Streets of Athens Harbor

The day had started much earlier for Luke than most others, the sun only just appearing as he slowly slid from his bed, yawning and stretching with tiredness as he did. He showered quickly then dressed himself in his usual shirt and jeans, though today he picked a shirt which was a little nicer than normal and he even stopped to peer in the mirror to try and make his hair look a little more presentable. Once he was ready he headed for the kitchen where like every morning he was greeted by his dogs, who barked and rubbed against him affectionately. He patted each of them and after he had filled their bowls with fresh food and refilled their water he set about pouring himself a simple bowl of cereal and a cup of coffee, which he quickly finished off before dumping the dishes into the sink. I wonder what time Haidee will arrive? He thought with a nervous glance at the clock before he did a second check to make sure his shirt was nearly tucked in before he finally turned and headed out, deciding to see to the horses first and leave any farming work until she arrived, not wanting her to miss out on anything that could be of use to her work.

The sun had just finished appearing on the horizon when Haidee arrived. She understood Luke no doubt had maintanence to do first, this was his home after all, so she tried not to arrive too early. Still, after dawn was surely late enough? She bit her lip, worried now that she was here it was too early. She placed a hand on the front of his home, admiring the care that obviously went into restoring the home. Finally, taking a breath to steady her nerves, she raised her hand and knocked. It wasn't steps she heard. Instead it was dogs barking. She took a quick half step back as if the dogs were going to come straight through the door at her, then realized what she did. No dog was that strong... Right? When after a minute she still heard no steps she uncertainly made her way around the home to look at the farm beyond. What a beautiful sight that was. She forced herself to speak, even though her eyes were no so easily distracted. "Luke?" she called, loud enough to hear over the dogs in the house and hopefully down toward the other buildings. She really didn't want to poke around without permission. "I'm sorry if I'm too early- I wanted to spend as much time as possible..." Her voice trailed off. Maybe she was being presumptuous. He was nice enough to let her see some things but maybe he only planned on an hour or so? He was surely busy. She'd wouldn't stay long then. Maybe they could hang out another time? When he wasn't busy. She could always ask.

For a moment there was no reply, the farm seemed still until finally Luke peeked his head out of the barn door and smiled, waving his hand in greeting as he did. "I'll just be a moment!" He called before disappearing again. He appeared a few moments later, leading two large horses, one chestnut brown and the other white from the barn and down towards a large grassy pasture that he had fenced off as a paddock where three other horses were already happily grazing. He led them in and then carefully removed their harnesses, giving their noses a gentle rub as he did. "Go on." he encouraged them then watched as they trotted off to join the others. He smiled and watched them for a few seconds before finally leaving the paddock and securely closing the gate. "Good morning." He said with a smile as he approached Haidee, smoothing down the creases in his shirt as he did. "Did you find the farm ok?"

Haidee smiled back, clasping her hands in front of her as she gave him a nod of confirmation. "I saw a beautiful home on the way here and almost thought it was yours, but I knew you were the farthest out, so I rode until I found the city limit sign, then rode back. I'm glad I found the right one." She chuckled softly, almost a whisper. "Like Goldilocks." She seemed ready for a day of chores, not as dolled up as some girls may have been. She had on simple sneakers, denim shorts, and a button down not unlike Jake, though hers was a pale cream with a red, white, and green bold floral pattern on it and a pocket on either side of the chest. She had rolled it up to her elbows, no doubt to keep it clean, and the collar button was left undone. Her hair was also pinned high on her head to keep it out of the way, though strands were already escaping. "I guess that makes you baby bear?"

"Baby bear?" Luke repeated slowly looking confused before he suddenly got the Goldilocks reference and let out a small chuckle. "Does that mean you're going to want to sleep in my bed later?" He asked still laughing before he suddenly realised what he had said, his eyes widening in embarrassment as his cheeks turned a fiery shade of red. "So..uh..can I..can I get you a drink?" He asked quickly hoping that by some chance she had managed to miss what he had said. "I could get you some water? O-or I made fresh lemonade last night.." He spoke clumsily as his hands fidgeted awkwardly with the cuffs on his shirt.

"Lemonade sounds lovely," she agreed and let him take the lead inside. 'Starting with porridge,' she thought, lowering her head a bit to hide a smile. "Thank you for letting me come today. I'm excited to see more of your farm. It's one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. I... don't know how much that counts though. I've barely been outside of Athens Harbor." She let out a small, breathy laugh. "Have you traveled?"

"Me? No. I don't think I'm suited for a life on the road." Luke replied feeling relieved she hadn't made a comment about what he had said. "Athens Harbor isn't too bad a place to be stuck in though." He motioned for Haidee to follow him as he turned and moved towards his house. "And thank you, it means a lot when people appreciate what I've done here..not that many people have seen it. I don't tend to get many visitors..or any for that matter. I usually like to keep things private up here." He pushed the door open and was immediately greeted by the two dogs barking and jumping up at him eagerly. "Don't worry about these two..even though I got them as guard dogs, they're not very good at it." He chuckled as he scratched the top of their heads. "They're very friendly and are my two best guys.." He cooed almost to the dogs before they turned their attention to Haidee and trotted towards her, panting happily. "The kitchen's just through here." He waved to her again to follow as he stepped into the house and headed for the kitchen.

Haidee, however, didn't follow. As soon as she saw the dogs again, she froze, still just outside. When they started toward her she had taken a quick few steps back but, unable to see, she slipped on a rock and promptly fell to the ground, shaking worse as the dogs approached her. She was wide eyed and clearly panicked. "I'm sorry- I can't- I'm not- Please- I'm sorry-" she muttered, trying to scoot back from the perfectly calm dogs trying to take an interest in her. As they became close enough to touch, however, she was visibly shaking and curled in on herself. "I'm sorry- I'm not good with- Sorry-" Her breathing had picked up as well and she couldn't seem to look at anything but the dogs. Luke was somewhere nearby she remembered, that's why she was trying to apologize, but her nerves rapidly took over. She clamped a hand in her shirt near her rib cage, her heart feeling all too painful. Really she should have known he had dogs, or at least animals. She should have thought about that, and she should have remembered the dogs from approaching the house. But she hadn't, and now they were sniffing her. "Please go away..." she whispered desperately.

Luke had glanced over his shoulder to ask Haidee if she would like ice in her drink but stopped when he found she wasn't with him. "Haidee?" He asked looking confused as he turned and moved back out towards the door. "Haidee!" His tone changed to panic when he saw her curled up on the ground with the two dogs sniffing at her curiously. He rushed to them and quickly grabbed the dogs collars pulling them back from her before he led them to a fenced off patch he had constructed for them and hurriedly locked them in it before running back to Haidee. "I'm so sorry! I should have asked if you were ok with dogs..this is all my fault. I'm so sorry!" He spoke quickly as he knelt down beside her, concern in his eyes. "Are you ok? Do you need anything?"

Haidee wasn't crying but she hardly seemed any more relaxed now that the dogs were removed. She forced herself to calm her breathing, counting to nearly one hundred to give her heart beat a chance to return to normal. It was a long few moments before her shaking stopped and she was able to uncurl enough to look at Luke. "I'm sorry..." she said again, but her tone was painfully sincere. She gave a glance to the dogs again. They didn't seem like they could get to her at least. She hugged her knees and lowered her chin to them, giving Luke a look of misery. "I'm not... good with animals." That was really the only way she knew how to put it. The more trouble she had, the more her anxiety had escalated. Now a trip to the pet store could throw her into a full blown panic attack. "... They're beautiful dogs," she added, almost as an apology but also as a general statement. "I'm sorry," she muttered again and turned her head to hide her face, forehead on her knees. ".... this is embarrassing," she notified him, her voice informative than ashamed.

"No..please don't be embarrassed. This is all my fault. I was careless in thinking you were comfortable with dogs or any animals for that matter. I guess I'm just too used to them." Luke replied as he placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Would you like to go inside? I can get you something to eat, give you a moment to recover." He offered feeling incredibly guilty for causing her this level of discomfort. "Can you walk? I can carry you if you need.." He continued, worried that her legs wouldn't hold her after the sudden shock.

"No!" Haidee's head shot up at the suggestion of carrying her, but this time she didn't seem panicked, judging by the blush on her cheeks. "No.. no.." she said a bit less sharply. "I can walk.. Thank you, for the offer. I can walk though," she assured him and carefully shifted to get her feet under herself to stand. She dusted her butt off a little before walking inside with him. She figured Luke would comment about it now but she couldn't keep her eyes from shooting around to make sure there weren't any other pets. "I like dogs," she felt the need to explain as they walked to the kitchen, her legs only a little shaky but getting better with each step. "It just.. never went well. I guess 'they make me nervous' doesn't really cover what it's become... I'm really sorry Luke," she said again, looking at him sadly. "I didn't really think this would come up... I mean, I should have." She blushed, averting her eyes. "Just kind of seems like something you tell someone after they get to know you a while... not a first impression. Sorry about that."

