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As she gave her hand over, he eyed the cut and shook his head. Drawing her hand back under the water, his eyes scanned till he saw te soap. "This might sting a little.." Pumping a bit of soap into his hand, he gently washed her hand taking care of the cut though making sure it got clean. Grabbing a fresh towel, he turned off the water and pressed firmly the towel into her hand, wrapping it around the cut finger. " Come over here and sit down." He didn't wait for her to answer as he drew her over to the breakfast nook and pulled out a chair. He'd lifted her arm in the mean time to rest the hand higher than her heart so the bleeding would slow. "Keep you hand elevated and sit still." He looked in the direction her brother had left. "If you want.. I can get the supplies.. It's not the worst.. but.. if we bandage it now we can save you some scaring."

She cringed when he put the soap on her finger. However, she listened to his orders and sat down. "Its not that bad, I promise." She shook her head slightly. "I've been in a lot worse condition than this before." Despite the words, she still did what he told her to. "And if I stay here than I won't be able to get dinner done. I think Lucian would have my head." At his offer to get the supplies, her head tilted to the side in question. Did he not think that Lucian would do it? She knew he had been acting strangely the last few hours, practically since Avery consoled her. Still, she didn't think he'd abandon her. "Scarring really isn't that big of a deal.. But Lucian said that he'd get them.." Had she missed something? Her eyes searched him for some sort of answer but she knew her ability to read social ques were nill. A frown pulled at her lips as she adjusted in her seat, clearly confused. "Do you not trust Lucian..?"

"Don't worry about dinner.. I'll cook..." He shook his head and sighed. "It's not that it's a big deal to scar.. And I know he said he'd get them.. But your brother looks.. tired.. in need of a rest. I Trust him fine.. I just don't think he trusts me." Moving to the cutting board, he scooped the vegetables that had been compromised into the waist bin and washed the chopping block with soap and water. Pulling out a few more vegetables, he set to dicing and slicing as he needed. His handy work with the knife well balanced and skilled. "What was it you were making? Perhaps I can continue.. And, if you promise not to try to use your hand with the cut.. I'll let you direct me with what you want done." He offered her a sly cheeky sort of grin.

Her head shifted from side to side. "Umm.. no.. What I mean is.. my magic can easily get rid of the scarring. Or at least, the appearance of them." Which was more or less the whole being behind a scar anyway. She sighed, pulling her knees up into the chair. She wanted to cook. She hated feeling useless and that's all she was today. Cooking was something she could easily do and feel good about. Of course, she screwed that up too. "It's really not that big of a deal that I can't continue cooking.. its just a little cut.." She was looking away as she said this, her head on her knees. Usually she'd fight more on her position, but she was exhausted. Today had taken way too much out of her and there was a part of her that wanted to sleep for a lifetime to forget it. "Stew.." She said quietly. "I know it isn't that fancy... but I was trying to think of what I could make in a shorter period of time that could feed everyone.." She felt strange admitting that, since she only ever made stew when either her or her brother wasn't feeling well, and saying it, rather Avery knew that or not felt like she was telling a secret.

She let out a deep sigh, unsure of how much to say or admit before Lucian would be angry with her. Though, if she thought about it he already seemed angry. Today was just terrible for her it seemed. She reached up to pull the band out of her hair, letting the pieces of rope-like hair fall into her face to obscure it. "Lucian is just... he's looking out for me. Or.. he thinks he is.." Her eyes were distant as she talked. She lifted to indicate the tattoos on her body. "Our emotions.. bleed into each other. It's possible that part of his demeanor is because of me." She suddenly bit her lip, realizing how that could be taken. "I'm not saying I distrust you! I just mean.. with everything that's been going on... my emotions are likely to have set him on edge.."

He stopped chopping and turned to look at her. "You're capable of hiding scars?" He seemed a little bewildered. "That's actually a useful gift you have there.. But honestly.. Even small cuts can become infected.. which was majorly my concern. Food, scars.. they're not as important as an infection..." He could see he'd blundered once more with her. Setting the knife down, he returned to her side. Crouching down, he got to eye level and brushed carefully her hair away from her face. "Look.. How about we make a stew together? I'll chop the veggies.. and you can start on the meat." He was trying to make amends. "Stews may not be fancy.. but they're hearty.. and in weather like this.. they're often seen as comfort foods. It'll be good to do this for everyone and help lift their spirits, no?"

Reaching out once more, he hooked a finger under her chin, turning her head so that they would meet gazes. "Ana, if I might call you that.." He gave a small pause. "I understand looking out for one another, I really do. If it were me and Antoinette.. I'd likely be high strung and on edge" He wan't sure what to make of things in all honestly. Frowning, he tried to find a way to show her that he understood. Was there really anything he could say? "I'm glad you don't distrust me." He chuckled lightly. "How about we work together to make this a filling stew then? I'm sure I'll need your help with some things any ways.." With that, he picked her up, chair and all and brought the 'bundle' into the kitchen to sit in front of the counter. It took a bit of effort on his part, but he'd managed it.

Anastasia couldn't help but blink, "Mmm... yeah... It's a very minor magic power in my world. How do you think my brother always looks so unblemished? Is it that rare here?" She chewed the inside of her cheek, trying to relax away some of her stress when she felt him at her side. Feeling him touch her hair, his fingertips very gently brushing her face as they slid by, even though it was an innocent action she felt her whole face flush. "I..." She stammered, tilting her head to the ground so she could calm her heart from racing. "Okay.." She mumbled.

When he once more touched her face, making her eyes meet his, her cheeks turned even warmer. She felt her stomach try to lurk out of her chest. She hated feeling this way, she hated that he could seem to do this to her so easily. She had just met him. Had she truly just pushed all her feelings from her brother onto him? A part of her felt bad, and the other part very torn. This wasn't how she wanted things.. And regardless of who she was.. how many people she had ruthlessly hurt in the past.. she didn't want to hurt him, though at the same time she wasn't sure why. At his statement, she flinched slightly. She didn't want to go into details about why her relationship with Lucian was different, though if she thought about it she wasn't even sure if that was true. She didn't know how close he was with his sister, or what his past was with her. And rather she knew Lucian would admit it or not, she knew her brother was jealous just the same as she was of Delphi. However, this was his choice, and there was a part of her that hated him for that.

"You.. want to cook with me..?" Her voice was bewildered as she broke from her thoughts. Lucian never cooked with her. She knew that was because of who he was, and the persona he wanted to keep. So why was Avery willing to sacrifice that to help a female in the kitchen? As the chair lifted in the air, she made a soft little squeak of surprise. "I can walk.. its not like I broke my legs.." Her face was furiously red.


"How cute." Came a voice from the doorway. Anastasia blinked, her eyes wide when she saw her brother standing there. He half laughed and came toward Anastasia, removing the towel as he set to work on the antiseptic and bandages. He shot a quick look at Avery, as if assessing him before continuing his work. "There.. all done.." He stood, tilting his head to the side. "So.. what's for dinner..?"

He smiled broadly at her question. "Sure, why not?" It wasn't such a strange thing in his home everyone pitched in equally. Laughing he set the chair down. "Why walk when you can be carried?" Folding his wings back out of the way tight against himself, He handed her a knife and a cutting board along with the meat she'd gotten out. "Here you go."

Lucian's voice from the door way caused him to pause and look over his shoulder. As the other man drew near, He stepped aside. He saw the bandages and let him work. Turning, he returned to chopping vegetables, ignoring the once over he'd been given. It was none of his business, besides.. why rise to the occasion for a pissing match? Scooping the chopped carrots into a bowl and setting it aside, he picked up an onion. Peeling it, he gave it a quick rinse before cutting it in half leaving the roots attached. Quickly, he sliced and chopped. "Stew.. It was Ana's Idea."

Not sure how to act, she kept herself still while he worked on the finger. She looked between them and let out a sigh. "It'll be alright, Lucian." Eventually, she waved him off, trying to get him to stop fretting over her. There her brother had gone, ruining another moment that she could have actually enjoyed herself. This was becoming more and more of an issue. Did he think babysitting her made things easier for her? When Avery mentioned the stew she shifted into herself again, knowing that Lucian knew what it meant. She turned her back on both men, trying to busy herself by chopping the meat.

One brow raised when he heard the explanation of what food was being made. "Stew... I see.." He exchanged a look with Anastasia. He gingerly spent more time on her finger than he had to, making sure she realized a few subtle glances before retreating to stand next to the door again. "Is there anything I can help with?"

Anastasia froze at the question, knowing that Lucian wouldn't be offering if he hadn't had ulterior motives. "No." Her voice cracked and her shoulders hunched. She pasted on a smile and turned on her heels. "I just mean that we'll have it ready soon enough. You don't need to worry about it!" The smile was fake, she knew he knew it, but she hoped he'd let it go. She ushered him out of the room like an entertainer would to her guests. "Just go spend some time with Delphi." She offered, still smiling in his direction.

He didn't buy it, not one bit. His eyes narrowed slightly and he refused to budge for more than a few seconds. "Fine.." He replied sorely. He bent down, touching Ana's face to make sure she looked at him. "But if you need anything, you know where I am."

She hesitated, pulling away from him as she continued to push him toward the living room. "It'll be fine, I promise!" When he finally left she let out a sigh, her eyes shifting shut so she could try to regain her composure before turning back to Avery.

Scooping the onions into another bowl, he set on some of the other vegetables they'd need. He stood with his back turned to both twins as they made their last display, his mind on his task. When he finally heard Lucian give in and leave the room, he paused. "Do I really threaten him so?" It was an innocent question that spoke volumes to his perceptiveness. Finishing his work, he rinsed off his knife and dried it before putting it back in the knife block. He finally turned to look at Ana, a frown on his face. "I'm not saying a brother can't dote.. but.. Is he truly so protective that he considers me a threat." It had seemed too much like a personal moment before which was why he'd held his tongue til now. "If my being here in this kitchen is making things more... strained between you and your brother.. let me know. I'd rather be bored to death in a stranger's house than start a feud between siblings." His voice was tender as he spoke. He'd wanted to stay, talk to her and get to know her a little more, if she'd permit him to.

Delphi was on the couch, watching the healers with the wards with mild interest. It wasn't that she was bored by them, she just felt some magic users liked to keep their secrets... secrets. As Lucian re entered the room, she turned her head in his direction. "How is she? All bandaged up?" She pulled her legs back up onto the couch with her, resting one arm over the back of the couch.

He frowned as he heard her speak. It was hard to believe any parent would wish harm upon their young.. then again.. some individuals were beyond bent.. they were down right broken. "I'm sorry... about your mother.." He didn't know what else to say. She sounded like she'd had the worst lot in life growing up.

When she grabbed his arm, he looked almost stunned. "I didn't have any plans of leaving... not yet at least." He offered her a sincere smile. "It'll take more than a pissing match to make me go.. Besides.. There's plenty we can discuss right? So unless you really want me to go.. I'm not going any where any time soon."

She frowned as he nodded. There was something he wasn't saying. His body language was enough to give it away. "You know.. Maybe this is in some way good for her?" She was trying to see the bright side in it. "He seems like a nice guy.. Why not let them talk, perhaps she'll find a decent friend within him.." She wasn't stupid of course.

Stifling another small yawn, she nodded her head. "I'm fine.. a little droggy still but my mind's too alert now to let me fall asleep.. And so long as I don't phase again for the day.. I should be right as rainbows." The side of her mouth tipped up in a half smile as she spoke.

