Athens Marina

Unlocking the door she hurried through the building, flicking on switches as she went. Swishing her hips back and forth, her headphones in her ears, humming along to her music. Pulling Risk's out of her pockets she looked at the time and frowned. It may be a little early to call him. Tapping her foot to the beat of the music she smiled. She would call him before they headed out onto the water. That would give her just a little while longer. Jade busied herself around the lab prepping gear for today's dive, checking it over to make sure it was good to go and everything. Just then Erik walked through the door and smiled. "Well don't we look chipper this morning."

"I slept great last night. I actually over slept."

"I don't want to know what you and Dorian did last night. And Jade this is not over sleeping."

"Ew gross why do people keep assuming that. Dorian didn't sleep over last night. He dropped me off after dinner and went home." Jade shook her head and looked at the clocked. Hoping Risk would be up by now she pulled her phone out of her pocket and dialed his number.

"I dont know, honestly. I never know until I get to the office and see the contracts placed on my desk," Risk explained with a shrug as they headed out of the apartment. Just as he was locking it, his phone started to ring in his pocket. He reached in and pulled it out, clicking the 'answer' button without bothering to see who it was that was calling him. "Risk De Lorme, what can I do for you today?" he greeted, already in work mode.

Jade smiled into the phone. "Hey Risk it's Jade. I wanted to see what your schedule looked like this week so we could set up our lunch date. But if it's too early I completely understand. I kind of start my days a little earlier than most people."

Risk smiled. "Good morning, Jade! No, of course it's not too early. Quite the contrary, actually. I have yet to see my schedule at work as I'm heading in now. But if you tell me what day and time you would like to have lunch, I can pencil you in before other pesky appointments have a chance to steal the spot." he shrugged, giving Lena a smile as he led her out if,the building and to his car in the parking lot. He hit the unlock button so she could climb into the passenger seat, and dropped himself into the driver's seat.

Jade thought on it for a moment and shrugged her shoulders. "It really doesn't matter to me. I'm normally back to shore by 1:00 every day so any day the rest of the week will work good for me. I don't really have dates, I'm the workaholic of the town." Jade laughed softly and shook her head. It seemed sad now that she said it out loud but it was true. "So you just let me know today, tomorrow. Whichever."

For the sake of safety, Risk decided to turn on his car while he finished his phone call, but did not start driving yet. He merely turned it on so Lena could adjust the air and music how she saw fit whilst she waited for him. He hummed and then said to Jade, "How about today? I'll order lunch to my office and you can stop by and eat it there--you'll get to see where I work." he said, his tone slightly bragging.

Jade glance up at Erik waving his arms at her. He wanted her help lugging something to the docks. Jade shoed him away for a moment and held up her finger. "Sure, today will be great. I get to the docks at one so I can be there shortly after if that's okay with you."

"Yes, that sounds just fine. Just text or call me when you're on your way so I can have lunch delivered before you arrive. Any input on what we should order?" Risk smiled, leaning his head back in his seat and rubbing his eyes tiredly. He didn't often look tired--in fact, Risk smiled a lot and always seemed bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. But today he felt a little more exhausted than usual and the day have only just begun. He took another sip of his coffee.

"Do you care for Chinese? I haven't had that in ages. Otherwise anything really, I'm probably the least picky person on Earth." Hearing her name being called from Erik she sighed softly and hurried across the lab to help him with her free hand and stuck her tongue out at him. Really, couldn't he see that she was on the phone?

"No, Chinese sounds fantastic. I'll order a bit of everything. I hope you don't mind if Lena joins us. She is my new secretary, after all, and I want to give her every reason I can to keep working for me." Risk said playfully with a glance at Lena and a smile. "Especially once she sees what a horrible boss I am." He winked, clearly teasing.

"Sounds good to me and Lena is welcome to join us. It'll be nice to get to know her as well." Erik dropped the tank causing it to land on Jade''s foot. "Oh my god! Ow... Erik. I'm sorry Risk but I have to go... Erik just dropped a tank on my foot. I look forward to our lunch this afternoon. Talk to you later. Buh bye." Jade almost dropped her phone before falling to the ground to cradle her foot in her lap, glaring up at Erik.

"You have a date with Risk. Does Dorian know? He won't be happy..."

"It's not a date. I just want to get to know him better. It'll be good for everyone." Jade rolled her eyes and shoved the tank aside. "Wait till the others get here and have one of them help you. You're not breaking one of my toes."

Jace strolled in just then and came to a sudden halt. Cocking his head to the side he looked down at Jade on the floor and scrunched up his face. "Are we taking up yoga? I mean I know a few things and could give you some pointers but... I think you're in the wrong type of clothing."

Jade rolled her eyes and sent him a withering stare. "No I am not taking up yoga! Erik dropped a tank on my foot and here just seemed like a good place to land."

Jace liked his lips in an effort to not laugh as he crossed the room and helped Jade to her feet. Taking off her shoe and sock Jace examined her foot and toes with precise hands before tickling the bottom of it, causing her to laugh girlishly. "Nothing is broken, and it looks fine to me."

"What a Cinderella moment I've found myself in here," Dorian drawled from the doorway, helmet lazily held to his hip. He raised his eyebrow at Jace, then grinned as he entered the office. "Shall I bring the glass slipper? I don't think it's hers though." He paused at the friends to lean down and whisper conspiratorially. "Jade doesn't like heels." He sneaked a kiss to her hair before continuing to his desk. "I'll kill you later Erik," he added lightly.

"She doesn't like shoes," Jace corrected easily as he handed Jade her sock and shoe. "You've better get changed if you're going to get on the boat in time, my fair princess."

Jade rolled her eyes and instead of slipping her shoe back on she launched it at Jace. Of course he caught it easily. "You don't have to kill Erik I'm firing him." Erik would have paled if he thought she were serious. Instead him and Jace carried the tank out to the dock. "Morning, how are you today." Jade called to Dorian as she went to change into her swim suit and diving suit.

"I'm good, had a pleasant visit from Tilly, wonderful coffee with Cash..." while she couldn't see he smiled a little dreamily remembering his morning, then came back to the office. "You be careful out on the boat today, ok? I'm going to handle some records and things here. Hey, do you or Luke have interest in a decorative woodpecker doorknocker? It really is a magnificent piece-"

Jade came back out of the changing room with her suit hanging around her hips and her flowery two piece halter top on. "Well I'm glad you had a good morning." Setting her folded clothes on her desk she glanced up as Jace and Erik came back in laughing. "I'll be careful, if not then I'll fire Erik." Giggling softly she shook her head and sucker punched Jace in the stomach causing him to double over and swat her in the thigh. "Ooo a doorknocker, yeah I would love one. Is it handmade or that chinese crap?"