"You don't need to apologise Haidee. Everyone is different. This doesn't mean I'm going to make you go." Luke replied softly with a small reassuring smile as he pulled a chair out for her from the dining table. "I'll make sure the boys are always locked away when you come by..I mean if you ever intend to come back. Not that you have to or anything..Just if you ever feel like it." He said as his cheeks grew redder and redder before he turned and moved to the fridge, frowning at his own awkwardness. He returned a few moments later with a large pitcher of fresh lemonade then moved to grab a couple of glasses. "And don't worry, apart from the dogs I only have the horses and they're safely out in their field."

"I feel bad," she admitted, adding a soft thank you as he poured the lemonade. "They shouldn't need to be locked up on my account. They seem like good dogs." She absently rubbed at the lower part of her sternum where her heart lay, a frown gracing her lips. "I would like to come back, I like time with you, though I kind of feel I ruined the pleasantries with that... episode..." She paused, biting her lip a little, then forced herself to go on. "How old are your dogs?"

"They're only a year old, brothers in fact." Luke replied with a smile as he moved to wash a bowl of fresh strawberries before setting them down on the table and settling into a seat opposite Haidee. "As much as I like to be alone most of the time..I'll admit sometimes I wish I had company. That's why I got the dogs." He admitted before he picked up one of the strawberries and took a small bite. "Did something happen to you? You said you like dogs but they've created what looks like incredible fear in you.." He asked then suddenly looked apologetic. "I'm sorry you don't have to answer that if you don't want to."

"It's ok," Haidee replied as she accepted a tiny strawberry but looked at it in her hands instead of eating it just yet. "I suppose I should explain. I used to be in veterinarian training at school. I love all kinds of animals. I think they bring people a lot of comfort-" She motioned vaguely to him. "Obviously. And I think they can be wonderful companions. They just... never did well under my care." She frowned, her eyes starting to glisten. She put the strawberry back. "You can only lose so many before you start blaming yourself, you know?" She gave him a dismissive smile, but it was sad. She put both hands around her glass of lemonade instead. "I just don't really trust myself around them anymore. I never want to hurt them. That's why I changed my track. Plants don't... well plants grow. I seem good at it, and I like seeing the fruits of my labor- if you'll pardon the pun- so I enjoy it. I'm sorry... your dogs didn't scare me, if that's what you are worried about... I just... didn't want to hurt them." She shrugged as she finished, not sure how else to say it. "They're beautiful, but I guess I should have expected that. They say owners and dogs tend to look alike."

Luke nodded sadly as he listened to Haidee explain why she behaved the way she did. He didn't blame her for her decisions. He was sure he would be exactly the same way if he had experienced what she had. "Is that so?" Luke asked with a small embarrassed chuckle when he heard Haidee's last words about how owners and pets tended to look alike. "So..are you saying you think I'm beautiful?"

Haidee giggled as well, feeling slightly more relaxed now that she had explained and he seemed to accept it without question. "I should say handsome, shouldn't I?" she replied. "A handsome man." She took another drink of her lemonade, only half hiding her smile. Only then did she look up at him directly. She was an open book. Relieved and comfortable with him. "So, you still want to show me your garden?" She paused, thought about it, then tried again. "Crops? Sorry, I'm not used to speaking on a scale as large as your farm."

"Oh of course. That's the whole reason you're here right?" Luke chuckled as he watched Haidee, glad she seemed suddenly at ease. He liked seeing her smile, she had a very pretty smile in his opinion. "Well where would you like to start? I have two large greenhouses out back and then the fields behind that have crops in them too. I'll let you decide where we start."

"I'd love to see the fields. I work entirely in the greenhouses, so fresh air sounds wonderful." She finished her glass of lemonade then stood to take it to the sink, taking the pitcher with her to return it to the fridge for him. "Do you really take care of everything yourself?" she called over to him as she washed her cup.

"Yes.." Luke replied as he followed after her with his own empty glass. "It's hard..I wake up very early every morning and don't finish until very late every night..but I wouldn't want to do anything else." He smiled at Haidee. "It just feels..right, you know. Being out in the fields I mean. It feels natural to me." 

Haidee was watching him attentively, smiling at his clear affection for his farm. "That's really admirable," she told him quietly, then jumped a bit as the cup she was rinsing over flowed. Giggling she dumped it out and set the glass in the drying rack before shutting off the water. "Would you like me to help you out?" she offered. "I mean, if I do well today. Just sometimes. Not everyday. Maybe just like.. weekends. I don't have classes those days."

Luke looked at her, his surprise evident before he slowly smiled and gave a small nod. "I think we could come to some sort of arrangement to have you work here with me at the weekends..as long as it doesn't interfere with your school work." He added before he turned and led the way back outside. "I'll pay you of course for your time." He told Haidee as he walked through the grounds of his farm, leading the way down and around the large barn until they came to the back where two large glass greenhouses stood next to several large fields full of various types of fruits and vegetables growing in them.

Haidee waved off the offer of pay. "I just appreciate the opportunity to practice my skills in a practical way. I suppose you could say you're paying me in... experience..." Her words trailed off as she saw all of the plants. Her face seemed to literally light up and she smiled broadly at it. "Oh my! Luke, it's beautiful! Amazing! Really amazing!"

Luke grinned proudly at her words. "Thanks. I'm glad you like it. I was thinking maybe about extending it out, have a space just for apple and orange trees." He explained before motioning for her to follow him. "The corn crop should be ready to harvest now or at least in the next few days. So will you help me check them? See if they're ready. Do you know how to check if corn is ready to be picked?" He asked as he paused by a large wheelbarrow and began pushing it along with them.

"I'm afraid I don't," Haidee admitted as they walked, admiring the talk stalks around them. "I can spot good ones at the market but not on the stalks." She pointed at them. "I'm not familiar with plants that require so much room to grow. I'm more likely to know about the things in your greenhouse. This is good though, it means I have plenty to learn and you have plenty to teach me." She smiled, keeping pace with him but out of the way. "I like having the excuse to come by more often."

Luke smiled and nodded at Haidee as he steered the wheelbarrow through the paths he had created between each patch before he finally stopped by the tall stalks of corn. "Ok.." He started as he set the wheelbarrow down and motioned for Haidee to come closer. "There's 2 ways to check if corn is ready to harvest. Firstly you see the silks.." he started as he pointed to the long fibrous hairs on the top of the corn. "These will dry out and go brown in colour when they're ready to be picked. You see the brown colour of this one compared to this other one here.." He pointed to another that had still very light coloured silks. "The lighter coloured one still has a few days to go but the darker coloured one should be ready to be picked today. If you want to further check it's readiness then simply feel the end of the ear of corn. If it's rounded and blunt it's done. If it's still a little pointy it still room to grow and should be left." He smiled then pulled the finished ear of corn from the stalk and offered it to Haidee. "Have a look."

Curiouser than Luke had perhaps seen her before, Haidee accepted the corn and carefully removed the husk, exposing the beautiful golden ear inside. A bright smile split across her face. "That's incredible!" she gushed, then paused and blushed, averting her eyes while her smile turned shy. "I'm sorry. I think the way the world provides for us, with care, is pretty incredible." She gently placed the corn in his wheel barrow, then turned to investigate a few more husks, first looking for dry and brown, then gently squeezing to determine shape underneath. Once she decided on one that seemed ready to go, she tore it from the stock as Jake had done and peeled it open, letting out a triumphant giggle when it was nearly identical. She held it out to show him proudly, grinning broadly.

"See! There's really nothing to it. You'll be producing great stock like this in no time." Luke beamed happily at Haidee as he took the ear of corn and placed it in the wheel barrow with the other one. "Now comes the long part..we need to check the entire crop of corn and pick all the ones that are ready. Is that ok with you?"

"It doesn't sound bad at all," Haidee assured him as she already set to work assessing and picking corn, placing it carefully in the wheelbarrow so as not to damage them. "We'll be doing it together, so it will be a pleasant while." She gave him a bright smile again and continued picking corn with him. Luke was a lot more talkative now that they were in his territory. Maybe that's all he needed, a comfortable setting. She was glad. The more he opened up the less she had to worry he was avoiding telling her something or staying quiet for... well, pretty much all reasons weren't good ones. What if she did something wrong? Or hurt his hard work? She wanted to learn and practice, not have him be overly polite at the sacrifice of good work.

"Once we finish picking the corn then we can check the lettuce and the onions and then break for lunch. I can make you something to eat if you don't already have plans.." Luke called as he got to work picking corn as well, feeling very much at ease now he was out in the fields.

Haidee shook her head despite not facing him as she continued to work, collecting armfuls before placing them in the barrow. "I don't have plans, though I would feel better if you allowed me to help cook. Waiting and letting others do things for me are not two of my strong suits." She glanced at him with a smile and chuckled before continuing to work. "If I come again, maybe I can bring a picnic basket. That is, if you want."

