Welcome to Gaia! ::

Grey eyes flooded open as the early rays of crimson sun began to peek over the horizon. A yawn lifted from her mouth as she blinked the sleep from her eyes. It took her a couple of seconds to realize where she was. It wasn't until she glanced to her side to see Avery's sleeping face next to her. A small smile lifted her lips as she let her fingers drift over his face, pushing some hair away so she could see him better. He looked so innocent and sweet sleeping like that. She stared for a long time, not wanting to break the contact with him. She'd have to get up sooner or later. She sent her raven downstairs to keep a watch on Lucian.. as long as he didn't wake she could stay up here.. though she knew it couldn't be much longer.


Avery stirred slightly at the brush of her fingers moving his hair. First one eye opened sleepily, then the other. He'd cast the room around them a quick glance before his eyes rested once more back upon her. "Good morning.. I had started to wonder if maybe yesterday had been all a dream. His breath was a little raspy, heavy with sleep as he yawned and stretched about some. Wrapping his arms around her once more, he hugged her to him. "I'd give you a kiss good morning.. but I'm afraid I have morning breath.." He mumbled as he nuzzled his face against the curve of her neck.

She stretched slightly and curled up against him, giving a smile. She let her fingers run through his hair, and returned the nuzzle. "Morning Sleepy." Chuckling, she shrugged. "I can easily make your breath smell of mint, if I wished to." Cuddling against him, she didn't move for a while, just enjoying him being so close. Flushing at his face against her neck, she left a kiss on his cheek. "You're so cute when you're sleeping."


Avery Smirked some. "Cute?? I rather thought I might look peacefully rugged." He chuckled lightly, moving his head back enough to look into her eyes. "I didn't want to wake up.. Thought maybe i'd been beguiled by a dream."

She chuckled, letting her fingertips move from his hair over his face and down the rim of his ears. "Mmm... definitely sexy and rugged." She lifted her head and pressed a kiss to his lips. "And absolutely irresistible." Giggling, she eyed him for a moment, considering. "Mmm.. I'm glad it wasn't.. I was afraid you wouldn't still be here.." She added sheepishly.


He flushed lightly himself. "Hrm.. You're fairly irresistible yourself..." He leaned in nibbling lightly on her ear. Pulling back he gave her a cat that ate the canary sort of grin. "And you taste of sweet spices..." He seemed to think about her words and it made him smile all the more. "No.. I promised I'd stay by your side. I wouldn't have allowed myself to be spirited away in the night without making a ruckus."

When he started nibbling her ear she let out a soft little sound, eyes rolling back as she shuddered. "You're a little devil too.." She grinned, purring softly. At his words she curled against him again, laying her head on his shoulder. "I'm glad you didn't leave.." She bit down on her lip, letting her eyes shut.

Reaching up a hand, he brushes her hair away from her face, trailing his fingertips ever so gently down her cheek as he did so. "I'm glad you weren't a dream..." Hooking his finger under her chin, he drew her face closer before leaving a gentle kiss upon her lips. "I'm even more glad you decided to sneak up here last night. I can imagine sleeping down there might have made things... a rather awkward morning.."

Smirking at him, she tilted her head to one side. "Ah.. yes.. I imagine it would end up with Lucian trying to pull some stupid cuddle party and there would have been fights all night." She made a horrified face at the thought of it. Her brother definitely had his weird ideas on things... and she wasn't about to let him pull her into that. "That aside.. it was nice to have a warm body to sleep next to.. I don't think I've slept that well in a long time." She shifted, moving so that she could kiss his cheek again. "But sadly... I should probably get up... because Lucian wakes and makes it a big deal..."


He shook his head and gave a chuckle. "Then no one would have gotten any rest..." Frowning, he opened his arms for her. "Alright, I'll let you go before your brother storms the tower to find you in my arms.." He chuckled lightly. That was one battle and argument he wasn't ready to have yet. "I'll see you downstairs in a few.."

She wrapped her arms around him and gave him one last hug. She didn't want to leave anymore than he wanted her to. Damn Lucian. She let out a sigh. Not that she had much room to talk, she had made things plenty difficult on him as well. She supposed she had no choice but to end the wonderful dream now and go back to reality... She really hoped today wouldn't turn out as ******** up as yesterday was. Reluctantly, she pulled herself out of his arms and moved to her feet. "Alright." She gave him a look before nodding and moving to the door and down the stairs. She wanted to get started on breakfast before there was any sign of Lucian stirring.


