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((Takes place right after A Helping Hand))

"You can park right there." Gwen indicated the open spot on the right side of the two lane road near a row of similar looking buildings. "On street parking, but it isn't bad. There's usually always a spot."

Gwen watched Isaiah as he parked the car. She mused how the night had ended with her bringing home a man. Mind, she was being helpful, but it had been so long since she shared a living space with a guy who she wasn't related to. Gwen assumed it was the alcohol keeping her from feeling anxious about the whole thing. Still, she wasn't regretting the decision. After all, she was just helping out a friend in need.

The little house was nestled between others like it, all of them obviously split into apartments by floor with each door hosting a porch light and glowing doorbell. There was no grass or greenery out front with the house butted up to the sidewalk, but a small window box on the first floor gave hope for color in the spring and summer. Over all, the place had a rather boring basic white look to it but was well maintained.

"I am the bottom apartment." She said as she opened up the passanger side door and climbed out. The sudden change from sitting to standing made the world spin for a brief moment, but she didn't let it phase her. She closed the car door with a bit more force than was needed but didn't even flinch or pause. "Just hit that button on the right of the fob there to lock it." A beep of the car indicated Isaiah had hit the right button and Gwen led the way up the three small steps onto the wooden porch.

"So, I have to warn you. Reilly might bark at you when you come in. He's uh, a bit protective of me, but he's really all bark. The little guy just likes to play protector. He'll calm down fast enough." With a smile, Gwen turned and unlocked the door before stepping inside.

True to Gwen's warning, as soon as Isaiah stepped in a growl followed by quick warning barks filled the apartment. "Shhhh, Reilly!" Gwen tried to hush the dog as she flipped on a lamp which illuminated the small but cozy living room. Two side tables, a couch, armchair and small coffee table took up a large portion of the room with a moderate size TV nestled on the top of a bookcase. The room led into what could be assumed to be a kitchen but was still dark.

"It's not much, but it's clean and warm." She smiled. "The spare bedroom is right over there." She indicated a door to the left of the entrance. "There's only one bathroom though, so I hope that isn't an issue."

Reilly had moved in to sniff Isaiah over, small growls still eminating form the little sheltie. "Reilly. Stop that." Gwen reached down to scoop up the dog which calmed the fluffy beast almost instantly. "I swear, give him a day and he'll be your best friend." She smiled warmly.

Gwen laughed as she slipped her jacket off. "It will be fine. I promise you and Reilly will become good friends. He's easy to get along with. Just give him some attention. Ya know, a scratch behind the ear, belly rubs, maybe a cuddle session now and then and he'll love you." As Isaiah poked his head into what would be his bedroom, Gwen deposited her coat on the small coat rack just inside the door. It already sported a brown bomber jacket, some scarves, and a knitted hat but there was room a plenty for another article or two of clothing. "He's been around a cat once or twice and seemed more interested in playing with them than anything else. There's enough high spots that Tastykake should be able to get away from him if she wants. I'll also work on calming him a bit around her."

The little sheltie in question was slowly getting use to Isaiah. He, of course, was not bothered by the glare thrown his way. Instead he continued to snuffle around the mans feet. Eventually he seemed appeased that Isaiah wasn't out to cause trouble, at least not yet, and scampered up onto the couch curling up on a knitted blanket that had been left in a heap on the furniture.

"Alright, so the bathroom is right here." She pointed to a door next to Isaiah's room. Walking to the other side of the living room Gwen opened the door to her own bedroom. With quick flick of a light switch and a minute later she walked out with a few spare blankets. "I've already got the sheets cleaned and on the bed from when Dallen was last here, but here's some spare blankets in case you need them. Also, in the dresser, there are some clothes that you can use." She paused for a moment as she studied Isaiah. His frame was much different from her brothers. Where Dallen was bulky and built, Isaiah was thin and sinewy. The man in front of her was very much someone you would expect to model clothing or in an art studio.

Realizing she was staring Gwen's already rosy cheeks took on a slighter deeper red. "Um, well, the clothes may be a bit big." She cleared her throat. "But I think there's sweats in there that you can adjust."

