I was planning to ask him. Though I’m not sure if he will accept.”

Cade grinned and shook his head. “If he denied such a beautiful young lady as yourself a dance then he’d be a fool.” He nodded as he stopped with a smile. “I’ll go ask Iris, you Chert then we’ll meet up after?”

Keelin looked at Cade and smiled. “Okay.” She said before heading off to find Chert.

————————————————————————

Bast pulled her out to his side, as they got closer to the dance group. Silver spotted them first, and hopped towards them with Rena. “Woah Jing! You look really good!” He nodded.

Jing blushed more as she heared Silver, part of her really just wanting to run away now but instead she jsut gripped Bast’s hand tightly and held her ground. “T…Thanks Silver.”

Bast chuckled, noticing her discomfiture, he whisked her away. “Sorry SIlver, but this girl owes me a dance.” He said, taking Jing to the dance floor and bowing before holding her close. “Just one dance.” He grinned down at her.

Jing held onto Bast too, still blushing and she nodded a little. “Warning… I…I havn’tdanced in as long as I havn’t worn a dress…” She muttered quietly.

Bast chuckled, “Don’t worry, pirates don’t usually attend dances, it’s been years for me too.” He said as he started at an easy, slow pace.

Jing nodded, keeping close to Bast and letting him lead the dancing. “So you… don’t think I look funny wearing a dress…?”

Bast smiled, “Not at all… I think it suits you very well.”

Jing blushed more “You have Kinu to thank for the dress… this was nothing like I was thinking of.”

Bast smiled, “Well, thanks Kinu! You have excellent taste.” He winked at Jing.

Jing’s face was still red as she danced with Bast. Even though she hadn’t done this in years, it came back to her quickly. She blamed having been taught to dance when she was little.

Bast smiled, easing into the dance and twirling Jing around. “You dance very well.”

Jing looked at Bast, cheeks still a bit red. “T…Thanks Bast.”

The one song had ended and there was a small pause, and Bast whisked Jing off the dance floor, finding them refreshments. “That went well, don’t you think?”

Jing bit her lip a little as Bast took her off the dance floor. She actualyl… hadn’t wanted it to end yet. Nodding a little she find something to drink and sipping it. Now she felt more embaressed then ever, she wanted to keep dancing with Bast.

Bast smiled as he watched the others dance. “So… was it really that bad? Dancing?” He asked her.

Jing didn’t say anything immediently, looking down at her drink. Finally she shook her head a little. “N…No not really…” She said quietly.

Bast grinned as he watched Jing. “Want to dance another song?” He asked.

Jing didn’t say anything, but nodded a tiny bit, looking at her glass still.

Bast smiled, taking her hand as he put down his glass. “Let’s dance.” He said, winking at her. “Best to enjoy the night while we’re all dressed up for it.”

Jing bit her lip a tiny bit and nodded, “Okay Bast…” She said quietly, taking his hand.

Bast led Jing back to the dance floor, easily falling into the rythm of the song, laughing as he twirled her around.

Jing let Bast lead the dancing, just following his steps and finally starting to smile more.

Bast smiled wider as he saw her smile, and in a lul in the dancing he leaned over, kissing her on the mouth.

Jing’s face went so red it was amazing she didn’t suddenly pass out. She looked at Bast, unable to say anything towards him. She actually liked the feeling of his lips agenst hers… but she still wasn’t use to him kissing her, and this time there were so many people around!

Bast grinned as he pulled back continuing to dance, as the song finally came to an end, the band taking a break as everyone broke into clapping, and drifting off the dance floor for refreshments and food.

Jing was still red, though her face had gone back to its normal color for the most part. She held onto Bast’s hand as she headed over to the tables to get some food.

————————————————————————

Lei looked at Lyuthi, standing and smiling at her. “Hello Miss Lyuthi. How are you doing today?”

“You look great~” She said with a smile as she hugged his arm. “..I’m fine. Enjoying myself. You?” She grinned, and it was clear she had other motives as to why she was here.

Lei chuckled a little, “Thank you Miss Lyuthi.” He said, looking at her curiously and able to tell something was up. “I’m doing quiet well myself. Everyone outdid themselfs with this dance.”

Lyuthi grinned and poked his arm. “..Will you dance with me?” She said pouting slightly. “Please! Just one. And it can be far from the dance floor if you don’t want to be seen with me.”

