Jade's House

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Jade circled around the jump once more urging Poseidon into an easy canter around the corner of the arena. She clicked her tongue against the roof of her mouth, loud enough for him to hear her but her body did most of the talking for her. Once she was close enough to the fairly tall jump she lifted herself up out of her saddle, bracing herself on his neck as he vaulted over the jumped with ease. She gave out a cry of joy as she patted his neck with happiness once his feet were firmly on the ground and he was slowed to a walk. "Good boy! Oh my goodness, that was so much better!" She said excitedly, clearly happy with their progress.

Archer's phone buzzed, he had a text message from Adela. I'm up, there'll be coffee waiting when you get here, we should leave my place about 8:30 to get to my parent's house for breakfast.

Archer looked at his phone and then sighed. He slept well enough after last nights maddness, and the idea of seeing Adela's folks made him happy.On my way. Archer replied as he got into his cloths from last night, and made his was down the steps of the loft over the barn. He heard Jade and didn't know what to do. Last night was just odd...

Jade finished with her exercises and routines and quickly led Poseidon back to the barn. After she dismounted she led the way down the aisle, Poseidon following close behind without being led with any reigns. He nudged her shoulder playfully, causing her laugh to vibrate throughout the barn. "Behave or I'll hose you down."

Archer just walked down into the open and waved. "morning Jade." he said a bit on the bashful side as he walked towed her and the horse. He smiled seeing the way Poseidon pushed and played with her. The horse loved Jade It was clear to see.

Jade's heartbeat kicked up a notch as he stepped into view, her cheeks warming slightly. "Oh... morning." Clucking her tongue gently, she kept Poseidon walking until she got to his stall where she slipped his bridle off and slipped on a halter and attached him to the ropes to hold him in place so she could take off his tack and brush him down. "Want to help or are you off to somewhere?"

"I need to go get some things, and Adela asked me to go see her folks today for breakfast. So I'm gonna head over there now." Archer walked up to Jade and nodded a bit. "Umm... about last night. Uh..." archer didn't know what to say. He wanted to say a lot of things...

Jade made sure that Poseidon was secure before sliding her hands up Archer's chest and around his neck. She gently tugged his lips down to hers in a soft, sweet kiss. "Last night was wonderful." She whispered softly. "And I'm hoping it wont be a one time thing." She said, sensing his nervousness. She wasn't a one night stand kind of girl, especially not with her best friend. She had made a lot of choices last night with him and she hoped that she hadn't messed anything up between them.

Archer let out a sigh of relief, and nodded wrapping his arms around Jade. "Defently not a one night kinda thing." Archer agreed before sweetly kissing Jade once more. "I just wasn't sure if we were going to call this to fast or not." He had a smile on his face as he spoke. Last night did just happened on its own after the talk about her wanting to take it slow...

Jade took in a deep breath and nodded her head. "Well... it did come on fast in a way but in another it's been boiling up for years. This probably should have happened prom night." She pulled back just enough so that she could stare into his eyes and frowned. "The only guilt I have about last night is Dorian... I'm not that kind of person and I never wanted to be. Even in college I didn't hop from one guy to the next. I'm going to have to talk to him." She sighed softly and shook her head, not relishing the fact that she could possibly be hurting someone she cared very much about.

Archer smiled at Jade's comment about prom night. He knew there was a lot of lost time to make up for, but that was going to have to wait until he talked to Adela. He needed to let her know they were only going to be able to be friends. The idea of her being hurt was not an easy one, but he wanted to be her friend. He wanted her to stay in his life and Jade's as well. "I understand. I'm going to go get breakfast with Adela and her parents. They want to see me. Then I'll go get my things from home."

Jade nodded her head. "Sounds good, just let me know when you're back and we can get our day started." She gave him a quick kiss before moving back to Poseidon and started brushing him down. Reaching into her back pocket she sent Dorian a text asking him if they could talk over coffee or breakfast. It was a simple text nothing hard or strange about it but her finger hovered over the send button for a moment before clicking it. She gave a soft sigh as se slid her phone back into her pocket and got back to work on brushing.

Dorian's reply wasn't instantaneous, but it was quick. Good morning! I hope you rested well. I'll be at Sophie's soon for breakfast if you want to join us. Otherwise I'll be in the lab all day if this chat is meant to be more private.

Jade stared down at the phone and cocked an eyebrow. "Hm... us?" Shrugging her shoulders she wasn't really sure what she was supposed to say back. I would really like to see you in private but depending on when I may be busy. Just let me know and we'll see what's going on. With that she slipped her phone back into her pocket and took Poseidon into the pasture to roam free.

Archer watched Jade walk to Poseidon, he watched her hips and but as they swayed while she walked. It was then that Archer remembered to text Adela. "On my way, where are we meeting?" He made his way to the end of the drive way before checking his phone again.

The response came about five minutes after he sent his text: Left the charger outside Jace's place last night. Just got out of the shower, I'll get dressed and walk over there.

Archer responded and made his way off towards Jace's apartment. It didn't take him long to get to BotO Streets of Athens Harbor.

"So now will you come with me?" The voice was newly familiar and while the words came easy, they were not arrogant. Behind her, Teos leaned in the entryway to the barn. He was a short distance from her now and appeared to have no intentions of approaching her. After last night she might not like him very much, but it had taken all of thirty seconds last night to know where this day was going, at least as far as her promise went, but it wasn't his place to go blurting out the future every chance he got. Still, there was no guarantee she'd go with him now that she was free for a little while, but he figured it was at least more interesting than what was going to happen if she met Dorian while he was with Tilly and Cash, and he didn't know Jade fully yet but he did know she liked interesting things. He waited patiently, shoulder still against the doorway to the barn, arms crossed, and a little frown that said she had his attention but he wasn't annoyed to have to wait for her consideration. Last night was a bit of a mess, but he was very glad they weren't dead. What happened after... He had tuned out after Jade got to her bed. He counted stars to keep his mind off it. She, they all, had a right to privacy.

Jade glanced back at the barn entrance from where she stood, one boot propped up on the bottom rail of the fence. She had cleared her mind on her morning ride and was extremely calm considering what had happened the night before. Chewing on her bottom lip for a moment she stared at Teos, considering her options. What did she really have to do besides clean her already spotless house? Inhaling deeply she let her foot slip to the ground before nodding her head. "Just let me change and get cleaned up a bit and we can go. You have my full attention until Archer texts me." She clasped her hands together in front of herself as clicked her teeth together, hoping this was a good idea. "I'll meet you on the front porch in... 15 minutes..." She turned and started heading towards the house, her mind racing with thoughts of what he wanted to show her. She also wondered if her new roommate had heard them last night. She'd woken up early this morning and left Archer in her bed but she knew they hadn't been quiet or discreet. Teos didn't seem like the kind of man who would bring that sort of thing up though. As she stepped up onto the back porch she took off her boots and set them by the door before padding inside to change and wash up.

"Lucky me," Teos muttered sarcastically after Jade left him, referring to her gracing him with time 'until Archer texts her'. He frowned, a little disquieted that Jade was having that level of dependency on someone. She always seemed so independent and free willed- except when it came to her old friends. It felt a little like chains, to him anyway, and he hoped it wouldn't affect what they were about to do. It didn't feel like it would, but her future was hazy and he didn't like to think on it more than he had to. The glimpses he got... weren't pretty. He loved his family dearly, but he couldn't imagine giving up doing something he loved just because they called- or in this case texted- but maybe he could show her that. Jade was going to be a goddess of the sea, she was going to have one third of this planet as her domain, she couldn't afford to need people around. He sighed and pushed off the doorframe to make his way across the lawn and around the house to the front porch. He had already taken up a plain tee and swim shorts, so he only needed to wait for Jade to be ready. If he was anything, it was patient though, so if Jade needed to be in control of what happened when right now, he was willing to slow to that pace. He was somewhat jealous of her dependency, albeit indirectly. He didn't want to be dependent, but he did wish he was close to at least someone in their family like she was to Adela and Jace. He froze mid-stepping onto the porch. Thinking of his family sent a pinprick into the corner of his mind's eye. A familiar place- Sophie's- and a semi-familiar face he hadn't met yet. His eyes, unseeing but a little wider with concern, turned to look directly toward Sophie's diner though it could not be seen from Jade's house. Oh no... Gods be damned- He groaned internally. She was... his niece? Yes, if he remembered correctly. Yet to meet and still he felt this was just like her, her timing somehow perfect to be inconvenient. As long as she didn't find anyone, it should be ok...

Jade appeared then, stepping through the front door in capri jeans, a flowing blue halter top and flat slip on shoes. It was a rare occasion that she was in actual clothes and not her usual diving suit. "Hey..." She smiled softly at Teos as she closed the door behind her. Now that she had a roommate she decided to lock the door behind her in case he had any valuables. "Are we ready to go?" She wasn't sure what he had planned but she was at his disposal for the time being. She felt this time away would be good for them. On the one had they really hadn't taken any real time to get to know one another and on the other he had a lot of explaining to do about last night. She checked her pockets to make sure she had her wallet and cellphone and nodded. "I'm ready if you are."

He certainly hoped she was. Rather than saying anything, he put his niece to the back of his mind for now, keeping the occasional check on her, nodded to Jade and motioned for her to follow him as he started down her drive. "It'll take a while to get to the beach. Why don't you go ahead and ask me some more questions," Teos offered as they walked. "I promise, I'll be a lot more helpful now that it's just you and me." He offered her an easy smile. Yes, he had been frustrated last night, but that was his problem. He didn't want to talk to Archer yet, that guy could kill him. He needed Jade to keep his head cool. Plus it would be a lot easier to explain, and help, with abilities one on one, instead of having two completely different things happening at once. Not that they would understand that. How childlike it was of them, to insist they all three go, or not at all. He wasn't a danger to them.

Jade followed along side Teos in silence for a while, collecting her thoughts, deciding which questions she wanted to ask first. She was still unsettled from the night before. Not as emotional, she had calmed down quite a bit, got her nerves under control but she was still extremely confused. "You realize this isn't easy right?" She giggled softly, her playful side coming out awkwardly. "I mean... I've got possibly a million questions and no idea where to start." She stuffed her hands into the back pockets of her jeans as they walked. "I guess... let's start simple... These..." She waved her hand around his body. "Like you, yours it's a beautiful gold... What exactly are they and why can I see them? Why me? What's... what's so frickin special about me?" She sighed softly, clearly frustrated again and shook her head as she gently bumped into him as they walked. "And then all this about me being from some... great ruler... what's that crap? You have any idea how crazy you sound? No offense but... I barely know you."

Teos chuckled right back, letting her ramble out her questions and making sure she was waiting for an answer before he gave one. Or, in this case, a few. "I have an idea of how crazy I sound, yes," he began. "And you are special for the same, or a very similar, reason your friends are special. That 'thing' you are seeing is an aura and you could say, to an extent, it is the mark of a god. Or goddess, if you prefer I separate that out. All of you will come to perceive them, in your own way, in time, you just happen to see them. It's an aura and it is like an ethereal birthmark. It's harmless, it just marks you as different. Look at your own-" He carefully reached out and touched the palm of the hand she had used to motion at him, making sure he didn't startle her, and guided it so she would look along her arm. "Try this. I want you to think of the ground. Earth, dirt, the desert. Thank of hot sand and lack of foliage. Watch it. Then, once you see, think of the ocean... Think of the creatures and the life that stirs there. The waves and the depths, the cool stillness and the churning power. Let me know if you see anything. I can feel it, but tell me what you see."

Jade tilted her head to the side as she listened to him. She wasn't quite sure about what he asked her to do but she drew to a stop and inhaled deeply. "Alright then..." Only instead of just imagining those things like he asked she took it a step further. She faced him and held her hands out in front of herself. She inhaled and exhaled deeply a few times before she imagined herself down at the docks, the salty smell of the ocean surrounding her, the feel of the wet spray of the waves hitting her face. Then she was diving only it was a free dive, no gear, no gloves. Just hear and water. The cool wetness surrounded her as she dove, her goggles shielding her eyes as fish of all kinds passed her by but it was the coral she was looking for. The feel of it, the roughness, the sponginess, the softness, the sliminess. Each kind has a different texture as she ran her fingertips over them. She did this for several long moments before she met Teos's gaze again but when she looked down at her arms it was like she was still in the ocean. It was the same sea-foam green of the ocean she dove in every day. "What... I don't... I don't understand." She struggled slightly with what was happening as her eyes flickered back and forth from her arms to Teos.

Teos had stopped as well and was smiling down at her fondly, letting her take it in for a moment. "You want to be in the ocean," he said, as if it was obvious, and it should have been. Jade loved the ocean, she knew that. She just didn't know she belonged there. Yet. "Come on. This is barely the beginning." He took one of her hands in his own and continued their walk, hands cupped together, not laced, as he led the way to boto the beach.

"The ocean..." Jade sounded distracted as she looked at him. "that does sound nice." Smiling she allowed him to grab her hand and lead her to boto the beach.

---

Luke slammed the door of his truck and sighed. The damage caused by the fire meant that it would be a while before he could live in his home for a while. He looked up at Jade's home, glad he had somewhere to stay at least. He turned and moved to the back door of the truck and opened it, watching with a small smile as his two dogs jumped out and began to run round. "Ok boys, lets head inside and pick a room." He said as he pulled Jade's keys from his pocket and headed for the front door, shooing the dogs inside before he disappeared in after them and closed the door.

Fifteen minutes later, a dark gray Prius pulled into the driveway and a young man with glasses and a light amount of scruff on his face stepped out and looked around, paying keen attention to the buildings on the property. Once he appeared satisfied, he speedwalked up to the door and knocked.

A few moments later the door opened only enough that Luke could peer out but the excitable dogs behind him couldn't escape. He looked at the man and blinked. "Uh..yes?" He asked not sure who he was.

The man raised an eyebrow and straightened his back but did not seem particularly surprised to see a stranger open the door. "Ah, hello. My name is Nathan Kerr. Are you one of Miss Sachiel's new tenants?"

"Yeah..well..sort of..I'm a friend that she's helping out so I don't know if I'd be classed as a tenant. She said I don't have to pay her so I don't know what I'd be classed as.." Luke answered with a small shrug before looking slightly embarrassed that he had talked so much. "What can I help you with?"

"Well, I was actually going to pay a visit tomorrow, but I heard that there was a housefire nearby and I got worried...Is Jade home?" Nathan adjusted his glasses before standing on tip-toe to try and look around Luke and see if anyone else was there.

Luke pulled the door more firmly against his side, a little shocked by the forwardness of this man and how he tried to peer into the house. "No..no one else is around, just me. And the housefire was mine, that's why Jade's helping me out. It's been dealt with though so no need to worry.."

Nathan narrowed his eyes suspiciously at Luke's action. "I see...I'm very sorry about your house. May I come in?"

"Why?" Luke asked quickly as the dogs behind him began to bark and bounce around excitedly. "I told you no one else is here. I just got here."

"Well, to be entirely frank, I was going to keep an eye on you. At least until I get in touch with Miss Sachiel," Nathan rocked back on his feet for a moment before apparently coming to a decision, "but you don't know me any better than I know you, so I won't push the matter. I will, however, stay here on the porch while calling her, if you don't mind?"

"Keep an eye on me?" Luke repeated looking shocked before he seemed to look himself over. Do I look suspicious? He wondered before looking back at Nathan. "Call her if you must but she seemed to be in a meeting at work so she might not answer..I mean seriously I've known her for years. She gave me her keys to get in!" He continued before sighing and rubbing his forehead. "Fine come in, whatever..its not like my day could get any worse. And if it'll show you I'm not a threat then ok.." He grumbled then stepped back, quickly grabbing the collars of his two dogs before they could escape.

Well...apparently reverse psychology works even by accident. Duly noted. Nathan gave a wry smile as he stepped into the house and took the seat that was closest to the front door as he removed his phone from his blazer pocket. "Thank you. And your name? To confirm with Miss Sachiel who exactly is in her home at the moment, of course."

"Luke Michaels.." He answered a little sharply as he struggled to kick the door shut before he could finally let go of the dogs who instantly rushed to Nathan, jumping up at him and sniffing him enthusiastically. "I hope you don't mind dogs.." He said as he folded his arms and watched the other man. "They're harmless.."

"Ah, no," Nathan grinned reflexively at the big furry welcoming committee, holding out the hand that was not holding his cell phone for them to smell, "just their teeth." Once the dogs seemed satisfied, he gave one a scratch behind the ears while dialing Jade's number...and then immediately felt guilty and started scratching all the others behind the ear, one at a time as he put the phone to his own ear. When the phone went to voicemail Nathan pushed his glasses farther up his nose before leaving his message: "Miss Sachiel. It's Nathan Kerr. I am at your house and there is a man here by the name of Luke Michaels that says you've given him a key to stay here as his house has burned down. Please call me back to confirm this information." Once he hung up the phone and put it back in his pocket he eyed Luke again. "...Do you know who else will be living here, Mr. Michaels?"

"Uh no.. And I don't see how that's relevant or important. This is Jade's house and she can have whoever she likes here." Luke replied firmly. "Why exactly are you so interested in her tenants anyway?"

"I'm her realtor. Although, admittedly, probably not a good one. I should have mentioned it when you said you don't have a house, anymore. Would you like a business card?" Nathan already started reaching to take one out, if only to prove who he was.

"No its fine.." Luke waved him off. "I plan to rebuild my home so I'm not in the market for a new one thank you." He added finding it strange that a realtor was this concerned about his clients. "Jades letting me live here until it's done so I'm fine." He straightened up as he continued to watch Nathan. "Can I get you anything?" He asked unable to control his polite nature despite his annoyance at Nathan's need to confirm his identity with Jade.

