Ivy's gaze flickered to Dianne briefly as she continued following them.

'Maybe I'm just trying to deduce things about your relationship by watching you. I'm quite good at that, you know.'

Dianne: "Pffft. Sure, Ivy, give it a go. You won't get much out of that."

'Hmm, well... You do seem closer than you were last time we spoke. You seem more... like a couple. Not to say it wasn't apparent before. It's just stronger now.'

Armin raised his eyebrows. 'Yeah, that's what usually happens in relationships. People get closer over time. Do you have anything interesting to say?'

'Of course.' Ivy smiled. 'I'm now almost completely certain that you do, in fact, have an intimate life.'

Dianne: Ha! Bold assumption there, Ivy. You think you can deduce that simply from how we hold ourselves? From mere body language? Tell me, however did you come to that conclusion?"

Ivy just smiled sweetly. 'From the marks on his neck. They're faint, almost healed, but an expert like me notices the smallest things...'

Armin flushed slightly and adjusted the collar of his sweater.

{Dianne's expression shifts from confidence to embarrasment, then annoyance.}

Dianne: "...Well played...Perhaps I do not give you enough credit, working for a detective like Jerry."

Jerry: "For the record, I noticed the moment Armin walked in, but I had the decency to keep my mouth shut."

{Jerry says, leaning out his office window.}

Jerry: "Still, nice attention to detail, Ivy. You'll make a fine detective one day."

Ivy's smile turned more genuine. She tilted her head, looking over at Jerry. 'Thank you. I was always good at noticing things like that, but I'm sure working for you has helped me improve my skills even more...'

Armin eyed her, quickly regaining his composure after she caught him off-guard. 'Yeah, great. You figured it out. Now go and study someone else's relationship, will you?'

'Oh, I don't know about that.'

Dianne: "What do you mean, you don't know about that? Surely there are far more interesting couples out there for you to be pestering?"

{Dianne doesn't seem to be very happy with Ivy's antics.}

Ivy snorted. 'Like who? It's easier to study people I actually know, and do any of our other friends have relationships? Jerry, Pythia, Frederick? They've probably never been with anyone in their lives, let alone now. You two are all I have to 'pester'.'

Dianne: "I don't understand. Why do you feel the need to put your nose where it doesn't belong? And what about all those, /friends/ you say you make bets about us with?"

'It's fun to speculate. I'm not doing any harm. And how exactly are my other friends relevant to this?'

Dianne: "Then keep your 'speculations' to yourself, would you? And you're telling me that /none/ of your other friends have significant others? No sweethearts or crushes at all?"

'Mhmm, one or two of them do. But they're just nowhere near as interesting as you two.'

'Well, I'm going home to have a drink,' said Armin with an air of finality. 'I'm not going to stay here long enough to listen to any other 'speculations' you might have.' He stepped up to the truck, withdrawing the key and unlocking it.

{Dianne gives Ivy one last withering look before walking to the truck.}

Dianne: "Let's go. Ivy can take her speculations and shove 'em."

{With Esme in hand, she gets into the passenger's seat.}

Ivy just smiled sweetly and waved, pleased at her small triumph, before beginning to walk back up to the house. Armin started the engine and noisily drove off down the street.

'Well, that was interesting...' he remarked.

Dianne: "Yeah...I'm going to make her watch as we go into the most prestegious and expensive of stores."

{She says, sounding slightly vindictive.}

Jerry: "Ivy, remind me again what makes them so interesting?"

Armin smiled slightly. 'That'll be fun.'

'Isn't it obvious?' said Ivy. 'Really old, scary dragon. Considerably younger vampire. Used to hate each others' /guts,/ and now they're together? There's all kinds of interesting things about them.'

Jerry: "I guess so. I'm afraid to ask, but I would like to know the circumstances under which they fell in love. Because, you're right, they did hate each other when this all started. I'm curious as to what changed."

Ivy's smile widened. 'Mhmm, you really do find this as interesting as me, don't you?' she said slyly. 'Well, I'm afraid I don't know the answer to that. But they /were/ alone together for a long time on that expedition. Significant things must have happened along the line.'