"Definitely hand made," Dorian said seriously, defending the craft as if Tilly could hear him all the way back home and would give him a concussion any second if he didn't. "I'll bring it over later then and get it set up for you." He reached out and took Jade's hip, pulling her toward him where he was sitting on the edge of his desk, his other hand coming to her other to play with the unused part of her suit. "Have fun out there," he told her and leaned forward to kiss her cheek. What a difference from Cash's unshaven one, soft like silk. "Come back to me?"

"I promise." Jade blushed softly, a sweet smile spreading across her face. No matter what she would always try and come back to him. "I have lunch with Risk today so go ahead and eat without me okay?" Leaning forward she placed her forehead against his and rested there.

Erik made a small gagging nose.

Jace cleared his throat and shook Erik's hand. "Take care of our girl out there. Don't let her stay down there too long." Erik nodded his head as he shook Jace's hand. "See ya later Jade." Jace let himself out of the lab and out onto BotO Streets of Athens Harbor

"See ya later, Jace!" Dorian called after the man but didn't move from Jade. He did, however, make a confused and unpleasant face. "Lunch with Risk? Why?" He only took a moment to try and figure it out before he lifted his dark blue eyes to meet her green ones. "Should I be concerned?" His hands tightened a little on her hips, pulled her a little closer. "Should I prepare to fight for your heart?"

"I just want to get to know him better. I don't really know him and since he worries Luke so much, who better to do it than me?" Jade had rolled her eyes at his comment about fighting for her heart. It was cute but unnecessary. "It's just a friendly sit down at his office. We wont even be alone, his new secretary will be there."

Dorian hummed thoughtfully, then kissed her lips. "Alright. But don't use your feminine wiles to manipulate him. It may be effective, but there are other ways, Jade." He pouted, then smirked at her. "Now. Go, I can't miss you if you don't leave." He stole another little kiss then let go of her hips so she could head out on another dive.


"I promise..." Jade kissed him softly a mischievous twinkle in her eye before mussing up his hair. "See you later." Jade skipped out of the lab and her and Erik left together.

"Jade, I want you to be safe today. Don't take any chances out there." Jade peeked open one of her eyes to spot Erik and nodded her head.

"Sure thing, bud." Closing her eyes again she waited for the boat to come to complete stop before standing up and pulling the top half of diving suit on.Just like every other dive she had people circle her and hook things up everywhere, mic, oxygen, bag for goodies and tools. When they were good to go she turned around she walked over to the edge of the, faced them, gave a wave and stepped off into the ocean. The guys stood by several long minutes as she dove into the abyss. Tick tick tick and then her beautiful voice came over their speakers. "Oh wow guys, are you seeing this? Some of the corals down here are more vibrant than we've seen in weeks." They were one of the only lab's allowed to take any of the coral at the moment because there was a ban. The reef system on the coast was hurting but they were helping to replenish it. Moving along she waded her way through a giant school of damsels capturing great footage of brain corals, anemones, frogspawns, and a giant colony of kenya trees. She zoomed in on huge colony of zoanthids and scanned the different colors. There were Candy Apple Reds, Tyree Orange Rainbow, Vampire Paly, Sunny D and so many more. She could have stayed in this area for hours but she heard Erik’s voice.

"Jade over to your left. No no further. Right there!" Straight ahead was a very large sea turtle munching on a sponge.

"Oh my goodness. He's got to be at least 100 years old." Jade inch closer eager to touch it. The turtle was too busy eating to notice her so Jade was able to slide her hand over it's slimy algae covered shell and up along it's head. "Sweet baby Herc..." The boys on the ship all looked at each other for her weird terminology but shrugged their shoulders and went back to staring at the screen. She sure did have a way with the creatures. "I wish we could bring you home, but I'm so against captivity, enjoy your lunch." The turtle turned its head to look at her like it was saying thank you and then went back to munching. Jade thought it was strange how the turtle had turned the moment she spoke but she brushed it off as a coincidence.

"Perfect, great focus on the lenses. Keep up the great work."

A few meters away Jade saw large bodies of coral that would be perfect for fragging. "I would say there's a good spot." She said to no one in particular. Swimming over to the area she glanced around and pulled her tools out of her bag and set to work. When she got into a rhythm she didn't really pay attention to what was around her and snagged her oxygen line on a reef shelf above her, cutting off her air flow. Jade went to inhale and received no help in return. Her entire body froze for a moment before she let out a deep cough.

"Wha- What's going on?" Erik waited a few beats but when he heard nothing in return he started looking at gauges. "It's her oxygen, she isn't getting any. Jade you have to move, we're suiting up." Jade reached around her head and felt for the line, it was pinched in between a sort of cave type area. Reaching her fingers in there she fumbled around for several seconds as her head started pounding and panic began to set in. She could hear Erik talking to her but she couldn't focus on the words. Archer... we never made up... he still thinks I'm mad at him. She didn't want to die at the bottom of the ocean with him thinking she hated him. Jade made a groaning noise as she forced her fingers into the tight area, slipping the air line free. It took just a couple of seconds for air to make its way to her but when it did she was gasping for it. "Jade! JADE! Are you with me?!" Jade took a few deep breaths before answering.

"I'm-- Here--" Erik slumped into his chair and sighed with relief.

"Get her up here. I don't care if we're done or not." Jade heard Erik's command and was perfectly fine with it. Packing up her gear she took the two fragged sections of coral she had already done, torch and birdsnest, she swam a few meters back towards the boat and planted them next to some other coral that they would get along nicely with. Taking a few more deep breaths she glanced up and began swimming towards the surface it was taking more effort than than it usually did but her energy was kinda of zapped. Before she could reach it the surface though two bodies had reached her and helped her back. When she reached the boat it was chaos everywhere. Erik was freaking out with worry, the boat was already running and ready to head back. "Get her gear off, we need her vitals checked immediately."

---

As they pulled up to the docks there was shouting on the boat coming from Chris, the captain and Erik. "Jade let someone help you! Damnit don’t do that we can get that. No set it down!"

"Guys I am fine. If I wanted to be babied or carried I-" Jade furrowed her eyebrows, she couldn't really think of a comeback which really wasn't like here.

"See, you need to see a doctor." The men were scurrying around frantically, moving things out of her way so she wouldn’t trip.

