Carys and Aric Celebrate Their Birthday

Carys Chase added 5 new photos — celebrating a birthday with Aric Chase.

* After all the fuss, the obligatory family time with everyone at the compound, I said goodnight to Rune and grabbed my coat. Aric, my beloved twin and I had something special to do. Just him and me. I met him in the garage and with him behind the wheel we drove into the city. In the quiet, I looked at my brother and smiled.* You know. I think we needed this, Bub.

Aric Chase *he chuckled softly* We definitely needed this Sis! Things have been so busy lately at the compound. New orders, new leads, more freaking reports. * he growls low* hate freaking reports.
Anyway, it feels like months since I've seen you! How's things? *they chatted back and forth and caught up as they drove out the south side of the city and into the suburbs. He had happened upon this place during a patrol many years ago and they had been regulars on their birthday for years now. They pulled into the parking place and he grinned over at her* Ready for your favorite?

Carys Chase I am so ready! * Aric got out and came around to open my door for me. I got out and took his arm as we headed inside. Our favorite waitress was there and she hurried over to greet us. Her name was Marge and for an older human she was wonderful. She adored Aric and me. We hugged her and she led us to our table way in the back. I looked around as I took my coat off and sat down.* Cappuccino and chocolate cake, the usual, Marge. Thank you.

Aric Chase *Marge laughed and left without even asking what he wanted, she already knew. The conversation picked back up and they talked about the different people in the restaurant with them. He chuckled and caught his sisters eye as one couples argument was overheard by them both. He leaned toward Carys and whispered* How's he going to talk his way out of that one? Dude done fucked up this time!

Carys Chase Dude ain't gonna get none when they get home either! * Laughing when Marge brought our cake and frothy cups of cappuccino. The kind woman wished us both a happy birthday. Aric kissed her cheek, it made her giggle like a school girl. We thanked her and she left us to enjoy our treats.* I wish we had cake like we did when we were little. You remember, the huge ones Savannah made us.

Aric Chase You mean that 7 layer monstrosity or some shit? *he shuddered when he thought of all that sweet frosting* remember when she would make the ones that looked like characters? Didn't she do a mutant ninja turtle one year, or something like that? I just remember Kade almost dropping it as he carried it across the floor. Now that I think about it, he hasn't been allowed in the kitchen since then, huh? They traded stories back and forth as the stuffed bites of cake in their mouths.*

Carys Chase You know..we are pretty lucky. We had our parents, aunts, uncles. Rafe and Dare..Mira. We had the best parties. Some of my favorite memories involve every member of our family. But now..here in this old cafe, having coffee and cake with you. This is my all time favorite tradition. * I smiled wide * Thanks Bub, for coming up with this, finding this spot. I love it. Happy birthday to you.

Aric Chase *he grinned and toasted her with a fork full of cake* Happy birthday to you Thing 2! The old man actually played nice with Rune tonight, I was impressed honestly. Did you ever think we'd be where we are? You know, back then WHR we were getting cakes made into our favorite heroes. Holy hell! I just remembered when you asked Savannah to make one that looked like uncle Lucan! That was freaking hilarious!!!!

Carys Chase Hey now..I thought uncle Lucan hung the moon when I was little. He was there when dad wasn't and, he let me use markers in his office.* I nodded like it was a big deal.* I think you and I intrigued him and the others. Even the times he scolded us, or lectured us..in his round about way. I always knew he cared. Now that we are grown, I still know. He's proud of us.As proud as our parents and Gaby. *Shaking my head* She was and still is like another mom.

Aric Chase *He nodded* yeah they are. Although he was a hell of a lot easier on you than he ever was on me. You'd get a dirty look and maybe a strong word. His favorite phrase with me was "You're going to learn to straighten up one of these days, Son. So stubborn." As he shook his head and frowned at me. He scared the ever lovin shit out of me until I was almost a teenager! *he scraped his fork across his now empty plate before eying what was left on her plate and looking at her hopefully* are you going to finish that?