Lei blinked in suprise at the request “Um… i’m not much of a dancer Miss Lyuthi. I would probably end up stepping on your feet.” He admitted.

“Oh no you won’t. ” She said holding hand. “We’ll go slow..I just want a dance with one of my best friends.~”

Lei looked at Lyuthi, still obviously not wanting to but he wasn’t the kind of person to argue. Sighing he finally smiled. “Alright Miss Lyuthi. One dance.”

Lyuthi clapped, hugging Lei. “Oh thank you!~ I am so excited. Where would you prefer to dance?” She asked beaming with excitement.

Lei smiled a tiny bit “Oh the dace floor of course, isn’t that were you are met to dance?”

Lyuthi blushed slightly. “We..well yes but I wasn’t sure where you wanted to dance.” She said with a small laugh.

Lei chuckled a little as they got to the dance floor. “Just a warning before hand… I’m sorry if I step on your foot.”

Lyuthi shook her head with a small laugh. “I’ll just step on yours~” She said with a grin as she put her hands in place. “Shall we?”

Lei grinend at Lyuthi, “Alright.” He said, starting to dance slowly, and he was a bit clumbsy with his steps.

Lyuthi seemed to be good at dodging his feet and smiled as she helped him along. “…Who wants to dance perfectly everytime anyway?” She asked as she guided Lei around the floor. “…I think you are doing just fine.”

Lei watched Lyuthi a little, but must of the time his eyes were on his feet to make sure he didn’t stop on them. He didn’t want to hurt her since his feel had pretty sharp claws. “Thanks Miss Lyuthi.”

Lyuthi moved her hand to his chin and she lifted it up. “I’m a tough girl. Watch me, not your feet.” She said softly, slowly letting his chin go. “This is a nice slow pace~” She said smiling brightly.

Lei looked at Lyuthi, smiling a tiny bit “Sorry, I’m just not use to this.”

“It’s fine!” Lyuthi said with a smile. “You are doing great.” She said watching the others. “It seems everyone else around us is feeling about the same.”

Lei nodded, looking around as well. He was already planning to leave once he was done this dance with Lyuthi. “Yes it seems so.”

Lyuthi hugged Lei quickly before returning to dancing. “I am so happy you decided to dance with me! Tonight is the best~” She looked over at Veldahar then up at Lei.

Veldahar was watching the group, smiling as Lyuthi looked over, lifting his glass in a toast.

Lei smiled a little, watching Lyuthi and glad she was enjoying herself. After all the chaos that had happened before, everyone really had needed this dance.

Lyuthi giggled, waving to Veldahar before twirling Lei with a laugh. “…See dancing can be fun~”

Lei laughed a little and nodded “I guess so.” He said, noticing Bast kissing Jing out of the corner of his eye and grinning. “Ohhh, look at the lovebirds.” He said softly.

Lyuthi stopped and looked over with a grin. “Aw!” She whispered, squeezing Lei’s arm. Biting the end of her thumb she sighed. “…I wish Veldahar would kiss me on the dance floor.” She muttered to herself, but she smiled at Lei. “I shouldn’t stare..” She said with a giggle as she continued to dance with the draik.

Lei smiled and stopped dancing as the song ended, looking at Lyuthi “Thank you fot eh dance Miss Lyuthi.” He said with a small nod.

Lyuthi took Lei’s hand and kissed it, pretending to be the male dancer. “The pleasure was all mine. ” She said letting go of Lei’s hand. “I enjoyed it! Thank you!” She glomp hugged Lei then made her way back to Veldahar.

Lei laughed a little as she watched Lyutho head back to Veldahar. Alright, he had enough of this party, he thought to himself before turning to leave and head back to the house.

————————————————————————

Chert was sitting at one of the tables, eating from a plate he’d piled high with different foods, and accompanied with a tankard of ale, watcing the others dance. “Never did find the point in twirling around like that.” He huffed to himself.

It didn’t take Keelin that long and she went up beside him, putting a hand on his sholder. “Would you mind… having a dance with me?” She asked with a timid smile.

Chert looked up at Keelin, flushing slightly. She looked so pretty in that dress. “Erm… I… I don’t dance.” He said, turning back to his plate. “Besides, I’m too short for you!”

“Please Chert? I want to dance with my friend.” She said, still smiling and bringing a hand towards him. “Just one dance?”

Chert grumbled more as he finished his ale. “I’ll look like a fool!” He stated stoutly.

Keelin didn’t budge, eyes looking at Chert pleadingly. “Please Chert…? Just one?”

