If there was one thing that Sariah Holloway was terrible at, it was buying gifts, second to actually being able to keep a secret and not telling people what she was up to. And today? Today she was attempting both. It wasn't that she didn't have ideas or thoughts, it was that she had so many ideas in her head that all started clashing with one another and making her doubt what would be best or whether she was completely on the wrong path. So she had spent pretty much all afternoon walking through shops, looking at things, putting them back and moving on, rinse and repeat.

And now it was the evening, all the shops were closing and she was still none the wiser on what to get for Orion. He was really hard to buy for, considering he already had most of the things he needed, she could have gotten him alcohol but that always felt like a cop-out gift and she wasn't sure he would go for anything sappy. Sighing the blonde ran a hand through her ponytail as she stepped out of the final shop still empty-handed. She had wandered so far towards the outskirts of the city that she actually could see the woods and therianthrope territory in the distance.

And suddenly she was struck with an idea. Sariah remembered Orion mentioning the same bar a few times when they had been together, something about a country den she was sure. Pursing her lips she pulled her phone out and started typing out the part she knew on her phone until the GPS managed to find a place not too far from her. If Orion visited there often he probably had friends there right? Maybe she could bargain them for some help in her gift buying task and if not then at least she would get to see the place that Orion seemed to rate so highly, either way, it seemed like a win. 

She followed the GPS which led her down a few different streets until she eventually found herself standing outside the place. She could hear music and chatter inside, though her mind was mostly on her feet which were aching like hell from all the walking she had done this afternoon, frustrating considering she came out empty-handed but she would live. Without another thought, she pushed the door open and wandered inside. The sound of the music echoed louder in her ears, it was nice though, she didn't go to bars often but at least she was able to hear herself think in here. Of course, the moment she walked in eyes were on her, Sariah got that a lot with the supernatural, considering she was nearly always appearing in the first few pages of Evermore daily nowadays.

She tried to shake it off, she didn't really like people staring at her but she figured these therianthropes would probably be especially wary of the human ambassador considering her secret but not really a secret relationship with their alpha. She headed up towards the bar, the blonde leaning both arms on the countertop while she waited to be served. Perhaps she could start with the bartender? Though she suspected most everyone in here probably knew Orion from the looks of things. 

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Knowing his bestfriends birthday was fast approaching Kane hadn’t the foggiest idea on what to get the man. Kane respected Orion and had grown to think of him like a brother over the years they had known each other. Kane wasn’t apart of the Pack not for lacking of different members trying to get him to join. Kane just wasn’t use to depending on anyone but himself, yes he knew Orion would be there at a moments notice for him. What he didn’t know is if the other pack members would, not without prompting from Orion and that didn’t sit well with Kane.

Shaking the feeling off Kane looked around the bar he was a tad surprised that he hadn’t seen any of his usual yet. Drumming his hands on the bar as if it were a drum he poured over the millions of things Orion already owned. Kane shook his head swiping his hand over his features trying to help himself wake. Not only was his best friend's birthday coming up but so was the anniversary of the day he left the woman he considered his true love.

Kane had given up on the idea of finding another love years ago, when he got to evermore he tossed himself into building this place. He built the entire building with his own two hands, with help from some of Orion's pack as well. Kane was proud of his little middle of nowhere bar, it was his home his baby.

Hearing the door open Kane shook himself from his thoughts to focus on who had entered, he chuckled to himself. Speak of the devil and now appears his other half, Kane shifted to walk over to where she was leaning against the bar. “Welcome to the Pure Country Den, or just the Den as most refer to it. What can I get you this evenin’?”

“You are Sariah correct?” He asked and held out his hand to her “I am Kane.” He shook her hand in a bit of a firmer handshake than he had intended. “What brings you all the way out here?” Kane knew about the relationship after all Orion was his brother of sorts, he also knew she was Human. Kane never had an issue with Orion being with a human unlike a few others who thought their Alpha should be with someone of his own kind. As long as Sariah and Orion were happy, and treated each other well Kane saw no reason to interfere in the affairs of others relationship.



The blonde had to admit she felt out of her element here, she didn’t really make a habit of going into other people’s territories because the news talked and anything an ambassador seemed to do was significant to them. Sariah hated it but it was what she agreed to when she took the job so she couldn’t really complain. She was beginning to get used to the way all eyes tended to be on her in the supernatural community, especially so, because she the only ambassador who wasn’t supernatural.