Carys Chase * Pushing my plate towards Aric, I had to laugh.* It's a good thing you workout so much. * Aric happily took my plate and finished off the cake that was left.* Yeah, I did have Lucan and most of the other males wrapped around my little finger. One lip quiver and I got away with murder. But now. I have to act like a grown up. *Aric laughed and stacked the now empty plates on top of one another and motioned Marge over." Well, you are grown up sis, mated and everything." I nodded and smiled.* Yeah, and I've only ever been this happy once before. * Aric looked confused, then smiled and at the same time we both said.* The Easy Bake oven..

Aric Chase *he handed his card to Marge as they both burst out laughing. Once he could breath again he looked over at her* you and that Easy Bake Oven! *he shook his head* You were batshit crazy with that thing, always handing out cookies and shit. The dogs got so fat! Remember the lecture from Alexandra? You ended up making her cry! But we were banned from feeding them cookies. *he laughed again, thinking back* we are pretty damn lucky Sis. The old proverb is that it takes a village to raise a child and we are living proof of that. We pulled some crazy ass stunts but we were always safe, relatively so. *he grinned* we have a pretty kick ass village, you've got to admit.

Carys Chase Yes, very lucky. *Marge brought Aric his credit card back and I left her a hefty tip. We hugged her good bye and told her we'd see her soon.Marge was beaming when we left and I heard her "Oh my Lord!" when she went to clean our table. Aric grinned at me over the top of his car. "How much exactly did you leave her?" I shrugged. * A hundred dollar bill, just like last year, and the year before. * Aric chuckled as we climbed inside. "No wonder she loves us!" We laughed and it felt good. With Rune I could be myself and he understood me but, with Aric I could be his twin, goofy and weird, laughing at stupid jokes. There's nothing like the love of family or a mate, BUT the love of a sibling, a twin is a bond only the two of you understand and it is something I will cherish for my entire life.*

Carys and Rafe Workout

Carys Chase with Rafe Malebranche.

* Rune was busy going over paperwork for purchase of the club and I was bored. I changed and went to the compound gym. I had music blaring and had taped my hands up to work on the heavy bag like my dad and Aric had showed me. I was getting in some good punches, just in my own world when I heard the gym doors open. I didn't look to see who it was and kept up with what I was doing . I kicked the bag and heard a chuckle. Spinning on my heel to see who was laughing, I was surprised to see Rafe Malebranche. Hands on my hips I looked him up and down.* Something funny, cuz?

 

 

 

 

Rafe Malebranche *I chuckled as I went to get a couple of pads, strapping them to my hands. Carys could hold her own in any situation, but she was really cute when she was training like this. I didn't want to say what was on the tip of my tongue as I went and stood in front of her* Yeah, but I know better than to say what I'm really thinking. Your basic technique's good, but you need a sparring partner, someone to make sure you can take things further.

Carys Chase Like you, huh? Alright, let's do this. * Standing in front of him, I widened my stance and got ready. I threw a couple of punches and Rafe figured out my pattern pretty fast. I tried a uppercut and he caught it. Rafe nodded and I started again, ths time faster. He was starting to move around and I had to follow, keep the blows coming.*

Rafe Malebranche *I danced around, speeding up to push her a bit further than what she was used to. While I moved back and to either side, I made sure to get into her personal space a few times too, to force her to move back* Not bad, not bad at all Cuz. You've been practicing. *She landed a few great punches, I felt it through the pads on my hands. Carys really was very good at this, all of the Breed males in her life made sure of that. None of us would have left her unable to protect herself, no matter how much of a Daddy's Little Girl she was.*

Carys Chase Thanks, Rafe. * I dropped down and kicked his legs out from under him. Laying on the mat, he started laughing and I reached down to help him up.* Just so we are clear, I'm no princess. * Rafe grinned and held his hands up for me. We started like before but he started moving faster, changing up the combinations. I had to keep my eyes on him, watch hs muscles for a hint of where he was moving. If I missed he'd tap my hands with the pads and bring me back to what we were doing.*

Rafe Malebranche *I laughed, knowing Carys could surprise anyone. She watched me very carefully and I knew I had to keep things changing constantly. She knew how I moved, having trained with me for a while now. But I always had a few tricks up my sleeve that she didn't know about . I shifted my weight, as if to go to my right, but moved swiftly to my left and back a couple of steps, causing Carys to over extend herself, just enough to loose her balance and fall forward. I took off one pad and held out my hand* You okay Princess?

