Amends (the whole gang)

[Lyra Newbury]

Lyra, Julian, and Sam had discussed it and decided to take Nicolas out for a light evening of good friends, good food, and good wine. Lyra felt bad for treating Nik so horribly during such a hard time of year - although she was completely ignorant to his circumstances at the time, but she also felt grateful that he had allowed her to keep him company on the anniversary of his mother's death and his long lost sister's birthday. Lyra had even managed to rein in her compulsive tendencies and wait, as Julian suggested, for a week before inviting Nik out for a night on the town.

The girls were planning to get ready together, as always. Lyra wore her enchanted jewelry to stave off any anxieties she had about getting ready for a double date with Nik and Sam as the last one did not go well at all. And of course, this wasn't an actual date because Lyra and Julian weren't actually dating - they just happen to do most things that couples in a relationship do, but that was neither here nor there.

"I can't decide which dress to wear," Lyra said, levitating two form fitting dressing up for Sam to see. One was a black, backless number covered in sparkling jewels. The other a white, strapless dress with a black lace overlay.

[Samantha Montgomery]

"The white." Sam answered pinning an emerald hairpiece in to hold her half updo. The rest of her hair fell in a cascade of curls on the side and over her her shoulder. Her dress matched the hairpiece which matched her eyes, the capped sleeves hung at her shoulders and the dress fit her like a glove, cutting off at mid thigh.

"Just make sure you charm it first to avoid any stains."

[Lyra Newbury]

"Good thinking," she replied. She waved her wand and the black dress disappeared, sent back to her closet in her own flat. Lyra muttered the proper incantation so that no matter what she might spill, she would be free from stains. Lyra seemed to be rather clumsy these days, a side affect of the stress she was under, no doubt.

She stepped into the dress and charmed the zipper up, then moved to look in the full length mirror. She was plenty happy with Sam's choice, Julian was going to die when he saw her. 

"You did tell Nicolas about tonight, didn't you? No surprises?" She and Nik had a strange but decent relationship now, so there was no reason for her to worry that he would again say something horrible to or about her, but the current scene was so eerily similar to that day with Mason that Lyra couldn't help but worry a little.

[Samantha Montgomery]

"He's aware." she said reassuringly.

"You look lovely." she smiled.

Lyra and Nik had a strange relationship. For the most part Sam ignored the twinge of jealousy she felt at their closeness, but sometimes it flared up now and again. Mostly because she knew it was her own fault she wasn't close to people. She didn't know how to be.

[Lyra Newbury]

She breathed a sigh of relief at Samantha's confirmation. She knew tonight would be different than their last double date. They were all friends, what could go wrong?

Lyra smiled at Sam's compliment and thanked her. "I've really been shopping too much," she admitted. "But my boss just pays me so well," she continued with a cheeky grin. "And of course you look amazing." Lyra admired Sam's hair and the emerald pin that sparkled when Sam moved her head.

[Samantha Montgomery]

Samantha grinned. She didn't go shopping, most of her clothes were designer gifts, they even paid her to wear them. Her life was spectacularly odd to the average, or even well off, person with very few ordinary tasks. Yet for someone who had all the advantages in life, she never settled long enough to truly indulge in them. She worked twice as hard as anyone at the magazine, was a full business partner in several other ventures, and managed to attain perfect scores at school. It was rather inconceivable that she was a mere mortal.

"Well I believe the boys have waited long enough."

[Lyra Newbury]

Yes, certain aspects of Samantha's life were quite enviable, but Lyra was finally becoming happy with where she was in her own life. She was seeing a therapist twice a week to deal with several more issues than she realized she had. She had a wonderful career which allowed her to not only afford to pay her bills again but actually have enough money to shop like she used to when she used her parents' credit account while actually paying for the items in cash. And she had a wonderful not-boyfriend who was waiting with Nicolas for her and Samantha. Things were finally looking up.

"Oh, alright. I suppose since we are trying to cheer up Nik it would be crass to make them wait longer." Lyra grabbed her hand bag, checked her flawless makeup in the mirror, and then followed Sam out to meet the men.

[Samantha Montgomery]

"Ooh, just mums on the cheering up part." Sam warned, "Nik knows we're all going out and the like, but he would become flustered if he thought he was the cause."

She was actually surprised Nik agreed to the double date considering what had happened on their last double with Lyra. In fact that was what started the whole mess between Lyra and Nik. Of course they were friends, or less of enemies now, truth be told Sam was pretty sure Nik loved Lyra - as a friend of course.

[Lyra Newbury]

"Merlin, he's an odd duck. If you all went through the hassle of planning a night out to cheer me up I'd be rather appreciative. But fine, I'll keep my mouth shut. I'm sure I can find plenty of things to pester him about and he'll never suspect we are doing something nice for him." Like the Tibetan prayer on his back.

Lyra rolled her eyes at how difficult Nicolas could be. They all had their moments, the things that set them off but something about Nik's haughty facade made Lyra want to ruffle his perfectly coiffed feathers.