"No, no, I'm fine," Nathan waved off the formality as he held out the card for Luke to see before putting it back in his pocket and continuing to pet the dogs, "I do know a few construction people, though. Although, most of them are the people that helped Miss Sachiel build this place, so she probably still has their contact information for you."

"Thanks.. I'll be sure to ask her." Luke answered as he leaned casually against the wall. He cleared his throat and glanced around the room feeling a little awkward. What were you meant to do with a guy who was suspicious of you? 

Nathan tapped his foot as thoughts of what to say or do now went through his mind. Then a question occurred to him, causing his foot to still and his head to tilt towards Luke: "Have you even met any of her other tenants? Since you've only started living here today, I mean."

"I only got here fifteen minutes before you did so no, haven't had a chance to meet anyone yet, let alone actually pick a room to stay in." Luke replied with a small frown. "From what I heard from Jade it's all guys. That's all I know so far."

"So she hasn't mentioned if she's known any beforehand like you..." Nathan's brow furrowed and he gave Luke a stern look. "If you are who you say you are...and everyone else living here is a stranger to Miss Sachiel, of course, you will keep an eye on them?"

"Well yeah of course. I'm not going to let anything happen to her. But I can't be here all the time. Most of my day will be spent up on my farm.. I still have to work." Luke replied as he watched Nathan. "I really don't think you have to worry. Jade knows how to take care of herself and I'm sure she's carried out some kind of check on these people."

"And I trust her judgement. But you can't exactly expect me to trust the judgement of every person that walks in that door nor the judgement of whatever two-faced friends or money-hungry relatives they might have," Nathan replied, his voice firm, "with all due respect, whether or not you are who you say, that does include yours."

"Excuse me?" Luke blinked before he straightened up, his frown even deeper than before. He wasn't usually one for anger but this man just kept talking and saying these ridiculous things. "OK who do you think you are saying things like that? Jade's one of my closest friends, I would never do anything to hurt her." He snapped. "Are you trying to piss me off?"

"IF YOU'VE BEEN HER FRIEND FOR SO LONG, THEN..." nostrils flared as he inhaled before continuing at a more professional volume, "then I'm certain you're a decent person. But, again, that says absolutely nothing about your own judgement of others." Nathan's jaw was set as he readjusted his glasses. "If you would bother to listen to the words coming out of my mouth, you'd have noticed I never said you would hurt her. Not directly. Meanwhile, I'm sitting here waiting for confirmation of your identity and asking you to keep an eye on a very kind person who you insist is your friend. So don't be an idiot."

Luke had pinched the bridge of his nose as he tried to ignore Nathan but at his last words his eyes shot open and he looked at the other man, his expression full of rage. "Don't be an idiot.." He repeated slowly. "I've just had the worst kind of morning.. And you.. You come here with that attitude!" His voice grew louder and louder and it seemed like all the anger that had been locked up inside possibly for a very long time was suddenly spilling out. "I don't know you, so if anyone needs to confirm their identity its you! What's your deal?!" He growled before suddenly striding over to Nathan and grabbing the front of his shirt in his fist. "Are you really who you say you are?"

"Your morning is not my concern at the moment," Nathan already knew that he was going to regret that even as he spat the words out. Well, if Jade ever called back and said this man was indeed a friend of her's, at least. "What is my concern is my client's safety. I have a business card, a State ID and a Drivers License, what's your preference? Does your phone have internet capabilities?" he asked in a saccharine-sweet voice that ended with a hiss as he grabbed the wrist of the arm pulling him forward, blunt nails indenting Luke's flesh.

Luke growled before suddenly dragging Nathan to his feet. "Get out!" He shouted then threw him towards the door. "And get in your car and leave!"

Nathan dug his heels in--which really did little other than leave scuff marks on the floor--and gripped tighter on Luke's wrist: "The hell I will! This ISN'T YOUR HOUSE!"

"GET OFF ME!" Luke snapped as he tried to wrench his wrist free then without thinking he drew back his free fist and swung it round, striking Nathan in the face. He huffed heavily then suddenly froze, realising what had he just done. "I-I'm sorry.." He said quickly. "I'm really sorry.."

And with that pause in the chaos, it was the perfect time for the phone in Luke's pocket to buzz with a phone call, Haidee's name on the caller ID.

Luke jumped then quickly fumbled for his phone, his wide eyes fixed on Nathan. "Uh.. H-hello? Haidee? Sorry..This isn't a good time.. Can I call you b-back.. hey are you OK?" His last words were directed at Nathan as his heart raced quickly in his chest.

The shock of getting hit was what caused Nathan to let go of Luke's probably-bruised-by-now arm, but aside from that the bespectacled man only took a couple steps back and shifted his jaw before--the other guy answered the phone. Well, that was anticlimactic. Really, the apology did not even register with Nathan until after Luke started talking to someone else, and it as probably a good thing the interruption happened...but the fact that Nathan was very aware of his aggressive tendencies and trying to be better--that he ought to be thankful for the opportunity to cool off and, on some level, is--does not negate the fact that he was itching to throw a punch of his own. And that itch was still there, now a burning frustration being nagged into the back of his mind by sensibility as he reclaimed his seat before waving a hand dismissively at Luke's question: "Just pissed. No permanent damage."

Meanwhile Haidee was already going off in Luke's ear despite what he had said and despite that someone else was also talking to him. "Thank goodness! You're alright! Natalie said there was a fire and I was worried you'd gone home and are the animals alright? I hope your dogs are ok! I'm so sorry about your house, is there anything you need? Do you have a place to stay? Is it bad? Is there anyway I can help?" She sounded like she was having a little trouble breathing and her questions came out in a flood. A shaky breath fluttered through the phone. "I'm sorry, I was just so worried I... I'm sorry. Yes, another time, you can call, I'm just so glad to hear you're ok..."

"Y-yeah I'm fine.. Everyone's fine.. But I.. I just hit someone." Luke replied, the shock obvious in his voice. Please don't call the cops.. He thought as he continued to watch Nathan. "I'm at Jade's.. I'm staying at Jade's..I.. Oh.. This is bad." He groaned then held a hand up to Nathan. "I'm sorry OK.. But you wouldn't stop talking!" He said to him as he kept the phone to his ear.

"Yeah, I'm quite well-known for that," Nathan admitted as he tenderly patted his cheekbone and the muscles below with his fingertips, "my co-workers call it 'conversation'. Most of my friends call it 'blabbering'. There is no mute button, by the way. You might have asked instead of trying to hit one."

"......... I'm sorry." Haidee obviously couldn't hear Nathan talking. "I just wanted to make sure you were ok. This.. this was a bad time, I'm sorry. I'll go. Do you need me to call an ambulance for you? I can do that when I hang up." If he'd hit someone and was worried, clearly that person was injured. Hopefully it wasn't bad and Luke was over reacting. She hoped his truck was ok.

"Call an ambulance?" Luke repeated slowly then suddenly frowned guiltily as he realised what she had thought he had meant. "No.. No I punched someone." He said softly "But he's OK..im gonna get him some ice." He said then held a hand up again to Nathan to tell him to wait then turned and moved into the kitchen and quickly wrapped several cubes of ice in a cloth which he then carried back to the other man and offered it to him.

Nathan quietly thanked Luke before taking his glasses off, tucking the arm into his shirt collar, and gingerly putting the ice to his cheek.

"You punched someone?" The words were distracted, as if she was trying to even comprehend the sentence. Luke didn't punch people. He was the sweetest man alive. "What on earth for?"

Luke glanced at Nathan then turned away from him, dropping his voice so he couldn't hear him. "This guy just showed up, and said he's Jade's realtor. Started saying all these things about how he had to check my identity with Jade, making me look suspicious. So much has happened already this morning, my head was spinning and then the next thing he called me an idiot and I snapped, told him to get out, he refused and wouldn't let go of me and so.. So I hit him." Luke gulped and hung his head in shame. "I'm sorry.."

"If it helps any, you can say I was being annoying and I did fully intend to punch you back," Nathan piped up, not hearing Luke's explanation but gathering that there was some tension with the person on the other side of the line over the situation.

"Sounds like my realtor Nathan Kerr. I thought he was one of a kind but I guess not from what you're saying. You and Jade are best friends, doesn't she have a picture of you in her house somewhere? And your ID? Isn't that enough to show you are who you say you are?"

"He wants Jade to verbally confirm it." Luke replied with a small sigh before he glanced at Nathan over his shoulder. "I wish you had hit me back.. I might not feel so guilty then.." He commented before returning to the phone. "I don't normally hit people Haidee.."

"Yeah, but the phone rang," Nathan pointed out, "besides, we're both guilty, either way."

"I know. I know you wouldn't... Do you know where Jade is? Maybe you could go talk to her? Face to face is even better than a phone call. Oh, but I guess you have a lot of work to be doing right now..."

"She's down at the marina, I've already been down there this morning." Luke replied deciding not to say why he had been there. "She had people there so I don't want to disturb her again. Probably business or something. As for work..not today. I was told I had to stay away from the farm today whilst they secured the building and made it safe so I guess I have a day off.." He paused. When was the last time he had been able to say that? He took a breath. It didn't feel as relaxing as it should. "It'll be ok. He left a voicemail with Jade so once she hears it I'm sure she'll call back." He continued then suddenly blinked as he realised something. "Wait..you know him? He's your realtor..I wonder.." His voice trailed off and he suddenly turned pressing the button for loud speaker as he looked at Nathan. "Mr Kerr..I believe you know my friend Haidee..Haidee.." His tone pleading. "Tell him who I am."

Nathan raised an eyebrow at Luke. Yes, he did know a Haidee Kathryn. But he was not going to supply that information so freely, not while Luke's identity was still unconfirmed to him. He did, however, hold out the hand without ice palm-up to take the phone if "Haidee" agreed to speak with him.

"Mr. Kerr? Nathan??" Haidee clearly just picked up on it too. "Nathan, it IS you?? Oh my- What are you doing there? What on earth did you do to make Luke punch you?? You must have really been too much this time-"

"Hello, this is-" Nathan's introduction was cut off as Haidee was already talking to him, "yes, Miss Kathryn, it's me. I heard there was a fire near another client's house and wanted to make sure she was alright. Yes, well, it seems I've caught your associate on a bad day. Happens to the best of us, really." He directed that last sentence as much to Luke as it as to Haidee, since the man seemed so apologetic.

"Bad day? Nathan that was his house! You're unbelievable!" Haidee's soft but stressed voice cut off as she sighed. "And stop with the 'Miss Kathryn', please? Just call me Haidee. Listen... Nathan... That's Luke Michaels and he's a dear friend of Jade's. I just had lunch with them both yesterday. She's really not going to be happy you pushed him to this point- Luke's a gentleman and he wouldn't have hit you unless you were very rude. Were you very rude, Nathan?"

"He did mention that..." Nathan admitted with slumped shoulders and glanced towards the Luke-shaped blob that he could see without his glasses. "Thank you very much for confirming that Mi--um. I mean Haidee. Thank you. ...I would prefer the term 'insistent', but...I guess from a certain perspective...yes?"

"Really you are too much sometimes! Please apologize to him, then give the phone back. And try to be nice! I know you can be." There was a smile in the last few words as she tried to encourage him. Nathan could be overwhelming but he was enthusiastic about his job and very good at it. She had thoroughly enjoyed the home hunt with him.

Luke had watched Nathan talk to Haidee for a few seconds then turned and headed back into the kitchen. He felt exhausted by this day and it had only just began. He sighed and moved to make two cups of tea which he slowly carried back into the hall and tentatively offered one to Nathan with another quiet "Sorry.." before he set it next to him, noticing his hands were full with the phone and cloth of ice. He stepped back, his hands wrapped round his own mug as he waited for the result of Nathan and Haidee's conversation.

"I figured I would have to apologize if he turned out to be...well...him," Nathan admitted with a wry smile before wincing at how the expression pulled his cheek, "I'll try. In the meantime...please, Miss Kathryn--Haidee. I don't think I can take any more surprises today. You aren't suddenly relocating or taking in strangers, are you?" His tone was mostly a jesting one, but there was a notable undercurrent of strained worry.

"Of course not," Haidee assured him, her tone gentle and still smiling. "You know I would tell you."

About ten minutes later Jade's dainty feet could be heard running up the path, then the porch as she burst into the house. Her chest heaving up and down, cheeks flushed, eyes red from all the crying she had been doing. On her way home she'd tried to keep it together but even Teos's pep talk hadn't helped. "Luke! Nathan!" She was sweaty and gross and definitely didn't feel the greatest after the morning she had had either so all she wanted was to see Luke and make sure everything was okay.

Luke looked up quickly at Jade, his face still full of guilt. "Sorry Jade.." Was his first words before he glanced at Nathan. He took a small step back until his back hit the wall, looking down at the ground as if he were a scolded child.

All at once Nathan's expression seemed infinitely more relaxed and yet so much more tired. "Yes, of course. Thank you very much for that. Would you like to speak to Mr. Michaels, now?" He glanced to the door at the sudden noise, but could only recognize Jade by her voice without his glasses, "Miss Sachiel?"

"Oh good, Jade's there. No, you can go ahead and hang up. I just wanted to make sure he's ok after what happened to his house... Please just let him know I'll talk to him later, if he wants. And Nathan? It's also good to hear you're doing well. Try not to get into anymore trouble, ok?" Her laugh was small and quiet but there. "Bye for now." A soft click indicated she had hung up.

Jade stood in the middle of her open from door, chest heaving as she caught her breath. Those long runs with Jace helped to keep her in shape. Her eyes flicked back and forth between the two men. Nathan had an ice pack and Luke was apologizing. "So it's true... you hit someone..." She couldn't help it, the laughter that just started bubbling up in her chest. She didn't know if it was from shock, amusement or just all the events from today crashing down around her but she suddenly started laughing hysterically. Bracing her hand against the handle of the front door so that she didn't fall over she stood there, unable to talk or breath for several moments as she tried getting herself under control.

Luke's eyes shot up again at the sound of her laughter and he blinked in surprise at Jade. A small smile spread across his face and a small chuckle erupted from him. He clapped a hand over his mouth as he looked apologetically at Nathan, unable to stop the sudden flow of laughter that followed, Jade's own laughter obviously infectious. "I'm..Sorry.." He breathed through his chuckles. "I actually hit you.." He wiped his eyes and set his cup aside before he moved to Jade and gave her a sudden hug. "I hit him.."

Nathan's eyes widened a little at Jade's sudden fit, but did not seem offended, actually letting out a slight chuckle himself before looking in Luke's direction and holding the phone out to him. "I'm sorry, too. I was being very rude on a very bad day," he took a moment to clear his throat and motioned as if about to adjust his glasses before remembering they were not on his face, "I mean, I wouldn't be sorry if you turned out to be a burglar or something, but as it stands: I am. Also, Miss Kathryn says she's glad you're ok and she'll call you back later."

Jade was finally able to get her laughing fit under control. She sniffled, wiping her tears from her eyes. She gave a small sniffle and she her head. "I need a drink..." She mumbled as she patted Luke's chest, not embracing him in return for the first time... ever. Stepping out of his arms she headed towards the kitchen and grabbed a small glass. She looked through her liquor stash, fully aware of what time it was, before picking up a bottle of whiskey. She poured herself half the glass, returned the bottle to its place and put a few ice cubes in it before returning to the front room with the men. She took a drink before asking. "So what happened?" Her eyes were red and full with unshed tears as she watched them, needing to move forward with this, clearly the laughing hadn't done her much good.

"Nathan was just..um..very intent on confirming who I was." Luke replied with a small smiling glance at Nathan. His laughter had quickly died when he felt Jade's refusal to hug him back and the quick slip away from his arms. But one look at her and he knew something was wrong. He would let her have a moment before he showed his concern though. "Things got a little heated and before I could stop myself..BAM! I hit him. I've never hit anyone before."  

"I have. Trust me, you don't want to make a habit of it," Nathan made a face like he just bit into an extra-sour lemon, "of course, I've also recruited Mr. Michaels into keeping an eye on your new tenants, since he's an old friend of yours. Speaking of which, Miss Sachiel, who are your other tenants? Old friends? New friends? Nomads?"

Jade swirled her whiskey around in her glass before taking another drink of it. "Tenants, lets see there's Teos, he was first, complete stranger but he seems like a good guy. Archer, I've known him since high school... made a big mistake with him last night... huge fuck up." Jade, who never cursed... ever, or drank for that matter, was doing both, in front of two people who knew her fairly well, one of which was one of her best friends. This ought to be good. "Oh then there is Ate... goddess of mischief. She seems like a blast, literally." Jade rolled her eyes as she finished the rest of her glass and set it aside. She looked up at Luke and sighed heavily. "I'm sorry you hit someone, but it's comical, you're such a sweet guy that... it's so out of character. Nathan you must have really stepped over the line."

Luke hadn't really heard much of what Jade had said after she had spoke of Atë. "Wait.." He said with a small chuckle as he rubbed the back of his head. "We're living with a goddess?" He joked as he watched Jade with a smile. "Ok..who is it really? Or are you just trying to lighten the mood or something. I mean a goddess..good one Jade."

"Well, she is drinking..." Nathan points out to Luke--assuming that Jade's emotional state was somewhat compromised and the "goddess" bit was just an expression--before addressing the homeowner with an incredibly stern expression for someone who could not even see her face clearly: "Soooooo a trouble-maker, then? Is that really wise, Miss Sachiel? Also, this 'mistake' with your old friend, would that be a personal matter I should leave be, or a safety issue I need to take care of?"