"That sounds nice." Luke answered with a small smile as he glanced at Haidee before returning his attention to the work at hand. The next few hours were spent checking and picking the rest of the corn followed by the lettuce and finally the onions. As the last of the produce was loaded onto the final wheelbarrow Luke gave a long stretch and wiped the sweat from his brow subsequently smearing mud across his head. "Ready for a break?" He asked softly with a smile as he looked at Haidee.

Haidee, who was not much better, with dirt on her hands and shorts (from wiping off her hands), stood and gave a stretch of her own. Her hair had become a little messy but she took no notice as she tucked a few strands behind her ear. She nodded and made to give him a smile but giggled when she saw the dirt on his forehead. She reached up and wiped it off, freezing only once it was gone. "Oh sorry! You- ah-" she faltered and blushed, pointing to his forehead. "Dirt," she finished quietly, then turned to walk with him back to the house, trying not to think about the dogs inside. "What do you think we should make then?" she asked as they walked, looking at her hands to wipe pointlessly at the dirt there. "I love work in your fields, works up a nice appetite!"

"Well what would you like to eat? Do you have any special requirements? Vegetarian perhaps?" Luke asked as he moved back towards the house, hoping his own blush wasn't too obvious after she had brushed the dirt from his face. "If not I could fire up the BBQ? I should have stuff to make hot dogs at least. We could rustle up a nice fresh salad to go with it along with some of the corn we picked.."

"I like the idea of corn and salad," Haidee agreed with a thoughtful nod. "And I don't mind if you want some hot dogs for yourself," she added. She wasn't a vegetarian per sey, but something about eating a dead animal gave her intense guilt and ruined her appetite instantly. It was a shame, steak always smelled so wonderful. "And I can't say no to a BBQ. Perhaps we could grill the corn?"

"Corn and salad sounds good to me. I don't need hotdogs." Luke replied over his shoulder as he opened the door to his house and stepped inside before holding the door open for Haidee. "Lets make up the salad then we can head out and BBQ the corn. Then we cam just relax. We got a lot of work done this morning." He finished with a smile.

"Taking it easy on a farm the size of yours sounds more difficult than going out and working it," Haidee replied with a smile as she joined him inside and went to the sink in the kitchen to wash her hands first. The sound of his dogs barking in another room set her on edge but she tried not to show it. Exposure therapy right? She had learned about that. Maybe she'd just get used to them if she acclimated in small doses. "S-so," she added. "Everything we're using it's from your farm?"

---

Jace woke up the next morning and stretched almost cat like on his bed and rolled over. Sighing softly he shook his head, shaking his hair out. Climbing out of bed he grabbed a pair of jeans, boxers and a tight fitting shirt and headed towards the bathroom. He practically hoped in and out of the shower, but he doesn't fool around in there, he gets washed and gets out. Getting dressed he walked into the kitchen and started his coffee maker.

"Do you always wake up this early?" Madison grumbled as she trudged into the kitchen, tying her hair back as she did. "Haven't you ever heard of sleeping til the afternoon?" She yawned and dropped down to sit at the dining table before pointing at the coffee machine and smiling sweetly. "Please!"

Jace poured them both a cup of coffee and smiled softly, shrugging his shoulders. "Sorry I didn't mean to wake you. I normally get up a do a quick jog around town so my internal clock is set for this time, I just wasn't in the mood to jog this morning." Passing Madison her cup he took a drink of his own, leaving it black but since it had a hint of hazelnut in it he was fine.

Madison thought it was best not to ask why he wasn't in the mood to jog for she already had a pretty good idea what the answer would be anyway. "So will you be working today?" She asked casually as she lounged back in her chair, her hands wrapped around her coffee cup.

"Wednesday is usually training day but I had a few cancellations there's a lot of kids out with some flu or something thats going around. End of school bug." Jade had always gotten the bug but came to school anyway. She had been determined on getting valedictorian and it had happened. Jade shook his head at the memory.

"Well then Jace, you should just take it easy today. Have a day off, watch some TV, eat lots of junk food and drink some beer." Madison replied with a small smile before she took a sip of her coffee. "I was going to go exploring in town for the morning so I could pick us up something really tasty for lunch and bring it back. We could watch a movie or something later.."

"I think before I do that I'll go down and see how Jade is doing. Do you want to go with? See where her magic happens." Jace finished his coffee and placed his empty coffee cup in dish washer. Grabbing an apple from the fridge he took a big bite out of it and went to get a pair of socks out of his room.

"I'll maybe meet you down there. I really want to check out the town and look into some stuff for my business idea and try and get a new phone. I left mine at home." Madison replied before she drained the last of her coffee then stood and carried it to the dishwasher. "But if you're still down there when I'm done I'll definitely come join you guys. Would be fun to see where she works."

Jace come back with socks and shoes on. "Sure that'll work." Jace kissed the top of her head. Jotting his number down on a piece of paper he handed it to her. "Just in case you haven't memorized it yet. Call me when you're ready. There's a spare key in the drawer next to the fridge. I'll see you after a while." Jace bounced down the stairs quietly and out of the dojo and headed for BotO The Marina.

Madison watched him go then turned and wandered towards the bathroom where she took a quick shower. After she was done she changed into a pair of denim shorts and a black tank top before wrapping a lightweight dark green scarf around her neck and pulling on a pair of flat black boots. She finished off by quickly brushing her long blonde hair then moving back to the kitchen to locate the keys Jace had told her about. When she finally felt she was ready she turned and followed after her brother out onto the streets of the town.

---

The drive to the office for Risk and Lena had been a quick one even with the stop off to grab their breakfast. "I'll just get on with the never ending pile of paperwork." Lena joked with a smile once they were inside the building and she had set her food and coffee down on her desk. "Is there anything you need me to do before I start?" She asked Risk brightly as she turned towards him.

"No, not yet," Risk said with a shake of his head. "Your phone isn't hooked up yet, but it should be done today. Once it is, any phone calls coming through my extension will ring to you first--same goes for my voicemail." he explained, carrying his own food and coffee into his office and setting them on his desk. He started up his computer and clicked the voicemail button on his machine, starting to listen to the messages there.

"Got it boss." Lena called after him with a grin before she dropped down into her chair and powered up her computer. She quickly began sorting through the piles of paperwork still on her desk, taking hungry bites of her breakfast as she did. If I keep at this pace, I should have all of this sorted within a few days. She thought with a confident smile.

Madison strolled happily through the streets of the town, smiling up at the bright sun that was shining in the cloudless sky. She peered into shop windows and greeted passers by politely as they went. I think I could really get to like this place. She thought with a contented sigh before she stopped and read the door to Risk's office. "I wonder if they could help me locate a dance space.." She whispered knowing Jace would let her use the dojo if she needed but she didn't want him to potentially lose business because of her. Finally she pulled the door opened and stepped inside, heading for the stairs that led up towards the office. "Excuse me?" She spoke as she knocked the door then quietly opened it and peered inside.

"Oh hello!" Lena greeted brightly as she spun round in her chair and smiled at Madison. "How can I help you?"

"I was just wondering if I'd come to the right place to see about help for a business idea.." Madison asked feeling a little embarrassed.

"Let me get my boss. He can help you with any enquiries. I'm still pretty new here so I'm not fully aware of what all we can do." Lena chuckled before hopping to her feet and moving to knock the door to Risk's office. "There's a girl here wondering if we can help her." She said to him with a smile.

"Oh? Well then," Risk said, standing from his desk and moving out of his office. He was still buttoning his suit jacket closed when he saw Madison and smiled at her, extending an arm with a hand for her to shake. "Good morning," he greeted, "I'm Risk De Lorme. How can I help you today?" he asked pleasantly, his charming smile never faltering.

Madison simply blinked at Risk a moment before blushing and taking his hand. She hadn't imagined being greeted by someone so unimaginably attractive but here he was and as she watched him she was sure that with that charming smile of his he could win the hearts of even the most cold hearted. "Good morning, I'm Madison Carter." She replied trying to keep her tone professional. "I'm not really sure if I'm in the right place..I was looking to see about potentially acquiring a space for a new business idea I have. Is this something you could help with?"

"Actually, that's exactly what I can help with," Risk nodded. "Why don't we step into my office and discuss this business idea of yours a bit? If I feel like the venture could be profitable--to you, not to me--then we can make an appointment to get all the paperwork signed regarding my formal hire on the matter. Sound good?" he asked, then looked at Lena. "Would you mind terribly bringing Miss Carter here something to drink?" He turned back to Madison and said, "We have tea, coffee, sodas and water in the vending room."

"Just a water for me thanks." Madison replied as she smiled politely at Lena who smiled brightly in return as she gave a nod of understanding before she hurried off to fetch the drink. "That all sounds wonderful Mr De Lorme. Much easier than I had expected." She gave a small chuckle. "Let's talk business."