When he said he wouldn't leave she smiled softly at him. There was a part of her that wanted to cry in his arms, to make the demons in her past, in her dreams, just disappear. "Thank you.." She mouthed quietly but she didn't come any closer. She removed her hands, suddenly stuffing them in invisible pockets as if she just realized she had grabbed him.

There were tears in her eyes, but by this point she was so numb from all the pain that she hardly seemed to notice. "He used my mother against me for many years.. to keep me obedient.. He was... twisted... vile.." And there was a part of her that didn't want to add that she was just like him. She didn't have the arrogance that he had had like her brother did, but she knew that in the greater aspect of things all of the torture she had endured when she was a child had made her the monster she was, just like he had wanted. "To him... people were nothing but ants.." Her eyes were distant and she crossed one arm over the other as if she suddenly felt vulnerable just talking about it. "..He bonded us.." She wasn't even sure why she was going as far as she could to explain things to him, but there was a part of her that needed desperately to get it out in the open. "The tattoos... they let us feel what the other feels, to know what they're thinking to an extent.. In my father's case... so that when he tortured one of us the other could feel the pain. But.." She hesitated, knowing this part could very easily make him leave. "..It also means that unless we are near each other.. we can't be truly happy... either.. So I guess you could say that his being overprotective is just as much for my benefit as it is for his..." She was now standing at a distance, leaning herself against the counter.

He stiffened at the comment, though he tried very hard to make it seem like a harmless act. He had at first thought it was a good idea, but the further things went the more he found himself at odds with the situation. He knew Anastasia needed someone else to rely on than just him, but that hadn't changed that there was a part of him wholly against what was going on. "Yes, he does seem nice enough." His answer was short and didn't delve too much into the conversation less he get angrier. He turned his pale eyes toward her and gave his signature grin. "Well that's good. Though, I could think of other ways to tire you out." He chuckled and leaned forward to kiss her head. He was trying very hard to return back to his more jovial self, but he couldn't help but think something could go very wrong if they weren't careful.

Avery paused, watching her closely. "He sounds.... like he needed to fall and hit his head.." It was all he could say.. The look on his face said that he clearly didn't agree with such treatment of women. "You're not an ant, Ana.. you're a person.. and that means much.. The fact that you've endured and survived something so horrible.. it speaks volumes of your inner strength."

It was her explanation of their binding that raised an eye brow. Ah.. so that explained very much indeed. "It sounds very clear to me.." He offered her another smile, closing the gap between her and him once more. "In that case.. I think I'd be terribly over protective indeed. I wouldn't want to feel my own hear breaking every time Nette got her heart broken. So.. I understand." Reaching out once more, he brushed her face with the palm of his hand. "You're a strong, beautiful and vibrant woman Ana.. Don't let anyone make you feel inferior or out of place.. Shame of the past.. makes it only be a last conquer over you.. accepting it and setting it aside.. it'll help you heal.. and in time.. it won't mean so much pain to remember it." With that, he leaned in and bent his head down. His lips brushed hers for only a brief moment before he righted himself once more and returned to the stock pot.

"I know you're worried... but.. some times the harder you try to hold onto something.. the more you cause it to push you away. I'm not saying you'll drive her away.. but.. she might resent you some if you don't let her learn some things on her own." Delphi's face turned about three shades of red in the span of mere seconds. "You don't know what you're asking for with language like that.." Her eyes flicked to the floor. It wasn't fair.. the little teas.. Sighing, she shook her head and smiled to show she wasn't cross.

Stretching, she curled up, slouching in her seat and leaning to rest her head on his leg. she peered up at him, watching his face for his reactions. It was some times the best way to learn about people. You learned more from watching after all than you could from listening alone.

Her whole body went ridged at his statement. Her arms wrapped more tightly around her body and she felt herself shake slightly. The more she tried to calm herself the worse it became. "....I... I... killed him..." Her voice was thin and quiet while her eyes were almost faded as if reliving the whole situation. Though it didn't give away from the fact that she knew he had to still be alive, somewhere. It was a constant nightmare of him returning, something that kept her up most nights.

When he brushed her face, she went still for a moment, glancing at him with swollen eyes. She visibly nibbled on her lower lip, uncertain and feeling very confused. Inferior. That was what she had been her entire life. She knew it. Her father had known it. It was even the reason that her mother had felt the need to protect her, the reason she had made Lucian promise to protect her. She was inevitably weak. Sure she had tried her entire life to make people think she was strong, to keep everyone at a distance so that they wouldn't learn the truth, but that hardly changed the reality. "I'm anything but.." She was crying again, her emotions overwhelming her. When she felt his lips touch hers, her eyes widened and she felt her stomach flutter. "Avery.." Reaching out, she touched his cheek briefly. She hadn't wanted him to pull away, or to go back to the stew as if nothing had happened. Frowning, she pushed back some of her tears and sighed. She wasn't sure what to do, so she closed her eyes before returning back to the meat to continue the preparation for dinner.


Taking another sip of his wine, he listened to her. He knew what she was saying was true, and he was trying his hardest to do so, but he felt it was harder than he could have anticipated. He had to keep reminding himself that it was Anastasia's decision, no matter how much he disapproved. "You do have such a naughty mind." He teased, a grin on his face as he looked toward her. He thought he knew exactly what it meant, but he was more confident in things than he probably should have been. He was trying desperately to get himself in a better mood. Anastasia's emotions were bleeding so far into him that he wasn't sure he could recover. His heart was breaking that she was so incredibly sad and there was nothing he could do about it. However, he knew Delphi was right, he had to let her make her own decisions.

When she moved to rest her head on his leg, he smiled gently and touched her hair, running his fingers through it for a good few minutes. After a moment, however, he moved and gently picked her up, positioning her to relax on his lap, one arm around her waist. He gave his glass back to the servant and began to stroke her hair again. "I think I like this better."

He'd cut things short... It had mostly been because he didn't want her to feel suffocated, or that he was trying to take advantage of her emotional state, but apart of it had been that he hadn't wanted Lucian to walk in and think something terribly wrong of the situation. "Ana..." He looked over, stirring the vegetables as they sweat in the pot.

"I hope you don't feel I was being too forward a moment ago.. I just.." He stopped mid sentence. Was she crying? Reaching out to her once more, he couldn't bare it. "Ana.. I'm not sorry I kissed you.." He bent down and kissed her again this time more fully to make his point. "Don't think you're undesirable.. because you are."

She flushed even more. "Well.. it's not that hard to make such a mental dive.. Especially when you're raised in a household where two uncles have harems..." She closed her eyes, enjoying the calming feel of his fingers through her hair. Nuzzling her cheek against him as he stroked her hair, she let out a contented sigh.

It was when he moved her from her current position to his lap, she let out a surprised squeak and giggled, resting her head against him all the same. "Truth be told? I could grow to like this sort of thing..." She smiled impishly, closing her eyes once more. She could hear a inner voice, her own conscience reminding her not to grow too attached too soon. It could only lead to disaster, still she could n't help but to feel.. it was a little too late for such self reminders.

Knowledge of how completely vulnerable you were, and being weak to the situation were entirely two different things. Anastasia was aware that in this state she could very easily be taken advantage of, hell, she knew that in way she probably was. However, she was aware that wasn't his intention either, or she hoped it wasn't. She was incredibly too naive while in this state, but there was a slim part of her that didn't care either. "No.." She replied quietly, her eyes staring at the cutting board like it held some sort of answer she was trying to seek. When she felt his hand, her head turned to gaze at him. At his statement she couldn't help but feel even weaker somehow, like she was falling into someone's masterfully weaved plot. There was something of her that wanted to rebel, but her body wouldn't respond. At the kiss, she leaned into it this time, returning it as if against her own better judgement. She had been alone for so very long, no one daring to approach her or want her. Even her relationship with Jaron had been one of more convenience than attraction. Perhaps that was why she melted into the kiss more than her mind told her was advantageous. She wanted to argue, to tell him he was wrong, but that meant she'd have to pull away and ruin the moment.. and at this moment.. she didn't want that.

A smirk tilted his lips into an almost Cheshire expression. He could get use to that kind of a life, but with the females he knew he hardly doubted it would be possible. So for the moment he kept his mouth shut and just continued to run his fingers through her hair. "Ahh.. do you have more of a wild side than you're letting on?" His grin widened and he gave a very soft chuckle. He held her closer to him, enjoying the cuddling all the same. "I think I could too.." He stated almost in a half purr if he were a cat.

He held her close, his lips only pulling from hers as he pulled back to smile at her. He was starting to think her brother had been dead wrong about his sister. "Ana... After all is said and done here... I'd like to see you again.. Go for that warm beverage and some chatter. You.. You don't have to answer right away.. I want you to think on it with a clear mind.. I'll be waiting at the Cafe south of here in two days.. And if you don't show.. I'll know your answer." He was serious.. He wanted to actually get to know her, beyond the bumbling in the field, the strangeness of what was going on in this hose, and most importantly.. without her brother looming over her to cause awkwardness.

She gave a nervous chuckle. "I er...." She bit her bottom lip, hiding her face against him. "My up bringing wasn't what you'd call... the norm.." She sufficed to say at last though it was partially muffled. "thankfully I didn't have the 'coming out' party some of the older members of the family had." She gave an involuntary shudder at the thought. She'd asked once why Her uncle Hali had no harem... The answer had haunted her from her 13th birthday on. "I don't share though.. To bad for you.." She smirked some. She meant of course something beyond family loyalties.

Two days from now. A dread came over her causing her nose scrunched and she shook her head back and forth. "I can't.." The heist was to take place in the next couple days, three to be exact, and she couldn't afford the time when it was that close. "I have.. plans that day." She hurried her response so he didn't think she was completely blowing him off. "Or well.. Lucian has plans.. and I'm not sure what is going to happen. I may not have the time that day.."

She wasn't sure what else to say. There was a huge chance she couldn't go, and a part of her thought it was just as well while the other part of her screamed at her that she was being an idiot. Regardless, she kept herself close to him, leaning her head against his chest. The truth was, she still wasn't sure she could make it out of the heist all in one piece and she didn't want him to worry about her survival. "Maybe.. if I don't show up... we could try again.. Five days from then." That would give her a week. Hopefully if she was found out or had someone on her tail, things would die down by then. She hoped. It was also possible though that she was putting him in danger by even considering it. Was it worth putting him in possible serious harm? Her frown broadened when she realized that her life may very well be too dangerous to bring someone else into.

His shoulders heaved in a shrug. "I wouldn't exactly say mine was normal, either. But normal is boring." He flicked his wrist as if waving away the thought of any normalcy. Though he wasn't entirely sure what a "coming out party" was, and there was a part of him that told him he really didn't want to know. At her little quib, he chuckled and pulled her close to him. "Ahh.. we can see about changing that." He lifted a finger under her chin and leaned his head toward her, brushing his lips against hers.

He nodded his head. "Alright then.. Five days from then if you don't show." It was the best he could hope for.. and at least she had been honest with telling him they had plans. "What say you, that we make the best damn stew they ever had hmm?" He placed one more kiss on her lips before finally, reluctantly letting her go. He returned to the pot once more, turning the heat down on the stove and covering the pot. "The vegetables are nearly ready for the meat."


She shook her head lightly. He didn't understand.. Though she was half blood, she was bound by blood to be faithful and any stray from the union would likely have some consequences upon herself even if not on him. Frowning deeply, she stiffened in his hold. He spoke as if it were so simple a change as if it were merely her own prudish thoughts baring her from sharing. Some times, she wondered if it wouldn't have been better if her father had been another member of the court making her full demon rather than the half blood she was.