Rolling over, he pushed himself into a standing position, making up the futon bed as he did so. Grabbing his shirt, he tugged it carefully over his torso before stretching out his wings. Sleeping on his back usually gave them a cramped feeling so stretching them helped to work out any kinks. Once he was dressed, he pulled half of his hair back, pinning it back with the hair tie he'd used the day before. Finally, he made his way down the stairs.

Anastasia had made it to the kitchen without Lucian waking. Step one complete. She looked around, carefully opening up cabinets and the refrigerator until she found enough food to start cooking. She set out pans and bowls and set to work. She wanted to make this better than the dinner she had made yesterday.

Lucian's eyes flittered open when he started to hear the sizzle of bacon. The aroma filled his nose and he felt his stomach rumble. Yawning, he stretched and pulled Delphi's smaller form closer to him. He pressed a small kiss to her forehead. "Morning."


He made it down into the living room about the time that Lucian seemed to be waking up. He was heading into the kitchen to see if there was anything her could help with, coffee, toast.. Part of him didn't quite want to be left in the room with Lucian and Delphi waking up.

Delphi grumbled slightly. Still her eyes didn't open. The day before had been a taxing one and nap or no, she'd been exhausted when the finally settled on the couch to snuggle. She tried to cuddle in further, the feel was completely off from what she was used to. No sheet.. just.. skin. Opening one eye she flushed lightly. "Morning.." She smiled lightly. "Sleep well? I didn't hog the couch did I?"


Anastasia had quickly made herself busy trying to look as though she had been down there for a while. She didn't need Lucian to grow suspicious about her lack of showing up where he thought she'd be. In fact, she was even trying to wrack her brain for a cover story. Food.. just worry about the food.. right.. She had been so busy shifting around the kitchen that she hardly noticed Avery entering. Once she did, she paused and smiled at him for a brief time before setting herself back to work. "Do you mind cutting up some of the veggies?" She motioned to a cutting board.

"Shhh.." He cooed softly, holding her close. "If you don't want to wake you don't have to. It sounds like Anastasia is still making breakfast.. I can wake you when she's finished." He drew his hand through her hair in a soft petting motion to get her to relax. He held her there, making sure that he kept things as quiet and simple as possible should she want to rest more. "I slept fine. You don't need to worry about it."

"I was about to ask if you needed any help." He chuckled as he moved to chop the veggies. He was trying to think of something to say not to make this seem awkward. "How big do you want these chopped?" It was the best he could do for the moment to seem natural and like nothing had happened. In their defense.. nothing had.. they'd just cuddled till they fell asleep but he was certain her brother wouldn't see it that way.

She chuckled lightly giving a small yawn. "We fell asleep on the couch..." She was about to ask if they'd made it back when his earlier words registered. "So they did make it back.. Wonder how long we were asleep when they finally came in.." She didn't move to sit up, not wanting to leave the warmth of his site just yet. He finger curled around that lock of hair she'd been holding onto as she slept, twirling it around her finger.

Her head tilted to one side and she smiled at him. Taking a step closer, she gave a peck to his cheek and then instantly pulled back to pretend like nothing happened just in case her brother did show up. "I want them small enough to be apart of each bite." She began stirring a bowl she had placed the eggs into. "How did you sleep?" She was trying to continue in that monotonous tone, to seem like they were just seeing each other again after last night.

Lucian had seen Avery enter the kitchen. He mused before tilting his head back toward Delphi, smiling softly at her. "Yeah.. it would seem so." He let out another yawn and motioned for his servant to bring him some wine. "I'm not sure actually, I never saw them come in. In fact.. I hadn't seen Anastasia all night..." His voice trailed off. He was obviously suspicious of whatever had happened. His eyes flickered toward the kitchen again. Were they hiding something?


He nodded letting the kiss remain on his cheek. He flashed her a side ways glance to show his appreciation. "I slept well. How about yourself? Sleep well?" He was cutting things just the size she'd asked for. He was careful not to linger his gaze too long. "Everything is starting to smell great.. What are you making any ways.."

She chuckled lightly once more, nuzzling her cheek into the little nook her head had been resting all night. "I guess tonight I'll be sleeping at the hotel.." She smirked lightly. "Think you'll be fine here in this house all alone?" She teased lightly. "Just one thing... My room..." She paused slightly wondering if she should tell him. It was better than him finding it on his own right? "In my room there is something hidden behind a screen.. I don't want you getting the wrong idea about it that's why I'm telling you.. It's not for blood offerings.. more.. little figures.. It's... It's something from home.. so.. I'd prefer it not to be tampered with if at all possible.. I just wanted to clear the air in case you found it while you were taking my place here.. It came from my mother's house.. and so.. It's fairly old."

