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Anastasia stared at them both, confused as hell at their sudden distance between each other. Wasn't it just yesterday that he almost kissed her? "Okay... enough." She broke the silence. "I'm not sure what happened up there, but the two of you need to put it aside." She grabbed the orange juice after Delphi finished it and poured a glass for both her and Lucian. She placed it in front of him and sighed. "Things happened, its done. And stop acting like a hurt puppy." At the last statement her eyes flicked toward her brother.

He threw his hands up in the air. "I'm not." He protested. He grabbed the glass and took a drink. "She wanted the machine fixed, so I did. What's so wrong with that? I don't know why everyone is getting on my case today.."

She looked like she'd been struck. Her jaw set in that same stubborn line it had before. Sighing, she finally looked at Lucian. "This is stupid... I snapped.. I admit it and possibly I was even a little bit out of line.. I shouldn't have made that big a fuss.. it's just.." She shook her head. "I'm sorry Lucian." She frowned her expression softening. "If I hurt your feelings.. I'm sorry.."

She could admit when she was wrong. It some times hurt more that blowing up but.. at least she could do that much. Reaching out for her glass, she took a drink and set the glass down. "If my temper means that after this morning you decide you'd rather part company and not see me anymore then I understand..."

"I forgive you." He then took a drink of his orange juice and crossed one leg over the other before starting to pull apart some bacon.

"Lucian!" Anastasia scolded like she was his mother. Her glare looked like it was enough to usually make any man crumble, as it was, Lucian was completely unperturbed by it.

He thought back, still eating his bacon as he returned his sister's glare.



His brows furrowed at her, he was unsure how his sister would even come to that conclusion seeing as how she didn't see any of it. He was certain he hadn't been an a**.. someone like him couldn't be, of course. However, at her insistence, he finally rolled his eyes. "Fine.. I'm sorry Delphi for destroying your things.." It was half through gritted teeth. "And for being... an... a**..." It was as if he couldn't even say that through straight teeth. For Heaven's sake, what did his sister think he was?!

Her eyes drifted to her plate. "It's ok Ana.." She managed the same smile she would have put on among her family for moral's sake if nothing more. Picking up a muffin, she plucked his apart half because she wasn't hungry any more and partially because she didn't know what else to do. Sure she nibbled a little.. but.. her stomach was too much in knots even after his forced apology.

Maybe.. they would be better off going to the healer without her.. It was better right? He was who he was.. as they'd mentioned many a time he'd had every privilege because he was male. It shouldn't have surprised her.. So why did it sting her so? She felt her stomach sinking even further.

Tilting his head between both females, he rolled his eyes slightly, especially at Anastasia. His head rolled to the other side and he removed himself from the chair. He knelt down on the ground beside Delphi, his head low. "My lady... I'm sorry for my transgressions. I truly didn't mean to hurt you or yours. I am your guest here and I should have behaved with more integrity. Would you please forgive me?" He kept his head low as he waited for her answer. Despite the fact that it was closer to his more refined nature, it did seem much more sincere than the last apology.

She was silent for a long time. Was he.. mocking her? Maybe.. Though his tone did seem more sincere. Finally, she dropped what was left of her muffin and sighed. "Oh get up..." Her tone wasn't angry. "I don't like seeing people grovel. You're forgiven.. but.. just don't grovel any more.." Still her eyes held that gloss that clearly said she'd been fighting what ever emotions had been welling up in her chest threatening to boil over. She'd been on the verge of crying again.. and she was fighting it with every fiber of her being.

Anastasia directed her thoughts toward Delphi. Her chin was resting on her hand as she watched the scene. Though, she noted at this point it seemed like her brother could ruin things for himself even without her help. However, her suggestion was truthful, sometimes it was the only way to get through his thick skull.

Lucian looked up after she said what she did. "My apologies for offending you.." He stood and mused. He didn't understand women, not one little bit.. What was it that she wanted from him in the first place? She was the one who had questioned his manhood by accusing him of not being able to take care of the problems he caused. He had been planning on buying her another machine, something better. She was the one that insisted it be this way. "What can I do to make it up to you then? Anything, you could desire."

She looked to Ana a moment then shook her head as she acknowledges Lucian's words. "It's fine... Really it is.." Reaching out, she picked up the pulled apart pieces of her muffin and started to nibble once more. "Please, sit and enjoy your breakfast. After all, your sister went through a great deal to prepare it.." The first tear fell. Damn it.. she'd been biting her cheek to keep it from happening.

Quickly she wiped it away with her napkin and stood. "I should go wash my face.. And fix myself up to looking more.. presentable.. I fear my torrential outburst has loosed a few strands of hair.." She started past Lucian to the hall her room stood on. She wasn't about to allow herself to cry in front of him.. not again.. and certainly not now after a squabble.

As she turned to leave, Ana gave him a look. He nodded, already thinking the same thing she was. She heard his thoughts coming toward her.

She frowned, shaking her head back and forth."Because.. I know what its like to hurt.. because of you." She was somber, glancing away from him as she felt tears in her own eyes.

"Ana.." He started to protest and she shook her head, ushering him out of the kitchen.

He was finally starting to realize how much he had messed up. Drawing in a breath, he followed after her. She hadn't got too far from him, but enough that he had to move through the living room to reach her. "Delphi.." His voice was quiet as he moved in front. He lifted her chin so he could look in her eyes. "Did I truly upset you so much that you had to run away?"

She allowed him to tilt her head upwards. Her eyes lowered still so that she was looking at him through a lush fringe of dark lashes. Tears continued down her cheeks unwanted. She'd left the kitchen so he wouldn't see her do this. Yet here he was, and the tears wouldn't be forced back any longer.

Finally she opened her eyes full to stare at him. How could she answer that without sending him into some sort of self loathing? "Lucian.." She paused she she searched for the words that still wouldn't come to her. She couldn't finish that sentence so she just let his name drift off.

"I see.." He felt defeated. She hadn't needed to say it, he could already tell by the way she was acting that he was hurting her. The honest truth was that it completely confused him. She confused him. Is this what he had done to Anastasia.. is that why his sister was defending her? Regardless, the truth was that Delphi didn't trust him. She hadn't trusted him to keep his word about fixing the machine, and she didn't trust him now to make things right either. Where had he gone wrong?

Moving closer to her, he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her to him. "I'm sorry.." He kept her close until she felt the need to break the contact.

She was stunned.. completely and utterly stunned. She hadn't expected him to swallow his pride and be that tender. She had pegged him for a play boy..some one that flirted without regard to the feelings of the girl and this had been an entirely new side of him to her. She stood there shocked, unable to move or think.

After a moment, her tears stopped their flow and she was left standing and hiccuping. Wiping her eyes, she searched her pockets for the handkerchief she usually carried just in case. Unable to find the handkerchief she waited till she was released to walk over to a tissue box. Dabbing at her eyes and nose, she returned so they could talk. "Lucian.. I meant it when I said I was sorry..." That faint blush was still creeping into her face. The scent of his hair still lingered in her nose.

Really, honestly, her assumptions were pretty spot on. Had she met him even a couple of years ago he would have been exactly what she thought he was. And it was also probably safe to assume that he had played the game with many females and never felt sorry for it. That aside, Anastasia had made him realize things he was doing somewhat recently. She had made him stop and think about what his actions actually meant. He had hurt someone he cared about rather deeply. And he hadn't wanted to do something that terrible again. And the truth was, he was starting to care about Delphi...

When she broke the contact, he let her go and continued to stand in the same position waiting to see if she needed anymore. He could feel Ana's eyes on them for a moment, but after a little while the connection was broken. Had she left? He knew he couldn't think about it for now, Anastasia was strong and she could handle herself. "I know.." He replied gently, turning his attention to her. "And I meant it as well..

Sniffling, she dabbed at her nose once again. "I was just.. angry.." She reached out, hugging him in return. She didn't want things to end on a sour note for them. Truth was, out of all the guys she had met, She had formed an attachment to him. Sure she wasn't possessive.. but all the same.. she had grown slightly attached to him. Perhaps she'd realized it the day before when they had been caught in a rather compromising predicament by his sister.

She didn't care if Ana was watching, could hear their conversation. It didn't matter in that moment. What mattered was that they were clearing the air between them. Turning her head, she rested her head so that she could hear the beat of his heart. It was a childish thing to do.. but the steady thumping of a heart beat was one of the most soothing things she could think of. "I had feared my temper had driven you away..." Her voice was soft, as though she'd been speaking to herself rather than to him.

A small chuckle came to his mouth. He pulled his arms around her again, keeping her close. "Excuse me? Have you met my sister? She's the queen of bad tempers. Compared to her your outburst was more like a kitten." He leaned back slightly to get a good look at her, letting their eyes meet. He removed one arm around her to poke her nose. "You're cute, you know that? It would take a lot more than that to push me away." As he looked up toward the kitchen he was sure of it now, Anastasia was no longer in the house.

She flushed a deeper red and shook her head gently. "No.. it's because.. I actually like you Lucian.. I'm sorry.. I've tried to keep myself from getting too close and upsetting your sister.. but damned if I didn't realize that I was starting to actually like you..beyond friendship.." She turned her face to hide it against his chest. It had been the truth... She'd started to care for him against everything she'd told herself. "I know.. It's silly.. we only met what.. a few days ago.. but.. it's the truth.." Her words were a bit muffled by her new angle.

He half snorted, though he somehow managed to make it sound elegant. He really wasn't all that surprised, of course, who wouldn't like him? Still, there was a part of him that was happy and yet sad at the same time. He was glad she felt that way for him, but he was also sad for his sister. He kept his grip on Delphi, keeping her close to his chest as he leaned over to kiss her head. "I like you too, Delphi." He moved his fingers through her hair. "And sometimes... a couple days is all it takes to just know." He gave her a smile, trying to put all the despair out of his head that he could feel through the link with his sister.


She had to get out of there. Had to. She couldn't keep it together anymore. She knew it was going to happen, she knew and yet... she helped. She helped the two of them get together. How could she be that stupid? Was her allegiance that blind?

"Stupid Ana.. so stupid!" She beiterated herself, tears streaking down her eyes as she fled from the house as quickly as possible. She hadn't even cared anymore that her magic was being stifled. She just wanted out. She wanted to be gone. She just wanted to disappear...

She made it passed the lawn and out to the side walk. Before she knew it she had found herself in an open field and she fell to her knees, unable to control her emotions anymore. She could feel their power thrumming through the earth.. the spirits.. the power... of every dead creature below her.. Calling to her.. She could just reach out and...

She looked up carefully. He hadn't laughed at her. He hadn't said anything nasty or mean or even had that look about him that meant he was in it for personal gain. "You.. you do?" She smiled in return. Her cheeks were rosy with the blush and her hair was starting to come undone further than what it already had been. She breathed a sigh of relief she hadn't even realized that she'd been holding back. Hugging him tighter to her, she allowed herself to melt against him. She breathed in the scent that was all him and stood content for a while.

Avery had been on a walk to get some distance between himself and his family. It wasn't that he disliked them, it was more that he needed some time away for just himself, without his mothers breathing down his neck. Humming to himself, he continued to walk along the usual path till he found himself in the empty field.. or it was usually empty. There in the distance, he could see something. It looked like a woman from this distance. "Hello! Are you alright?" He called out as he started his way through the over grown vegetation in her direction.

He nodded, his hand stroking down her hair and then along her back. "Is it really that surprising?" His lips twitched into a smile. "You're beautiful, charming.. kind.. And you put up with my sister." He laughed at his own jest. He let his hand move to gently brush his fingers against her cheeks. "Most girls run away when they meet her. Or.." He thought about it. He said to himself where she couldn't hear. Well, he didn't think he'd have to deal with that, Anastasia had seemed to accept her for the most part.. "Well, lets just say they don't generally stick around." He kept her close, continuing to let her snuggle against him.

It had taken her longer than most, but her eyes finally snapped up when she heard the voice. Her eyes were swollen and streaked with tears. And in that moment, her connection was lost. She couldn't feel them anymore, all she could feel was the beating of her own heart. "I'm fine.." Her voice was dry, raspy. She brushed the tears back from her cheeks and lifted herself from the ground, brushing grass from her dress.

She remembered Ana's words and frowned, looking at their feet for a moment. "I think I understand why.." She shook her head. "Ana loves you.. I just.. I just hope that she can understand that I'm not trying to push her our of your affection.." She looked back up at him, watching his face as she did so. "I meant it.. when I had said I wanted to be her friend.. I only hope she can accept that.." She knew this was likely rough on Ana. It had to be.. As she looked around she listened, she couldn't hear the other woman and even her scent was starting to fade from her home. "I don't think she's taken this very well.. She seems to have left.. Should we look for her.." She paused slightly. "Or should we just let her... work out her own frustrations for a bit?" Some women it was better to let them stew and then talk to them others.. well they wanted to discuss the issue in the now.

As he neared, he couldn't help but to notice her tears. "Fine doesn't have tear stains on their cheeks." He spoke gently, warmth in his voice and a tenderness all his own. "So, do you want to talk about why such a nice looking girl is out in a practically abandoned field crying? Boyfriend troubles?" It was a guess.. All be it none of his business.. he was trying to help. "It's ok.. you don't have to talk about it if you don't like.. I'm Avery by the way." He pushed a lock of his blue hair from his face, folding the multi colored wings against his back. Yellow eyes took her in as he extended his hand to her.