Risk chuckled, the sound rolling deep in his chest, and he nodded. He rested his hand lightly on her back between her shoulder blades and steered her into his office, pulling out a leather chair for her on the other side of his desk before walking around it and sitting himself down in his own chair. "So what kind of business venture are you thinking of, Miss Carter?"

"A dance school for all ages.." Madison replied after she had sat down lightly on the edge of the seat, her hands clasped on her lap as she watched Risk. "I would teach many different styles of dance in groups or one on one if people preferred that. It's something I've always wanted to do. I've been training in dance since I was three so you wouldn't need to worry about my capability of handling something like this.."

Risk held up a hand and shook his head. "It is not my job to question your capabilities," he smiled, "but it is good to know you have experience in dance. Do you have experience in business? Can you run the accounting and legal fronts involved with opening your own business? Would you need to hire additional teachers and managers?"

"Well at the beginning I'd say no to any other teachers..I don't want to be too overconfident in the beginning and then it completely flop. As for the accounting side of it I haven't any experience in it, but I was top of my maths class in high school and would be willing to learn more if required. Unfortunately I'm not that clued up on the legal side of things." Madison replied quickly, feeling nervous like she was taking an important exam.

"Well," Risk said, opening a drawer and digging into it a little, providing an empty folder and a few flyers. "You have some choices here, then," he explained, laying the flyers out for her to see. He pointed to one, "You can either take a couple of business classes at the community college here and at least get your fingers wet on the business and accounting side of things, which will cost you a couple thousand dollars up front, or," he pointed to another few flyers bunched under his other hand, "you can hire accountants and business managers to handle those things for you until you feel competent enough to take over, which will not cost as much initially, but will take more money from you in the long-run. You don't have to decide now, and naturally your third choice is to just take the reigns yourself from the get-go, but businesses with inexperienced managers tend to fail within the first year." he explained honestly, shrugging. "So I will give you these resources, and you have plenty of time to mull it over and decide whenever you're ready." he said, tucking the flyers into the folder and sliding it to her, adding his own business card to the stack. "Also, tell me about what kind of building you think you might like to have for this business? I have experience with dance schools being in single, or two-room buildings, and I've helped open dance communities in buildings as big as average high schools," he chuckled. "What kind of space do you think will be good for your school?"

"Nothing too big really to start with. Just one studio would suffice I think until popularity grew." Madison spoke as she picked up the file and rested it on her knee. "Maybe.." She started and looked at him. "If you have experience with these kind of businesses as you've said, you would be so kind as to talk me when through what worked best for them? Maybe..possibly over dinner tonight?" Her voice had grown quiet as she spoke the last words and she just hoped the heat she was feeling in her cheeks wasn't as evident to Risk.

Risk blinked, his smile slipping just slightly, but into a face of pleasant surprise. He leaned forward on his elbows across his desk and raised his brows at Madison. "Why, Miss Carter... are you asking me out on a date?" he asked softly, his smile back and just as big as before.

Madison knew now there was no hiding the redness in her cheeks as Risk leaned towards her. "Well..um..yes." She replied with a bashful smile as she tucked a strand of her blonde hair behind her ear. "I know some would think it inappropriate with the fact we might be going into business together but.. I haven't signed anything yet, have I? No connections between us."

Risk's smile crooked up more on one side. He assessed her silently a moment. She seemed much younger than him, which impressed him about the fact that she was looking to start a business. She seemed very mature for her age--whatever age that was. "I am very flattered, Miss Carter," he said sincerely. "I would love to join you for dinner tonight. I'll tell you what: take my business card--it has both my personal work line and my cell numbers on it--and think a bit more on this information in here," he said, pointing at the folder in her lap, "and call me later this afternoon when you've decided where you would like me to take you for dinner. My treat, hm?"

"Sounds great." Madison replied unable to kept the happy grin from her face. "And please..call me Madison." She continued before she stood up, the folder gripped tightly in one of her hands. "Thank you for your help today, its given me a lot to think about. I look forward to our dinner later..I'll call you as soon as I make a decision on where we should go."

"I greatly look forward to it, Madison," Risk said, smiling at her still and rising from his chair respectfully when she did so. He led her to his office door and saw her out, looking around curiously. "Where did Lena get to? I thought she was fetching your water... I'm sorry."

"Its perfectly alright, she must have had something come up. I didn't really need a drink." Madison admitted before she looked at Risk and smiled again. "I'll see you later then. I can"t wait." She gave a final wave of farewell then turned and headed down the stairs, her mood positively brighter now she knew she had a date to look forward to. Once out on the street she automatically turned back towards the dojo to have a rummage through her clothes for that night forgetting all the other things she wished to do.

Risk smiled as he watched her go, closing the door to the stairs after her before turning back to his office. He ventured in to the break room, where Lena would have gotten the water for Madison. "Lena? Lena, where did you get to?" he called lightly, curiously.

"I'm sorry.." Lena replied through gritted teeth as she grasped one of the large glass bottles of water in her hands, trying with all her strength to open it but not succeeding. "It won't open.." She finally huffed and looked up towards him apologetically. "Is she gone?"

"Unfortunately," Risk nodded, smiling at her in honest amusement. He made his way to her, gently retrieved the glass bottle from her, and tapped the capped mouth of the bottle against the edge of the counter before gripping and twisting the cap off with a loud POP! He set the bottle down, then pulled out two glass tumblers and filled each with ice before pouring water from the bottle into each. He then offered one to Lena.

Lena took the glass, her expression becoming more apologetic. "Sorry for messing up. I'll do better next time." She nodded before taking a small sip of water. "So are you going to help with her business?"

Risk nodded. "There's no need to apologize, Lena. You did your best, and that's all I ask for. She can get water in plenty of other places," he smiled. "And yes, I think I am. I'm meeting her for dinner tonight to discuss things a bit more in detail." he explained. "I hope that's alright with you--I'm sure you're more than capable of feeding yourself tonight, hm?" he asked lightly, raising his brows.

"Oh yeah you don't need to worry about me, I'm sure I can manage to make myself something edible for dinner." Lena grinned. "Then I'll just lie and watch some TV. Sounds like a good night to me. Much more interesting than a business dinner." She teased lightly.

"Agreed," Risk laughed lightly, "but this isn't necessarily a business dinner. I think it may actually be a date. The little thing asked me out." he chuckled, shrugging.

"She did?" Lena blinked in surprise as she watched Risk. "And you said yes? Do you like her?" She asked curiously before she took another small sip of water.

Risk shrugged haphazardly. "I don't know yet. What other reason is there for a date than to get to know someone? Test the waters and judge the prospects of a relationship?" he asked with a smile. He sipped his water thoughtfully for a moment, then said, "I do think her physically attractive, if that's what you meant. But I find all people physically attractive in some way."

"Even me?" Lena joked with a grin as she tilted her head and raised an eyebrow at Risk.

He laughed, throwing his head back a little and letting it fall forward into a nod. "Yes, even you," he said, reaching out and cupping her chin in his fingers playfully. "That smile of yours is positively intoxicating."

"Really?" Lena giggled with a small blush. "Well thanks, your smile isn't half bad either Risk. Shame you chose the young athletic blonde instead of me." She teased lightly before she politely stepped back from him and his hand on her chin. "You should take her somewhere nice, make her feel really special. That's what I would want."

"Hey now, I have not chosen anyone yet!" Risk pouted playfully. "Its just a first date. There's every possibility that it could go wrong and she'll end up hating me." he shrugged. "But yes, somewhere special I intend to take her. I'm letting her choose the place."

"Good plan." Madison nodded before she finished off her water and carried the glass to the sink. "And trust me Risk no one could hate you." She told him over her shoulder with a smile before she turned her attention to washing her glass before storing it away again. "She'll probably fall madly in love." Lucky girl. She thought sadly but her smile remained. "I should get back to work. That paperwork isn't going to sort itself."

Risk laughed lightly at her comments about no one ever hating him. "Tell that to my two ex wives." he said and smiled at her a bit sadly. He shook his head, finished his water and put the glass in the sink, then walked with her out of the break room and back to their respective offices. As they walked, his cell phone in his pocket began to ring. He pulled it out and put it to his ear. "Risk De Lorme with Athens Consultation, Inc. How can I help you today?"

Lena stepped towards her desk to allow Risk privacy on the phone as he spoke. She glanced at him and let out a small sigh before looking back at the pile of paperwork. Why couldn't I have asked him out like that girl did? He could have said yes to me..though maybe he wouldn't want to because we work together. She allowed herself to frown slightly now that her back was to Risk.

"Afternoon, Risk, it's Jade. How are you doing?" Glancing across the room at Dorian she smiled softly. "I know we agreed to meet at your office but there was a small accident during my dive today and I was wondering if we could move our lunch to the lab instead? If not that's okay we'll just have to reschedule." She didn't mention that it was Dorian who didn't want her leaving, that wasn't really the point.

"Oh, no, that's perfectly fine! I do not mind the smell of fish and ocean water with lunch." Risk teased lightly with a smile. "I'll order the Chinese food now and pick it up on our way over." he said with an audible smile. 