Looking up at the male who spoke to her from behind the bar she tilted her head a little curious, she hadn’t actually thought about what she wanted to order because that wasn’t her reason for coming but she figured her usual would suffice “Cranberry juice and vodka please” she responded before tilted her head and giving a slightly mischievous smile “Actually make it a double” she added before attempting to not so gracefully climb up onto one of the bar stools. Damn her short height.

When the male called her by name she widened her eyes a little but she nodded a little meeting his hand with her own and shaking it a little, his grip was firm, which was welcome considering she was used to shaking hands all day at the organization and had it down to somewhat of an art “Kane” she repeated with a friendly nod towards him “Orion’s mentioned you a couple of times, though he never mentioned you worked here” the blonde commented as she released his hand and leaned her elbows on the bar.

“Well honestly I was looking for some help” she admitted with a slightly nervous laugh as she drummed her fingers on the bar “I’m absolutely hopeless as gift buying and I was hoping to be able to recruit some help” the blonde laughed a bit realizing she sounded a little crazy “Plus Orion mentioned this place a few times and since I was around I figured I’d come to see it for myself” she liked to take interest in things that were important to him. With that thought she scanned her eyes around the place, taking in the decor and the music and then smiled softly “He wasn’t wrong, the vibe in here is amazing” she ran a hand through her ponytail a little self consciously.

After shaking her smaller hand he let go and set to making her the cranberry and vodka, when he finished he slid the glass over to her “Here you go one Vodka and Cranberry double.” Kane smiled when he saw her eyes light up at his name. He nodded his head it oddly made him feel better that the man he considered almost like a brother talked about him. “Well that could be because I own the bar, I don’t just work here.” He couldn’t help but let out his usual hearty laugh.

He gripped the bottom of the bar counter and leaned back stretching out a bit as he listened to her gift dilemma. “You and me both, I mean maybe two heads are better than one to look for a gift? Or come up with some gift ideas?” He drummed his hands on the bar. “Excuse me.” He said and walked off to stop what looked like it was about to turn into a bar brawl. Breaking it up rather quickly and kicking both parties out.

“Sorry about that, so where were we? right gifts for Rion.” he made a slight clicking sound with his tongue while he thought. “Oh thanks, Ya I tried to make it feel Homey I guess you could say. Pool tables back there, fireplace and books over there, you know dancing here, little bit for everyone.” He said and his face light up as he spoke about the different areas.

“So Rion has just about anything I can possibly think of… So I was thinking maybe a vacation package... Or something…” He shrugged his shoulders. “I am pretty crap at gifts, I mean I am sure he can tell you the stories.” Kane chuckled again thinking about them.

Sariah beamed politely as she took the drink from him with a thanks and handed him the money for the drink plus a couple dollars tip “You know I haven't had a drink in an actual bar for months” she laughed softly as she raised it to her lips and took a long sip, admittedly she was the stay at home and drink a bottle of wine instead type. She almost spit it out when he said he was the owner though and she placed the glass down on the table and stifled the urge to cough “Oh wow I had no idea” she commented and then laughed a little “Well then I will say you have a very nice place here” her smile was genuine, she could already tell why Orion liked Kane so much, he seemed very approachable.

She did groan a little when he admitted to being a bad gift buyer too, well there went her hopes of getting an easy way out of this but he was right, working together maybe they could figure out something Orion would like, she had always been terrible at gifts, her parents would always pretend to like what she got them but most of the time she could tell they were wondering what the hell she was thinking “A tag team huh?” she spoke as she clasped her hands together “Sounds so much better than wandering aimlessly around shops” she spoke before he excused himself.

The blonde shifted her position on the stool so she was more comfortable and leaned her arm against the bar to prop up her chin, she raised her brows curiously as he broke up the rowdy customers pretty swiftly. At each thing he pointed out that the bar had she shifted her eyeline to see all of the different things he was talking about, it felt more like a social space than just a place where people came to get wasted which was nice, she was actually pretty good at pool “Ticking every box for me” she commented with a chuckle “Curling up with a good book and a drink, actual heaven” she pursed her lips and little and smiled.

