All I Ask

[Nara McKenna]

Things got into a tentative routine for the band since signing on at the Moonstone Cafe after their opening night. They were well received after initial uncertainty. They were a group of unknowns across the pond but after luring in the crowd with a rendition of Alive by Godsmack, they were impressed with Nara velvety voice that quickly shifted to a potent allure when belting out lyrics as the band's thunderous melody kept pace with her. It only got better after that.

Word of mouth helped as Roxane hinted at, but Ethan and Vicki had fun with promoting the band on the cafe's Twitter account with an array of hashtags to see what gained any traction, which were usually crickets, until they paired it with food choices offered. That got more views and working with Lila, were able to promote the cafe as well for fresh baked goods, amazing drinks, and atmospheric music all week by local bands. They also hit the pavement and put up flyers with local businesses - highlighting the music lineup for the month and foodie specials.

The work was good for Nara. It helped her focus. The band practiced Thursday mornings and played solo Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday. The later the band decided on so they could have the weekends free. Nara filled a lot of her time with Hans helping with the renovations so she could keep busy. She knew a little bit about home improvements and this was the monotonous work that kept her mind free from wandering too much, even if the object on her mind was down the hall.

She kept her word and became decidedly less awkward around Roxane. When the Bastet wanted to be around company, it was usually in cat form as warned. Even Paul was able to bestow pets upon the elusive cat now and then but it was usually Nara's boots she'd curl around or beside when working on lyrics, music, or painting in back room addition.

That was the Garou's last three weeks. She kept busy as her kin enjoyed London, but one of them was going to prod her dear friend into joining in on the fun.

It was after their fourth Friday night performance and the backroom filled up so well that admittance had to go to standing room. That was an accomplishment! Some of the crowd had dispersed to the front for food and drinks, others stayed in the back for drinks and dancing. Usually Nara would disappear right after set but tonight Vicki convinced the Fury to share a drink with her and unwind for a change.

"See? This is nice!" the bassist said, needing to lean close to be heard. Vicki had her back against the counter while standing next to Nara, who was sitting on the barstool.

Nara took a long sip from her glass, some pale ale that was in season, and shrugged. "Yeah. I guess. Been awhile since we had some drinks together."

"Exactly!" She nudged the Garou with an elbow. "And it's nice, huh? People liking the sets and saying so when we came out. Hasn't been like that for awhile. Not since Chicago."

She rocked her head back and forth in thought before a firm nod came in agreement. "Yeah. That's true."

Vicki glared without Nara noticing and was about to respond with before another voice beat her to it.

"Um ... hi?" The voice was timid and unsure, but the face that it came out of was eager and a bit starstruck.

Nara peered over her shoulder to see who it was. It was a woman about her age with dark hair highlighted blonde that came down to her shoulders that was pushed out of her face with thin white headband. She wore a thin strapped white top that accentuated her chest but fanned out towards the waist. There were various black and silver bracelets and bands around her wrists that matched the choker.

"Hey." She kept it simple but was polite.

"You're really great! Um ..." She chewed on her lower lip as she gained courage to speak further. "... been seeing ya both play since ya started here. You're all so great."

Despite being inclusive, the fan was speaking directly to Nara.

"Thanks. I'm glad you're enjoying the music."

"And you've seen us every Friday?" Vicki asked curiously.

"Oh yeah! And couple of weekday performances when I can. You're that good!" she confirmed, briefly looking at Vicki before all eyes took in the Garou. "Never heard a voice like yours before ..." she added as quietly as she could without the music drowning it out. Her courage would only last for so long.

"Ya hear that?" Vicki shouldered her friend playfully. "She really likes your singing."

Licking her lips, Nara shifted so her expression was not seen by the fan and shot Vicki a warning look. "Well, I'm glad people like my singing. I like sharing our work and we're lucky to find an awesome gig here." Nara turned back to the woman and gave her an honest smile. "And an awesome crowd to share it with ... um ...?"

"Casey!" she answered eagerly. "I'm Casey."

"Nice to meet you Casey. I'm -"

"Nara of course!" she beamed and backed down, looking sheepish. "Sorry... just happy to finally meetcha."

"It's cool. Um ... did you want a drink or something for showing up so often to our sets?"

"Well ..." Casey leaned against the counter and moved just a little forward, closing the space between them with blue eyes flickering between Nara's lips and eyes, "I was thinking more of sharing a dance with ya?"