"I do not, leave me alone I have a lunch date to go to. I'll see you all late." Instead of leaving her Erik helped her onto the dock anyway. "Oh my gods... fine help me inside."

Inside Dorian was ticking away on his computer. He heard the boat outside and the returning crew, smiling as he knew Jade would be in as soon as they were finished unloading. The door opened sooner than that though and curious, but happy, he turned to welcome Jade back, only to see Erik supporting her. He was out of his seat in an instant, picking her up cradle style to carry her to her desk chair, blatantly ignoring any protests. "Jade? What happened? What's wrong?" His voice was full of concern but when he turned it on Erik it was anything but, filled with a surprising level of anger. "What happened?" It was the same tone he used with Archer in the diner when he shouted, deep and rough, bordering on a growl.

Jade was took distracted to answer Dorian. Her vision was acting funny when she looked at him there was a pink hue around him that almost shimmered like water and it moved with his movements. "Wha-"

"Her air line got wedge in between two reef shelves and cut off her air supply for a short while. She was able to force her fingers inbetween an slip it back out before backup made it down to her but she seems a little fuzzy.." Jade reached out to touch Dorian and her fingers slipped right through the aura around him causing her to scrunch up her eyebrows in confusion. "See what I mean."

"Hmm what?" Jade looked up just then and shook her head. "I just have a headache. Dorian please don't yell at Erik it was really no one's fault. I couldn't see behind me when I shifted and it just got snagged."

Dorian gave her a gentle, sympathetic smile. "Jade he's supposed to be watching you out there-" he said quietly, reaching up to cup her cheek. His aura was shifting, almost as if trying to reach out but finding a barrier. Dark blue eyes turned on Erik. "I have it, thank you." His words were almost anything but grateful though and he looked back at Jade, his face softening again. "I'll go with you from now on. I'll call Sabastion for you, he'll see you-" He stood to find her cellphone. He had the hospital number but not the doctor's number.

"It's hard Dorian, they can't know where to have the camera at every second, you know that. I got great footage even though we came back early." Depending on how long it went with Sebastian she could still make lunch with Risk. "It's in the drawer." Jade watched as Erik practically stormed out of the lab, he really didn't like being dismissed. "Thank you!" She called after him, she'd have to thank him properly later. It really wasn't his fault.

Dorian only hummed in reply, having found her phone and dialed Sabastion. He wasn't picking up however which only made Dorian scowl and hang up, putting Jade's phone back in the drawer more gently than his demeanor would imply he would. "He's not picking up- Jade, at least stay here with me so I can keep an eye on you, take you to the hospital if something turns out to be wrong. What's today's date? Who am I? Are you seeing double-" He held up his index finger for her to look at.

Jade rattled off the date easily enough she refused to tell him about the color that seemed to be ever present around him, that she would deal with later. If she told him about that he would definitely rush her to the hospital. "Not seeing double and of course I know who you are. You're Dorian, some call you Kay, which I have always refused to do." Jade smiled triumphantly.

Dorian nodded, seemingly satisfied, but was still giving her a very serious look as if he knew she was going to give him a reason to force her to the hospital any moment. He was a little torn on that, however. On the one hand, hospital would be better equipped to check her out. On the other hand, he couldn't get over the feeling she was safer if she'd just stay with him. "Your story checked out," he admitted. "But don't leave town, I might have some more questions for you, Miss." He offered a little smile, but it didn't quite light up his face like usual. To hide it, he kissed her forehead. "I'll grab us some lunch, just stay here-"

"Hang on... why don't I see if Risk can join us here instead? That way you can sit in on our lunch instead?" Jade had made plans with the man already and she'd be damned if she were going to break them. Picking up her phone she clicked on his name and her it ringing. "Let's see what he thinks, he may not even be able to do it-"

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?"

"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."

Dorian, who was once more sitting on the edge of his desk, arms crossed over his chest, was staring at her intently. He gave her a slow nod. "We should just hold a party," he commented, half thoughtful but half serious. "Your house is big enough, we'll just invite everybody over, it's a lot safer." Than you possibly being left alone with him. Or anyone really.

"Then how would I get to know him, hmm?" Jade quirked an eyebrow at him and relaxed into her chair. "Since he's bringing Lena and it's most likely her first time down here I think we'll have lunch outside on the picnic table.: Last year everyone at the Lab including her parents had pitched in and purchased a Poly picnic table so that the salt water wouldnt hurt a wood one.

"Better than having them inside poking around the lab," Dorian agreed reluctantly. He didn't want Jade to do anything but take it easy now and make sure she didn't have brain damage or something, although he didn't know why he even remotely thought he could make Jade do or not do anything. He uncrossed his arms and held his hands palm up in a sign of defeat, then spun around to sit back in his desk chair, continuing his paperwork. "Do you know how soon they'll be here?"

"I imagine soon, he said they were leaving to go pick it up." Jade didn't much like talking to people's backs but she knew they he had work to do. "If you need me I'll be outside." Grabbing her phone off the desk she went outside to the deck. She had a great vantage point from here. When Risk showed up she would see but she also had a beautiful view of the ocean. The umbrella in the table was already up so she sat down in one of the chairs and relaxed.

It wasn't long before Risk's black BMW pulled up among the cars in the parking lot down by the entrance to the deck. He got out, and clicked the door lock button on his key fob only after they had retrieved the two or three bags of Chinese takeout from his back seat. He smiled at Lena and motioned to the open ocean in front of her, obscured only slightly by bouying boats tied to the docks. "What do you think?" he asked.

"Wow.." Lena breathed as she looked out over the spectacular view before looking at Risk and grinning. "Definitely a better lunch location than the office." She joked as she gripped tightly to the bag of Chinese she was holding. "We should go find your friend, don't want to keep her waiting to long."

Jade wasn't outside long before she saw a rather fancy car pull up and park. She figured it was Risk and when he climbed out she smiled. Standing she walked up the dock a little ways and waved. "I'll go grab Dorian. Whenever you're ready grab a seat at the table." Making her way over to the lab quickly she poked her head inside the door. "Hey handsome, company is here and food." Instead on ducking right back outside she waited for him to acknowledge her.