"For the love of god, Nathan, call me Jade." She groaned and shook her head. Leaning against the wall, she slowly slid down it until her butt hit the floor with a loud 'thump'. "And wise? Probably not but entertaining yes." As he asked about Archer her reservations were slipping as was the noose around her tongue. "Probably both..." She turned her attention to Luke as tears welled up in her eyes, shame and disappointment in herself clear as day. "I slept with him... I was dumb... so dumb... I should move away. It's little towns like this that people string you up and pick sides and stuff like that right? I'm never going to be able to go into my own lab again... Dorian's going to hate me forever..."

"Hey now, stop that.." Luke urged as he hurried to her side and quickly knelt beside her. "He's not going to hate you forever. I can tell that however the events of last night came about, they were unplanned and you would probably change it if you could, right? Just sit down and talk to Dorian.." He said in a soothing tone before he shifted to wrap an arm around her shoulders and pull her close to him. "Make him see how much you regret your actions. No one could hate you forever Jade."

Nathan came as close to scowling as he could with the ice on his face at Jade's words of "entertaining yes", but the expression almost immediately softened with her teary voice. He set down the rag of ice beside the teacup Luke brought, stood up and walked--carefully to prevent tripping--to what appeared to the unoccupied side of Jade, opposite the blur that must have been Luke. "Miss--Jade. Since this is an emotional issue...you do make very good choices in who your friends are. Everyone makes mistakes, and people might be hurt by them, but I am certain your friends would be mature enough to forgive and move past it," Nathan rubbed the bridge of his nose before continuing: "That said, if anyone intends to run you out of town over something so juvenile, they'd have to get through me, first."

Jade nodded at Luke question. God if only she could change it. Go back in time and redo one split second in last nights judgement. "Talk to him... If he'll let me. I tried earlier but we were interrupted but... I'll try again." She sighed heavily, leaning her head back against the wall. As he wrapped his arm around her shoulders she leaned into his embrace, relishing in his warmth and brotherly support. "How do I make him see that though?" Jade turned to look at Nathan and smiled as she reached out to help him steady himself. She grabbed his glasses off the front of his shirt and placed them back on his face. "Thank you, you guys... I really... really appreciate this. You have no idea how much this means to me..."

"Hey you know I'd do anything for you Jade. You're my best friend." Luke smiled gently. "Invite him over later OK.. Or maybe ask him to go for a walk. Make him understand that it will never happen again." 

Nathan was squatting beside Jade by the time she put his glasses back on his face, causing him to blink at the sudden clarity of vision and give her a thankful smile. "Very sound advice," he nodded to Luke, "this is a private situation and it would be best if you both could turn your full attentions to the conversation. Now, about that trouble-making one..."

Jade leaned against Luke easily, feeling relaxed and comfort for the first time all day, well except while she had been riding. She would do that, call Dorian or text him later and see if they could go for a long walk. She knew she'd promised her day to Archer but... this was important. She had to fix this and soon. Her eyes rested on her friend as she smiled softly. "Nathan, I am fine, especially now that Luke will be staying here. And Teos... he'd never let anything happen to me. He's not actually a stranger. I found out today that he's my uncle, which is awesome! I'm perfectly safe. I promise, you don't have to worry."

"Your uncle seriously?" Luke asked in surprise before shaking his head. "A long lost uncle huh? So the goddess thing was a joke.. No other tenants apart from me, Archer and your uncle?" He asked playfully as he glanced down at her, arm still wrapped comfortingly around her.

"An uncle you just met?" Nathan scowled as deeply as he could without the pain in his cheek being unbearable. "Doesn't that seem a bit suspicious? Have you heard about him from any other relatives? Where has he been all this time?"

"Technically... but there is a female tenant. That is mischievous." Jade offered, not wanting to get into the whole... god thing at the moment. Taking a break away from that world at the moment was what she wanted. She had shared an amazing moment with Dorian in the ocean and she wanted to remember that as the last good time in that 'world'. "Nathan, you are exhausting sometimes... You just need to learn to trust sometimes. We both know that no one can get a hold of my money. So I try not to worry about, you on the other hand worry about it too much. Please just... let's relax for a bit?"

"A Mischievous female housemate.. Should I be worried?" Luke joked lightly. "I'm sure she's a lot of fun. And I think you could use someone like that around for a while so try to make friends. And Nathan Jades right. You really are worrying to much. She's safe here so you can relax." He said to the other man in reassuring tone.

Nathan sighed at the mention of Jade's money. "Yes, I suppose you have a poi--wait, what? What kind of 'mischievous'? No criminal background or unscrupulous characters, right?"

"No, nothing like that. We just both have our... playful sides." Jade smiled softly and shook her head. Though lately Jade hadn't seen hers shine except early while she was in the water... with Dorian. Her smiled brightened slightly at the memory and she shook her head. "Thought I haven't been myself lately, have I?" She looked up at Luke and frowned slightly. "Sorry..."

"Hey don't worry about it OK? We've all been a little distracted lately. Things have been strange around here.. I don't know what's happening. Maybe we're all being controlled by some other force.." Luke chuckled lightly then leaned forward and kissed Jades forehead. "Come on. Let's get up and I'll try and rummage us up some lunch. Nathan.." He said looking at the other man. "Care to join us?"

Nathan did not look fully satisfied by Jade's description of this "mischievous" new roommate, but he decided to let it go for now. After letting out another, deeper sigh, he looked to Luke. "If it's no trouble."

Jade got to her feet with little difficulty and picked up at her empty glass. She didn't regret her decision to have a drink. No it had taken the edge off her pain which is what she had needed for now. It didn't make her forget like the ocean was sure to do. Which isn't what she wanted, she deserved her pain, that she knew but at least it didn't feel like her chest was being ripped open anymore. She inhaled deeply and flashed Luke a quick smile. "I'll make us some punch..." Her famous punch, she decided as she headed towards the kitchen.

"Sounds good..now what do you have that it is easy to cook and there's no risk of me burning it?" Luke asked playfully as he followed her into the kitchen. "Sandwiches maybe? I don't think I could mess that up right?" He asked as he moved to the refrigerator and opened it up.

Standing up from his squatting position and walking towards the kitchen, Nathan frowned slightly at Luke's self-assessment. He did not mind sandwiches, they were simple and quick to make and it was not his house or groceries after all, but... "Don't you own a farm?"

"Yeah, I grow all manner of fruits and vegetables. That however does not mean I'm good in the kitchen. In fact I'm terrible." Luke laughed. "Haidee said she'd teach me how to cook.." He continued before suddenly realising he should call her back. "Jade I need to make a quick phonecall. Nathan will make you lunch." He said with a glance at the other man before he grabbed for his phone and hurried from the room, dialling Haidee's number as he did and waiting to see if she answered.

There were probably two or three more rings than he would like before Haidee picked up."Hello, Luke. Is everything alright?"

Jade was in the process of mixing her orange sherbet ice cream with 7-up soda when Luke said that Nathan would make her lunch. She cocked her head to the side in a playful manner while stirring the contents in her large glass pitcher. "Does no one think I can make my own lunch or something?" She asked in a curious manner, clearly teasing them.

"I can't imagine being surrounded by so much food and not wanting to learn to cook it," Nathan admitted before shrugging and taking Luke's place at the fridge. He rocked back and forth on his feet a couple times before taking out a block of cheese, a package of mushrooms and some kale. "No comment," he smirked at Jade, "where do you keep your onions?"

Jade finished stirring her punch and got down three glasses. She poured them each a glass before setting the pitcher in the fridge to chill. At Nathan's question she pointed to her walk in pantry. "You'll find all my veggies and non perishables in the pantry. Luke stocks it every month so I should be good."

"Ah, thank you," Nathan set the mushrooms, kale and cheese on the counter and went into the pantry, looking around for a moment before taking down an onion, a clove of garlic, the cooking oil and a package of tortillas. He put those on the counter as well before taking out a knife and cutting board, washing his hands, and then peeling and chopping the onion.

Jade sipped her drink as she walked over to the back door and peered out at her horses prancing around in the pasture. Their lives are so simple, they run around enjoying themselves all day, sure they get into a fight with each other but they move on because it was something simple. She taped the nail of her thumb against the side of her glass as she stareed off into space. It was odd not being at work today, not out in her wonderful ocean that she loved and cherished so much. How had that happened? She sighed softly and shook her head as she looked down into her glass before taking another sip.

"Hi Haidee.." Luke answered quickly as if suddenly surprised she had answered. "Everything's fine.. I-I just wanted to call you back and see if you were OK? I didn't get to ask or say goodbye so.." Wow that sounded a little desperate.., He thought with a small groan.

"I'm... fine..." Haidee replied slowly and there was a moment of silent hesitation before she continued. "Luke, I'm really sorry about earlier. I didn't mean to rush off like that, it was very rude. I felt bad enough but then I heard about your house and I can't help feeling like this is some kind of karma for being so awful to you when you're so nice and sweet and-" Another pause, and when she continued she seemed to calm down a little. "I just.. don't want you to think it was your fault. You're wonderful, Luke," she said, the words soft with sincerity. "I'm sorry if I made you think otherwise."

"It's OK.. You don't need to explain." Luke answered softly. "I was a bit much.. But don't worry. I'll back off. I don't want to make you uncomfortable..We can be friends, OK? He said as his chest ached slightly and he sank down to sit on the bottom step of the stairs. "You're a good person Haidee..I don't want to lose you."

"Yeah... friends..." was that disappointment in her voice? No, it couldn't be, the upward turn of her lips could be heard in the next words. "Would it be alright if I come help with your morning chores tomorrow?"

Once the onions were chopped, Nathan did the same with the mushrooms. He then took down a grater and a skillet, setting the skillet on the stovetop and pouring in some oil before turning on the burner. While the oil was heating, he set out two tortillas and started grating the cheese. When the oil started to shimmer, Nathan stopped grating and scraped the onions and mushrooms off the chopping board and into the skillet.

Jade glanced over at Nathan as he cooked and smiled slightly, shaking her head. Her brown hair shook around her shoulders as she watched him. "You just make yourself at home, don't you?" She gave him a teasing smile. "I'm going to change out of these wrinkled clothes. Let me know if you need help finding anything." Jade went down the hall to her room and closed the door quietly behind her. She quickly stripped off her ocean water stained clothing and threw them in the hamper before changing into a fresh pair of panties and matching bra, blue flannel shirt and a pair of cut off shorts. She finished off the outfit with a pair of worn cowgirl boots that clicked against her hardwood floor as she stepped out of her bedroom on her way back towards the kitchen.

Lukes heart sank at her confirmation of just being friends. Of course that's all she wants from you. He thought as his shoulders slumped. "Oh yeah of course..that would be good.." He answered in reply to her question. "I'll meet you at the farm.." He looked up as Jade passed by in her fresh clothing and gave a weak sad smile to her before gulping and looking away. "I'll be there just after sunrise.."

"You said you're staying at Jade's? I pass it on the way to your farm. Would you maybe... We could meet at Jade's and walk over together.. if you want?"

"Oh.. Sure that sounds good. I'd like that." Luke replied softly. "So.. I'll see you in the morning then?" He asked after a moment of uncertainty as to why to say.

"I look forward to it," Haidee agreed and the smile in her voice was crystal clear. "See you then, Luke."

"I look forward to it.." Lukes smile warmed slightly and he found himself hesitate when it came to saying goodbye. "Haidee.." He bit his lip as his heart started hammering in his chest. "I.. Uh.. I need to ask you something.." He asked slowly. "You can be honest.. But I need to know.." He gulped and for a few seconds there was nothing more than silence as he worked up the courage to talk. "Do you.. Do you think we.. That we could.. You know...ever be more than just friends?" His voice was barely a whisper as he uttered those last few words and his mouth felt suddenly dry.

The silence following the question went on so long, it almost indicated Haidee had hung up, but there was no dial tone and the phone showed that the call was still in progress. After nearly a full minute, Haidee said three words, as quiet as Luke's question had been but more a mix of sadness and hope than anything close to the nervousness he exhibited.
"I hope so."

Luke had seemed to hold his breath for the entire time he waited for her answer and with every second that passed he felt more and more dread. But then she spoke. Three wonderful little words making his eyes widen and his smile brighten considerably. "Me too.." He said his tone much more hopeful. "I've never felt this way before about anyone Haidee. But if you don't want to rush that's OK..im just happy knowing you feel the same.."

"I'm flattered." The underlying shyness that sometimes tinged Haidee's soft spoken, calm voice was back. "Let's just... focus on the work tomorrow, ok?" She was clearly nervous, but the smile hadn't left her voice. "I'll see you then," she tried to bid him farewell again.

"Oh yeah..see you tomorrow.. Bye." Luke smiled then finally lowered the phone and ended the call. She likes me! He thought and was unable to hide his grin as he remained sitting on the stairs. "This day just got better.."

"I'm sure I can manage," Nathan reassured Jade as he minced garlic, pausing to stir the skillet every once in a while. Once the onions and mushrooms begun to brown, he put the garlic in and started rinsing off the leaves of kale.

After a few minutes of silent excitement, Luke jumped up from where he had been sitting and moved to the front door. "Just stepping out for some air!" He called to Jade and Nathan before he opened the door and stepped out onto the porch. He took a deep breath then stepped over to the rail and leaned his hands on it, smiling up at the sky.

Jade's eyebrows rose at Luke as she glanced over at Nathan. Shaking her head she opened up the french doors of her back porch to let the ocean air in and sighed softly. "I'm not sure if I'll ever be able to thank you enough for helping me with this... A ranch right next to the beach... it's my dream come true. Not many people get that in their lives..."

Nathan was tearing the leaves off the stalks of kale and mixing them into the skillet as Luke walked out, giving a hum in acknowledgement. He glanced briefly towards Jade, but quickly brought his eyes back to the food as he answered her: "It was my pleasure, Miss Sachiel. Finding people the places that truly make them feel at home...at peace...it's why I do what I do."

"Jade." She corrected easily before sipping her punch. "Nathan, you aren't my realtor anymore so this formality is kinda old." She cocked her head at him as he worked. It was silly how he kept up at it while he worked in her kitchen chopping and cooking but he used her name formally. It made no sense. "I mean... seriously, you're moving around my kitchen as if you own it but using my last name, it's dumb... Please..." She looked at him pointedly, hoping she'd gotten her point across to him as she moved to lean against to door frame.

"Sorry...Jade," Nathan gave her an apologetic smile as he moved from stirring the skillet to layering cheese onto the tortilla, taking out a second one and putting cheese on that, as well. "Force of habit..."

"It's okay I'm just the least formal person in this town." She leaned her head against the frame of the door as she saw some dark clouds rolling into the area. "I didn't think we were supposed to have any bad weather..." She muttered offhandedly. "I'll be back in a few minutes. I want to bring the horses in so they don't spook if it gets nasty." She set her cup aside, "Luke! Will you help me with the horses?"

Luke shifted his gaze to where the horses where then pushed himself up to stand straighter."Sure!" He called back to Jade then moved from the porch and down the steps. He smiled as he approached the horses and held his hand out to them before flinching when there was a low rumble of thunder. "I don't remember anything about a storm on the weather report earlier.." He said with a frown.

Meanwhile, back at the house where Nathan was still cooking, soft thumps indicated feet on Jade's porch as Teos returned to his temporary home. Knowing the door would be open he turned the knob and entered without knocking, making sure it was closed before continuing into the house. Finding Nathan in the kitchen he smiled kindly. "Hello, do you know where Jade is?"

Nathan was layering the mixture onto the cheese when Teos arrived and looked up with a suspicious expression: "Who's asking?"

Oh right, they don't know him in reverse. He forgot that sometimes. He stuck out his hand, stepping over to the other man in the kitchen. "Teos Steinico," he introduced with the same friendly smile. "I'm one of Jade's new tenants."

Nathan took Teos' hand, but only gripped it briefly. "The...uncle?"

Teos' smile brightened a fraction and he nodded. "That's right. It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm sorry I didn't contact you when I came to town, I had already seen Jade's offer in the paper." He turned his head a bit to look out the window toward Jade and Luke working to put the horses away. "She's very kind, opening her house to others."

"Uh-huh...And, uh," Nathan readjusted his glasses, "how, exactly, do you know who I am?"

Teos looked away from the window to raise his eyebrows a little. "I've been looking into moving to Athens Harbor for a while, I'm familiar with a lot of the available realtors," he explained almost as if it should have been obvious. "Not that there are many. It's a fairly small town. Or were you under the assumption your work was covert?" he half teased, then chuckled.

"Ah..." Nathan gave a short nod before continuing to layer the mixture and covering it with more cheese, then the top tortillas, "I apologize. I tend to be on the suspicious side when it comes to my clients..." He glanced over to Teos as he took down another skillet: "Would you be joining the rest of us for lunch?"

"If you are offering, that would be very kind of you, and I thank you for the invitation," Teos replied with a little nod then took a seat at the table, watching Nathan cook with a relaxed smile. Jade would be back soon. "If you're worried, you can ask me whatever you like." He held his hand out in welcome. "I have no secrets."

Well, if that was not an invitation to jump right in, Nathan did not know what would be: "How did you know about your niece? Her existence, I mean." The bespectacled man did not even look up from cooking the quesadillas.

"My father told me," Teos replied honestly, not even a ghost of a twitch at the question. He wasn't lying after all. "I've seen pictures." Mental pictures. "My father cares very much about his family. He would tell me that no matter how far apart a family may be in the world, they would always be there for you if you sought them out. So, he told me I should come see her and the others. It's been wonderful getting to know her. She's a strong young woman."

It didn't take Jade and Luke long to get her small herd round up and into their stalls where they were safe, fed and water. "That should do it." She said just as a crack of thunder jolted the through the area. She sighed heavily and shook her head as she ushered Luke out of the barn and closed the doors behind her. "Come on, let's head inside before we get dumped on!" She ran towards the porch in a hurry but didn't stop until she crested the door of the kitchen. She gave a soft huff as if catching her breath. She noticed Teos sitting at the table and smiled slightly, crossing the room she planted a soft kiss on top of his head. "Teos, hello. Care for some punch?"

