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Rivener had no words for how completely delighted he was that Pasha stated she wanted to go to the cafe with BOTH of them. That showed it beyond the shadow of a doubt: she wasn't just accepting Rivener with a 'maybe' thrown in for Zul! She was willing to give them BOTH a chance to court her, together! The look the Scorpion shot his Demon was the most joyous, elated, enchanted beaming grin he'd ever shot. If they could manage to win her, they would get to share in her warmth and presence without having to walk on eggshells! Riv's wings rustled happily again and he held back from the urge to spin her again, aware that he'd exacerbated her wing's pain earlier.

But when she drew them into the back to talk, looking a little distraught, Rivener began to tense with worry. Why did she need to speak in private? He glanced over a shoulder at Vi, worried, but he followed the Muse into the back room. The flash of bruises along her back had him choking on his own breath, going pale. Bruises on that fair skin looked so WRONG! The dark Sigel wanted to ease her immediately and usher her into a bed for rest, wanted to sweep her away to the doctor's, but she obviously had something to tell them in private and he hadn't the heart to interrupt her.

He spared the altering clothing only a glance, too worried for Meli. He just nodded at her words, smiling a little bit. Wing-altering would be useful in the clothes. Riv usually had Aphi do it for him, but this would save him having to bother is guardian... Then any thought of clothes fled from his mind. Pasha crowded them near her cot and Riv frowned as he looked around: she didn't belong here. Cloistered away, hidden, packed into a tiny corner! No! The Muse needed space to shine, she needed better than this. And when the girl turned and finally told them her quiet secret, Rivener was privy to another flash of emotion most would not expect from the delicate girl. Anger.

Riv stiffened all over at the mention of the humans handling her wrong. He'd been out of his mind at the time, hadn't seen. Still, he was all too ready to believe the humans had done something inappropriate to her. His own eyes flashed in sympathetic anger. "What did they-... It doesn't matter. I understand. Humans-..." He sighed, keeping his opinion to himself because it would be of no help at the moment. "Unfortunately I don't know how to mend a wing. You'd think I would, seeing how often my own as been splinted." He gave a wry smirk, glancing at Zul to share in the dark humor. "And we don't know the extent of your injuries. Maybe your shoulder's broken too. Maybe your wing's dislocated. We really would need a doctor, with the proper equipment at hand to make sure you get the treatment you need. Melisande, please, I know the humans can be a horrid breed of monster sometimes, but you really must get help. Zul and I will go with you and we'll make sure no one touches you or approaches you without your express permission. Okay? Please? ....Or if you'd rather see one single person and avoid the hospital, I do know a doctor. He's a little... odd, but he knows about us Raevans and could come here." Though Rivener was't sure Dr. K would be available at the drop of a hat...

Lastly, the Scorpion looked around at the shop. "And, uh..." He gave a look to Zul and hoped the other wouldn't mind what he was about to offer. "If you want to be away from humans while you recover, you could come home with us. Zul and I live together, alone. There's no humans in our apartment. But if that's a little too forward, I understand and I apologize for offering it. I just want you to be comfortable while you recover."

Melisande dimpled a tiny smile as Rivener reacted to her acceptance of his invitation. She'd never seen him so happy...not even the day they'd shopped together, in the self same store. The tangle inside her was starting to untwist, and the feeling was heady and strange.

After she made her request, Melisande listened quietly to what the two had to say, her back against the door. Surprise lit her face as Rivener commiserated about humans, and she leaned back in guilty relief. She'd been feeling so bad about her anger towards her team that to hear both of them growl in solidarity actually brought tears back to her eyes. Pasha had no reason to give names, what was past was past, but their support was unexpected and amazing.

Pasha's true smile flashed for a moment as the Demon spoke firmly to the Scorpion, putting him in his place with a few loving, inarguable words. She glanced at Rivener, one pale brow quirking. Really? Zul got away with that? The Muse filed that information away for later, and gave her attention back to Zul. She managed to only drop her eyes demurely for a moment as the two shared a kiss.