"Both sound like lovely distractions right now," Dorian replied with an apologetic smile and set his pen down on the papers he had been working on. He stood from his desk and beckoned her inside a little, but he didn't really expect her to come in from the way he was already walking toward the door. "Hey, Jade... I'm sorry about how I acted. I'll apologize to Eric after lunch, I promise. I was just worried.. You understand that, right? What if it had been me out there? Or Eric? Or any of the crew? I know you'd be just as worried... but you wouldn't be as mean. I'm really sorry about that." He seemed every bit as genuine as he always did, but that's just how Dorian was, a heart on his sleeve and an open book face. Hiding was a challenge for him, but so was dealing with the potential of loss. He really cared about Jade and the idea that he might have lost her to something so stupid as getting her line caught... He didn't think he could stand it.

"I would have been just as worried." She repeated his words and nodded her head, smiling up at him sweetly as he drew nearer. Gently she grabbed a bit of his shirt and tugged him close, planting a smooth kiss on his lips. "But one thing I've realized the past few years. If the ocean is set on taking me, it's going to find a way of doing it and its beyond my control. BUT!" She continued on quickly before he could interrupt her. "I will do everything in my power to be more careful." Jade glanced over her shoulder at their guests and smiled. "Now come on, I love chinese." Sliding her hand into his she pulled him out of the lab and into the sunlight to join Risk and Lena. "I smell something yummy!" She called out to them.

"Delicacies courtesy of Athen's own little Chinatown!" Risk smiled as he held up two of the three or four bags they had with them, carrying them to the end of the dock and the picnic table sitting there. He set everything down and helped Lena place her bags down as well before starting to dig into them. Briefly, he gave Dorian his attention. "Dorian, it's good to see you again," he said, noting their clasped hands. "I had my suspicions about you two last night at Sophie's, but that clenches it." he grinned. "When did this happen? Are you happy? You two make an adorable couple, for sure."

Lena smiled politely at Jade and Dorian as she saw them approach from the lab then got to work helping unpack the bags of Chinese food and arranging it on the table so they could all dig in easily. Once everything had been sorted she moved back to Risks side and clasped her hands lightly behind her back, her bright smile unmoving. "This place is really beautiful. It must be nice to work here everyday." She commented as she turned her attention to Jade as Risk spoke to Dorian.

"Yesterday, yes, and thank you," Dorian replied to each of Risk's statements as he reached out to shake the other man's hand, nodding his head politely to Lena. He pulled out a chair for Jade to sit first before he chose one himself. "I'll be honest with you two, I'm more or less here to mooch food-" He motioned to the items they had set out on the table. "Don't let me interrupt-" He motioned between Jade and Risk. She had said she was doing this to get to know him better so he didn't want to be a hindrance. The way his stomach was grumbling (luckily without sound) though indicated taking advantage of this opportunity was in his best interests. Besides, he still didn't want Jade out of his sight just yet.

"It is," Jade nodded her head to Lena question, sliding into the seat Dorian held out for her. "Plus he isn't quite ready to let me out of his sight yet." Jade patted his yet, looking at him fondly before she pulled a bag towards her and began unpacking it. "There was a little oopsie out on the dive today." She gave a small frown knowing it wasn't okay but was glad that it was over with. "But I'm okay and that's what matters."

"That is quite unfortunate, and we're all lucky you're still alive and kicking," Risk nodded with a charming smile at Jade. It wasn't necessarily that he was trying to flirt, it was just his trademark smile. He unpacked some more things, setting them on the table and opening them up before pulling out plastic forks and spoons. "And Dorian, please help yourself. I bought a bit of everything, so there should be plenty for everyone." he said, finishing doling out the pieces and then pulling Lena's chair out for her before taking his own seat. He helped himself to a spring roll and munched it happily, being very careful not to soil his clean and pressed business suit.

"So what exactly is your job?" Lena asked curiously after hearing Jade mention that she had been out on a dive. She smiled gratefully at Risk as he pulled her chair out for her then quickly sat down and picked up a fork and took a mouthful of whatever was closet to her as she kept her eyes focused on the other woman.

Grabbing a lid from on of the containers Jade began filling it with food, white rice, chicken of every kind, veggies and an egg roll. "Technically I run the lab, that includes the lab and all dives, but I myself go out on several dives a week to get footage for funding and documentaries whenever we see fit, which is what I've been doing all week. We're in an amazing part of the reef that is in a heavy ban where people can't take the coral. We're helping to repopulate it by what is called fragging. It's where you cut the coral off and move that piece to a new area for it to grow and the piece you cut from and grow a new piece. It's going to get us huge funding to help the coral and wild life in this area." Jade blushed deeply when she realized she was rambling. "I'm sorry, I'm a little passionate."

"Don't apologise! It sounds amazing!" Lena replied enthusiastically as she placed her chin in her hand as she leaned her elbow on the table. "Its always good to talk about the things that you're passionate about. Me, I love travelling. Flitting from place to place, constantly moving. My mom says I've always been like that. Never could sit still as a child." She chuckled then took a bite of her lunch. "What about you two?" She asked curiously looking between Risk and Dorian. "What are you most passionate about?"

"Hopefully she's decided to stick around here for her lunch and hasn't went into town." Madison chuckled as she led Fawn down towards the marina. She smiled at the other woman over her shoulder before taking a deep refreshing breath of sea air. "Jade?" She called as she rounded the corner of the dock buildings. She caught sight of the group sitting around the picnic table and raised a hand and waved in greeting. "Hey!"

Risk had opened his mouth, about to reply to Lena's question, before the familiar sound of Madison's voice cut him off. He blink and turned in his seat enough to see her and his face lit up into his usual smile. "Well, if it isn't a wonderfully familiar face." he greeted, the paused to acknowledge Fawn as well, "and an unfamiliar one. Good afternoon, and Welcome."

'I can catch-up with whomever, whenever. I'm on no schedule,' Fawn responded with a carefree grin, her shorter legs managing to keep-up with Madison's longer stride. The petite and somewhat peculiarly-dressed lady, clad in an array of purples ranging from lavender to aubergine, and wearing what appeared to be vintage thrift store cast-offs, shifted the weight of her rather oversized, stuffed-to-the-gills backpack, then cast a bespectacled glance toward the other individuals present at the marina. 'Hey, s'up?' Fawn replied with an easy smile to Risk, as if she was familiar with the guy, even though this was the first time she was meeting him.

Dorian paused when he heard the voice, having been quietly eating while others talked. Seeing the girl he had met last night and an intriguingly bright young lady with her, he smiled and put down his fork so he could stand. "Hey Madison!" he greeted as well and stepped around the table to a free seat to pull it out for one of them. "And friend of Madison. Please join us. Have either of you eaten? I think Risk brought enough we can all share- If he doesn't mind of course." He offered the other man an apologetic smile. "Sorry if that's presumptuous."