Chert glanced back at Keelin and finally sighed, “Fine! But just once… making a fool of myself.” He wiped his faace and got up, looking up at Keelin and shaking his head, “Really make a fool of myself here.” He grumbled.

Keelin smiled, taking Chert’s hand. “Well I’m not that great at dancing so we can both be fools.”

Chert humphed and led her to the dance floor, looking rather red as he figured out how to place his hands on his rather taller companion.

Keelin didn’t seem to mind the height difference, looking at Chert. “Thanks for allowing me once dance.”

The music had started up by now and Chert danced clumsily along with Keelin. He mumbled something she didn’t catch, averting his eyes to the floor to keep from stepping on her with his large stumpy feet.

Keelin continued to dance, not going to fast or anything and just enjoying the music.

Chert slowly relaxed, finally looking up at Keelin as they danced, expression relaxing somewhat into something like a smile.

Keelin smiled happly at Chert as they danced. “See. This isn’t so bad.”

Chert huffed, “Maybe not.”

Keelin smiled happly at him, knowing that was about as good of a responce as she would get from her friend.

Chert had also spotted the two kissing, and grumbled. “Still think she’s too young for him.” He muttered, shaking his head.

Keelin looked at the two, and gave a small nod “I still don’t understand how she looks older.” She admitted quietly but finally shrugged, it was their choise. She then looked at Chert and smiled, Thank you for the dance Chert.”

Chert had let go of Keelin when the dance ended, nodding at her, mumbling under his breath as glanced around self-consciously, half expecting someone to laugh at him, and daring them to do it. He stayed by Keelin, searching in his pockets. Finally he brought out a small smooth wooden box, handing it up to Keelin without looking at her. “Erm… that’s for you.”

Keelin looked at Chert, blinking a couple times before taking the box and opening it curiously.

The box opened to reveal a bracelet of thin silver chain with small charms of dark redwood, shining so they looked glossy in the torchlights. They were lovingly carved into the shape of miniature pets of different species, dancing in the air. Each charm was no bigger than Keelin’s nails, but were very detailed, depicting children he had seen at Keelin’s orphanage.

Keelin let out a small gasp as she saw the bracelet “Oh… Chert this is beautiful.” She said softly, taking it out of the box and putting it on and looking at in silence for a minute. Seeing the detail of the charms tears came to her eyes as she smiled, moving to hug the tonu. “Thank you so much. I love it.”

Chert blustered, sputtering and flailing. “N…no need to get so sentimental!”

Keelin let go of Chert, rubbing a couple tears from her eyes. “Thank you Chert. Really. Your a good friend.”

Chert humphed, “Just… doing what I can.” He said, blushing furiously under his whiskered face.

Keelin smiled at Chert and nodded “Well thank you for this. And for the dance.”

Chert nodded, “N…no problem.” He stuttered, turning to clomp back to his plate.

Keelin watched Chert walk off, giggling a little before going over to get a plate of food for herself.

————————————————————————

Veldahar smiled, wrapping an arm around her lower back and pulling her close. “Had fun?” He asked, kissing her on the forehead.

Lyuthi nodded. “Mmhm!” She said picking a piece of food off his plate. Popping it in her mouth she smiled before swallowing it. “You?”

Veldahar chuckled, “I’m having a lot of fun.” He said.

Lyuthi smiled snuggling him gently. “Good!~ Lei was a good dancer. I had so much fun. Did you see Jing and Bast kiss???” She looked to him and smiled. “It was adorable.” Taking a sip from her glass from before she watched the group of people.

Veldahar nodded, “They do make a rather cute couple.” He agreed, “Both young and with plenty to look forward to, and similar personalities.”

Lyuthi nodded and moved to sit down beside him. “I agree..” She watched everyone and laid her head on Veldahar’s shoulder.

Veldahar smiled, seated beside her he moved closer, letting her rest against him. “You aren’t already tired are you?”

“No.” She said softly. “Just admiring the people.” She said watching everyone and their exchanges. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d seen this many happy people.

Veldahar smiled, his other hand leaving his cup aside moved to tilt Lyuthi’s face up towards her, leaning over to kiss her lips softly.

Lyuthi looked to Veldahar and she turned dark red as he moved close. Letting out a small squeak she moved back slightly. He could feel her shaking slightly. She didn’t go far(more like an inch) before she let him kiss her.