Carys Chase *I glared up at him and shook my head before taking his hand.* Asshole! *We both started laughing and I bumped him with my shoulder.* Another round? * Rafe chuckled and nodded as he put the pad back on. I waited till he was rwady and started throwing punches. I got creative and used some of the moves Aric taught me. Rafe bobbed and weaved right along with me. He knew the moves, hell my brother was his best friend. We were going at a good clip when he dodged me, sidestepping me and I almost fell again. I spun and socked him a good one. Rafe laughed and shook the hand I hit and I winked at him.* Princess, huh?

Rafe Malebranche *I laughed as I got into stance* Hell yeah you're a Princess!!! You think you could be anything else? *Carys growled playfully as she threw her first punch. I caught it just in time and danced away, weaving left and right, backwards and forwards. We danced around the mats, sweat dripping down both of us, Carys more so than me. She had definitely picked up a few new tricks, probably from Aric, which was a very good thing. I was impressed, but wasn't about to say that, at least not out loud. Carys was very sweet, but could get cocky if I let her.*

Carys Chase * I growled under my breath and threw punch after punch. Rafe was moving fast but, I kept up. One of these days my father and every male in the comound would realize I could fight as well as any of them. It wasn't enough that I had taken out Rune's father and that was with little training. I push those thoughts away and concentrated on Rafe and hs moves. I threw a combination and one last kick before I called time. I was weating like a pig and the tape was coming off of my hands. I sat down on the mat and started taking my gloves off.* Thanks, cuz. I really needed a partner. I hope I didn't keep you from your own workout.

Rafe Malebranche *I grinned and took the pads off my hands. I was sweating too, though not as bad as Carys.* Not at all Cuz. This was fun. I'm gonna hit the showers then go check in on the infirmary. Mom had mentioned she needed me to check her stockroom. She thinks she's running low on stuff but she has plans. *I gave Carys that look, both of us knowing what plans I was talking about*

Carys Chase *Laughing I patted Rafe on the arm.* Parents, huh? *He nodded and stood, sticking his hand out to help me up. I hugged him quickly and walked over to my gym bag. I gathered up my stuff and thanked him again before leaving him alone. Maybe by the time I had a shower and changed my mate would be done with his business. With all the adreniline in my system, I'll be needing a different workout.*

Lost Cat (#Christmas16 Day 23)

Carys Chase

#Christmas 16 Day 23
Angus! Here, kitty, kitty! * I had filled his food and water dish but, the big gray beast was no where to be found. I checked my room, Rune was in the training center, the room empty. Sighing I went to my brother Aric's room and knocked on the door.* Aric? Bub? Have you seen Angus?

 

Aric Chase *He hears Carys and calls out* Come on in. I haven't seen the little beast lately, he hiding from you? *he laughed as he picked up one of his purchases from The local pet store* well, by all means, lets go hunt down the little beast. Let me grab his treat container, that usually gets his to come. * He grabs the little plastic container and heads into the hall* Let's just hope he didn't find his way to Lucan again! *he chuckles remembering the story she had told him.*

Carys Chase Uncle Lucan was cool about it, kind of. *Laughing I followed Aric down the hall. Maybe he's in the kitchen. I know Savannah was baking earlier, maybe he went to check out what she was making. You know he's a begger.

Aric Chase *He chuckled* that he is! And getting fat because of it! He literally guilts you into giving over your whole damn plateful. *they turn the corner into the kitchen first and he grumbles* damn beast!