Jade flinched slightly as Madison and the unfamiliar girl walked into view. It wasn't that the auras around everyone were bright, it was just a bit unsettling. She couldn't figure out what was causing them and it was starting to give her a headache. Standing she walked over to Madison, kissed her cheek and gave her a tight hug. "Hello sweetie. I'm glad you were able to make it down here. Whos your friend?" Jade asked before returning to her seat.

"This is Fawn." Madison introduced the other woman with a smile. "She's new in town and is currently looking for a place to stay. I thought maybe you could help her out Jade." She said then looked at Fawn. "This is my friend Jade and this is Dorian and Risk.." She motioned to each of them before stopping at Lena and looking embarrassed. "I'm sorry I don't think I know your name."

"Lena." She replied brightly with a small wave. "Nice to meet both of you. And Dorian's right, you should join us, right Risk?"

"Yes, of course! The more the merrier. As Dorian mentioned, I bought plenty for everyone. Please, help yourselves." Risk said, holding up the last half of his spring roll with a smile. "We were just having a titilating conversation about passions." he said and looked back at Lena and Jade. "And to answer your question, I am most passionate about, well... passion. Love. Romance. All that mushy stuff. I haven't had the best luck with it, it seems, but the experience always gets my blood pumping." he said with a wink at Madison before taking a bite of his spring roll.

'I could do with a bite, ' Fawn answered Dorian without pretense, flashing the man a smile, then added with total frankness, '...if you have anything sans meat.' She cast a sidelong glance at Madison as she made her introduction and nodded succinctly, as if to confirm that what her new acquaintance was saying was true. Fawn smiled at Jade and Lena in turn, but it was Risk who won her attention once more, with his admission regarding the conversation. Pursing her lips, Fawn tilted her head to the side and looked between the talkative man to Madison, then back again. 'Mmmmhmmm,' she uttered in a quiet, conversational manner to indicate interest, although it wasn't really what she expected to hear from someone who was, for all intents and purposes, a complete stranger.

Jade massaged her temple and nodded her head at Madison. "I think I can help with that. But we'll talk after lunch." She had plenty of rooms but she wanted to see how the girl would get on with Teos before saying yes. After all, she didn't want any of her tenant fighting. Turning her attention to Risk she frowned slightly. "That's awful. I'm sorry to hear that you haven't had any luck." She knew that he had had relationships and she thought he had been divorced but Jade didn't really listen to gossip or rumors because you never know whats true.

"Yeah ok..after lunch." Madison replied with a small nod to Jade though her tone was distracted as she looked at Risk, her cheeks flushed red from his wink and what he had been saying. She moved to the table and slipped into a seat next to Dorian then carefully helped herself to some of the food on offer. "Hopefully you'll have much better luck with love soon." She finally commented as she looked back at Risk. "Everyone should be able to enjoy what they're passionate about..and if yours is truly romance then you shouldn't stop until you have it."

"Doesn't this remind you of the crane dance?" Dorian said quietly to Jade as he returned to his seat and glanced toward Risk and Madison, watching the exchange. "You know what's going to happen but there's this elaborate pretense they have to go through before the crescendo." He paused, then tapped his lower lip with his fork, still leaning close to Jade as he spoke. "Or perhaps more like the peacock, all posturing and posing-" He caught her massaging her temples and frowned, lowering his voice a bit more. "Are you ok? Is it from the dive? Do you need medicine? I'll go call Sabastion-"

Jade giggled softly at Dorian's comments as she stuffed a mouthful of general tso's chicken and rice into her mouth. She watched the exchange between Madison and Risk for a few moments until she couldn't handle the colors anymore and closed her eyes. Taking a deep breath she inhaled the ocean breeze and tried to calm her mind. "No! No Sebastian..." She said too loudly, her eyes flew open and glanced around the table. Her cheeks flushed slightly and her eyes welled up with tears. "If you'll please excuse me, I need a moment... alone." She made sure to put an emphasis on that last word as she stood from the table. She took each step carefully and deliberately as she walked down the dock that led straight into the water. She didn't worry about her clothes as she stuck her feet in and let the soft waves wash over them, bits of sand and broken shells washing over her feet.

Risk smiled at Madison in response to her comment about his passion about passion, but before he could add any further to the conversation, Jade was suddenly excusing herself from the table. His smile slipped from his face and he prodded at his chow mein noodles with his fork. "Oh dear.. is she alright?" he asked Dorian, looking sincerely concerned. "Did the accident with her oxygen hose hurt her in any way? Has she seen a doctor?"

Dorian frowned watching Jade go, his whole body attentive to her as he watched her walk down the beach. He clearly wanted to go but he knew Jade, and he knew it was better to not stick to her like a barnacle. "She won't see a doctor," he answered Risk simply, keeping his eyes on Jade. "I think she's fine but she's got a headache- I wish she'd go rest-" He paused, his body becoming even more alert as he saw Archer join her and it became even more difficult to stay sitting. He watched the two of them carefully, fire in him driving him to stand and go but his mind forcing him to sit and watch. Jade would be very, very angry with him if he didn't let her fight her own battles, whatever they were. It was when they hugged that he tensed, fingers gripping the arms of his chair in an effort to sit still. Yes, he could not interrupt, but did she have to make it so damn difficult? "I'll take her home after lunch," he tried to distract himself by adding to Risk, and the group as a whole, though his eyes never left the woman and soldier on the beach. "She probably just needs to rest." He'd also call Sabastion to come over and have a look at her.

"I'm sure she's fine, so try not to worry yourself." Madison spoke up with a reassuring smile in Dorian's direction. "Jade's one of the strongest women I know, she just needs to put her feet up and relax."

"Pamper her!" Lena added with a grin as she rested her chin in her hands and looked at Dorian. "She'll be as good as new tomorrow." She added then looked up at Fawn and her smile brightened even further. "Take a seat! Join us." She said and motioned to the seat beside her. "I'm new here too, only arrived yesterday. Its great here.."

---

Adela pulled into the marina parking lot and found an empty space, "I keep a blanket in the trunk, how about you go talk to Jade and I'll go take the food down to the beach," She suggested, "Then once you patch things up you can join me, Jade too if she likes."