"Uh ..." Nara was stunned and felt the heat rushing to her cheeks. She wasn't sure what to do. Before meeting Roxane, she wouldn't question this at all and would have said yes to have a bit of fun, even as she was working through the raw emotions from the fallout with Brigid. Now? She was conflicted. Which was absurd. She promised to be the Bastet's friend and be there for her during this rough auspice change.

Vicki sighed. Nara last real relationship went bad and the woman that she was interested in, wasn't available, so the Garou was holding it together but was a pouty pup inside. If the two of them hadn't laid out the groundwork for their current friendship, Vicki would offer for the two of them to casually screw to blow off some steam. Since that wouldn't happen, she had to do some encouraging.

"Go on ..." she whispered after resting her chin on her friend's shoulder so Casey wouldn't see or here. "... have a little fun." When she didn't hear Nara commit to anything, she tried again. "You do deserve to have some fun, hun, but ... do it because you want to, okay?"

The Garou hesitated long enough where Casey leaned back and looked down at the counter. "It's fine. Never mind. You just ..."

"Wait." She took a deep breath and this time she reached out to place her hand near Casey's. "Sure."

Casey looked up in shock, not yet wanting to believe it. "Really?"

"Yeah." Nara smiled and stood up, feeling Vicki give her an encouraging squeeze around the waist. "Really, really."

"Awesome!" Her smile was toothy and appreciative as she watched Nara knock back the rest of her ale. With a tentative reach, she wrapped an arm around Nara's to lead her to the dance floor

The Garou looked back questioningly towards Vicki who just shooed her off playfully and mouth have fun like I said!

Nara could feel Casey's nervousness now, not just hear it. It was subtle, but her skin shook and she could hear how quickly her breathing hitched up several notches being in close proximity to the object of her desire, who was also getting noticed since she locked arms with the lead singer. Nara had to appreciate that Casey wasn't looking to be noticed that way, at least on the surface it appeared that way. She was focused on checking with Nara and smiling towards her as she found a good place to dance. Once they were facing each other, Nara really looked at her and did find her attractive. She had drank and danced with fans that approached her before so why should this be so different?

The answer was easy and it hadn't changed in three weeks. And it wouldn't change in three more, or three months, or three years. Nara knew this and had to accept it.

So with an inviting smile, she curled her finger for Casey to come closer and the two of them cozied up together to the beat of the music.

[Roxane McDonnell]

Roxane had finally settled into her Night Pryio in the last couple of weeks. It didn't make things easier; but at least more predictable; and it made for a small victory. She never knew how long her phases would last; for even a very difficult change didn't mean that she would linger in it for a few days or a couple of months. She wished that she wasn't in her Night one with the band around. It made her both a recluse at heart, and heightened her growing affection for Nara.

When hit with a bad Night Pryio, she would just call one of her usual one night stands if needing some release, or just pick someone up. She had been unable to bring herself to do it in the past week. It was ridiculous, because she had promised to herself that she wouldn't entertain anything other than friendship with the Galliard. Yet she was still pining like an adolescent Bastet. It was pathetic, really.

She had used much of her insomnia to go through her journals, and realized how much of a mess her chronicles were. She had begun to go through them and put some order into them. She had found a tiny mention of Nara's ancestor; but she knew she had more. She still felt too empty-handed to tell Nara she had found anything.

The band had become a quick success and she was grateful that people saw their talent as she did, as well as how amazing they had been at bringing new customers and promoting the Cafe. Hell, she and Lila and been working on adding a few new flavors to the baked goods choice, much to their patrons' delight. She had noticed how Lila seemed to be taken with Paul. Even though he could be an ass, he had a good heart, and he had almost grown on her. Hell, she had let him pet her when in kitty form, so that was progress.

The evening set had been amazing that night. Roxane felt in one of her happiest moods as of lately. She even made small talk, as much as yelling over the music or whispering close could be needed with the music going on. She didn't even feel uncomfortable with all the crowd, finding energy in people's enthusiasm.

She had caught sight of Vicki and Nara near the bar, and spotting how Nara's bottle was getting emptier, she had gone and fetched two more, really one of the Galliard and one for herself. She wasn't thinking anything crazy, just looking forward to spend time with her, and maybe, just maybe, even asking her to dance. After all, it was a friendly thing to do, right? It didn't mean anything if one didn't end all over the other.