[Samantha Montgomery]

Samantha laughed, but truthfully she was the same way. Needing to be cheered up was akin to admitting weakness, and weaknesses were exploitable. Nik used to tell her that it was best to be ruthless, but if you can't, then it is essential to appear that way. It was the only thing that got her through living with Marrion.

They were both cold people with very warm hearts, no wonder they were all drawn to Lyra's vivaciousness.

[Lyra Newbury]

If Lyra felt the same way about being cheered up as the rest of them did, she'd be lost forever. While the Newburys had their own views on weakness and what constituted such a horrendous state and how it was to be perceived, she was perfectly happy to allow someone to shower her with attention and affection.

As Lyra stepped into the room her eyes were immediately drawn to Julian. "My, don't you boys look lovely."

[Samantha Montgomery]

Both men's eyes lit up as the women walked into the room.

Neither man would ever grow tired of watching their girl enter a room and own it (and them) completely.

"And yet we are forever outdone by you ladies." Julian said with only a hint of fake exasperation.

"Yes, we work so hard at being beautiful, meanwhile..." Nik said gesturing to where Lyra and Sam stood, "Thank God we're secure and manly." he joked.

"Indeed." Sam said with an amused brow.

[Lyra Newbury]

"Well, you're secure at least. The latter is still up for debate," Lyra teased Nik as she crossed the room to greet Julian with a modest kiss. "You, on the other hand," she said as she caressed Julian's strong arms. She smiled coyly at him before whirling around to face their friends, leaning back against Julian's chest.

"Are we ready, then?" she asked cheerfully.

[Samantha Montgomery]

"Is this you two not dating?" Nik returned in kind after her 'manly' comment, "Cause you suck at it."

"Now now, children. At least play nice until we get to dinner." Sam said taking Nik's well defined arm, she winked at him, "Is this you being secure? Because you suck at it." she teased.

Teasing which Nik was more than happy to receive when he approved of the woman teasing him.

Julian rolled his eyes at Nik and smiled toward his non-date for the evening. They weren't dating, they weren't 'exclusive' even though neither of them were seeing anyone else. But they weren't not dating either. They simply respected each other's space and needs and took all the turns slowly, except of course when they were naked and pawing at each other.

[Lyra Newbury]

Lyra opened her mouth, a retort prepared, but Sam had taken the words from her lips and Lyra simply laughed aloud. Julian wasn't Lyra's boyfriend, and Lyra wasn't his girlfriend. In fact, this would be their first public outing since agreeing that they couldn't date for the time being. Everything else had been in the privacy of their own homes, and while Julian thought they were taking things slow Lyra couldn't help but notice that things were progressing faster now than they had been when they were apart.

Julian helped Lyra into the carriage and as she scooted into her seat she practiced her breathing. Carriages still made her nervous but she wouldn't let her anxiety show when they were already having such a good time.

[Samantha Montgomery]

Nik caught Lyra's eyes after Sam and he were seated as well. Despite their bickering he had a keen sense for whatever Lyra needed. He had been there to remind her that she was a beautiful siren capable of bringing men to their knees. And he had been there to remind her that she was a powerful witch capable of bringing anyone down if needed. But that didn't mean that he would let it come to that in the first place. He had taken extra security precautions since that day, on top of the ones that the Montgomerys already employed since learning not one, but two of their girls had been targeted by this psychopath.

Christine may have moved out, but she was by no means alone and vulnerable. As for the ladies that occupied the carriage and didn't fight the security precautions, it had been much easier to ensure their safety.

Julian noticed the look Nik gave Lyra, but he didn't understand it, he turned to watch her expression in return.

[Lyra Newbury]

She had spoken to Nik about her fears of the carriage, only once and with very little detail but Lyra knew that Nik could sense her apprehension. She smiled to let him know she was okay, and to thank him for his silent support.

Julian caught her eye then, as he always did, and her smile widened. "Where is it we're going again?" she asked to fill her head with something other than breathing and masked men.

[Nicolas Everhart]

Samantha had handled the arrangements so Nik looked toward her. When she listed one of Nik's favorite restaurants he grew only slightly suspicious, but shrugged it off. La Sirene was a fantastic restaurant, sure to please everyone.

"Their desserts are to die for." Sam assured Lyra.

[Lyra Newbury]

That statement alone made Lyra happy. Lyra loved sweets and while Sam rarely indulged, when she did she knew what she was talking about. "I'm ordering one of everything," Lyra joked, looking to Julian who had been rather quiet since leaving the manor. She put her hand on his knee.

[Nicolas Everhart]

Julian participated in the small talk, he and Nik had been chatty before the girls came into the room, but as she usually did Lyra managed to distract him. While he wasn't exceptionally conversant during the ride, he was observant. He placed his hand over hers and gave her a soft smile. He was trying for her sake, no for their sake. He wanted a future with her as well, and for the first time he actually thought he might have one.

Sam soon began chatting about the magazine, fashion, designers, etc, which monopolized most of the carriage ride to the restaurant.