She pulled from the kiss a little early frowning even more. It wasn't wise.. "Lucian.. I.." The risks were too much.. to high for her.. Playing these games.. they meant a higher fall. "It's not so simple a change.. Though I am not highly bound.. My father's blood still runs through my veins.. I can't..." She sighed, more frustrated with herself than with him. It was better to just lay it out on the table and take what ever happened. "I told you once that my father's kind mates for life.. Well.. I am half his child.. Though I wouldn't likely fade and disappear.. it would still likely cause harm for me.. While you'd be safe to freely wander.. If this ever went anywhere with us.. beyond what it is.. Just know.. Sharing can come with a high price.. just.. know what you ask..." She felt like a buzz kill. It was a realization that he could very much decide that this was too much to ask and walk away. She'd accepted that possibility already before speaking though. "Ana.. it's one thing.. it's another to actually... share the one you love.. Family bonds and relationships not included." She felt like scooting away with the awkwardness she'd just let loose, though she stayed where she sat.

She shifted some hair from her eyes and nodded slowly. She smiled softly at the kiss, returning it gently before returning to the meat. She seasoned it before handing it to him and washed her hands. She had something else she wanted to make. She began to rummage through the cabinets until she found the things she was looking for. Flour. Eggs. Sugar. Yeast. She was planning on baking some fresh bread to go along with it. She began to place the items in the bowl and began to kneed it with her hands. "I promise, it will definitely be the best." She gave him a quick smile.

In the beginning, he really didn't have the faintest idea on what she was talking about. It took him longer than he probably would have liked to admit to even get a hint of what she had meant. He really wished she'd stop being so vague if it was as important as she making it out to be. Towards the end of the conversation, he had somewhat gathered that she wasn't entirely understanding his relationship with Ana though, either, or perhaps it was more of his misunderstanding and not really understanding what she meant. "Delphi.." His voice was frank and in that moment he had stopped brushing her hair with his fingers. "You might need to be a little more specific. If I don't understand the exact details of what you speak of than its likely I won't know when I'm causing you pain." He tilted his head to one side and let out a sigh. "I am.. a tease by nature.. That really isn't something that I think I can change.. I don't want that to hurt you."

He stirred the meat in with the vegetables, making sure it browned evenly. The aroma was starting to merry nicely. He smiled broadly at her remark. "So.. What shall we add next? A little wine? Perhaps a bundle of herbs?" He was eyeballing the fresh herbs growing in the kitchen window box.

She sighed once more. Chewing on her nails a moment, something she only did when deep in thought of solving a problem, she finally wrapped her arms around him, hugging him close. She couldn't say it out.. not where the sisters could hear her out right. "I know.. I know you're a tease.. And.. I wouldn't change it for the world.. I also know your sister and you have a tight bond.. I'm not talking about that.. I mean sharing in the more.. intimate levels.. I understand how ever.... things you feel is shared among the two of you.. but it's beyond emotions.." She chewed her cheek trying to think of how to put it. Finally.. she settled for a more blunt approach. "Faedragons are not promiscuous creatures.. They only take one lover.. The stakes are high if they fall for some one, especially out side of the race.." She took a deep breath and continued to explain exactly what she meant. The risks, the results of broken matches between pure bloods and so forth. After she was done explaining, she sighed once more, pulling from her hug. She felt... more awkward.. like she'd let an entirely HUGE cat out of a bag before it's time. "So you see.. flirting's one thing.. it's an entirely different animal if you... you know.." She chewed on her lip once more as she waited for it to sink in.

After preparing the dough, she sat it to the side in the pan, pulling a towel over it to let it rest. Hearing him, she came toward the pan and dipped in a spoon, tasting it. She discarded the spoon in the sink and pulled out some spices, including red wine. "Herbs would also do nicely." She indicated in the direction of them while she began to throw in the spices and some oil, tasting as she went.

"Ahh.." He wasn't quite sure how to respond and for the longest time he remained quiet. Before he even knew what to say, his hand continued the long drone of petting her hair and he drew her closer to him, hugging her tight. "I'm sorry if my teasing has disturbed you." He replied softly. He scoffed at himself and shook his head, "Regardless on rather you believe me or not.. I am still a virgin." He figured being blunt was the best way to make her understand that his jesting was out of nothing but pure fun and wasn't meant to be taken seriously. It wasn't that he wouldn't want to do those things, or hadn't witnessed them first hand in his court, but he had never met someone whom he was comfortable enough with to actually do it. "I wasn't meaning to put you on the spot." He leaned forward to kiss her forehead. It just meant he'd have to watch himself better, to make sure things didn't go too far if they both weren't ready for it.

He nodded reaching out to the herbs and pulling as he needed. Finding some string, he ties the herb sprigs together and banded them to her. "Here.. these should be enough." He Took a step back to let her work, smiling as he watched her. It had been one of his fondest memories growing up, standing in the kitchen, helping out where he could. "Think bread and stew should be all we give them?" He chuckled some. "I found some rice in the pantry along with raisins and cinnamon.. we could make a rice pudding..."

She Fidgeted as he remained quiet. "It's.. It's ok.. I just should have been more straight forward in explaining.." She chewed on her lip again, blushing lightly. "I honestly wouldn't have guessed.. To be honest.. I figured you about as much of a lecherous perv as my eldest uncles...I'm sorry.." She chuckled a little embarrassed. "I know.. I know.." She smiled, relaxing once more in his arms. It was actually a little relieving to know that about him.. some how.. it amused her.. both the two dirty minded virgins.. The thought caused her to giggle out loud before she tried to cover it up with a hand and a light cough.

She took the herbs, her fingers brushing against his and she felt herself flush. "Thanks." She dropped them in the pot and continued to add things here and there. "Rice pudding?" To that she had to blink. She had never heard of it, then again, she was still new in this world. "Perhaps.. you could teach me how to make it?" She still felt very strange to have a male in the kitchen with her. To her it wasn't a man's job, though there was still a part of her that was very much enjoying his company.

His face lit up in amusement. "Really?" He gave her a skeptical glance. "I'd hope you would have more faith in me than that." Still, he was grinning. Of course, there were darker notes as to why he hadn't ever found someone he could be that intimate with, but currently he didn't want to bring it up. He was sure knowing the knowledge of his family if she wanted to know she could figure it out, or assume some of it. "Don't get me wrong, it doesn't mean I'm not jealous of your uncles.." He was joking, and he hoped she knew that, still he couldn't help himself from making a crack about it. He poked her side in an effort to tickle her.

"Yeah.. it's kind of a comfort food..." He pondered it a moment. "Sure.. I can make it and let you watch.. we need to make some rice and raisins first.." Grabbing another bot, he added the desired amount of water and heated the water in the pan. Once it was boiling, he added the rice and raisins in together.Covering the pot, he made a cinnamon and sugar mixture. "If you'll get me a 9x9 pan and set it aside that'd be helpful.." He was already getting the canned milk from the pantry as he spoke.

"Yeah.. well.. to be honest.. My mother always envied their harems.." She chuckled. "But I don't think she'd trade my father in for all the men in the world.." He gave him a mock pout. "Oh yeah? How about I just make a reverse harem then hmm?" She chuckled and squirmed as he poked and prodded her sides. "Okay okay.. I gives... no reverse harem.." She grinned cheekily. It felt good to laugh, despite the storm and the tension if had brought into her house.

She started flipping through cupboards until she found a pan and handed it over to him. She watched curiously, taking in all of the things he was doing. "Anything else I can do?" She stayed close to him to try to get a good look.

At her jest, he just laughed and shrugged. "Seriously, if you just returned to me every night.. I'd be happy." He lifted her hand, gently kissing her fingertips. At her squirming, he chuckled further and let her hand fall, poking her a couple times. He then paused and pulled her closer to him, wrapping his arms around her waist. "I mean.. I know I'm sexy, and you couldn't keep your hands off of me." He murmured in a low voice near her ears.

"Preheat the oven?" He chuckled lightly. "It'll need to be set at 350." He lightly prepped the pan before setting it aside. "And now.. we wait till the rice is done cooking." He stepped back from the stove, beginning some of the clean up to save time later on. clean as you go.. His grandmother had kept a tidy kitchen all the time and it had rubbed off on him some what.


She flushed, leaning forward and placing a tender kiss on his cheek. "I don't think I could handle a whole harem of men any ways." She smiled softly. Her breath caught as he whispered near her ears. Her face flushed red clear into her ears. "Is that a complaint or an admiration?" She teased lightly in return. "Besides.. you seem to be just as enamored by me as I am by you.." She teased in return her voice dropping into a slight husky tone.

It almost seemed like she was dancing as she whirreled around to turn on the oven. She then joined him and began helping clean. She completely agreed with the sentiment and it was something she had always had a hard time getting through Lucian's head. She grabbed some of the dishes and began to move them into a more organized pile after scraping and rinsing off some of the excess. She paused for a brief time, staring at him and watching him clean. A small smile came to her mouth, and for a moment she felt herself ease into a calm. She stepped toward him, tipping herself up on her toes so she could reach up and place a soft kiss on his cheek. "Thank you... for everything today.."


His hand moved to rest on her hip. "Why would it be a complaint?" He grinned and pulled her closer, letting his eyes meet hers. His face flushed red as well, and he let out a soft chuckle. "Oh really?" He leaned down and pressed his lips tightly to hers, holding it for a while before he pulled back. He really didn't have a good comeback, but he knew after that he had definitely won the "who can blush more" contest. He chuckled and wrapped his arms around her again, wanting nothing more than to just keep her close to him. "Even if that's true.. I couldn't think of someone better to want to be close to."

He paused when she kissed his cheek smiling an almost goofy sort of smile. "You're welcome.. Even if I was a bit of an a** to begin with.." It was good to see her smile again. Drying his hands, he lifted the lid on the rice to check it. He gave it a stir with a wooden spoon and set the lid back down. "Not quite done.. but almost.."

She chuckled again. Wrapping her arms around him, she'd almost forgotten about the other inhabitants of the house at current. "I would hope it wouldn't be.." She teased sticking her tongue out at him and scrunching her nose."Mmhmm.." She didn't have time to get out much more than that when he pressed his lips to hers once more, stealing her breath in the process. She melted into his embrace as he pulled away. Some how, she knew she was done for emotionally. Her hands found their way to his face. Kissing him once more, her fingers plunged into his hair. As she drew back from the kiss, she smiled broadly. "Neither could I Lucian.. neither could I.." She pressed her cheek against his, holding him close as though she might be afraid this were all a dream and she would awaken any moment.

When he opened the lid of the rice she almost buckled in cringe. All of her training in cooking wanted to scream at him. Don't open the lid. Never open the lid on rice. It took everything within her not to say anything. It wasn't her dish, and as she pointed out she didn't know how to make it. Maybe it was okay if the rice was mushy? She blinked up at him, "It's okay." She stated, still reeling from the bad act he had just done. Her head tilted up and she gave a small smile. She paused for a moment, able to feel her brother's emotions. A breath caught in her throat and she had to let it go, her eyes shutting so that she could get a handle on her own being.

When she kissed him in the process, he held it longer, pulling her even closer to him. He tried to keep it sensual, soft, but he couldn't help the small amount of hunger that entered the affection. He moved back before he drew it further. After all she had just told him he knew he had to be more careful, despite whatever his more instinctual nature told him to do. He relaxed, holding her in his arms, enjoying the touch of her. He didn't want this to end though he was very slightly aware of a twinge of pain that shuddered through him, Ana. He didn't let the knowledge stop what he was doing, however, continuing to hold Delphi tightly. "I'm glad." He cooed happily.