There was a bounce in the blonde (https://i1.wp.com/www.mansworldindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/natalie-hozier-someone-new.gif)'s step as she made her way through the crowd.

She stopped on her tracks, one of the bottles almost knocked out of her hand by a nearby patron, as she saw a girl, Casey she thought, chat Nara up. She felt a dark shudder as she acutely watched their body language, all the way to the moment the Galliard left for the dance floor, arm in arm, with the other woman.

She was about to turn away when she realized that Vicki had seen her.

I probably look like a lovesick teenager. Great, just fucking great.

To try to save face, she walked up to Vicki and placed both bottles of ale on the counter. She mustered the strength to offer a genuine warm smile to the musician.

"You guys rocked it tonight. I guess I'm just a tad too late for celebratory drinks."

Get a grip, you idiot.

She nodded in the direction of the dance floor.

"Casey's been a regular for a long time. She'll be good for Nara."

She meant it though. She had never had anything with the girl, but she was fun and had always been supportive of the place, bringing in a good many friends. Roxane liked her. At least, she used to like her. Right now, she'd be lying if she tried to tell herself she wasn't both pissed and jealous in the pettiest way.

[Vicki Stapleton]

Inwardly Vicki was kicking herself for encouraging Nara to go dance with Casey! How the hell was she supposed to know that Roxane was going to come over when the owner had been incognito for the last few weeks. If she had an inkling that the blonde was going to be social tonight, she would've kept the Garou on a tight leash and politely assist in letting Casey off easy. Even if the two idiots wouldn't have progressed their friendship any further, and Vicki had no fucking idea why, at least they were doing what they wanted which was spend time together that didn't involve Roxane purring up a storm in cat form.

She watched all of the joy drain out of Roxane's face and waited to see how the woman would play this off and was rather surprised she came over. Roxane was trying to play it cool because she noticed. If she hadn't, Vicki was confident the Bastet would've about faced and ran off to wallow.

Vicki shrugged in agreement but was eying her with a hard stare. "Yeah, just a tad late. But thanks. Was probably our best set yet."

She followed where Roxane pointed out and sighed watching Casey and Nara dance. Nara was giving it a real go and trying but if she had a choice, she knew the Garou would want to be here hanging out. Or dancing with Roxane.

"I'm not an idiot." Vicki decided to start with the obvious. "But you two certainly are."

She shifted her gaze back to Roxane and raised a challenging brow. "I don't claim to understand what's going on with the two of you. Or why neither of you made a move to act on what we all see."

Finishing off her drink, she took the one that was intended for Nara. "And it ain't none of my business the whys. All I do know is, Nara's out there cuz I encouraged her. She didn't want to go."

Taking a sip to let those words sink in, Vicki nudged her in much the same way she had done with her friend, shouldering in the direction of the dance floor. "So cut the crap and go get her because I'm fairly certain you're better for her than just good for her."

She wasn't going to knock Casey because the girl did seem nice and under normal circumstances, it would've been great if only the Garou wasn't pining for the woman next to her.

"Give yourself more credit..." She nodded towards where Nara was lost in the moment dancing with Casey, who was giving it her all to keep all of the Garou's attention on her. There wasn't any room between their bodies as Casey swayed and gyrated against Nara with a knowing glint in her eyes. "... and stop it before it goes any further ..."

[Roxane McDonnell]

Roxane held Vicki's hard stare. She knew that the other woman had figured things out, which wasn't hard for neither Nara or herself had been particularly subtle about how they liked each other, even though they had been hell bent on not taking things any further than platonic friendship.

"You're welcome. I only hire the best," she replied coldly, even though she meant her words. The band was phenomenal.

The Bastet hissed at Vicki's statement about how she was an idiot, just like Nara. She didn't disagree though.

It was only when Vicki commented further about how they weren't acting on what "everybody else could see" that she snapped. The Night Pryio didn't make her the most amicable woman especially when she was poked and probed, and judged, even rightfully so as Vicki was doing.

"I'm sure that as Nara's friend, you'd love her to end with a batshit crazy Bastet whose moods are unpredictable, who suck at monogamy because she's too much to handle, and who fights against her kind's madness. Yeah, fucking perfect for a lover."

She had spat the words so quickly, she wasn't even sure how much had come across clearly.

She felt a knot in the pit of her stomach when Vicki carried on, not letting her say more, and told her how Nara didn't want to go with Casey and had to be forcefully nudged. The worst was the moment Vicki had her look in the direction of the dance floor. Roxane felt anger stir within her, making her want to claw at Casey, even though she liked the girl and found her a nice regular patron.