The blue-eyed female laughed softly “Yeah I’m not much better, one time I bought my mom a cupcake maker for her birthday and she was not impressed” in her defense, after the shock wore off she actually used the thing all the time “I wanted to get something meaningful but I’ve never really seen him wear any kind of jewelry” she commented as she bit on her lip “Vacation package isn’t a bad shout but will he actually make it out of town” she laughed, she knew the pain of being an ambassador too well.

Kane’s smiled brightened as she said his Den ticked off all of the boxes for her, he liked hearing that his pride and joy was a sense of enjoyment for others. Drumming his fingers on the counter top again he wondered about her question. “Well there is always the kidnap him and force him on a vacation choice” He joked of course. He couldn’t help but let out a hearty laugh at the thought of kidnapping his best friend and carting him off to have a vacation. The situation was pretty comical as it played out in his head.

He turned to the smaller blonde “As for jewelry, I haven’t really seen him wear much of it either. BUT” He reached over and pat her hand. “The way he talks about you when he is with me. I am POSITIVE he will love anything you get him.” He stressed the words but and positive so she could know that he was serious.

“A chain or ring or bracelet with some kind of engraving should work. He adores you, and if it came from you I could see him wearing it even if he might not be a jewelry kinda guy. Though I’ve never asked him if he is or isn’t really a topic that comes up often between us.” He couldn't help but laugh again “Though I’ll be sure to snoop the next time I see the old fox, for sure.”

Kane was already making her a second glass as hers emptied. “Let's go sit over on the comfy chair and talk.” He signalled for another person to come, man, the bar while he was off talking to Sariah when he rounded the bar he offered his arm out to her.  It was in Kane’s natural nature to be a gentleman and help a lady out whenever possible.

Sariah laughed when Kane suggested kidnapping Orion and forcing him to go on vacation, she shook her head a little “You say it as a joke but if you were an ambassador you’d realize that might actually be the only way” she joined him in his laughter, the blonde knew the duties and pressures that came with being responsible for an entire faction of people too well, it was hard to let go of it and switch off, even on her best days she still always had her phone with her just in case someone at the organization needed her.

The human ambassador gave him an appreciative smile when she felt his hand over hers and she shrugged “I don’t want him to just like it because it’s from me though” she admitted with a laugh, she had no doubts that Orion was polite enough that he would say he loved something even if he didn’t and he would probably use it too but he always seemed to find something meaningful in what he did for her and she wanted to be able to return the favor.

She had to admit though, being around Kane was nice, she could see why Orion got along so well with him, the therianthrope was a kind seeming soul and he had this really genuine laugh that she didn’t see all that often, most people were pretty guarded or fake when you first met them but with him it was almost like they were instantly friends. “I think I’ll avoid ring at all costs cause..” she pulled a face “You know, bad memories at all” but a chain or a bracelet with an engraving wasn’t the worst idea.

The blonde was a little surprised when he essentially decided he was taking a break but then she realized he owned the place and if he wanted a break he could have one, without hesitation she threaded her arm through his and let him lead the way over to chairs by the fireplace. The formality was a little strange for the human ambassador but not welcomed, she gave him a soft smile as she took a seat on one of the chairs and tucked her foot underneath her to get comfy “How long have you had this place?” she asked curiously, she didn’t tend to come to the therian territory often so she wasn’t really acquainted with the entertainment places they kept.

Kane helped her over and took a seat across from her, he folded his hands in front of himself nodding his head. “I mean I am 1000% down to kidnap my bestfriend, after all, I haven’t had much time with him lately so say the word and I will start the plans.” He wasn’t a stranger to the stresses of Orion's job, after all, he was the person Orion seemed to lean on when he was overwhelmed. Kane often provided him with a slightly different perspective maybe it was because was alone most of the time he could see things from outside the box.

“Ri… is it okay if I call you that?” He chuckled. “Look Orion won’t just like anything you give him, he will love it. I know how he feels about you, he will know that you have put thought into the gift, he knows you.” He sat back in the chair and crossed his left ankle over his right leg. Resting his hands on his leg will bouncing his foot thinking if he had any other ideas in mind.

“In my opinion don’t let yours or his past define what you and he do. If you find a ring you like that would suit him I say go for it! I mean it’s not a wedding band after all.” He couldn’t help but smile to try and reassure her. Sariah seemed like she was the type of woman who would overthink a situation and end up talking herself out of it before anything else. Hopefully, Kane could help her with that, more often than not Kane had done that himself but since moving to Evermore he had changed his ways.