The only sour note was Zul's tone when he spoke of the Doctor. "I would go to Kyou if I could." She wasn't trying to pick a fight, but she said his name with warmth, countering the Sigel's chill. It would be easier if they understood each other on this subject before one said something they might regret. "But I'm not ready to return to the Lab. There are some Raevans I also do not wish to see." She pressed her lips into a thin line, thinking of the green Spirit that had spoken so rudely, and put himself imperiously between her and the person she intended to help.

"I think I have some supplies that will help though." Melisande started forward, and realized there was very little room to navigate. A kiss of pink settled on her cheeks again as she floated closer to Rivener, resting her little hands on his shoulders and 'turning' him gently to change places with him. It made her heart beat just being this close, and she was acutely aware of her good wing brushing across Zul's chest as she slipped between the two.

They both floated higher than her. She didn't know if it was because of her wing, or if it was simply nature, but it meant she had to tilt her chin up to look into Rivener's face as she passed. Pasha stole one glance, still feeling as though it was all very surreal, and then she was through and in the back of the small room.

"I'd like to try your...woman's magic." She said, voice muffled as she dug in tidy little baskets and boxes. The Muse used Zul's term for her with only a little hesitation. "I can assist her, if she isn't as skilled as she'd like to be."

Pasha turned with her arms full. A pair of heavy shears, an old open/closed window sign, a roll of wide cream colored lace trim, a yard of thin pale blue satin ribbon, and a pair of wooden knitting needles.

"Will this work?" The Sigel looked hopeful, arms full of supplies, eyes wide behind a wild curl that cut across her face. The white knit sweater she wore was too big for her...it covered her hands almost to the tips of her fingers, making her appear surprisingly small as she offered the materials to Zul.

The demon simply dipped his head in acknowledgement of Melisande's preference of addressing Kyou; there was no malice or annoyance in his expression, just a gentle acceptance of the Muse's opinion of the man. Just because Zul wasn't his biggest fan didn't mean he'd damn anyone else for having a different opinion. How many times had his woman thrown herself into the fire for him? He flickered a brief smile to her at her continued statement, watching the two injured Raevans maneuver and share stolen glances with no small amount of pride. It was almost like watching one of the old romantic movies that he used to watch play out, except this was reality and it tasted oh so sweet. He pressed back as much as he could to give her room, eyes slightly lowered as the pure feathered wing ghosted over his skin, a sweet reminder that she was all he was not -- and for the first time in his life, that was okay.

Zul retained his silence throughout the exchange, brows lifting subtly as she brought the materials to him. Even Rivener seemed intent for him to do the binding. There was irony there, he was certain, but he wasn't going to look at it too closely. Instead, he allowed his amusement at her precious bundle to warm his eyes into crescent moons, utterly charmed, trying to repress a smile as he gingerly accepted the dainty load. The demon carefully separated each piece given to him, draping over his shoulder what he could and otherwise putting the sign atop the mannequins, the needles delicately tucked in his armband. "If that's okay?" he murmured softly to Melisande, asking her permission to touch her wings as he'd need to. For his part, the only one he'd ever allowed to touch his wings was Rivener; he did not want to impose if her feelings were similar.

Handing the shears to Rivener, it was only then that he recalled the Scorpion's words -- he'd held his core -- which made him feel a little foolish. His free hand briefly ghosted over the darker male's bandaged knuckles in gentle sympathy, giving him an affectionate smile. They could do this. They could help her.

"Face Riv, Melisande? I'll start to numb you so the movement wont be so jarring." It went without saying, but he was no longer the type to keep quiet on assumptions. "It will be cold. I'll be as careful as I can." He supposed it would work just as well through her sweater to reach the base of her wings - it's not like he'd ask her to remove it! - his mind already turning over the work at hand. Withdrawing the ribbons off his shoulder, he instead reached over her shoulder to rest them on Rivener's, allowing him to do what he needed so they could get started. The sooner they could actually get someone there who had half a clue beyond what the internet said, the better.