Roxane growled at Vicki but kept her eyes upon the couple dancing closer and closer.

It was a fucking bad idea.

It was a real fucking bad idea, especially when dealing with her shitty night Pryio.

"Fuck it," she muttered before storming off.

She quickly moved through the crowd, with her usual feline grace and precision, very much like a panther on the prowl, which was exactly how she was feeling.

She felt the air prickle around her, the beat of the music feeding her possessiveness and making her quicken her pace.

Without hesitation, she rested her hands upon Casey's shoulders, startling the girl. There was something commanding about her, the full intensity of a Bastet's fierce spirit, for the girl opened her mouth, but instead just took a mere step back.

Without hesitation and against her best judgement, she closed the distance with the Garou, cupped her face in her hands and claimed her lips in a passionate kiss.

To hell with caution...

[Vicki Stapleton]

Vicki had witnessed Garou snarling and barking at once another in disagreements before or in most cases, watch her twin be at the receiving end of it. Paul was a smart ass and it cost him several scars from being snapped at by enough lupus jaws. So some hissing and displaced anger directed at her was not unusual and it rolled off her shoulder. Roxane's reaction just confirmed everything she said.

Also if the Bastet was this honest with her, she was doing loads better than the last girlfriend Nara had because there were secrets on top of secrets every time Garou and Immortal made amends. Nara rather know going in what she was dealing with then learning it along the way. Granted, there were concerns since Garou and Bastet didn't often play nice but that feeling was firmly held in elders. Younger shifters understood all numbers were dwindling and it was best to form alliances with one another. Though this was a bit past a mutual pact fighting the Wyrm. Intershifting romances were mostly frowned upon but Nara wouldn't care. Her elders, yes, due to her lineage but it was an upgrade from Immortal lover in their eyes.

She smiled hearing Roxane swear under her breath and took a long drink as she enjoyed watching the Bastet go claim her girl. She felt momentarily bad for Casey but she didn't stand a chance.

[Nara McKenna]

Things were going well as they danced, even allowing Casey's hands to wander over her hips and ass for the briefest of moments which kept Nara wondering where this would go. Or where she would allow this to go. This was Vicki's idea anyway and maybe it was the push she needed to get her head stuck out of the clouds and stop pining over a woman that didn't return her affections.

Casey was smiling and running her hand along Nara's cheek when the Garou picked up a familiar scent. But it couldn't be, the Garou thought. Roxane wasn't around after their sets. But, no. That scent of sweet allure and heaven that was solely Roxane hit her hard that the fast pace she was holding up while dancing, slowed to a distracted sway. She looked around for where the Bastet was but found her eyes on Casey again when she pulled away. No. When she was pulled away by Roxane.

Nara stopped moving because she was surprised that Roxane interrupted the dance and immediately wondered if something was wrong. Why would she come to find her for anything but to collect the Garou for something important.

Again she was wrong because the air around Roxane felt touched by the spirits and it made the Garou shiver. The Bastet's presence was potent and it was inadvertently calling on Nara's nature and felt her body wanting to shift. She reined it in and swallowed back a gasp as Roxane moved closer, beautiful and tangible ... but also out of reach.

Except for the hands cupping her face that made the Garou's eyes almost bug out. Words were caught in her throat as she realized that Roxane was moving closer and when it finally registered what was happening, lips were on hers.

She didn't respond right away because Nara was in a state of shock. Roxane never indicated she wanted anything more, even if there were times Nara thought there was something between them. She accepted friendship between them and even if it sucked, Nara dealt with it ... by hiding and being consumed with work, but that was her problem, not Roxane's.

Shit! she thought, realizing that if she didn't respond soon, Roxane might take her inaction the wrong way.

Arms that were slightly bent with indecision finally grabbed Roxane by the hips and pulled her closer so she could eagerly return the kiss with the same intensity ...

[Roxane McDonnell]

Roxane had done her very best to hide her growing affections from Nara, not wanting to give false hopes, or even worse make a fool of herself, to the Garou. She had hoped that it was mutual, as much as she had dreaded it. She knew how much of a burden she could be to lovers, for most that had warmed her bed and her heart over centuries had wandered off for a multitude of reasons. She also knew that monogamy had often been a definitive failure on her part, for her varying and unpredictable Pryio made it hard for partners to put up with. She didn't mind the concept; and the gods knew that even non-monogamy hadn't been a success either; but it had never worked out.