Jerry: "Not interesting enough to pester them over, and risk life and limb."

{He states nonchalantly.}

Jerry: "True, true. Now, I've known Dianne long enough to know that she very highly values trustworthy people. Something must have happened where Armin earned her unconditional trust. Beyond that, I don't know...I actually wouldn't have guessed she would have fallen for Armin."

'Very curious...' Ivy mused. '...I wonder if even /Armin/ knows precisely what he did to make her fall for him. Either way, it's going to be hard to find out anything...'

Jerry: "Indeed. I'm more interested in knowing how one falls for a woman who has repeatedly assaulted and insulted them. I don't know what exactly happened on that trip, but whatever it was, Armin is now in love with Dianne, and Dianne seems markedly happier, friendlier, and waaaay less high strung."

'Yes, that is certainly an improvement... She seems much more relaxed, based on what I saw. Of course, the intimate side of the relationship might be partially responsible for that...' she added slyly.

{Jerry just scratches his chin.}

Jerry: "Perhaps...In all the time I've known her, she's never had any suitors...although I did see her eyeing a particularly curvy dragoness the summer before Shacklestone was attacked....don't think anything came of that, however."

Ivy gave a disbelieving laugh at that, which quickly shifted to a look of intrigue.

'Really? Are you sure you were seeing it right? But yes... It's highly unlikely that she's been involved with anyone else for a long time, given how awful her temper and general attitude was before this...'

Jerry: "Looked like it to me, but I could be wrong. Are you sure that's the only factor? She has lead a rather hard life. She's got plenty to be grouchy about."

'I suppose so...' said Ivy contemplatively. 'Not that I know very much about her life. You probably know more than me. Just how long have you known her, anyway?'

Jerry: "Four years, about. But, she's been alive for about 3000, so...can't really know everything she's done. Some of it is written in stories and historical documents. Still, if your husband kills your own daughter and tries to replace you with another woman, I'd understand why you might be mistrustful of the world..."

'Oooh...' Ivy's manner sobered slightly. 'Well, I suppose that does explain a lot... So it's even more surprising that she not only trusts Armin, but is also willing to raise a child with him, if /that/ happened once...'

Jerry: "Yeah. Which is why he must have done something to earn her unquestioning trust. As to why she's willing to take on another child, well...I think she's very maternal, deep down, and she's likely always wanted another kid. I doubt the previous situations she's been in have allowed for such an opportunity."

'Mhmm...' Ivy phased into a brief, thoughtful silence. 'Still, I'm intrigued by how Armin could have possibly earned her trust. That may be the most interesting thing about their relationship. But even I doubt we'll ever know the full story...'

Jerry: "Perhaps so. Who knows, we may yet find out."

{Jerry subsides into silence, contemplating the situation.}

Ivy leaned back against a wall as she contemplated as well.

'...Dianne might not have been involved with anyone in a long time, but I doubt Armin's the same... Sociable, confident, good-looking guy... I bet he's had other partners. In fact, I always speculated that something went on between him and Rex.'

Jerry: "Seems reasonable. They do appear to be very close. Still, Dianne doesn't seem to be competing against Rex or engaging in insecure, mate guarding behavior, so I think it's safe to assume that, if they did have a past relationship, it's over now."

'Yes, I'd imagine so... If anything did happen, it probably happened a long time ago, before Dianne came onto the scene. Maybe she doesn't even know about it.'

Jerry: "Yeah, if there was something going on with those two, Dianne doesn't know. Most dragons hate sharing, if you catch my meaning."

Ivy smirked. 'And what unnecessary drama that would cause...'

She yawned, stretching back against the wall.

'Anyway... Is there anything you need me for? If not, I'm going out.'

Jerry: "Not now. Go ahead and do what you need to. Tomorrow, however, I'll need some help looking into the Liverwood's case. Young girl, fed up with her rich parents, ran off with her boyfriend. Same old stuff."

Ivy smiled slightly, seeming pleased to be needed. 'Certainly. Sounds like an intriguing case...' Pushing herself off the wall, she started to head for the exit.

Jerry: "Have a good evening, Ivy. See you in a bit."