“The two year anniversary just passed, though it was in plans about 2 years before that, permits etc to get it built. The doors have been open for two years now though, Rion helped me with everything, his family is the reason I took up this job.” He smiled thinking back on the situation.

Sariah laughed at his comments about kidnapping, she knew how easy it was to get completely lost in your work, so much so that you forgot to have a real life outside of it all so she was totally game for the idea “If it ever comes down to it then I shall recruit you as my wingman” she commented with an amused smile on her face, if the ever wanted to plan something like a surprise party she imagined knowing Kane would come in handy too and honestly, he seemed like a nice people that she wanted to get to know.

Smiling as she heard the nickname he used she was instantly reminded of her mother who would call her that in those small number of close moments the two of them had when she was younger, it was a good name for her “Of course” she responded with an encouraging nod of her head. “I know that” she commented and reached up to scratch the back of her head, honestly she could probably insult Orion and he’d still find a way to make it endearing.

But she also didn’t think there was anything wrong with trying to pick something out with thought, because it was a good way to show someone how much you cared about them and she really cared about him “I’m not sure I’m quite at your level of boldness” she commented with a slightly shy smile, Sariah still had a lot of insecurity when it came to relationships, just being in one was a massive step for her but that didn’t mean she didn’t worry about screwing things up “What about a pen? Those can be engraved too right?” she pouted her lips in thought since Orion worked with contracts a lot a pen just might work.

Hearing about the bar she smiled softly “I can see all the work that went into it” she commented as her eyes once again scanned across the room, the layout was really well done, spaced out enough not to feel cramped but also gave off a cosy vibe she’d never even seen before “I’m not sure I’d have the patience to start my own business from the ground up so kudos” she did a little mock bow with both of her hands and then laughed softly “I feel like it’s just missing some animals and then it would feel just like home” Sariah’s mind went to Ada, the little cat who was not so little that she had adopted.

Chuckling again “I’ll be your wingman any time you plan to kidnap that man, I would love to see the look on his face when he realizes his lady and bestfriend were behind it.” He laughed even harder at the thought he could just picture Orion’s look of ‘what in the actual hell just happened’ shaking his head “Sorry I was picturing his face, I picture it to look something like this” Kane tried his best to mimic the man’s face, but it was near impossible as he was still laughing.

Kane was grateful that she liked the random nickname he had picked for her he noted the smile she had when he said it, not to mention her suddenly becoming lost in thought for a moment. Kane sat back getting comfortable allowing her time to come back from her thoughts.

“You do not give yourself enough credit Ri, you say you aren’t bold, yet here you are in a bar you have never stepped foot in before, talking to a man you’ve never met before about the man you care about. I think you little miss, have a lot more strength and boldness then you are giving yourself.” He stated in his usual soft-spoken yet these are the facts kind of tone.

“Yes I’ve seen some of those really fancy special refillable ink pens with engraving on them, that would be a good gift for him. Considering how much he uses pens.” Kane nodded practical and yet thoughtful, and she said she wasn’t good at this whole gift thing. Kane was still planning to get the vacation away, even if it was just for a weekend. He would do one better and make it a weekend for two that way Orion could take Ri with him.

Chuckling at her comment that the Den was just missing a few animals “I mean I’m sure Rion has told you all about me, so I think I am animal enough for this place. Though a Dog or cat might be a nice touch. I’ll give it some thought.” To be honest, a guard dog wasn’t a bad idea, there had been more and more activity in the area as of recently and he would hate to have someone show up and trash his place while he was out on one of his hunts.

The blonde gave an amused laugh at the very thought of how Orion would react to being dragged away from his work and being forced to take a holiday, though if she was honest she’d probably be the same, it was really hard to put all of that down in your mind when so many people were relying on you, it always felt like you had to put everyone ahead of yourself. The mimicked face that Kane made almost had her in stitches clutching her chest as she laughed “That’s surprisingly realistic” she commented with an amused grin “You two really know each other well huh?” of course she knew that already but it was really interesting for her to see it with her own eyes, she could see why they got along so well.