Rivener held still with the pieces on his shoulder, more than happy to provide a makeshift worktable for Zul to use. The Scorpion cut the pieces as they were needed and handed them back to the other male, letting Zul's sure hands apply them properly to that wing. He also kept his cell handy so they could check the diagram whenever they needed it.

Melisande looked upset already, so Riv raised his hand to brush consoling fingers along her cheek. But to his surprise, when she opened her eyes it wasn't fear and pain he saw there. It was anger. Another surprise from the blossom everyone thought so fragile, but Rivener felt he was beginning to see her deeper than most did. He smirked. This rose could have thorns, and she was no fragile little thing. For some reason he felt simultaneously flattered and happy that she trusted him enough to show him this part of herself. That she let him see all these little hidden facets of her. She wasn't a princess to cloister in a tower. She was Joan of Ark, she was Morganna.

"I'd be honored to show you how to keep yourself safe." He glanced up and grinned at Zul, wondering if the Demon would take offense to him teaching the pure and pristine little angel how to fight. But Riv knew the truth: she was no more an angel than they were. She was a girl. One that should know how to defend herself. "As soon as your wing is healed, I'll start taking a few hours every other day to come teach you. Maybe in exchange you can teach me to sing?" He chuckled, recalling that she'd once offered that. "Zul could come too. He's a good teacher as well."

He said...yes?

Amazement was obvious on Melisande's face, anger leaving her, lips parting in shock. First, Rivener had sympathized with her recent opinion of humans, and now, he was actually willing to teach her what she asked? Gratitude lowered her eyes, and she couldn't help but smile.

The brush of the Demon's hand on her back brought her out of the moment. Though he'd placed it there gently, she started, and Zul's warm hand on her bare skin made her feel dizzy. Her heart was racing...he would be able to feel it, she had no doubt. Cheeks pink with embarrassment, she bit her lip and tried to focus on a particularly interesting bit of Rivener's sweater.

"I would love to sing with you," She said, eyes flicking up to his face for just a moment. Pasha was remembering the time he'd sung to her, walking her home after a night of drinking with Laz not all that long ago. Her smile dimpled, and deepened as she caught Zul's comment and sidelong look. The Muse had the grace to go just a little pinker. "And...you noticed. I...thank you for the invitation. But..."

She gasped as he moved the wing into position, and reached out reflexively. Her hand closed low on the front of Rivener's sweater. Pasha waited a moment, trusting that Zul would wait as well, until she caught her breath. The cold was definitely helping but, truth be told, physical pain was still new to her.

Melisande nodded when she was ready, and released her grip on Rivener's sweater a little regretfully. She looked up at the Scorpion when she answered, even though it was Zul that had pointed out her omission. "But I'd hate to impose." It was obviously more than that, but Pasha played it off with a masterfully innocent expression that almost hid the pain.

"I truly am a burden. The huge piles of fluffy pillows, the trays of strawberries, the constant bubble baths. I couldn't possibly."

It had taken him a little inner pep talk to even be able to touch her feathered wing, and when she jumped, so too did he. The blue lace fell from his fingertips, his hands instead hastily against her sides and away from her wings, giving her the space to flex and withdraw if she needed to. Zul supported her (more than dimly aware one hand was within the dip of her sweater) and he remained there, rigid, looking at Rivener with eyes wide with uncertainty. Maybe this wasn't a good idea...?

But he felt her relax and Rivener nodded and, with a slight tilt of his head in acknowledgement, he murmured a soft, "Sorry -- I'm starting again," before he retrieved the ribbon to try once more. His fingers again grazed he feathered appendages and began to tenderly move it, careful not to use his cold against the wing itself, not knowing how fragile they might be. He was slower this time, mindful of her body language and Rivener's attentive gaze.