Archer sighed and walked for the dock. "I'll see if she wants to... I'll ceatch up with ya' baby." Archers mind was so distracted as he walked he didn't even realize he had called Adela 'baby.' As he went for the docks he noticed Jade walk do the dock that was on the water and came up behind her. He just watched her a bit before speaking. She was pretty, smart, talented, and had a great job she loved. Archer didn't do to well when he exploded and Jade was the one who had to pay for it. He wanted Dorian to be a slime ball, but if Jade picked him. Then the odds were he was a good guy. Just miss spoke a bit. "So it's one of those mornings when you wake up and realize in less than five minutes the things said that would have all of your army buddies agreeing with you is all you have to say to make your home town hate you." Archer waited for a response from Jade. He knew it was not going to be pretty at first.

Jade instantly tensed up at the sound of Archer's voice behind her. In truth it was he was the last person she expect to hear behind her. Running her hands up and down her arms she nodded her head gently. "You're an ass." Jade wanted to fight him. Deep down in her gut she wanted to but really she didn't have the energy for it plus the water was doing its duty and calming her. "I really don't feel like fighting so could we be adults and talk this out... My head hurts to bad right now." Bending down she scooped up some of the water and poured it over her head, letting it trickle through her hair and over her face. Sighing softly, she closed her eyes, her shoulders relaxing ever so slightly.

Adela grinned as Archer walked away. She had never liked a guy well enough to let him call her baby, but she kind of liked it from him. She went around to the trunk of her car and pulled out the beach bag she always kept there and took that and the bag of food she and Archer picked up on the way down to boto the beach just off the marina.

Archer moved up and sat down next to Jade, and smiled. "Talking I can do," he then smirked at her as his feet entered the water. "But acting like and adult?" Archer said in a playful tone. "Well I have never really been one so I don't know how." He sighed a bit and went on. "You seem a bit high strung. I didn't cause a fight for you last night did I?"

"No, Archer, you didn't cause a fight. Dorian is too... caring for that. I just have a massive headache." Jade knew that Archer would pick up on that but brushed it aside. Jade never got headaches. She was probably one of the healthiest people in Athens Harbor, accident prone but healthy. "He's a good man," overbearing but good. "We shouldn't have yelled at each other like that. Especially on your first night back. What the hell is wrong with us..." Shaking her head gently her dark hair fell around her face. Glancing over her shoulder at the table of people a few yards away she frowned. "I have things I need to say to you but I can't do it here. Does that make sense?" Turning to look at Archer for the first time she let out a soft gasp as she took him in for the first time since her accident. He had a very beautiful red hue around him that caused her to squint slightly from the pain. Not you too... Sighing softly she shook her head. "When you have time, come and see me... alone."

Archer didn't know what she meant by all the cryptic messages, but he felt a bit odd. He nodded and sighed. "I'm just going to let you know before I go. Acting in a cryptic manor it seems clear that your hiding something major from me. Something to do with the folks at that table. By the looks of it. So I'm going to eat lunch with Adela on the beach near by... We wanted to know if you would like to join us. Or we could just meet up at your place later... I kinda wanted to share some good news with you, but it can wait." Archer put his hands in his pockets and walked up the boat ramp slowly. If I find out anyone at that table hurt you. Adela better get to em' first.

"Hey Archer, don't let it bother you right now. It's not really something to worry about. If it was, I'd tell you about it now. And I would love to join the two of you if I didn't already have plans with this lot here. You guys are more then welcome to come join us though." Jade smiled softly and shrugged her shoulders.

Archer nodded and smiled a bit. He stopped walking a thought comming to mind. "You still renting out rooms?" His question both for conversation and also because he wanted out of his mothers house- and at the same time didn't want to live alone. "Because I'm willing to work, and I can pay rent, im a quiet tenet- most of the time." His playful smirk returning to his face.

"Yeah, I am. I just had someone move in last night and Madison asked if some strange girl could move in just a little bit ago but I'd like to get to know the girl a bit and see how she get's on with Teos. But yeah your more than welcome to either the house or the apartment in the barn." Jade smiled brightly at the thought of Archer moving into one of her rooms and them possibly reconciling. It made her feel good and not so upset about what had happened last night. "Just come by whenever your ready. Dorian isn't going to let me work the rest of the day so just text me whenever your ready."

Archer moved back down the ramp next to Jade, "I am sorry about last night." He said with sensarity in his voice. "I just. I don't know what came over me. The young man seems like a good guy... Pretty sure he don't want nothin to do with me no more though." Archer added at the end a bit bashful over it, "but as long as your okay with me moving into the Barn I guess we're doing okay." Archer had a playful tone in his voice over that.

"Well I hate to tell him if he plans on being on my life he'll have to be okay with you." Jade smiled sweetly and stood up on her tiptoes to wrap her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly. "I'm glad you're home. Now you just need to behave." Tapping his cheek gently she gave him a playful wink and shook her head.

Archer held Jade around the waist, and smiled a bit. It was a good knowing Jade did not totally hate him. "I'm happy to be home." Archer then looked a bit shocked as she said he needed to behave, "but I have been on my best behavior. Haven't ya' noticed." Archer had a playful, but happy tone.

Jade smacked him on t he back of the head. "Umhm. Well I'd better get back before my food gets too cold. I'll see ya later." Waving her hand she made her way back up to dock towards the picnic table and her lunch... dates. Smiling softly at everyone she rejoined the table. "Terribly sorry, that was extremely rude of me." Leaning over to kiss Dorian on the cheek she realized the pain in her head was gone and her mood instantly brighten. "Hello..." She smiled cheerfully before planting her kiss and turning smoothly back to her meal. "What did I miss?" 

Archer nodded his head and walked back up the ramp and out to boto the beach. He couldn't explain why, but he felt a lot better after the talk they had. Even though it was short, and he felt like it didn't do much more than conferm what he knew. He was happy she seemed to be in a better mood after talking to him at least.

'Thanks, uh...Lena?' Fawn smiles and remarked, having just learned several names, so she hoped she got the right one. She glanced from Jade, who distractedly wandered-off, and returned, then glanced back to the cheerful-looking girl who just offered her a seat. This was a motley group of individuals, it would seem. After carefully slipping her toothpick-like arms out from the straps of her large knapsack, Fawn let it slip in a controlled manner to the ground before sitting-down. Her eyes darting across the selection of food, which she had previously been offered, but didn't touch any of it until she was certain that something was meatless. 'Yeah, Madison was saying, but she said she was new, too. You visiting anyone? Or you just passing through?'

"Hey I'm just glad you're feeling better," Dorian told Jade quietly while the other people talked. He offered her a little smile and brushed some hair back from her face, ignoring what he had just seen with Archer. At least he didn't seem as angry now but he could ask Jade for certain when they got home. "How about I take you home after lunch? You can have a rest- I won't even complain when you're in before dawn tomorrow," he promised, offering her a teasing grin reminiscent of earlier days working together, before this relationship chaos. Had it really only been a day?