"Sounds great, thanks for understanding. We'll see you in a little bit." Jade said her goodbye and hung up the phone. Turning to Dorian she shrugged her shoulders easily. "See no problem. Him and Lena will pick up the food and bring it here."

Risk hung up the call with Jade, then immediately dialed for his favorite Chinese food place--which also was the only one in Athens, coincidentally--and put in the order for their lunch. A bit of everything, he'd promised. Once that was done, he looked at Lena. "The paperwork will have to wait, dear Lena. Lunch as been ordered and we're having a change of location. Have you been out to the Marina yet?" he asked with a smile.

"Not yet." Lena replied as she pushed the paperwork aside then turned to smile at Risk. "It sounds like a much better lunch location than the office." She chuckled before moving to his side. indicating she was ready. 

"Oh yes, I have a feeling you'll enjoy it." Risk said as he waved for her to head out of the door first, grabbing his keys and wallet on the way out. He led her back down to his car, opened the passenger door for her first, then rounded the nose of his vehicle to climb into his streetside driver's door. Once buckled in, he pulled them away to the Chinese food place he had called to, picked up their order, then with it loaded into the smaller back seat, he drove them out towards BotO the marina.

---

Refueled and rejuvenated by his daily dose of caffeine, Cash walked through the streets of Athens Harbor at a brisk pace--he really should have taken the car today, but the bright sun and spring weather twisted his arm--with a secure grip on his ever-present briefcase.

"Wow..." Jace almost collided with Cash coming out of a near by shop. Grabbing a hold of the other man he steadied them both. "Well hello, looks like neither of us were paying attention." Confident that they were both steady now Jace let his hands fall to his sides. "How are you today, Cash?" Just who he wanted to see, though it wasn't Cash's fault he was divorced, in fact it was Cash who helped make sure Jace didn't end up in some gutter somewhere like... she had wanted.

In that moment of collision Cash was very much glad that Jace was not one of the people in Athens Harbor that would have gladly let him face-plant on the concrete...and very much aware of how physically fit his ex-client was. After blinking for a moment once steadied, Cash registered the question: "Oh, busy, like any day...also a bit hopeful, I suppose. Not so much like any day." He shrugged and gave the other man a bright grin. "And you?"

"Hopeful, I guess that can be good. Me? Eh... it's just another day for me. I was hoping to keep busy but my 2 classes for the day got canceled because the students are both sick. End of school year flu." Jace shrugged his shoulders. "So I've really just been browsing around town since I left the marina. I'm giving my sister time to look around town. I dont want to get on her nerves too soon with her being back."

"Get on whose nerves?" A voice sounded from a few feet behind Jace. Madison had been stepping out of a store, her hands laden with several bags of clothes and shoes when she spotted her brother and with a smile she had stepped towards him, catching the last of his words. "I don't believe you could annoy anyone." She continued before her smile took on a hint of guilt. "So change of plans I'm afraid. I'm going to have to cancel movie night tonight. I have plans." She said before finally looking at Cash and looking apologetic. "Oh sorry..I'm being rude. I'm Madison.." She set her bags on the ground before offering her hand to him to shake.

Cash reached out his free hand to shake Madison's with a charming grin. "Cash Wicker. Would I be correct in assuming that you are the sister? Such elegant bone structure must be a Carter family trait."

Madison let out a small laugh as she blushed at Cash's comment and gave a nod in answer to his question of being Jace's sister. "If I had known all the guys in this town were as charming as they are I would have came here a lot sooner." She commented with a smile and a tilt of her head.

Jace picked up the bags that Madison set on the ground and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, kissing the top of her head. "Or just trying to woo you. Now what did you say about plans? Your ditching me? How rude." Jace feigned being hurt, giving Cash a wink that Madison couldn't see.

"Yeah I'm sorry but we can definitely rearrange to tomorrow night, I promise. But tonight..I have a date." Madison replied and smiled proudly before she looked up at Jace. "That's what all the bags are for, I need outfit options. I want to look my best. This guy is so incredibly handsome. Maybe you've heard of him, Risk De Lorme?" She asked looking between Jace and Cash.

After smirking at Jace's wink Cash grinned again at Madison--the expression taking on a slightly dreamy quality at the mention of the other past client. "Ah, Risk~ I'd wish you luck, but knowing him you won't need it." The redhead nodded knowingly, fully aware that despite Risk's reputation, he never pushed his dates' boundaries.

"Yeah, I know Risk." Whenever Risk found the time he would come down to the dojo to train with Jace, several people did that, a little one on one with Jace, but he usually kept it confidential unless the client wanted it known, and Risk wasn't sure he wanted the entire town knowing.

"Oh great then there won't be any awkward introductions later when he comes to pick me up." Madison chuckled as she looked at Jace before glancing at Cash with a grin. "So what's the nicest restaurant in this town? He's letting me pick where we go and I want it to be really nice."

Cash hummed in thought, considering the options. "Tomás is the most expensive. French cuisine~ But, Sophie's is still the most popular... The new kabob place down by Orion Avenue is supposed to be pretty good, though. Casual, but delicious."

"Oh don't forget Poseidon's, they've got the best sea food I've ever had." Jace tapped his chin and smiled. "Cash I don't think we're helping. In fact I'm just getting hungry now. Maddy it just depends on what you're in the mood for. Me personally, I could go for some grouper." Jace patted his stomach to emphasis on his point.

"Well if I was to pick one right away it would probably be the French cuisine place..just because it sounds the most ideal for a date and these dresses I've bought, they're not for casual restaurants." Madison grinned as she pointed at the bags of shopping in Jace's hand. "I'll call him later when I decide. But for now..do you mind if I use your dojo studio to do my dance exercises? I want to relax for a bit before I start getting ready." She asked Jace with a hopeful smile.

"Have at it. I'm going to power walk with Cash since I didn't go for my morning run." Jace carefully handed Madison back her bags, kissed her on top of the head in a brotherly goodbye and held his hand out to Cash, indicating he should lead the way. "Where were you off to in such a hurry anyway?"

"Might as well~ Not like Risk can't afford it, anyways." Cash grinned playfully at Madison before turning to Jace. "Ah. Harvey Apartments, actually, I need to ask the building manager a few questions." The redhead began to resume walking and hummed for a moment before speaking up again. "Hey, now that it's stuck in my head...what's the name of that place with the steak and spinach pizza?"

"Ew, that sounds disgusting. Steak is meant to be eaten with a knife and fork." Jace shook his head as he walked beside Cash. "But I think you're talking about the one with a walking goat as it's logo or something."

"Right, right..." Cash nodded until his eyes suddenly widened in realization. "The kabob place replaced it!" He leaned back his head with a groan, sounding genuinely distressed that he overlooked such a detail. "They even kept the sign! Ugh. That was going to bother me all day, and it isn't even around, anymore." The bearded man pouted a bit. "Always a pain to go into meetings and have something nagging at the back of your head. 'Specially the trivial stuff..."

"I bet it is. But it's conversations like this that keep my mind distracted. Which is always nice." Jace clapped Cash on the back gently. No one knew it but Jace had taken to drinking a lot more lately. It was good that his sister was around he hadn't had a chance to drink any last night with her there. "It's good to have friends like you."

Cash smirked wryly at Jace's admission. "Right back atcha~ I take it you've been keeping yourself busy, then? If distractions are oh-so-necessary?" He turned his head just enough to face Jace as they walked, raising a curious eyebrow.

"I guess you could say that. But not as busy as I'd like." Jace smile crookedly. His friends knew him well enough to know that he liked to keep as busy as possible, whether it be work or helping someone out, it didn't matter he had to be keeping busy.

"If I could shift some of my workload to your shoulders without legal repercussions, I would." Cash sighed mournfully with a sarcastic smile. "But I'm sure you can find something to occupy your time. There's always another project, somewhere, right?"

"Of course. I'll go down to Jade's later and work with the horses. They always take up a good chunk of my day, and then she doesn't have to worry about them." Jace clapped Cash on the back and smiled softly. "But I think I'm going to do some errands so I will catch you later, can't take up too much of your precious time."

Cash and Jace parted ways shortly there after, Cash hurrying to his appointment and Jace meandering through town. He had grown hungry it being later in the afternoon so he'd made a stop at the local bar and grill to have a burger and fries and a drink or two. That drink lasted a lot longer than he had intended.

---

"Well... I'm not going to lie... I'm half tempted to buy a small manor, and invest my money in a weapons company, and take up a Persian of a hero, using my funds as a way to pay for my life fighting crime." Archer smiled at Adela his hands in his pockets as they left the banks front doors and Archer slipped a bill fold into his pocket. The number the banker had shown Archer let him realize he was not going to struggle... He could stop working if he really wanted. His children may even end up with the same. "What a great trip to the bank."