There was part of her that believed Nara and her could make things work; but her fear had mostly placated her disturbed soul in the past week, especially for what she had gathered of a previous lover hurting the Galliard.

Vicki's straightforward talk had actually forced her to confront her feelings for the Garou more than any other time.

She might regret acting on said feelings; and might hate herself later on; but right now she acted on instinct, throwing any other consideration to the wind, for all that mattered was the beautiful and talented woman before her, after whom her soul had yearned since they had first met.

Being so close to Nara made her body react more than she had expected. Her senses kicked in almost as strongly as if she was in feline form. Her heart beat faster and Nara's presence was intoxicating, while everything around her fel as if coming to a halt, standing still as she finally took action and yielded to her soul's desire.

She was so entranced with Nara's nearness, her brain didn't register the shock that ran through the Galliard, nor the pause that occurred before the musician responded with matching intensity. She had wanted to be that close to Nara in her human form for a while, and even more since she had begun to use the excuse of being in kitty form to get nearer.

When she eventually came up for air, she smiled almost shyly at Nara, as her hands trailed down the Garou's neck to rest on her shoulders.

"I'm not sorry for interrupting."

[Nara McKenna]

Nara followed Roxane's movement to keep the kiss going for as long as possible. She didn't want it to end because if it did, maybe when she opened her eyes Roxane wouldn't be there because Nara fabricated the whole thing in her mind. Maybe she was kissing Casey and this was a delusion and the thought made her dig into her sides with fear. She felt her lower lip quiver with the same fear as the kiss ended and steeled herself for whatever reality awaited her.

Which was a shy Roxane working up the courage to say something while hands ran gently down her neck. It was a soft, tentative, touch that if not for their bodies pressed together, Nara was sure she fall to the ground like jello. She smiled with relief that Roxane found her and made it clear what she wanted. Hell, the Garou forgot all about Casey but would later feel bad once it registered what had happened. The timing of Casey was poor and the girl had no idea what was brewing between Nara and Roxane. And Vicki just had to encourage her to go for it and agreed to it. She would have to deal with it later and explain but right now, Nara wanted to enjoy the moment.

"Just ... don't be sorry about it later," she reminded gently, remembering how difficult a time this was for Roxane with volatile emotions. The Garou understood that her words might not count for much later, but she would happily provide reassurances that this was a good decision. "Cuz I'm really glad ya did."

[Roxane McDonnell]

Roxane hadn't hesitated when she had stepped in and claimed Nara, putting her blooming love out in the open in the most direct way possible. Everything would change now, and she wasn't just putting herself on the line, but Nara too. As much as she still felt like she had done wrong by the Garou for embracing the deep affection that had latched from her soul onto the Galliard's from their first meeting, she still thought that Vicki had been right to call her out for her bullshit and avoidance.

The blonde felt torn in two directions, both the fear that Nara would think of her as crazy if not worse when the going would get tough, and the heat of the moment as their bodies pressed against each other. From the confines of her tormented mind and her disturbing Night Pryio, she nevertheless felt beautiful joy, as if stars of the ancient skies had collided to bring light anew in her life.

She briefly averted her gaze when the musician told her not to be sorry about the kiss later. She looked back at the woman she had fallen in love with at Nara's next words, and she smiled.

"Even a Bastet madness wouldn't erase what I feel for you."

She chastised herself, for it sounded lugubrious after such a passionate moment; but it was a testimony to much she had to tell the Garou. She had been fighting for decades to get better, to be more grounded, which her long life in London stood as a major victory for. A Ceilican managing to live in the same location for years to go, even with lengthy trips, was uncommon; but she had mastered it. It was far from erasing all the difficulties she still encountered due to who and what she was; but it was inspiration to get better.

"I won't regret it. I promise you that."

She hoped that Nara wouldn't regret it.

[Nara McKenna]

Confusion couldn't be avoided because the Garou was at a loss at what Bastet madness entailed. Roxane had shared she suffered from unstable moods depending on her Pryio, which shifted how she could relate to the world around her, as she came to understand it. It was not like the Auspices of the Garou that bound the magick they could call upon depending on the moon they were born.

It would be another part of Roxane she would need to understand and there was an abundance of patience that the Galliard could muster for the woman in her arms. She honestly believed that her heart wouldn't tolerate intense feelings for another after the fallout with Brigid. In a way she wondered if Cormac nudged this along after recognizing Roxane's presence from within the klaive, but Nara slowly felt a connection towards her even before he decided to step in.