With that she made a hasty retreat to the kitchen. She flicked the switch on illuminating the room. There was not a lot of counter space, but enough for food prep and for a coffee pot to sit on the counter at all times. A standard white fridge occupied the far corner of the room while the stove was immediately to the left upon entering. A small table sat off to the side, barely big enough for two people. Just off to the right, next to a small white draped window was a door leading out to a small but functional garden. Or, it would be functional if it wasn't for the weather. "Do you want a drink? I've got some alcohol here but not much." She walked further into the room opening up one of the above counter cabinets that lined the walls. "I've got spiced rum and vodka. Otherwise it's water, pepsi, or orange juice." She called out to him.

Isaiah opting for water made Gwen's decision for herself which was good. Anymore alcohol and she'd be waking up with quite the hang over in the morning. Grabbing two tall glasses from the cupboard she turned to the fridge and grabbed a filter pitcher of water and the orange juice. Pouring the two glasses, Gwen filled the filter pitcher back up before putting it and the orange juice back in the fridge. Closing the door with her hip she grabbed the two drinks and made herself comfortable opposite Isaiah. "As you ordered." With a grin she took a drink of her orange juice.

"Alright." She agreed. "I have to admit I am far from the social butterfly as I've made poor attempts with making friends. So to answer all of your questions in one word, No. No boyfriend or girlfriend, fetishes, or clients for a non existent business." She leaned back in the chair with a sigh. "I am rather boring in that sense so, unless Dallen decides to pay a visit, for the most part, I won't have visitors." Truthfully, it was quite a change from her life in New York where she had a tried and true cluster of friends that she socialized with quite frequently. Hence, her loneliness since being in Destiny City.

"I should ask you the same questions. I don't mind if you have visitors, of course. So as long as you trust whomever you're bringing in." A part of the woman hoped that Isaiah didn't have any significant other. Of course, she was chalking it up to not wanting to deal with seeing PDA's and not because her heart raced a bit at the thought of him being single. "All I ask is that you're courteous about times. I am a woman who needs her beauty sleep." With a laugh she bent down a bit to unzip her boots, slipped them off, and placed them off to her side. With her feet free she was able to sit with a leg tucked under her warming her toes on that foot.

"Let's see what else." She tapped her chin lightly, noting that her face was still slightly numb. "Hm, I guess, since there's only one bathroom, if either of us knows we will need to get ready for something in advance just let the other know so that it's available? That way we, hopefully, won't piss each other off too much sharing a bathroom."

Taking another drink of her OJ, Gwen looked down as an insistent whine at her feet proclaimed someone needing attention. "We don't have any food." She laughed and removed herself from her seat to procure a dog treat from a small jar on the counter. "Sit." Reilly happily complied, his attention fixed upon the red-head. "Lay down. Roll over." With quick precision Reilly performed his tricks before being given the treat and happily trotting off back into the living room.

Gwen positioned herself back on her chair, leaning on the table lightly, head in her hand. "So, anything else of interest you think I should be warned about?"

She shrugged with a smirk. "I had to get something out of the deal. But...yeah I guess it does. If not make me completely boring in the process." A bit of bitterness tinted her tone at her last comment. Still, she wasn't about to let herself swell on that. Not now. Gwen was determined to enjoy finally having company.

Hearing that Isaiah lacked any lover. Well, a more permanent one made Gwens heart race a bit faster at the prospect. Roughly though she sighed and leaned back in her chair in an attempt to calm such long, pushed aside emotions.

"Don't let me intrude on your fun times. You'll be happy to know that once I am asleep I am relatively dead to the world as long as you aren't being overly loud or obnoxious about it." Gwen did her best to try and keep her tone neutral. To say that she'd been suffering from her celibacy since her last relationship would be an understatement. But, unfortunately for her, she couldn't bring herself to have dalliances. There were still a few emotional wounds that hadn't yet fully healed. Still, she certainly wasn't going to rain on someone else's parade.

"I will not opposed to you being a clean freak. I tend to be a bit lax with that part so, yay, another perk for me. Cooking, I can handle. That doesn't bother me at all. I sort of enjoy it." Leaning forward she reached for her orange juice. She swirled the liquid in the cup gently as she leaned back into the chair again. Pulp grasped at the side of the glass as it slowly integrated back into the juice before she took another drink from it. She stopped mid drink at Isaiah's chuckle and comment and raised a brow before lowering the glass. "I don't know if I sh ould take that as a compliment or not." She remarked with a grin. "But, you're right, I can't hold my liquor well and my face always betrays that fact." And a few other things she mused to herself.