Adela shook her head, smiling, "As a police officer, I can't condone vigilantism," She pointed out, a playful lilt to her voice, "But if you would like to join the department..." Adela nudged his elbow with hers, looking up at him a little more seriously now, "Really though, what are you going to do with all that money? You're going to have to think about taxes and stuff." She didn't know exactly what the numbers were, but the look on the bank employee's face said a lot

"I think for now... We should go see Jade." Archer pointed out with a smile. "After all, I need to apologize." Archer then smiled a bit, "is that an invitation to pay my own wage and just walk on to the police force?" Archer asked with a playful smile as he headed for the car.

"I don't have the authority to give invitations like that," Adela said as she got into the car, "But get my badge number for your application and offer to pay your own academy tuition and you'll probably be in." she smiled at him as she started the car and headed to boto the marina.

Valerie didn't know where she was going, she just walked. She had a couple hours before she had to be at work and she knee she should use it to study, but she really didn't feel like it.

Alex was walking down the street her book bag On her back, and she knew she wanted something. She sighed as he listened to her gothic rock music and wasn't paying to much attention to anything around her. While looking to see what album she was going to listen to next Alex walked right into Valerie, and gasped. "I'm so sorry!" Alex was already pulling the buds out of her ears when she realized just how cute the girl she bumped into was. A blush crossing her face.

Val hadn't been paying a whole lot of attention to where she was going either when she bumped into someone and stumbled back a step. The girl before her had vibrant red hair and a surprising number of tattoos for as young as she looked, "Its alright." Val said softly, shaking her head, "No harm done."

"Umm. Have we meet before?" Alex asked not wanting this to be the end of there conversation. She just wanted to at least get this girls number. If nothing else she was in her age group. Dressed ultra awsam, and was all in all just pretty. "You look familiar."

Val looked at the girl again, "I don't think so." she said, shaking her head. She would have recognized a young woman with such vibrant hair and tattoos. In fact, she was surprised she had never noticed her around town. "Maybe you've seen me around school."

"Maybe that's where I saw you?!" Alex said a huge grin. "I just graduated last year. So I must have seen you there. My hair was its natural brown before that. So you might not remember me" Alex can't belive she didn't know this girl.

"Ah." Val fell quiet, feeling a little awkward, "Well, it was nice to meet you."

"Well maybe we can hang out then? I mean if not now later. We can exchange numbers if you like?" Alex asked hopping she would want to. She didn't have many friends. So making a new one sounded like a good idea...

"Oh..." Val looked at her again and a hint of a smile turned her lips, "Sure, I'm not really doing anything right now."

Alex waisted no time smiling brightly. "Really!?" She stepped in holding her phone. "Cuz I'm really doing much right now. Maybe we can go and get ice cream!? On me!" Alex then blushed a bit and giggled. She realized that was a bit odd a request to make to a new friend. "I mean if you want, or you know coffee... Or... What ever..." Alex was trying to play it off.

Val smiled a little more then, "Either way sounds fine. I'm Valerie, by the way."

"Nice to meet you Valerie. I'm Alexandria." Alex offered her hand for a shake, with a warm smile.


Val smiled, this girl was a lot more pleasant than Hroda, "That's a pretty name.

"Well thank you, Valerie! You can call me Alex if you like though sweetie." Alex then smiled brightly. "So ice cream? Coffee? Or just what?" Alex smiled hopping she had an idea of what she wanted to do. She did want to get to know Val.

"Umm...ice cream?" Val suggested, "Oh, and you can call me Val."

"Cool! So Sophie's?" Alex asked as she motioned for Val to walk with her.

"Sure." Val smiled as she walked with Alex

Alex walked with Val to boto Sophie's Dinner, and went to get some ice cream.

---

Jace slumped in his chair comfortably, well on his way to being drunk. The owner and bartender Jim walked over and shook his head. "You didn't drive did you?" Jace just shook his head and leaned forward to put his head in his hands.

"Bring me another, will ya?"

"I think you've had enough this time, Jace." Jim was one of the few that knew about Jace's depression.

"Please Jim... its only a few nights a year. And I'm walking." Jim rolled his eyes and sighed before walking off and calling Adela to explain to her the situation. He wasn't going to call Jade again because she'd freak. Once he was done on the phone he gave Jace another drink.

"This is the last one kid. Then we're switching to water." Jace waved him off and went to drown himself some more.

Adela, Jade, and Archer had stopped by Adela's appartment so she could change into a strapless dress and then went on to the local tattoo parlor so she and Archer could get their tattoos. When they were done and happy with their new ink, the three went to the local steak house for dinner. As Adela pulled into a parking space, her phone rang. She glanced at the number on the screen, "One sec, guys." she put the car in park and answered the call, "What's up, Jim?" She listened for a second, a grown on her face, "Alright, I'm actually just outside, I was going to come in with friends for dinner. I'll take care of it." She hung up and looked at Archer and Jade, "Alright, Lets go in, but I may have to ditch you for a little while to run Jace home."

"Well, what ever it is I'm sure Jade and I will be fine for a while on our own, Dela." Archer stretched as he got out of the car and smiled at Jade. "Right?" He was a bit concerned that Jace might need a ride, and he was in the stake house... Witch was one of the few full bars in town.

Jade went to climb out of the car but froze at Adela's words. "Jace... what's wrong with Jace?" Glancing at the building she huffed in frustration and hurried inside. Jade saw Jace in a chair with a drink in his hand. "Jace... you promised..."

Jace's eyes shot up at Jade's voice. "You called Jade?!" Jim shook his head and frowned.

"I did not she must have been with Adela."

"Jade," Adela called after her, "He just had a few drinks and can't drive!" She shook her head, "I thought he was the one who was always protective of her." she said with a smirk, slipping her hand into Archer's and heading for the door where Jade disappeared.

"She's like a mama bear. You know that." Archer told Adela as they headed for the door, but was a bit surprised in seeing Jace that far gone. "Jace has a drinking problem?" Archer looked confused. The man was desiplined... Why? Then why did they call Adela to give him a ride?

"It only happens once or twice a year. On his anniversary and on the day he got divorced. I completely forgot or else I wouldn't have gone to work and had my accident." Jim threw Jade a wet wash cloth and she sat down next to him and patted the cloth along his brow. "I'm sorry I let you down today."

Jace smiled as he looked around. "You could never let me down, you're my best friend. Besides!" He threw his arm in Adela's direction. "You brought one of the most beautiful women in town so that's a bonus." His words slurred together some but Jade knew he was talking about Adela. Jace had had strong feelings for the woman for a while now and just never did anything about it. He always told Jade he was damaged goods and someone as amazing as her would never want him. Jade had tried to tell him he was wrong, but Jace was stubborn.

Jace looked up at Adela and blushed slightly, a small smile on her face. While Jace was distracted she took his glass away and slid it across the table away from him. "Oh boy..."

"True." Adela answered Archer, "But I doubt he has a drinking problem, I've never heard anything about it." she didn't hear Jace's comment about her as she and Archer approached, but She frowned when Jade explained, "Think you could keep some food in your stomach?" she asked him. It might be a good idea to sober him up a little.

"I could try some fries to start. I think I'd be able to hold them down." Jace murmured softly.

Jade turned and nodded at Jim. They'd been down this road before so he knew the drill. Frowning softly she placed the wash cloth on his forehead and made him lean back. "We can eat while he sober up if you want."

"I think that's a good idea." Archer was only disappointed because there was no way he was going to get a beer while Jace was sobering up, but he could have a beer another night. He walked for the hostess to ask her for some seating, and check the weight time. He came back rather quickly and spoke up. "Do you want to eat at a table here in the bar?" He asked The group. Thinking more to not embarrassed Jace in case one of his students came in.

"That will work." Adela said and pointed behind them toward an empty corner booth that would easily fit them all, "Mind if we take that one, Jim?"

Jim looked up from the glasses he was filling and nodded his head. "Anywhere's fine." Walking over with water and menu's he set them down on the table and gave Jade a soft kiss on top of her head. "I'll get him this time, kid." Coming around the table Jace sat at, Jim wrapped one arm around his waist while Jace threw his arm around Jim's shoulders.

"Thank you..." Jade mumbled as she sat down at there table and flipped open her menu. Jim helped Jace into the chair next to her and smiled.

"I'll give you all a few minutes." Jim gave Jace a concerned look as he laid his head on the table but walked away, knowing Jade had it under control. Jade took the washcloth and laid it across the back of Jace's neck, it was still damp and cool so it would have the desired affect. 

"What sounds good?" Jade as the other two as she scanned the menu.

When Adela saw Jim pulling Jace to his feet, Adela hurried over and grabbed his other arm, more to help with balance than because she thought Jim couldn't handle the weight. She sat down next to Archer and took a look at the menu, "Steak, Steak sounds good." She said with a smile as she flipped to the proper part of the menu before glancing at Jace with a worried look. She was starting to feel guilty for letting her job get in the way of keeping up with friends.

