I suppose I was willing to admit that Kat was at least right about the bathrooms on the aeroplane. They really aren't big enough, believe me, I've tried. It can happen, don't get me wrong but it is hardly pleasant, hygienic or particularly conducive to a good imagination- her words managing to bring a smirk to my lips all the same, even despite the insinuation I required her to be drunk to get anything out of her. Truly I liked to hope my skills were a little more advanced then that. Then again, all the drink seemed to do was put her to sleep, not that I suppose that was entirely unfortunate- Kat managing to miss most of the flight while I attempted to source even one magazine that reported on anything other than the latest diet trends or the Kardashians. I'm not entirely sure who these Kardashian's are yet none of them are particularly attractive, one in particular seeming rather disproportional. Maybe I would have slept if I hadn't been, well, at least a little concerned about having Elena and Kat in the same room. Kat however- I held at least some faith in, Elena I had come to discover in all the years I had spent in her company, was often content to say the very first thing that came to her mind, whether favourable or not. Maybe she did run a successful fashion magazine, but she seemed to continue to forget she wasn't at work. Even despite my own preference for the seasons trend I still managed not to inform relative strangers of their poor fashion choices- even when they committed virtual crimes like wearing slippers as shoes. That really was a crime, honestly, what were people thinking?

I was relieved I suppose, to actually get off the plane and do something other than sit impatiently, my inability not to fidget compulsively made all the worse by the sheer amount of thoughts that had taken up residence in my mind. Seeing Etienne was a relief, I didn't keep to many male friends, men never really seem to like me although I suspect a large portion of that might be my own fault. What? I can hardly be blamed for liberating their wives and girlfriends now can I? Kat's presence, at least, had managed to derail such pursuits however and as such I was surely less of a threat to men then I had been previously. Any hope of actually getting to Tente however was ended rather abruptly by Elena's approach with as much for as a missile as innocents attempted scurry out of her way and Tente was sent to attempt to assist airport staff with the luggage. Whatever inspection Elena offered of myself I was at least able to pass, her lips pursing slightly in disdain at one error she had evidently found before her attention fixated wholly upon Kat. To her credit Kat may well have been one of the few people not to flinch beneath her gaze and maybe I took a tiny bit of satisfaction in that as she extended her hand and Elena managed to....look at it.

Is this an American thing? Darling we do not shake each others hands about in this country. I know a very good manicurist though, she can do wonders for your cuticles.

I'm not wholly sure what the expression on my face might have been, blue gold gaze flicking from Elena to Kat's hands and back again. To be honest, given the work Kat did, I was off the belief she had rather nice fingers and nails. A small frown of sorts managed to work its way onto my features as Elena simply lent forward to air-kiss either side of Kat's cheeks before leaning away again.

Have you now? I have heard very little about you. Kohl tells me nothing and Etienne tells me less of their conversations. Now tell me Kat.....is that your whole name? It's very short how unfortunate. Have you been to Paris before?

"Elena, I have told you plenty- don't play this game."

All I earned by way of response was a sharp look, my own eyes rolling slightly as Eitenne finally managed to make his way over, shorter then myself, dark hair and dark eyes- a successful male model for rather a number of years as he threw both arms skyward, throwing them around Kat in a bear hug- as if he had known her all his life.

Katarina! So lovely, so lovely.

How someone like Etienne had ever ended up with someone like Elena I truly have no idea. Whatever they had though- it worked. His attention returned to me at last, the handshake we exchanged eyed by Elena like we'd committed a cardinal sin before Etienne moved to extend a pair of keys into my hand, my own lip quirking slightly upward in response.

"What is it?"
Koenigsegg Agera R

He could barely speak English at the best of times and yet when it came to cars Etienne seemed to manage a near flawless pronunciation. I haven't driven one of these yet.

"Kat and I will meet you at home then, yes Elena, I remember where it is."

I moved easily to step forward then, catching Kat's hand in my own as Etienne and Elena broke out into French and an argument over letting me drive the speeding death traps Elena had never approved off. We had an entire dinner with them to get through tonight- for now, at least, I was willing to spend time with Kat alone- Etienne at least having the foresight to provide that. I was also rather determined to separate Kat and Elena for at least a little longer. I stepped easily through the automatic doors and out onto the pavement to the waiting car- several onlookers having gathered to admire it as turned to Kat.

"I suppose, since we're on holidays- you can drive. I'll direct"

I tossed the keys towards her now. She better appreciate that- that is not a concession I have, well...ever made.




k o h l
so you want to play with magic?