There was a long string of silence but mostly because she was attempting to shake off the feeling lodged in her head. The headaches were much worse today than normal and the man's voice made her brain rattle painfully. "I am sorry I do not underrrstand." How the two connected that is. "T'was not whom ye thought?" The voice was growing closer and she wasn't sure how she felt about that. There was a sense of space that she needed without feeling overly vulnerable but then again she was just that. She was mindful to lower her hand from the weapon's hilt so not to seem a threat. With the way people were reacting to non-humans, she didn't want to start anything.

It was a constant fight inside, to stay where he was. To simply hope she just kept talking, to hear the voice that was ringing in his head and had been for months on it's own accord. As if rounding that fountain, she was just going to evaporate into thin air, and he'd be lost again. His eyes closed while he walked, listening to the voice, his own steps rounding that fountain. "That seems yet to be determined," almost cryptic in the way he spoke with that. He breathed shallowly, "have you ever been in a moment that felt like it'd happened once before, Madame" As if for the moment you questioned you were dreaming" That suddenly...you'd wake up and it would all be gone?" That English accent, somehow tainted with his French use of words. He was reaching closer, he knew that, and his strange riddle was more or less him coaxing her voice more as he stood there with his head tilted forward, eyes still closed, reluctant to open them else she may just disappear. "I hope you're who I'm looking for.." a whisper, barely over his own breath and mostly to himself until he slowly forced his eyes to open against the screaming in his head telling him not to, his eyes shifting to the side to see who was sitting there.

That awkward situation felt all the more so when she listened to him. Had she caught that whisper" No but his riddle did very much leave her on the brink of confusion yet understanding. "A waking drrream isn't that called" Something like that I have had, aye, but morrre so things on the edge of memorrry that I cannot grrrasp. Like a drrream strriving to be rrrrememberrred afterrr one wakes." Sighing she tilted her head so that the pads of her fingers could massage along the temple, across the forehead and to the other temple. Maybe coming out today had been too much and she was trying she hadn't before. Talking to a stranger in simple conversation. So even that was too much for her"

Hazel eyes locked onto the woman. Blinking rapidly, he wasn't quite sure what to think. Familiar, yet foreign. Changed. He took everything in, though half his mind was focused on that voice. The blindfold, the hair, the singed armor. The ears. His brows dipped lower, standing there like a man stuck to the spot he was standing in by the World's Strongest Glue. "I believe you mean a day dream?" His tone shook, staring at her. Nostrils flaring, he inhaled and surely it smelled like her. He fought the urge to run to her, to grab hold and never let go. Doubt, questions popped into his head. He was still almost convinced that he was going crazy and imagining all this. "...Rai"..." His voice was a soft baritone, unable to speak higher than a few notes above a whisper, worried that his voice would crack. "Is that you?..."

A day dream and a waking dream always felt different to her but maybe it was each to their own" Granted she couldn't just stare off into the distance in some day dreamy haze. "I suppose?" A hushed chuckle spilled past her lips, low as not to offend by her amusement. He was standing close now. Enough that she could catch his scent on the wind when it passed and her ears twitched forward and back as if confused. Rai" Was he asking her that' Or was someone else there that she missed sensing" The way he spoke it was what made her nervous most. Like he was on the brink of falling to pieces. She didn't answer at first, instead listened to him. The movement. The way the air moved around him. Then something seemed to cause her ears to jerk straight up at attention. "W-Wait. The one ye spoke of - tis me?" There was a near panic in her voice. "Arrre ye saying ye know who I am"!" As she spoke she was already sliding out of her lean, straightening even as her voice pitched slightly higher than norm.

He wasn't offended by her amusement, he couldn't be. That chuckle was music to his ears. The jerk of her ears was caught by his eyes, staring at them a moment. It was his turn to look confused, his head faintly tilting as he looked at her. Took everything in for the tenth time since he'd seen her but seconds before. It was Rai, there was no doubt about it. When you care so deeply for someone, there is no mistaking them. You can pick them out of a crowd of millions. The panic in her voice, the question that came next had him lowering his tone, slowly bending to a crouch though he doubted she could see him with the cloth that covered her eyes. My dear Rai...what?s happened to you?... Crouched, balanced on his toes to be more at her level instead of standing over her, he was still a few feet away, trying to seem less intimidating to the Mithra who...didn't seem to remember him...or her....He clasped his hands together tightly, lacing fingers to keep himself from trying to reach for her. "Do you not remember who you are, Madame"....Rai..." He amended, memory of how she didn't like to be called that, the formality of it. Didn't like it. Now, he doubted she'd remember all that. His lips rubbed together as he composed himself, fighting the crushing weight in his chest of her not seeming to remember him. "Your name is Raijin Onji, madame. I am Julius Warden," choking back the wavering in his tone. "I know who you are, yes."

"Ye need not rrreferrr to me by such. I..." She paused, realizing she nearly jumped at the man with just a guess that he may know who he was. No..No he DID know who she was! Or at least seemed as if he did. A storm of emotions began to fill her, twisting her in multiple directions that caused her face to tense up. Her head felt like it was going to split in two, which only screamed when she heard that name from his lips. "R..R...Rrraijin...Onji..." The feeling of just saying it nearly crippled her completely but was enough to have her reaching out for something, anything, to steady herself. "J...Julius...I..I'm sorry Lorrrd Warrrden. I..I..." She was what? Recovering" Recovering from what"! How do you tell someone that you don't remember diddly squat about yourself or how you ended up in such a condition' "I do nae remember."