"I'm kinda feeling a sirloin..." Archer addmitted. "By the way. Dinner and Jace's tab are on me." Archer had not let anyone but Adela know how much he was worth as if that moment. He was still trying to figure out how he was going to spend it all before the IRS caught up with him. That was for another night. He looked to Jace. "You know. A Rancher style stake might lurk you right up."

Jim came back over to take there orders. "Mmmm don't bother with Jace's tab. He paid me years ago, enough to drink for years if he wants. Anyway, what'll you have?" Jade glanced down at the menu and handed it over to him. "Your famous spaghetti and meat balls." Jim wrote it down and glanced around the table for everyone elses order.

"I'd like the pepper crusted sirloin, medium, with the Cesar side salad and..." Onion rings or sweet potato fries? "Hmm...sweet potato fries. Oh, and a root beer." Adela smiled at Him and then looked over at Jade, knowing Archer would insist on the females at the table ordering first.

"I'd like your famous spaghetti and meat balls, with garlic cheese bread on the side." Jim jotted down both orders. Just then Jace's fries appeared on the table as a older woman, the cook, set them down. "Eat up Jace..." Jade shook his shoulder gently causing him to snap to attention, but it got him eating.

"House special Jim, and I'll have a craft vanilla seltzer please?" He added as he handed the menu back. He knew sometimes a guy just needed a night to drink the pain away, and he knew Jace of all people would not let just any little thing give him one of those nights.

Jim jotted everything down and walked away to put the order in. A few moments later he came back with the two drinks and set them down. He went about his business after that, leaving the group be until there food was up.

Adela looked around at her friends at the table, happy to be spending time with them all again. But this time she wondered if she should address the elephant in the room, or leave Jace alone for a minute. "We haven't done anything like this since I was still in high school." she commented 28th a smile

"Yeah, that's probably my fault. Dorian says I work myself to death." Jade frowned down at her hands at the mention of Dorian. Biting her bottom lip she shook her head slightly.

"That's because you do... but you're the best at what you do so we forgive you." Jace pipped up out of nowhere, his fries almost all eaten. He normally kept quiet about how much she worked because he knew it did them no good to hound her about it.

"We should all go camping or out boating." Archer brought up as he sipped as his drink and smilng brightly. He then smirked at Jade at the work to death comment. "You have always worked yourself a bit hard Jade.

"Any one of us could have picked up a phone." Adela pointed out, "Besides, you're not the only one here who lives at work." It was probably the biggest reason she had never had a relationship last more than a matter of months.

"Not me, I don't own a phone..." Jace said in a calm voice before bursting into laughter. Glancing around at the table his eyes lingered on Adela before he leaned over and whispered into Jade's ear. "That pretty girl is sitting with us..." He turned his head to Jade with a big smile before laying his head on her shoulder. "Woo... I'm dizzy." He said aloud.

Jade pursed her lips together and shook her head. "Why don't you have some water and relax..." She handed him his glass and watched as he took a few sips then laid back down on her. "We'll have to make sure we get together more often from now on and not loose track."

"I'll make sure that we do!" Archer siad then waching the specifical Jace was making and laughing a bit. "You sir need a phone. Don't you at least have one for the Dojo?" He then looked a bit strangely at him as he whispered to Jade about Adela. "Your gonna need some aspirin before bed." He pointed out.

Adela was laughing at Jace and didn't quite catch what he whispered to Jade, but it put an odd look on Archer's face. "I'll make sure he gets some when I take him home after dinner." She had told Jim she would get Jace home and she intended to do just rhat, even if he was doing better by the time they finished.

"He has a phone, he's just being silly." Jade patted Jace's head as if he were a child. Just then Jim popped up with their food. He set each thing down in front of who it belonged to and then turned to Jade.

"Does he need anything else?" Jade shook her head with a light smile.

"Just a pillow, but thanks Jim." The man nodded and walked away, telling them if they needed anything to let him know. With Jim gone Jade smiled down at her food and dove in.

Archer pointed out. "I'll walk you home after this Jade. That way Adela can just head home after she drops of Jace." His offer was two fold. One was to let Adela take Jace home then head home, and the other was to let him talk to Jade a bit. As his food arrive he started to enjoy every bite.

Adela nodded, "That sounds like a good idea." She said. She knew he and Jade needed to talk some more. For now, she turned back to her plate and cut into her perfectly cooked steak.

"That's fine with me." Jade said in between bites. She loved eating here, Jim's spaghetti was the best she'd ever had and he usually cooked it himself when she requested it. His meatballs were like no other in her opinion. She handed one of her garlic bread's to Jace so that he could eat it. "All this bread should help counter the alcohol."

Archer had not eaten a stake this good in a very long time. It was great to be able to enjoy it with friends. Besides the seltzer is some of the best vinilla soda in the state. "I'm thinking about opening a gym and fight house in town." Archer got a big smile. "Call it the Colosseum." Archer could even have it built to match.

"Fight house? Like for boxing or something?" Adela asked between bites of her steak. It sounded interesting, and Athens didn't really have a proper gym, though she had taken some classes from Jace before she left for the academy.

"So basically you'll be competing against Jace?" Jade said questioningly as she continued to munch on her dinner. Jace had his eyes closed on her shoulder and appeared to be sleeping.

"It's two different fighting styles. An my main focus is the gym. The fight house is second." Archer sighed a bit and took a few bites. "Besides He is a better marshal artist then me. I'm a gun fighter."

"He has a point," Adela said, "Besides, I'm sure even Jace might appreciate having a weight gym in town."

"Hmm, you could always team up and combine the two. I believe the building next to his is vacant. Put in a big doorway and have a dual sign up. Include the gym in sign up and charge a little more." Jade had been pitching ideas to Jace for years on the dojo but he'd never had the motivation to do it. If she could get Archer to agree maybe this would be his motivation.

"That might not be to bad an idea." Archer had thought of it, but maybe with Jade's help they could convince Jace that it was a good move, and that meant good money to be made. Though he was a bit confused as to why Jace had not added even a small weight room. "I'll ask him a bit later."

Adela smiled, happy that hey were all together again. She ate quietly for a moment as she thought that she wished Jace were more coherent. She would have to see if she could get him to open up and tell her why She was getting calls from Jim to drive him home years after his divorce.

Jade pushed her empty plate away and sat back, fully satisfied and full. "That was delicious." She felt Jace moving around next to her and looked over at him curiously. "You okay?"

"I don't feel so good, my heads killing me." With that he laid his head down on the table and groaned.

"I think he over did it this time. He's not normally this bad." Jade shook her head gently and frowned.

"Adela. I'll Handel the bill. Why don't you take Jace home." Archer knew Jace was going to need to get to sleep, and he wanted to talk to Jade. Considering everyone was done it made sence. "Jim. Bring me the bill, and Jaces tab please." He called to the bar tender.

Adela nodded, looking concerned, "I'll probably stick around with him for a little bit, just to make sure he's alright. Jade, where's he living now?" She asked as she stood up and moved over to help Jace up.

"Above the dojo." Jade dug her hands into Jace's pocket and fished out his keys. "This one here opens the door to the dojo. I'd give you my copy but its at home on my keys." She'd left them at home because Teos should be there. As they talked Jim came over and gave Archer both bills.

"Don't let Jace find out you're paying that. He'll be pissed. Like I said, he's had it paid for a while now. I guess he knew he'd be drinking a lot so he wanted to pay me in advanced." Jim looked over at Jade and frowned apologetically. "Sorry..." He knew Jade wouldn't approve of Jim accepting the money but that was an argument for a different day. "Have a good night."

Jade frowned as Jim walked away and shook her head. "Here I'll help you get him to the car." Jade went to Jace's other side and helped Adela out of the building.

Adela nearly gave Archer a quick kiss before she left but she didn't know how he'd feel about that. They would have to talk about how things stood between them exactly before she started doing stuff like that, so instead she just smiled and said, "See you later, let me know if you want to hang out." She and Jade got Jace buckled into her car and Adela thanked her and gave her a hug before heading for Jace's dojo and home.

Archer waved good bye to Adela and Jace, and slipped her Jaces cash. "Make sure he gets that back." He told her as he then turned to Jade. "Would you like an escort home?" Archer offered Jade in a playful tone. Offering her his arm.

Jade shoved Archer's arm playfully. "A companion home would be nice. But I'll be damned if I'm taking help." Jade shook her head with a grin across her face and started leading the way home. It would be the first time Archer has seen the place. "So how goes it?"

"I'm a bit happy." Archer said with a playful tone. "I'm with a pretty girl, walking towards her house, the smell of the ocean behind me, and I'm a bit well off money wise." Archer sighed after that. "Truth is though I really need to move out of my moms house. I love her and all, but she's a bit forward..." Archer paused a bit then went on. "How are you?"