Jade smiled softly as she watched the pink around Dorian for a moment. When it was her turn to speak she nodded her head. "That would be nice. You can meet my new tenant if he's there." She twirled her fork around in her food for a moment before taking a small bite, chewing it and swallowing. "I think I may come in at a normal time tomorrow. Instead of going on a dive maybe I'll go check on the dolphins and see how they are healing." Sometimes Jace told her she took on too many responsibilities at the marina but she was too passionate about it to listen plus she ran program so she felt responsible.

"Me? I'm just passing through really.." Lena replied with a bright smile. "I've been travelling for a few months now and I was on a bus heading north when I just felt this overwhelming need to stop here. Something about this town just made me think, that's where I need to be!" She chuckled as she watched Fawn. "I had no plans here and nowhere to stay but luckily I met this charmer.." She nudged Risk with her elbow and grinned. "He gave me a place to stay and some work whilst I'm here, so I struck it lucky." She picked up another piece of food and popped it into her mouth before looking at the new woman curiously. "What about you? What brings you here?"

Risk could do nothing but smile at Lena's praise of him, and he shrugged. "I imagine it's what any other good-natured citizen would do if he or she were capable," he said, popping another dumpling into his mouth. He chewed thoughtfully while Lena asked Fawn her next questions, and when he'd cleared his mouth of his food, he said, "Yes, I'm sure I'm not the only one dying to know your history, Fawn."

'Fellow traveller, huh?' Fawn remarked with a puckish grin to Lena. 'Sure does sound like Lady Luck is on your side.' The petite woman paused and cut a deliberate look to Risk, her eyes surveying him up, down and then up again. 'Or Laddie Luck, huh?' A smirk turned the side of her lips as she glanced sidelong at Lena. 'Don't think I caught your name,' she added with a flash of a smile as she glanced back at Risk. 'And I'm really just passing-through; just looking' for a place to crash a coupla nights. Unless there's a banging' club or usual house party that's looking for the world's best DJ. ' With that, Fawn shrugged and leaned back in her seat, folding her arms behind her head, her attention shifting between the two individuals addressing her, quite apparently confident in herself and her abilities.

Risk smirked back at Fawn, almost mirroring her confidence. "I'm Risk De Lorme," he said, addressing the fact that she had not caught his name, "A partner at Athens Consultants, Inc." He shifted in his chair to watch Fawn with interest, though he didn't fully remove his attention from Lena, Madison, Jade and Dorian. "You are awfully confident in your abilities as music master," he mused, "You must have quite a bit of experience in that field."

Quirking an eyebrow as he offered his full name, Fawn pursed her lips slightly and repeated, 'Risk? I don't believe I've ever met any Risks before,' she said in a somewhat playful manner. 'So what's your area of expertise in which you consult?' Pausing, Fawn unfolded her arms from behind her head and reached down to yank her gigantic backpack up off of the ground, a maneuver that seemed like well-practiced for the woman. 'Yeeeeahhh,I've been played music since I was knee-high to a grasshopper,' she quipped after unzipping the pack to fish a purple-- of course--refillable bottle of water out from the sack's depths. She added with a lopsided grin, 'All things considered,' as she understood her proportions were considered by some the be childlike or at least not full grown. She swept her sparkling gaze briefly over the others present, took a swig of water, and let her backpack drop to the ground with a noisy thud.

Risk shrugged aloofly. "Locations and employment mostly. I help business owners, or would-be business owners," he said with a smirk and a wink at Madison, "find their right spot and help them do whatever it takes to make their visions reality." He took another bite of some teriyaki chicken and leaned back in his chair. "I also help those new businesses advertise to find employees and customers. So if I were being honest--and totally not tooting my own horn--a majority of the businesses you might come across here will know exactly who I am." he smiled.

Jade had listened in silence while eating her lunch quietly. After all this was a way to get to know both of them slightly. But when Risk made a comment towards Madison she perked up and furrowed her eyebrows. Clearing her throat she took a drink of water. "Excuse me, sorry to interrupt but... What business, Madison?" Jade asked curiously, this was the first she was hearing of it, of course they hadn't had much time alone since she'd been back in town. They would have to fix that as soon as possible.

"Oh I want to look into opening a dance school.." Madison answered after she had finished chewing the mouthful of food she had and looked at Jade with a smile. "Its something I've always dreamt of doing so I just thought why not go for it. What have I got to lose. What do you think? Do I stand a chance?"

"A chance? You'll knock it out of the park. We need a good dance school. That is amazing I am so happy for you. Glad to see you're finally doing something for yourself." Jade smiled brightly and shook her head, pride beaming off of her.

"Hay, Jade!" Archer approched Jade a smile on his face and Adela next to him. "Want to go make some rash life decision with little thought of how it may end badly until it's to late and all you have is regret... And a nice tattoo?" Archer did have a way with words. How else do you invite someone to get a tat?

Adela couldn't help it, she busted up laughing. That was one way to put it.

'Mmmm, help the local businesses, huh?' Fawn replied in somewhat of an insinuating tone to Risk, who also glanced at Madison when the man winked at her. 'The kingpin in town, very interesting,' she said enigmatically and with a wry smile, pausing to listen to what it was Madison and Jade said about the former's new venture. Just as the diminutive woman took another drink of water, she cut her eyes in the new arrivals' direction, in vague curiosity at their jocular entrance.

"Uh..." Jade glanced around at the table and new that Dorian wouldn't be happy with the way Archer had worded it but she couldn't help the fact that it had brought a smile to her face. "Well I'd love to go, especially to catch up but I'm not sure lunch is over yet." She looked to Risk to confirm or deny this. It was ultimately him she had set this up with so she didn't want to be rude.

After briefly acknowledging Archer and Adela's presence with a greeting nod of his head, Risk turned his attention back to Jade and gave a pleasant smile. "You are under no obligation to stay here with us, Jade. Go be reckless, we'll still be about town if you want to do some more catching up." he chuckled.

Jade reached across the table and patted Risk's hand. "You and I will have to have dinner together, just the two of us one of these nights." Smiling softly she turned to Dorian and kissed his cheek. "I will text you later and we can maybe meet up for dinner." That way she would have time to go home and shower and freshen up some. "Ladies it was nice having lunch with you all." Jade got up from the table and threw her trash in a near by bin before skipping down the walkway towards Adela and Archer. "I'm not sure I'll get one but I'll gladly come with."

