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"Are you implying that I need to work out more, brat?" he growled swatting playfully at the air in the space she had been. "I'll have to think up something to pay you back for that one."

Effie giggled as she opened the elevator cage once inside. "It's an old one, but my uncle works construction. He keeps everything in repair for me. I just couldn't give up this old building. My family used to use it and there's just some amazing woodworking her and I have all the space I could want. It just seemed a shame to let it be torn down when it was still a good building."

"Besides... my father loved this place and worked hard for it." she mused softly. "Sometimes I think I still hear his laughter in the hallways here."

Knowing suddenly by the expression on Tempest's face she was getting slightly maudlin, she blushed slightly and laughed.

"My father just loved this place. I used to slide down the hallways when I was a kid." she said, shrugging off the feeling as she pushed the button on the panel. The elevator began to rise.

A giggle slipped free as Elana was more or less attacked by the little creature. Her lips twitched slightly as Tempest blinked and backed up.

"Just Unan. He's a mikimoo or so I've been told." she still snickered slightly as she explained to them. "I'm really not sure where they came from but they liven up the place. When they are little they love to roll in peanut butter and then sit on top of your head. I believe he's past that stage now, but he seems to like swooping down on others.

The note from the door was in her hand still and she carefully placed it on the counter. But without looking.

Yuri noted the action and moved out from under the table.

*Effie, Joe was here. He left you a note after looking around to make sure things were alright.* the aiko said, stretching his wings slightly. *He wasn't too pleased that you were out this late at night. I think he's worried about you being here alone even if it is like a fort to get in. You did lock the bottom door, right? He said there is a file on your desk with the next work that Merith set up for you.*

Moving over to Tor, Yuri tilted his head, studying the other aiko. *Hmm... can't say I've ever seen your breed of Aiko before. Interesting. Sable is around here somewhere.*

"Alright, Yuri. Remind me to look at it later. I'll need those commissions done soon most likely. Elana, I meant what I said. If you want a room, go find one. The loft is mine but there are about seven others down the hallway." she said, dropping her jacket on the table near the door with her keys. Always the same place so she'd be able to find it.

Tempest stared. "This.. isn't what I expected. I know you said you had it renovated via your uncle but... even a garden that's all enclosed. Although I don't think plants are doing well anywhere. Nothing is." He peeked in the doorway, quickly noting the leaves on the floor. "Your uncle has some imagination." Turning he glanced upwards. "A loft bedroom. Hmm... that's nice and keeps it open."

"How about I order us a pizza?" he suddenly said as his stomach growled slightly. A wide grin slowly slipped across his face.

"No phone, Tempest." she laughed. "I hate them. If I want to talk to someone, then I go see them."

"Then..." he stopped, frowning slightly.

"How about I fix us a pizza instead?" she said, her lips turning upwards.

*She did go to the store today.* Moon reminded. *And I imagine Joe brought the bulk of what she needed when he was here.*

::Roommates::

By the time the pizza was baked, Tempest had already decided that if his little sister wanted to remain here with Eftemie, then she could. He liked her more and more not just for the laughter which seemed to be constantly in his thoughts. He noticed the notes hanging around in various places and wondered slightly about that, but he figured whatever it was she'd tell him in time.

He chuckled, shaking his head as he glanced around the room at the things she had on her art table. She was a decent artist. Several photos of landscapes and plants were scattered about on the table beside the one she used for drawing. They were arranged in a row as if she were making a scene from them.

Flipping the top page back, he smiled at the first sketch. It was a conglomeration of the objects in the pictures. She'd laced them together in a shaded pencil sketch. On the table was a large piece of heavy paper. One glance told him that she was working on a painting as the background was partially finished already. He didn't entirely understand the mechanics of what she was doing but he could imagine what the results were going to be. He'd like to see it when it was finished.

He watched Elana for a few minutes, then walked out into the edge of the garden. The pizza was smelled good and Effie was already slicing it up.

"She wasn't kidding when she said this place had been renovated. I'd never have thought something like this could be here." he said softly. "Would you really want to stay here with her, Elana? I.. don't have a problem with it. And one of us gets stuck on the couch at my apartment. At least until I find someplace bigger. I think... I think you'd be safe here too."

She sliced the pizza in wedges with the cutter quickly. Two should be more than enough with a salad on the side and ice cream for dessert. Picking up the platters, she put them in the center of the table.

Tempest watched her a moment, then asked, "Need some help?" He spotted the salad bowl, raising an eyebrow. "You didn't have to go all out with a meal, Effie. Pizza would have been enough."

She laughed. "You can get cups and something for us to drink. There should be sodas, juice, and milk in the fridge. And I like salad with my pizza believe it or not. And there's some vanilla ice cream in the freezer.... I think..." Suddenly she wasn't sure the ice cream was there and walked over to check. She began to laugh. "Yes, there is some there. I wasn't sure. It's on my list to buy more, but there's a half a container here yet."

Shrugging, she said, turning to watch him, "If I'm not late, I'm forgetting something."

His lips twitched upwards in amusement. "I saw the notes scattered around various places. I wondered... You were late that first day we met."

She sighed, nodding. "I get distracted easily and I forget unless I remind myself. Alot. There are worse things that could happen I suppose. My uncle has been trying to talk me into moving back in with he, but I want to stay here. They'd all have nowhere to go if I left. I can't do that to them or even the friends who come to stay here from time to time."