{With that, he turns back to his cases.}

(Shall we skip to evening?)

(Sure. Who goes?)

(Actually, I'll go.)

{Later that night, Dianne had finished cooking the spaghetti and meatballs, with sautéed squash. Putting the plates together, she calls out to Armin.}

Dianne: "Armin, dinner's ready. Do you mind getting the ale?"

Armin seemed to have been waiting to hear this. He quickly descended into the basement, returning a few minutes later with two very full glasses of ale. He then settled on the couch, handing one glass to Dianne as he collected his dinner.

'Here you go. We haven't even put a dent in our ale supply, I'm pleased to say.'

Dianne: "Yup, those barrels will last us a long time."

{Taking a sip, she then starts eating her dinner.}

Dianne: "I feel a lot better now. This morning, I was feeling kind of bad, but spending the day with everyone made me feel happy..."

'I'm glad,' said Armin, as he started on his dinner. Esme was eating hungrily in the background. 'So, going to see Ivy didn't ruin your mood?' he added jokingly.

Dianne: "No. Thinking about how I'm going to get revenge restored my good mood. Besides, It's not that bad she knows we're intimate. It's not like she knows any details."

'I suppose so. I never really cared if she knew, honestly. It's quite a normal thing for couples. Most people probably assume we are, even those who don't constantly speculate on us.'

Dianne: "True. It doesn't matter either way. We're happy together, and that's what counts."

{She finishes her meal a few minutes later, then starts to slowly sip her ale.}

Once he was done eating, Armin took the plates away, then leaned back more comfortably to savour his ale. It was making him feel very relaxed, and a little lightheaded.

{Dianne was feeling quite relaxed halfway through her glass. She was sunk into the couch, eyes half open and a slight smile on her face.}

Dianne: "Hmm...Triticum makes good stuff..."

'He does. I appreciate him for creating a drink that non-humans can actually enjoy.'

Armin had drunk about as much as she had by then, and was keeping pace. His eyes dropped half-shut, and he slid down slightly, looking contented.

{Dianne eyes Armin, amused.}

Dianne: "Hey...Feeling ok? You look sleepy...like Esme after running around the house all day..."

'I'm not sleepy. Just comfortable. And cosy. And enjoying being here with one of my favourite people.'

He took a longer swallow of his drink, smiling slightly, and then leaned against Dianne.

{Smiling, Dianne wraps an arm around Armin, sipping her drink.}

Dianne: "You're one of my favorite people too...Heehee...."

'Well, I hope so. It'd be sad if I wasn't...' He sipped his ale, relaxing against her. 'You're /my/ adorable dragon.'

Dianne: "And you're my Amateotl."

{She swallows the last of her drink, putting the cup down and holding him tightly. As she sits there, she starts to sing softly in Ferrosian. Her voice was melodic and sweet, sounding simply divine.}

Armin blinked a few times, expression briefly startled. Then he closed his eyes and relaxed into her grasp, not doing anything else, just enjoying listening to her sing.

//Hmm, that's quite beautiful...// he thought, mind hazy from the alcohol.

{After the song ended, she closes her eyes and kisses Armin on the cheek.}

Dianne: "A song for you, my sweet..."

Armin opened his eyes a little. A sudden rush of love and affection went through him, and he paused before responding.

'That was beautiful,' he said simply, resting his head on her shoulder. 'What's it mean? Can't say I know much Ferrosian...'

Dianne: "It was just a short tune...expressing my feelings of happiness...You both fill me with joy..."

{Squeezing him slightly, she settles into the couch, quite content to sit there with him.}

Armin quickly drained the last of his ale and set the glass aside. He then leaned heavily against her, letting the pleasant feeling of the alcohol wash over him as he relaxed in her embrace.

'I liked it... and, thank you.'

Dianne: "Of course...I love you."

{She then subsides into silence, just enjoying his presence and warmth.}

After about twenty minutes, it seemed that Armin had begun to doze off there. His body was limp against her, his eyes were closed and he was breathing slowly and deeply. Esme had already disappeared upstairs.