His expression turned dismal and it was easy to tell that he was a having a hard time trying to come to terms with everything he was feeling at the moment. He glanced away, almost as if it was shameful to even mention. "Yes.." It was his only reply for a long time. He really wasn't all that surprised that she figured it out, it was painfully obvious. He just wasn't sure how it had taken him so long. Maybe girls were just better at that sort of thing. "She told me about a year or so ago. When I rejected her... lets just say.. it wasn't pretty. It was.. probably the first time I realized how painful I've made things for her.. I can't forgive myself. I was so stupid as to carelessly flaunt myself.. I never realized what it meant to her.. to anyone else."

"I... I don't know... I don't know what to do.." He squeezed Delphi's shoulder tight. "Last time... she..." He flinched, memories of fire and death flooding his mind. He could still hear the screaming in his head. It was the first time he had nearly lost all hope that Anastasia could turn from evil. She had almost burnt down an entire village. It had taken both him and Jaron to get her to calm down and he still wasn't sure she had ever recovered. "I'm worried.. I'm worried about what she might do.. to herself or someone else.. I'm worried that it might put her in a position where whoever is coming after you might find her an easy target... Otherwise.. I would agree that she needs time.." She was one of the most emotional people he had ever met. It was held deep behind many walls, but when they burst she could also be the most destructive. This scared him.


"Fine can mean a lot of things." She replied frankly. She folded her arms across her chest, rubbing one hand over her skin. Since the dress was sleeveless it was easy to see goosebumps forming over her arms. There was another storm coming and she suddenly felt very alone and vulnerable. She had no proof that this person wasn't the one that was coming after Delphi, though he didn't look like her kind. "And no." She said abruptly. "Not technically..." She wasn't quite sure why she said anything to him, it wasn't like he really cared more than anyone else did.

She chewed the inside of her cheek, she wanted to scream to call every corpse within 10 miles to rise and fight. She wanted nothing more than to spread destruction on this city and watch it crumble. It was a moot point. Whatever it was that had tagged her had messed with enough of her magic pull that she was having a hard enough time communicating with her own minions much less new corpses. It was frustrating. Previously she would have given anyone stupid enough to come into contact with her something to remember her by, but her magic was wavering too much to create the pull she needed. She still had enough power to protect herself, but she still felt vulnerable. "...I'm Anastasia..." She finally admitted, keeping herself a few paces from him just in case he decided to attack her.

She could see the pain shadowing his face. The inner turmoil was written to her. Gently, she reached up and allowed her finger tips to trace the contures of his face before bringing his gaze to rest upon hers once more. She offered him a small smile and raised on the tips of her toes. Placing a delicate kiss upon his cheek, she lowered herself to stand flat footed once more upon the three inch heals she wore. "We'll find her.. I won't let any harm befall her if I can help it. My oath to all that hunts the darkness and creates terror and eats those that break oaths in the night."

Reaching up, she pulled the pins from her hair and allowed her hair to fall loose once more. All that remained of the style that had been was the single braid to the side of her hair. "I don't want who ever this tracker is to do any harm to her.. It's one thing if they mark me.. it's another if they mark some one who's nothing to do with what ever petty issues they might have with me and mine." She was preparing to turn to smoke. It was one of the most effective ways to do a search she knew of. "You should return home, see if she's made it there.. Or wait for her return if she hasn't.. She's bound to return some time.. And I think your face should be what greets her there."

He could see the goosebumps plainly on her skin from that distance. His mother had keen eyes, a trait that had passed to him among other things. "Indeed it can." He flashed her another smile. It wasn't cheeky or full of malice but kind, the sort that continued into his eyes and gave them a warm kind life of their own. "Here.. Take my jacket.. it has cut outs for my wings.. but other wise it should help keep you a little warmer.." He'd worn a light wind breaker for flying, always did. Luckily his aunt was a wiz with designs and had custom made the jacket to fasten back together below his wing joints. Pulling the velcro, he unzipped and discarded the jacket. Taking a step closer, he closed the velcro so the back would be mostly closed say for the wing holes and offered it to her. "It's a pleasure meeting you."

Still he kept his distance as he waited for her to take the offered jacket. His wings flared open, ruffling in the breeze that was starting to kick up. "Looks like the wind might be picking up.." Closing his wings around him, he looked like he was wearing a feathered cloak. The boots he wore were black, his pants black as well. Without his jacket, his chest was covered with a green t-shirt that revealed the tribal black ink to his arms. "So, How about we go some place to get you a warm mug of something and you can vent if you like. My oath, I won't try anything funny. My parents would both string me up if I did." He chuckled in merriment,moving a wing so as to offer her his arm.

He hadn't liked the idea, not at all. If Anastasia felt any of this was Delphi's fault she'd tear Delphi apart. It wasn't that he thought Delphi couldn't fight back, but his sister had had centuries to hone her craft and with a teacher like their father... it was possible she knew more powerful and destructive spells than he could even imagine. He was honestly more afraid of Anastasia's darker nature than of someone hurting her. "Promise me..." He finally spoke, his eyes distant. "If you find her.. and no one is threatening her.. don't engage her. Whatever you do.. don't." He looked at Delphi, sincerity in his eyes.

After saying that, he licked his lips but finally agreed. He wasn't going to stay idle though. His plan was to find Alfred and use the spirit to get the healer. Then he'd find Anastasia. The sooner that they dealt with whatever it was that was hunting them the better. He wished he had a better option, there was no telling how much destruction his sister could cause if it got out of control. He bent down to kiss Delphi on the forehead, his eyes serious as he looked at her. "I mean it.." He said, his voice concerned. "Whatever you do... don't confront her.. Promise me you'll stay safe." And then in a flash he was gone.


As he offered the jacket she mused, her arms still crossed around her chest. She stared for a moment, only reluctantly bringing the jacket toward her. She slipped it on and instantly relished in the warmth. "Why..." She asked, her eyes searching him for answers. "Why.. help me.." She could feel a sudden gust of wind whipping past her, throwing her hair wildly into the air. This storm was harsher than it had been the day before and it was already getting an early start. Still, she defiantly stared at him. Who was he and how did he know where she was? Was it a coincidence that he magically showed up out of no where to stop her?

While the offer sounded wonderful, she couldn't bring herself to accept it. She couldn't bring herself to trust anyone, much less someone who appeared out of no where. In her world that would have been no coincidence.. In her world she'd have no doubt that he was an Adventurer out to slay or stop her. And while she knew this world didn't operate that way, she wasn't sure how to regard him. "If I go with you..." The sound that came from her lips was quiet, almost vulnerable. "..are you going to kill me..?" The last part of the question was hardly above a whisper, as if there was a part of her that hadn't wanted him to hear it.. or was half afraid and hopeful all at the same time.

She gave him a look. She'd questioned his manhood earlier and now he was questioning her ability to take care of herself. Shaking her head she sighed. "I promise I won't do anything stupid. I'll stay as smoke and keep a watchful eye where I must. If something should happen and she needs me only then shall I intervene." She'd already given her most solemn oath and was making yet another promise.

Sighing, she was about to speak when he was gone. Just like that, gone in a flash. "I promise.." Still she'd spoken as if he had still been around to hear her. Heading to her back door, she opened it a crack. She felt herself growing lighter, cooler and then as she looked back towards the ground, she saw a pile of the dress she'd been wearing moment before. She drifted up into the sky, winding and lazily ascending like some sliver of silver smoke from a fire or grill out behind the house. It wasn't often that she moved like this, but it worked when she needed it. Like this she didn't feel pain or hunger or really even cold. She could drift as long as her energy lasted. Mingling with the clouds, she drifted out, scanning the ground for any signs of the woman that had been there that morning.

Avery blinked taken aback by her remark. "Why not? You needed the help right?" It was what any other decent person would have done, and surely what his parents and grand parents had taught him to do. "You looked cold." He stated simply. There had been no angle, just the genuine wish to help her out.

Her next question left him looking like she'd reached out and slapped him. His eyes were wide and confused. "Miss Anastasia.. Why on earth would you think I'd want to do something like that?" He couldn't fathom it. "I don't strike women.. And killing them.. well that'd be too taboo. Your life is not in danger of me, I promise." Again he offered her his arm. "If you don't want to get that beverage, I can at least help lead you out of this field.. Gophers tend to burrow here and make holes. I'd hate to see you break a leg in a hole."

He saw the look on her face and he frowned. He couldn't explain to her why without telling her things about Anastasia that he wished he could forget all together. He knew how vindictive she could get. How she could hold grudges for longer than anyone else. In a way, his sister was the full embodiment of a witch.. And he couldn't tell Delphi how much that put her in danger. Even all things aside, he didn't want to be caught in a fight where he'd have to pick sides between the two of them. He knew Anastasia would push it, she'd do whatever she could to break them apart..

He sped across town. Bamph. Bamph. Teleporting was the quickest way he could move, though he wasn't all that surprised when a couple of people gawked at him. He didn't stay long enough to see their expressions. Bamph. Finally. He looked up at the large building before barreling his way inside. The clerk gave him a look and a "Good Morning", beginning to chatter away happily when Lucian held up his hand for silence and disappeared again. He reappeared in his room, "Alfred!" He yelled, knowing the spirit could hear him.

"Ahhh, I was wondering how long the two of you would let me stay in this stuffy place. What can I do for you, Lucian?" The voice came from a corner of the room, a bookcase. Upon it sat a skull, mist illuminating his eyes.

"I'll explain on the way." He grabbed the skull and wrapped a cloth around it, stuffing it under his arm. Then he was off again.



One hand was clutched over her arm. It was easy to see she had been squeezing, her knuckles were white. Her eyes wouldn't meet his, tilted toward the ground below her. Tears were brimming her eyes again. "Because.. I deserve it.." She stated. "In my world.. they wouldn't hesitate to put me down.. And I don't blame them.." Tears were falling again. As she glanced up at him, she tilted her head to one side, an almost inhuman movement. "Maybe.. that's what I want.." She was having a hard time keeping herself from wanting to tear at the earth until the corpses she felt beneath it felt her, listened to her, obeyed her. The only thing keeping her from it was the innocence in his eyes. He really wasn't who was coming after her.. Though from what she could tell, it may not have been long until they were there. "You should leave.. things could get ugly.." She looked up toward the sky watching as a thunderhead was drifting in quickly.

She drifted in the clouds, looking waiting. These were storm clouds, their dark gray seemed to mingle with her silver. The thunder rolled around her and she caught a glimpse of something. There.. hiding in the cloud. She willed herself to drift a little swifter, moving so she was above the clouds now. She paused, searching.. waiting... The hell was that? Another one of her kind?


Avery frowned at her. "You shouldn't be so harsh on yourself you know.. I don't think you deserve to die..." Reaching into his pocked, he pulled out a piece of cloth. "Here.. use this to dry your eyes.." It was the best he could offer her. He'd never been very good with what to say when even Antoinette would cry.. not that she did it that often.

He looked to the sky and shook his head. It was a terrible storm indeed and looked like the kind of storm that lasts for days. "I'm not going to leave you out here to get soaked." He chuckled. He wouldn't take no for an answer in this. She could catch a cold after all. "Come on.. I'll walk you home or where ever so you can wait out the storm."

The boy was naive. That much was sure. He was apparently getting himself mixed up in things he didn't understand. Perhaps he couldn't understand. She wanted to scream at him, to tell him to go away. She was hoping that by putting herself out here that whoever it was that meant to do Delphi harm would come after her. She'd make them pay. She'd kill them, even if it meant in cold blood, even if it meant that she'd be locked up in this strange place for the rest of her life. Out here in this field was the best place she could be to make sure no innocent bystander got caught in her fury. But he had to show up. He had to play the Knight in Shining Armor. He had to be too stupid to understand.

"Go away..." She said in frustration. Her hands were now balled up in fists at her side. "I don't need someone to save me." Despite her apparent anger she was crying again. "It's not your fight... You should leave before its too late..." Suddenly a bout of thunder gave a loud crackle behind her. She kept her ground, her eyes closed as she tried to gather her power.

He blinked abashed at her. "Excuse me?" He looked around once more his blue hair whipped around in the wind. "Miss... Look.. if you're in trouble of some sort, you don't need to fight it alone.. I can't tuck tail and run and let you face things alone. For one.. It's against my up bringing and my mother would have me skinned alive..." It was an expression of course. "For another.. Ladies shouldn't have to fight." It was an odd and old way of thinking considering his family. Still his uncle Joey had had a hand as a male role model as well as his great uncle the body guard. He'd made up his mind, he wasn't going to leave and let her face what ever it was she was trying to shield him from.

She screamed. Her heart was beating fast and she was so anxious that she about slapped him across the face. She didn't. Instead her hands stayed balled up at her sides, knuckles white. She couldn't use her power with him around, and if she couldn't use it was very unlikely that whoever it was would come after her. It was her greatest display of power.. and she couldn't use it anymore. Still, there was a small chance that they would still come.. there was also a chance they'd go after Delphi instead. But her brother was with her, which meant she'd be okay, right? "Sehanine be damned!" She swore.

"Do you not have a self preservation? Seriously?!" She opened her eyes, glaring at him. "You and my brother both, I ******** swear! I'm not a child. I'm not unable to defend myself! I've been fighting for much longer than you've been alive." She said accusingly, crossing one arm over the other. "And with you here.. I doubt I can save her.." She chewed her lip, staring at the ground again.

He frowned. "Weather or not you can fight is not the point... The point is that you don't have to... It is ok to allow some one to help you know.. " He shook his head lightly.. Women... She and his sister both were just stubborn and strong of will.. It was admirable, but exasperating all the same.