Tempest said, simply watching, "You really don't mind my sister staying here with you, do you? And you really don't know either of us."

She laughed. "I'd not have made the offer if I minded, Tempest. I like her already."

"Just her?" he asked, his lips turning upwards into a ghost of smile. "I'm hurt..."

"Oh stop pouting." she snickered but then began to laugh. "If I didn't like you, you'd not be here."

Early the next morning, Joe called two of his workers to his office. Charlie and Leo had both been to Eftemie's loft before and were familiar with what to do. It'd make it easier for him and allow him to focus on what was needed.

"I need both of you to go with me to make sure Effie has what she needs. I've got some supplies I'd like to stock up for her, just in case. Can't be too careful nowadays." he explained.

"Sure." Charlie said, running a hand through his hair for a moment. "The small truck then?"

"Yes. That works. Let's go. I want to get done early." Renaude said as he walked out the door of his office. Glancing towards Merith, he said, "We'll be back later, Merith."

"Sure, Joe. And check that artwork she's doing for me. It will save me a trip." she laughed when he raised an eyebrow at her.

"Alright." he muttered, causing both men to laugh.

Two hours later they had picked up the supplies and arrived at the warehouse. Joe turned tossing the key to Leo.

"That's for the storeroom door." he stated as he turned for the stairs. "Lock this door behind you when you are done." He indicated the main door. "I added a lock the last time I was here."

"Alright. We'll take care of it." both replied, discussing that one should remain with the truck while another carried a box in. Taking turns it prevented theft because someone was there all the time.

Joe climbed the stairs slowly, thinking the entire time. He'd gotten little sleep the night before. But he still remembered the expression on Tempest's face when he spoke of Eftemie.

But whether to trust the man or not... that was the question. He'd reserve his decision until he saw Effie herself. That was really all he could do.

He didn't like it.

The key was already in his hand as he approached the door. Joe never knocked. He always just entered the apartment to do whatever needed done. And that way he never disturbed Effie when she was at her table working on something.

This day was no exception. She was sitting on the stool in front of the desk putting the finishing touches on one of the paintings that she'd been asked for. Two others were already framed and waiting to the side. He smiled watching her.

Putting his fingers to his lips when Moon spotted him, Joe sneaked over behing her. A smile on his face, he kissed the top of her head.

"Looks good, sweetheart." he grinned, stepping back for her reaction.

"Uncle Joe!" she said dropping the brush on the tray immediately. Whirling she launched herself off the chair and into his arms. Hugging him tightly she laughed as she accused lightly, "You surprised me!"

"I intended to." he smirked, lifting her off the ground in his hug. She was a slight, short little thing when compared to his 6 foot of height and construction brawniness. Moving towards the paintings she had finished, he nodded. "These look really good. Just what they wanted I think."

"I had fun doing them." she replied, smiling. "That's what mattered to me. I made them a bit more creative because I wasn't entirely certain of a few things, but I think it enhances the whole."

His eyes scrutinized what she indicated. "I agree. I think it makes them feel more vibrant. I've seen some of their decor. I think these will fit very well, Effie." He glanced around for Tempest and his sister. "Everything alright here? Charlie and Leo are loading supplies in the supply room for you. I wanted to make sure you had plenty of basics since you are remaining here.. since I can't talk you into moving in with me."

She sighed. "Uncle Joe, I'm not leaving here. This is my home and I'm happy here. I love you, but..."

"But... you don't want to live with an old man like me."

"You aren't old. Just annoying sometimes." she smirked.

"Brat."

"I love you too." she snickered, hugging him again.

Tempest sat up on the side of the bed, sleepily. He had no show that night. A hand slid through his hair for a moment as he tried to wake up. The show the previous night as well as having a late supper and sitting up with Effie and Elana talking had not left him much time for rest. It was nearly noon and he blinked as the alarm continued to blare.

For a moment he leaned his head on his hands, elbows on his knees. When he began to drift off, his head jerked back and he shook it several times.

"Just get up, Tempest." he growled at himself.

Stretching he headed for the bathroom. A shower should wake him up. At least he hoped it would.

His lips twitched upwards, curving wryly for a moment. He'd expected it when she had shown up as she had that night. She had always been fascinated by what he did.

"I figured." he smirked suddenly. "Any ideas on what you want to do? I already told Jace to expect it. I just wasn't sure when you'd say so." He continued toweling his hair dry. "Of course, Dad won't be happy when he finds out. I'm sure I'll be said to have corrupted you with my 'wild' ways even though...."

"Bah! I'm not worrying about it." he suddenly growled, shoving his feelings of frustration aside as he tossed the towel over the back of the nearby chair. Watching her a minute, he smiled, shrugging and sighing as he sat down on the bed. "Sorry, it bothers me still sometimes. So what do you want to do, brat?"

He looked upwards, tilting his head at the sudden nesting.

"I think he needs a perch." he commented dryly but was entirely amused by it. Then his grin widened as he thought about what she'd said. "You can help me set up the props and we'll see about getting you something special to wear. Then work you in tomorrow's show."

A sly mischievious look slipped into his eyes suddenly as he watched her. "And when you've decided what you want to do, I'll change my cards to include you. Tempest &.... well, whatever you want when we get to that point."

He suddenly laughed. "So what do you think, Tor? Do you want to dance for the audience?" he teased, reaching over the pet the aiko.