He kissed her lips only, brushing his against her before pulling back, watching her red face searchingly. “You… okay?” He asked softly.

Lyuthi nodded quickly, she was quite red. “…I..just..” She looked down. “Don’t want to disappoint you. I don’t remember how to kiss or anything.” She admitted quietly, fidgetting. “…I don’t want you thinking I am…bad..or..anything…”

Veldahar blinked, “What do you mean? Why would I think that? No one knows how to kiss on their first try either, that never stopped anyone before.”

Lyuthi turned darker red. “…Well…I am sure a handsome man like you has had many previous lovers..” She muttered quietly looking up slowly. “I don’t remember any of that..or..if..” She stopped turning redder. “…I just want to make you happy…with me.”

Veldahar smiled, moving to hold her close, and kissing her again.

Lyuthi let out another small ‘eep’ but kissed him back, placing her hands on his chest.

Veldahar kissed her lightly, kissing her lips and slowly leading her into a deeper kiss.

Lyuthi hesitated at first, not completely sure what she was supposed to do, but let him do what he wanted. She just followed, her heart beating a million times a second.

Veldahar was a good teacher, and he hugged her close, enjoying the kiss.

Lyuthi pulled back, catching her breath as she leaned her forehead against his. They weren’t kissing for long but her heart was beating so fast that it made it harder for her to catch her breath.

Veldahar smiled at her as she caught her breath. “How was that?”

Lyuthi pulled back, dark red. “…Really…nice.” She said quietly. “…Was..I..Was..I okay?” She put a shakey hand on her chest.

Veldahar smiled, nodding. “Oh yes… very much so.” He assured her.

Lyuthi smiled slightly  and moved to lay her head on his chest. “…..My heart is beating so fast.” She grabbed his hand and put it on her chest. “Can..can you feel it?”

Veldahar’s hand twitched, looking down at her. “Yes… it’s beating… pretty fast.” He gulped.

Lyuthi stayed where she was, her arms wrapped around him now. “…I can hardly catch my breath!” She said, not moving his hand away(torture).

Veldahar nodded, he was having trouble breathing himself, with his hand there. Slowly he pulled it away, but since she was holding him in her embrace, his hand ended up lowering to grab her breast.

Lyuthi didn’t say anything, she didn’t really mind. Hearing the music she looked up at him. “Want to dance again?”

Veldahar nodded, “Sure.” He said, pulling hand and body away he stood, and extended a hand to help her up.

Lyuthi took his hand and stood smiling. “…I think tonight has been the best night of my life~” She said bringing his hand up to her lips she kissed it softly.

Veldahar chuckled, “Well, at least that you remember. I’m sure you had many happy nights before as well.” He said, leading her to the dance floor. “But perhaps I can help fill the void with new happy moments.”

Lyuthi froze for a moment, flinching at his comment. She smiled though and pretended it didn’t bother her. “…I hope we can. I want to make as many as I can with you.” She said with a smile.

Veldahar missed the reaction from her as he turned to hold her, and begin dancing. He smiled at her, “I think we’re on the right track now at least.”

Lyuthi nodded, she had been getting better at faking happy, and she wasn’t…totally faking. “Mmhm!~” She said as she moved closer to him. “…I think from this point on we’ll only have lots of time to make good memories.”

Veldahar leaned forward, kissing her on the nose. “Not completely sure of that with what we plan to do, but we’ll make the most of it.” He nodded, twirling her around.

Lyuthi laughed happily as she was twirled and winked. “You just have to enjoy the little things.” She said with a smile.

Veldahar smiled at that, “Will you teach me to?” He asked, nuzzling her neck.

Lyuthi gently ran her hand through his hair as he nuzzled her and nodded. “Of course~” She said soflty.

Veldahar smiled, as he continued to dance with Lyuthi.

————————————————————————

Bast smiled as he let Jing lead her to the tables. “I’m glad you’re loosening up Jing… I like it when you’re like this.”

Jing looked at Bast for a monute before looking away. “It feels weird to me… But… I’m trying.”

Bast nodded, “Well after all we’ve been through I suppose it is odd, but it’s best to just enjoy this time.”

Jing nodded, looking at Bast “I guess… But something like this… You can’t tell me your not feeling atleast a little weird with all of this. I havn’t been in such a happy… relaxed place in years.”

Bast nodded, “I haven’t either.. I’d say… I haven’t been to a party like this in six years or so.” He smiled faintly, a wistful sadness crossing his face before he hid it again, taking up two glasses of wine he offere one to him. “A toast… for fleeting moments of happiness. May there be many more.”