Avery chuckled some. "You know.. rice pudding is good when it's kinda mushy.." He'd guessed by the look on her face that she had been mentally cringing at the lifting of the lid. "Some people like it more.. grainy.. I've always preferred mine more smooth in texture." A little while later, he pulled the rice from the heat adding both the cinnamon and sugar and the canned milk to the pot. Stirring it together, he spread it out in the pan and setting it on a baking sheet, he placed it in the oven to finish cooking. "Now we wait till it's all brown and golden on top."

She sat in silence, cuddling and enjoying the closeness. She was happy in this moment. Taking in a deep breath, she imprinted the scent of his hair to memory and smiled. It wasn't till she picked up movement in the corner of her eye that she remembered that there were still two other persons in the house. Lifting her head, she flushed deeply once more but didn't make any attempt to apologize to the two sisters.

She leaned back against the counter, watching him carefully while trying to keep her mind off of what was going on in the other room. "I'm trying to trust you.." She chuckled softly. It had been a while since she had let anyone cook for her. It had honestly been a while since she had even let someone help her cook.

She hated the feelings that were flowing through her, not just because they were feelings of Lucian's attraction to Delphi, but also because they were making her even more on edge. The emotions had a way of crippling, controlling.. of making her decisions for her. They were calling to her, pushing her.. It made her want to jump into Avery's arms and stay there, cuddle against him and forget the world. This caused her to frown, fretting at a dread that was falling into her face.

Lucian had very little care about the two girls. He had given them very little thought since they went off to check to wards. Even if he had, he wouldn't have cared if they saw what was going on or what they thought about it. While all that was true for them, no matter how he put it out of his mind it wasn't entirely true for Anastasia, despite that he kept telling himself that it was. It hadn't changed him from enjoying the moment, keeping her close in his arms as his hands drifted over her back. He sat down, pulling her into his lap again. In that exact moment he was done worrying about it, investing energy into keeping things perfect. He just wanted to keep her close, to feel her skin next to his. "You are so beautiful.." He said at long last to break the silence, his eyes fastened to her.

He chuckled once more. "I understand.. When you do most of the cooking.. it's some times hard to let some one else take over on something.." He watched her closely, keeping one eye on the time of the clock."Something wrong?" He could see it creeping into her face, something had stolen what little relaxed, calm moment they'd built up in the room. "Your brother?" He didn't wait for an answer, leaning so he could see out into the living room, his suspicions were confirmed.

Her attention was brought back from her guests as he'd drawn her back into his lap and embrace. She was the happiest she could remember ever being in her life in that moment. Her face broke into a smile that reached clear up into her eyes causing them to have that light of happiness about them. "Thank you.." It was all she could say in that moment as she flushed lightly once more. Her face had felt heated and her cheeks ached with the smiling she'd been doing. Though hearing him say that simple line had caused her heart to leap and flutter like a bird while her stomach felt like she had butterflies fighting to be free. She felt like a giddy school girl from one of those stupid romantic comedies her aunts seemed to like to watch.

Her brief nod was the only acknowledgement that she gave. There was a part of her that wanted to comment more but her mind was a very different place. Her hand continued to play at her hair, her eyes staring at something on the far wall. When he rightly guessed at the subject, her brows knitted together. "I'm... sorry.. It's.. sometimes hard to separate feelings when they come flooding at you from all sides." The trance seemed broken for the moment as she tilted her eyes from the wall to him. She was trying hard to not get hurt, or feel abandoned. If Avery hadn't been there there was no telling how badly she would have reacted to what was going on. There was a huge part of her that wanted nothing more than to flee the confines of the house and get as far away as she could until the connection broke. There was no way to forcably remove the connection altogether, but over a distance it did lessen.

Her own feelings were a mixed bag right now. On one hand, she wanted nothing more than to be the good sister and be happy that her brother found someone that could do for him what she couldn't. The other half was in pain, confused, and wanted nothing more than to scream and hurt someone the way he was hurting her. Still, another part of her.. somewhere deep inside understood. As much as she didn't want to, she did. Perhaps that was the side of her that had taken refuge in Avery's company, the part of her that knew she couldn't get through it on her own anymore. She leaned up from the counter and shifted her weight. "Well, at least someone is having fun, right?" It was her way of trying to might light of the conversation though she knew there was some strained notes behind it.

His hand wound itself up from her back, over her neck and through her hair until it settled against her face. He didn't take his eyes off of her. "I truly mean that.." He said, as if to move away any sort of doubts if she had any. His hand stroked her cheek softly as he held her gaze. He hadn't thought in his wildest dreams that the little excursion he had planned yesterday would have blossomed into this and yet he couldn't have been more thankful that it had. And in that moment, he thought that being in this strange world wasn't as bad as he first thought it to be. Perhaps there really could be some good coming of very bad situations.

"No need to apologize Ana. I may not fully grasp what it must be like to feel the what your twin is feeling.. but I understand that it could be disrupting to your own thoughts." He offered her a reassuring smile. He wanted her to know that he wouldn't pressure her to make any explanations unless she felt comfortable. They were.. irrelevant at this time. The fact and only fact he needed to know was that she was hurting emotionally. That was enough to make him go to her side once more and wrap both arms and wings around her once more. "It'll be alright.." He cooed gently. "I'm here... You don't need to bottle this up and let it tear at you from the inside.. I'm here to help ease your burden."

Her lashes lowered in an almost demure look. "I know.. And it makes me happy to hear it" She pressed her cheek against his hand, giving another contented sigh. She'd been about to try to go home only days ago.. and here she was in his arms. Had she managed to find a way home, she never would have been in this situation. She knew.. some where within herself she knew that she had found the redeeming quality she'd been looking for. She'd spoken of one to them.. but she'd never dreamed of finding the one thing which redeemed it enough for her to stay. In this moment, she decided that she'd found it after all.

Avery shook his head lightly. "You're just going through a rough time.. It's expected to seem.. frazzled when something's amiss." Lifting a hand, he stroked her hair like a loving parent might a child after a night mare. "Oh?" It was all he could say. He hadn't thought he was being too nice.. In fact she seemed to be needing some one to be more tender in her life.

Delphi grinned wider. "Good.. you should be." She stated with a chuckle. It was the random voice emitted from under the black shawl that caused her to still and even attempt to curl herself around Lucian. She stared at the skull a moment, almost like she was trying to figure out what to make of it. Finally she let out a small giggle. the banter between the two... it was amusing.

"Nice to meet you too, Alfred.." She chuckled once more, not bothering to move from her spot, though she flushed at the compliments. "So.. Is he like her familiar?" She blinked curiously at Lucian as she spoke. Familiars she was use to.. ghostly fires that sported skulls and floated about to give messages.. they'd been apart of her growing up.

She almost let out a snort at his response. So he did think she was a mess, but at least he was being kind about it. She let out a sigh and squared her shoulders, but she stayed close, nuzzling her face against him. "Yeah.." She stated in hesitation, tilting her head to look up into his eyes. "You're sweet.." She lifted her hand to brush it against his face. "You... should probably be with someone who is much nicer than I am.."

"A familiar? Does she really think me that low on the totem pole?" If the skull could frown he would have.

Lucian sighed and shifted in the chair, trying to get more comfortable. Looking at the skull, he narrowed his eyes slightly. "Not.. technically. Though I suppose that would be the easiest way of putting it. He's a spirit, a spirit of knowledge.. kind of like a talking library, really. From what I can tell, he was once a great mage in Izlania, when he was alive. Anastasia found the skull and rescued it.. so he's bound to her." His hand resumed its course of playing with the locks of her hair. "Because of the bond he has with her, he can find her very easily.. I had gone back to the hotel to find him so that I could find Ana easier."

"Hrmph." He made a very dissatisfied sound. "Familiars are extensions of the being's soul. Sometimes they have personalities and thoughts of their own, but overall they are a reflection of their owner, like Anastasia's raven. I am a being all my own, thank you." The lights whirled around again.

Avery frowned some. "I have found that it is better to lure more flies with honey than venom.. not that you're a fly mind you. It's just that being nice.. It some times makes for better things in the future.. I'm not exactly a push over.. but.. I'm not a wet blanket either.." He tilted his head placing gentle kisses on her finger tips. "Some one nicer??" He shook his head. "Nicer doesn't always mean interesting you know.. I've seen nicer girls but all disappointing. You're nice.. but.. that's not the only thing about you.. I like you admittedly.. for who you are.. that fire you get when angry.. the tenderness that you also posses.. it's all pieces to a big puzzle that has for ill or good lured me here to be.. "

She frowned once more. "I didn't mean to insult you..." She sat quietly, listening to the explanation. "Oh.." She felt rather stupid to say the least. "Well.. I see then.." She leaned forward, examining but not touching the skull. "Fascinating..." He really was an interesting thing. "Now.. you cheeky skull.. why wait till now to voice up?"

He stood holding her, stroking her dreds as he allowed her to move about. It hadn't bothered him that she seemed to need to apologize. "I'm not offended by anything, so you don't have to apologize. I know you weren't meaning that.. I just.. wanted to explain.." He stilled as she shifted about further, hiding herself against him. She'd managed to bump into the one hidden gun he kept on him at all times. It was a small pistol. Though he much preferred the quiet work of a blade when it came to unnecessary scuffles, some times it was good to have that added weapon.

It was something his mothers had nagged him about. 'Carry the weapons.. you might not want to fight.. But with you m om's line of work.. some one's bound to pin you as a target because she foiled some plan of theirs or another..' He heard his mother's voice echoing in his head. Why hadn't he just slipped the weapon into the couch when they weren't looking? He waited, hoping she hadn't felt it before speaking once more. "Ana.. I don't see a broken individual before me.. I see some one who's strong enough to survive a rather crappy start.. You survived it.. and it didn't send you into a hole or a mental ward. You're stronger than you're giving yourself credit for. I'm not saying that I know for sure if this will be ever lasting for us.. No one knows for sure.. But.. I am willing to give it a try if you are.."

She was right when she'd called him cheeky. Snickering, she relaxed back into Lucian's form. The firmness of his grip seemed like maybe there was some reason she was to be leery of the spirit. What ever the issue, she could only guess. It was considered rude in her household to openly air out the insecurities of others even if they were being displayed openly. Though half of her wondered if the little display was some sort of dominance or a jab at the skull in some other way. She wouldn't likely put it past a man to have a display of just who what belonged to.. She gave an amused smile and watched the skull a moment longer. "You still never answered my question.. and no pixing the answer..."

When she felt the object she blinked, tilting her head downward to take a look at it. She couldn't quite wrap her head around what it was. Some sort of Regondrian weapon, it looked like, but it was definitely more advanced than anything she had ever seen before. What had Victor called those things? For a moment she was actually wishing she had paid more attention to the cat, but their interests seemed so far apart and she thought he was weird for all the strange little tech he carried with him. "Pardon me for sounding dumb.. but what is that..?"

At his statement, she pried her eyes from the weapon and back up toward him. She almost choked at his words. They didn't have mental wards the way that the did here, but she was aware of the meaning behind it. Crazy. He was saying she wasn't crazy. She found that ironic considering how many times she had been called that in her life, and knowing this world they would have hesitated to put her in one. She flinched, her eyes darting toward the floor. "But it did.." She said quietly, staring at her feet. "I have spent most of my life in a hole after that.." Of course, she meant her little dungeon where she did most of her experiments. The location changed periodically but the end results were always the same. "There is a lot you don't know about me.." She stated, completely afraid that if she told him he'd back off and flee. Granted, she wasn't sure if that was what she was trying to do in the first place.. get him to run away like she did everyone else.