There was a twitch to the corner of his mouth at her amending him, that glimmer of hope that she was going to remember. But, no. It wouldn't be that simple. "My apologies, ma-.." Clearing his throat, he stopped himself yet again from calling her that. Brows furrowed at the sight of the contortion of her expression, indicating pain as he ducked his head to try to get a clearer look at her. "Are you alright?" Her reaching hand was instinctively caught by his, abandoning the clasping of his fingers to keep from touching her. His hand was as cool as it ever was, but not cold. It could simply be passed off as the cold weather having chilled his fingers. "Easy," he whispered to her, pausing then to look down at her hand. It felt....real. At this point, he didn't care if he was losing his mind. Even in this possible hallucination, she felt real. If she kept her hand there, that is. He'd nod slowly and swallow hard at the words of confirmation that she didn't remember. "Just Julius," he muttered to her. "You can just call me Julius. Don't strain your memory," worry in his tone seeing the effect of her attempt written all over her. "....You're alive. That's what matters.."

She was not trying to listen in on that conversation and Julius' voice was low enough to where she didn't have to worry about prying. Instead she drummed her fingers along the side of his hand, testing out how her fingers felt there. It felt almost familiar. What was it with this man, she just did not know. Michael on the other hand heard every word and eyed Julius like he were being measured up. The boy's chocolate eyes went from Julius to the mithra and back again before he nodded, informing as he did that Julius had nothing to worry. That 'Ma and Pa' took very good care of her and that she helped out around the house. 'I will protect her for you!' was the last bit that came from the youth while his hand jutted out to shake that hand.

He wasn't worried about the Mithra overhearing, though he also didn't want his words to further confuse her. He found feel those drumming fingers on his hand and you'd think the man had finally found heaven. No, he'd found Rai instead. Which to the damned man, was so much better. His thumb couldn't refrain from brushing over her own soft hand while he spoke to Michael. The serious expression of the soldier cut into an almost boyish, dimpled smile. "Merci, monsieur. You're a good man. And you have my gratitude. Should you need anything, name is Julius. You name it, I'll repay it." His hand offered a strong yet gentle shake before he pushed to his feet and let go of the boy's hand, looking to the Mithra. "I will be here at the fountain every day in the afternoon. When you're ready, I'll tell you anything you need." His hand holding hers lifted to brush his lips across her knuckles, brief contact before he lowered it and made a hesitant attempt to let go which....took a lot more will power than he thought capable of himself.

Michael was thinking toys now but for now just puffed out his chest like a good little protector and saluted Julius. When he started to rise she was going to question him but something caused her to stop. In fact her lips hung on the question and she looked mildly confused. Instead she took to lowering her chin in a half casted nod. "I will come when rrrested as I have agrrreed. I will have question." She warned but then there was a part of her that just wanted to hear his voice again. Like it held answers! Why did it rattle her head so"! At the gesture her fingers tensed, squeezing his gently but once it was time to let go her fingers slid free. The hand would lower, finding rest against the hilt of the rapier. "Thank you forrrr this meeeting, Lorrrrd Julius." It was a start but a start to what precisely"

The sight of the boy puffing out his chest and saluting him made him smile, and he straightened his back like the soldier he was and returned the salute once he was standing. His head nodded slowly to her words, however. "And I will answer as many as I can for you, you have my word on that." He took the warning in stride. His fingers splayed some, as if to keep contact as long as possible until finally it was gone, his hand limp at his side. "Until we meet again, madame," keeping a wince from his throat at the formality in it all. What he really wanted to do was pull her into his arms, take her home and just hold her all night. But instead, he bowed his head to them both. "Be safe on your way home." There was a lingering look to Michael with a dip of his head as if to say I'm counting on you, soldier. His eyes fell on the Mithra again before he turned and forced his legs to walk with every ounce of willpower he could possibly muster. It was going to be a sleepless night, for that he was sure.

"Home." That word did not belong in his sentence and even she knew it. It was not home for her. Home...She didn't know where that was. "Paths safe and steel prrrotect, mine lorrrd." She spoke quietly after Julius and her head turned down slightly to Michael when she felt his hand tugging at her own. She allowed it, stumbling a step forward before finally walking in time with the lad. She would sleep, restless, but she would. Her head demanded as much. But there were questions and she found herself already making a list, numbering most important first. Soon, so very soon. Or at least she hoped.

"Miss Cleo' Miss Cleooooo' MISS CLEO!?"

"Oh! Hm?" Startled out of her daydream she turned her head towards the young lad that had been calling for her numerous times without her realizing. She heard him huff and grump, complaining under his breath. "I am blind, nae deaf, mine dearrr Michael." She heard his sister giggle not far off in the distance.

"You are completely ignoring me!" The young man whined at the Mithra, who's hands had stilled for almost half a hour in her task of snapping peas.

"I am doing nae such a thing!"

"Uh huh! You are all day dreamy and stuff! Are you thinking about that man?"

She heard the young lad plop down onto a seat nearby and at the same time the sister scrambling across the way to gain closer to listen.

"A man' Oh my gosh! Miss Cleo did you meet someone"!" the young teen's voice pitched a dreamy tone.

Baffled by the sudden questioning, the bowl was pushed to the side. "I was nae daydreaming, young Michael and nae give thine sisterrr such ideas." Her tone was abashed more than she would of liked and she tried to play it off by scowling a bit but it didn't last very long. She could hear the way the young girl was flitting around and knew she had no choice but to explain. "I was in the marrrket with yourrr brrrrotherrr just the otherrrr day when I botherrred a man nearrrby with converrrsation. He seemed out of sorrrts and I was just offerrring a kind earrrr." Granted with all this racial hatred going on she was afraid to do it at first.

