Digression History: Chapter 2

Digression
Conflict Continuum
Conflicted
Conflicts
Conflicted Rules
CC High Council


This day was not turning out to be a good one for Elvira and she didn't know if it would get any better as she limped her way up to Rafe's apartment, a hand clamped over her bleeding wound. She growled dangerously at anyone who dared look at her and even shoved some out of her way as she walked. Finally she stood outside his door and knocked it loudly, not in the mood to be quiet and patient.

"Come." The word was short, more distracted than annoyed. In a rare moment Rafe was not lounging or thinking in his apartment. He was actually, dressing. He had just returned to the living room in black trousers and picked up the white shirt that had been lain out for him on the back of the couch, slipping it on to his shoulders in a movement that should not have had as much feline grace as it did. He was in an exceptional mood, however, though it did not show on his face. He was as calmly pleasant as ever but the volume of the knock said someone was about to try and ruin his good mood. He set about buttoning his shirt as he looked at the door, preparing himself for a nuisance to try and darken his day.

Elvira slowly opened the door and stepped inside. After closing the door she carefully removed her cloak then turned to look at Rafe, one hand still over her wounded chest whilst the other was balled into a fist by her side, matching the look of annoyance that was on her face. "I've had a little trouble."

Rafe's careful mask fell away to deep concern in a moment, his eyes flickering with murderous intent. "My treasure," he whispered as he took quick steps to her, abandoning his shirt endeavor. He frowned as he tried to look at the wound, but her clothing was in the way. "Remove your shirt." It was not a request. He looked over his shoulder. "Ean! Tea!" There was rushed footsteps and Ean entered the kitchen, hurrying to ready the tea things. Rafe turned back to Elvira and motioned for her to enter. "Come, sit. Tell me what has happened." His voice was surprisingly gentle and loving considering the way his eyes sought to give a not-so-unknown target a drawn out death.

At his request, Elvira moved to sit down. "You do not need to worry yourself with the wound..it will heal and if it doesn't I shall just find a new body." She said with a light shrug but stopped when the movement sent a jolt of pain from the wound. "I was doing as you ordered and trying to get a list of the names in this so called rebellion..I took the human boy as bait in the hopes young Dash would give me the information in exchange for his friend but it did not go to plan and that boy..the human, he attacked me and managed to give me this wound." She frowned as she looked up at Rafe.

"You let a human harm you," Rafe clarified. His eyes met hers and his anger became a little more focused, showing no where but in the ember colored irises. The news sounded rather... pathetic to him. He expected better of her, and he didn't need to say it. He expected her to be hurt some times, but when it happened he expected the guilty party to die, and most likely not without a few injured bystandards. "Pray tell..." he purred, his voice dangerously quiet and not once letting his eyes stray. "Does the human boy still live, my treasure?" The endearment did not sound nearly as gentle as it had when she entered. It sounded as if her position as such was in jeopardy.

"I was distracted! Dash was being difficult!" Elvira said quickly when Rafe had mentioned that she had let a human hurt her. She noticed his sudden change in tone and couldn't help but stiffen slightly, knowing this was usually a sign of his unhappiness. "Well...yes. The boy is still alive. But only because the injury weakened me..I plan to go back for him. He will not escape me."

"I'm not sure I trust you not to be over powered again." He looked away. That was it. The mere wording that told her exactly how disappointed he was in her. If Rafe didn't trust you, it was practically him saying he didn't want you in his sight. "When one can not have what one wants, I expect them not to become petulant." His eyes met hers again. They were cooler, but more pointed. "I expect them to get what they can and use that to return and get what they truly desire. We do not give up-" His voice softened and his hand came to her shoulder, slowly trailing light fingers downward. "We are not weak-" His suddenly glared and thrust his fingers into her wound as he leaned forward to snarl at her. "And we do not let a pathetic little human get the better of us!" For one so calm as Rafe, the sharp spike in anger was made all the more dramatic. He pushed a little deeper in to the wound as if to drive the point home and then pulled his hand out as Ean joined them with a tea tray. He looked at the Bennu with a raised eyebrow to which he nodded. Rafe picked up the steaming tea cup, once again calm and seeming to make no note of the fact that his hand was getting blood on his white china. "Here, for your wound," he said, his voice once again gentle as he held the cup out for her. "It will help you heal. I do so hate to see you injured." His words were honest, kind. He really did hate to see Elvira, or anyone he cherished, in pain. "You will try again when you are well." Again, it was not a question, but at least this time it was agreeing, as Elvira had already said she was going to.