"Hmm.. me?" The skull began to play innocent again. "I didn't want to intrude on the fun the two of you were having. That would be rather rude of me, would it not?" The lights flickered about. "Though, now I'm glad I did, you are very beautiful, Miss Delphi."

Lucian stared at him, a tert shake of his head in irritation. "Then why did you speak up at all?" He rested his chin on Delphi's shoulder, not taking his eyes from Alfred.

"Pardon me.. but I get claustrophobic. I was trying very hard not to." The spirit defended, not seeming to like Lucian's tone. "Now.. where is Anastasia anyhow?"

Lucian didn't seem to believe him at all. He flicked his wrist in the air, gesturing at the skull. "Ana is busy, and I seriously doubt she'd like you interrupting her either." He kept his tone very pointed and brief. "And if you don't decide to behave I can wrap you back up in the shawl."

"NO! No, please Brother Boss. I'll be good, I promise!"

He paused, freezing at her question. "That.. " He frowned.. he'd hoped she hadn't felt it. "That is my pistol.. well my mom's pistol.. she just makes me carry it.." He chuckled lightly, lifting an arm to scratch the back of his head with a sheepish sort of look. "I forgot I had it on me.. I hope it didn't disturb you."

He watched her the frown dissipating. "Oh?" He listened to her quietly. His silence was long after she's stopped speaking. "Well then, little duck.. perhaps it's time to make for the light hm? " He lightly tapped her on the nose. "I'm sure there's plenty we don't know about one another.. That's part of the journey of life. I understand if you're not comfortable telling me everything.. I just hope in time you'll trust me enough not to be immature about what ever it it."

The look on her face stated clearly that she wasn't buying the whole 'cute innocent skull spirit' act. "You're a pervert.." She stated flatly some how managing to hide half of her face in Lucian's hair. Personally the skull was giving her the creeps.. it's leering made her want to stick it in a paper bag and out on the porch. Though giving that it was Ana's.... minion.. she couldn't do that. Looking around the room, she picked up a throw pillow and stuck it between herself and the skull. "There.."

She tilted her head to one side, glancing over the weapon. That wasn't what Victor had called them, but she couldn't think for the life of her what it was. But perhaps they just had different names for them in this world. "Pistol.." She rolled the word over in her head but it still wasn't ringing any bells. "Disturb me?" She blinked up at him, clearly confused. "Well.. we do have them in my world.. sort of. They're pretty rare and.. somehow different. I can't explain how as I haven't seen many of them.. but they're not that sleek... nor do I think the mechanisms are quite that small either." She shook her head a little, as if trying to come out of a thought. "Just not my forte.. sorry. I don't really understand them."

When he tapped her nose, she blinked again, her head tilting upward in surprise. "Light and I don't exactly get along.." Her face turned to a light frown. Her darker tendencies weren't even something that Lucian could get over, so she very much doubted he could. She wasn't exactly ashamed of what she was, but she was also aware of how bad it could get or look to an outsider. Hell, she wasn't quite sure that she wasn't using it for those things anyway. She could very well be the 'Necromancer the books warned you about'. All she knew was that she wasn't her father, and she wasn't as bad as he had been with it. That didn't mean she didn't know those spells or how to be.. But she never wanted to be him.

Sighing, she wasn't sure what to say on the matter. She didn't want him to know. She never wanted him to know. She imagined he'd have to, and when he did she'd be alone again.. perhaps completely for the first time since Lucian was intent on courting Delphi. "I guess so.." She said quietly, her eyes still on the ground. "But it's not something I want to talk about right now.." Or anytime soon, she hoped.

The skull's eye lights shifted again. "Pervert is such a harsh word.. I prefer to say that I enjoy entertainment." He tried to defend himself. When Delphi put the pillow between the two of them, his lights fluttered again. "I'm sorry if I offended you! It wasn't my intention.."

Lucian sighed, rubbing his temples. "I seriously don't know how my sister puts up with your s**t." He shook his head and growled lightly under his breath. "Seriously, behave or I'm going to put you in time out again." To the threat, Lucian could feel the skull eye him but he stayed quiet. "I'm sorry.." He turned back to Delphi, holding her close. "If I hadn't needed him to help me find Ana I never would have brought him..."

"Offended.. Some individuals in this world don't agree with such weapons.. Personally I'm like my mother.. she likes the quiet use of blades.. While guns are effective.. A blade is just something more... personal.." A shadow seemed to creep into his eyes. There was indeed more to him than he let on. perhaps an inner darkness all his own. He'd battled it as a child. His mom had some times wondered if he would be as.. bent as his uncle, Aleerah's brother. So far he'd managed to keep it quelled. though there was a part of him that couldn't deny that he liked the feel of blade on flesh. "Like I said Ana... I'm not going to say that I'm not curious.. but.. I will say that unless your comfortable confiding in me.. your secrets don't need to be uttered." He placed a soft kiss upon the top of her head.

"Get your kicks else where you swirly eyed minion.." She glared at the pillow. She shook her head at Lucian. "I understand.. that thing's just creepy.." She deliberately used the word 'thing'. It was a bafflement why Ana kept him around. She had a feeling the spirit within had it's own agenda. "He can stay.. for now.. but if he starts leering or manages to move his wisp outside of that skull to make for anything.... distasteful.. I'm punting him into the basement." She gave an involuntary shiver. She pressed herself closer, moving part of herself behind Lucian as some sort of a shield. Not being able to see the skull made things easier, still she felt like he was peering through it at them.

She moved her eyes away from the weapon to look back up at him. "I can't really say I do either, but its more of a personal preference. I tend to prefer staves or daggers. I suppose I would use a sword, if I could, but Lucian is better at that than I am. I just don't really understand weapons like that." As he started talking about his mother, she was confused for a moment. It took her a second or two to remember that he had two mothers, as strange as that was to her, so he must have been talking about the other one?

When she saw the darkness in his eyes, she mused, studying it for a moment. She let out a breath, trying to keep herself in a neutral mood. Her eyes shut and she kept telling herself to stay calm. It took her a moment to come out of her reverie, eyes lazily sliding ajar. She gave him a nod, and pulled herself closer to him again, head leaning against his chest. "I personally think that we should get to know each other over time.. and not all at once... It leaves some things to discover later, right?" She knew it was a gamble that he'd accept that, but she just wasn't ready to tell him yet.

"Swirly eyed minion.." Lucian couldn't help but grin at the retort. "I like that." To her other statements though, he just shrugged. "He has his uses. He has a considerable amount of knowledge about things and their applications, and what he doesn't know he can find out rather easily. He has helped a numerous amount of times when we've needed it, so he's loyal, at least." He stretched his arms somewhat, before putting them back around her. "He's just... got his issues.." To the comment about putting him into the basement, he laughed. "Believe it or not, that's usually where Ana keeps him."

"I can still hear you you know... And should I tell Ana about how your mistreating me?" He spoke up, clearly annoyed at their antics.

"I seriously doubt Ana would care." Lucian stated. Glancing toward the area where the skull was, he picked the shawl back up with his mind and used it to create more of a barrier between it and Delphi so she wouldn't have to continue to hold the pillow up.

"I've never actually used a sword.. knives are about the only blade I perfected..." The confusion on her face caused him to flush slightly. "Ah.. right... My mother.. is Aleerah... My Mom.. Is Sukiyaki.. I use one word for one and the other for the other.. I guess it can be slightly confusing.."

He hugged her to himself once more and gave a nod. "A little mystery keeps things interesting..." He flashed her a smile. "Not that you're not interesting already.." He flashed her a quick smile. Glancing at the clock, he gave a small chuckle. "It would seem that our pudding should be done." He moved carefully, not letting go of her though he opened the oven and grabbing a pot holder, pulled the pan from the oven setting it aside to cool. "What do you want me to set it to for the bread?"

Delphi flashed Lucian a cheeky grin all her own. "Well.. we could always stick him on a stick and dress him as a scare crow in the front yard.." She was deliberately ignoring Albert now.

Shrugging, she dropped the pillow on the skull. She couldn't help but to feel the same. With Avery as a distraction.. she was sure there wasn't much right now that the spirit could say to annoy Ana for the time being. With the barrier made, she allowed herself to sit more at ease, resting her head once more against Lucian. "Still raining?" She figured it was likely still a torrential down pour out side. One hand found it's way back under his hair at his back.

She didn't want to point out that her use of daggers had mostly been for rituals or killings, so she just stayed quiet for a long moment. "The use of them can be very beautiful at times.." Or so she had admired her brother on occasions when he used them. She wasn't sure if it was because of him, or killing in general, which was a thought that made her flush. "Right... umm.. Mother and Mom.." She tried to get that through her head though she wasn't sure she would ever remember. "Forgive me now if I ever get that mixed up.."

To his statements, she felt her cheeks growing warmer. The moments with her still pressed to him only caused her to fluster more. "Umm.." She stammered somewhat, trying to bring herself out of her thoughts of him. "..375." She doubted that the bread had risen enough, though it might within the next ten to twenty. Shifting while still staying close to him, she gazed toward the stew to make sure it hadn't burnt or over boiled. Thankfully it had been turned low and was still bringing all the flavors together nicely.

He laughed at her chide, nodding somewhat. "Hmm... make sure the body is made of straw. We'll have to hang him up high to ensure that he can't move." Alfred tried to object but Lucian waved his hand and the shawl fell over him. He said a few words in a short incantation that kept the skull from being able to voice his opinion. To her question, he tilted his head toward the windows, listening for the sound since they had all been covered. "Sounds like it." He replied and moved further down on the chair to keep her closer to him. He smiled at the touch, lifting his own hand to caress her face.

He set to work, putting the new temperature in. Once done, he leaned back against the counter. With his wings around her like this it made it easier for him to lean against things. "The scents are starting to build a nice aroma.." He chuckled some. "I'm glad you let me stay in here to help out."

She chuckled lightly at his remark. Sighing, she frowned, nestling in closer still. "I almost wish I'd stayed asleep today... almost.." She flicked her eyes up, watching his face. "Rainy days are best to just laze about.. nap, and generally be lazy.." She smirked lightly. "But then.. if I'd stayed in bed all day.. none of this would have likely happened.." She stretched some before returning to her cuddled state.

She pressed herself against him, still not wanting to leave his arms. She was sure this meal would be nothing like she usually made, well.. for the pure fact that she had been distracted throughout the whole cooking process. Still, she hadn't regretted allowing him to be apart of it. "Yeah.. it really is." She stated, her head tilting upward to catch a look into his eyes. Delphi was right, he was rather handsome.. Blushing, she shivered somewhat, chewing on her thumb to keep herself from doing something too rash. "Thank you for helping.." Regardless or not of the distraction, she had enjoyed his company.


Letting out a breath, he ran his hand against her back, "I'm glad you didn't. Today hasn't been the best in the world, but it definitely has had it's good parts." He grinned at her, leaning forward to press his lips to hers. "Like that.." He mumbled as he pulled back just an inch, his eyes still upon her. "I don't think I'd trade that for the world.."

"You're welcome.. it was my pleasure to help." He smiled once more. "At my house.. We all take turns cooking.." He watched the pot a moment. "It's more ore less one of the downsides yet upsides of having such a large family.. Though my aunts live on their own.. We have a great deal of time around one another.. family functions and all.. i think my grandmothers would knuckle my parents in the head if they didn't agree to them.." He chuckled some.