"Eh, it depends on the day of the week. Most days I'm good. I love working and I love what I do it's just..." As they walked Dorian's face popped into her mind. Shaking her head she sighed heavily, her dark hair sweeping back and forth along her back. "Dorian lately has seemed... Overbearing. I mean before we started dating it didn't seem like he was so possessive but now I sometimes feel suffocated." As they walked along the dirt road that led to Jade's place she frowned deeply. "No matter what I do. I mean sure today could have been bad but I'm fine, I feel fine. No damage done and he freaks out about me going with to sit and watch you guys get tattooed. It's just frustrating. You know I don't like being controlled."

---

Adela drove more mellow than normal, not wanting Jace to get sick on her baby. She pulled up to the dojo and put her car in park, looking over at Jace, "Can you help me get you up the stairs, or am I going to have to carry you?" she asked with a smirk. He was solid, but she could probably fireman carry him if she had to.

"Psh... I'd like to see you try." Jace giggled as he opened the door. "I think I can help you... help me..." Again he let out a soft giggle and shook his head as he swung around so his feet were on the pavement and pulled himself up by the door. "Wooh!" He said as he swayed back and forth.

Adela continued to smirk at him, "You forget what I do for a living." She said, grabbing his arm as he swayed on the doorstep. She almost picked him up just to prove him wrong but she didn't want to carry him up the stairs if she didn't have to, "Come on." she said, pulling his arm over her shoulders and holding a good portion of his weight as they went inside, "Which way to the stairs?" she asked as she shut and locked the front door behind her.

"Up." Jace giggled softly before pointing to the glass enclosed garden. "Through there." Jace allowed Adela to help him up the stairs and into his apartment. "Sorry about this." His words came out clear as he pointed to the comfy overstuffed couch. "A beautiful woman like you shouldn't have to be helping someone like me."

Adela shook her head, still smirking, "What? A friend?" she asked, ignoring the beautiful comment, she got that often enough and he was drunk. She helped him sit and headed for the kitchen, "Where do you keep the asprin?" she asked, checking the fridge for Gatorade or any kind of quivelent.

Jace laid his head back and closed his eyes. "Right... friend..." He mumbled softly before blowing out some air. "Uh... There's a bottle in my nightstand." Jace opened the recliner and sighed. His head was a little fuzzy so he didn't much pay attention to where he was sending her. His room was clean that wasnt his worry. In that same drawer was a photo album from high school with mainly pictures of Adela and Jade. When his mind finally clicked he jumped up. "Wait! Wait I'll get it." Slowly, holding onto the back of the couch he began heading to his room.

Adela grabbed a bottle of Gatorade from the fridge and came back to the living room. His change of mind didn't bother her, she figured he just didn't want her to see where he kept his condoms or something, "Need help getting there?" She asked.

"Um... no I think I've got it." Jace glanced back over at Adela and sighed softly. It would be a rough night for him with Adela in the house especially with her being dressed the way she was. "I'll be right back." Jace made his way carefully into his room and snatched up the bottle of pills. He picked up the photo album for a second and rubbed the cover picture. It was prom, with him, Jade, Adela and Archer. Clearing his throat he put the album back and made his way back out into the living room. "Here we go." Sitting back down he popped the bottle open and sighed.

She passed him the drink and sat down, "How long have you been doing this Jace?" She asked quietly. She had heard he got divorced but she wasn't sure when it had been.

Jace took the drink from Adela and swallowed 4 aspirin. Turning on the couch so he could look at her, almost as if he were ashamed. "Twice a year since the divorce 3 years ago. I thought eventually I'd just get over it. It's not really that I didn't get over her it's just I feel like no one wants me. If thay makes sense."

Three years...she looked pained. She had never been particularly close to Jace but she was sorry that he had been hurting for so long and she hadn't known, "Then you just haven't found the right woman yet." She said softly. She shrugged, "I'm not known for being much of a romantic, but I've always believed anyone can find someone whose willing to put up with their shit, and whose shit they're willing to put up with. You just have to keep your eyes open."

Jace stared at her for a moment before shaking his head. "I thought I had found a good one. She's beautiful and kind and a hard worker. But I think she's blind to my feeling. Jade agrees but I'm not sure what I can do."

Adela shrugged again, "You know, she will never know if you don't say anything." she pointed out, "You can't expect someone to just know you're interested." she paused and smiled, "Mind if I ask who it is you've got your eyes on?"

Jace took a deep breath before he leaned for a few inches from her face and smiled sweetly. "She's the most beautiful girl I've ever seen. I've had feelings for her since high school." His eyes softened considerably before he reached up and gently stroked her cheek. Clearing his throat he blushed deeply and sat back to look at his hands in his lap.

Adela froze when he leaned in and her eyes locked on his, her smile fading. For a second she thought he was going to kiss her. She fell back against the back of the couch when he pulled away, running a hand back through her short red hair. She seriously doubted that would have happened if he was sober, she really didn't know what to say.

Jace frowned slightly and shook his head. "I guess I didn't expect you to say anything." Furrow ingredients his eyebrows he sighed heavily and got up from the couch. Walking over to the balcony he opened the door and let the smell of the ocean waft into the apartment.

Adela stood when he did, "Sorry...I just wasn't expecting that." She wasn't sure how she felt about knowing he had liked her since high school. She laughed softly to herself, "You know, it's kind of funny how I was always so moony over Archer all through high school, and all this time you..." She trailed off.

"Don't remind me. It was hard enough to watch then and now I'm afraid of having to watch it again." Jace turned his head up to the sky, grabbing at his chest. "I'm not sure I could take it a second time." Jace looked over his shoulder a sad frown spread across his face. "Sorry... I shouldn't have told you like this."

Adela grimaced. Should she tell him? "I didn't realize I was so obvious." She shrugged, "Don't be sorry, I asked. Besides, it's better than shoving me against a locker and-" She stopped herself, "Never mind, don't ask."

"I had thought about it. Believe me there were dozens of times I'd wanted to. I guess maybe I just didn't have the courage." Sighing Jace ran a hand through his hair as she leaned against the sliding glass door.

Adela chewed her lower lip moving to lean against the doorway. She felt like she could use the fresh air too. She didn't want to tell him about Archer, but he would find out eventually, "Look Jace, I umm...I'm kind of seeing someone right now. It's...not real serious, but..." she shrugged, looking at him apologetically. She really had nothing against dating him, if Archer were still out of the picture she would probably go over and kiss him now, just to see how it felt. But she needed to know if Archer was serious before she did anything.

Jace gave a short laugh and nodded his head. "Yeah... I figured I'd waited too long to tell you and of course I had to be drunk to do it." Clearing his throat, Jace crossed his arms over his chest, almost in a defensive way. As if he could cover his heart maybe it wouldn't hurt so much anymore. "Well I hope you're happy with whoever it is." He meant it, he truly did but he couldn't hide the sadness from his eyes as he stared out over the town.

Adela saw the sadness and she felt horrible that it was over her, "Jace, I..." She had a feeling that anything she could say would only make it worse but she felt like she had to say something, "I haven't had the best luck either. I mean, I put in a lot of extra hours at work and every guy I've dated has given up on me after a few months. On top of that, I've finally got a shot with a guy I've been interested in for years, but everyone in town knows he and someone else are perfect for each other." she sighed, "I guess what I'm saying is, you're not alone."

Jace kept silent for a moment and nodded. "Archer and Jade I'm assuming is who you're referring to. Listen don't worry about it. Since the divorce I'm used to being alone. Jade can only give me so much company." He chuckled at that but shook his head. Jade had been his best friend his entire life and he'd never be able to thank her for everything she'd done for him over the years. "I'll be fine, Adela, I always am." Walking back over to the coffee table he picked up his Gatorade and took a few swigs of it. It wasn't as calming at alcohol but it'd have to do. Jade was going to ream him for tonight, he could already see it.

"I feel like I'm making a fool of myself." she muttered, she had been rambling and probably making him feel worse.

Jace turned to her with raised eyebrows. "Why do you think that?" He wasn't sure what she meant but feeling like a fool shouldn't have been a part of it.

"Never mind." Adela shook her head, rejoining him on the couch, "How are you feeling?" she asked, he seemed like he was starting to sober up a bit.

"Fine... I feel fine." Massaging his temples, he sat back on the couch. "How are you?" Jace leaned his head back against the couch and closed his eyes. He'd left the door open so he could hear the wind blowing.

"Worrying about you a bit." she admitted, "I feel bad that this has been going on for three years and I had no idea."

"Well that's how I wanted it. I think Jim and Jade were the only two that really knew." Jace turned his head and looked over at her. "It's not your fault."

Adela nodded, "Fair enough." she murmured softly. A part of her wanted to slide over and hug him and see what happened, but she knew better. She sighed, "I guess maybe I should go and let you get to sleep?" She suggested, not knowing if he wanted more company or if she was just torturing him by sticking around.

Jace shrugged his muscular shoulders not caring either way. "That's up to you. Even if you leave I won't he going to sleep. MY sister is out roaming the stets somewhere so I'll stay up until she gets home at least."

"I didn't know she was living with you." Adela said, "How old is she now?"



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Blood of the Olympians