Elvira grit her teeth but did not cry in pain when Rafe showed his anger on her and the only sign she was in any pain was that her grip tightened considerably on the table beside her almost to the point that it could splinter. When he finally stepped back she finally allowed herself to start breathing again then took the cup of tea from him when he offered it. "I will not fail you again." She said then took a small drink of her tea obediently. "The human will be destroyed."

Rafe's clean fingers touched under her chin, making her look at him as he let Ean clean his other hand with a small towel. "I'm counting on it." Despite the comfort in the words, it had an underlying threat. He shifted his hand and stroked her jaw, almost as if admiring her face before letting go. His other hand clean, he returned to buttoning his still half done shirt, looking out the window absently. He had always wondered why Fox, Bernard, and Dashiell hated him so, but he had a feeling he would find out very soon. "Stay a while," he told Elvira without looking at her. "Until your wounds have healed." It would only be an hour or two he was sure. He turned a smile on her and was once more the stunning creature who could reduce witches to flustered girls. "I will be glad for the company. Join me when you are ready." Again, he gave her that same admiring look he had only moments ago, reached out and stroked her hair back with a loving touch, then finally stepped away to walk out onto the balcony over looking his city. He took up a black iron chair and closed his eyes, enjoying the dull sun shine for what it was through the usual haze of grey. Today would not be a complete loss if he could help it. Not when it had started so well.

Watching him go, Elvira frowned lightly before drinking back the tea and slamming the cup down on the table with a swift angry glance towards Ean. She stood slowly and tried to fix her top over the wound so it wasn't so obvious then walked out towards the balcony. She stood arms by her side as she waited for Rafe to tell her to sit. "The brothers and the fae..they are very difficult to work with. They have and never will trust me because of what I am and even little Emory is having trouble gaining their trust. If it wasn't for the shifter he would most likely be long gone." She said casually.

"You are a very imposing person, my dear," Rafe told her gently as he looked out over the city. "But they are not as susceptible to intimidation as you are used to, nor are they so eager to trust. No, I suppose we must find other paths into their circle." He looked at her, then motioned to the other black iron chair, then to his own lap, offering either. "Please, sit." He looked back at the city. He was wondering how the other member must have done it. "They are so very sympathetic. Perhaps what they want is different from I. They do not want strong, interesting creatures, but perhaps... victims, ready to fight back." He looked at Elvira again, a small smirk playing with his lips. "I have no delusions of you ever being able to play the victim. Do not worry." No, and he did not enjoy witnessing her being a real one either, especially at the hands of a human. He was still angry, but Elvira wasn't broken, he could still use her, and for that he still cared. Broken toys were worthless, but those that healed and were once again strong. They were still worth their gold.

Elvira took the seat Rafe had motioned to then sat quietly as he spoke. She frowned lightly unable to think of anyways she could possibly use a victim to gain what she wanted from the brothers. I tried bargaining a human boy and that didn't work. What else is there to do? She thought. "Can't I just use the shifter, I still have a certain hold on her. They thought i'd removed all my magic but I did not. I am not that stupid." She smirked lightly as she turned to look out over the city. "She could make them do anything because they trust her."

Rafe hummed thoughtfully. "I believe she could sway young Dashiell, but let us give her time. i do not want to give them reason to distrust me." Which is exactly what would happen if they forced Talia to come back instead of simply enticing her as he planned. She would visit again soon, he was sure of that. "Using people, commanding them, is not always the best way, my darling." He looked over at Elvira and was giving her a charming little smile. "Sometimes, you need only ask." He turned his attention back to the city. He did not want to force them back, but he felt he was running out of ways to ask them to open up again. Perhaps he should simply take their city as he had taken his own. Then he would have a bargaining chip with which to deal with them. But no, he was certain they would only pout like petulant children that they wanted to do it on their own and seek another city. Could he help them? Once they felt they had enough power, were equals, even if it wasn't true, surely they could speak civilly? He sighed through his nose, wondering what he was going to do. It was a rare moment, to see Rafe so contemplative, a little frown marring his otherwise handsome face, looking over the city, almost as if a little lost. Some days, it felt that way. What did one do when what they wanted had a mind of its own? Well, they convinced them it was their idea- His eyes widened slightly and he looked at Elvira. "What if they wanted me," he suggested. He looked at the city, a thought forming in his head. "What if we created such a problem, they would need to ask me to help. We could merge our forces and they could see that it is right to work with me." He did not seem set on the idea, but it was something to think about.