The human ambassador raised her brows when he explained reasons why she might be considered bold, she supposed he did have a point, she had gone out of her way today to do something nice and that was in spite of any fears of reservations she might have of what people think about her “Maybe you’re right” she commented with a soft chuckle “It’s definitely not like me to go to a bar for any reason” she shook her head a little “Though this one feels different to me” she didn’t feel intimidated by the people here, maybe because she had found a fast friend in the owner but she felt like she could breathe easy.

She nodded as though she was taking mental notes as he furthered her idea and she had the feeling that maybe they were onto something with this one, who knew she just needed someone to put the idea of engraving into her head “I know the feeling” she commented with a mock roll of her eyes “The amount of pens I get through in a week is crazy, I swear they just up and walk out of me” she gave a slight pout and laughed, she was pretty sure someone was borrowing them from her desk and never returning them but it was funnier to think they were just disappearing into thin air.

Sariah laughed gently “He’s brought up his old pal a few times” she affirmed with a nod of her head, they were still getting into the whole meet the friends, meet the family stuff, she’d met his kids but she was nowhere near the point of bringing her parents into the mix. “I adopted a cat recently and she’s literally my whole life” the blonde laughed softly “Never a dull moment with that little rascal” she had never seen herself as a pet kinda person but she had seen Ada in the box looking all sad and hadn’t been able to leave her behind, now she couldn’t imagine life without a cat to look after. 

“I would like to think we know each other well, I know he says I am not but I feel like I owe his family a great debt. Not in a bad way mind you, but if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t have been set out on the straight and narrow. I wouldn’t have this place.” He gestured to the entire bar. Thinking back on his past Kane wasn’t exactly proud of his life, he had very few things that he found himself very proud of his bar was at the top of that list. Kadrin his ex was also on that list, she had been everything and more to him at the time, he was only ashamed that he had ended it.

“I have never asked him but, how did two crazy kids meet?” Kane was genuinely curious he himself liked someone but he wasn’t exactly sure how he was supposed to take the next steps. After Kadrin well he was pretty broken, maybe hearing someone else's tale would help him on his own ventures. He chuckled as she spoke of her cat.

“Cats don’t really like me, maybe it's the fox thing, but they always seem to hiss and freak out around me. If you know anyone with puppies point me in the right direction and I will give it a look.” He ran his hand through his long hair. “What is the cat's name?” He inquired shifting in his seat. Sariah was so easy to talk to, she was pretty Kane loved her smile no wonder his bestfriend was so smitten with the woman.

It was hard to describe but the air around her was lighter, conversations with her just flowed and Kane was glad that they had struck up an almost instant friendship. To be honest, anyone who couldn’t make friends with this woman was downright nuts. Kane had heard a few stories from Orion but they were his point of view and it was good to see both sides of the coin.

The blue-eyed ambassador glanced over to him and noted the sincerity on his face when he spoke about his relationship with Orion, she could tell it was important to him from his tone, smiled softly as she found his gaze “Orion is so good that sometimes I don’t believe it” she commented with an amused shake of her head, he was always trying to make the world around him a better place and care for those around him, she wasn’t sure he actually had an off switch if she was honest.

When Kane asked how they met she laughed and blushed softly “That is a bit of a crazy story actually” she admitted running a hand through her ponytail “We were both at the same party, or rather I was at the party and he was working for security for it” she shook her head “Anyway me being the trouble magnet I am ended up getting the attention of a rather unkind valkyr who instantly regretted messing with a scientist but” she pulled a back “I may have thrown a new blinding formula I was working on in Orion’s face when he tried to help me” the blonde laughed and shook her head “I’m hopeless I swear” she hid her face behind her hands just from the memory.

“I love puppies but I feel like I wouldn’t be able to give them enough time you know, my cat, she occupies herself but a dog you have to walk and play with much more” she grimaced a little “I could imagine a little pup curled up by the fire in here though for sure” her eyes turned to the rug which looked like the perfect spot for a fur baby. When he asked the name Sariah laugh “Her names Ada, named after my favorite programming language which sounds more and more cheesy every time I tell someone but I don’t care, it sounds cute” the blonde realized she was rambling a little and pressed her lips together.

“So the bar and Orion keep you on the straight and narrow huh?” Sariah quirked an inquisitive brow in his direction for a moment “Do I want to know what kind of trouble you got yourself into?” Sariah hadn’t been the model citizen when she was younger either, she was a hacktivist when she was younger and was quite a force to be reckoned with, even if she did say so herself.

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