"Glad to hear it." She continued to make idle conversation. "I slept fine." She tilted her head to look at him, giving him a smile to let him know it was better than fine. She began kneeing some dough. "Hmm... let's see... Omelets, bacon, biscuits with gravy and sausage and homemade cinnamon rolls." She gave him a smile. "Debating on adding waffles or not.. Maybe some fresh fruit."


He let out a breath. He guessed it was getting closer to that time.. the heist. He mused but nodded slightly. "I'll be fine. And I won't touch anything." He leaned down to kiss her forehead. It wasn't any of his business anyway whatever she had in there.. and he didn't think it would be right of him to press the issue either. What was hers.. was hers.. No matter where it came from. "Are you sure you don't want to sleep a little longer?"


He smiled moving to sweep the veggies now chopped int a bowl for easy use. "I'm glad to hear.. I was worried maybe you might have caught cold last night.. that rain was a bit chilly after all." He mused the thought of waffles. "Do you always cook to feed an army?" He was used to big meals being made during family gatherings, his family was fairly large after all.

"Mmmm sleep does sound good.." She stifled a yawn. "But only if you go back to sleep with me..." She chuckled giving him a coy sort of smirk. "You got less sleep than I did yesterday I think..." She gave him a small squeeze of a hug. She watched his face, staring at him as though he could still just fade away into nothing.

This was it, the day they'd part ways and she would go into hiding till this was all over. She couldn't help but to feel the sting of pull that dug at her. Hiding.. It pulled a sigh from her as she let the thought go. She'd given her word after all and she wouldn't go back on it. Everything depended upon it after all. Turning her face into him, she closed her eyes once more. She wasn't ready yet. Not to let go and stop the cuddling but still all the same the time would come later when they would have to. For now, she'd be content. She wouldn't worry, or complain or even fuss and pick a fight. She'd just enjoy herself and when they packed her up and sent her to hide.. she'd have to keep a stiff upper lip and trust that nothing would happen to any of them. One good thing was that the boy Avery wasn't apart of this mess. It was plain to see Ana was already fond of him. Him being any part of the danger could be quite disastrous tomorrow.

Anastasia took the veggies from his hands and gave him a small smile. She nodded, "Yeah, I think it would be best to have the sausage distributed as evenly as possible." She checked to make sure her pan was hot before placing the egg mixture into it, spreading some veggies on top. "Hmm... I'm thinking about making my own syrup for the waffles with the fruit." She moved toward the fruit and wiped off the cutting board with a towel. She put some of the strawberries on the board and began cutting them up along with blueberries and some raspberries.

Smirking, he considered her, eyes shifting along the length of her body. "I'll be honest.. I don't know if Ana would take that as an excuse..." His lips curled into a smile. "Not saying that I wouldn't use it as one." Grinning, he placed a small kiss on her cheek. "You're way too beautiful to give up... even for a moment." Usually he would have argued that Anastasia would still prefer to cook for them, but with the way things had been going with her and Avery he wasn't quite sure anymore. It made him uneasy about the whole situation, but he knew he couldn't very well get in the way either. Or, well, he could... but Ana would probably have his head for it.

She had become increasingly confused by this world. Could it honestly be true that despite their apparent advanced technology they couldn't even cure something as simple as allergies? She couldn't help but shake her head at the thought. "Right.." She said simply, a sense of uncertainty in her voice. "If it's ever a problem I'm sure I could make a potion so it wouldn't be." She continued with the fruit and put it all into a bowl. Grabbing some more pans, she placed two on the back burners and started everything she needed for the syrups. "Is this world really lacking in healers and potions?" She blinked, not sure how to properly address it.

The frown on his face was almost dramatic. He cast his eyes away as random thoughts ran through his head. He knew he had been the one to push Anastasia away, but that didn't mean he was ready for her to instantly take to someone else, either. As much as he didn't want to admit it, that was his fault though, wasn't it? He had all but practically pushed Anastasia into the other male's arms. Would she be okay with seeing him like this with Delphi? The thought made him muse, though there was a part of him that made the connection that he might finally be able to move on with his life. "You think?" Though the posed question might have been less than cheerful, he pulled her closer, snuggling his face against her shoulder. "If so... maybe.." He didn't know if he dared to hope.. even just a little.