Reaching back, Gwen undid the bit that had remained of her braids. So much of her hair had come undone at that point that it looked more unruly than normal. So with deft fingers she undid her style, pulling out some bobby pins and placing them in her pocket. "Well noted! If I get myself into any trouble I know who to call. It's somewhat disappointing though that you won't be around much, but I understand busy schedules." She hadn't even realized what she said until it was out of her mouth but she chose to ignore it and hope Isaiah didn't think anything of her words.

With her hair free, Gwen ran her hands through it in an attempt to make it look, what she hoped, was somewhat presentable. She gave Isaiah a mock pout as she tucked an annoying half curl behind her ear. "Damn. Well, I'll knock training sessions off of my list of roommate bonding times." Laughing she took another swig of her juice. Hopefully the OJ worked it's magic for her like usual. Maybe another glass would be needed before bed.

"I have to admit, I've never had a roommate. I've always lived at home with my family so..." She paused to ponder if there was anything major that would bother her. "Off the top of my head, I can't think of anything. In fairness though, I am not exactly in my prime to be thinking too hard about stuff."

"Anyway, tell me about yourself? What do you do for fun? I know you do some art, like the drink, have no significant other and enjoy chatting but I am sure there's more to you than that."

A laugh escaped her. "Oh lord! Well, at least you're looking out for my best interest. I'll let you know if those ear plugs are needed or not."

Glancing at her glass Gwen noted she was down to the pulpy end of it. She quickly tipped it back before unfolding herself form her chair and moving towards the fridge. "You must have quite the social life if you're out so much." Pulling the fridge open she grabbed the bottle of orange juice. "You don't need to change your schedule. Your company would be very welcomed but I am not going to ask you to change your daily habits for me." She walked back over to the table and poured herself another glass of juice after giving the bottle a good shake. "But I won't complain if you do decide to be around more than originally planned." She flashed Isaiah a genuinely grateful smile before turning to put the almost empty bottle back into the fridge.

"Give me a second." She walked into the other room and into the bathroom. She returned a minute later with two advil. "Sorry, I need to take this before I forget. Otherwise I might hate myself in the morning." She walked over to the fridge again and reached on top of it to pull down a box of cheese crackers. Then she finally returned to her seat and promptly downed the advil before opening the box. "Don't know if you like these but have at if you'd like."

She popped one of the crackers into her mouth. "Well, I see I've given you a very inspiring first impression of myself." She laughed as she adjusted her sitting position, tucking her other foot under this time. "Tangents or not, I am enjoying hearing your thoughts on the subject. I moved to make a change. I needed a change, really." And she left it at that, popping another cracker in her mouth.

Finally, she was getting a bit more info on Isaiah though she did note the look on his face. She wondered if he just found his past none important or if there were things he just preferred to keep in the dark. Probably the latter. Gwen wasn't aware of anyone who didn't have a few demons in their past. Herself not an exclusion. "So, you sound like a typical bachelor with a few interesting quirks and knowledge." The mention of ex's put Gwen on edge a bit. "I hope your ex isn't causing you too much trouble?"

Reaching back into the box, Gwen retrieved a small handful of the crackers and laid them on the table in front of her. "Ah. My turn then." She sighed, knowing the tables were going to turn but not exactly thrilled about it. "Well like I said before, I moved here for change. Well, change and to prove to myself I could do it." She pushed a few of the crackers around before selecting one and eating it carefully as she tried to choose her words before talking. "I want to open a business of my own eventually, but I think I've told you that before and you know about my interest in sketching, which, by the way, is very strictly scenery and animals. I have never been good at capturing the human body on paper." She shrugged. "Besides that you'll find me out in the garden come warmer days."

Another dream was very distinct in her mind but it wasn't something she was ready to talk about. Not yet at least. The last thing she wanted was for Isaiah to think of her as some sort of love-sick woman who was looking for that fairy-tale princess ending. There was no such thing as a perfect relationship, but she hoped to one day find something. Something to prove to her that what she'd experienced was out of the norm. Of course, that would only ever happen if she could open up.

"Fun fact about me. I initially grew up in Ireland until I was around 12. It was around that time I lost my mother and my father decided to move us to New York since he had family there. From there it's pretty boring. I went to school like any other kid, went to college, graduated, and now I am here."

"Diet?" She questioned as she popped another cracker into her mouth. "You hardly look like you need to diet." Even with the bulkiness of the sweater it was obvious that Isaiah was quite petite in frame. "Truthfully, if I didn't know you had a business I would have assumed you modeled or something of the sort. You seem to have the right frame for it, but I am not really knowledgable in that industry."