"Cool." Adela grinned, stepping in to give Jade a hug. It had been way too long since she had spent any time with Jade, and even longer since it had been the three of them.

Archer smirked and saw an opportunity. He with out warning hugged both the girls and picked them up. "I missed you guys!" Archer exclaimed as he set them down as easily as he scooped them up.

Jade squealed loudly when Archer picked them up and squished them together. "Alright, put us down." Once on the ground she shook her head and shoved him playfully. "Who drove? Because we all know I didn't." Jade commented teasingly. She had made a comment to them in high school that living in such a small town she wouldn't ever need a car, she'd either get there on foot, horseback or swim. It was still true to this day.

"Excuse me." All things considered, Dorian was surprised to hear the words come out relatively calm as he excused himself from the conversation and stood to follow Jade despite his tensed muscles. It took the dozen or so strides to join the small group to calm himself enough to give them an apologetic smile, both for interrupting and for what had transpired with Archer before. "Sorry," he greeted them but then he only had eyes for Jade and they were edged sharply with concern. "Jade you just nearly suffocated this morning and now you're running off into town- If it's a bad decision now, it'll still be a bad decision tomorrow. Can't you do it then? Even if you're only watching I can't believe you-" He paused, his words having sped up the more he talked. He took a breath and released it through his nose, calming himself, before continuing, keeping his words slower. "Would you please.. go home and rest.." He glanced at the other two as if looking for support. Archer might still hate him, but surely her best friends didn't want her running around town after a near death experience? "Tattoos can wait until tomorrow, can't they?" he asked Jade, but directed the question to her friends as well.

"You what?!" Adela looked at Jade, eyes wide, "How bad was it? How long were you out?" If Jade had been unconscious, why wasn't she at the hospital?

Jade's eyes flew back and forth between Dorian and Adela before she was able to get a word in. She figured she'd start with Adela, the calmest one out of her friends. "I wasn't out, I stayed conscious the entire time. I was just a little light headed when I got to the boat." Jade really wanted to spend some time with her friends. She felt fine, especially after she'd relaxed in the water for a few minutes. That always seemed to make her feel better. "I don't see how riding along and sitting there will hurt. It's the same thing I'd be doing at home, sitting. Plus I feel fine." Jade looked to Adela for help.

"What are you Apologizing for Dorian?" It had confused him, but the sudden out bust must have been what the apology was for. Archer shrugged a bit to Dorians protest of Jade going out.. "She didn't pass out or take water into her lungs. So I'm sure she's fine. After all Jade is in good physical condition so a while with out air isn't going to suddenly become fatal by the end of the day." Archer didn't say it but it seemed like Dorian was over reacting. If it was really so bad she had to go home and sit around her house it would be better for her to go to the hospital for observation- witch she didn't do because it was not as bad as Dorian must think it is... Or Jade was just down playing it, but even so, Archer had a strange want to see Dorian squirm. "Jade you're an Adault, and we all know you don't let anyone tell you what your going to do but you." Well most everyone knew that.

Adela calmed down hearing that Jade hadn't passed out. She didn't know a whole lot about it, but police officers received some basic first said training just in case and if she had maintained consciousness then she should be fine. The danger had passed and there would be no lingering damage. "We'll keep an eye on her, Dorian," She assured him, "But she's not in any danger."

Dorian made a sound that could have been misconstrued as a growl, if one was so inclined to think he'd make that kind of noise, and threw his hands up as if fed up. "Some day," he stressed to none of them in particular. "Some one has to explain to me why you're all so bloody calm about Jade almost suffocating! If she'd been strangled by some maniac you wouldn't say 'well she didn't lose consciousness so I'm sure she's fine', NO! You'd shoo her straight off to the hospital to be checked out but just because it happened while she was doing her JOB it's suddenly 'nothing to worry about'!" He huffed again and ran a hand through his hair. He wasn't yelling, but he was clearly more than a little irked by everyone downplaying it. It wasn't every day a professional diver and marine biologist was nearly suffocated, it was actually incredibly rare and for a reason! It was dangerous. "Fine!" he finally huffed. "Whatever." He looked Jade directly in the eyes to make her see he wasn't angry, but he was hurt and frustrated. "You don't care, so I don't care." He flicked his hand at them in a curt wave, adding sincerely to Archer and Adela, "I hope your tattoos go well." Then turned on his heel, shaking his head the whole way back to the lab and slammed the door shut behind him. He would just call Sabastion anyway. He'd come. Where was his number? He had it written somewhere. He could just be at home when Jade finally made it home and give her a check. The good doctor at least would have some sort of concern for Jade, surely.

Adela stared after Dorian, dumbfounded. She couldn't believe he had just said that. There was no comparison to her being strangled. First of all there would be a criminal to deal with. Second, the pressure applied to a victim's neck while being strangled would cause a lot more damage than a simple lack of oxygen reaching her lungs. She looked between Jade and Archer, at an obvious loss for words.

Jade stood back and listened as he berated her. Once Dorian was finished and walked away she let out a slow breath, her brows furrowed together. "Let's go." Jade said softly and linked her arm with Adela's. But as they walked Jade seemed to be deep in thought, staring at the ground.

"He your boy friend or your mother?" Archer asked with a playful tone as he walked with the girls. "Adela drove so it's only fair she drives to the shop. Right?" Archer smiled knowing Jade was not happy with the way Dorian was testing her.

Adela gave a quiet breathy laugh, Archer had a point. "You okay?" she asked Jade as they got into her car and she started it up.

Once Jade was situated in her seat she nodded her head. "I'll be fine." Glancing over at Adela she almost gasped aloud but had refrained herself. It was the first time she'd given her a good look since Dorian had left them and she had an aura as well only hers was green. Everyone's she saw was a different shade or color, it had to mean something. How did someone research something like that without sounding crazy though? You didn't in a small town like this. Clearing her throat she smiled. "Let's just enjoy our time... afterwards we should grab something to eat."

Archer shrugged from the back seat and smile led a bit. "So slight change of topic. Is that barn still for rent? Cuz I think I may have the first and last months rent to put down right now. We can stop at the bank and I'll get it for you..." Archer smiled to Jade. Then he went on to no one in particular "I also just need to stop at the bank as ink ain't free."

"Alright." Adela pulled out of the parking lot and drove debateably within legal limits through the boto streets of Athens Harbor


BotO Athens Harbor
Blood of the Olympians