The answer she finally shared earned a downward quirk of his lips, brows slightly furrowed; he knew damn well there was no bath in that backroom and certainly no fridge for strawberries. She was declining, but she wasn't being honest about it, and that put him on high alert. The demon glanced to Rivener again as he played it off, uttering a quiet sound as he took the cardboard and needles, setting them as firmly as he dared against the wing. "It's a big place, not much to be cornered. Believe me, I've tried cornering Riv enough to know." She didn't have to know what he meant by that, but it still made him smile, warmth stirring in his eyes again. "But should you change your mind - even just to escape for an hour, a minute - please know our home is your home. There is no imposing now, dearest Melisande; you've agreed to coffe and are included in all we do."

Clearly her agreement to go out with them had struck a chord in the best way, but he was certain Rivener felt the same as he did. Zul again cast a gentle smile to his Scorpion before once more turning his focus to the wing before him, satisfied it had set long enough to minimize jarring pains as he started to wrap it.

Rivener chuckled at Zul's jab about trying to corner him, a happy little flicker of light and fire making the red eyes sparkle. "You don't have to try THAT hard," he countered with a flirty grin. The Demon's following offer to Melisande was echoed by Riv's agreeing nod, his smile brightening. Everything the other male had said was just as true for the Scorpion. Zul and he were of one heart in that. "Exactly, yes! Our home is your home."

She settled against his arm then and spoke her mind, though she took her time to consider. He smiled in sympathy at her reaction: it was what he'd expected. This WAS all rather sudden. But her addition of a visit for one night had him perking up with excitement. New Year's Eve? "That would be perfect! You can definitely come over anytime you like before then too, if you desire. Like Zul said, you can visit for an hour or a minute. But on New Year's Eve we will expect you for an overnight stay." They'd had no specific plans, but now they certainly did! Riv sent Zul a look full of expectation. They'd have a lot to do before she came! Riv wanted to make the place perfectly alluring for her so she would want to stay.

"Until then, though... I don't like the idea of you being alone so much." He was privy to her way of feeding, having seen enough clues to make the connections. The Stars had also helped him figure it out. "Would you be against me getting you a cellphone? Just a small one, one of those prepaid air-time deal things. So we could call you every so often and make sure you're doing well? ...Or just to talk to you." He smiled a little shyly, tilting his head at her pleadingly.

It was an understatement, but she wasn't used to reading Zul's expressions. The look he shot Rivener meant something, but the Muse found no clues on the Scorpions face either. A tiny line appeared between her brows, but didn't stay. If she was meant to be part of the conversation, they'd have included her. That much was obvious by now.

Zul's cool hands left her back, and she shrugged her bare shoulder, experimentally. The pain was still there, but the dull ache of the cold had taken her mind off of it. The splint helped defer the pressure of the weight of her wing, which was nice. It no longer felt like a constant tear. "Thank you." She murmured, as the Demon rose. Her skin prickled as it warmed, a reminder of his touch.

Melisande picked up the subject of the cell phone again as Zul excused himself to make the call to Alex. Her expression was far less haunted than it had been just an hour ago, and a touch of color seemed to have permanently returned to her cheeks. Most encouragingly yet, one of the tiny buds was actually peeking through her wild curls. "I've never really...used a cell phone." She admitted, glancing down at Rivener's sweater for a moment before lifting her eyes back to his face. He truly was handsome, especially when he smiled like that. She pressed her hands to her stomach to settle it. "But I'd like to keep in touch. I'll pick one up soon!"

The Muse wasn't so ill-mannered as to refuse a gift...after all, she'd let the boys buy her drinks when she'd gone out with Riv and Laz. But it wouldn't have been proper to agree to a gift like that when it was a responsibility she should cover for herself. She smiled up at him, looking for an agreement.