"Was he handsome?" Polly's voice piped up excitedly.

All she could do was laugh to the question because it was one she could not answer. Instead she offered, "He voice was pleasant. Heavy hearrrted and lost in tone. Therrre is much that burrrdens that man's soul."

Before she could continue, Michael blurted, "The man knows Miss Cleo! He said she is very important to him!"

Her chin lowered to direct what eyesight she would of had at the young boy. That was new to her. "Did he now?"

Michael's hands slapped over his mouth and Polly gasped at him for spilling beans she didn't even know he had. "He made me promise to keep you safe." He babbled past his fingers.

"Ahhh. That explains why you have spent the wee hourrrs marrrching past mine door." she teased the youth as she clasped her hands in her lap. Important to him' Why would he tell the lad such a thing" It was another question to add to the list. Not even twenty-four hours had past since they had returned to the house and she found herself adding more and more questions to the list as the seconds ticked by.

"You were not asleep"!" Michael protested at being caught. "Why not?"

"I've a lot on mine mind. Thine worrrd you may of given him, young lorrrd, but thine sleep you should not skip. Else yourrr motherrrr find out and both ourrr tails would be in trrrouble." With a chuckle she resumed her task of snapping the peas and preparing them for the meal that she and the children were working on. "Are you going to see him again?" Polly asked.

It was a question she had asked herself the night before as she laid on the bed in restlessness. The man held means to find herself again but also left the question - did she want to know" Maybe her memory was taken from her for good reason. Maybe he was the reason. No. Despite the thoughts that slipped in that he was some dark shadow looming ...his voice called to her. It wasn't a voice of someone who had done her wrong. There was too much hurt and sorrow. And his touch. Thinking of his touch caused her hands to tremble and she pulled them back quickly, clasping them together.

"Is your head hurting again, Miss Cleo?" Michael's worried voice filled her ears.

"Nae. I just..I don't know the answerrr to thine question, Polly. I wish to." She really did but then she realized that the question that Polly posed and her answer didn't belong together. She wanted to see the man. Not just be in his presence again.

The sound of the front door opening and closing silenced any chatter saved for Polly singing, "Ma and pa are home!"

She listened as the children ran off to greet their parents while she finished up the veggies. Once done the bowl was pushed to the side and she rose up, apparently just in time to hear the heavy footfall of the father figure's approach to the kitchen. He was a burly man judging by his steps, which practically swallowed the more dainty footfall that was his wife. Clasping her hands she bowed her head humbly, "Welcome home, Lady and Lorrrd Royce."

A deep, rumbling laughter left the father. "Ah you still won't call me Jack, will you? Come now! You have been with us how long now?"

That was a good question. Months" A year" Two' She couldn't exactly keep count and days tended to flow into one another. Time held absolutely no concept to her. "Forrrgive me. Old habits die harrrd."

"Even if you cannot remember such habits," the light voice of the mother, Sophia, teased.

"Apparrrently so," she mused in silence, thinking back to words the man had said. It seemed he had been familiar with this "habit". The more time ebbed on the more she found herself thinking of him, randomly.

"Pa!" Michael started to get his father's attention, which turned into whispers once he had the big man's attention.

Paying it little mind she started to work her way around the kitchen, managing the bowl onto the counter where she smelled the sliced meat waiting for seasoning.

"Is that so." Jack's voice became loud. "So you have learned a little of yourself, then" Miss Raijin Onji?"

The name gave her pause and she turned her head, which was in time with the mother and daughter. All three looked to Jack but it was the Mithra's face who held the most confusion. "I..I don't know, good sirrr. The name does rrring a distant familiarrrity."

"It has been close to a year since we've found you. I think you should stretch out to this man and see if he can afford you some answers to why we found you in your condition."

"It is not that we are trying to get rid of you, Cleo, but you seem so lost with no sense of self or direction. Like you've lost your world." Sophia followed her husband's words.

A smile was given to the couple, warm but strained. She knew they meant well. "Being nearrr him hurrrts mine head." She admitted though it was with a very ashamed tone.

"Maybe it is memories trying to surface!" Sophia offered in hope.

Maybe it was. Memories of who or what she was. It would be nice to know that much at least. And to know why it was that she woke, night after night, in sweat after nightmarish feats of dreams. "We will meet again. He gave his worrrd that he would answerrr mine questions." She offered to the family at whole.

"Even if you get your answers, please don't feel as if we are trying to get rid of you. You are always welcome here. You will always be Miss Cleo to us." Jack teased. "Now come! Lets finish preparing dinner! I am starved!"

"I think Miss Cleco has done enough today." Sophia scolded, "Please go rest, dear. We can handle the rest."

"Arrre you surrre?" she asked but she felt Sophia's work-hard hands on her back before she could even finish getting the words out. Shooed off to her room she sighed quietly. Not because she was being shooed off but because she could hear the conversation still in the kitchen.

They had high hopes for the next meeting with this stranger while she was cautious.

Once in her room she stripped free of the singed armor, which was placed with care on the floor. Five steps forward and a hand reached out to drift her fingertips along the bed sheets, a guide for her soon to settle down on the edge of the bed. She was likely some servant of the man. A sword or shield of his forces. It made sense, in a way, but not fully. Not the way he held her hand. As if he was reluctant to part ways.