"You have some kind of a plan?" Elvira asked curiously as she turned her attention back to Rafe. What problem could possibly be so bad that the brothers would feel the need to return here so willingly? She thought but knew it was best not to say this aloud. Who knew how Rafe would take it.

"I am not so certain," Rafe informed her. He would speak anyway. "Perhaps if the scale of their fight were simply... exacerbated. What if the police were to some how figure out just where they all were hiding." He gave her a sidelong glance, giving her a look that was very obviously checking her out. "What if we had all those little Alices follow a dark rabbit in to Wonderland..." He smirked and reached out to stroke her cheek again when he mentioned the rabbit. He admired her lovingly for a moment, even brushing his thumb over her lower lip leaving a small trail of warmth before pulling his hand back. He looked back at his city, his expression decidedly a few shades darker. "I can hardly say I care if some of them were to die in the process of the hunt."

"It is more than easy to lead the police to where we want them to go. The human boy..his father is in fact the chief of the city's police. With the boys assistance..whether he wishes to give it or not, we could very easily control the police." Elvira replied with a confident grin. "They could be sent to the club, the underground market even to the shifters apartment..make the brothers and the fae think the only place they can possibly be safe is here with you."

Rafe could not help smiling at that. "Why don't you pay the boy another visit, and this time," he looked at Elvira and although his smile stayed in place, his eyes were threatening. "Don't let him get the better of you, ok?" He once again reaching out to stroke her hair back, but this time, he let his hand linger, a warm, comforting presence. "Don't let him remember you stopped by, and make sure when he 'runs away' this time, he's followed." He sat up in his seat and leaned closer to Elvira so his lips came close to hers. "I wouldn't want their suspicions to come back to us. Be sure that they don't," he whispered, eyelids lowered. He was beginning to detest having his treasures far away. The only one he had been able to hold lately seemed to be Ean and one was not enough for his siren heart.

Elvira tensed lightly at how close Rafe came to her but she tried not to show her discomfort. "I promise no one will grow suspicious that it is us. The boy will lead the police to the creatures and make them scatter in fear. Dash and the others will have no other choice but to come to you for help. Of course once his job is done I will destroy the boy for what he did to me. Or would you like to do the honours?" She asked.

Rafe's face darkened immediately, his eyes on fire and his expression dangerously close to a snarl. "I will have to think about that," he said, his voice surprisingly calm for such an angry expression. He seemed to sense her discomfort despite her trying to hide it as he let go of her to sit back in his seat again. He looked almost hurt, upset, about something, to go with his anger at her attacker. Or, attackers. He blamed the whole human race for their troubles, after all. This Jake child was just a more precise target. He sighed again and waved a dismissive hand at her. He was tired of her, first of her failure but more so now of even her slight rejection of him. "You may go if you wish," he offered, though for once it was definitely not an order. "I won't make you stay." He knew how she loved to cause havoc, after all. She would heal in little over an hour, he had already noticed the wound closing, and surely she'd want to get to work as soon as possible and while he wanted her around, he did not want her around if she was only going to upset him.

"I apologise if I have offended you in some way, it was not intended. I will go. There is much to be planned if we are to succeed." Elvira replied before standing and smoothing the front of long skirt down but stopped when she decided she would have to change anyway. "Is there anything you need me to do or will that be everything for now?" She asked waiting for him to say farewell properly before she left.

"Unless you intend to help me with my frustrations, you are free to go," Rafe replied, careful to keep his voice gentle as he stood from his chair. He turned to her and despite only being a couple of inches taller seemed to loom over her, looking all over her face with glowing eyes. Yes, he had to get his treasures back and soon. "Farewell Elvira," was the last thing he said before stepping around her and returning inside, telling Ean to bring tea to his room as he headed that way.