He paused. "Save her? Save who?" He arched a brow. None of this made any sense to him. " Look.. Setting yourself up as bait isn't a smart plan.. If no one's around you never know just what might happen. What if they over came you and still managed to go after and potentially hurt or kill whom ever it it you're trying to protect. You have to be smarter than that.." He actually raised his voice, lecturing her like he would a stubborn and sulking child.

"The point is, is that I don't need a man to save me." She said sharply. "I may not be the strongest warrior, but I know magic.." At his lecture she glared. "And I'm not dumb." She was almost instantly angry at his allegation that she didn't know what she was doing. She may have not been buff, or able to use a sword, or rend someone in two the way Lucian could.. But she was more intelligent and knew the applications and had the experience to use it. "Its a dangerous plan." She corrected him. "It doesn't mean its not smart." It hadn't exactly meant she had any plans on coming back, either. The way she figured it is, is that if she died than she deserved what she got, if not, than it meant it was all over with. "Besides.. my brother is with her, he'll protect her if they get passed me."

He arched a brow. "And if they manage to get past him? Or even if he's not with her? What then? It's a crab shoot lady.." He gave an exasperated sigh. "How do you know he's not some place other than besides her? Have you ever thought that maybe he's looking for you?" He had no idea what was going on.. But guessing by her tears he was figuring a fight had happened between Anastasia and either her brother or this 'her' she kept mentioning. "Look.. I don't presume to know your problems.. but throwing your life away isn't the answer..."

"They won't." She said through gritted teeth. She was done playing these games with him. It was pissing her off even more. "And yet you are. Why do you care anyway? I'm not asking you to care. I'm not asking you to be here. You're the one choosing it. Yet you're the one questioning me and my motives.. My choices are mine. Let me make them." It almost turned to pleading at the end of her declaration. She hadn't exactly wanted to make him angry, but he was presuming too much regardless of rather it was true or not. As the wind whipped around, it pushed her hair into her eyes. Her hands moved to keep it back though it wasn't a very fruitful effort. "But fine.. it isn't like my plan will work with you here anyway.." She let out a breath and began to walk passed him toward the street. "I suppose you can follow... if you want.." Her best plan at this point was to go back to Delphi's and make sure nothing had happened, though even if it had she wasn't sure how much help she could be.

He followed after her. "Yes I chose to stay.. because I can't sit idly by and know I've left some one on such dismal odds especially a woman. No.. your lot isn't a weak one.. but it'll never set right with me to force a woman to fend for herself unless it's the absolute last resort." His expression softened with her. "Look.. I didn't mean to scold you like a child.. but.. You were acting rather childish back there.." His stride was long and he was able to keep up with her easily. He stood a good heit for a man at over six foot. He was tall and slender not very muscular looking. Not in the way that a body builder was, no. His strength was lean and wiry.

She turned around on her heels, eyes flashing and she lifted her hand to strike him across the face. "Don't you ever call me a child again, or you'll get more than that!" Her eyes were fierce, filled with a storm all their own. "You don't know me. You don't know what I'm going through. So how dare you presume you know anything about me or how I was acting! I'm not the one being a child, you are. And a damn disrespectful one at that!" She was no longer walking a quick pace, but was now nearly running in her fury, not daring to care if he could keep up or not.

He took the strike. He didn't even flinch though his cheek hurt. "My apologies miss." He gave a slight bow of his head though his pace quickened only to a jog so as to keep up before finally his wings spread and he took to hovering above her. He was most quiet as he hovered above her. She'd hit harder than he'd thought.. then again it should have been no real surprise to him. His sister had once punched him hard enough he was left dizzy.

She continued to walk, not paying attention to him hovering above her in the least. When she finally made it to the house and noticed the the door was open and saw Delphi's clothing on the ground, she cursed. "Empty night!" Growling, she turned on her heels and felt the air around her until she could feel her familiar's presence. She gave it the command knowing that with the storm up there it may have been too late already. How could her brother be so stupid as to let her go up there alone?! "What an idiot!" She leaned against the house. "I'm not sure what we can do now. Until she comes back, or my brother does. We're sitting ducks."

He hovered for a while longer before finally lighting on the ground and pulling his wings around himself. "Sitting ducks?" He shrugged and looked to the floor. "Not much of a house keeper your friend..." Peering in the rest of the house from his position by the door, he took notice of how clean the rest of the place seemed. "Or maybe.. she'd just a nudist.." He stated flatly. It didn't bother him in the least.. All sorts of people were living in this land.

He frowned at the other woman's comment. He wasn't trying to make things worse for Ana. Still as they regarded him with that look.. he couldn't help but to feel that maybe some how they were right. Was his presence here hurting Ana some how? Pushing himself from the wall, his gaze went to the hall both smoke, woman and Lucian had disappeared down and frowned yet again. "Am I truly hurting her so much by my presence?"

As the word came out, His mind reeled the other direction. Perhaps he was meant to console her.. not to leave.. A stubbornness set in his eyes as he walked past both women. If her brother could do nothing for her.. then perhaps, just maybe he himself could. Folding his wings behind him and against his back, he walked down the hall to the door which now stood open.

Delphi's stomach wrenched as she watched the display between the twins. She'd caused this.. Ana's suffering now had been because of her words. How could she have been so stupid? Her face was shadowed with her guilt, the inner lecture she'd been giving herself was only interrupted when Lucian came back from within the bathroom.

Closing her eyes, she allowed him to brush her cheek, nuzzling her face into his palm as he did so. As she looked into his face, she sighed defeated. "I won't make you choose.." Her gaze went to the bathroom. "She's your sister.. I couldn't make yo choose between myself and her." She chewed on her lower lip. Thoughts were scrambling through her mind all at once, a whirl of them. "I thought she knew.. I thought she'd been here and seen.." Shaking her head, she pulled her face from his palm. "I told her... I'm sorry Lucian.. Gods be damned I told her what had happened because I thought she knew more than she did.." Her sentence broke off as she saw Avery entering the room.


He walked in without invitation into the room. Usually he'd have been more respectful in the home of a stranger, but if what Khide had said was right, formalities would have to wait. some times it was better to ask for forgiveness rather than permission.

He didn't speak a word as he passed both Lucian and The woman he presumed must be the silver smoke that had burst into the house before. "Anastasia..." Entering the bathroom, he knelt down beside her his wings brushing against the floor as he did so. "It's all right.." He cooed, soft warm words.. gentle tones. Reaching out, he didn't wait for her reaction at all. Didn't hesitate to see if she'd reject his company. Opening both arms and wings alike, he enveloped her into a hug from behind. "It's ok.. just.. let it out.. cry if you need to.. you'll feel better.." He was sure he's have a matching welt on the other side

Khide mused, shaking her head back and forth. Nalaehi frowned and looked at him directly, "She meant that you should go to her." She confirmed. "My sister is an empath.. and she can feel what the girl is feeling. She needs someone there for her." After her statement she shrank back a little again, using Khide as armor.

Lucian continued to brush Delphi's face with the back of his hand. However, at her statements, he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. "I know you wouldn't." He said in hushed tones. "You're too kind.. and gentle.. Most females.." Shaking his head from his thoughts, he leaned down to kiss her head. "Delphi.. you've been surprisingly gentle through out all of this.. And I'm so sorry that everything that's been happening to you.. hurting you.. is because of us. I'm sorry you've been brought into this.." His fingers shifted from her face to softly pulling her face upward to look at him. He was vaguely aware of the other male's presence but made no effort to cast him a glance. Shifting his weight, he bent down to press his lips against hers. "Like I told Ana... I'm not going anywhere Delphi.. I'm right here.. for both of you."


Anastasia had her knees up high, her arms wrapped around them with her face hidden from view. Her long white hair was spilling out around her as if to help shield everything. When she heard his voice and felt his presence she flinched, inching backwards almost as if a frightened animal. She was scared and in this state she had almost reverted back to her childhood when her dad would hit her. When she was instead met with compassion, her hard shell began to melt and she pressed herself against him. Her sobbing began anew. In this state she had almost seemed like a small child, unable to come to grips with reality. "I'm sorry.." She said in repetition. "You're probably regretting every meeting me.."

Her eyes were wide and her face burned with a new blush. The warmth of his lips still lingered even after they were gone. Her gaze didn't leave his face for a long period of time she was left without words. There wasn't anything that could be said. Accepting her silence, She hugged him close to her. She was relieved? Had she truly thought he'd leave? Her heart felt like bursting not in anguish.. but joy.. His words had eased something within her as she stood, snuggling against him. She'd some how managed even to put Ana's presence out of her mind..

Avery removed one arm from around her though not the corresponding wing has he shifted to sit on his heels and pull her further into his lap. He stroked her hair gently. "Shh shh shh.." His tones continued to be the soft soothing comforting tones he'd been using. "I don't regret anything Anastasia.." His lips had been barely above her hair as he spoke so she would likely be the only one hearing him. His breath stirred a few strands as he continued. "If life was always a heppy journey we wouldn't learn to enjoy the happy moments we have..." The corners of his mouth curved into a small gentle smile. "I'm here... Let me be the wall for you in this your hour of need.."

Lucian continued to hold her tightly to him, stroking his hand down the length of her back and up again. He was glad to have her close, her softness keeping him only vaguely distracted. His ears, however, were poised for any noise coming out from the bathroom should he need to come to his sister's aid. It wasn't that he thought the male would do her harm, but he was unsure how far his sister's hysterics could force her. At the tug of his tattoos, however, he relaxed more, feeling her slowly calming. At that a small smile of relief came to his face and he hugged Delphi even tighter. Was this finally all going to be over..? The struggle that he had been keeping in the back of his mind for almost two years. No. He knew that it would take his sister much longer to finally move on, but this was at least a start. Maybe things would finally be okay..


At that she slightly scoffed, though a forced smirk pulled at her lips only slightly. "You'd think with everything I've been through then... That I'd be as happy as a clown.." As he moved, she slightly moved with him, mostly because all her strength had been spent and she was just barely holding herself up anymore. She rubbed at her eyes with the back of her hand, trying to remove the tears that were causing her vision to be blurry. Well.. Delphi was definitely right about one thing.. He was handsome. She stayed close for a little while, half burying her face against him as she hiccuped a few more times. "Still.. I'm not sure this is how you pictured today going when you got up this morning.."

Finally, she looked up, tilting her head only slightly to see his face. The hint of a smile caused her to finally pull her head further away from him, slight confusion on her own. "WIll she be okay?" Her voice had been barely a whisper as she asked, not wanting to offend Ana. Still, she didn't pull herself any further, her hands were still idly tracing the curves of his upper back. It was her own comfort that kept her doing so.. skin to skin contact had that way about soothing her when she was feeling nervous about things. She'd been listening.. In a way she felt Ana was now partially hers to protect as well.. and certainly so because it was under her roof that the group was gathered.. The group.. the healer.. Her head turned and her vision darted down the hall. "We should give those two a moment... I'll fill you in with what happened after you left once we're out there.."

Avery listened as she spoke. "We don't always see the silver linings that lace things.. some times they even seem almost non existent. But they're there.." Looking around the bathroom, he found a box of tissues. Opening a wing to let his arm pass, he grabbed the box from the counter and offered it to her. "I try not to speculate what my day will be like.. I'm never right and so.. why try to decide for my self something I have no power over? I may have the ability to make decisions.. but there is never any way for me to determine what the results of every option put before me.. So why worry over it?" Leaning back, he opened his wings enough to see her. He offered her a gentle smile. "Feel any better?"

He gave a worried little smile, but slowly nodded. "For now.. at least. I can't guarantee how she'll be in the future. It's going to be hard on her.. no matter what. But she's finally calming down." He was sure that standing here holding Delphi wouldn't help the situation if Ana had decided to pick now to come through the room. He gently kissed her, his arms wrapping around her hips in a soft squeeze before letting go. "Should we move to the living room then? It might be easier to address the majority all at once. We can fill in Ana and Avery later." Still, he wasn't sure how comfortable she was with filling in two strangers, so he left the decision up to her.


She tilted her head, wiping away some of her tears as she took the tissues. "Oh gods.. You're an optimist.." Her tone made it sound like it was a joke and a shocking revelation all at the same time. She gave a short choking laugh that caused more tears to sting her eyes. She was sure the optimism would annoy her in due time, for now she just thought it ironic that of all things Sehanine would put her in this position. Had she not followed her? Had everything she done not been in her name? Perhaps it was karma stabbing her in the back. Gods knew she deserved it.

Despite all the turbulent thoughts, she didn't veer away from him. She kept herself close, enjoying the warmth of his skin against hers. It had been... well.. honestly.. she wasn't sure if she had ever been held like this. Maybe, if she could remember that far back, her mother had a couple of times while their father wasn't watching, but it had been so long ago that she had forgotten what it felt like. "A little.." She replied hesitantly. Another tear escaped her eyes and she blinked. "Don't.. please don't leave yet.." It was almost as if she were begging. At her own behest, she shifted closer, moving her head to rest on his shoulder, her eyes resting upon him in earnest.

She gave a faint smile at his answer. "As long as she's calming down.. To be honest I had feared she might try to take things out on you.. So I told her it was my fault..." She held up a hand to stop any comments he might try to make. "If she had attacked I had every intention to go to smoke.. I was prepared for it.. At least as smoke she cannot inflict physical damage." Glancing into the bathroom she nodded"Sounds like as good a plan as any..." She allowed him to let her go, dropping her own arms and pulling away towards the hall. "Ah.. so the stray has a name.." She chuckled lightly before making her way into the Living room.

