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Richard raised an eyebrow, clearing his throat a bit. "Well...you know about my Rose...And well, I've technically lost my mother, ever since my Father died in the service. It was considered a Mentaro Honor to die on the battle field. My grandfather did so, as did my great grandfather, and so on. But they were all well up in age, and in the military...I was only in the police force, which was enough of a disgrace, but the fact that I quit...they've mostly abandoned me..." He sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose.

"I just felt I could contribute more personally if I was in the police force. You know, more one on one stuff..." He sighed again, knowing that was only have true. "That and I had some...issues when I was at the academy... Some things I just couldn't handle, so I decided to shoot a little lower and join the police academy. I excelled there but no one ever really cared. I wasn't in the army." He looked a mixture of sadness and anger as his eyes became distant and worn out like they had when she had first met him.

"Then of course there was the huge schism with Rose's death, how it was supposedly my fault, how I pried too much, 'the same damn mistake you made in school Richy!' I was told...." he looked almost sickened at the thought of these 'secrets' that were being kept for no reason in his mind.

Richard's face softened immediately as he wrapped Lorey up in a big hug. "You're amazing, but don't worry...I don't think it'll get that bad..." but he knew better. He just didn't want Lorey to be too agitated when she finally met his mother.

Trying to change the subject, he focused on the growl coming form his stomach. "I think its about time for a late lunch or an early dinner, I'm not sure how long we've been reading..." He joked, looking up at the clock. "And we should probably make those other two get up. They haven't eaten in who knows how long, so we had better make them before they keel over..." he sighed, gently scooting Lorey off his lap.

Richard was secretly thinking of the other couple in the house. Of what would be best for them. But he wouldn't readily admit it, for there were still some hostilities between jokes with Damian and himself. But he knew the two needed nourishment. "Hm..Somehting with a little protein...some veggies, and ...well just overly good for you." He said thinking about it. "But make it hearty and delicious....what's like that?" He asked, knowing his way around the food pyramid and nutrition facts, but had trouble with recipes as a whole.

Ricahrd nodded in amused understanding. "Ah I see," He said with a wink as he hugged her from behind. "My grandmother, she always said a well rounded man could cook, clean, even sew. SHe taught me those things, that despite my fathers disapproval, were very helpful when you're out on the battle field." He explained, watching the automatic kitchen do tis things. "You know, like when you're out in the middle of nowhere, you need to know how to cook, clean yourself up, and sew in case-" He stopped, thinking of stories baout his clsoe friends being attacked nad losing limbs or getting large gashes that his sewing skills had come in handy for.

"-In case your uniform rips!" He replaced with a nervous laugh as he kised her unconsiously. "But She always told me despite how horrid my stitch was at times, I could make a mean old fashioned supper..." He smiled dreamily, remembering his grandmother with great admiration and a warm look in his eye. "You would have loved her..."

Richard laughed a little, rubbing the back of his neck. "My dear, the only creativity I have is in the kitchen and-" He stopped himself yet again. I had been an ongoing joke amongst he and Rose for years that he was a master of the bedroom scenes. They use to laugh as Richard would make up exaggerated stories on how amazing he truly was, all for jest of course, and Rose would simply laugh and laugh at him. But not only did he feel it was a certain 'thing' his Rose and he did together, he also wasn't sure about Lorey's stand on that kind of humor. "-Well...erm in other areas as well..." He said, turning bright red as he directed his attention to the food preparing itself. I'm going to set some plates out on the porch...its so nice out this evening. Care to join me?" He asked, changing the subject idly again as he pulled out some plates and utensils.

Once things were set, Richard heard the timer on the kitchen go off. "Ah, sounds like its done...should we wake them now? They do need to eat..." He offered with a sigh as he went to check on the stew.

Raquel moaned and stretched ever so slightly in Damian's hold. Lorey's call had woke her up, but Damian's soft reply made her smile.She sighed as she kissed his eyelids, then his lips gently, wishing she could wake up like this every morning. She knew it wasn't morning but just waking up and seeing Damian next to her made her heart soar from the dark place it had been hiding. She loved him. Sh didn't want to think of leaving him, but- If he wished her away, she would go, now only for him.