Nervously she rubbed at her hand, unsure if she was trying to rub the feeling of his touch back into it or rub the feeling away. He made her feel conflicted and she was unsure why.

"Just who arrre you?" she mumbled as she flopped back onto the bed.

He told her he would be waiting at the fountain, every day in the afternoon. Waiting. For her. With answers. She was not going to keep him waiting long. Even though the hour was already too late to go search for him at the fountain she was preparing in her head for the following day when she would start searching for the man named Julius.

He caught the start caused by his voice, an almost bashful smile that she couldn't see. "My apologies. I didn't mean to startle you," just as she spoke his name.

When she rose to her feet, he took a step forward. "You don't need to," trailing off with that soft smile when she said she was glad he was there. Chuckling softly, he shook his head. "Not in the least. I was catching up with my reading in the meantime. It gave me the benefit of enjoying the decent weather. No need to ask for my forgiveness," he assured her, and he was pleased that she'd kept her word on waiting until she was rested before showing up. Not that he doubted she'd hold back on her word, whether she had memory of her old self or not. He'd often questioned if it was hardwired into her, something not even amnesia could steal from her. And a trait that he admired, one seeming long lost in modern generations and times. "It's found me just fine, thank you. I hope it's done the same for you," that slow smile collecting until dimples presented at the sight of her smile. "Do you mind if I sit with you?" He held back the wince of the formality of it all, as if they were meeting all over again. But what redeemed that feeling was simply having her there, in flesh and blood and not just an alcohol induced hallucination. And he might've simply asked to be sneaky and try to get her to sit down, that concern for her wouldn't ever cease it seemed.

She paused, confused obviously. "I do nae need to ...what?" He may of needed to clarify for her. While she heard him move she didn't see him or the motions that may of hinted to his intentions. Instead of waiting for an answer she pushed on, a hand gesturing to her side and the bench - offering for him to join her. "By all means." As if it had been her intentions on inviting him to do just that all along.

"The day finds me as well as can be. Tis a live one day at a time forrr me." It was quietly admitted as she settled down back on the bench. She had a feeling he wouldn't sit until she did. Just that strange little sneaking feeling. He was so very formal and polite. It was an oddity in this realm from what she had noticed. Rare indeed. It felt like..home. "What type of book drrraws thine attention this day if I may be so bold as to ask."

He hadn't really expected her to call him out on it, blinking at her for a moment in his own confusion until he realized his mistake. She couldn't have possibly known what he'd meant and it brought a flush of pink on his high cheekbones as he cleared his throat. "Stand...You didn't need to stand.." He amended, almost nervously with a chuckle added in. Eyes closed briefly as he shook his head at himself before they resurfaced to look at her when she offered him a seat on the bench. "Merci, madame," as he moved toward the bench.

"I am glad to hear it's finding you well....as well as it can be, that is. Is that not how many of us live?" With a perk of his brow, having grown accustomed to his time in Rhy'Din. Day by day had been how he'd mostly lived since that fateful day of his past, less true for that period with the woman in front of him, only to become more true than one could possibly imagine for the days she wasn't there. She wasn't wrong in believing that he wouldn't sit until she had, and promptly did so when she found her spot on the bench, settling not too far away from her but close enough to make conversation easy while keeping a polite distance. He couldn't help but chuckle at her questioning of the book. "A book I hadn't read in years," he admitted. "I was getting re-acquainted with The Secret Garden. I have to admit, I wasn't paying much attention in my wait," a soft laugh that came more out of his nose than his mouth in a puff of air as he glanced to his fidgeting fingers in his lap.

Was it her imagination or did he seem nervous" As nervous as she was, even. "The Secrrret Garrrden" I cannot say I have hearrrd of this book." The words came almost in a defeated, hushed tone. She was listening to him, every little thing he had to offer her ears folded forward to listen to. Her lips parted to speak but suddenly drew closed and came with an expression that looked quite perplexed.

All this time she had thought about questions to ask him and now that she was sitting next to the man she didn't know where to start! Which questions were important enough' Oh Gods! She was stumped! Stumped on her own questions of herself! She practically groaned and raised her hands to her face. A soft little groom had her fingers drifting over her ears. "I have so many questions forrrr you but I should ask firrrst. Do you have any questions you wish to ask?"

It by far was not her imagination. In a way that he didn't believe she could understand in her condition. "Aye," he confirmed to her echoing question of the book title. "It's a good read, from what little I remember of it the last time I picked it up." But it seemed what little he'd remembered of it was tossed out the window in her presence. Plot, premise. All lost as he focused solely on her, perhaps trying to prepare questions he had no idea she was going to ask of him today.

In silent reverie he'd been momentarily lost, but it was the groan that had brought him back. Leaving him blinking and turning his gaze heavily on her as he raised a brow and tilted his head much like a puppy. "Madame".." Questioningly as he watched her hands meet her face, only to drift to the grooming of her ears her fingers gave. He was just as perplexed until she asked him if he hadn't questions for her. He was quiet a moment, and it was as if he hadn't expected the option. He'd been preparing himself to answer hers, not ask some of his own. Blinking rapidly, he turned his head to stare at the fountain as a soft sigh left him. "Questions I don't believe either of us will have the answer for, I am afraid." Shaking his head, he turned his gaze back to her, turning in his position with his knees pointed but not touching her in the least in her direction. Leaning against the back in an illusion of relaxation, his arm bent and rested on the edge of it. "Perhaps I may think of some as we speak, but as it stands, I'm at a loss. I promised you as many answers as I can, my time is yours and I have no where else to be. Ask whatever you like of me." His tone was an attempt of comfort, his words encouragement to not be worried about where to start. Or feeling pressed for time.