"Welcome.." She smiled regarding the two women in her living room with a smile. "I'm Delphi.. I'm sorry if my other form gave you a fright earlier.." She crossed the room and took her seat in a large over stuffed arm chair, crossing her legs at the ankles and sitting forward. "While Ana's momentarily indisposed.. There are some things at hand to discuss I think."

"Only some days." He chuckled. He was prone to having his own bad days after all. He shifted his weight around some, trying to take a more comfortable position for himself and her. "Good.. I'm glad You're starting to feel a little better." He flashed her an honest smile. "I won't leave.. I promise." He allowed her to shift around as she needed and curled the wing at her back, back around the shield her once more. "I'll be here... If you want to talk about anything.. I'll listen.. if not.. I'll sit here and cuddle you." He was remembering Lucian's words earlier. The man had never said much about pure compassion.. A gentle hand.. maybe.. but nothing about pure compassion with no other alternate motives.

He shook his head, "If she decided to take things out on me, she wouldn't get very far anyhow. I know exactly how to handle her. You shouldn't be putting yourself at risk like that.." He took one of her hands, lanced his fingers in hers before kissing the back of it. "She didn't hurt you.. did she..?" He looked her over though he saw no physical signs of harm. "Stray...?" He tilted his head quizzically, not sure of what he missed.

When she agreed to his proposal, he followed behind her. He gave a quick glance toward the bathroom and took a small detour, knocking on the frame before taking a half step inside. "Ana.." He was surprised to see her completely wrapped in the other male's wings. His brow raised. Well it looked as though Avery took his advice. "Delphi and I are going to talk with the healers.. if you two want to stay in here a little longer we'll fill you in later." He then turned and walked out into the living room to stand next to Delphi. "Before we begin.. This is Khide and her sister Nalaehi." They both bowed their head at the introduction.


Anastasia's lips turned to a small content smile. She let her eyes shift close. "Thank you.." She said quietly. "I'm not sure why you care... but.. I am thankful.." Lifting a hand, she began tugging softly at her hair, pulling some of it behind her ears. It was a coy little gesture perhaps out of vulnerability. Her lids flipped open but she was staring at her hands now, slightly confused at what all of this had meant. Yes.. she knew that this wouldn't have happened had she not been so emotionally unstable, but it hadn't changed that it had happened. She hated playing the part of a meek girl, but under all of her walls that was what she was. That was perhaps why she tried to come off so hard and strong, to keep anyone from seeing that part of her.. and now he had.


At the sudden sound of her brother, Anastasia jumped. Her face instantly turned red and she tried to hide it though she knew it was no use. "Umm... okay.." His words brought her back into reality, a reality she had been trying to escape for the past half hour or so. She didn't want to leave his warmth, it had been increasingly too long since someone showed her anything but hatred other than her brother. Not even Jaron had been this kind to her. After he left, her eyes glanced upward to meet Avery's. "Do you want to go join them then..?" She hoped he'd say no, but she knew she had to return to reality eventually, no matter how much she wanted to protest.

She frowned slightly. "She didn't hurt me.. she just.. stammered and then became physically ill..." She chuckled lightly. "Ana referred to him as her stray." She shook her head lightly.

It was when he finally joined her and introduced the ladies to her she nodded once more. Glancing up at him standing at her side while she sat, she had a moment to think that it reminded her of a book or movie where the guard took stance beside the ruling force. Smirking, she shook her head and looked back to the two women. "It's a Pleasure meeting you both." She looked back at the hall to see if maybe the other two would show up.

Not seeing them, she continued. "Now.. When Ana left and we split up.. I took the form you saw before and took to the skies.. It's the easiest way to make a search for my kind.. To lend in, I mingled along the clouds and it was in these clouds I saw something.. Another smoked form.. I have no doubt our thief is another of my father's kind.. And this is no mere theft but something personal.. It's how it felt when he was chasing me through the storm..." She continued to explain the distraction the other had proved to be, the chase even her in ability to commence her search for Ana. Her story continued into just when she shot out of the thick storm cover and had started making her way back to the house. "I had a moment to glance back.. to make certain I'd lost him in the storm... That's when I saw him still there.. And that's why I lead him into the woods... I lost him there.. for a moment I'm sure.. The stone wasn't his worries.. It was bait." She frowned as she said the last bit. "Now he's still out there no doubt skulking about... And he knows for sure that I can phase to smoke.. Which proves another issue.." Grumbling she looked back to Lucian. She wanted to reach out and feel comfort but couldn't allow herself that. Instead, she straightened up further in her chair. "Those of us who can phase like that.. we have to have our vision to change.. Hood him and you can effectively keep him hostage.. If we catch him.. We'll need a hood."

"You're welcome.." It was all he could say. He hadn't known her long and he was willing to console her. Why? Maybe it was because he had a sister.. or maybe it was because he couldn't see a woman cry.. who knew. He'd stiffened as he heard the knock on the door. He'd been wondering if Lucian would be sore with him.. But when his words came they weren't about the situation.

Glancing down, he saw the blush burning on Anastasia's face and couldn't help noticing the attractiveness of it. "If you want to go.. we shall.. If not.. then we'll stay.. I'd be a fool to say I wasn't enjoying the cuddle session though." He flashed her a warm smile once more.

He was thankful that Anastasia hadn't hurt her, but surprised all the same. It wasn't like his sister to shy away from hurting someone who easily be coined with making her suffer. Had she done that for him? Maybe that was why she had gotten so sick, Anastasia's emotions had boiled too far and it gave her adverse reactions. Still, his expression turned perturbed about referring to Avery as a stray. He sighed, he couldn't convince himself that he always knew what she was thinking.

He listened to the explanation, a frown on his face. "So.. he's definitely coming after you..." He tapped his foot on the ground, not sure how to go about all of this. "Are you still sure you want to go after the stone? Or should we come up with something else?" At the mention of capturing the said individual, he knew that would be near impossible. He was use to killing things that went after him, not sparing their lives. But if that's what she wanted he'd try. "Do you think there is someone else behind it?"


She bit down on her lip, shaking her head slowly. There was something almost innocent about the way she looked. "I.. don't think I'm ready quite yet.." She tried to play it off as something more reasonable, and despite the fact that she wasn't ready to face everyone yet, there was enough of it that just being near him was a reason too. At his jest, her eyes shoot up and she blinked, the blush returning fever red. She lifted her hand and hit his shoulder though it was much more playful and soft than the first time she had hit him and it was likely to barely graze him much less leave a mark.

She could hear what one of her uncles would have been saying about now clear in her head. 'Stupid girl, You brought this upon yourself.. So figure out your own solutions." Sighing she brought her hands up to rub her temples. "Undoubtedly..." Looking from one woman to the other, she heaved a small sigh. She knew how her mother would handle this and it was starting to sink in just what She'd done by trying to learn more. She'd made her presence known.

"What out thief didn't count on is that I'm not a pure breed...." The smirk that crawled across her face was almost wicked. "The stone is still the plan. Let the hunter become the hunted within his own trap. After we get a hood on him he'll be easier to deal with. If there is some one playing puppet master behind our thief then we'll know after some... questioning." Her eyes flicked to Lucian beside her. "After we know more about what's going on from our thief he's disposable, no longer of importance a threat like that cannot be set loose."


He smiled warmly that calm light reaching his eyes as he did so. "Then we shall stay a little longer till you're ready. I'm in no particular hurry any ways." He chuckled some. His legs were starting to tingle but he didn't want to disturb her comfort. As the blushed a deep red once more, he couldn't help but to grin. His shoulder moved only slightly as she struck him playfully. It was good to see that she was at least a little more relaxed now.

Moving one arm under the crook of her knees, he lifted her with a bit of ease and rose to his feet. Looking around the room he settled to move to the side of the tub and sit there resting her on his lap once more, her feet now dangling off to one side. This put his wings brushing against the bottom of the tub but at least the blood flow to his legs wasn't being cut off. "I hope you don't mind, my legs were falling asleep."

He drew in a breath, not entirely liking the idea, but he nodded. Looking at Delphi, he whispered, "Are you sure you're okay?" He had noticed how uncomfortable she seemed and it made him uneasy. However, she was the one that knew the most about her father's race and because of that he had very little to offer. "Is there anything else we need to know?" After speaking, he turned to glance toward the girls, "I think they should look at us, than at your wards to make sure anything that's possibly been tainted be purified."

Khide nodded and stood to her feet. "If it's alright, we can begin with the two of you. Though I don't suggest anyone traveling through the wards further until we've had a chance to examine them as well."


When he scooped her up in his arms, she let out a soft squeak, pushing her face against his chest. The blush had continued to grow warm against her cheeks. She wrapped her arms around his neck so she'd feel more stable until he sat back down. After he moved to the ground, she glanced up, the blush almost cherry red now. "Umm... sorry.." She removed her arms awkwardly and began smoothing out her dress. She unzipped the jacket she had been wearing, feeling suddenly warm. "Would.. do you want it back?" She asked, pulling it from her arms. To his question she shook her head back and forth, nibbling lightly on her lip. "No.. umm.. it's fine." She half hid her face behind her dreds. It suddenly dawned on her how timid she was acting and it bugged her slightly. She hated showing this side of herself more than anything, she wasn't even sure why she was acting this way. How had he brought this out of her so easily? Did she dare break the silence.. the intimacy? She couldn't make up in her mind rather she really wanted it to stop or not. Maybe she was over thinking things?

She took a deep breath and held it for a moment before letting it out slowly. "I'm.. I'm fine... Just.. shaken still... I'm beginning to see why they had tried to talk me out of seeking more information out on them..." She thought long and hard. "Well.. they're expecting to see me.. to find me.. We can't exactly use me as bait.. but.. I can be in disguise to help.. I'll need a set of men's clothes though. And when we question him.... It'd be best to do so in a room he cannot escape.." She frowned lightly but nodded all the same. "Let them take a look at you first..." She was trying to think of anything about her father's people that could be of use. Sadly, she was coming up blank.


She took a deep breath and held it for a moment before letting it out slowly. "I'm.. I'm fine... Just.. shaken still... I'm beginning to see why they had tried to talk me out of seeking more information out on them..." She thought long and hard. "Well.. they're expecting to see me.. to find me.. We can't exactly use me as bait.. but.. I can be in disguise to help.. I'll need a set of men's clothes though. And when we question him.... It'd be best to do so in a room he cannot escape.." She frowned lightly but nodded all the same. "Let them take a look at you first..." She was trying to think of anything about her father's people that could be of use. Sadly, she was coming up blank.


"No?" Lucian tilted his head, a smile on his face. "But that's exactly what we'll do.. If they want you, they'll find you." He laid his hand on her shoulder, a twinkle in his eyes. He nodded toward Khide and she came over, Nalaehi at her side. Both girls laid their hands over him, a soft glowing coming from their hands. "I have an idea on what to do, but I don't want to go into detail here." He looked at her. "Just trust me."


She became startled a little at his thoughts, flushing as she glanced away. She hadn't meant to read them, but sometimes, especially when her walls were down it was a habit. It had usually come from wanting to keep herself protected at all times, something that had kept her alive one too many times. That said, she felt strange about the thought. He may have liked the way she was acting, but to her it left her too open for attack.. too easily manipulated. It was a weakness. "Umm.. thanks.." She laid the jacket on her lap so that it didn't get dirty. Now that her arms were bare, she noticed the warmth of his body more which made her feel even more strangely.

She was still torn rather she liked the feeling or not. But upon letting herself relax a little, she decided in the end that it made her feel more safe. And odd thought, when she knew it was the exact opposite.

Blinking, "Is it.. still hurting?" She was surprised. Perhaps she was too use to Lucian who blew off her attacks like they were nothing. Lifting her hand, she touched the area she had hit earlier. When she realized that she touched his face she flushed more, pulling her hand away. "It's okay.. You've.. more than made up for it now.." A small chuckle came from her throat. "But yes, you deserved it."

he furrowed her brow and sank back into the plush chair. She'd expected him to be angry with her again. "So.. I'm going to the museum as bait then.." She paused waiting while the healers did their job. "I trust you... If I didn't.. You two never would have been allowed any where near my home.. no offence Lucian.." She smirked some as she watched him closer. She then watched the Healers working. "Find anything?" She was hoping they wouldn't....

"Ah... it only stings a little..." He winced slightly just around his eyes when she touched the welt. Smiling once more, he shook his head again sending his ponytail shaking. "I should have been... nicer...I guess I'm used to my sister's bone-headedness where you have to practically yell at her to get through.." He knew it wasn't an excuse.. nothing was. "So.. I'm sorry.. I know it's no excuse.. but.. It's the truth. My actions were out of line.." Reaching up, he brushed her dreds from her face to get a better view.

He raised a finger and shook his head. "I didn't say that." He watched the girls circle him while they did their analysis. "Like I said, just trust me. I won't put you at risk if I can help it." He put a hand on hers, smiling softly at her.

Khide frowned after she finished, shifting her gaze toward her sister. "Definitely something. Whatever it is, it's definitely blocking some magical energy like a plug. Nothing serious though, thankfully. It could take some work to fix it." She bent toward Delphi to examine her as well and nodded, "As I figured, much the same."