"I haven't had mine yet!" Luke said as he skid into the kitchen, only just managing to stop himself toppling over as he came to an abrupt halt on the tiles. He quickly closed the door behind him then moved to grab the glass that had been earlier poured for him. He turned to look at who Jade had greeted and recognised Teos from the marina earlier. Maybe it wasn't a work meeting I was interrupting then. He thought, with a slight feeling of relief before he moved to the table and sat across from Teos, offering him a polite smile before he took a sip of his drink.

"That would be lovely. Thank you," Teos replied once Luke was settled. He took Jade's hand to give it a light squeeze before letting go, the relaxed smile never leaving his face. It was good she wasn't alone and he was here to comfort and support her as much as she may need as well. As the other two sorted out the drinks and food he turned to Luke. "I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name earlier." Also not a lie. He caught it a long time ago. He held out a hand. "Teos Steinico. I'm one of Jade's new tenants and distant uncle."

"Luke Michaels.." He replied in return as he took Teos's hand and shook it lightly for a moment before letting go and wrapping his hand round his glass once more. "I guess that makes us housemates then. Jade's offered me a room here after..well after I had some issues at my farm." He said as his smile weakened slightly. "So..are you here on business or just to reconnect with family?" He asked politely after a moment of slight awkwardness.

"He says he has other relatives here in Athens Harbor," Nathan chimed in as he served up the quesadillas on four plates--half a quesadilla each.

Jade hid her knowing smile with behind her glass as she met Teos's gaze. With a soft shake of her head she moved across the room to pour Teos a glass of punch as well. Setting the glass down in front of him she took up the chair next to him and sat back comfortably.

Teos shared a knowing smile in return to Jade and nodded at the question. "Little bit of both, actually," he replied to Luke but in a way that indicated he was speaking to Nathan as well. "I'm.. the executor of estate, in a way. Estates, really, more plural. I have several family members I need to see and speak to. Your.. farm. Did you need any help? With the issues, that is."

"Oh thanks but there's not really anything anyone can do." Luke replied as he watched Teos. "There was a fire..my home was badly damaged.. Well completely destroyed actually so I just have to rebuild it." He gave a small shrug as if it was OK, but the pain in his eyes said otherwise. "So.. An executor of estates huh? Is Jade about to inherit a lot of money with the other family members?" He joked with a small laugh. "Lucky them..I could use a little inheritance right about now.."

A mysterious inheritance? From a distant relative? How much does Jade know about this? "I was unaware your roots in Athens Harbor were so deep, Miss Sachiel," Nathan remarked as he set the four plates down in front of the intended recipients.

"Jade," she corrected as her hand snaked across the table to pat Luke's in a reassuring manner. "And my family has been here for generations but it has nothing to do with money. I don't need any more money." She sighed as she glanced around. Her grandfather had seen that she was well off at the time of his passing and she had barely made a dent in her savings. At the sound of rain, Jade pulled her hand back from look and stared out the window, frowning slightly. Strange...

"Greece," Teos added his own correction to Nathan. "That's where the family is from." More directly to Luke he continued, "Jade didn't inherit any money, I'm afraid, just something infinitely more precious, and, I'm very happy to say, has accepted it wholeheartedly." He gave Jade a fond smile, letting his sincere joy show that she had taken to it so well. "I actually met with Dorian Kasen this afternoon as well and briefly with Archer Mitchel last night. There are many others I need to speak with. It will take some time to speak to each of them individually."

"Wait.. What?" Luke replied with a confused expression. "Jade isn't related to Dorian or Archer.. How can they be included in the inheritance?" He asked with a raised eyebrow before glancing at Jade. Was this some kind of joke? "Next your going to say Nathan and I are related too. Yeah like I just punched my cousin or something.." He joked with a small chuckle.

Nathan was already planning on calling Dorian due to Jade's breakdown, but now he was concerned for more than his client's emotional state. "I was unaware that so many of my clients were related." He adjusted his glasses before passing out forks.

Teos nodded in confirmation before accepting his fork with a quiet 'thank you'. "To you as well," he clarified, pausing to think about it. "And you are cousins, Luke." He waved a free hand as if to dismiss it. "That's an over simplification of course but counting the degree of separation really is more of a hassle than it's worth. Jade would be your.... niece. Again, very distantly. And it's not an 'inclusion' in the inheritance. You each receive your own. Jade can't share hers any more than I can share mine, and neither of you can share yours. That can all wait, however. Thank you for the food, Nathan. It looks wonderful." He set about carefully separating his portion into bite sized pieces with the edge of his fork. It was done with surprising ease considering the blunt edge.

Jade stared at Teos for a moment and shook her head. "Teos..." She said, half whispering and half sighing. The way he said things sometimes was more confusing then was necessary she thought. He may be used to that way of thinking but coming into Athens Harbor and just spouting off that they were all related wasn't going to work. She glanced around at the two men knowing they were going to jump on that piece of information.

Luke gave a short awkward laugh as he looked between Jade and Teos. "I really don't understand this joke anymore.." He said as he seemed to forget about the food for now. "I know I don't have any relations here in town and I think I'd know if Jade was my niece.." He joked though he still looked between them with an awkward smile.

Nathan was in the habit of waiting for everyone else to try his food before he started eating whenever he was cooking for other people. Upon hearing what Teos had to say, though, he set down his fork. Rocked on his heels. Took a deep breath. Adjusted his glasses. "Forgive me for the assumption, but it seems you were including myself in that. Even if you weren't, your father must have access to a lot of personal information--which apparently Luke doesn't know about. How vast is this family tree? Everyone is some sort of distant cousin to any other human being. But you said 'niece'." The last word ended in a hiss as he rocked on his heels again, considering every angle he could imagine, any situation that could make sense. Jade trusts this man?

"I did," Teos agreed, giving Nathan another nod. He set his fork down as well. They weren't going to let him eat. That was ok. "And I did specify it's a very distant relation with many degrees of separation. No, Jade is not your brother's daughter or your sister's daughter, or anything close to that, nor are you Jade's father's brothers or her mother's brothers. It's very distant and my father has spent many, many years researching it, and shared all of that research with me. I assure you, we are related. It's not a joke, Luke," he added, once again speaking more pointedly to him. "And there is nothing to be concerned about. I'm not trying to say you've inherited a million dollars from a dead relative, or some spooky property in a long forgotten town off the beaten track. It's just a fact like any other, such as the sky is blue from refraction or grass is green from the presence of chloroplasts." He paused, then smiled apologetically. "I am not a scientist, I apologize if that was incorrect. I am not certain why it makes you so uneasy, but I assure you, there is no reason to be."

Jade say quietly by as she listened to the three speak. She could tell it wasn't going well and that her friends would soon worry for her safety. Outside there was a loud crack of a bolt of lightening followed instantly with a loud crack of thunder. She jumped out of her seat, knocking her chair over, her heart racing. "Sorry... I uh..." She didn't know why but deep down she knew she was the cause of the ocean storm. She could do that? Wonderful... Blinking rapidly she righted her chair before glancing around the room. "I'm going to get some air, I think..." Without waiting for a response she hurried out the back door onto the covered porch and inhaled the damp air.

"Wouldn't you feel uneasy if a complete stranger started talking about how you and all your friends were related in some way.." Luke replied before looking over at Jade as she stood up and hurried out. "This just doesn't make any sense to me." He continued after a moment before sighing and rubbing his forehead. "Alright.. Let's say I actually believe this.. If I haven't inherited money, what exactly have I inherited?" He finished with a raised eyebrow as he looked back at Teos.

"Facts require proof, Mr. Steinico. If I recall freshman physical science correctly, that is what separates them from theories. Either way," Nathan looked towards Luke at this point, trying to advise the other man as subtly as possible, "I'd like to see some evidence of your father's conclusions, first."

"Ate will have that..." Teos answered but he wasn't looking at them. He was watching Jade's retreat with a bit of a frown. He turned back on the other two, addressing them both. "And no, I wouldn't feel uneasy. I was grateful when a complete stranger told me I had a dozen family members I would someday get to meet following the death of the entire family I once knew and loved." For the first time, his gentle tone was gone. He was making eye contact. He hadn't quite lost his patience of course, but he wanted them to know that this wasn't some joke to him. This was his life too, and he valued his family greatly. "I am grateful my father saved me that day. Please excuse me." He stood and followed Jade outside. He could explain in more depth to them later but the storm was getting bad and he was growing concerned that either Zeus had found them or Jade was trying to bury something deeper than it should really be going. It was better to find out sooner than later. "Jade..." he started gently as he stepped outside. He placed a hand on her shoulder, tilting his head a bit to indicate he wanted her to look at him. "This is quite a storm... How are you feeling? I'm sorry if that is stressful for you, but I suppose it's not as easy to accept when you haven't seen a minotaur... but I would rather the others not have to see one to understand this." His hand slid away from her shoulder to rub her upper back soothingly. "If it is.. anything else..." He didn't want to press her so he refrained from saying it out loud. "You know you can talk to me."

Jade inhaled deeply as Teos placed his hand on her shoulder. It took her a moment to turn and face him but when she did, she frowned deeply. "I'm feeling a lot of things Teos... None of it is rainbows and butterflies though, if that's what you are asking." She nodded her head in understanding. Her and Archer had come to find out about things a bit unconventionally so she could see why Teos would want to steer clear of that again. Plus, who wanted another minotaur running around? Her bright green eyes closed for a moment as she took in a deep breath. "I'm not a Goddess or a robot... I can't just turn off my feelings. I'm trying... trying to push them aside or... bury them I guess so I can move past it but it's not working. I never got to experience heartbreak in college because I never dated and the first person I care about and... potentially love I screw it up bad time." A bolt of lightening and crack of thunder hit simultaneously causing her to jump as she fought back her tears. "Stupid storm..."

Teos, however, might as well have been standing in the sunshine for all the storm ruffled him. He gave Jade a gentle smile and shook his head. "Jade.. I assure you, there is no goddess that has ever turned off her feelings. Do you know anything about Hera? She alone is a testament to that." Pulled her gently into a hug, holding her against his chest as he continued rubbing her back. "I told you before, Jade. Your power does not lie in your strength to confine yourself, but in the passion of your emotions. Let. Yourself. Feel. That is who you are, and letting others throw up walls around that is only causing you pain. Do not let them try to control you that way. You are strong, and you are powerful. You can fight if you let yourself. If you want to stop trying for something, let yourself stop trying. If you want to fight for it, fight for it. Do not let yourself feel guilty for being yourself. You are wonderful, it would be wonderful as well to see you embrace that."

Jade wrapped her arms around Teos as he pulled her against his chest. He felt sought comfort in listening to the rhythm of his heartbeat as he spoke. She listened to him without interruption until he paused and then nodded her head. She didn't know if it was really what he meant but she took it to heart and she decided she was going to fight for Dorian and if in the end he tossed her aside and told her he didn't want her then she would stop fighting but until that happened... she would fight. She inhaled deeply, giving him a tight squeeze before lifting her head off of his chest. "So... don't bottle things up?" She cocked her head to the side a bit before smiling at him. "Some would say that I'm too passionate, you know? But I get what you are saying... I think. At least most of it." She smiled more openly at him now and kissed his cheek. "Wonderful huh? Well that's nice to hear, thank you... Now you know you've backed yourself into a corner in there right?"

Teos gave a long suffering sigh. "I did," he admitted sulkily. "I really did. But! I did promise Nathan I would be honest and that I had nothing to hide. If they choose not to believe me, well.. I have a lot of the proof they were asking for." He smiled at her, kissed her forehead, then finally released her. "Are you coming back in or do you want to remain out here a while?"

"This is crazy right? I'm not overreacting?" Luke asked Nathan in a quiet voice as he glanced towards the back door that Teos and Jade had disappeared through. He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "My head hurts.." He groaned. "This day has just been too much..I mean my heads in a spin with Haidee and then my farm and then.." He suddenly stopped and looked up with wide eyes. "Oh shoot! The farm..The horses.. I gotta go." He jumped up and raced towards the door, throwing it open and running out. "I have to go!" He said hurriedly as he dashed past Teos and Jade and jumped down the porch steps into the pouring rain. "I forgot.. How could I do that? I put the horses out to run this morning." He looked guiltily back at the pair as he fumbled in his pockets for his truck keys, his clothes already soaked as his hair dripped down into his face.

"Yes, very crazy. No, you aren't." Nathan reassured, rocking on his heels again as he considered the implications of the woman that Jade described as a "goddess of mischief" being the person that Teos cited for his proof. He nodded sympathetically at Luke's headache and the various events of the day that caused it, only to jump a bit in alarm when the man ran out of the room. Nathan was about to follow him--if only to keep an eye on Jade and Teos, since the fact was he had no experience with horses or farm work--when his phone rang. He checked the caller ID to find that Risk's office number. Professional greeting it is, then: "Nathan Kerr speaking."

"Good afternoon, Nathan, it's Risk. Do you have a moment to talk? I have a potential new client for you I want to discuss." Risk's voice, as always, flowed smoothly through the phone, confident and cheerful. Nathan would be able to almost feel Risk leaning back in his office chair and propping his feet up on his desk.

"Yes, uh, yes, of course," Nathan leaned against a counter, still mentally reeling from all the sudden topic changes. "Buying, selling, renting...?"

Risk's smile was audible in the phone. "Renting, for a business. She wants to open a dance studio." he said, remembering his conversation with Madison. "Her name is Madison. She's Jace's younger sister, you remember Jace, don't you?"

"Mr. Carter, right? One of the first clients I didn't get through you..." Nathan hummed thoughtfully, "I didn't realize he had any siblings in town. A dance studio, though?" Like brother, like sister, he supposed... "Does she want it close to her brother's location? Or hasn't she said, yet?"

"I think I'll stay out-" Jade was cut off as a distressed Luke darted out of her back door and fumbled to get his keys out of his pocket. He was yelling something about horses. "Oh no... Luke do you want my help!?" She called from the banister of the porch.

Luke looked up at Jade, his hand wrapped round his keys now. "You don't mind? If there's two of us we can get it done quicker..I just know they're going to be panicking.." He called to her through the rain and howling winds. "You.." He suddenly looked towards Teos. "You can help too if you like.."

Teos' smile might as well have split the clouds it was so glad, though he did manage to keep it reserved so he didn't look like a mad man. "I would be happy to!" he replied. "Jade, go ahead and sit up front. I'd like to ride in the back of Luke's truck. I'm soaked with sea salt, the rain might do me some good." He laughed and motioned toward the truck, a gentle hand on her back guiding her to take the lead.

"She hasn't quite specified a desired location. But there will be plenty of opportunity for you to discuss that with her at my yacht party on Friday. You're invited, Nathan, and don't say no." Risk said playfully into the phone.

Jade smiled and nodded her head. "Of course I don't mind!" Giggling she glanced at Teos, pleased by Luke's invitation. She clapped her hands together when he agree and trotted down the steps excitedly. "Awesome!" She quickly crossed to Luke's truck and hopped into the passenger side. She laughed softly once she was in the dry cab, hair dripping wet, clothes plastered to her body. It was really coming down outside. But Jade was the last person who would complain about a little water.

Luke ran to the drivers side of the truck and quickly climbed in, wiping the water from his eyes as he did. "Alright everybody in?" He called as he glanced in the mirror to check on Teos. Once he was confident the other man was ready he started up the engine then pulled away from the house, driving the short distance to BotO Luke's Farm.

"Did you really think I was going to?" Nathan replied with a slight grin, still leaning against the counter and oblivious to the fact that he was now the only person on Jade's property.

"No," Risk said with an aloof shrug on his side. "But I thought it wouldn't hurt to nip the rejection in the bud." He laughed lightly through the phone. "The yacht party is this friday afternoon, around two. You know which dock is mine, right?" he asked.

"Unless you've up and swapped it for another," Nathan chastised playfully before adjusting his glasses and peering out to see if anyone was on the porch--he had not heard the others in a while... "Madison Carter, right? Are you planning to introduce me to her, or does she bear a striking resemblance to her brother? Knowing you, she won't be the only woman on the yacht."

Risk laughed again, light and honest. "Indeed not," he agreed, "You'll also get to meet my new assistant, my dear Lena. She is wonderful, a regular ball of sunshine. I'm also looking to invite plenty of other people, so please feel free to invite a few of your own friends as well." he said generously. "There will be plenty of food and drink for everyone."

"I already have a few people in mind," Nathan admitted as he came to the conclusion that yes, he has been ditched. Oh, well. Best to cover up the quesadillas, then. Where did Jade keep the plastic wrap...?

"Excellent! I have a few more calls to make, then. It'll be a ball of fun." Risk smiled into the phone. "I'll see you tomorrow afternoon then, Nathan. Have a good evening."

"See you then." Having found the plastic wrap during the call, Nathan hung up his phone and set to work covering the food, then washing the utensils he used in cooking.

When the food was wrapped, the utensils washed, and everything was put away, Nathan checked the time before writing a quick farewell note to Jade, Teos and Luke, letting them know that they were invited to Risk's yacht party and where and when that would be. Placing an egg timer on the note as a makeshift paperweight and putting back the pen and paper he borrowed, he then went back outside, stepped into his car, and drove away.

---

"Home sweet home.." Luke said as he pulled his truck to a stop outside Jade's horse. "I guess I'm going to be saying that for a while.." He smiled over at Jade before he moved to open the door and climb out. "Lets get inside and out of these wet things. I'll go and run that bath I promised you."