Elvira waited until Rafe had moved inside before turning and following him. She didn't bother saying farewell to Ean as she moved past him. He was a creature she didn't fully understand and she didn't have the patient to try. She grabbed her cloak then moved from the room, moving to her private quarters situated on the floor below to begin her plannings for the police invasion.

---

Elvira had spent much of her time healing thinking about how she would carry out Rafe's wishes. Finally with a plan formulated properly she decided it was best go back and report to him and see how he liked it. She changed her clothes then left her room, making her way slowly to Rafe's room. If her plan worked, Rafe would have his precious brothers and Fae back in no time at all. She smiled at the thought then raised her hand and knocked his door lightly.

Having found a nice little hole to sleep in that wasn't his own room, mainly because Quinn didn't want to be so close to Rafe's dwelling, when Quinn finally did stir from the place, it was already well into the day. He had wasted so much of it, it was hard to say whether or not he should just curl up again or go back. The others might be suspicious of his absence. But it was easy enough to play off as getting lost or something. Quinn decided to check in with Rafe one last time before making the long walk back into the city, but he froze when he caught sight of the door, seeing the Shade. Dropping back and out of sight, Quinn waited for it to enter Rafe's dwelling. He didn't want to have to kill it and incur Rafe's anger because the thing didn't like anybody.

"Enter," came the customary greeting from within the apartment. Rafe had been in his favorite place in the afternoons, on the balcony, but hearing the knock he had stood and returned inside to see who was visiting him. He couldn't think of a real reason anyone would need to see him, but he supposed it was better to receive too much information to too little. Those long gaps between seeing his treasures were difficult, and not only because that meant more time away from him and thus more time to decide to stray.

As instructed Elvira entered the room. "Sorry to bother you again." She said as she moved to Rafe. "But I wished to finalise my plans with you before I left. It shouldn't take that long." She explained then glanced towards the door. "Quinn is wishing to see you too." She said and had to stop herself rolling her eyes at his attempt at trying to hide back from her. She figured it was actually a good idea he was here to, he featured in her plan aswell.

Quinn approached the door once it was open, rolling his eyes at the Shade's declaration that he wanted to see Rafe. It was obvious as to why he was there, and that sentence made him think that it was calling Rafe stupid or something. He stood by the door frame, leaning against it with his arms crossed, feeling a bit more self assured compared to last night.

"Come here Quinn," Rafe greeted the newest arrival gently and extended a hand toward the Deiciden. "Now, Elvira," he said, leaving his hand out but looking at the Shade again with a small smile. "Tell me, what have you decided to do?" He loved them both dearly but their childish bickering could grate on his nerves sometimes. Why couldn't they see each others' value?

"I had been thinking about what you said about making the group come to you by using the human and have come up with a plan." Elvira replied as she watched Rafe. "As we discussed earlier I will make the human boy go for another little wander and make sure he is followed by the police. Now I knew it would be hard to get him to go to each of the hideouts Benny and others use without reason and without being stopped before he gets there but then I came up with something. He will only go to one..most likely the bar but on his way he will unfortunately drop a note he wrote himself, explaining each and every hiding place. This note will be picked up by the police following them and with a little encouragement from myself, they'll go and investigate and raid these suspicious areas. Now this is where you come in.." She said looking at Quinn before continuing. "As each place is searched and the net begins to close around the brothers and the fae and they hopefully begin to panic and think they have nowhere to turn you will heroically suggest a friend you know who would help hide them. If they accept you will bring them here." She turned then to Rafe and smiled. "They will most likely be shocked to see you but to gain their trust you will do something they really wish to be done. You will kill me..or something that resembles me anyway." She grinned wickedly then waited for a response before she carried on.

Quinn moved over to Rafe, past the Shade without blinking. He managed to keep his face straight as he took up a place next to the siren, glancing at Elvira as the plan was laid out. It sounded as if she was complicating matters with this plan. It had too many variables in it for his comfort. One thread coming loose would unravel the entire thing. Blinking, he looked up at Rafe to attempt to judge his level of approval of this plan. If it worked, that would be great. If it failed, then there would be consequences.

