My Land, My Rules

"And I'm glad to have you here," Nell said simply.

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"Cygnus, the black and white one is definitely more daring and a bit more demanding of attention," Nell said. "Rigel likes to hold back, watch from a distance a little, before pouncing."

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"No," Nell said. "I'll just play it by ear and see what I feel like doing. It's mostly the dance tomorrow and I don't dance."

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Nell smiled at her. "Me too. I'm glad I won't be the only one indulging."

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"Have you thought about when you'd like to open your presents?" Steven asked. "Entirely up to you. Could even save ours for tomorrow if you'd rather have something on your actual birthday."

Steven and Marc wouldn't be there, of course, but Steven wanted to give Nell a polite excuse in case she might have been feeling self-conscious about opening her gifts while people were watching.

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pocketpretzels

It was testament to how much he was looking forward to this trip with Steven that there wasn't even a momentary flash of disappointment over missing an opportunity to dance.

"Why's that?" he asked. "Don't know how, or just don't care to?"

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"Oh no, I'll open them while you're all here," Nell assured him. "Maybe after we eat and before Lana's cake?"

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Admittedly Steven was glad he'd be able to see if Nell liked what he'd gotten. Obviously because he hoped she'd like it, but also it would help figuring out future presents to buy her when the occasion arose.

"Whenever you'd like," Steven said. "But that sounds lovely."

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"Both, I guess," Nell said. "Not something the church allows, so it was never a question. So I don't know how and I think I'd be terribly awkward and embarrassed and I don't have anyone I would dance with."

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"Then that's what we'll do," Nell said with a nod. "Give our stomachs a few minutes to settle before we eat again."

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"So do we all," Lana said. "Thank you."

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"Ah, that makes sense." Lana nodded. "Still, that's so many varieties! Do they all taste different in wine?"

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"Definitely not," Lana assured her. "But the cake is vegan, I made sure of it," she assured them all.

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"Where do their names come from?" Lana asked.

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"You know the nice thing is you can make your own traditions," Steven said. "Not that you've to commit to anything now. But you can try it out, see what makes a good birthday for you. There's some things that loads of people do, like the cake. But things like singing or games or anything else. Whatever you fancy."

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"I had no doubt that you'd make sure of that," Nell assured her. "Thank you."

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"Cygnus is a swan constellation, which I love because of the story about it being a sparrow bridge in the heavens," Nell said. "And Rigel is a very bright star nearby."

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"I don't think games are for me," Nell said, "And I'm not sure we'd all know the same songs. But I do like being able to get together with friends."

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"Well you're off to a good start there," Steven said with a smile. "Well done, you. Singing is things like Happy Birthday or For She's a Jolly Good Fellow. But doesn't have to be done if you don't care for it."

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"I think traditionally they sing Happy Birthday when they bring the cake out," Nell said. "So that will be okay."

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Steven considered the other two guests at the table, then leaned in to whisper to Nell, "Do you know the words? Because we may have to teach them. Or shall I do it for everyone?"

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"You're welcome," Lana said. "Are you enjoying yourself so far?"

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"A bridge for sparrows?" Lana asked, curious.

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pocketpretzels

"That's fair," Watts said. He'd taught Steven how to waltz, but that wasn't the type of dancing generally found at the school events.

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