Nalaehi chewed on her lip carefully. "I think I can do it." She said, though in her unsurety she glanced toward Khide. "I mean.. if you think I can? I can see the weave of the magic.. and I think I can undo it." She was looking for some sort of affirmation.

Khide smiled softly and put her hand on the younger girl's head. "If you think you can do it I'll trust you. I'll do what I can to help guide your magic." She let out a breath. "Of course, if you two trust us enough? Nalaehi is new to this, but she has a lot more natural skill than I do, I trust that if she says she can do it she can."


"You yell at your sister?" Her nose wrinkled. She guessed there were times when Lucian yelled at her, but it was usually a disapproving gesture or tone of his voice. Still, she couldn't imagine him using the tone with her that Avery had when they first met. Lucian had always been gentle with her, despite hating almost everything she had chosen to do with her life.. he never did anything to make her feel terrible about it, even if she knew he wanted her to stop. She now realized just how oddly thankful she was for that. "I guess she's even more hard headed than me?" She giggled softly.

She shook her head though, "What's done is done, right?" Was she really that much more sensitive than other females? She hated that thought regardless of how true it might be. "It's okay. Consider it as never happening." When he moved her dreads, she gave a small smile as she shifted some of them behind her ears.

She sighed and let it go. What ever he was planning might as well be saved for where ever he was more comfortable explaining. "Al right.. Lets just agree to discuss it later."

Turning her attention to the two women she gave a small nod. "If Lucian trusts the two of you.. then I can trust you as well.. A warning.. there are things in this house that are best left.... undisturbed. She was meaning of course the altar in her bed room behind the screen.

Giving a sheepish sort of look, he scratched the back of his head. "Yeah... Occasionally.. She's a bit... well she's a tough nut to crack some times.. I think she gets it from our mothers...." He gave a nervous sort of chuckle. "Thanks Anastasia... You're quite nice..." He let his hand drop away from her and held her gaze a moment. "So.. Mind telling me just what I've gotten myself into now?"

He tilted his head, wishing he had the ability to speak telepathically like his sister. "I'll explain once I've figured out all the details. I promise. For now I want to get whatever this is taken care of before doing it." He still wasn't sure what it was that was placed on them, and until he did he didn't want to let out any thing that the enemy could find out.

Khide nodded toward her, "We won't disturb anything you don't wish us to." She affirmed. "We are guests here, and we don't wish to overstay our welcome." Her eyes shifted toward Nalaehi while giving her a slow and solitary nod. "Begin whenever you feel comfortable."

Nalaehi chewed on her lip but returned the nod. "I'm going to take a look again and write down what I learn so I can figure out how to unravel it. It might be easier if you lay down, Lucian." She pulled a pen out of her pocket, tapping the back so that the point extended. Reaching forward, she touched the side of Lucian's head after he had gone into a more relaxed position on the couch. Both hers and Lucian's eyes shut, but while he seemed almost catatonic, her right hand began to draw intricate patterns all over the skin of her arm, extending toward her hand and fingertips.

After continuing this for at least ten minutes, her eyes opened and Lucian almost instantly woke up. She looked toward her arm and touched the swirls and patterns, mumbling to herself. She took out the pen and began drawing more symbols and art over her other arm. "Khide.." She looked up. "Could you open a way between us? Keep your hand on Lucian. I'm going to use you to finish the ritual." Her sister nodded and Nalaehi smiled. She closed her eyes and began reciting a few words. She moved her arms close to each other, pressure mounting as she did. It continued to build and then just suddenly vanished, along with the power the symbols she had drawn also disappeared. "There.." She said, nodding toward Lucian. "Should be all better!"


"Mothers..?" Her face showed her confusion clearly. She wasn't trying to offend him, but she didn't understand. She still wasn't use to how this world operated. Was that a common thing around here? She let out a breath, shifting her gaze away from him. "Nice..?" Her eyes blinked again. How many times was she going to be confused today. People had called her a lot of things in the past, but never nice, and she was definitely certain that wasn't a word that fit her. "Maybe you have me mistaken with someone else..." She chewed unconsciously on her thumb, feeling very out of place about the statement.

To his question, she sighed, fidgeting uncomfortably from his gaze. "I'm probably not the best person to fill in all the gaps." In fact she was sure she wasn't. Delphi knew a lot more about what they were getting themselves into than she did. She unzipped her boots and let them fall off. She gave a breath of relief, massaging her toes gently to try to get them to stop throbbing. "Someone is after Delphi, we're not sure who yet.. But he stole something that was hers and is taunting her with it. We're going to try to get it back." She moved the boots so they wouldn't be in the way. "Sorry... my feet were objecting.."

Her eyes flicked from the window back to Khide. "I'd be willing to talk about it again.. Perhaps after Ana has been looked at and everything has been checked out.." She drank deeply from the wine glass in her hands once more. "That being said, I'm not entirely sure today would be a good day to talk about my father, our world, or my mother's family.. " She gave the woman a small smile to show she wasn't upset.

She looked back over to Lucian and offered him another smile. "I brought up some wine from the basement... That is if you're thirsty..." She moved, leaning forward and taking some of the cake for herself to nibble on. She was sure Ana was still likely angry with her.. with both of them.. how could she not be?

Avery chuckled nervously. "Yes.. Just friends.." He said to collaborate her story. Still, he glanced towards Ana. His heart had skipped a beat as he saw her blush, they way she was trying to avoid eye contact... It just made her that much more... adorable. Clearing her throat, he looked at the tea. "I think.. I shall have a glass of tea.. if I may that is..

"Help yourself.. It's an herbal tea..." She smiled once more waving a hand to indicate to the boy that he shouldn't be afraid to make himself more at ease.

Lucian turned his eyes from his sister back to Delphi. "I'd love some." He said. He still wasn't sure to make out of the situation and because of that he was keeping quiet. A part of him was still waiting for his sister to go postal, the other part of him felt odd to see the other male so close to her. Shaking his head from the thought, he leaned further in his chair, pulling his legs to a more restful position. "Since its nearing late afternoon, perhaps after all this is over we should find something to eat?"

Anastasia opened her mouth to say something but quickly shut it. Was that a snide remark toward her? She had made a lovely meal earlier, it wasn't her fault if he had to ruin it with his bickering. Her eyes shifted toward the windows. She was sure that in this storm with the possible threat looming over them that they wouldn't be able to find a quick meal outside the house. That said, supplies were getting low after she had spent all morning cooking. She wasn't quite sure what she could come up with in a timely manner with what was left. She didn't want to get into Delphi's personal food, if she didn't have to.

Noticing the silent fight between the two, Khide nodded at Delphi, trying to break the awkwardness, but didn't press the issue. "That's quite alright." She replied. Her eyes shifted toward Anastasia and Avery, lowering her head into a bow in their direction. "If you don't mind, I think we should take a look at both of you to make sure neither of you were tainted. We can figure out the details of food later, if that's alright."

Anastasia mused, chewing on her lower lip. Glancing at Avery for a moment, she suddenly felt very overwhelmed as everyone was staring at her. "Umm.. yeah.. right." She stammered for a long moment before walking forward to the couch where Nalaehi politely indicated. Once there, she began the same ritual she had done on the other two previously.

She grabbed the bottle along with a wine glass. Pouring the contents into the glass, she offered him the filled glass before putting the wine bottle down. "I brought this wine with me from home... It's one of the few things from there I really couldn't leave behind." She chuckled lightly. Still, her eyes flicked between the twins a little unsure. Something wasn't right that was painfully obvious. Still she tried to 'tip toe' around the situation at hand. "Quite right.. food can wait... If you're feeling a bit.. peckish.. there's cake." The look she gave a warning look to Lucian not to push anything.

Avery blinked a little bit confused. "No offence.. but.. Just how is it that I could have been targeted??" He wasn't sure.. after all He'd just stumbled into this hornets nest today. So how was it that he was at risk? Or was it because he'd been so close to Ana? Still, he gave a small nod as he made his way to the table and started to pour himself a cup of tea.

He took the glass from her hands, giving her a small smile. He swirled the wine around in the glass before taking a small drink. He nodded his satisfaction. "Very good." He replied. "Definitely can't blame you for not being able to leave it behind." He grinned, shifting back into the couch. Seeing the look, he furrowed his brow as if to ask her why. "Completely innocent." He gestured to himself, glass in one hand as he flourished with the other. He took a bite of the cake, his eyes shifting among all the women.


"Right..." Came Ana's voice.

"I said to keep your mind blank!" Nalaehi chided her and Ana gave a sheepish blush. After a moment or two, she finally released the magic and motioned for Ana to sit. She let out a breath or two, "I did what I could.." She chewed her lip, frowning to herself. "I mean... your... magic.. is..." Ana shot her a look and she immediately shut up. "None of my business, I assure you." Her hands raised in front of her in a pleading gesture. "I just meant to say that I had a harder time finding the spell on you... I think I was able to disrupt whatever link there was, but if you continue to have problems I might have to take another look.."

Tilting her head toward Avery, she let out some of the tension she was feeling from Anastasia's gaze on her. "I just want a quick look, to make sure. You have been spending a little while with her, and you walked through the wards. Just in case the wards have been tampered with, I need to take a look at everyone. I even scanned both me and Khide while everyone was talking earlier." She seemed a little unsure of herself, "Is that okay?"


Anastasia huffed softly and folded her arms around her chest. She was feeling very awkward in this place and it was obvious that Lucian was going to pretend like nothing happened. She was also frustrated at the idea that the little girl now knew something about her magic that most of the others didn't. It could cause a problem if not dealt with..

Shifting, she stood up from her seat and frowned. "Is it okay if I use some of your food, Delphi? I'll replace whatever I take later. I just don't think anyone really wants to go out shopping right now.." She motioned toward the windows as the rain pelted up against them. She needed something to get her mind off of things and cooking would definitely make her feel more at ease. She felt as if everyone's eyes were on her constantly and that made her more than a little insecure.. and well.. when she was insecure.. bad things tended to happen.

"It should be good.." She took another sip, relaxing in her chair. "It's about 300 years old..." She said it nonchalant as thought it were a common thing to find in one's house hold. She was starting to feel a little more relaxed now, her glass nearly empty as it were. She'd drank it faster than she'd indented.

When Ana addressed her, she smiled and looked in her direction. "Sure, help yourself.. There's plenty of dry goods in the basement too.." She lifted the glass to her lips once more, emptying it of it's contents before leaning forward and pouring herself another glass. Curling back up into her chair, she looked almost cat like in the way she lounged. Pink gemstone like eyes watched over the room from over her glass. "Let me know when you've completed your scan over my wards..." She stifled a small yawn. The trouble with having such a busy day was when you finally relaxed you became tired. The fact that she has exhausted a great deal of energy phasing to smoke earlier had finally caught up with her. Now that her adrenalin wasn't kicked into over drive, she was feeling a little drowsy. Setting her glass down on a coaster, she nuzzled her cheek into the plush arm of the chair, just watching the room.

Avery nodded as he took a sip of tea. "Of course.. What ever will help you find a solution to the problem at hand." He set his tea down, opening and folding his wings once more. "I can't exactly lay on my back though... would standing be fine? Other wise I can sprawl out on my stomach.." His wings ruffled once more as to give emphasis as to why he wouldn't lie on his back.

Lucian took a sip of the wine as well, savoring the contents. He had noticed, however, that she was drinking rather heavily. It made him worry. There was obviously more that she wasn't saying and everyone being stuck in the house at once was making the atmosphere stifling. "If you need to rest I can keep my eyes on things." He replied, still scanning the room over the rim of the cup. If he had knew her intention on the wine he would have certainly agreed, no home could be complete without it.


"Standing is perfectly alright." Nalaehi replied as she came closer. "Like I told the others, just stay calm and relaxed, keep your mind clear." She instantly set to work and it hadn't taken her long to finish. "All good." She smiled softly, tilting her head to one side. She then eased herself back on the couch, folding her legs inward. "Whatever it was, it hasn't touched you." She stated before anyone could ask. She then looked up toward her sister after taking a moment or two to breathe. "Give me a moment to rest and then we can take a look at the wards. That will be a lot harder and more time consuming." She reached forward to grab a piece of the cake and pop it into her mouth.


Anastasia let out a deep breath as she looked over the mess from earlier this morning. The food was still sitting out on the table, completely cold by now. She mused and set herself to cleaning and organizing the mess before setting herself to emptying the dishwasher. She grabbed a few of the pans that hadn't fit in there and used her magic to wipe them clean. She then began moving through the cabinets to see what she had to make dinner with.

Delphi tilted her head to look at Lucian in the chair beside hers. "I'm just a little.. run down.." She tried to explain the best she could without letting him know why. Yawning again, she gave him a reassuring smile. "I'll be fine.. I just need a little cat nap." She chuckled lightly. She trusted him to look after things, Of all the people in this world He likely had gained more of her trust than any other she'd met so far.

Avery smiled glad he hadn't been tainted by what ever it was the rest seemed so worried about. "Well.. I guess maybe I didn't come into contact with what ever the three of them had..." Looking around, he searched the room for something to sit on. A stool would have been preferred by him in all reality. Finding nothing, he settled for leaning against the wall. Strange goings on.. That was what this was to him. Something out of the norm. Likely none of his business too. However, that didn't mean he wasn't willing to help. He'd cast his lot in the moment he'd decided to follow Ana rather than to leave.