Rafe lowered his eyes slightly, contemplative as he moved his hand behind Quinn to rub soothing little circles between the Deiciden's shoulder blades. "I do not wish to leave this to chance. Forgo the note, I fear they may not notice it, or care about it if they do," he said after a long moment. "Find a few weaker creatures, use them as bait. I want all the sites found as soon as possible." He looked at Quinn with a little frown. "Make sure to encourage Miss Talia's faith in me. I want her on your side when you try to convince the others. When they realize they have been found out, I want you both to suggest that they come to me. Be as gentle as you can, I don't want them scared off." He removed his hand from Quinn and instead brought his other up to touch just under Elvira's chin as his thoughtful frown became a gentle smile again. "I trust you not to make mistakes," he said, his voice gentle but with an edge to it that said it was an order. He shifted his hand to stroke the backs of his fingers along her jaw. "Be sure that you don't."

"I will not fail you." Elvira replied feeling a little disappointed that her plan was not so well received as she thought it would have been. "Shall I go now then? We could have them here in a matter of days or less if things go well."

"That sounds lovely, my dear," Rafe agreed with a nod. "I have faith in you," he said before stepping over to her to wrap one arm around her waist, his other still stroking her cheek. His smile became just a hint more predatory.. "Go, have fun. I look very forward to hearing what you will tell me next time you return." There was more meaning to that than a simple dismissal and he leaned down a little to press a small kiss to her cheek, leaving a little spot of warmth before he let go of her and stepped back, motioning to the door.

Elvira nodded in understanding then moved towards the door. "I will return with good news." She said as a farewell over her shoulder then disappeared out into the hall and moved towards the exit. She would go to the humans home first and wait for him there. Once she had finished with him she would find other weak creatures to help in her task. She smiled confidently as she walked onwards before suddenly disappearing into the shadows.

Having waited patiently for the Shade to leave, Quinn turned fully to Rafe, his expression changing from one of seeming bored to one of mild interest. "I was going to check in once more before I left to see if you had anything more to tell me, however that seems superfluous now." He blinked and turned his head in the direction of the door before looking back at Rafe.

Rafe hummed thoughtfully, seeming to actually think on it. "No, but you may give me a hug and a kiss before you go if you wish." He smiled charmingly as he opened his arms to the Deiciden. As a siren, it was less a need for affection and more a test that he still had Quinn's loyalty. He was happy to shower his followers with love and devotion, as long as they stayed by his side, but occasionally he felt the need to test them, no matter how sweet that test seemed. "And if you have any other news you wish to tell me, now would be the time, my darling. I may not see you for many days."

Quinn hesitated, but only because he wasn't accustomed to physical displays quite yet. But he overcame that and took a step forward, wrapping his arms firmly around Rafe's torso. It was more of the hug a child would give to a parent or other authority figure, that wanting to be encompassed in safety and warmth. Thinking hard on it, Quinn couldn't figure out what way Rafe wanted to be kissed, because he only knew of two way himself. So he straightened and placed a quick, chaste peck on Rafe's cheek.

"So sweet, my treasure," Rafe doted, having hugging Quinn back and gladly accepted the small kiss. That settled, he let go and place a gentle hand on the Deiciden's back, motioning with his free hand to the door. "Go on then, and do be careful. I would detest it if something were to happen to you." He smiled, but something about it was cold and threatening. If anyone hurt his things, he would kill them. End of story. "Be safe, my treasure."

"I will," Quinn replied, giving a small bow of his head at Rafe before he slowly headed towards the door. He would need to hurry to get back to the city and back to Talia if he was going to hope to beat the evening street traffic. But he was certain he would make it. Stopping at the door to look back at Rafe one last time, Quinn bit his lip, took a deep breath, and shut the door behind him. Down on the street, he headed straight to the city, back to Talia's apartment, hoping she would be there.

---

Talia had stayed silent for most of the walk to Rafe's home, her mind racing with thoughts of what was going to happen between her and Dash. Does he have the willpower to give up on me? I don't want him to..i'll talk with him tomorrow, straighten this whole thing out. She bit her lip nervously then stopped when they reached Rafe's tall apartment building and turned to look at Quinn. "You should probably lead the way from here..I don't really know my way around in there."