Even if there was no pressure for time it didn't make it any easier. She quietly sighed and lowered her hands down to her lap again, forcing herself not to fidget with her ears any longer. With him having no questions she slowly nodded. "I suppose I shall starrrt with this one then. Tis a rrratherrr brrroad question, howeverrr." And she was sure he was going to know was coming. "Who am I?" No matter how she said it in her head, it coming from her lips still sounded as if she were pleading. Begging for him to shake away the ache and pain in her head and give her clarity.

While she fought to figure out what to ask him, he was patient as could be sitting there on that bench. When she claimed to have found a point to start from, his head slowly tilted as he peered at her with those hazel eyes, a younger appearance that contrasted with the age in his eyes. Though even that little bit of face fuzz had him looking a bit older, more toward his early 30s than in his twenties. Or maybe it was the past few months that aged him. It was hard to tell, really. His brows dove upward at the mention of the question being broad, and though there might've been an inkling he tried his best not to assume. But those three simple words that weren't simple in the slightest came into play and he couldn't help but raising his brows and letting his cheeks puff out with an exhale. "You weren't kidding about it being broad, madame.." He chuckled softly, barely. It wasn't a laughing situation but it was more of an awkward sound than anything close to amused. The way she said it had him chewing on his bottom lip, fang present though she still couldn't see it. "Where to start.." He adjusted himself in the seat, almost fidgeting as he was surely put on the spotlight in that moment to tell an amnesia ridden mind just exactly who they are. "Well.." That almost nervous tick that never left of him rubbing the back of his neck. "I am positive I don't know all there is to know about you," with a soft smile. The fact he didn't had been his favorite part. Just when he thought he knew her like the back of his hand, she did something to surprise him and shift that illusion. "But, you are Raijin Onji. To my knowledge you were a soldier, I don't have much detail on that. You worked for the Ravenlocks since I had met you, longer even. I don't know exactly what you did for them, other that they took you in and you repaid them by working on their grounds. You lived there for a time. As far as I can remember," with a soft smile that was very nearly fond and nostalgic to that first moment they'd met. "You've always been a reserved woman. Thoughtful. Sweet. Very formal but in a...refreshing way. A way you likely won't find all that often in these parts, or any, anymore." Giving pause, he waited to let what he'd said so far sink in. His eyes were almost sad, thankful maybe for the fact that she couldn't see that look on him. He wanted to take it all away. The pain, the loss of her memory. Reciting what he knew of her very own life to her, he tried to put himself in her shoes and it only made him frown.

She may not of seen he was fidgeting but she could hear it. There was concern that maybe she made him uncomfortable" When he spoke of how she wasn't kidding about the question being broad she smiled faintly but was ever listening to his words. It almost seemed as if she were hanging on his words. It was how she felt, really. A hand started to reach out to his hand but she stopped herself and instead raised her fingertips to her left ear, grooming it a bit.

None of that rang a bell though the soldier bit did help explain a few things. Actually several things! "Does that means I was underrr thine serrrvice, m'lorrrd?" That would also explain a few things also. The touch of sadness in his voice, the fidgeting, and a few other things. She surely hoped he didn't blame himself for her current condition because she was almost sure he was not the cause. Almost but not fully. After all, she could not remember.

She made a soft trill of a sound that announced her amusement. Despite the tension she felt from him those words did so delight her. "T's only fairrrr indeed. And I would enjoy morrre time in thine company." It was an honest answer. While she may of been there for answers, his presence was a comforting one. Be it as it may, she was doing her best not to forget her reason for being there. Answers. A key to possibly unlocking who she was. He already offered up so much in means to who she was by name and by person. It didn't sound too far off the mark from who she was today but the things he couldn't answer still left her in the dark. Maybe she would have to seek out the Ravenlocks in the near future. He puffed, stalled, and struggled. She could hear it all as clear as day and she nearly stopped him from continuing. Whatever it was seemed to weigh heavy on him. Until he managed to mutter it out, leaving her still. Her ears jerked forward sharply in surprise though again she wasn't so quick to assume. "Much morrrre" I am going out on a limb herrrre and guessing you do not mean something as one would call a benefrrriend." Do not ask her how she knew that term! Her expression may of softened but her ears were at full attention and all that attention was on him. "You...You werrre courrrting me" O-Orrr werrre thee mine," oh wow now she could understand why he was struggling! "husband..." she managed the word out, clear to her own surprise.

That sound that rose from the Mithra had him chuckling his own amusement, settled deep in his belly. His broad smile only grew softer around the edges when she told him that. "And I would enjoy more time in yours, madame." At this point, he didn't care what he was there for. To be interrogated for answers, or simply spending time with her. The months without her had been long and dreadful, having her back even like this was a relief. If she asked to see the Ravenlocks, he would likely offer his assistance in finding them.

When she grew still, as did he. As if waiting for the words to sink in and await her reaction to them. Briefly, a fleeting thought, he might've considered diving into the ice cold fountain for putting that information on her. Fear of straining her memory, causing thoughts that he was up to no good, or he was trying to take advantage of her had him as still as a statue until he faintly nodded when she echoed his remark on 'much more'. At least until she spoke that words and you'd think his eyes were going to bulge out of his head and he grew a particular shade very close to a tomato while stammering his words. "No, no, madame. That is not what I meant. I.." Oh boy, he looked as nervous as a whore at church. And possibly questioning where in the blazes she'd heard that term. When her expression softened, his blush was still in full force while she questioned further. Only to spread to his ears and neck as he cleared his throat. "I...I was courting you, yes." He paused for a moment, his voice softened as his eyes dropped down to the hand he was still holding. "Though I was still no less yours, regardless."