Lucian gently touched her head, leaning down to give her a kiss on the forehead. "You can retire to your room if you think you'll nap easier there." He leaned back into the chair, watching as the girls stood up to go take a look at the wards. He was a little tired himself, but he knew the greater risk and currently it didn't seem like the rain was going to calm down. He knew it was up to him to protect everyone if something went wrong. He motioned to his Unseen Servants. One of them retreated and finally returned with a pillow and blanket for Delphi.

She pulled back her dreads into a ponytail, binding them as tightly as she could so they wouldn't fall into her eyes. Grabbing an apron, she placed it over her dress and began setting out all the pots and supplies she would need. Looking over everything, she calculated in her head what could be made. There was still a significant amount of food supplies, so she was sure she could make something interesting though not near as much as she'd usually make on a given day.

Setting the meats out so they could settle to room temperature, she began to place some of the vegetables on the cutting board and began to chop away. She was keeping her mind on her task when she heard the footsteps behind her and jumped slightly, the knife digging into her thumb. "Ouch!" She hissed, pulling it back as blood began to well. She grabbed a towel and wrapped it around the cut, noticing the the blood was instantly soaking through. "Dammit!" At the very least, she didn't cut it off, that was something to be thankful for.

She smiled drowsily as hi kissed her forehead. "I think I'll be fine here.." Her eyes were starting to drift closed before the blanket or pillow came. One thing was certain she'd always picked out her furniture for comfort and the chair she was in was one of the most comfy she'd seen.

It was the faint scent of blood on the air that tore her from her nap with a sound that was more like a snarl from a dragon than the girl in the chair. Her eyes flicked open a touch of that primal side to them as they darted around the room. She was scanning for intruders into her lair for this house was indeed her lair. "Who's hurt." She sat up in her chair, counting heads in the room as it were.

He'd grown bored of just standing around, nothing to do no real additions to the conversations.. or lack there of. He'd pushed himself off the wall and walked into the kitchen to see if he could help. When he heard her declaration of pain, he quickened his pace to try and help. "I'm sorry Anastasia... I was just coming to see if I could be of assistance. I never meant for you to hurt yourself." He was trying to help, grabbing another towel to help stop the bleeding with.

Lucian's eyes shot up when he saw Delphi's reaction. Lucian had figured enough what had happened from his link with his twin. He had felt it before on occasion and wasn't at all concerned. "Anastasia cut herself." He stated as if he already knew without even checking on her. He moved off of the chair. "I'll go check on her, you just relax."


Her head shifted around to see Avery. She drew in a breath as she felt the sting roll through her hand. "It's okay.." She stated, holding it close. She turned on the faucet and removed the towel, letting the water clean the wound. "I shouldn't have been so jumpy.." She took the offered towel after shutting off the water. "I didn't get any blood into the vegetables.. did I?" She leaned over to take a look at the cutting board, sighing when she saw blood on the edge of the wood. She couldn't be too careful, she'd have to toss the whole thing.


When Lucian entered, Anastasia frowned somewhat. He moved toward her as though Avery wasn't even there. "Are you okay?" He grabbed her hand and instantly took off the towel to see the damage, and despite how abrupt he had been about it he had done it very gently.

"I'm fine.." She tensed up when her hand flared in pain again, blood flowing down her hand. She pulled her hand away from him and stuffed it under the faucet again.

"I'll go see if Delphi has any bandages.." He replied, looking from Ana to Avery and back again. He frowned, shaking his head as he moved back into the living room to Delphi's form to see if she was still awake.

She frowned at Lucian some. Her count had the room missing some one who had been there before she'd drifted off to sleep. Avery.. Had he some how caused the injury? She'd tried to settle back into the comfort of the chair to continue to sleep. However, her mind wasn't cooperating with her. Apparently her body felt as though that small little down time had been enough for her.

When she saw Lucian return from the kitchen, she gave him a quizzical look. "How bad was it?" It was the best question for the situation. At least it hadn't been a forceful entry.. That was enough to help make her mind at ease after everything that had happened.

Avery frowned at Lucian's response. "I truly am sorry Miss Anastasia..." He frowned feeling some how defeated. He wanted to help.. not cause more trouble. He was silently lecturing himself for not speaking up before entering the room. Tensions seemed to be running high as it were after all.

"She'll be fine. Just a cut." He replied, shifting his weight on his feet. "Do you have any bandages or disinfectant?" He wasn't all that worried, but he was trying to show some concern, even if somewhat forced. He seriously doubted that the injury was anything to flick a brow at. They had both been through much more and she'd live, and he was sure the finger wasn't going to fall off in any case.

Anastasia let out a breath when Lucian finally left. Her whole body seemed to relax somewhat. She pulled the finger away from the water and pressed the towel to it again. She shifted back against the counter, tilting her head as she watched Avery. "Seriously.. stop blaming yourself." She raised herself on her toes to tap him on the head with her good hand. "I should have been paying more attention instead of being in my own little world.."


She nodded standing from her chair. "Yeah.. it's in the bathroom..." She made her way into the master bathroom and began digging through drawrs. It wasn't often she cut herself so finding it took her a little bit but she soon returned with some bandages and some bacticitine. "Here.. spray this on the wound first.. then bandage it up." She smiled offering them to him.

She wasn't angry with him.. that had been a reliefe.. "Here.. Let me take a look at it.." He held out his hand to her. He wanted her to trust that he wouldn't hurt her if at all possible. "It's not too dee is it?"


She frowned but held the finger up for him to examine. She really should keep pressure on it if she wanted it to stop bleeding but it seemed everyone wanted to poke at it more. She removed the towel and it instantly began to well up with blood again. "It's nothing.. I promise. It'll be just fine as soon as it stops bleeding."

She was a little confused at all the doting. She was use to being in battles and though she was usually in the back safe from harm, she had been in plenty of scrapes in her life. This little cut was nothing compared to that so everyone flaunting over it made her feel very strange. Her whole life had been about doing whatever it took to combat creatures and come out alive, she was an Agent of the Unseelie, she wasn't weak. Still, there was a part of her that was actually enjoying him taking the time to make sure she was okay. She'd never admit that.

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.

When she felt him put his arms around her, she finally relaxed, letting herself melt against him. "You must think I'm a mess.." She gave a forced chuckle. Regardless of rather it was true or not, she didn't like people knowing how truly messed up she really was. She had spent too long trying to build a reputation of being strong and there it was.. gone. She let her eyes shut, enjoying the warmth he was providing. "You're.. way too nice to me.." She mummered softly, not wanting to move from the place she was at. And there was that nagging in the back of her head again, perhaps he wouldn't be so nice once he learned who and what she really was... But those were worries that she hadn't wanted to face yet. Right now she just had to figure out how she was going to endure what her brother was putting her through. Sadly, if she had to use Avery to get through it, than that was what she was going to do... at least.. that's what she told herself.


He was contented to keep her on his lap and in his arms for the rest of the evening. In this moment all of the fears, the worries.. meant nothing, even if he knew in the back of his head that it was just a facade until they caught back up with them. The heist was the main worry, making sure everyone got out alive and safe so that he could go back to doing this very thing once it was over.. He smiled at her, shifting some of her hair out of her face. "I'm happy just knowing that." He let his fingertips glide against her face.

"Hey, Brother Boss? I know you're having the time of your life there, but do you think you can take this wrap off of me? Sitting in the dark isn't all that fun if you ask me."

He almost jumped. He had completely forgotten about Alfred. A sense of dread passed over him as he realized the skull had heard everything. The stupid thing. He growled in exasperation and leaned forward, keeping Delphi carefully in his lap, and unwrapped the black shawl from over the head. "You really like to ruin things, don't you Alfred?"

The lights that were in the eye sockets almost seemed to glitter in mischief. "Who me? Ah, no, never, Brother Boss."

"If I didn't know any better, I'd almost say it was Ana's command." He rolled his eyes, locking his arms around Delphi's waist.

"Hrmm.. what?" He played innocent, the lights dancing around. "But I must say, she's very beautiful! How did a chump like you land such a beaut'?"

He leaned forward and flicked the skull between what would be the brows if it had any. "Behave." He looked toward Delphi and then back again, shaking his head. "Delphi.. this is Alfred.. A friend of Ana's..."

"Ah, nice to meet you, Delphi. What a beautiful name for a beautiful lady!" Lucian's eyes shifted again, seeming very exhausted already by the skull's antics.

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.

When he tried to take the spoon, she shook her head and moved it back slightly. "Taste." She was incredibly insistent as she offered the spoon again. She watched him, a small smile on her face as she blushed. After offering the spoon, she shifted back and grabbed the utensil she was using for the stew to fish out the herbs and toss them away. "The bread will be a while, unfortunately." She stated and leaned over to open the door to the oven, whisking off the towel to put the bread inside. "I should have started it first.. but... I allowed myself to be distracted.." She said with a slight twinge to her cheeks. She moved to set a timer before turning to look back toward him. "Thanks... though I fear the meal is going to suffer for the said distraction.." Despite her words she grinned and stuck her tongue out at him to show that she was teasing.


"In a way. I just have to make sure that whenever I'm teleporting I'm not teleporting into an object." He shifted closer when he noticed how much she was enjoying it, starting another round down the otherside when he blinked at the voices. When he heard them, he shifted his position on the chair, moving slightly away from Delphi. He gave the girl's a languid grin as if to say that he wasn't doing anything wrong. It caused both girls too look away with a blush, which mildly amused him. Now, thinking about how they could spend the night... well.. that was another thing entirely on his mind...


To the question, Nalaehi spoke first. There was a slight tilt to her head before she acquiesced to the nod. "Yes... though it could have been much worse." She was thinking over in her head on how to explain it. "Kind of like... a virus on a computer." She was aware that over half of the people in the room wouldn't know what she was talking about, but seeing as how Delphi had a house here she hoped their host would. "Basically, there was a line of code, or magic in this case, piggybacking onto your wards. On its own it couldn't do a whole lot.. but when someone came in contact with it.." She let her voice trail off. "It seemed to pick and choose who it latched onto, almost like it was picking something in particular."

"We got rid of it rather easily though.." It was Khide who spoke this time. "And I hope you don't mind, but I was able to strengthen your wards with my own magic. It shouldn't effect you, given that you're the host, or anyone you allow inside. But it should give you an added amount of protection should you need it." She let out a breath, almost seeming vulnerable compared to whom she had been a moment ago. "If you like, you can take a look at them and see for yourself what I did to make sure it's alright."

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 pondered his words a moment. He was right... it wouldn't be easy on her and she was certain trying to talk to her together wouldn't do anything but make things worse. Still.. There was the wild card. Avery.. Her eyes flicked to where he'd been sitting. "Give her some time.. If you talk to her now.. You could do more damage than good..." She looked back at him giving him a reassuring look. "She's hurting.. But yours and mine are the last faces she should be seeing right now.. Let Avery talk to her.. I know.. he's encroaching just as I am.. but...." She took a small breath. "She may be just what she needs right now.. Some one who's not fully involved and has no other stake in what's going on... Besides.. he does seem quite keen on her.." She held up a hand to keep hm from protesting just in case. "The point is.. He seems to be a gentle touch and encouragement for her.. Perhaps a ray of light in her darkness.. We wouldn't want to snuff it out."

She frowned once more as looked at him flatly.. "I never wanted to say anything.. but.. your sister.. she smells like death.. The talking skull.. it just... makes more sense now.. I'm sorry I hadn't seen it before now.. but.. I do.. It changes nothing.. but.. At least I think I know a little more than I did before.." She went still in his arms. "She's.... deals in the dead to put it delicately.. doesn't she..." She looked down. "If I'm wrong just let me know.. Like I said.. Either way.. It changes nothing..."

He chuckled merrily, tucking his arms around her, he gently lifted her up and hugged her to him, spinning in the rain with her. "I can't actually remember the last time I played in the rain like this..." Carefully he set her back on her feet. "Soo.. Were too would you like to walk?" He was looking out at the different options that lay open to them.

His brows furrowed but despite his better judgement he remained quiet until she finished speaking. He knew Anastasia needed someone right now and he knew in the back of his head that it couldn't be him but it hadn't changed him wanting to comfort her and tell her everything would be alright. "And if it doesn't work between them... then what? " He gritted his teeth. Where was that stupid raccoon when he needed him? Furthermore, would the boy even understand the delicate situation there was.. He couldn't even help but wonder if Anastasia was doing this only to rebel. Would she hurt him? There was way too much going through his head and he didn't like the outcome of any of it. There was a part of him that desperately wanted to go save her no matter what might happen.. However, the other part of him knew she was right, as much as he didn't want to admit it.

His head tilted to one side, lips pulled into a deep frown. "Just... what are you insinuating..." When she finally came out with it, his body went more ridged. He abruptly stood from his chair, eyes shutting. "No. I don't want to talk about it." It was almost as if he was shutting himself off completely the moment it was mentioned, as if it dug up some painful memory he didn't want to relive. "Please, just leave it at that."

Her smile widened and she kept her eyes on him as he lifted her. She touched her nose to his, smiling and giving a soft little laugh. "Perhaps you should more.. You can't expect to live a long healthy life if you don't have some fun once in a while." It was ironic, since she really didn't do that much for herself, either. However, she chose not to mention that part. Tilting her head, she glanced around. "Umm... I'm not sure. We could just pick a direction and walk? I really don't know the town very well.."