Quinn nodded and looked over at Talia. "Come on, he will be waiting." Quinn took the stairs up two at a time, not really giving Talia a choice but to follow. He went right to Rafe's door and gave a light knock, knowing that the siren would hear if he was home. "You will have to explain to him what happened. I do not fully understand it myself."

Rafe was home, but only just so. He had been preparing to go to bed when the knock sounded. He paused, having just finished unbuttoning his shirt and simply let it hang, dropping his hands calmly to his sides. He frowned at the door, wondering for a moment who may have returned so soon, but thinking that whomever it was clearly wasn't going to hurt him, he simply relaxed his face into an expression of polite interest. "Enter," Rafe called to the door, somehow making even such a short word still seem warm and welcoming.

Opening the door slowly, Quinn stepped in and looked over at Rafe before stepping forward so Talia could enter behind him as well. He moved across the room, closer to the siren, hesitating when he was closer. It was strange. With anyone else, Quinn wouldn't even have thought about approaching like this. He gestured for Talia to come forward as well.

Talia stepped into the room once Quinn motioned for her to do so. Her eyes fell on Rafe and her cheeks reddened slightly at his state of undress causing her to quickly avert her eyes to the floor. "I'm sorry that we're calling so late..its just i've got nowhere else to go. I've lost my home and my friends and Dash are mad with me.." She stopped speaking as her throat tightened with another wave of emotion that threatened to spill over if she carried on talking.

Rafe was confused, honestly, why Quinn was here, but only because it had been so soon since he had left. His hand came up to rest on Quinn's cheek, the lightest of contact even if his fingers were leaving little warm spots on the skin there. Surely they would not have succeeded just yet? He let his slight confusion, as well as his pleasure at seeing his follower show but glanced up when someone else entered through the door. Ah, there would be the reason. But would that mean...? No, no boy entered behind her, no one else. A disappointment but he didn't let it show. He hadn't expected it so soon anyway. He had almost smiled at his new guest, wanting to show her she was welcome, but at her expression and words he reluctantly let his hand fall from Quinn's face and gave her a deeply sympathetic expression. "Never be sorry, my dear," he told Talia as he stepped over to her, put his hands on her shoulders, radiating soothing heat. "You are always welcome," he promised offering her a smile to match his sympathy before strong, warm arms encircled her. What did he care for his exposure? One hand came to rub soothing circles on her upper back, just holding her for a moment before he carefully stepped back, motioning to the living room. "Please, come in. Stay a while," he invited, keeping his voice gentle as he moved just slightly behind her to close the door, then his hand found her back again and he led her in to his home. "Have a seat," he offered to the couch, giving Quinn a look that said he should do so as well. "Tell me, what has happened? And take your time."

Talia was a little taken aback when Rafe hugged her and it took her a moment before she allowed her own arms to circle round his back and cling to him for comfort. When he stepped back and motioned for her to go and sit she moved to the couch and slumped down onto it, sighing as she did. "We all have had a very long day today and last night I guess as well. That stupid shade was causing trouble again and because of her I had to spend the night in the form of a human boy. So its safe to say I didn't sleep. When everything was sorted and I managed to get home a few hours ago it was perfect. I was tired but I had Dash and Emory with me so I was happy. But someone must have followed us or seen us because the next thing I know the police are raiding my apartment and we're having to run for it. I've lost everything.." She sniffed as fresh tears finally spilled from her eyes and made tracks down her cheeks. "My mothers pendant and the letter my brother wrote to me before he disappeared..things that can never be replaced." She wiped her eyes quickly as she tried to calm her emotions. "We went to Fox and Benny's place and things just got worse. We started arguing and I don't know why..probably because I was so upset and exhausted but then I turned on Dash." She fidgeted nervously with a loose thread on her jacket sleeve, too ashamed to look at either Quinn or Rafe. "I started questioning him and why he never associated himself with me before he saw my true form, was it because he didn't actually like me. I asked him did he think he would have chosen me if he had never seen the real me. I shouldn't have said such things. Then Benny and Fox told me to leave..and now here I am."

There was a moment that Quinn waited for Talia to cross the room. But Rafe seemed to have that well in hand and so the Deiciden moved behind them, watching as Talia took a seat. Although he would rather have sat closer to Rafe, and it showed when he looked over at the Siren, he instead took the seat next to Talia, closer to Rafe, waiting for her to finish speaking. He looked up at Rafe. "He should be here in the next day," Quinn said quietly. "He will not leave her alone very long."