"Luke you really don't have to do that... I'm a big girl." Jade teased as she climbed out behind him. She closed the door and gave his side a soft poke. "And you are welcome here as long as you need. It'll be nice having you around." She reached out and gave his hand a small squeeze, her smile not quite reaching her eyes as she headed for the back door that they had left open.

"Just think of it as a way of me saying thank you for saving my behind more than once today." Luke chuckled as he grasped her hand and led the way towards the door, kicking his boots off on the porch so as not to trudge water and mud through the house. "It might even extend to a foot rub later..and during that you can talk more about whatever's hurting you. Don't tell me there's nothing..you can't hide anything from me. Even if I can't fix it, I can listen. Take some of the weight off your shoulders Jade." He smiled softly at her then stepped into the house. "Alright..lets get cleaned up first, then order the food!"

Jade cleared her throat, nodding her head gently. "Sure, Luke... we can talk." She followed suit, kicking her boots off next to his and following him inside to the kitchen. "Well Nathan's gone..." She noticed his note and padded over to read it with a frown. "Hmmm... we're all invited to Risk's yacht party, interesting..." She licked the rain water off of her lips before turning to Luke and shrugging her shoulders. "You should invite Haidee." Her first instinct was to call up Dorian and invite him to go with her but she realized she couldn't do that anymore. Her chest tightened painfully, causing her to brace herself against the counter.

"I'm not really sure spending a night at one of Risks parties is for me..We aren't exactly best pals." Luke replied as he began to unbutton his soaked, mud splattered shirt before stopping when he noticed her actions. "Hey what is it?" He asked softly as he moved to her side and put a hand over hers.

Jade attempted to smile, to brush it off as it didn't matter but the smile never came. She just couldn't do it. "My first instinct was to pick up the phone and call Dorian to see if he wanted to go with me but... I can't do that anymore." Her entire body began to tremble as tears rolled down her cheeks. She turned into Luke, burying her face in his chest.

"Oh Jade.." Luke said softly as he wrapped his arms round her and hugged her tightly. "It's going to be ok I promise." He kissed the top of her head as he stroked the back of her hair in a comforting fashion. "You just have to give him some time to deal with what happened then I'm sure he'll want to talk to you."

"Time to hate me." She mumbled against his chest, her fist tightening in his shirt. "He has every right to." Jade couldn't remember the last time she'd cried this much, oh wait, yes she could. When he grandfather passed away and left everything he had to her. But this was a different kind of pain all together one she didn't like feeling at all. She took in a few deep breaths and shook her head. "A drink sounds great right about now... but you're right... let's get cleaned up first." And back up went the wall.

"Come on." Luke said softly as he wrapped his arm round her shoulders and steered her carefully towards her room. "We'll talk more later, but just know, no one could ever hate you Jade. I wouldn't let them." He smiled lightly down at her then led her into her ensuite bathroom. "Alright let's pour you a bath.. Then I'll use one of the showers." He smiled again then moved to the tub and began to fill it with water.

Jade leaned against the doorframe and watched him move around her bathroom comfortably. "Wouldn't let them huh?" She sniffed softly, wiping her tears away. "I'm not sure it works that way sweetie but thank you. You have no idea how much this means to me." She had expected to hear from Archer by now but he seemed to be busy with Adela and her family. That was okay with her though, she wasn't sure she could deal with him right now.

"Hey what are friends for?" Luke smiled over his shoulder at Jade before he turned his attention back to the bath and swirled some bubble bath into it. When it was finally full and perfectly bubbly he straightened up and turned towards Jade. "Alright. I'll leave you to soak whilst I grab a shower, get all this mud scrubbed off.." He chuckled lightly.

Before he could leave the bathroom Jade stood on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek. "Thank you." Smiling she gave him a gentle shove towards the door. "Now get out so I can relax for a few minutes." She gave him her first genuine smile that she had all day. It would be nice living under the same roof with him for a while. Like a constant sleep over.

"I'm going, I'm going!" Luke chuckled as he held his hands up then stepped out of the room and headed towards the stairs that led up to the other bathrooms. He gave a heavy sigh as he closed the door behind him then peeled out of his mud soaked clothing which he dumped in the laundry basket. Stepping under the hot shower he took a deep breath and closed his eyes, allowing the water to soak over his tired muscles. After a few minutes of silent soaking he shifted to scrub his skin clean and wash his hair, only emerging once the water was running completely clear. He stopped though and groaned heavily at the realisation he had no clean clothes..or any other clothes for that matter. "Great.." He mumbled as he reached for a towel and wrapped it round his waist. "Maybe Jade can help me.." He crept from the bathroom and back towards the stairs, hoping to go unnoticed by anyone else that might be in the house but as he reached the bottom step, the front door suddenly opened and Ate stepped in ahead of Teos, laughing slightly at something he had said. She paused though when she spotted Luke and a playful smirk spread across her lips as she tilted her head at him.

"I uh..I don't have any clothes to wear.." He said awkwardly as he clutched the towel more tightly round his waist.

"I'm ok with that little field mouse.." Ate teased with a wink.

"We're all family," Teos assured him as he shook out the umbrella on the porch before folding it and leaning it against the doorframe outside. "But if you would like, I have something you can borrow." He removed his own shoes and left them outside as well before stepping in and closing the door. "Ate, are you staying with me or did you want to pick a room?"

"Staying with you silly, I don't like to sleep alone." Ate replied as she looked over at him with a smile.

"Uh..yeah clothes would be great, thank you. I'll wait upstairs for them." Luke replied still feeling awkward before he turned and quickly headed back up towards his new room.

"Skittish little thing isn't he?" Ate commented as she watched him go before stepping further into the hall and stretching. "Alright take me to your room."

"As my goddess commands," Teos proclaimed and promptly lifted her into his arms, holding her to sit on the crook of one and carried her upstairs. The room he'd claimed was the back most corner of the house, he hadn't really wanted to be in anyone's way, and he had unpacked his singular bag of possessions but only in the vaguest sense of the term. The bed was rumpled in a way that said he slept on top of the covers and the door to closet was left ajar. He unceremoniously dropped her, harmlessly, onto the bed before he went to the night stand and rummaged around for a moment. When he emerged again he had a plain t-shirt and jeans. "Be right back," he said, giving her a kiss to her hair before striding out of the room to find Luke in one of the others. When he did, he held out the clothes with a reassuring little smile. "You'll get used to us in time," he assured him. "Don't worry if that's not today."

Luke took the clothes somewhat tentatively from Teos but gave him a grateful smile. "Thanks..Just let me sleep on it ok. I'm sure I'll be ready to get to know you more tomorrow when my head isn't totally upside down right now." He said then took a small step backwards. "I'm just going to get dressed.." He gave another small smile then turned and closed the door behind him, leaving Teos alone in the hall.

Teos rolls his lips. Well, he knew a dismissal when he saw one. He turned away and walked back to his own room, tugging off his shirt once he was inside and the door was closed behind him. "I'm going to follow their example," he informed Ate. "Wet horse is a less than pleasant smell."

"Uh uh.." Ate shook her head as she stood with her back to Teos, casually peeling off her own wet clothes. "I want to shower so you'll just have to wait. You'll just have to smell like wet horse for a little while longer.."

Strong arms wrapped around her torso and Teos smiled against her neck. "Why don't we share?" he suggested. "Surely you haven't had someone bathe you in ages, wouldn't it be nice to have someone take care of you again so you can simply relax?"

"Oh well who can resist an offer like that?" Ate purred as she smirked sideways at Teos before she slipped her hands over his and took hold of them. "Come on then, come pamper me then way you think I deserve."

"As my goddess wishes," Teos agreed with a calm smile of his own and allowed Ate to lead the way to the bathroom so they could share a thorough shower. He could take care of himself fine but he looked forward to trying to offer Ate some semblance of the life she was missing, even if it was only for a short time.

Ate savoured the relaxing feeling of having someone take care of her as she stood under the hot shower. It had felt like forever since anyone had. She sighed lightly and raised her face to the water as she thought over the days events. Dorian's words suddenly broke through about how she should tell Teos about her problems because he would want to help. Maybe that was the right thing to do? But she wasn't sure he could help. She sighed again then opened her eyes. "Teos.." She said slowly. "You know I'm not going to survive this don't you?"

"I know you worry you will not," he admitted quietly as he continued to leisurely wash her arms, stroking along the flawless skin with a quiet reference. "You know I will do everything in my power to make sure will, don't you?" he countered.

“Teos it isn’t worry. I know it. My father has been seeking me out for years to bring about my end but until now I could run, disappear where he couldn’t find me. I don’t have that option anymore; I will not abandon the descendants. And now he has the help of fifteen other gods and goddesses who will all happily destroy me when they find out I am working against them.” Ate replied softly before she turned to face him and touched a gentle hand to his cheek. “You need to keep your focus on the descendants, I don’t want all my hard work to go to waste alright? They must succeed and that is all that matters. They are your focus." She told him in a firm but soft voice before she stepped past him. "I'm no longer in the mood for this. You finish up showering, you still smell like horse."

Teos grabbed her hand, but only enough to stop her, nothing more. "They have my focus," he told her. "But I can not promise I won't try to save you if you are in danger, because I will. try. Ate." He lifted her hand and pressed a kiss to her palm. "You are my goddess, I listen to your wishes. Who else would come to me in a time like this- I should not have been surprised it would be you, but I was, pleasantly surprised. Thank you for helping me to protect them, my strong, beautiful goddess." He gave her a last smile and let her go, turning his attention to himself. If she was done with him for now, there was nothing he could do. Ate would be the type to come and go as she pleased, take and give affection just as easily as shoving someone away, and he could respect that. He loved her so he could, but that did not make it easy when she chose to do the latter. He would be lying if he said he did not fear Zeus, did not fear for the descendants, but he would rather die trying than let them die so that he could keep running, and he loved Ate all the more for feeling the same.

Ate watched him then smiled softly, taking a step back towards him. She leaned up and planted a gentle kiss on his cheek, before caressing a hand across it. "I am not only here to protect them now, but you also. I will tear this town apart if anyone dares lay a finger on you dear Teos. They will suffer the full extent of my power..and that is a horrifying sight to behold." She replied softly before stepping away again. "I will be back soon. I must speak with Jade." She smiled again then turned and disappeared into their room. She grabbed her underwear and slipped it on before rummaging through his bag and pulling out a fresh t-shirt and pulling it on before finally heading for the bedroom door.

---

Jade stripped out of her clothes and tossed them into her hamper before climbing into the tub to relax. She didn't sit that way for long though before cleaning her body and hair thoroughly. Once she was finished she stepped out of the tub and wrapped a towel around her hair and body. She padded out into her bedroom as she dried off and picked a cute summer halter dress that she pulled on over a fresh bra and panties. After toweling out her hair she tossed both towels into the hamper and headed out into the kitchen where she noticed that the rain had stopped all together.

"Done already?" Luke asked as he stepped into the kitchen wearing the clothes Teos had given him. "Feeling more relaxed?" He asked as he moved to her and leaned against the counter casually watching her with a small smile.

Jade turned from the window to smile at Luke. "More so then I was earlier. Thank you." She looked him over not recognizing his clothes and frowned. "Oh shoot... you lost absolutely everything. I'm so dumb..." She moved to the island in the middle of the room and dug out a pen and pad of paper. "What do we need to buy you? Clothes obviously... what else?"

"Everything.." Luke sighed as he looked down at the paper. "Clothes, underwear, socks, shoes, coats, soap, deodorant, razors, hair comb, dog bowls and food for the boys. I'm probably going to need a new computer to keep on top of the farms paperwork..oh shoot the paperwork." He groaned and bowed his head. "It's all gone..well this is a nightmare." He groaned then leaned back against the counter. "Luckily my wallet was with me so I can access my savings account to buy all of this..and I'll get in touch with my clients and see if they could send me copies of our paperwork."

Jade jotted down what he needed every time he mentioned something. She set the pen aside at his mention of paperwork. "You don't have it backed up on Google Drive or something?" She placed her hand on top of his and smiled softly. "Don't worry about any of it... I've got it. Call it a small gift. I'll also help you get in touch with your clients if you need to." She smiled softly as she squeezed his hand.

Luke gave a small guilty frown and a shake of his head when she mentioned backing up his paperwork. "Thanks Jade..What would I do without you?" He replied as he gripped her hand then glanced over towards the door when he heard footsteps.

"Jade!" Ate smiled widely and waved, masking the serious mood she had been in moments before. "Can I speak with you in your room? Its super important!" She asked making Luke blink at her then look back at Jade.

"I'll order the food.." He told her softly.

"Uh... sure." Jade said as Ate came into the room. She moved around Luke and patted his shoulder. "You know what I like so just order whatever. I'll be back in a minute." She smiled softly at Ate, slipping her arm around the goddesses waist and steering her through the house and into her room. She closed the door behind them with a soft click. "What's up?"

"I have something I want to show you. Something pretty cool.." Ate grinned before she pulled her hand forwards that had been hiding behind her back to reveal something wrapped in a piece of cloth. She carefully unwrapped it to reveal a large conch shell which she eagerly held out to Jade. "Listen!"

Jade stared down at the shell for a moment before looking up at Ate. "All I'm going to hear is the echo of my blood flow or what some people call the ocean..." Her eyebrows knitted together in confusion but Ate's excitement drew her in so she took the shell and held it up to her ear. "What am I listening for?"

"Just give it a second.." Ate replied and watched but after a few impatient moments she raised a hand to the conch shell and drew it away from Jade's ear a fraction before she shouted into it. "Uncle! Wake up!" She let go, allowing the shell to return to Jade's ear, as her smile return. "Listen."

"Uncle..." Jade's mind started putting two and two together quickly. "Poseidon... Ate... what have you done?" Jade's face paled as she stared at the shell for several long moments. But Ate was excited. Not the 'I'm screwing my entire family over' excited but 'here I want you to meet someone' excited. "I don't understand..." Jade said into the shell as well as to Ate, feeling slightly stupid for talking into a shell.

"You will!" Ate whispered as she bounced excitedly on her feet before the shell seemed to suddenly crackle and a distant voice boomed from it.

"Ate my child? Is that you? You know this isn't safe.."

"No..well yes! But I'm not alone!" Ate replied with a wink at Jade before their was a sharp intake of breath from within the shell.

"Is she there?" The voice grew softer.

"Yep! She's hearing you loud and clear!"

There was silence for a few moments before the voice spoke out again. "Jade?"

Jade's looked up at Ate as she inhaled deeply. She nodded her head even though she knew the voice on the other side couldn't see her. "Yes..." This was so strange. She it was like talking on a cell phone but could she really be talking to Poseidon? Was that even possible and if it was... was it wise? Wasn't he supposed to be one of the bad guys?

"How good it is to hear your voice.." Poseidon spoke and the happiness was obvious in his tone.

"I'm gonna give you two a moment.." Ate smiled with a motion towards Jade's closet. She turned and headed towards it, busying herself rummaging through it and looking at the clothes to allow Jade and Poseidon time to talk.

"I'm sure you're wondering what's going on? I wish I could fully explain to you but my time is short..the others will start to suspect something if I do not return soon.." Poseidon's voice lowered even further. "I know you must think I cannot be trusted, that like my family I am only out to destroy you. But I promise you my dearest Jade, that is not the case. You are my most precious thing..The thing I treasure most. My beautiful daughter."

Jade moved further into her room while holding the conch shell, watching as Ate moved into her closet. She really needed to take that woman shopping. "Wait... daughter? But I'm just a descendant..." His words were making her dizzy so she sat down on the edge of her bed. "How am I supposed to trust you or... Ate now?"

"Even with her temper and desire to cause trouble Atë can be trusted more than most Jade. Keep her close, she is your cousin after all. She will guide you through this." Poseidon answered. "As for me, I know I must earn your trust but please believe my love for you is real. I adored your mother but I couldn't risk putting you or her in danger. So that is why I left and you never knew of me. And now I stay here so I might pass important information to Ate if it arises. But I tell you the truth. You are my daughter, your blood is rich with the power of olympus. After Ate you are the strongest, half goddess to the sea." The pride was evident in his voice before suddenly his voice dropped to an urgent whisper. "I must go.. My brother calls for me. We will speak again my child, and hopefully one day soon we will meet. I love you Jade. Stay safe." The conch shell suddenly fell silent and Ate peered out from the closet.

"So.. That's exciting right?" She asked playfully as she stepped out arms full of clothes.

"Exciting?! Exciting... This is... too much..." Jade set the shall aside as she looked up at Ate, arms full of her clothes. She shook her head gently a soft smile spreading across her face. Even after news like that she couldn't help but smile. "Put that back... I'll take you shopping." She inhaled deeply, running a hand through her still damp hair. "So my dad... he isn't really my dad? At least not by blood? Does he know?" She got to her feet and took a few things from Ate leaving her with a pair or skinny jeans and a very cute blouse to wear before taking the rest and putting it back.

Atë pouted as Jade took the clothes back but decided not to argue. A shopping trip could be fun. "No.. To be honest I'm not even sure your mom was fully aware of who your real dad is. And it's probably best that way." She moved to the bed and picked the shell up, carefully wrapping it back in its cloth. "But Poseidon is a good guy I promise. He's been helping me out all these years. Warning me when dad's looking for me and stuff.." She looked back at Jade. "He's been so eager to speak with you."

Jade nodded her head, she agreed that stirring up trouble where it didn't need to be wasn't a good idea. "He seems nice, loving... for someone who's never met me." She turned to look at Ate and frowned slightly. "Does... can he see me? Or... god I mean it's not like Heaven but... am I making sense? Does he know what I look like and stuff?" Now that she knew about him she could understand the eagerness that Ate mentioned. She wanted to know things, learn about him.