"If it doesn't work between them then we'll cross that bridge if/when we come to it.. You can't coddle her.. She's a big girl.. she just needs to learn that some times.. s**t happens.. If you make a tremendous thing over every little scrape bump and bruise you're not helping the person grow.. you're stunting them." She shook her head. Her voice had never raised above a whisper as she spoke and her tone had been even. "She'll hurt.. if it fails.. but she'll learn eventually that.. pain of loosing some one.. relationships... it's not the end of the world.." She looked him square in the eyes. "I don't see him hurting her... He's smitten... you can see it in the way he looks at her.."

She let him move,dropping her arms at her sides. "Lucian..." She sighed softly and stood, moving to the sink. She began rinsing off the dishes and stacking them in the dishwasher to clean. "Alright.. I won't mention it again.." She kept her back to him as she scrubbed one of the pans that had some stuff stuck to it. She could see it was a touchy subject. But it had been something she was trying to work out about Ana from the moment they'd first met. She didn't look down her nose at her.. After all.. She was a member of the royal demonic family line.. How much worse could you get in most worlds? The answer was.. you couldn't. Sure.. some were down right... horrible.. but once you got to know most of them.. they all seemed.. normal.. like every day average people...

"Perhaps I should... Though.. It's no fun dancing in the rain alone.." He gave her a quick wink before looking down a path and nodding. "Right then...Lets go this way.. And on our walk I'll point out anything you'd like to know more of.." He spun her to stand beside him once more, wrapping an arm around her shoulders along with a wing to be sure she stayed warmer. "Sound like a plan?"

He had to steel himself. There was a part of him that wanted to yell, to tell her she was wrong. He put a hand on the wall, keeping his eyes shut as he tried to calm himself down. "She... she knows nothing but rejection.. I just... I want her to know that someone cares about her..." It was all he could manage to say without throwing himself into rage. "To let her know that she isn't alone..." It was easy to see that it was a hard conversation for him as well. He didn't like thinking that his sister's fate would be in someone else's hands, especially a male that he knew very little about.

Drawing in a ragged breath, he turned to face her again. His face wore a grim expression, but was otherwise unreadable. He hadn't told her for her own sake, but for his own. He couldn't deal with what his sister was. He didn't like it.. He didn't even like thinking about it. To him that was a forbidden subject. "She is... what she is.." He stated vaguely. "If you'd like to know more... maybe you should talk to her... I don't want anything to do with it." After that response, he reached toward her and brushed some hair from her face, laying a kiss on her head so she knew he wasn't mad at her.

Anastasia smirked but nodded, keeping her steps even with his. "Sure, just lead the way." She kept herself close to him, not wanting to venture too far. As the rain came down she brushed some of the hair away sticking to her face before glancing down and realizing what had happened to her dress. She immediately flushed. "I umm... should... probably change first..." She coughed a little, completely embarrassed.

She flinched only slightly around the eyes as he spoke. "Would it set your mind at ease if I offered to talk to her? I won't try to aggravate her.. just... let her know she's still cared about.." Setting the scrubber in it's rest to drain, she sighed softly. "I don't want to stir the pot with you two.. not on that subject.." She'd remembered his reaction when she'd mentioned what her mother was. His reluctance to call a spade a spade was why she'd eventually given into him giving her mother's kind a different name though similar as it was. "Lucian.." She turned around, leaning against the sink. "It'll be fine...We'll get this figured out and.. in time.. It'll be ok.."

He'd started to lead her off till she paused and his attention was brought more clearly to the issue at hand. Directing his eyes immediately away, he flushed deeply and coughed. "That would probably be a good idea.. Perhaps something a little less... translucent when wet?" His gaze was still diverted to the clouds as he spoke, in attempt to give her some feeling of modesty. "Would you like for me to lead you back to the house or wait for your return?"

He pressed himself back against the sink, hands on the rim. His eyes stared toward the wall, unsure what to do. He wasn't taking this very easily and his protective nature wanted to scream at him that he was being an idiot for sitting idle for too long. "I..." Could he let her do it? Could he trust himself enough to not get involved? "If... I'll try.. If you think you can... I'll try my best to not get involved... If I can." He didn't want to give any guarantees when his emotions were running as high as they were. And here to think.. after Ana had left a couple moments ago all he had wanted to do was cuddle with Delphi alone...


She immediately noticed he wouldn't look at her. This slightly amused her and she couldn't help but tease him. She'd miss way too much of an opportunity if she didn't. "What.. don't like what you see?" Her lips shifted into a Cheshire grin as she hopped on her toes so that she could look him more closely in the eyes. She had avoided the subject of who was going back just yet, this could be too much fun.


She gave a small nod. "I think.. Maybe it would be best if she had another woman to talk to... I'm not saying it'll be straight rainbows and kittens.. However.. If we're to clear the air between myself and her.. and work on clearing the air between the two of you.. I have to do this.. On my own. I can't be seen as weak in this.. Your sister would eat me alive other wise. So.. I'll have to stand on my own so to say." She reached up gently, cupping his cheek with her palm and turning his face to meet hers. Raising herself to her tip toes, she laid a gentle kiss upon his lips. She was right. She was going to have to face this on her own.. Holding onto his hand like a scared child with it's mother's apron strings would only make things worse.

His face burned crimson."It's not that.. I just.. I thought it proper not to spoil your modesty..." Still he adverted his eyes once more so as to avoid catching any accidental glimpses of what ever might be peeking through the cloth.


He couldn't help but grimace. Anastasia had never done well at all with other women, rather they meant well or not. He was afraid it would be an all out brawl.. not that he wouldn't watch, of course, but he still wasn't keen on the idea either. That said, she was right, if she didn't learn to stand on her own Anastasia would eat her alive. The truth didn't make it any easier to handle. "Fine... but I swear... if she tries anything... I'll put her in her place..." He crossed his arms over his chest but at the kiss he loosened somewhat, pressing himself closer to her to hold it. He wouldn't let Anastasia harm another... not if he could help it.


Her lips curled again and she bit her lip in a sultry fashion. "Really..? You know... most guys would relish the opportunity.." She knew she was giving him a hard time but she couldn't help it, he was being way too cute not to. She lifted her hand to touch his cheek, enjoying the look of him flushing. "You're too adorable.. and innocent.." She chuckled and let herself fall flatfooted again. "But if you really don't want the temptation... I suppose we can go back after all."

"If she tries anything I'll be prepared.. I'm not exactly defenseless.." She smiled. "I am after all born of faedragon and de..." She paused some. "Daemon alike.. Besides.. I don't intend on walkign in screaming.. most times having a level head is the best start." She finally pushed herself away from the sink. "How about we get that futon from down in the basement and bring it up?" She was changing the subject. For her.. the conversation was over.. the topic had been discussed.. and she'd made her peace with it. There was really nothing more to say about it. She'd wanted nothing more than to wrap herself up in the warmth of him moments ago.. but after everything that had happened.. she was trying not to loose track of what would be the best way to go about things now.

"What can I say?" He smirked right back. "Some people have no couth." He chuckled lightly though his eyes fast a look to her face. That look, her hair wet, framing her face as she bit her lip.. it stole his breath for a moment's time. "Ana.. It's not that I wouldn't like to.. Trust me.. It's the point that.. I do not wish to be like most men.. who chase only for what lusts could be stricken.. I think too highly of you to steal glances from your beauty when it's been so unfortunately exposed..." Reaching up, he pushed some of the wet hair from her face, curling his wing around her in a hug that sheltered her form from sight. "For modesty's sake.. and my own.. I will be a gentleman to keep your virtues unsullied."

"It's not that I think you're defenseless..." He just knew how relentless Anastasia could be... and if she could use things to her advantage she would. His sister wasn't exactly the model for a fair fight. Level head or not... she had a way of making things hostile. "Just be careful.." He said, sighing deeply but nodded, shifting his weight toward her. "Well, lead the way then." He motioned. He was still wondering how things had gotten so complicated. Today was just suppose to be calm, a nice day.. or even evening... And all it seemed like was that the storm was getting worse.

Her head shook slightly, a slight snort coming from her. Not even her brother would be that polite in this situation. Perhaps that was why it amused her so and why she had poked to see what could happen. It wasn't even like she was ready for that stage of a relationship yet, but she couldn't help it. Sadly, he seemed unchanged. She could tell that there was a little mouse toiling on its wheel in the back of his head, but it seemed the wall that was constructed was still holding up. Alas.. and it could have been good fun too. "If that is what you wish.." She gave a soft pout, one that she hadn't even realized she did, before turning to look at the house. When he touched her face she involuntarily shivered, curling herself against his body. She knew she could push him more, and there was definitely a part of her that wanted to.. to see just how far it could go.. But there was a tick in her head that told her not to just yet. Maybe it was the part of her that was still holding on to Lucian.. and just maybe that was why she wanted to do it. "You aren't like most men.." She finally said aloud. "And perhaps... that's why I found it so tempting.." She nibbled her lower lip again, instinctively this time.

"I'll be careful, I promise.." She grinned at him, hugging him to her, she looked at the door in the kitchen that lead to the basement. "Alright, this way it is the way then." Reluctantly, she let him go before turning and leading the way to the door. Opening it, she felt around till she caught the switch and turned the light on. Decending the stairs, she flipped one more switch and turned on another light. "Now I think I stored it some where over in this corner...." She pointed in the corner she was thinking of before looking back to see if he had made it down the stairs safely.

He felt her shiver and frowned slightly. "Are you ok?" He curled his wings around her, wrapping the warmth around her. "I suppose I'm not.. and yet.. I very much am... It's taking every restraint I have right now Ana.. As much a gentleman I strive to be.. I'm still a man.. and having you beside me... thus.... in such a state.. Lets just say my thoughts are best locked for the moment lest I do something I might regret later.. or potentially loose my life for.. not that it wouldn't be worth it..." He gave her the full weight of his eyes, showing within them just what effect she was having upon him before turning back to the house. "I don't think your brother would approve much of you walking in sopping wet.. I.. I know a little shop near by.. It's a small boutique.. but.. I could buy you some dry clothes there if you like.. You can have your pick of the store.."

Returning the hug, he placed a light kiss on her head and gave her a small squeeze before letting her release it. He smiled, "Good.. I'll hold you to that." He followed behind without much of an effort. The last couple of steps he scaled in one leap, landing with an elegant sway next to her. He put a hand on one hip, shifting his gaze around until he caught sight of the pile she was talking about. He snapped his fingers and let his servants get to work rummaging through it. It wasn't long until they found it and began to lift it. "Anything else you need from down here?" He offered.

Giving a swift nod, she didn't remove her head from his chest until she heard him speak. Her lips curled into a smile. "Okay... so maybe there is something very intriguing about hearing that..." She couldn't refrain from biting her lip again, though she tried to look away so that it didn't seem so... less than innocent. Even the random thought about him possibly fighting Lucian over her modesty.. Okay, so she was a female, she could have thoughts too. "There are a lot of things Lucian doesn't approve of... But I'm a grown woman." Her eyes shifted upward and when she caught the glint in his eyes she flushed brightly. She felt her stomach flutter, but she was trying hard to not act on her desires at this very moment, despite how badly she wanted to. "Umm.. sure, that would be wonderful." She smiled again, pulling some hair behind her ears. Though she wasn't all that sure what she would do while he was gone, but it was better than the alternative of bothering Lucian or Delphi for clothes..

She blinked. "I forgot you had them.." She actually managed to look a little sheepish. Giving a quick look around, she pursed her lips together as she thought. "No.. I think we should be fine unless the electricity goes out.. so.. Just in case I'll bring up the box of candles..." She walked over tot he other side of the basement, grabbing a box marked 'Emergency candles' and returned to the foot of the stairs. "This should be all we'll need.." She grinned wide. "They can set it on the floor up in one of the bedrooms on the second floor if you like.. I'm sure you'd rather sleep down in the living room so you can make sure Avery doesn't go creeping down stairs in the middle of the night." She teased s she started up the stairs, box tucked under her arm.

He flushed once more as she replied. "Yes.. grown woman or no.. I can't say I blame him for being protective of you.." He watched her flush, smiling all the more. He'd caused this reaction in her and in some way it pleased him to know he had such an effect on her. "Alright then, Stay close and I'll keep my wings around us so you won't have to walk around so... indesposed.. This way you'll be able to choose what we buy." Moving an arm around her waist, he held her closelythough loose enough to be comfortable. Giving her another smile, he gave a small nod before starting in the direction he knew the boutique to be at a slow pace so she wouldn't be drug through the mud any.

"Actually... I was rather hoping I could stay with you tonight." He gave a grin while he wrapped one arm around her, pulling her close enough so that he could leave a soft kiss on her neck. "I could always set up the servants to keep watch." He gave a chuckle at his own jest, though he held her for a little longer. "So... what would you like to do while we have the house to ourselves...?" He tilted his head down so he could look her in the eyes.

She felt like her cheeks had flushed for what seemed the hundreth time that day. She wanted to comment on what he had said, but she wasn't sure how. Still, she couldn't help but feel it was a cute little statement all the same. She lifted her hand to touch his cheek, looking back into his eyes. When he said he was taking her, she wasn't quite sure how that was going to work, but she decided to let him figure it out. "Umm.. alright." She did as he said, letting him lead the way. She wasn't sure it was going to end very well, she would still have to eventually show herself if she was going to get changed, along with the fact that she wasn't sure they'd like someone with bare muddy feet in their store. But regardless, maybe he had more of a plan than she did. She supposed she could also use a little magic to clean her feet if needed. "Are you sure.. usually my tastes all run to white.." She stated, blushing again. "So I might need your help anyway.."