Isaiah's glance around the apartment wasn't missed. A wave of a hand, cracker held between two fingers, Gwen laughed. "My Da helped me quite a bit with the place. He, 'couldn't let his baby girl move away and not make sure she wasn't comfortable'." She emphasised his words with air quotes. "I mean, it's fine and all. I am still on my own. I just had some assistance getting started." Gwen shrugged and downed the last cracker. Reaching forward she grabbed the box and promptly closed it to keep herself from eating anymore. She had enough in her now to go with the advil she had taken.

It was then Gwen looked up at Isaiahs words and came face-to-face with his draped self on the chair. The look, though short, was enough to fluster her for a hot second. "Well, yes..." She tried to mask her fluster by grabbing the box of crackers and hurrying out of her seat. Of course the quickness of her motions meant her still tipsy body wasn't ready and the room swam for a moment, forcing her to stop in her tracks to let it stop. It didn't take more than a second or two before she was moving back to the fridge to put the crackers back. "Well I've just never been all that good with it really." And she left it at that. Smooth Gwen.

Needless to say, Gwen was relieved for a change in topic. She turned back to her now roommate, pushing hair out of her face in the process. "I am sorry to hear that." She walked back over to the table and eased herself back into the chair, not completely in control of herself again. "You seemed to have turned out alright though. That is unless you're just doing a good job of hiding some sadistic side of yourself that I've not seen." She laughed. "Quirks and odd habits aside, I highly doubt that about you."

As isaiah removed his sweater, Gwen couldn't help studying him . The shirt her wore allowed her a good view of pale skin beneath it, and his trim figure was even more pronounced. Oh yes. He certainly could be a model and Gwen was appreciating that fact.

Isaiah's words dragged her from her obvious staring. "Um, well, a lot."She shifted a bit in the chair, a bit uncomfortable and unsure how far she wanted to go with this all the while thinking she was far too sober for the convo. "I've always lived with my brother and Da. A lone girl living with two guys was always interesting. Needless to say the condo always had a very masculine flair to it. I wanted to get out of that and sort of explore myself. I want to see what I can do when I don't necessarily have my Da to rely on. Plus..." She stopped there, hesitation clearly written on her features. "There's some other things but, I really don't want to get into them." She looked a bit apologetic but at the same time relieved with herself for not going farther. Sure, she liked Isaiah and all but she wasn't ready to spill everything to him.

In an attempt to try and dispell the heaviness of the moment Gwen stretched and sighed. "When do you think you'll be moving your stuff over?"

A dream of modeling, huh? It was interesting to Gwen than he seemed willing to brush off the dream because of his height. It seemed the industry was switching with how people were portrayed. Maybe his ideal niche in the modeling world was more strict? Truthfully, Gwen had no idea how it all worked. She'd never been much interested in the modeling world. Hell, she had grown up being quite the tom boy and it wasn't until she hit college and met her ex that her style changed. ruefully she guessed it was one of the few things that she could thank Matthew for. Gwen, now, took delight in her feminine attire and showing off her slim figure.

It became obvious that Isiah had deflated a bit, much like she had. She wasn't sure what exactly she had said that had affected him, but it seemed they were both touching on topics that neither were willing to delve into. Considering how new they were to each other, it was to be expected. No one ever wanted to reveal demons and troubled pasts. They were hard enough to tackle on your own let alone letting someone else in to see them. Still, Gwen did hope that maybe one day the trust would be there between them. For now though...

"See, and some of that stuff I knew nothing about or thought of." She sighed and leaned forward, her elbows on the table and her face disappearing into her hands in frustration as her hair veiled around her. A second of two passed before she pushed her hair back out of her face, leaning back again. "You're right. I can't think straight either. Getting into stuff like that tonight will just lead to frustration on my part as I try to understand it all." Pushing down the temper that wanted to surface, Gwen grabbed her orange juice and chugged it down.

She got up, taking care not to get up too fast this time, and took her glass over to the sink. Knowing she'd get to it in the morning, Gwen opted to leave the glass sitting in the sink after giving it a quick rinse. Turning around she leaned against the cupboard, hands behind her supporting her gently. "Right, so, bed or just change of topics? If we want to keep chatting though I suggest moving to the living room." A glance at the clock confirmed it was 1am. Not at all late by her standards and she guess by Isaiah's as well. Still the alcohol would help her fall asleep soon enough if that was the route chosen.