Her face flushed that delicate pink again. "I don't think that I would either.. Not for all the naps or stones in the world." She chuckled and closed the distance once more placing a soft kiss upon his lips. She looked at the drawn curtains once more. "You think he's still out there lurking about?" She frowned some. "I wonder what he hopes to gain from this hunt of his..." She was thinking aloud more so than anything. The only answers she could think of left her feeling a little chilled. Resting her head on his shoulder once more, she hid her face against his neck. "Promise me.. you two will come back... " her voice was a whisper against his skin though it held a slight pleading tone.. She wasn't as concerned any longer whether or not they managed to bring the thief in alive.. if they did.. it gave them leverage.. if not.. then.. they'd wait to see if he was acting alone. What she cared about most now was that both Lucian and Ana came back alive.

She had no idea what that was like. Her family life wasn't exactly sunshine and rainbows. "I see.." She said. She was being unusually quiet even for her as he spoke. "When I was really young the servants did most of the cooking, but by the age of 8 I was expected to help and learn how to do it. I rarely saw my mother when I was growing up... And well... Lucian was a male.. he wasn't expected to have to touch any of the menial jobs around the mansion." She shifted as if she were remembering things she hadn't wanted to. "I can't imagine what it's like.. Lucian and I have been alone for so long.. I'm not even sure I know what family is suppose to be." One hand was now clutching to her other arm in an almost defensive gesture. "I do enjoy cooking though, it's one of the few things that can help me relax.."

Seeing the blush on her cheeks made him smile all the more. He gently stroked his fingertips against her face, enjoying the closeness as she kissed him again. Mmm... he didn't think he'd ever grow bored of that. Her kisses were too sweet, too addictive. "I really have no idea.." He said, shifting his head back to glance at them. "I'm not really sure I know a way to tell without checking myself."

At her statement, his nose wrinkled and he shifted his head in a slight tilt, trying to figure out what she meant. When he finally gathered it, he hugged her close to him. "I've defeated worse before. I'm sure we won't have any trouble defeating your thief." In this he was fairly confident. If he could defeat undead, dragons and the embodiment of terror itself.. he was sure a thief would be no problem. "We'll come back, I promise." He lifted his hand and laced his fingers in hers.

"Ana... I didn't mean... I'm sorry.." He hugged her tightly. "I stirred up demons from your past again... It wasn't my intent.." His head was bowed over her shoulder causing his hair to pool over her in his ponytail. He felt ling idiot. It seemed a little like two steps forward and three back with him inserting is foot into his mouth to his knee..

At the remark of checking himself, she clung to him tighter. She didn't want him to go yet. Certainly not to try and confront the other.. It wasn't time.. their plans.. the trap.. they still needed to discuss it all. she wanted to believe that they would be fine. His words were little comfort until he promised. Sitting up, she cupped his face with both her hands and kissed him once more, tender at first then a little deeper. She lingered in the kiss a while before pulling back a few inches. "Remember that promise a few days from now.. or be forsworn."

At his apology, she held her hand up to stop him. "It's fine. I know you didn't mean it that way. Just because my home life wasn't great doesn't mean you should feel bad that your family actually loves you. Besides.." She looked up at him, a slight smile on her face. "Things could have been worse.. I had Lucian at least. He keeps telling me that I have to look at the good in things... You remind me of him in that.." She drew in a breath and leaned up to poke his nose.


Feeling her cling to him made him smile. He kept her tight in his arms with no intention of leaving. "It's okay.. I'm staying." He returned the kiss, drawing himself into it even more deeply. His arms wrapped completely around her hips, drawing her to him in almost animalistic magnetism. "I will." He drew back, not wanting to go too far too quickly. His eyes shut as he rested his forehead against hers, not wanting to move back too far. "You don't have to worry, there is nothing that would make me leave you."

He let out a breath he hadn't realized he's been holding. "Thank you... and Lucian's right.." He was actually glad that she hadn't been too offended by everything. Giving a sniff to the air, his stomach rumbled lightly. "Sorry.. everything smells so good.. It's making me hungry.." He chuckled some.

She smiled broadly. It helped hearing his say those words. "We still have to wait for the wards to be cleared as good any ways.." She teased lightly. Closing her eyes, she lingered, forehead pressed against his. "If this rain doesn't let up you all might wind up staying again.. but then you two could simply... disappear and re-materialize else where can't you? Is it the same for the other two?" She asked, opening her eyes once more to lock their gaze once more.

He opened his wings to allow her to move about as necessary. When she offered the spoon, he took it from her. Tasting the stew and discarding the spoon in the sink he smiled. "Tastes good.. We should get that bundle of herbs out and let it simmer till the bread finishes baking." He leaned in a small kiss on her cheek. "You're a pretty good cook, Ana."

She nodded as he connected the dots of what she'd meant. "Oh.. so.. It's in a way like my smoke phasing..." She gave a thoughtful look. "As smoke.. I can slip through something as small as a key hole, providing I've looked through it first.." As he started his trail of kisses, she let out a shaky breath, her thoughtful expression melting away. There it was again, that feeling of trapped butterflies trapped in her stomach all fluttering to be free. "No...." And yet.. she wondered if she could resist the temptations it would pose. She chewed on her lip, weighing the options. She could.. If she had to lock herself in her room all night to be sure, she would.

At Khide's voice, she blushed and turned her head. She was completely aware now of the display they'd been making. "Oh.." She was both relieved and embarrassed. Relieved that their thief was gone. Embarrassed that they'd just been making one large show for the other ladies in the house. Clearing her throat, she nodded to Nalaehi's explanation. "I suppose that makes sense.." Lifting her head away from Lucian to sit t, she nodded her thanks. "Was it affected?" She wanted to believe that thy wouldn't have been.. but she knew to think herself infallible could be extremely dangerous and costly.

Avery had watched her as she played feed the birdie with the spoon. "I'm sorry it'll take so long..." He chuckled. "I doubt it'll suffer too much.." He smiled broader, folding his wings back behind him as he pushed himself away from where he'd been leaning. "Maybe I should distract you a little further next time.." He teased in return with a chuckle all his own. His eyes were alight with merriment.

She flushed even more as she saw the girls look away and blush, catching his grin in the corner of her eye. It was Nalaehi's explanation that helped her to pull through her slight embarrassment. "I see.. so our thief hacked my wards.." She frowned slightly. It figured that he would have tried. "Thank you.. I trust you not to have done anything sketchy with them." She offered the sisters a warm smile. A crack of thunder rolled around the house sounding like it might have broken almost directly over them. She frowned, flinching slightly. "It's not safe to travel out of the house.. not with that sort of weather.. I have the sofas.. and.. I think some where in the basement is a futon matrice I'd bought a while back in hopes that more of my family might turn up.." She frowned counting the heads in the house. They were still shy one bed unless some one double bunked.

Anastasia blushed heavily, turning away so he couldn't see. "I'm use to making a three course meal at the very least.." She was still embarrassed that she hadn't made more, especially for so many guests. This definitely wasn't the best test of her culinary skills. She hoped Lucian wouldn't be too angry with her for doing a poor job, but at the current rate of things it seemed he was much too interested in other things anyhow.

To his chide, she blushed again, turning her eyes upward. "And what would that prove..? That I need to learn how to continue to cook despite any distractions that could happen?" She smirked. "At this rate I might never get any cooking done." She lifted herself to her toes to lay a gentle kiss on his cheek. "..Not that I'm complaining.. I do enjoy the company."


Lucian was beginning to like the sound of this. Five girls in a house. Hmm... the things he could do. So there would be two guys, he didn't usually like sharing, but the odds were still good... He caught a look Khide gave him and he chuckled. Could they really blame him? He was a guy after all. He kept his arms around Delphi while he regarded the girls. He truly wouldn't do anything anyway... so the look was uncalled for in his opinion.

Khide's expression turned perplexed. Shifting her gaze to both of them, she mused, not fully understanding. "The weather...?" She exchanged a glance with Nalaehi. "It's just rain.." She didn't want to offend her host, but she wasn't sure why she seemed so afraid of the weather.

Nalaehi caught the misunderstanding between the two of them. "Umm.. We're fine.. I promise. We can get through the storm no problem. It really isn't any problem for us!" She tried to add a cheerful note so that she wouldn't seem demeaning in any way. "Like I said before, Ar- I mean, our mother's magic can control the rain in a way, so a storm really energizes us. Our magic would be at its height in the rain, which would get us back home rather easily."

He Chuckled at her retort. "I suppose it could be that.. or just prove that I enjoy distracting you." He pulled her into a brief hug, kissing her cheek in return. "I'm sure just what we've made will be fine.." He gave her a reassuring look. He was glad she enjoyed his company. After the start of their meeting, he was sure he'd have been knuckled in the head by her again and likely even literally launched into the air after his wings broken by her brother.

Reaching over, she flicked Lucian without looking at him. Some how she had the feeling he'd been thinking some way to enjoy a bounty of ladies.. Sighing, she shook her head. "Well.. as long as the two of you are careful.. I'd hate for our thief to return and cause you any undo harm.." Storms were fun.. but the trouble with them was they hid too much. For that reason she didn't like them. "Well I suppose if you two want to leave, at least stay for dinner? I'm sure Ana's making something that will help keep you warm on the walk home."

Ana's lips turned to a small smirk. "If you keep that up Lucian will starve to death." She teased, a small laugh coming from her lips. "He's absolutely useless when it comes to feeding himself.." Her head shifted to one side, eyeing him for a long moment before she took a breath. "Should we call them all to dinner then? I think they've probably waited long enough.."

"Hey! What did I do?" Lucian protested. He was sure she couldn't read his mind the way that Anastasia could. Besides, even if she could... could she really blame him?

Khide smiled and nodded in her direction. "We'll be fine." She took a look toward Nalaehi. "If you don't mind, I think we'd love to stay for dinner. Using as much magic as we have can work up quite the appetite."

He chuckled even more. "I'm sure he could manage.. or con one of the other ladies in the house to feed him.." He snickered once more. "Alas, it would be a waste not to call them in to eat.. Wouldn't want to food to go uneaten, right?" He stole just one more kiss from her before moving about, looking through cupboards and finding what he was looking for. He then began setting the table to allow her to call them in to dine.

"Don't you what me.." She frowned. "I saw that look.." She turned her head away after sticking her tongue out at him. She was half teasing though part of her really wasn't. It was conflicted in a way.. Jealousy wasn't something she often found among her thoughts.. but.. there it was.. a small hint of it that he might prefer the company of the other two over her own. Looking to the sisters once more, she nodded. "Trust me.. I understand about taking abilities..."

She couldn't help but laugh. "You really don't know my brother... he'd starve before he even thought about lifting a hand to get food..." She shook her head at the thought. "Though, that I could see him doing.." She said in reference to getting someone else to make him something. When he kissed her, she blushed again but returned it, holding the kiss for a second or two. She let out a breath and moved toward the door. She motioned and with a wave of her hand she wiped the incantation clean so that sound could return from the kitchen. She made sure to straighten her dress and hair, looking out at everyone. "Food is ready."

He smirked, leaning closer to her as he held onto her a little more tightly. He left a soft kiss on her cheek and whispered, "You really shouldn't worry so much.. I chose you, didn't I?" When Anastasia entered the room, he moved his head back from Delphi. "Alright, we're coming." As he moved to get up, he kept Delphi in his arms, gently moving with her.