"Yeah the gods have ways of keeping tabs on the humans in their own unique way. Poseidons the god of the sea remember? And where do you spend most of your time?" Atë asked playfully with a tilt of her head. "Down at the marina. The sea is like one big looking glass for him so he can watch you when you're near it. Checking in on you to make sure you're safe. He was pretty panicked when you almost drowned the other day. I was so worried he was going to come down here to help you.. That could have been a disaster."

"Oh wow... I guess I never thought of it like that. My entire life I've spent down by the water... He literally got to watch me grow up." Jade felt herself smiling then, her heart warming to the idea. "It's different, knowing your father is a God... but... interesting." She walked over to Ate's side and wrapped her arms around her tightly. "Thank you, Ate. If one good thing could have come out of today, I'm glad this was it. This can't mend my broken heart but it can make me feel a bit better." She buried her face in Ate's neck, sighing softly.

"Wow we're hugging.. Sure OK, I can do that." Atë seemed a little taken aback by the sudden embrace but she allowed it, slowly wrapping her arms round Jade to return the hug. "I'm glad you got to speak with him. You can try and speak with him as much as you like, he might not always answer but he'll try his best." She continued then shifted to look down at Jade. "Do you wish to keep this a secret or shall I inform Teos?"

Jade looked up at Ate with a soft giggle. "Sorry, does hugging make you uncomfortable?" She nodded her head, excited about prospect of getting to talk to him again. "That would be nice but it could also be dangerous to... I don't want the other Gods catching on." She thought about whether or not she wanted to keep this from Teos but didn't know whether it mattered or not. "Um... We can tell Teos but... can we keep it from the others for now... I don't know how they would take it or... what they would say. Teos would know better."

Ate nodded."Sure sounds good to me. I'll let him know the news." She tucked a Strand of hair behind her ear then looked back at Jade with a smile. "Speaking of Teos I should get back to him, just like you should get back to the field mouse. We can discuss this more in the morning."

"Luke, Ate... his name is Luke..." Jade shook her head but the smile never left her face as she led the way out of her bedroom and back through the house. She came up behind Luke and wrapped her arms around his waist, squeezing him gently. "So did you get the food ordered, I'm starving." As if on queue her stomach grumbled, vibrating against his back.

Just then, Jade's phone began to ring. The contact was one she probably hadn't seen call her phone in at least a year, Adela.

"Yeah it should be here soon." Luke replied with a small smile as he stood facing the counter, looking down at the perfectly covered plate of food Nathan had made for them earlier. He felt bad that the guy had went to so much trouble and now they weren't even going to eat it. When Jade's phone rang he pulled himself from her grip to allow her to answer it as he lifted the plate and carried it towards the fridge. Maybe it'll keep until tomorrow..

Jade watched Luke move around the room as she dug the phone out of the pocket of her sundress. Adela's name lit up the screen. "Hmm..." shipping to answer it, she held it up to her ear. "Hey Adela, what's up? How'd breakfast with Archer a deep your parents go?" She asked conversationally.

It didn't, Adela's voice sounded like she was using that professional tone of hers to hold back tears, We're at the hospital, Jace was hit by a car. We haven't heard how he is but it didn't look good when the ambulance took him

Jade's face went white as a ghost as she stood there listening, her end of the phone went silent. Finally she snapped out of it. "What do you mean Jace was hit by a car!" She shouted into the phone. She hadn't meant to shout, not really anyway but the news had come as a shock. Seriously, could this day get any weirder?

After a moment Adela spoke again, He wasn't watching when he went to cross the street and the kid couldn't stop in time. I thought you should know, thought maybe you would want to be here. We're heading inside now to see if we can find Maddy and see how he is.

Luke had visibly jumped at her shout, almost dropping the glass of water he had moved to pour himself. He turned to stare at her, his eyes wide at her words. He knew Jace was a good friend of hers.

"Um... yeah of course... I'll see if Luke can bring me. See you in a bit, Adela. Thanks." With that she hung up and stared across at Luke. "Oh my gods... Seriously..." Jade took a few deep breaths to calm herself. "Could you give me a ride to the hospital? If not that's okay, I'll walk." For the first time in her life she really wished she had a car. Though she'd never really needed one.

---

Ate bounced back up the stairs and into Teos's room grinning widely before she headed straight for him and slid onto his lap where he sat looking out the window. "I have some exciting news." She said as she faced him, her hands resting on his chest. "I let Jade speak to Poseidon! It was so cool!"

Teos, who had been peacefully conversing with the Fates in his head regarding this whole situation, felt a warm elation spread through him when he suddenly found himself with a lap full of Ate, only to have his head shoved into the cold water again by her words. He had a feeling she would be doing that often, every day, forever. "Why did you do that?" he asked levelly, letting his arms reflexively wrap loosely around her waist.

"He asked me to introduce her to him." Ate replied before she relaxed back against him and rested her head on his shoulder. "Jade is different to all of the other descendants Teos. Poseidon isn't a distant relative..he's her father." She smiled lightly. "But to reassure you..he's on our side. He's been passing information to me about anything that happens on Olympus for years. He's kept me alive more times than I can count..so I haven't turned rogue just yet." She chuckled. "Jade wants this kept a secret though. None of the other descendants must know.."

"I had no intention of telling them," Teos assured her as he tipped his head to rest his cheek on her hair. His arms wrapped around her a little tighter, less of a reaction and more of an actual effort to keep her comfortable as he held her close. This changed some things, it had to. His mind ran through the dozens of questions he had asked hundreds of times, checking their timeline as best he could. Nothing had shifted but he felt uneasy, like he missed something. Why would Poseidon produce a new heir? That couldn't be answered. Wait. Did all of his descendants die in the purge? No. The next generation? No. The next? Yes. Ah, there it was. He didn't have one, so he made one when he felt it was safe. But there were still things he couldn't know and that vexed him. "I wish you had told me what you were going to do," he confessed. He still wasn't angry, only concerned. "I wish you could trust me."

"When have I ever said I didn't trust you? I just believed in this situation Jade was rightfully the first person to be informed. This is her life after all..no matter how involved we are, she still deserves to have some degree of control over it. And if she'd told me she didn't ever want to speak to him again or that she didn't want you to know..well I would have respected her wishes..and you would be none the wiser to my actions." Ate replied truthfully as she casually twisted the edge of his sleeve between her fingers. "It's nothing personal dear Teos."

It was. It was to him. She clearly had no idea what this family meant to him and he honestly had no idea how to tell them or show them. Father had said this would not be easy, they wouldn't open up to him as he so wanted to with them, but with no experience of that he was clinging to his patience to let it process before he could reply to things that struck so deep. They didn't do it intentionally, he had to forgive them. He had to. "I respect your decision," he replied finally. "And Jade's," he added.

"No you don't.." Ate sighed as she let go of his sleeve. "I can feel your emotions remember? It's how I work. Not even you can escape that..no matter how deeply you try to hide the..betrayal is it or something similar? But I can feel your want to forgive us..but forgiveness is not something I feel I need to ask for..or Jade. We have done no wrong Teos.." She lightly pulled his arms from her waist and stood up, stretching lightly as she did. "You need to stop overthinking dear Teos..everything is still going as planned."

"You can feel the emotion but you have no idea of the source," he replied calmly. He did not fight letting her go, turning his attention to the window again. He couldn't see her or the view so it didn't matter where he looked. "And you are wrong. I don't want to forgive you, I have to, and you should know well that forgiveness is not one of those things you can ask for and receive, or not receive just because you didn't ask for it, or didn't want it. It is up to the person who feels slighted. They can choose to not forgive you, even if you are pleading for forgiveness, just as they can choose to forgive even when you do not want them to, or feel you have done nothing wrong." He shook his head a little. "I can respect your decision, even if I do not like it, because I am not a child. Respect and forgiveness are different. Want to and have to are different."

"Oh my dear Teos, once again you use so many words!" Ate joked as she turned back to him and smiled. "I'm not sure I will fully understand you..you are an endless puzzle. But..I like you like that. No matter how moody you may become." She teased as she leaned forward and pinched his cheek. "Would it bring a smile to your face if I told you I loved you too?" She asked with a tilt of her head. She hated serious conversations and when she felt they had been going to long she would often try to lighten the mood.

Teos closed his eyes against a flood of memories, but it didn't matter and it didn't help. It made the noise in his ears grow louder. The feelings on his skin that much clearer. Then she pinched him and his eyes snapped open and turned in her direction. Everything suddenly seemed unnaturally quiet. Would it bring a smile to your face if I told you I loved you too? It felt like a lie now, whether it was or not, because she was so flippant about it. She had no idea, or she didn't care, he wasn't certain. What he was certain of was that, if she could truly pick on his feelings, she could feel the ripping pain in his chest. He looked so calm on the outside, if a little impassive, but something was thrashing in his chest and he was fighting desperately to get it locked away again. It was something terribly old, perhaps something that would never truly heal, but something he desperately wanted to. His lips quirked up at the corners. Whether she felt it or not, he didn't want to talk about it. "If you mean it," he commented, his tone as light as hers as it was going to get. He held out a hand for her to take. "Yes, as I love you too."

Ate looked down at his hand then back up at his face. She could feel the almost unbearable pain in his chest and it made her frown sadly. Slowly she took his hand and crawled back onto his lap, sighing as she did. "I love you the most my dearest Teos...and always will." She said softly before planting a gentle kiss against his chest where the pain had been radiating from, before resting her head there. She could tell it was something he didn't care to speak of and she couldn't bring herself to pry.

Her return, her touch, it was like strong waves of cool water, putting out the angry fire burning through him and hurting him, easing everything enough that he could finally put it away, ignore it. If he just didn't think about it it couldn't hurt him. It didn't exist. He hugged her again, uncertain if it was for her or himself, but then his hold was loose in case she chose to leave him again. He didn't say anything, simply let her relax. She had said she was tired and he wanted to let her rest. Selfishly, having her there, a piece of his family so happy to be with him, it made a beautiful ache and he relished it, letting himself daydream of a day when they could all truly be a family.

Ate nuzzled her head against his chest and relaxed further against him, giving a small sigh of contentment as she did. "Have you eaten today?" She finally asked after a moment, her eyes closed now. "It will do you no good if you don't eat Teos."

"Don't worry about me," Teos replied quietly, his tone holding only the slightest breath of a tease woven into the reassurance. One of his hands came up to stroke her damp hair gently. "Just sleep, Ate. You said you were tired."

"Yes I am.." Ate mumbled softly. "You'll stay here with me right? I'm not going to wake up and find myself alone..I don't like being alone." She breathed heavily as she gripped the front of his shirt, as if making sure he would stay.

"Yes, Ate, I will be here. You'll never be alone," he promised. He stopped stroking her hair so he could hold her securely as he stood from the chair and carried her over to the bed. Careful to keep her supported, he freed one arm to lower the blankets, then lay her on the bed, one hand still in contact so she knew he hadn't left, then crawled in with her, covering them both. That settled, he pulled her into his embrace against, resuming his gentle stroking of her hair, and let her sleep.

---

"Of course I'll drive you, let me just tell the others to bring in the food." Luke replied softly before he rushed to the bottom of the stairs. "Teos..Ate?" He shouted their names a little awkwardly. "Jade and I have to go out for a bit, so when our food arrives please can you bring it in. I'll leave money on the side." He turned and raced back to Jade grabbing up his keys and throwing some notes on the counter as he did. "Let's go." He told her and wrapped an arm round her shoulders, steering her out of the house and back into his car. Once they were buckled in and ready to go, he raced off heading for BotO Athens Hospital.

"I'm going to kill him.." Ate growled lowly as the sudden shouts interrupted her sleep and she slowly opened her eyes, glaring at Teos, though not angry with him. "No one is going to let me sleep today it seems." She huffed heavily then sat up, kicking the blankets back moodily as she did.

"You can sleep tonight," Teos assured her. He hadn't fallen asleep but he still made no attempt to get up as she did, instead just rolling onto his back and looking up at her. "They're young, like babes, they'll cry until they're all asleep, then we get to sleep too." He sighed dramatically. "Oh the woes of being the responsible adults," he lamented and tossed an arm over his eyes, chuckling as he did so. "We've got fifteen minutes," he added in a tone that said he just checked the time even though he hadn't moved. "I'll let you decide what we do with it."

"Anything?" Ate purred suddenly as she turned and quickly lounged beside him, lying atop chest, with her face close to his, smiling sweetly as she did. She caressed her fingers lightly along the arm that was covering his eyes. "We've got the house all to ourselves..and so there's one thing I really want to do." She leaned closer so she could whisper in Teos's ear. "Help me raid Jade's closet."

"No," the answer was curt but amused and he smiled at her efforts. "Didn't Jade give you something to wear?" he asked, lifting his arm to motion vaguely at the small bundle of clothes she had brought back with her. "Not that I'm all that disappointed with you remaining in my shirt." He dropped his arm over his eyes again. "She doesn't have anything resembling traditional clothing anyway. Perhaps I should help," he suggested and suddenly both his arms moved to grab her, rolling them over so she was underneath. He smiled, his face barely an inch from hers, then let go and quickly grabbed the blankets, bundling them up around and over her but loose enough to escape from still. "Perfect!" he proclaimed as he sat up and held his hands up triumphantly.

"Teos..if this is honestly what you think traditional clothing was like then you have not been doing your homework." Ate huffed before she suddenly exploded from the blankets and jumped on him with a laugh, wrapping her arms loosely round his neck. "Maybe I'll just stay in your shirt hm? Do you think the humans would approve of me walking around like this?"

"Approve? Not at all, but I think they would be too distracted to say anything," Teos replied with a bright smile of his own, reaching up to lace his hand into one side of her hair, holding away from her face as his thumb caressed her cheek. "And they may start to talk if you are always wearing my clothes, insinuating very inappropriate things."

"Oh? And would that be such a bad thing?" Ate smirked before sighing dramatically. "I guess I'll just have to walk around naked then, that way people won't talk about you inappropriately." She teased before she began to fidget with the collar of his shirt. "The clothes Jade gave me, as nice as that was, isn't for me Teos. Everything's so tight, I don't like it." She pouted lightly. "I want a dress at least."

Teos chuckled. "While I wouldn't mind, nudity apparently makes some of our descendants uncomfortable," he said, implying Luke. "I'm sure Jade can loan you a dress when she gets back. I'll ask her for you if you prefer, be your errand boy." He reached up with his other hand to get around the back of her neck and sweep all of her hair to one side so his other hand could brush the backs of his fingers against the soft skin of her throat, still marveling that she was real. "When you go shopping with one of them, will you also keep your new clothes in here?"

"Where else would I put them. This is our room.." Ate replied as if it was obvious. "And what do you mean one of them? Both Dorian and Jade have said they will take me shopping and I intend to take them both up on the offer. The more clothes the better, right?" She smiled innocently.

Teos' face was calculating, but not wanting to pry into the future like an eavesdropper all the time, he sat up instead, forcing her to setting on his lap again as he propped himself up with one arm, the hand on her neck finding purchase on her arm instead. Every part of her was soft, so it didn't matter. He just liked touching her. "Do you really think that's wise? I'm sure it's fun for you but why would you want to antagonize them further?" He wasn't chastising her- yet- he was just curious to hear what kind of anarchist thinking she had going on right now to want to put those two together so soon after what happened. "Do you even know what happened between them?"

"Of course I do." Ate replied with a small shrug. "But I'm hoping by forcing them together they'll talk about it..try to resolve it in some way. I mean do you think a little rain is the worst Jade can do if she allows her heart to sink any further? Or making a girl cry is Dorian's worst? Utter grief from any of these descendants now could bring serious trouble to this town. Jade could probably flood this entire place if she wanted..and who knows what Dorian's capable of. I'm just doing a little damage control before it gets out of hand."

"You remember what I said about forgiveness ten minutes ago? You can not force Dorian to forgive her if he's not ready, and I don't think Jade should have forgiveness just because she wants it. They'll come around in their own time, they both still clearly care for one another. I won't stop you, Ate... But I seriously hope you are prepared to accept whatever consequences come of this."

Ate pouted again. "But the clothes Teos! I want to be spoiled." She sighed again. "Maybe I can take two trips then. Still get the clothes. I wouldn't want them to start arguing in the stores..and maybe I'm not the best person to fix this. I might make it worse. I'm not exactly the goddess of peace am I?" She smirked. "Will you take me shopping? Three shopping trips sounds fun..and I really think I should now have a phone.."

Teos sighed but it was clear he was going to give in. "I will take you shopping," he promised and wrapped his arms around her waist, rolling them so she lay under him again. "If you go shopping with Dorian and Jade separately," he qualified softly, bumping his nose lightly against hers.

"Deal!" Ate grinned before she suddenly leaned up and pressed her lips to his before she flopped back with a giggle.. "Three kisses in one day and three planned shopping trips. Aren't I a lucky goddess." She grinned. "Ate is having a good day." She winked before she suddenly gasped when the doorbell rang. "Food!" She said excitedly then managed to scurry out from beneath Teos and ran to the bedroom and headed for the stairs.

"Oh no..." Teos half groaned, scrambling after her. He didn't make it and the poor delivery man was left staring slack jawed at Ate, pantsless, in a t-shirt too large for her. Teos hurried to the kitchen to get the money Luke had left and back to give it to the driver. "Keep the change," he told the poor man and closed the door after accepting the food. He sighed, looking down at Ate. "It's dangerous to make everyone in Athens Harbor fall in love with your beauty," he warned her, but he smiled and shook his head, carrying the food to the kitchen.

"But its so much fun." Ate grinned after she had waved goodbye playfully to the driver before Teos could close the door. She followed after him with a joyful hop then began to rummage through the bags. "We are eating this you know.. Jade and Luke left it so its ours now.." She said. "Grab some plates.."