She flushed brightly as he spoke. "Well..." Damnit.. had he been reading some of her mind? She chewed on her bottom lip softly as he stared into her eyes. "Well.. I.. I really didn't have a plan beyond setting up the beds for the night.. Aside from making them up that is.." She flushed even more finally diverting her gaze. "Lucian.. trust me when I say this.. I'd been wondering about possibly letting you stay in my room with me.. but.. I don't trust myself.. and what's worse.. your sister wouldn't trust use to do nothing but sleep... I also get the feeling she wouldn't hear any of it in the first place." Still she didn't make to move from his hold on her. There were probably a thousand things that she could think of to do with the house to themselves.. none of which would likely end well at the moment. "I think.. I'd like to finish my wine.. unless the bottle's empty... I didn't really get to drink much.. and now that it's been uncorked.. it'll start to loose it's bouquet... After that.. we can sit and snuggle a bit.."

"Don't worry.. the owner's my gran... she'll be fine with some muddy foot prints." He chuckled lightly. "And if they don't like it.. then I'll talk to the staff and make them see reason." He chuckled even more. He pondered her next words a moment. "Well then, I'll guess we'll just have to find something that's a slightly thicker or more durable material so it won't show through when it's wet.."

"Let the servants make the beds... that's what they're for.." He nearly purred in her ear, strengthening his grip on her. He began a row of kisses down her neck, letting each one linger until he heard the rest of her statements. He almost flinched and pulled back, letting a breath escape him. As much as she was right, he hadn't wanted to hear it right then. "Right." He straightened himself and gave her a short kiss before releasing his hold on her. "Let's find that wine then and enjoy the rest of the night, even if it can't lead to anything else." He smiled softly at her and led her back into the room where they had left the bottle.

"Your grandmother.." She chewed the inside of her cheek. "Is she.. going to be there?" She truly honestly didn't want to meet the woman while she was like this. Especially being that just a moment ago they were talking about things that definitely wasn't for family ears. Well, that thought definitely killed the mood. She let out a sigh, but nodded, staying close to him but not too close, should the woman see them.

Her breath caught in her throat as his voice purred into her ears. Her pulse thrummed rapidly against her neck as he kissed her. She was melting, mentally slipping her hold of rationality.. That was until he stopped. She frowned almost a little disappointed that he'd stopped. She allowed him to lead her back into the living room, the bottle still on the coffee table with the two glasses they'd been using previously. She was chewing on her lip again, the heat in her cheeks burning red against her paleness. She was disappointed.. she'd said it to be rational.. yet she was disappointed all the same..

He gave a nod. "Mmhmm... My gran.. She's my mom's mom..." He stated with a small chuckle. He had to think about it on whether or not She might be there. "It's possible.. She does some times take a hand in the boutique... But.. My guess is that she'll likely be at home with my Nan..."

Lucian smiled at her, a little proud of himself that he broke her will so easily. He drifted a finger down her neck, giving a smug grin before grabbing the bottle and glasses. He moved to the couch, offering her to join as he poured the glasses and held one out to her. He wasn't sure how to approach things at this point, if things went further it could definitely end in a situation that was compromising for both of them. It wasn't that he hadn't wanted that.. Gods knew he wanted that, but he didn't need to exasperate things further for Anastasia. He lifted the glass to his lips to take a drink. "Please... don't get the wrong idea..." He began, his eyes distant. "I really do want to do more with you... But with Anastasia being this sensitive currently... I know I shouldn't. You were right to say that we should wait." He turned to look at her. A light smile crossed his face, though it was easy to see it was being forced. Still, he pulled her closer, wanting her to rest against him as he placed his arm around her waist. "Can we... wait.. At least until she's more accepting of the situation..." He wasn't sure he wanted to obey the rules he was putting forth right now himself, but he knew that it would kill Anastasia... and he couldn't do that to her.

"I see.." She was trying to do a calculation in her head. Mom.. was that... the one with the Regonrian weapons? She thought so, but she didn't want to voice the confusion in case she was wrong. She tilted her head upward to him. "I... I guess I worry about what she might think about this situation..." She stated, chewing the inside of her cheek nervously. She had never met anyone's grandparents.. or even relatives before, so the possibility that it might happen that very night after all the fiasco... She wasn't sure she was up to it. It made her stomach twist and she suddenly felt ill. It'd be alright.. it had to be..

She took the offered glass and sat beside him, tucking her feet up so that she could rest and cuddle beside him. "It's ok Lucian.. I understand completely.." She offered him an understanding smile as she took a sip from her own glass. "As long as it takes Lucian.. The last thing I would want.. Is to destroy the relationship you have with your sister.. We'll wait till she's at least a little more okay with us being... us." She owed the woman that much after all. It would be difficult, but she would play nice and keep her mind about her so as not to let things get too out of hand.

Leaning her head to rest against him, she let out a content sigh. "As long as it means I still get to cuddle." She teased lightly. "After all.. you make it rather difficult not to want to cuddle." She chuckled lightly and took another sip, careful not to take too big a drink all at once. She was giving her word that there wold be no hanky panky going on. The least she could do is see to it she didn't fall back on that word in a drunken stooper.

He pauced lightly. "What She might think of the ordeal?" His own mind ran through a series of possible out comes. Laughing out right, he shook his head some. "She'd likely ask if I had decided to drown my date in the rain and offer you something warm to wear all while scolding me..." He shook his head slightly as he walked, nearing the street he'd been looking for. "She's not usually one to jump to horrible conclusions.. The worst she might do is ask how long we've been seeing one another... " He gave a small shrug.

Looking up from her, he stopped and frowned slightly. " It looks closed..." Really he had thought they'd have more time. Still, there ahead of them, the small boutique looked like it's lights had been turned off and everything locked up for the night. "I'm sorry Ana.. I drug you all the way out here.. And I didn't even get you something warm to wear..."

"If she's ever okay with it.." He frowned, sipping the wine. There was always that possibility... Not that he really wanted to think about it. He was beginning to want more with Delphi, something a lot more serious.. He knew it was crazy since they had only met a week or so ago, but he was tired of waiting.. tired of being on tip toes to scoot around his sister's obsession. He wanted a family.. He wanted someone that he could spend the rest of his life with.. Delphi was the first girl who hadn't run because of Anastasia, and as stupid as it sounded.. that meant to him that she was a keeper.

His head lowered to get a better look at her. With one hand he brushed some hair through his fingers. "Of course.. It has to be difficult to even keep your hands off of me. I'm too wonderful and sexy. So I know I'm asking way too much of you.. Anyone in your place would surely want to gravitate to my beautiful body." He couldn't help but grin, still running his fingers through her hair.

When he paused, it took her a moment to compensate and she fell back against him after running into his wings. She let out a little surprised sound before blushing. "Date.." Right.. they were dating now? Things had been happening so fast that she wasn't sure the exact terms for what they were, but she supposed it was an apt description. Still, the thought made her stomach flutter and she tried very hard to not let it show. "So.. not as strict as your parents at least..?" Her head tilted upward in question. She hoped not, she wasn't sure how she was going to handle meeting his grandmother much less them. It would have to happen eventually.. right? The thought surprised her at how nervous she instantly became.

Reaching up, she tapped the tip of his nose with a finder. "Don't be so pessimistic..." She had been thinking the same however. Still she had to believe that there was hope. She wanted to hold onto the thought that maybe.. just maybe this would be it.. Stupid as it was, she could see this working.. Lasting like her parents.. The thought alone brought a flush to her cheeks once more. A week of knowing one another.. well.. her parents had had less time.. still that had been a different situation all it's own.

She chuckled lightly leaning forward to rest her glass on a coaster. "Oh sure.. agony.." She taunted right back. "then.. it has to be much worse for you.." She cast him a side ways glance from under that fan of dark lashes. She was deliberately using her beauty to make the point.

"Oh.. forgive me.. she'd just assume we were out on a date.." He flushed lightly. Looking down, he smiled. "My grandmothers are both fairly relaxed, especially when it comes to my siblings and I." He flashed her a reassuring smile. "Gran's got a rather big heart... She adopted an orphan before My Nan and her even started dating them selves... It was My aunt Emily that essentially brought the two friends closer together and before they knew it.. My mom and her sister were brought about." He pulled his wings around her more tightly giving her a small hug. With the shop closed, he was at a bit of a loss as to what they should do now.

His nose wrinkled when it was poked. Despite her words, he could still see the worry in her eyes. "It's silly right...? All our hopes.. hanging on the whim of a single person.. " He snorted, shifting his head in a slight tilt of disapproval. "Sister or not... sometimes I wish I could shake some sense into her.." He moved, feeling slightly uncomfortable even at his own words. He dropped his hand from her hair to rest back at her waist. Here it was again, unable to move on with his life because of her. He didn't resent her for it, and he knew why she was being so difficult.. but that didn't stop him from being aggravated at her lack of ability to change.

"Worse for me?" He feigned ignorance. He chuckled, lifting her chin with a finger. "My dear.. you are so very beautiful.." He leaned down and pressed his lips to hers. "But I'm still the best gift this world has ever seen. Though, since my eyes have fallen upon you... I guess that means you have to be the best too." Grinning, he pulled back, his eyes still on hers. "Mmm... definitely."

Anastasia's eyes tilted to the side, they flickered upright again as they settled on him. "Well... are we..? Sort of.. anyway?" Her words stumbled as the nervousness welled up in the pit of her stomach again. "She... sounds like a wonderful lady.." And there it was again, a pang of unknowing, uncertainty.. Something that she couldn't understand. She let out a sigh, trying to wipe away any thought of longing or feeling alone. She didn't want him to notice because she didn't want to put a sad note to what was going on.

When they came to the shop and she noticed the "CLOSED" sign, she mused. Well, that at least meant that she hadn't had to meet her tonight, right? "Well.. it is getting late.." She wiped some of the falling rain from her eyes. "Perhaps we should return to the house.." She hadn't exactly wanted to, but she was also getting tired the later it had become.

She gave a small nod, resting back against him. "In a way..." She let her words drop. Were they so very silly to be resting so much on his sister? She was busily chewing her lip in thought as he spoke again. "Yes.. worse for you..." She smirked lightly. She chuckled at his remark. Wrapping her arms around him, she squeezed lightly. "I suppose I can be content with being considered equal." She smiled leaning up enough to place a soft kiss on his cheek.

He gave it some thought. Technically they weren't.. not yet.. were they? Though the way they'd been carrying on earlier at the house.. you'd have thought that maybe they were. Clearing his throat, He looked down at her with sincerity in his eyes. "I'd like that actually... If you'd consider maybe becoming my girlfriend.." He loosened his wings only slightly. "I'm serious Ana.. I'd like to date you.. though you don't have to answer right away.. I'm sure you'd rather like to think it over some before answering."

He nodded at the unspoken words. As much as it did aggravate him.. his sister would always be apart of his life. He told Delphi that from the beginning, and he had meant it, even if she was a pain in his a**. Truth be told, he had no intention of even living without Anastasia in the same house.. and that was yet another issue he wasn't sure how Delphi would take. He wasn't even sure how Anastasia would take living in the same house with another woman. He sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose in thought. As much as he didn't want it to, it did all hinge on his sister at this moment. He wasn't likely to break things off with Delphi because of her, but he didn't feel he could move forward until then either. It really all came down to giving her time and talking things out with her. "I'm sorry Delphi.. I'm sorry everything is such a mess.." To the chide, he smirked, moving his head closer to her. He wrapped his arms around her in a hug, holding her close. "You really are so amazing... You know that?"

Her grey eyes shifted toward him, a slight snort coming from her. It was still easy to see she was apprehensive and unsure how to go about it. Finally she straightened, drifting closer to him. "If I recall correctly... I had said before that I would give you a chance, as long as you realized it might not be easy for me.. I'm..." She pressed one hand to her arm. "It doesn't mean that I'm going to take everything that's happening with my brother easy.. And I don't want.. you to be... angry with me..." She cast her gaze toward the ground, watching the droplets patter against it. "But... I... If that's okay.. if you.. still want to be with me, regardless of how stupid I am.." She was babbling, afraid of rejection regardless that he had already said before he was okay with her being so broken. She did like him, and there was no doubt in her mind that right now she needed him... but there was more to it. Even in this state where she had been wavering from complete depression to happiness... he was there for her... and she didn't want him to leave. "I have no doubt in my mind Avery... If you're willing to work through my short comings.. I'd be happy to be your girlfriend.."

She shook her head slightly. "You don't have to appologize.. I knew what I was getting into.. didn't I?" She smiled that tender smile to him, hugging him once more as he held her close. "I wouldn't say amazing.. spectacular.. perhaps.. but amazing seems to make it sound like I walk with a trail of new growth behind me.." She chuckled lightly . She was teasing again, fighting the sour notes to the conversation with humor. "But.. I'm glad you think I'm amazing..." She cuddled her cheek against him as she closed her eyes. The sky crackled above the house causing her to lift one lid. "It's sounding angry out there again..."

He grinned broadly. "I know.. I wouldn't expect this to be easy on you.. not after what you've said.." He leaned down placing a soft kiss on her head. "I still want to be with you Ana.. nothing has changed my mind in this." He lifted her up once more, holding her in a hugging embrace as he brushed his lips against hers for a brief stolen kiss. Setting her down once more, he grinned again. "Though.. you're right.. we should be heading back.. Wouldn't do for you or I to get sick out here." He thought about it for a moment. "Though.. if you're nursing me back to health I guess being sick wouldn't be so terrible..." He chuckled cheekily as he turned around, leading her back the way they'd came.