He put the last spoon on the table when he heard her finally calling them to dinner. Wiping his face, he checked to make sure he hadn't been marked with her lipstick before heading to the stove and ladling the stew into a serving dish. He set the stew then on the table, the fresh baking bread caused his stomach to rumble again. "They coming in?"

Delphi's face turned about two shades of red. "You did... or was it that I chose you.." She still wasn't sure who chose who in this. Hearing Ana's voice, she stiffened slightly. She'd paused like a pray animal waiting to see if the predator would see them. As Lucian moved taking her with him, she squeaked feeling suddenly like a toy dog in it's doting master's arm. "You know.. I can walk.. " She chuckled lightly shoving the analogy her mind had provided aside.

Turning on her heels, she tilted her head and nodded. "I think so.. Though I wouldn't be surprised if Lucian makes a drama out of it." She replied lightly. Moving forward, she stopped beside him and pulled a few sprigs of parsley to top the stew with. "I hope it's good.."

Lucian chuckled at her, tilting his head to the side. "Nope. I chose you." He teased and gave her a soft squeeze before letting her go. "Fine.. fine.." He hadn't seemed to be paying much attention to his sister's arrival and waved her off. He left a small kiss on Delphi's cheek and then offered his arm. "Shall we then?"

"It'll be fine..." He chuckled lightly. Some how he had an idea she might be right about her brother. Shaking his head he held a chair out for her. "You should get off your feet, how's the finger doing now any ways?"

As she was set down once more, she smiled broadly and took his arm. "We shall indeed." She chuckled as she allowed him to lead her off. Looking over her shoulder to the two sisters, she grinned once more. "Coming?"

To the chair, she tilted her head slightly in surprise. Smiling, she sat down. "Thank you." She let out a breath as she saw her brother enter the kitchen, Delphi at his side. It made her grumble slightly, but she was trying her best to keep it inside.

Lucian grinned at her as they moved toward the table. When they reached it, he moved the chair out for her, almost mirroring what Avery had done earlier. He had picked a seat that was on the opposite side of his sister. He gave her a look and noticed that Anastasia completely avoided eye contact. As the sisters entered, he moved the chairs out for them as well before sitting down himself right next to Delphi. "It smells wonderful Ana." He eyed the bowl though, wondering why she had gone for something so simple, it wasn't like her.

He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder a brief moment before taking his seat beside her after all the ladies were seated. "So..." He paused. Dinner conversations weren't usually his forte, especially in a room full of so many new people to him. "Everything's all clear and good now, right?"

She offered both avery and Ana a smile. She still was certain the two made a decent looking pair, though she wasn't about to start playing match maker. If things happened, they needed to happen on their own. As she watched the display between both Ana and Lucian, she heaved a small shigh and shook her head. It would be a long time it seemed before things were settled and out of the woods so to say. She only hoped they could get through dinner in peace..Still it seemed like almost a mirrored display from this morning.. only this time it was Ana who was avoiding his look rather than she herself.

Anastasia kept herself quiet, unsure what to say. A part of her wanted to run away and not come back. If Delphi wanted Lucian so badly than maybe it was best for her to stay out of the picture completely... The other part of her just wanted to do whatever it took to end whatever there was between them. Lucian's more bold nature in announcing it, flaunting it in her face wasn't helping either. "Umm... well.. enjoy!" She tried to add a cheerful spin, though she was sure it was easy to tell it was forced.

The the question, Khide nodded. "Everything is taken care of. And from what I can tell the assailant hasn't returned either. We should be safe for the time being."

Lucian lifted a fork and dove into the food, he made sure to keep it dignified, but from the lack of food he'd had all day he was starving. It was good as always, but that didn't stop him from pondering the amount of food that she had made. "It's good, Ana." He reassured her, catching a glance her way before she shoved her eyes away. "So then.." He stated after Khide was finished. "Is there something we should discuss while we have the option then?"

He lifted his own utensil and gave a nod. "Well that's good to hear..." Taking a bite, he chewed slowly, savoring the flavors. "It really is delicious, Ana.." He gave her a small smile, nothing too briefe... but it wasn't too long either. With her brother there.. And Ana avoiding his gazes.. something was up.

Delphi frowned at the two once more. Perhaps, she had chosen wrong when she'd entered linked arms with Lucian. She ate quietly for a while, watching her food once more. Yup.. Awakward once again. She'd brought this about.. Ana's pain.. the awkwardness.. And fo what? Her own selfishness? She supposed it was a selfishness to want to be closer to the man.. She continued thinking, eating quiet bite after quiet delecate bite before Lucian's words snapped her attention back. "Hmm? Ah.. Yes.. Well I suppose with the cat away.. We mice should plot his down fall shouldn't we?" She offered them that courtly smile once more. She'd been paying attention all the while though it had taken her a moment to recall everything that had been said.

He noticed the awkward silence and let out a breath. Well, he'd do what he could to at least break it. His eyes first fell on the two women who had joined them, "Do you think the two of you would mind helping us in the heist..? We might need your assistance.. And the assistance of your mother.. if she's willing."

To that Khide actually blinked, shifting in her chair somewhat uncomfortably. "You do realize she doesn't play well with others...?" When he gave his nod, she sighed but continued, "We'll help, and I'll do what I can to convince her."

Nalaehi popped up with, "I think she'll help. She might be a little gruff, but she has her heart in the right place."

Lucian gave his thanks before turning to Delphi. "This is going to take a lot of trust on your part... But I need you to lay low." His eyes shifted to his sister. "You will steal the stone, like you said.. But I won't be there." As Ana opened her mouth to object, he put his hand up to silence her. "I'm going to be here." He looked at Delphi again. "..Disguised as you. If we can lure him out, than we should be able to get what we need."

Delphi looked at Lucian, shock written on her face. "How long do I need to lay low???" She trusted him.. There were just a few things she didn't quite get to work out in her head. "No offence Lucian.. "She chuckled some. "But.. As long and lovely as your hair is.. You're not the right shape." She used her hands, curving them in the air to signify and frame out a woman's body. "You're handsom.. I'll give you that.. But.. you're a bit too tall and not thick enough in some areas.." It made little to no sence to her.. unless he was a shifter like her father.. but then hadn't he lost that curse/ability when he and her mother... united?

Pushing the thought aside, she shrugged. "Alright.. but.. Where am I to lay low at? I've got a few safe hoses.. but if he's been tracking me no doubt he's even found the one in the unsavory part of town.." She frowned at the thought. She didn't like her security being something unknown, and the fact that she didn't know for sure if her safe house was still safe or not bothered her.

Anastasia knew immediately what her brother was talking about, Shade Twin. The thought made her frown. "If we miss something and there is more than a couple people? What then? I know you're strong, Lucian, I'm not debating that, but your defense could use some work... and if you're ganged up on..." There was some panic in her voice and for the first time since they sat down she was actually looking Lucian in the eyes. Would he seriously put his life on the line for this girl..?

He told her to be quiet, his pale eyes blazing upon her own. "That's why I want Khide's help. She can help shroud and offer me defense, should I need it." He looked toward the dark female and she gave a nod in agreement to his unasked question. "Otherwise, you'll know if I need the help, Ana." She frowned and shrunk back, clasping one hand over her arm.

Shifting his eyes toward Delphi, he laughed at her antics and gave his shoulders up in a shrug. "You really don't think I'm pretty enough to pull it off?" As the words left his mouth his form shrank and began to fill out in certain places until there was a perfect form of Delphi sitting where he once had. The ability would give Delphi the feeling that she was being copied by magic. "What do you think?" The voice was Delphi's.

"Creepy.. And No.." She looked to Ana. "I think I stand with Ana on this.. You putting yourself into undue risk is .... stupid to say the least." She was shaking her head, her jaw was already starting to set into that stubborn line. "If there's bait to play then I'll play it.. Gods damn it Lucian I'm not a porcelain doll.. I don't break easily.." Her voice was level as she spoke, devoid of the emotions she was feeling. There it was, that same pang she'd felt earlier when she'd made him promise they'd all come back.

She held her silence for a long while. If this was work, she'd likely be tossing a towel and stalking off to keep from bouncing some one's forehead off the bar top. But it wasn't. It was her home, her guests and though she was able to hold her own with most inhabitants of this world, she doubted she'd get too far if she raised a hand to him. "I don't like it.. not one bit... I didn't ask to be left out of this.. I knew there would be risks involved.." She was shaking her head a she spoke. Some where during her rant she'd managed to stand and push herself away from the table. Her fingertips pressed into the table top till they were white and the only reminder was a sting that seemed distant.

His form melted as it reshaped into his usual self. He eyed her, his arms crossed around his chest. "You said you'd trust me in this, did you not?" His eyes were stubbornly set on her. "I know how to defend myself probably more than anyone else in this room. I'm not a doll either, Delphi." There was a slight angry tone to his own voice. "If I'm going to do this I need to know you're safe and you are the target. I can't calculate and keep things from going out of control if you're there. I don't want to be looking over my shoulder constantly because I'm worried something might happen to you." He wondered how many times he had to have this argument with her. He knew she was stubborn, but gods damn it, could she not see logic? Having her there not only meant more danger to her but also to himself. "I'm not saying you can't defend yourself, but I need to know you're safe or I'll be too distracted."

Anastasia felt a dagger go through her. She was gathering more and more that her brother cared for Delphi, but seeing it this way made something within her hurt. He'd do anything for the girl.. and where did that leave her? She stood to her feet, hands clutched tight as her head was hung low. "Seriously.. both of you.. stop being an idiot.." Her eyes shifted to glance at Delphi, her eyes were swollen from tears she wouldn't let fall. "My brother is stupid, and his plan is almost as stupid as my own.. But can't you see he's doing this for you? You should be happy.." Shifting her gaze to Lucian, "And so that you know... I won't forgive you." She then shook her head and left the table, moving herself toward the door to step outside to clear her head.

Khide let out a soft breath, tensions too high for her liking. "I'm not trying to add to the stress here. I understand the situation and that it's not a good one to be had.. But I will say this much.. I will protect him, at all costs. And his plan may sound stupid, but it might be the best hope we have of keeping everyone safe." Her eyes didn't leave Ana's form, even after the girl left the house.

Her hands were tied... She'd been trying to spare Ana.. and still she made it worse. Her head bowed in defeat. She didn't want a martyr.. She didn't want Ana to blame her if something went wrong.. Taking a slow breath, she closed her eyes, centering herself before she spoke. "You win... I'll law low.. I'll stay out of sight till this is over.. "When she looked up, her eyes found Khide. "If something happens.." She shook her head. If something happened to Lucian is wasn't anyone's fault say the person who did the harm.. "Just.. keep him and yourself safe.."

She chewed on her bottom lip as she thought. Distracted.. Her well being would distract him.. She should have been happy that he cared as much.. and.. she was.. Swallowing her fears, she gave a nod and offered him a small smile. She understood.. Were the tables turned wouldn't she want him out of harms way so she could focus? "I won't cause you to become forsworn.. I'll do my part so that the rest of you can do yours.." Her eyes finally rested upon Lucian once more. "I promise.. I'll pack some things.. and look for some place tonight to lay low..." Luckily she still had some of her days off to lay low.. As it was she wasn't about to tell Lucian where she worked, a thought she kept muddled in case he could peer into her thoughts the way he could speak into them.

Avery slipped away quietly. He'd made his way out the door he'd seen Ana retreat to. "Are you okay?" leaned against the side of the house opening his arms to her in case she felt she needed a hug. He'd held his tongue inside, watching everything unfold. "You can talk to me if you need to you know.."