This woman... Teos snatched her away from the food and lifted her onto the center island so she's sit on the counter, away from the food. "Ate," he said seriously, trying to gain her attention for a minute. "Who all did you kiss today?"

Ate blinked at Teos, surprised by his actions. "Just Cash and Dorian. It was just a bit of fun. Though Dorian could be different." She suddenly smirked at him. "I told you he was able to use his inheritance on me right? That was fun, I've never experienced it before. And he says he wants to practice more tomorrow so I think he and I will be growing much closer.." She purred teasingly. "You're not jealous are you? I can go and play with the descendant of Eros can't I?" She smiled innocently as she wrapped her arms around his neck once more.

"Why would I answer a question clearly only meant to antagonize me?" Teos countered. His arms tightened around her waist, pulling her to the edge of the counter and flush against his body. "I told you, I'm not a child," he whispered seriously, vibrant green eyes meeting her mismatched ones, just barely. "I won't get jealous when I know you don't love me that way. I am, however, protective of you. I just want to make sure you weren't leading anyone on that might think too much of it. Dorian and Cash?" He leaned so that his lips brushed against her ear and whispered, "I have no such concerns." He kissed her cheek and pulled her off the counter again, settling her on her own two feet before letting go. "Eat the food if you want. I doubt I could stop you even if I tried, at least not for long anyway. I'll just get some new food when they get back."

"You don't know my feelings! I might want you to get jealous! Maybe I want you to fully prove your feelings before I show mine! And why don't you have any concerns? They could love me, they could want me! I bet you're just teasing when you say I make people fall for them." Ate grumbled before she turned and stomped over to the bag of food and scooped it up in her arms before picking out a single fork from the utensil drawer. "You can eat the leftovers in the refrigerator. This is mine." She said moodily before turning and storming into the living room where she sat down on the couch, frowning at the blank TV screen.

This woman was impossible! Forget the war, she would be the death of him. He sighed heavily and followed her to the living room, sitting in one of the chairs. "Ate, please stop putting words in my mouth. I'm not worried about Cash thinking more of it, he's gay, so no, I don't think he could want you, not that way. Dorian loves everyone, so I'm not worried about him either because he could never be devoted to you the way I know you want someone to be. I shouldn't have to explain this to you! I know you want me to be jealous! You want to cause all these... these.. rifts but it's not going to happen. I'm not going to let you do that to me. I love you, unconditionally, just as you are, and I don't need to prove that to you. If you don't believe it, then don't believe it. That doesn't make it a lie. I have no doubt men, and some women, the world over love you, want you. So, you're right, you're absolutely right, I don't know your feelings because you are so flippant about everything. I accept that, I don't care if you don't want to be serious about me. You barely know me! If you were mine I would absolutely be jealous of you with other people but you're not, Ate."

"Well if you're waiting for me to act seriously then I'm afraid that's something I can't do. This is me. I make jokes at the worst time and tease people for things that shouldn't be joked about. I frustrate and irritate people but that doesn't mean I don't care for them. It's actually one of my ways of showing how much I care." Ate replied still frowning. "Everyone always thinks I'm never serious and because of that they leave me, no matter how much they may want me." She signed heavily then began to dig around in the containers of Chinese food. "Just forget about it. I shouldn't have teased you. I won't do it again."

"Yes you will, it's what you do. You frustrate me. You irritate me. Just like you do for everyone else," Teos replied calmly, leaning his elbows on his knees as he leaned forward. "But just like I promised earlier today, and I'll keep promising, patience is my only virtue, and you won't run me off." Although she was certainly trying that patience. Hadn't he told her to do that though? He lowered his head to run his fingers through his hair, nearly dry now. "The fact that you are never serious implies you're dishonest, or, yes, that you don't care. So I have two options. React as anyone would, or I can ignore your laissez faire attitude. I'm serious, you told me too serious-" He lifted his head and rested his chin on one fist. "But you would think I was messing around if I acted like you. I'm not, so I don't."

Ate stared at Teos then something happened that hadn't happened in a forgotten number of years as the lights around them began to flicker and pop. Her eyes began to brim with tears. "I. Am. Not. Dishonest." She sniffed as the pictures around the walls began to rattle dangerously. "And I do care!" She snapped her last words before she suddenly threw the bag of food at him and stood up and stormed towards the door. "You keep saying you know what I'll think but you have no idea. You don't know me at all."

Thank god for the bag, otherwise he would have sincerely needed another shower. It did not, unfortunately, manage to entire save the floor. Still, he'd clean the small amount that did escape later. Right now, Ate. He set it aside, right side up to contain it as best he could before he was out of the chair and after her. "I SAID IT IMPLIED!" he shouted. A flick of his wrist and the door froze in place, unable to be budged open, glass unable to be broken if she threw something at the windows. "Ate you are absolutely right. I don't know you at all because I met you TODAY and you haven't opened up to me. Fine. Don't. Don't EVER open up to me. I don't care if a thousand years from now you still hate me from the River Stix. But don't get angry at me for misunderstanding you WHEN YOU ARE DOING THE SAME THING TO ME! You are SO ready to be defensive you give me absolutely no leeway. I say something wrong, you get angry, you storm off. Stop it! Get angry at me, here! Stop breaking Jade's things, this isn't her fault. Attack me! I'm obviously the problem here."

"Open the door!" Atë growled as she hit her hand against it before she finally rounded on Teos. "Fine! You want me to open up to you! You want to know my pain! Well here you go. I've spent all of this time as an outcast on earth surrounded by humans but I might as well have been in complete isolation. People may be attracted to the goddess part of me but they're repulsed in the end by the bad luck energy that flows from me. I've never had a friend.. I've never had someone who wants to love me.. Everyone always leaves me in the end. They all hate me in the end. It's my curse!" She sniffed then shook her head. "And I'm just waiting for the moment when you realise I'm not worth it and leave me too.. Maybe I'm just trying to help you along.. Speed up the process to make you leave so it doesn't hurt as much." She wiped her eyes then leaned her shoulder against the door. "I don't want to hear you say how that will never happen.. I've heard those words too often Teos."

"Then I won't say them," Teos replied, his voice softening almost immediately, as if afraid she would run even when he knew she couldn't. "I won't say it will never happen.. but I will try my very best, Ate, to make sure you have to wait for eternity to hear them. If you are so sure I will say them, then I promise you, I will, when the stars finally stop shining and this world dies out, when our time has come to an end, I'll tell you I'm leaving you. But until then, I will keep finding ways to stay." He stopped a couple feet from her, giving her enough space to keep her from feeling crowded but not alone. He wanted to comfort her but it felt wrong. He didn't want her to feel forced. He held out his arms in offering though. "I want to love you Ate, please let me try, and if I say something stupid, please just hit me." He smiled a little, trying to cheer her up. "It's the only way I'm going to learn."

Ate eyed Teos's open arms almost cautiously unsure at first if she should accept them. Finally though she stepped forward and buried her head against his chest as she clung to the front of his shirt."Don't you dare tell anyone this happened. I want them to keep thinking of me as the terrfiying one." She said in a muffled voice. "Only you get to see this weakness."

"You are my goddess," Teos whispered soothingly as he enveloped her in the security of his arms. "I will do as you command." He squeezed her close, lowering his head to help her feel blocked off from the world and safe, at least for a moment. He held her, letting her calm down for a moment before he carefully raised his hand and released the windows and door, then returned his arm to her. "... you ruined the chinese," he pointed out in the same soothing voice.

"Be glad I had enough control to ruin the Chinese and not you." Atë replied as she continued to cling to him for a few more moments before she finally relaxed and lifted her head. "I could try to cook.. I've never done it before but how hard could it actually be."

He tried so hard to keep the panicked look off his face but he probably didn't entirely succeed. "You know, Nathan left some delicious food behind earlier. Seems a lot easier than cooking. Or, I've got to order replacement food for Luke and Jade, I could add something for us into the order?" he offered hopefully.

"No..no I want to do this." Atë replied as she stepped back from Teos, but took his hand to lead him to the kitchen. "How hard can it be to make something. Let me make you some dinner." She smiled back at him then let go of his hand once they were in the kitchen. She moved to the refrigerator and began to rummage through it, throwing random bits of food like milk, meat and strawberries out onto the counter to work with. None of them seemed to go very well together and would make for an interesting meal though appetising was probably not a word Teos would want to use. Next she moved to the cupboard and removed serval boxes of cereal and other things before she finally straightened up and studying her interesting range of food. "Ok.." She said with a tilt of her head. "I need a pot.."

"Really Ate this isn't necessary," Teos insisted, growing increasingly concerned by the breadth of food she was putting on the counter. When she looked for a pot he finally stepped over to her and took her hands. "Ate, really, you don't have to do this." He was very concerned, that was clear, but he was honest, his love for her still shining through. He lifted her hands and kissed the backs of them. "I don't know you very well yet but I know you probably haven't had to cook much. I don't expect you to, really." He looked in the direction of the food again. "I'd rather you didn't," he added honestly.

"Why? I want to.." Atë pouted up at Teos. "This is what the humans on the television do when they want to woo someone they love. Let me woo you!" She whined loudly. "It can't be that hard..just put all of this stuff in a big pot and put it onto of the stove and watch it bubble and cook..I can do that!"

"It's... a bit more complex than that," Teos clarified gently, but it sounded like there was some glimmer of hope of stopping her. "But besides that, Ate why would you want to 'woo' me like a human?" He lifted her arms and twirled her until her back was to his chest and he had both their arms holding her. "You are far from some mere mortal," he said quietly and kissed her hair. "Surely you have your own way to 'woo' me?" he suggested, giving her an affectionate squeeze.

"No. I can ruin your life..but..no wooing." Atë replied with a dramatic sigh. "Well ok...I suppose I could let you see my full goddess form. If you think I'm beautiful now, you should see the real me. This..this is just how I look to blend in with the humans." She smiled lightly then looked back towards Teos. "But..I don't think you're ready for that." She teased.

"Maybe on our wedding night," Teos agreed jokingly and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "Come on, I'll help you put all this stuff away. Do you want chinese when I re-order for Luke and Jade or do you want the quesadillas?" He reluctantly let go and set about getting meat put away first, then the other refrigerated items.

"We'll just have the leftovers.." Atë sighed heavily as she moved to help return things to their rightful place. "But I will cook for you one day!" She pointed at him firmly. "And you will eat it." She watched him a moment more then moved to the refrigerator and lifted out the plate of quesadillas. "Now what do I do with these?"

Teos chuckled and gave her an agreeable 'of course' when she insisted cooking for him but also turned his attention to the food she had retrieved this time. "I think we use the oven," he said thoughtfully. He asked a few questions in his head, received answers, but he wasn't in the mood to bother doing what was necessary. He requested the plate from her and took it to the counter where he noticed the note, handing it to her. "Can you read that while I deal with this?" he asked, then focused on the quesadillas, mentally trying to sort out the timeline. It hadn't been that long, right? He removed the plastic, pointed at them with an index finger and moved it in a counter-clockwise circle. After one and a half rotations, gentle steam was rolling off of them again. He nodded, deeming it acceptable.

Atë took the note then quickly scanned over. "Hey! Wait a minute!" She growled as she flipped the paper over then back again. "Teos, Luke and Jade..Where's my name?!" She frowned angrily though she knew that Nathan had never actually met her, but to her that didn't matter. Surely Jade had mentioned that she had another tenant. "Nathan..Nathan.." She repeated his name lowly over and over again as she stomped over to her coat and fished out her journal, flicking through it until she came to his name. "Ohh there you are..oh boy are you are in trouble!" She shoved the journal back into her coat then moved back to Teos, scrunching the note up in her hand as she did. "You've been invited to a party.." She grumbled moodily.

"Have I? Well, would you do me the honor of being my beautiful date?" Teos took her hand and lifted it so he could kiss her palm, awaiting her answer. "I'll take you shopping tomorrow morning for something to wear if you want." A couple of questions and he frowned. "There are going to be a lot of descendants on that boat..."

Atë's eyes suddenly lit up excitedly at this and she began to stamp her feet. "Goodie, goodie!" She exclaimed before she spun round, pulling her hand from his so she could clap her hands. "This is going to be so much fun! I'm going to have so much fun!" She stopped, facing Teos again, grinning widely. "I accept on everything!"

"Well aren't we all lucky. A goddess has seen fit to grace us with her presence." Teos chuckled a little and handed her the plate of quesadillas, fishing out a fork and knife from a drawer for her. "Go ahead and eat. I'm going to clean up a bit." There was still the slight mess from the chinese to deal with, ordering the replacement, and fixing pictures she had messed up. He would have to get new bulbs for the lights tomorrow.

"Ok. Don't take too long though." Atë smiled as she took the plate and carried it to the table where she flopped down on one of the chairs. She cut off a large chunk and popped it in her mouth, chewing happily. "These are good.." She said through a mouthful of food. "Who made them?"

"Nathan," Teos answered simply as he picked up the phone and hit redial. Luckily, it went to the right place and he explained they had made a mess of it (but not how exactly) and wasn't sure what they had ordered but they looked up the record and said it would be there in thirty minutes. That settled he grabbed paper towels and went to the living room to clean the chinese off the floor (which involved a trip for cleaning supplies and a vaccuum) and then walked around the room, and nearby rooms, straightening and rehanging a few pictures. Thank goodness none seemed to be broken, but he might have missed one or two behind some furniture.

"Ugh..that guy? The guy who didn't invite me to the party.." Atë huffed before she took another bite. "They're good though, so I'm going to eat them. But be warned.." She raised her fork skywards in a dramatic fashion. "..He will feel my wrath! He will not forget me in a hurry!" She nodded firmly then turned her attention back to the food.

Once everything was tidy and the new food arrived and Teos had put that away as well, he returned to the kitchen and sat next to her at the table. "I don't think anyone could forget you," he commented to her earlier proclamation. "You make very strong first impressions." He closed his eyes as he thought. "Dorian will be there, and Cash."

"And Risk is one of us.." Atë added as she pushed the plate towards Teos to eat. "And one of the descendants works for him so she'll probably be there. Along with Jade, Nathan and Luke. Maybe even more. It's going to be one big happy family reunion."

"Yes, except most of them don't know we're family," he pointed out, taking her fork so he could get a bite for himself, then handed it back while he chewed. "We should invite Haidee if Luke doesn't. Haidee needs to have someone right now and I can't be there all the time."

"Sure but shouldn't lover boy really ask her? We should make him. She'd love that I'm sure." Atë nodded before taking another bite of food.

"Well, if he doesn't do it on his own, we'll try to encourage him, ok?"

"Yeah encourage him." Atë repeated as she beat a fist down onto her other hand before smiling innocently. "I'm kidding of course. You think I'd want to hurt our baby descendents?" She said before chuckling. "I'm going to make that boy that most confident creature out there. Just you wait and see."

"Can't you just let him be himself? Haidee seems to like him just the way he is."

"Why do you keep spoiling my fun?" Ate replied with a heavy frown. "Fine..if that's the way she wants him." She sighed then stretched and straightened up. "I want to go out." She said suddenly. "Sitting still like this is no fun."

Teos laughed, shaking his head. "Your mood swings like a metronome. You're tired, then you're bored, and back again. I don't think it's raining anymore, you can go out if you want, you don't need me for that. Unless you wanted to go shopping right now. Stores should still be open for a little while."

"No. I'll go out by myself. I'll find a bar or something to have some fun.." Ate sighed as she stood up. "What are you going to do?" She asked as she looked down at Teos.

Teos took a moment to think about it before he answered, "I'll go visit Haidee. She's at home now."

"You're going to visit another man's could be girlfriend this late? Scandalous!" Ate joked as she moved towards the door. "Why the need to check up on her though? Does she know you?"

"She does," he admitted with a nod. "Haidee was the first descendant I spoke to, before I did anything else in Athens Harbor. And it's barely three, Ate, hardly late." He stood and took her plate and utensils to the sink to wash them.

Ate stuck her tongue out at him for his remark on the time then folded her arms over her chest. "Maybe I should meet her. If she knows you she should know me.."

"Haidee is a... special case," Teos told her carefully as he dried the few dishes and put them away. "If you promise to at least try to not overwhelm her, I'll take you. She's like Luke but she doesn't have a Jade to turn to. You can't go picking on her like you do him. Plus there's a lot of other stuff about her... You can't treat her like you do the others."

"Ok I'll try my best to be good round her." Ate nodded. "So what's the other stuff? You gotta fill me in so I don't mess up on it Teos. Because you know that's very likely with me."

Teos sighed, but it wasn't directed at her, as he leaned back against the counter, crossing his arms over his chest. "Haidee... is sick. Sabastion is her doctor so she's doing well under his care but without it.. she wouldn't be. She wouldn't even still be here. I haven't told her Sabastion is what's keeping her alive but she doesn't need that right now because on top of her poor health, as with many descendants, her abilities manifest as her emotions dictate... She's a daughter of Hades. She didn't know it until I explained it, but Haidee was sending souls of animals off without even meaning to. Now, with Luke... We.. haven't figured out how to prevent it yet," he admitted, sighing again. "She's afraid and I have no comfort for her other than a promise that we will some day figure it out."

"Wait..so she could kill him without meaning to?" Ate asked with a look of surprise. "Wow..tough break for her. Ok I'm definitely going to be on my best behaviour. She sounds like she's got it rough enough." She unfolded her arms and took a step back. "Let me go get changed then we can go." She told him before turning and disappearing from the kitchen. About ten minutes or so later she reappeared wearing the fresh clothes Jade and given her, tying her hair back as she entered.