As Talia spoke and Quinn took his seat, Rafe had followed them and took a seat in front of Quinn on the ornate black iron coffee table, resting a gentle hand on the Deiciden's knee and letting his thumb make idle little strokes. When they finished talking, he nodded once, his thoughtful frown still in place. "I agree," he commented to Quinn but then looked at Talia again. "Dash loves you, whether he, or you, likes it or not- Though I have no doubt he does, except when you are so upset. Trust me, he will come for you, no matter how many times you have to walk away." He offered a kind smile and leaned forward, using his free hand to brush away the tracks her tears had left on her cheeks. "I would suggest you try to stay calm and simply talk to him next time, however. You are probably breaking his heart, feeling this way. In the mean time, if you wish to stay, you may as long as you need of course." He retracted his hand from Talia and squeezed Quinn's knee, giving him a kind but pointed look. "Both of you." It wasn't really an offer so much as encouraging Quinn to support Talia staying here. In the building, at the very least. 'Bait' was such a nasty word, he felt, but it seemed that was going to work as well as anything. It would be so good to have his guard dog home again.

Talia had glanced at Quinn when he spoke and couldn't help but find his comments a little odd. Why would Rafe care if Dash would come for me or not? She thought but before she had time to dwell on it Rafe had started to speak. "I was hoping you would say that. I can sleep on the couch so as not to be too much of a bother." She replied with a weak smile when he offered his home for her to stay in. "Next time I see Dash i'll speak with him..I don't want to lose him or hurt him. We're going to be happy together." Her smile strengthened at this thought before she looked back at Rafe. "I hope i'm not pushing my luck here but I don't suppose you have anything I could wear to sleep in? All my things are back in my apartment..even an old shirt or something would do." She smiled almost bashfully as she looked up at Rafe.

Quinn also looked at Rafe, but his eyes were less bashful than Talia's. His attention was focused on the siren for completely different reasons. While Talia might not even realize the liberties that Rafe was taking with the Deiciden, Quinn certainly did. The suggestion at staying was noted, and understood the unspoken orders. "I am sure there is a bed you can stay in," Quinn said, turning his eyes to Talia. He would let Rafe deal with the sleeping attire problem. Quinn looked over at the Siren, blinking as he attempted to remain impassive.

Rafe nodded to Quinn's words again and gave Talia a fatherly smile, despite them looking approximately the same age. "Do not worry, Talia," he told her, his voice like warm silk. "You may have something of mine to wear. You may stay here or with Emory, if he is comfortable with that-" He paused to look at the Deiciden, this time showing that it truly was his decision and he would not push him. "Or in on of the spare apartments of this building. All would be safe, so it whatever you may find most comfortable. Now, let me see what I can find." He gave her knee a light, comforting pat before he stood and went back to his own room. He realized the gesture to give her some of his own clothing, as apposed to something of Quinn's or another follower's, might be considered that of a friend, but although he honestly was perfectly happy to give her some of his own clothing, he had no intention of ever wearing it again afterward. It was hardly a loss, and making Talia comfortable was more important than a few scraps of cloth. He was only gone a couple of minutes before he returned, a white t-shirt and a pair of black silk boxers with a button to secure the front folded neatly in his hands. He presented the small stack to Talia with a gentlemanly smile. "Here you are, Miss Talia. Have you decided where you wish to sleep?"

Talia listened to each of Rafe's suggestions then watched as he wandered off. She stood thinking carefully about it, glancing briefly at Quinn before looking back up as Rafe returned. She took the clothes from him with a thankful smile. "If its alright i'd like my own room please." She replied. She figured if Dash were to decide he wanted to find her during the night it wouldn't help her cause if he were to find her asleep in the company of another man.

"I can find you one," Quinn said with a nod. He stood slowly, not liking the idea that he would be separated from her in case something happened. But Rafe wouldn't allow anything to happen to her. "If you would like to find someplace to rest or go and change now?" He stood by, taking a step away from the couch, looking over at Rafe with a slight curiosity in his eyes.