He let a sigh escape his breath. He hadn't wanted to cause his sister anymore pain either, but he had given up that there was anything he could do at this point that wouldn't. Still, her outburst had at least given him leverage in the argument. It was ironic that his sister still had his back even when she was angry at him. His eyes twisted toward Delphi and he shook his head slightly. "You'll stay at the hotel. I'll have Johnson clear the rooms." He was referring to the clerk she had met previously. "The wards I have there shouldn't allow your stalker or anyone else to enter. But I'll hire some guards I can trust just in case. And I know you dislike him... but I can leave Alfred with you, he can keep a link open with Ana who can keep a link open with me, should you need it." He scooted closer to her and took her hands in his. "It'll be okay, Delphi, I promise you." He gave a brief smile before kissing her hand. "Tonight, I'll stay here with you to make sure nothing wrong happens."

Anastasia slipped out the door, pressing herself against the house. Her eyes fluttered shut as she listened to the rain pouring down just inches from her body. She was trying hard to remain calm and strong, but the more he showed Delphi affection.. the more he pushed.. the more she felt herself unravel. "Idiot.. Idiot.. Idiot..." She chided herself.

When she heard Avery's voice she felt herself jump, readying energy in her hand to blast at whomever was approaching her. When her eyes settled upon him she froze, the energy fading. "Sorry.." She had half hoped it would be Lucian so she could hit him, though she knew it wasn't going to be, she had to realize sooner or later she had been replaced. "I'll be fine." She lied, pushing herself further against the house's siding. "I just have to come to terms with some things.." She stared out at the drops of rain that was fluttering passed her face, spraying some droplets against her skin. It was a cold rain, and in a way she felt as if the sky was almost mourning something, for all she knew... maybe it was..

She made a face when he mentioned Albert. Still he had a point.. it was a means to an end.. He could get messages to Lucian if anything did happen they weren't planning upon. Her face turned crimson as he mentioned staying and she turned her head away to hide the blush. Doing so only brought Ana and Avery's lack of presence all the more clear to her. No doubt he was trying to cheer the girl up again.. She felt that heavy stone of guilt dropping into the pit of her stomach at the thought. "Ana... she needs you more at the moment I think.. You two should talk... I've hurt your sister beyond measure in just a few days.. and it hadn't been my intention." Turning her head once more, she offered him another smile, this time more genuine that the courtly one she'd learned to paint on her face to hide her real thoughts. "If you decide to stay after that, I'll make up the couches again and find the futon for the three of you."

He gave a shake of his head. "It's fine... But I'm serious Ana...." He tilted his head as he looked at her. "I know you're going through a rough go of it right now.. Your body language speaks volumes of what you are not voicing... You were bothered by that display in there.. Like I told you earlier.. you don't have to bottle it up.. you can talk if you like.." He stepped closer, unfolding his wings and catching some of the water upon one of them, letting it roll off the feathers. "I told you I'd be here for you.. and I mean it.. But I can only help.. if you'll trust me to do so.." Still, he thought about the outburst. "Either way.. you two should clear the air between you.. I'm not saying you have to do it right away.. but.. if you two ever want to get over it.. you'll have to talk it out." He lifted his spare wing to rest just over her head a little.

She frowned once more. "I'm sorry Lucian.. That things have become so.... difficult for you two..." She dropped back into her own chair once more. that knot still chewed at her stomach as she watched him. He wasn't saying everything, still he was hiding things.. then again didn't everyone? She gave his hands a small squeeze. "It'll be ok.. in the end.. Things have a way of working themselves out you know..." She offered him a reassuring smile. She really hoped she was right. Was she prepared to walk away if she was wrong? She closed her eyes and let out a small breath. She'd worry about that if they came to it.

He blinked wondering where this all came from. Would he still be here.. "Ana..." He thought for a while and smiled. "No one's innocent.. not completely.." He gave a small shrug. "Some just show the darker parts of their hearts rather than to hide them under a mask of rainbows and sparkles. The Ana I've met today.. the one I've seen.. She's just as much you as the other you're speaking of.. I couldn't walk away now knowing what I do of you.." Still he held his wing aloft. "I'm not as... sweet and innocent as I seem.. There are things about me I've struggled to over come.. and still.. I'm not sure my demons are beaten yet.. But it doesn't mean that I should give up completely. You are who you are.. nothing can change that.. but you can learn to control your darker desires if you choose.. even put them to better uses.." Reaching out, he placed his hand on her shoulder. "Ana.. this morning.. you were a strange girl to me... Some one in the field crying in need of goodness only knew what.. My time with you.. I've grown fond of you..." He paused some. "I know it's a horrible selfish thing to say at a time like this.. but.. It's the truth.. I want the chance to get to know you better over time.. But only when you are ready to do so.. I'm not going to pressure you.. I don't want you to see me again out of pity or for some sort of revenge on your brother.. I want that to be completely without a shadow of a doubt something that you want for yourself no strings attached. And until then.. I'll be content to stay at your side as a friend and a shoulder to lean on should you need it."

"It was bound to happen sooner or later." He heard himself say. "You really shouldn't blame yourself for it." His eyes tilted to watch the other guests. They were a huge part of the reason he wasn't saying more. He knew he needed to talk to Delphi one on one about what was going on, but his family problems really weren't meant for outsider's ears. Frankly, he wasn't even sure how far he should involve Delphi in them either.. but he had brought her into it... and he owed her that much. No. That wasn't it. Perhaps he owed Anastasia that much. He wasn't sure how to end this feud with a happy ending, or even with a mutual understanding... He needed help, because as it stood he was too confused on how to help her. "I hope you're right.." His words were a little sour as he thought. Was there a way he could really ever make this up to either one of them?

A breath escaped her lungs. He was assuming. He had assumed a lot of things. He was assuming that she was sorry for the killings she had done, that it was just a darker side to who she was... She wasn't sure he would ever understand that that was who she was. Death. Pain. Malice. Those were things that made her feel free.. alive... She wasn't sorry for killing them. The only reason she had even given it up was for Lucian, because he wanted her to. So what reason did she have now? What should stop her from unleashing her undead upon this sleepy little town...

When he put his hand on her shoulder she broke from her thoughts. Her head tilted over to look at him. "You think I'm using you as revenge...?" She felt her stomach fall at his words. She took half a step away, breaking the contact. "Can you even imagine... Someone whom you've loved for more than two hundred years... Someone with whom you've given your entire life to... Who treats you like you're their significant other... just without the sex..." She added bitterly. "..Bring home a random girl... and spring on you after all that time that he wants a relationship with her.. not you.." Her eyes held his. "..And you think.. this is revenge..." Her eyes shut, a shiver running down her spine. She mildly realized that she was shaking. She wrapped her other hand around her arm in hopes to stabilize herself. "There is nothing I could do.. ever.. that could hurt him the way he has hurt me... And I won't deny that I've used you... But not in that way.. I..." Her words faltered and she bit her lip hard before she could bring herself to speak again. "I... needed something... someone... to hold onto..." She didn't like admitting that she was weak, but she couldn't help but feel weak at this very moment. "I... I don't know how to be without him.." Her voice was cracking. "I don't know how to deal with being replaced... I'm sorry that I used you to fill that void... I shouldn't have..." She drew in a ragged breath, unable to stop herself from continuing to talk. "I mean.. it wasn't like I didn't know in the back of my head that this could happen... I just... I hoped it wouldn't.. As stupid as it is... I hoped he'd change his mind.." She half laughed at herself, shaking her head back and forth. "I have to be the stupidest girl in all the worlds combined.."

Scooting her chair closer, she wrapped her arms around him, pulling him into a hug. She held him there, placing a small kiss on his cheek before letting him go once more. "I really can't help but to blame myself.. if only even a little.. I'm not pristine clean in this mess.." She shook her head. glancing at the two other guests. "But.. I know that some times.. the heart gets battered, stepped on and even punted like a foot ball before you're able to find it's saving grace...We just have to believe that it will work out.. And try to help where we can."

"I'd lie if I said I hadn't wondered if you were.. Though.. Still it didn't seem to matter much." He scratched the back of his head in that awkward sort of way he had. "I honestly can't say I could imagine it.. Though it sounds like it would be terrible.." He dropped his hand and shook his head. "You needed me.. not as a tool.. but as a comfort.. I'll help you learn.." Reaching out once more, he placed both hands on her shoulders. Turning her to face him, he hugged her tightly. "Ana.. I'd rather be used as a comfort.. than as a tool for revenge.. Thank you.. for that at least.." He held her loose in case she wanted to push him away. "You're not stupid... just.. feel used.."

Seeing what the conversation was becoming, Khide stood from her chair and lowered herself into a bow. "I thank you for the food, please tell Anastasia that it was wonderful." She looked toward Delphi and gave a brief smile. "And, thank you for being a wonderful host." Her eyes turned toward Nalaehi and she motioned for her to come along. "In the light of current circumstances, I feel we should excuse ourselves and let you get to what matters you need to discuss." She smiled and bowed her head again. "If you need us, Lucian, or even if you do Delphi, you know how to get a hold of us."

Nalaehi mirrored Khide's bow with one of her own. "Yes, thank you very much." Nalaehi removed the dishes from the table and stacked them in the sink. The two girls then went toward the front door and out, disappearing behind it once it was shut.

Lucian's eyes followed them until he could no longer see them. His demeanor shifted to one a little more relaxed, though it was still easy to see the tension in the way he held himself. He returned Delphi's hug, holding it for longer than usual before he let it break. "I'm sorry, Delphi... You really shouldn't blame yourself. It's my fault. I let it go this far.. Anastasia has every right to be angry with me. I've... relied on her probably more than I ever should have... I don't think I truly realized how it had effected her.. until now."

There was a snort that came from her mouth. "Ouch. You really think I'm that shallow?" She rubbed at her eye with the back of her hand, though there was a slight amusement at the pull of her lips. She melted against him when his arms moved around her. "Still... I hate relying on people... And it wasn't fair of me to use you that way.. But... I'm thankful..." She closed her eyes and focused on the warmth of his body. "I... I can't guarantee that I can fulfill everything you'd want... I... I'm too broken..." She sucked in a breath. "I can't even guarantee that I'll ever stop loving him... But... I... if you're okay with that... I'll try.." She blinked up at him, liquid stinging the ends of her eyes. "I guess... I mean... if you're okay with me being shattered... I will work on being able to handle something between us.." The words half caught in her throat but she managed to push them out.

She nodded at the sisters. She felt bad about not being a better host than she had been.. It was when He spoke again that she looked back to him again. "We don't always know the extent of our own actions and their effects on others... Sad as it is to say..." She sighed and figured she'd be blunt once more this night. "She's quite fond of you.. I know.. And views me as the 'other woman' in this situation.. At first I thought maybe this was just a close sibling bond.. but seeing the jealousy.. both of your jealousies.." She shook her head and frowned. "It's not an easy thing to admit.. nor to ignore.. From what I've gathered.. She's depended on you just as much though.. You two have and always will have a long history together.."

He hugged her even more as she melted into him. "I'm not asking for any guaranties... I just want a chance.." Turning his head, he kissed her cheek. It was a sweet simple gesture. He knew he wasn't the most solid person about, but if she was willing so would he. "I'd like that Ana.. I really would.." Pulling his wings around her, he held her in that soft feathery embrace. "Are you warm enough?" The rain was chilled, like the sky had known the events of the day would be serious and had come prepared for dismalness.