By the time Ate returned Teos was waiting by the front door for her. He had the spare key Jade had given him and made sure to lock the door behind them, slipped his shoes back on, and led the way to BotO Streets of Athens Harbor.

---

"What a day.." Luke sighed as he climbed from his truck and trudged up towards the front door. "Everyone's having really bad luck." He yawned as he stepped inside and kicked off by is boots before pausing in the entrance hall. "Hello?" He called a little nervously, worried Ate and Teos would suddenly appear but when he was greeted with nothing but silence he couldn't help but give a small sigh of relief. They must have gone out. He thought as he wandered off into the kitchen to plate up some of the food they had ordered. After a quick search he located it in the refrigerator and after plating up some of it and quickly reheating it, he turned and headed for the living room, grabbing up the TV remote before he flopped down on the couch. He searched the channels then settled for a cooking programme which he watched with a curious interest as he hungrily swallowed his food down. Once he was finished, Luke set the plate aside then turned his attention back to the television. Slowly his eyelids began to grow heavy and before he knew it, his head had dropped forwards into his chest as he fell asleep, the sound of the television still playing in the background.
 
"I'm telling you.." Ate's voice echoed through the house as she pushed the front door open and kicked off her boots. "If you got me a dog, I would be so much better behaved!" She turned and smiled sweetly at Teos before chuckling and skipping into the house. She paused at the doorway to the living room and tilted her head at the sight of Luke asleep on the couch. "Aw..look at the precious baby.." She cooed with a grin.

"Why do you need a dog when you have a baby?" Teos replied as he noticed what she was talking about. Despite his quiet tone, he somehow managed to make it clear he was joking. Still, it made him spare a few thoughts to what it would be like to have children some day, both in general and with Ate, as he picked up Luke's plate to take it to the kitchen. "Why don't you wake him up and tell him to head upstairs? It's not good to sleep down here." He gave Ate a little smile as he passed. He suspected she wouldn't be as gentle as he would be, but in this case he supposed there wasn't a need to suppress her natural personality.

"You want me to wake him up?" Atë asked in an innocent tone before she slowly seated herself next to Luke on the couch. She brushed a finger against his cheek then paused as he groaned before mumbling Haidee's name. Ate blinked then smiled lightly. "It seems a shame to break you from such sweet dreams." She murmured with a tilt of her head. "I almost don't want to have any fun with you. But.. Then I wouldn't be the goddess of mischief and ruin would I?" She smirked then leaned towards him and began to whisper in his ear. "Tomorrow I will do everything the beautiful Ate tells me. I will hear her whispers no matter where I am and I will obey.." Luke groaned again then slowly began to repeat her words, over and over again making Ate smile. "Good boy. Tomorrow we will have fun. Now time to wake up." She suddenly pinched his cheek painfully making him yelp and open his eyes with a jump. "You shouldn't sleep down here silly boy." She said in a sing-song voice before standing up and skipping after Teos leaving Luke staring after her looking bewildered. "He's awake." Atë said sweetly to Teos as she smiled at him.

"That's good. Did you send him upstairs?" Teos asked conversationally as he put away the now clean, dry dishes he had taken from Luke. The flittering of life he saw among the descendants was beginning to slow sluggishly as many gave in to rest for the night, leaving his mind to slow as well to less the active watcher and more to the passive observer. For now their days were comparatively calm, may Morpheus bestow mercy on their dreams so that their nights may be just as peaceful. For what was to come, they deserved that much.

"Well I told him he shouldn't sleep down there.." Ate replied with a small shrug as she moved to lean against the counter. ".."So if he's still tired he should hopefully be smart enough to know what to do." She finished playfully with a grin then turned her head a moment later to watch as Luke, moved past the door to the kitchen and headed towards the stairs, yawning loudly and scratching his head as he did. "There you are. Off he goes." She smiled at Teos then tilted her head. "So will you be retiring for the night soon?"

---

"You've never seen my house, have you?" Jade asked as they came around the bend in her gravel drive and her house came into view, the beautiful rolling hills and barn being the perfect back drop behind it. She smiled softly as she perked from the relaxing view. It never failed to amaze her that all this was hers and only thanks to her grandfather. If it weren't for the love of that man it would have taken years to get this.

"This is yours?" Madison breathed as she looked over the building and the beautiful surrounding scenery. "It's amazing Jade! I would never want to leave this place." She chuckled as she glanced at the other woman. "Maybe I'll just stay here and Jace can live on his own."

Jade chuckled softly and shook her head. "Funny you should mention that. I asked him to live with me once... but I think it was too soon after the divorce and he was still too dark and gloomy. We didn't talk for a couple days after that little fight. But obviously we've made up since then but clearly he still it out on his own. He did a lot of the woodwork on the inside. It's amazing really. He's great with his hands and no one knows it because he doesn't show that side of himself to anyone."

"Yeah he doesn't tend to let people know how talented he is." Madison replied with a nod. "The dojo is all he cares about." She added then motioned towards the front door for Jade to go first.

"That's what I worry about. After she left him he stopped caring about himself. Sure he still cares about us but... he doesn't date, he doesn't get out. Though his interest in Adela has returned it seems." Jade tried the handle on the front door, it was unlocked so the others must be home. "I always thought they'd make a cute couple but..." She shrugged as they entered the house and glanced around. "The other's must be home so I'll be able to introduce you... They're a little... different." She said with a fond smile. 

"Oh? Well different is always good." Madison chuckled as she set her bag down by the door then looked over towards the kitchen when she could hear voices. "Maybe they have the same idea as us.." She said playfully.

Jade called out into the house, her voice carrying through the open layout. "Hello!" She led the way into the kitchen and smiled at the sight of Ate and Teos. "Hey you two, where's Luke?" She ducked her head into the fridge to grab a bottle of Rum Chata to mix with their hot cocoa and set it on the counter. She filled the kettle on the stove with water and set it to up to boil and waited.

"We found him fast asleep on the couch. So I sent him off to bed." Atë replied as she turned and smiled at Jade. "He's only just gone up so if you need to speak with him I'm sure he's still awake.." She added before tilting her head curiously when she spotted Madison appear in the doorway.

"Oh, okay... I'll go up and see him in a bit. Ate, Teos this is Madison. She's going to be staying here until Jace gets out of the hospital." Jade opened one of the cabinets and grabbed a bag of popcorn and popped it into the microwave. The kettle started whistle as she was getting down two mugs so she pulled it off the stove and poured it into both mugs. She pulled a jar towards her and started scooping coca into the mugs. Before stirring it all together she poured the Rum Chata in as well and then stirred all the yummy goodness together. As the popcorn popped she handed Madison her mug and took a sip of her own. "Mmm good stuff..."

Teos might be Greek, but that in no way exempted him from the concern that this was Jade's third drink today. There was time between, but for a person who supposedly didn't drink much, it stood out. He mentally put it aside for the moment, however, in favor of offering Madison his hand and a familial smile. "Hello, Madison, a pleasure to finally meet you," he greeted warmly. "And welcome to Jade's home. I'm glad your brother is doing well enough that you felt comfortable staying here rather than a hospital chair."

"I just wanted to make sure he got enough rest." Madison smiled as she took his hand and shook it lightly after setting her mug aside. "If I'd tried to stay in the hospital Jace would probably have sat up most of the night worrying about me." She chuckled softly once she had released his hand and shifted to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. "But I didn't like the thought of being along in Jace's apartment so Jade was kind enough to offer me a bed here. So are you and Jade friends?" She asked curiously as she looked between him and Ate who smirked slightly but didn't say anything.

"I like to hope that we are at this point," Teos answered easily, pointedly not acknowledging Ate for the moment. It was strange, to have spent so much time with his father, Ate, and the descendants, to feel the complete lack of nothingness that had surrounded Madison's hand, almost as if she were a warm, moving piece of furniture. "I hear you have known her much longer though," he encouraged.

"Oh yes." Madison smiled as she wrapped her hands round her mug of hot chocolate and fixed her eyes on Teos. "Jade and I become friends a few years back when I came to visit Jace. We always have the best time together and it looks like tonight is going to be no different." She joked with a glance at Jade as she held up the mug before taking a sip.

"That's fascinating.." Ate smirked, her tone edged with sarcasm. "Well as enthralling as this conversation is, I'm going upstairs. Good night Jade." She straightened up and without a second glance at Madison turned and headed from the kitchen.

After swallowing the sip she had just taken, Jade smiled after Ate. "Goodnight, Ate, sleep well." She set her mug aside as the microwave beeped and took the bag out shaking it gently. She got down her usual popcorn bowl and dumped the contents inside. "So a movie? You're welcome to join us Teos."

"Tempting," Teos replied with a soft chuckle. "But I think it's best I follow Ate. I'll leave you ladies to your evening." He gave them both a little nod and a smile before he politely took his leave and followed his goddess upstairs. He absently checked Luke was safely passed out on a bed of his own before he continued on to his own room in hopes of finding the one person who so far shined above all others on the edge of his consciousness. Jade may be like cool water, capable of stinging like hurricane rain, and Luke stood clear like warm sunshine. Haidee was cool, stagnant air that chilled him with loneliness, but Ate. Ate seemed to strike to his very veins, grating the wrong way so uncomfortably it set off the beginning urge to laugh hysterically. It was like adrenaline and regret and it felt so much more intense than the others. Not overwhelming, but saturated. Pure. It was familiar in strength like his father and, if he admitted it to himself, he found comfort in that.

"I hope that girl won't be staying here long, I do hate having to be careful." Ate grumbled when she heard Teos approaching. She was standing next to the window kicking off her shoes whilst pulling her hair back into a messy high ponytail. "I don't like her. She's too..connected to my precious descendants. I mean she's Jace's sister and then that whole thing with Dorian earlier and then there was how she talked about being with Risk and now she's best friends with Jade! In my opinion she needs to go." She huffed slightly as she turned to pout at Teos.

"Gods associated with mortals a very long time ago," Teos pointed out gently as he closed the door behind him. "She will just become one of a new era, but I think it's best our family knows first. Madison could become leverage to the gods if we don't inform her and keep her safe as well." He tugged his shirt over his head and tossed it in the hamper before searching for his cotton trousers he had discarded that morning. He didn't need to sleep, but he could be comfortable for few hours. He had some questions for the Fates that might take hours to sift through. He left the room but returned only a minute or two later clad in soft pants and freshly brushed teeth, tossing the rest of the removed clothing he was carrying in with the shirt. "I'm a little surprised you don't have more sympathy for someone who will be shut out from the only person, or people, she considers family, when you yourself had to endure it as well."

Ate frowned softly before her pout returned. "Well I hadn't thought about it like that, had I?" She grumbled as she shifted to slip off her jeans before moving to Teos's things and after some quick rummaging pulled out a shirt and pulled it once she had removed her own. "But unfortunately there's nothing I can do for her. She can't help us fight because she doesn't have the power to and she can't come with us when we return to Olympus." She finished before she moved to the bed and flopped down with a sigh.

Teos hummed thoughtfully as he followed her, kneeling at the side of the bed once she had settled herself, at least for the moment. He kissed her knee chastely as firm hands took to her leg, gently massaging her calf muscle. "The decision is hers if she wants to go, but it would be easier to visit her if she lived near the mountain. I think once the descendants take their thrones they can reinstate the visitation with mortals, as long as they understand and accept that their time will come, just as it has come for the old gods. In the mean time, once the others are settled and we are finally able to let her know, perhaps Madison could be of some help. Not all we face is gods, after all. I think, if we train her properly, she could defend well enough against things like minotaurs." The warmth of his grip disappeared briefly before taking to her other leg. "I am curious however... who will take the place of Zeus. Not his place as god of the skies, but his place as head of the gods. I don't feel his descendant will be the one to do so and I cannot See what lies beyond the war. I cannot even see the end..." he admitted quietly.

"Duh! Me of course!" Ate grinned as she turned her head to look at Teos. "I will after all be the oldest and most wise." She continued then chuckled lightly. "I think I'd make a good leader, don't you?" She asked playfully as if daring him to disagree.

"Oh yes, if the goal was to usher in the end of days," Teos agreed succinctly. He finished his doting and released her leg, rising enough to sit instead on the edge of the bed next to her. "If Haidee has the effect on him I hope she will, I think it would be best for someone such as Luke to take that place, but only time will tell."

"You think that quiet little mouse would make a good leader?" Ate replied before letting out a sharp laugh. "I do so love your optimism my dear Teos." She pushed herself up to sit and rested her cheek lightly on his shoulder as she casually lounged against him. "But I suppose if he were to gain confidence.. he would be a good candidate. He has a good heart. Doesn't seem like much could sway him to the dark side." She smiled lightly for a second before it suddenly slipped into a smirk. "I predict he will have a splendid growth in confidence tomorrow though.."

Teos frowned, noting the particular tone to her voice, but decided to take the chance this time and let it go. "Let us hope," he agreed and tipped his head to kiss her hair. "Come, let us rest now. We have more to meet tomorrow." He made sure she wasn't resting weight on him before he left the bed and turned off the light before returning to her, crawling on hands and knees until he lay alongside her, arms open in welcome even as his expression remained pensive. "Thank you," he told her with sincerity. "For helping me today."

"What are you talking about, it was fun for me." Ate smiled as she shifted to curl in next to him, nuzzling her head against his chest as she did. "Tomorrow is going to be interesting..so many of them in one place. Let's hope nothing goes wrong.." Her tone sing song. "Now hush my dear Teos. You can thank me more in the morning and even throw in a few compliments on how beautiful I am..whatever you like." Her smile widened as she chuckled before finally she closed he eyes. "Rest now..you're going to need it."

Thanking her more and telling her repeatedly how beautiful she was was something he wanted to do right now, perhaps all night, but he supposed he could wait. Patience was his greatest virtue. So instead he simply took to holding her close, stroking her hair with an affectionate touch, closed his eyes, and let the questions in his mind flow like a river, listening to the whispered replies as he and the goddess of mischief let the stars roll unquestioned across the velvety night sky.

---

"It looks like it's just you and me then." Madison smiled at Jade once Teos had left. "Shall we move this to the couch then?" She asked as she lifted her mug and motioned towards the door of the kitchen.

Jade smiled softly, picking up the bowl and mug. "To the couch!" She cheered, leading the way towards the living room. She gestured towards a built-in cabinet that was filled with hundreds of blu-rays and DVD's. "Take your pick. I've got quite the collection so I'm sure you'll find something." She set her stuff down on the coffee table so that she could set up her tv and surround sound. She used to fall asleep in this room on nights when nightmares plague her. She'd turn on ocean noises and try and drift off to sleep as best she could with her speakers blaring.

After a quick rummage through the cabinet, Madison produced a DVD and offered it to Jade. "That should keep us entertained for a while." She said with a smile before she headed to the couch and flopped down. "So Teos and Ate..where are they from? Their names are a little..unusual.." She said with a smile.

"Fits their personalities perfectly." Jade smiled as she took the DVD and popped it into the player. The entire system came to life before them. "Teos originally comes from Greece I guess you could say. And Ate I'm not really sure, she travels around a lot." She picked up the popcorn and her drink and set them on the table between the couch and overstuffed chair so they could both reach it. "They're both good people though."

Jade clicked off the tv a few hours later after watching not one but two movies. They had also had another refill of their hot cocoa cocktail. She yawned and stretched in her chair, glancing over at Madison. "I think it's time for bed. I've actually got to go to work tomorrow so... sleep would probably be a good thing..."

"Mmm yeah I want to go the dojo in the morning to get some practice in so I agree.. Sleep would be a good thing." Madison replied as she smiled at Jade. "She stood up and gave a long stretch then picked up her empty mug."Which room is mine?"

Jade got to her feet, picking up the empty bowl of popcorn and her mug and led the way back into the kitchen. She placed her contents into the sink. "I'll do these before I leave in the morning. If you wanna grab your stuff I'll show you which room is yours." Her bare feet padded across the hardwood floors back towards the stairs as she watched and waited for Madison to follow suit.

After Madison had set her own mug in the sink she hurried to grab her bag and follow after Jade. She tiptoed lightly as she followed the other woman up the stairs, in the hopes of not disturbing any of the other residents of the house.

Jade quietly cracked open a room, this one decorated in soft browns and charcoals with a made up queen sized bed, dresser and night stand. This bedroom faced the barn and beyond that the beach and ocean. "If you decide to stay for longer you can change things around and make it your own, I just decorated all the rooms in neutral tones and my tastes..." Of course their were self taken photographs of the ocean and dives Jade had been on framed on the wall for decorations.

"This is perfect thank you." Madison smiled as she set her bag into the room then turned back to face Jade. "Thanks again for letting me stay." She said softly then gave her a tight hug. "If I don't see you in the morning have a good day at work." She smiled one last time then stepped back into the room and once she knew Jade had headed off she closed the door and quickly changed for bed. After slipping under the covers of the comfortable queen size bed, she gave a long sigh. What an long and eventful day. She thought as she closed her eyes and slowly feel asleep. Hopefully tomorrow will be a little quieter.

Jade made her way to her bedroom, shutting off lights and locking up the house. With so many people in the house she wanted to make sure that they were all safe. Though that was a silly thought considering they were under the roof with a goddess and well... Teos. She wasn't quite sure where he fell in the line, how far up the tree he was. Her body tingled slightly as she changed into a tank top and shorts. She knew she'd drank more than her regular fill today. So much had happened and she'd turned to it to easily. She crawled into her window bench and stared out at the clear view of the ocean, leaning her head against the cool glass of the window. She'd have to make a few changes tomorrow, she didn't like the way she had made herself feel in the past twenty four hours and she wasn't going to let it happen again. She stayed there for a while just relaxing until she felt like sleep was taking over and then moved to her bed where she did finally let it.


BotO Athens Harbor
Blood of the Olympians