Jing noticed his sadness, and she was also curious as to what he had been to six years ago. She looked at the class, taking it and sniffing it. She had never actually had alchohol before… after all she was tecnally under age. She looked at Bast and nodded “To more happy times to come.”

Bast smiled, downing his drink. “Aaah… very good.”

Jing watched Bast before having a sip of her drink. “It tastes kinda funny…” She admitted before having another small sip.

Bast chuckled, “Easy there, squirt, don’t want you getting too drunk.” He leaned closer, a mischevious look on his face. “Or I might take advantage of that.”

Jing looked at Bast before looking away, blushing. “I wouldn’t get drunk on jsut one glass!” She said, though she was actually clueless at that. She had no idea how she would react to it.

Bast laughed, “We’ll see won’t we?”

Jing looked at Bast, tail twitching a little before having another small sip of her drink.

Jing fidgeted a little, looking at Bast. “What…?” She muttered, a little uneasy at him staring at her.

Bast grinned slightly, “I just can’t stop staring at you, you look so beautiful.” He moved forward to brush the long bangs out of her face, and back behind her ears, staring into her eyes. “Why do you hide your eyes?”

Jing blushed a little as she heared Bast, looking at him before looking away. “I don’t hide my eyes…”

Bast chuckled, “Yes you do… and they’re so beautiful too…”

Jing still didn’t look at Bast, fidgeting a little. “S…Some of the people back at home… didn’t think so.” She said softly, before having another small sip of her drink.

Bast sighed, “We’re not on the island anymore Jing.” He said, poking her nose.

“I know Bast.” Jing muttered, “None of my family except me had gold eyes… some thought it was actually a bad omen…” She admitted before sighing ahd leaning agenst Bast.

Bast hugged her, “I think they look amazing… yellow eyes… like a cat’s.”

Jing looked at Bast, hugging him. “Like a cat’s…? Do you… like cat’s Bast?”

Bast smiled, nodding. “Yup… I love cats… always have.”

Jing smiled a tiny bit, hugging Bast and closing her eyes. She liked sitting with Bast and hugging him like this. Though she was starting to feel a bit funny

Bast looked down at Jing, smiling and squeezing her slightly.

Jing smiled a tiny bit, just keeping close to Bast and relaxing.

Bast stroked Jing’s long, unbound hair as he watched the party, sighing contently.

Jing just leaned agenst Bast, watching as well before she moved a little to kiss Bast’s cheek.

Bast smiled, kissing her back thenr eaching over to get a refill of his drink, sipping at it.

Jing blushed a little before having the last sip of her own drink and leaning agenst Bast.

Bast smiled further as she relaxed. “Not so bad wearing a dress, eh?” He asked, twirling his finger in her hair.

Jing didn’t say anything for a minute, or even look at Bast. “I guess not… But I’m still not wearing a dress ever again.” She muttered with a small nod. “This is a one time thing. I’m warning you about that right now.”

Bast laughed faintly, “Not even for marriage?”

Jing blushed more, but didn’t say anything immediently. “I don’t think I’ll be ready for that any time soon…” She finally said quietly. “But… maybe when I am I’ll wear a dress for that…”

Bast laughed, “Good, a bride in pants would look rather odd.” He nodded. “Wonder who’ll be your groom when you ARE ready.” He grinned.

Jing looked at Bast for a moment before looking away from him, still blushing a little but she said nothing. It was obvious she was nervous, because by now the fur on her tail was fluffed out so much it looked over twice as big as normal.

Bast caught sight of the fluffed-up tail and actually giggled, moving to pat the fluffiness.

Jing jumped in suprise as Bast touched her tail, moving it away quckly. “What was that for?”

Bast grinned, “What? It looks so fun to touch!” He tried grasping it back to where he could pet it.

“Ack! Bast!” Jing said annoyed as he grabbed her tail. “Stop it!” She said before trying to tickle him so he would have to let go.

Bast squirmed only faintly, controling his ticklish impulses. “Why?” He laughed, “Your tail is so amazing!”

Jing stuck her tongue out at Bast and grinned “BEcause I said so thats why!”

Bast chuckled, and jerked to the side to try and catch her tail.

Jing yelped as Bast grabbed hold of ehr tail, adn glared at him, “Let go of my tail!!” She said, laughing and trying to tickle him again.