Or as nervous as a boy talking to his school crush. Gosh that was awfully adorable of him. "That explains what thy meant with thy worrds to Michael." She spoke softly. It also explained why he was so nervous in telling her. He was afraid how she would take it and more so, in her state, how it may seem. His hand was squeezed and she was about to say something to him, lips parted to speak only to draw back and show fangs instead. She hissed out as her chin lowered and her head reeled back, along with the rest of her. As if her body had been hit with some invisible force that threatened to shove her off of the bench. His hand was clenched, used as an anchor as she turned her head, first one way then the other. She tried to shake away the sensation and bit down on her own tongue to stop herself from making any noises. The pain in her head started at her left temple, a clenching awful pain. It quickly swept way across her head and felt as if someone had jabbed a hot poker into her skull and was rooting around. The feeling of white hot pain left her head tilting and a dizzy feeling settling. In her mind was not a man, but something much more dark and sinister. No. No that could not be him.

Considering it was Julius, that was far more likely a reaction. When she spoke of what he'd said to Michael, he perked a brow questionably but he shook his head with a soft laugh. "Aye, madame....It was almost unbearable to not have taken up your offer of going with you that day," his tone was just as soft as he pulled his gaze from their conjoined hands and looked at her for a moment just as she squeezed his hand, a gesture returned without hesitation. "I must admit you are taking this far better than..." He might've spoken too soon. Brows dove deep as she opened her mouth to speak and showed fang. "..Madame?" Only for worry to cross his features in an instant to her reaction to the pain. "Rai." As if coaxing her back to the present, just as she seemed to get hit with an invisible force. His eyes sprang wide at the sight. "Rai!" Calling to her as he clenched just as tightly to her hand, pulling out of his relaxed position that was everything but relaxed in that moment. Still holding her hand, he moved closer to her and put his hand to the back of her head just in case she made another jolt of movement like that. Almost helpless in this, he did all he could think to do. "Squeeze my hand as hard as you need, breathe." His hand stroked her hair, as if trying to coax whatever was causing her head pain to stop. You'd think he was trying to help her give birth not get through a pain in her head, but...well, that was as good as he knew in that moment.



Rai. She heard his voice through the chaos that ran in her head. Even with her eyes wide open, hidden under the blindfolds, all she could see was darkness. Flashes of purple light. Vague images that were chased by the darkness. She fought to remain mindset into that moment, not wanting to have to leave and rest for days without knowing. But the pain. Oh the pain drew tears and her body to writhe in agony. It was as if her body remembered some great pain that she did not.

Her fingers clawed into his hand and she choked out helplessly to him, "H-help..." The plead was pitiful mewled to him but was followed by other, quietly mumbled words. Apologies. She was apologizing to the man, multiple times, as her body started to lax. She felt heavily exhausted but did her best to cling to his hand.

His eyes were stuck to her like glue, drifting her and there but staying on her at all times. His hand on her hair stroked gently, his thumb rubbing just behind her ear. He didn't know what the hell was going on, but there was no mistaking the look of extreme pain. His eyes closed briefly to the clawing at his hand, but he didn't stop her or ask her to lighten up. Instead, he only held fast to hers. When his eyes surfaced, it was to that plea that nearly tore him to pieces and broke his heart. "Rai, love.." He couldn't help himself, that cry for help in that pitiful mewl had him trying to lean her against him. Respectively, not too intimately or romantically, but he was trying to offer what little comfort he could. "Shh, shh. Do not apologize to me," he urged her in a whisper. His eyes closed briefly, should I find who did this to you, I will tear them apart with my bare hands. He was not one to be quite so violent, having left that part him behind on that Island. "I think....we should call it quits for today.." He whispered, seeing the reaction of what information was dealt to her today.

Oh Julius was going to be the talk of Polly's little girlie social group! He was like a knight in shining armor - minus the shining armor! Cute to boot, too! He might end up getting a dreamy eye, little girl stare at him when he said he would carry the mithra. "Oh! Oh, sure! So you know her" I didn't think anyone knew her. She was like this before she lost her head?" She meant memories of course but she was kind of in the moment, you see.

Julius was an oblivious sort when it came to that sort of thing sometimes. It was maybe a 50/50 chance that he could even catch that. He didn't quite catch that dreamy girl stare, only the fact she was staring at him. The effect was still slightly the same however, a flush hit his cheeks that could be passed off to the cold unless you knew him. Nodding, he adjusted his arm at the Mithra's back and turned so he could swoop his other arm beneath the woman's knees. As effortless as ever, he was on his feet and princess carrying the nearly weightless woman, moving his arms so she could still remained leaned on his shoulder to keep her slumber if the rising hadn't woken her. "Aye, I know her. For a few years now." That blush came back full force at that point. He might hoped she didn't ask how he knew her, but he questioned his luck today. She'd already squealed at him, what would she do if he told her he'd been courting her before her disappearance" The question to distract those thoughts had him laughing softly. "Oh yes. Stubborn as a mule and never knew when to quit. Pardon, madame. One moment." As he walked over to the fountain and knelt easily with the Mithra in his arms when he reached his suitcase. He probably would've just left it there if there wasn't work papers in it. Clutching the handle with a hooked finger after a bit of maneuvering with the arm tucked beneath the Mithra's back, he was soon to his feet and returning to Polly.