"Talia will be able to change once we have found her rooms," Rafe answered for her, returning Quinn's gaze but looked to the shape shifter as he addressed her. "Rest assured, you will be safe here," he told her and carefully took her hand, giving a half bow and polite kiss to the back, never losing eye contact. He lowered the hand and patted the warm spot his brief brush of lips had left with his free hand before using the gentle grip to give her a half guide toward the door, letting go when she turned the right way. He turned his attention to Quinn again. "See to it she has a room near me, or you. I wouldn't want others finding her and acting out of misguided protectiveness for me," he said as he lifted a hand to rest it on the Deiciden's cheek. It was true. Things lived in this building that he would not enjoy finding Talia and killing her, thinking her some sort of spy, or seeing her as new competition for his affections. Couldn't they understand, he loved them all? He leaned forward and pressed a slow, gentle kiss to Quinn's forehead, the motion unhurried. He would send Ean to notify everyone of the new arrival. It was better to be overly sure than to simply hope they would leave her alone. He took a moment to admire Quinn's undefined features, stroking the smaller creature's face with his thumb. Finally, seeming satisfied, he motioned to the door with his free hand for Quinn, much as he had done with Talia. "Go then. It is late."

Others? Talia thought in alarm as she glanced round when she stepped out into the hallway. She wrapped her arms round the bundle of clothing she held and waited somewhat nervously for Quinn. It would just be my luck tonight that someone would attack me here.. She bit her lip slightly then caught herself and straightened up, silently scolding herself for acting in such a way. You're a shifter...you've dealt with a lot of nasty things in the past. You can take care of yourself here too. She told herself then took a calming breath as she continued to wait.

Quinn leaned into Rafe's touch just a little, not enough to be noticeable to Talia but enough for Rafe to see. He turned and looked at Talia when he was ready to go, nodding at her and looking towards the door. "Okay," he said simply, heading to the door and pausing, opening it and holding it open for a moment. "Good night," he said to Rafe, his cheek twitching in an almost smile. Stepping out and shutting the door, Quinn gestured with his head for Talia to follow him. The door he led her to had a symbol on it, and would be avoided by anyone else. It was his own room, bare and extremely bland, but there was a bed with a comfortable enough mattress. He hoped sincerely that she hadn't noticed how tactile he allowed Rafe to be as he opened the door and gestured for her to enter. "You will be safe here."

Talia followed after Quinn then waited as he opened the door to her overnight accommodation. After he had gestured for her to enter she stepped into the doorway then turned back to him and smiled weakly. "Well goodnight then." She said. "I'll see you in the morning." She turned back into the room and closed the door and for extra safety locked the door. just for extra measure...she thought as she remembered what Rafe had said about the other creatures in the building. Turning she looked round the bare room and sighed heavily. "It's so lonely.." She whispered as she moved to close the curtains then change into the clothes provided. "I hope Dash does come find me tomorrow and that we get this all straightened out. Then we can find a home of our own and I'll never be alone." She smiled at this thought as she crawled into the bed. it's just been one big misunderstanding. They never let me explain..I mean, I've lived my whole life only being judged by the way I looked and I always dreamed that the man that I would live my whole life with wouldn't care what I looked like, he would want me because of me. It's just my luck that Dash has no other choice but to fall for the way I look. she sighed again as she stared up at the ceiling. I just can't help but worry that deep down he wishes someone else had been chosen for him because he'll be the first to admit he finds me annoying..which I am but I can't change that now. she groaned and closed her eyes. "You need to stop questioning this and be happy. You got the guy you'd fallen for years ago. This is exactly what you wanted Talia." She whispered to herself as she slowly drifted off to sleep. But in the end the only thing that would truly make her happy was knowing that Dash was happy, even if that meant he decided that somehow he didn't want to be with her.

Quinn blinked as the door was shut in his face. His own door, his own room, and Talia didn't even say a word of thanks. He blinked a few times before turning and leaning on the wall, sliding down until he was sitting on the floor. His legs crossed, Quinn pulled out his crossbow and started cleaning and pulling it apart, determined to sit watch for her. He would stay vigilant and make certain that none of Rafe's followers bothered Talia while she was here. Not until Dash came, at least. Then they were Rafe's responsibility.


Digression
Conflicted Rules, Conflicted, Conflicts