She still held the Bastet tightly as Nara began to sway, not caring in the least if the music didn't match their movement. The oath she swore over ancient magic was tangible in this moment. She had meant every word about keeping Roxane's true nature a secret as she was the last of her kind. Not even her kin knew how rare Roxane was in this world, a gift of Gaia! Now that pledge surged with protectiveness.

Nara would die defending her tribe and kin. She would do it for Roxane too.

"And I regret nothing ..." She declared before seizing Roxane's lips in another kiss.

Everything led her to this moment. All of the disappointments that changed the path her life would take was meant to bring her here.

[Roxane McDonnell]

Roxane felt deep joy at Nara welcoming her display of affection; but she was still concerned that what she wished to reveal more directly might change the Garou's mind on them entering a relationship. She hoped not; but there was still a lingering anguish in the confines of her soul.

She felt, she knew, that Nara was different from every other lover and companion that had crossed paths with her though, and that gave her a measure of peace and faith.

She smiled and held tightly onto the musician as Nara began to sway, their bodies eventually moving in rhythm with the beats. She allowed herself to be fully present and keep a tight leash on her perturbed mind, the gift of the Night Pryio, as she often put it sarcastically.

The blonde returned Nara's kiss with no hesitation, basking into the sensations, for the choice had been made, and a new path now opened before them.

Roxane was happy to just dance close to the Galliard for a couple of songs, before her mind nevertheless pestered her, as well as feeling thirsty, including for actual beverages.

Smiling to her partner, she laced an arm around Nara's waist as she guided them away from the dance floor. There was still much she wished to tell Nara, but not right here and there with the loud music blasting through the speakers.

She leaned to whisper into the brunette's ear.

"I had brought us two beers but I thought I had arrived too late, then Vicki called me out on my bullshit," she explained with a sheepish smile.

[Nara McKenna]

After the kiss broke she reveled with dancing, celebrating the moment. Nara kept their bodies close together, needing to feel Roxane near to keep reminding the Galliard that this was real. They swayed gracefully as if they danced together for years, anticipating steps and movements, allowing hands to drop lower and firmly grip a waist or hip - sliding even lower when the mood hit. Soft brush of Nara's lips found place on Roxane's shoulder and neck, feeling protective when the drums pounded to the beat of her heart. It was perfect bliss of non-verbal conversation for several songs until Roxane took the initiative with an arm around her waist to still the Garou.

Her arm found purchase on Roxane's hip with confident fingers slightly tucked into the front pocket. She couldn't hide her surprise with the admission that Roxane was looking for her and by the sound of it, was going to have chat about maybe moving past the friendship they've established. It was so terribly ironic and infuriating but really? How could she or Vicki know that established lines were going to shift? Vicki really was trying to be a good friend with encouraging Nara to go have some fun but quickly fixed that honest mistake by calling Roxane out on her bullshit, as the Bastet admitted.

"Vicki's awesome like that," Nara said with understanding eyes. "Gonna have to thank her."

Regardless of what should've happened, the events unfolded as they were meant to be and now they were heading off the dance floor with arms around one another. Why in Gaia's name would the Fury complain?

[Roxane McDonnell]

Maybe Roxane should have never crossed that line, for the fear she might hurt Nara was still coursing through her blood, a tamed drip, but one that could still become a flood of anxiety under the wrong circumstances. Yet she did not regret that leap of faith, for there had been a connection between them even before Cormac's blade came to life, only illuminating a bond that was meant to be by the moon and the astral powers that existed beyond the tangible.

While she had heard that non-verbal communication was important to humans too, being a Bastet and having her shifted form meant that such type of communication was paramount to her, and this was one of the reasons why it was so difficult to break away from the dancing with Nara.

She grinned as the Garou tucked her fingers into her front pocket. It felt right and natural to be by the musician's side. She chuckled as she caught sight of the surprise on Nara's face at her admission.

"I've not always been the best for timing," she replied with colors rising to her cheeks.

As they were nearing where Vicki was, Roxane recalled all that she had told her before taking a decisive step with Nara.

"I... There are things I need to tell you.... Just not here. I don't want to start with secrets," she rambled, unsure whether she would be able to repeat the awkward information dump she had done with Vicki earlier. Yet she owed it to Nara.