The mithra was dead weight in his arms and if it would not be for how careful he moved her she likely would of just swayed like a wet noodle in the night air. This along was the reason Polly's attention turned into concern. She watched as he struggled with the suitcase and quickly scampered over to offer a hand. "I can carry that for you! So my brother said she is important to you. Is she your girlfriend?" He was ever so lucky that Polly hadn't caught sight of him blushing. Oh wait, there she did and it showed by the way of the youth's wide grin. He was caught with his hand in the cookie jar and she was going to tattle! "Well it is a good thing you are coming with us! You can see where she is staying!" She was still waiting for the suitcase but she would eventually start leading the way through the city.

It wasn't man pride idiocy that had him hesitating when she offered to carry it for him. He was born of a different era where the man would carry things for the woman, but the fact that he was holding a sleeping woman and it was a slight case, he complied. "Merci, Polly." Adjusting his arm under Rai to hold it out to her. Besides, he didn't want to risk anything should he need both hands open. "She is..." To being important, and that blush came back full damn force when she mentioned Rai being his girlfriend. Dammit, Polly! She's going to have him as nervous as that damn school boy again by the time they made to the house, good lord. Recovering enough to chuckle, he nodded. "I was....am..." A faint brow furrow as he didn't quite know was the appropriate use of past or present tense in this tricky situation. Shaking his head, he moved on. "Courting her." Because Julius was a complicated pain sometimes stuck in his ways. Courting. He couldn't help but chuckle at her exclamations. "It may prove useful should I need to find her quickly, yes. Though I am sure you are taking great care of her for me." With a little smirk before he'd be following Polly's lead through the city.

She took up his case and held it between her hands like it was a school bag but with much more care. He was, after all, carrying Miss Cleo. There was no reason for him to over strain himself when she could help! "Courting her." She hadn't heard the phrase before being used but had read it in books. Good lord she was practically swooning as she walked. "Nope! We aren't but I am sure mama and papa will be happy to see that she does have someone who was looking for her. She swore up and down that she had nobody in this world that wanted her. It was really sad to hear how she would talk sometimes." As they walked she looked up to him. "It was a lot different when we first found her. She babbled and went on a lot about stuff. It mostly didn't make sense but she seemed so determined yet -" she caught herself as she looked forward, feeling she may of said too much. "I am glad she has someone! Um. Well does she, I mean' She doesn't remember you, does she" If not then what do you plan to do?"

"Aye." He chuckled to her echoing his phrasing. And he was as oblivious as ever to her swooning. There was a raise of his brow at the claim they weren't, he viewed it differently. She had a roof over her head, she was fed and they seemed to care about her. That classified as taking care of her to him, at least to some degree. Hazels drifted over to Polly as she spoke about Rai, a frown beginning at the corners of his mouth the way she told him of how the Mithra had spoken. By the time she looked up at him, he forced the frown to simply blank. Polly looking forward was mirrored by Julius, only to shift his vision down his cheekbones to peer at the sleeping woman in his arms. "She does have someone, Polly." Sighing softly, "I spent many months searching for her after the disappearance, spent as many resources as I could afford to find her. I did not give up, but I had very nearly given up hope on finding her after so many. I still left the search open, but I had fallen into.." He shook his head, offering an almost solemn smile as he'd trailed off. "She's alive, that's what matters. And I possibly have you and your family to thank for that." His eyes pushed forward, watching instead where he was walking. His tone was a bit sad, but he tried his best to keep it out. "....No, she doesn't remember me. But that doesn't mean that I won't do everything in my power for her. I'm pulling more resources to see if there can be something done for her memory. I'll be making calls to find someone who may be able to work with the amnesia...but with what little information I have on what has happened to her.." He sighed, shaking his head. But he had a start. He had a little more information. He'd seen what was behind that blindfold, as if it may possibly be some sort of clue as to what they were dealing with.



Well Polly was being more literal. They were not watching over Miss Cleo for him. "Mama would scold me when I would ask Miss Cleo too many questions. Said that her memories would come back in time. I think some part of her remembers you!" She said, hoping to lift his spirits. "She was really excited to come see you and wanted to do so the day after your meeting but she also wanted to keep her promise to you." His words didn't go unheard. His resources spent just to find her and then now he was spending more to help her. She nibbled on her bottom lip while going oddly quiet. One of those quiets where you have to wonder if they are up to no good. They came upon a simple little homestead to where the wooden door was opened and she peeked in. "Mama! Papa! We are home!"

From the kitchen a shhh came as a older woman, looking roughly in her 40s, came out with her hands busy in the apron she wore. Her kind eyes found Polly though she Sophia was scolding. "Your brother sleeps."

The sentimental words brought a soft smile to his features, his head nodding slowly. "I think so too, Polly. At least that's what I hope." His eyes drifted to Rai as if considering. The way she reacted to him, the way she'd clung onto him the first time they'd met...again...The way she seemed to take what he'd told her so well, when perhaps another in her position might've been quick to assume the worst of him. Perhaps even the way she slept against him while he carried her. He hoped he wasn't seeing something that wasn't there, but without that hope...the crushing weight in his chest was just too overwhelming. He let Polly go silent, doing so himself as he merely carried the woman in his own silence.

As Polly pushed through the door and announced their presence, he simply stood on the stoop and waited. Perhaps enjoying what little time left he had of having the woman in his arms before he would surely be making his way home without her. Parting from her was one of the hardest parts of their meeting. The sound of the woman's voice hit his sensitive hearing and he chuckled softly.