Carys Chase Angus! * We looked through the whole kitchen, even the pantry and no cat. I threw my hands up in frustration.* If that darn cat made his way to Lucan"s office, I'll never hear the end of it! * Raking a hand through my hair, I pace a few steps and stop.* I bet I know where he is! * Grabbing Aric's arm I drag him down the hall to the big family room and point to the Christmas tree.* I bet he's in there..

Aric Chase *they headed toward the living room, he was feeling equal parts angst and worry over the silly cat. They had found him as a very small baby a couple of years ago, now he was a big, grumpy, beast that loved mischief. He liked that stupid cat and didn't want anyone to have any reason not to have him around.* Angus* He called sharply as they entered the formal living room* they separated and became looking behind the couches and under the tables. As Carys got closer to the tree they heard a tinkling sound*

Carys Chase Oh, you silly cat! * I stepped back when Angus poked his head out from some branches on the huge Christmas tree. Reaching for him, he meowed and started purring like it was no big deal that he was up there and we were looking for him. I held him in my arms like the big baby he was and turned to Aric.* He doesn't even care that he was caught in that tree. Darned cat. * I nuzzled his head and purred louder. Aric came over and I handed him Angus.* I swear he does this stuff on purpose.

Aric Chase *he laughs and scruffs the cats head* Because he doesn't, the little shit. It's payback time though! *he pulls the Santa hat and cape out of his back pocket and sets Angus on the couch before turning to Carys* get your camera ready because I have a feeling this won't last long. * he turns back to Angus and puts the contraption on him before tucking his ears inside the hat. * Ok, I'm going to let go on the count of three. Snap fast! One. Two. Three!

 

 

Carys Chase * I took the picture and as soon as he saw the flash, Angus fell on his side and started trying to pull the Santa hat off. Aric and I laughed and got the stink eye from our beloved cat. He flopped around on the couch and Aric caught him before he tumbled off the side. Holding him in his arms, Aric Kissed his head and Angus let out a angry meow.* Whoa Bub, he's getting pissed now. I took the cat from my brother and took the outfit off of him. He shook his body and sat down to wash his face, his tail swishing back and forth like he was planning our deaths. Trying not to laugh I scooped him up and snuggled him even though he was pushing against my chest to get down.* I'll open a can of his favorite food, maybe then he will forgive us. *Aric laughed and walked with me back to our families suite. As soon as I set the beast on the counter and got a can of wet cat food out of the cabinet he was all purrs again.* See? I told you so. * While Angus ate, Aric and I had a cup of coffee and talked about the day we found a tiny kitten and named him, Angus...*

Aric and Carys Shop (#Christmas16 Day 2)

#Christmas16 Day 2

Aric Chase *keeping his annual "shopping date" with Carys, he knocked on their door while checking his watch and shaking his head and muttering* Always freaking late. Damn it, she is going to kill me, again.

Carys Chase Bub! * Opening the door, I grab him by the shirt and pull him into the suite I share with Rune.* You're late you know. * He gives me that goofy lop sided grin and I can't help but to smile back at him and give him a tight hug.* It's okay, you know I can never stay mad at you. * Grabbing my laptop, I motion for him to follow me and we sit on the sofa together.* Have you thought about what to get mom and dad?

Aric Chase *he parks his ass on the couch next to her and opens his laptop, setting it on the coffee table next to hers. Remembering to keep his voice low out of respect for her mate, he quickly opened the web sites he had bookmarked for possibilities* Well, You KNOW I suck at shopping for women right? Like WTF does Mom even WANT?! I spent weeks tossing ideas at her. Nada. Nothing. Zilch. So I decided "chuck it in the fuck it bucket and move on" sounded like a good plan so I went for my failsafe, jewelry. Mom is a sucker for shiny bobbles. I thought this set was nice with the three stones. They could represent The Old Man, you, and me. Or whatever corny shit you can come up with.