{Noticing the late hour, Dianne stirs a bit. Seeing that Armin has dozed off, she pats his shoulder.}

Dianne: "Armin....Want to go upstairs?"

Armin stirred, breathing deeply.

'Mhm... yeah. Carry me up there; I don't feel like walking up the stairs...'

{Smiling, Dianne picks him up and begins to carry him upstairs}

Dianne: "Heh, That ale really puts you out, doesn't it?"

'Maybe... it is quite relaxing...'

Armin drifted into a content silence, waiting until they got into the bedroom.

{Once they got to the bedroom, Dianne lays him on the bed, then goes to change in the bath. Returning after a few minutes, she lies under the blankets.}

Armin had lazily stripped down to his shorts while she'd been gone, and climbed under the blankets. Upon her return, he rolled over and snuggled into her, draping an arm across her.

'Mind stroking my hair for a minute? I'll be asleep very soon anyway...'

{Smiling with her eyes closed, Dianne pulls him closer and starts running her fingers through his hair.}

Dianne: "How's this?"

Armin gave a hum of enjoyment, going completely relaxed against her.

'Mhm... that's good... now just keep doing that...' he replied in a slightly slurred, drowsy voice.

Dianne: "Of course."

{Kissing his cheek, Dianne continues to stroke his hair, comfortably settled against him.}

Within five minutes, he'd drifted off completely, breathing deeply. There was no place he felt more at ease than here.

{Dianne quickly dozed off as well, snuggled comfortably against him.}

(Skip?)

(Yeah, you go first.)

----------------

{Late the next morning, Dianne awoke. Lifting her head slightly, she surveyed the room, then snuggled into Armin as he lay in her arms. Breathing deeply, she settles in, far too warm and comfortable to even think about getting up.}

About ten minutes later, Armin stirred. Opening his eyes drowsily, he glanced up at Dianne.

'Mhm... morning...'

He burrowed into her neck, just trying to get as close as possible.

{Dianne smiles and squeezes Armin tightly.}

Dianne: "Good morning. Sleep well?"

'Very well. Ale helped.' He was quiet for a moment, replaying his most recent memories. 'Hey, you sung for me. That's adorable.'

Dianne: "I did?"

{She asked, trying to remember.}

Dianne: "Oh yeah....Well, I was drunk...Did you like it?"

'Of course. It was nice. Your drunken singing definitely doesn't sound like most peoples' drunken singing,' he remarked. 'So... you only did that because you were drunk?'

Dianne: "...Yeah...But, since you don't think I sound like a dying cat...Maybe I'll do it more often? Still, I'm glad you liked it..."

{She seemed a little embarrassed and pensive about it.}

'It was sweet. I certainly wasn't too drunk to notice that. It would be nice to hear it again sometime.' He shifted a bit, aware of her expression. 'What's the problem?'

Dianne: ".....I was just afraid you'd hate it....Or Rex would hate it...I haven't sang in a very long time...But I also haven't been this happy in a long time..."

{She then burrows Into him.}

'Even someone who hated you wouldn't be able to deny how good it was.' He wrapped his arms around her affectionately. 'Relax; it was gorgeous. And I'm glad you're happy, in spite of the frequent trouble we get into.'

Dianne: "Thank you."

{She then kisses him, snuggling into him.}

Dianne: "...I wonder if Rex heard it last night."

'Probably. He /is/ a vampire. He hasn't said anything about it, though.'

Dianne: "Hhmmmmmm....What should we do today?....."

{She asks, half dozing.}

'I don't know yet. We'll figure something out in a bit.'

He spoke calmly and contentedly, not worried about trying to plan ahead their day.

'...Hey, where's Barnabas these days? I hardly ever see him around. Not that I'm complaining.'

Dianne: "Oh, he comes and goes. He's likely having a lot of fun scaring people across the city...At least he isn't tormenting you anymore, right?"

'Yes, that's definitely an improvement... I mean, after experiencing the Aspect, Barnabas is nothing, but he's still annoying. So the less he's throwing spiders at my head, the better...'

Dianne: "That's true..."

{Turning to look at the clock on the nightstand, she sighs.}

Dianne: "I suppose we ought to get up now..."

(posting new room)