Carys Chase I think she will love it. * Grinning at him, I shoulder bump him* You have pretty good taste for a guy. I picked this out for mom from me, it's kind of sappy but, she loves that, Right?

Aric Chase *he grins wide at her* Aaawwwwwww, how cute! Y'all can wear matching necklaces of hearts. Good to know I'm not the only one that fell back on the failsafe. *he chuckles* yeah, she will like that.
*he tapped quickly through sites, avoiding her gaze as silence filled the room. Clearing his throat he took the plunge* So, I've been meaning to ask you something but I'm not really sure how to say it without you... Well, you know. *she arched a brow, waiting for him to finish. He took a deep breath and started* well. You're mated now almost a year. You're, well, you're different now. I feel it. You know, our thing. You're truly happy. I mean, you were always happy before. Eh, mostly. *he grinned* the "princess" *making finger quotes* Breed that got away with anything. But you were always happy. But this. This is different. *He met her eyes as he finished*

Carys Chase *Smiling, I nodded.* I am truly happy, Bub. Rune is wonderful, he treats me like a queen, or a princess as you guys called me. I couldn't imagine being without him. * Leaning against Aric's shoulder she paused before speaking again.* I may be different but, our bond is stronger I think. We still know what the other is thinking and you know, when you find your mate you'll be different to. *He rolled his eyes* I'm serious, she'll change you, for the better.

Aric Chase *he outwardly shudders at the thought but his mind kept going back to the same question every time he thought on it too long. A mate of his own? Was it really as bad as all that? Being a warrior was all he could ever remember wanting. But, a mate?*
*He forcefully shrugged it off and found the present he had picked out for Sterling. * This, in my humble opinion, *he says with a cocky grin* is the ultimate gift for our old man. The Man Can. Maybe I should order one for all of us. Or just get a damn pallet of the shit delivered...

Carys Chase That's awesome Bub! *Laughing* Please, we have to get one for all of the guys! * They both laughed, and Aric ordered enough for all the males within the compound.* I thought about this for Dad. I guess we do think kind of alike.

Aric Chase *he chuckles* We are a pair of striped peas Sis! No doubt about that!
*he scrolls down the page some* Oh hey now. *he snorts* think I may have found a few things for you too, or would I give them to Rune? Hhhmmmm...
*he laughed and reached out to stop her from swiping his laptop but he was too slow. He watched her face as she took in the selection of items he had been looking at*

Aric Chase

Aric Chase

Carys Chase Aric Chase! * I elbowed him as I looked through what he'd picked out.* Rune and I are not pervs! Besides, I could break out of those cuffs in a heartbeat! * We both laughed* Can you imagine? And here I picked out a leather jacket for you..I may change my mind now!

Aric Chase *he leaned back against the couch, laughing as quietly as possible* ok, ok. Just had to do it though. You know, with the kink-fest we grew up with with Mom and Dad. Don't even get me started on Brock and Jenna and the amount of repairs we've done in their suite! Ugh! But I'm not showing you what I'm getting you anyway, so there! Nice jacket though, you can still get it for me. * he grins at her and checks his watch. Damn, I gotta head out soon, escorting Dylan to Toronto. Don't worry though, I'll be back soon. It's too damn cold up there! I don't know how Niko and Renata can stand it!

Carys Chase You be safe, Bub. * I looked at my brother, now a warrior and smiled sadly. I always hated it when our father had to go anywhere, and now my brother. Sure he was just escorting our aunt to Toronto but still, I worried.* I can't wait to see what you get me, and I have something else for you too. * I set my laptop down and hugged him.* I love you Bub. Just be safe and come home soon. *He hugged me back and gathered up his laptop. We said goodbye and I watched him leave, probably heading to his room to get ready for his trip. I closed the door to my suite just as Rune walked out from our bedroom. He didn't say anything, just opened his arms to me. I went to him and was engulfed in his embrace. He could feel through our bond I was worried. He kissed the top of my head and told me everything would be fine. I smiled up at him and nodded. It would be fine. Everything always worked out. *