"Mama. Miss Cleo fell asleep while she was talking with this man. He is her boyfriend!" Talk about announcements!

"Shush now girl. Off to your room." A rag was swatted at Polly until the girl pouted and sulked away and Sophia turned to Julius. "Well come on in, son. Can't have you lingering out in the cold. Come, come." She gestured him in while she moved to the door in order to close it once he was inside. "So you are the young man that had the young ladies in this house fluttering about and my son acting as if he is is protecting a treasure hoard." There was a twinkle of amusement in her eyes. "I will admit I was not keen on the idea of sending her out to meet you. Such a thing is quite dangerous given where we are and these times. Pray tell why has she fallen asleep. Conversation with you could not of been that boring."

It was that announcement that brought a fresh flush of color to his cheeks, had him closing his eyes and shaking his head. Polly wasted absolutely no time in making that announcement. "Polly..." he sighed under his breath, though he couldn't stop the amusement when he opened his eyes. She was a spunky little thing, he'd give her that. And honest....almost to a fault. Almost.

His eyes turned to Sophia, dipping his head politely at the invitation. "Merci, madame. Very kind of you." With her gesturing hand, he complied. Turning a bit to not catch the Mithra's head or feet on the doorway until he stood there with the woman in his arms. Even considering the dead weight, he didn't seem in the slightest hindered by it. His brows rose at the mention of the girls in the home fluttering about but only gave a soft smile as she mentioned what he assumed to be Michael. "That very well could be my fault," he admitted, chuckling softly. "My apologies, madame." Even if she was amused, he was still Julius. You have to accept the fact he's going to apologize....for everything..."That is understandable. I'm am rather pleased to hear your caution, actually. The times aren't as kind as they used to be. Such dangers should very well be accounted for." It was the question of why Rai was asleep that had him ducking his head bashfully. There was a possibility that he was far older than the woman standing there, but you wouldn't be able to tell with the way he was acting. "I wish I could say that I knew what happened. We were talking as agreed upon until she fell into immense pain." There was a frown on his mouth then as he peered down at Rai. "She came out of it, but was exhausted from the spell."

Her ears went into a fit of twitches as she dipped her head sheepishly. "Oh. I am terrribly sorrry for trrrroubling you, m'lorrrd." Goddess above she quite embarrassed not for the fact that she fell asleep against him in such a rude way. More so at the fact she did not remember it in the least. She remembered the pain and speaking with him. His hand was released and she softly stroked his upper hand with her fingertips. "Thank you. Thank you forrr having the patience to deal such things. To go out of thine way to make surrre I came herrre safe and wait to see me wake."

By the time she finished that apology, he was already shaking his head and giving her a knowing smile. "You needn't apologize, madame. You didn't trouble me in the least. I.." He paused, clearing his throat before lowering his gaze to her fingertips on his hand. "It gave me more time in your company, even if you were unconscious for a portion of it." A soft chuckle rolled through his chest before he looked to her again. "I'm just glad you're alright..." His brows furrowed a touch then, his head tilting. "Do you....often have spells like that?"

Her lips parted slowly as if to say something but she found that in the end she had no words to give. It wasn't as if he was hard to speak to. Rather the opposite. With him it was quite easy that words spoke but at the same time she could feel him fidget and she could hear the worry. Her burden should not be his. "I have not had them before outside of slumberrr. I do tend to wake up in bouts. But neverrr awake." Never like it was when she was with him which only made her assume that he was a trigger. But a trigger to what"

Unsurprising, that's precisely how he took that admission. There was a soft frown that contorted the corner of his lips. "Perhaps I am the reason for them to rise outside of slumber.." A soft mutter, guilt lacing his tone. There was a moment where he considered the pain rising from the possibility of her memories returning, and that worried him. He didn't want to cause her pain, he never had and he never will. If he kept triggering her memories, would the pain get worse" What would be the extent of the repercussions" At this point, he worried for her health. "Perhaps..." He sighed softly, turning his head to the side as he closed his eyes. "Perhaps it may be best that I leave you be for a while. We don't know what could happen if I keep putting you into these spells.."

"Don't." She had a feeling he was going to say something to that direction when she heard him sigh. Oh she did hear the guilt that he wore in his voice and she moved her hand up along his arm, slowly to his shoulder. Instead of going further she grasped his shoulder tenderly. "If that is thine wish, m'lorrrd." She didn't like her own words and it showed in a way as a frown that formed across her lips. It weighed on her heart to say it. She was so close to learning more about her and he had given her so much. Not only his knowledge but of himself. It could not of been easy being in his shoes. Slowly her hand lowered and she clasped them in her lap, head bowed.

The feel of her touch was comforting, and urged the words swimming around in his head to be word-vomited from his mouth. "I enjoy your company, more than I could ever truly tell from words alone, madame. But, until we know more, I worry for your health should we keep prodding answers into you mind...that it keeps fighting back. I don't want to be the cause of your pain," his eyes slowly opened when she lowered her hand away from his shoulder and he finally looked at her again. "If something happened to you I don't..." Swallowing hard, he shook his head slowly and lowered his gaze to his lap. Was there guilt that all this was his fault' Of course there was.

She knew he was right. She should be taking it slow in all of this because all she was doing was hurting herself. But she wanted answers so badly and he was there, with answers. Slowly her head bowed deeper with her chin threatening at her collarbone. "I understand thine concerrrns and arrre humbled that you carrre so forrr one so lost as I. I...I underrrstand. If you have need of me or change thy mind.." Well he knew where to find her, correct' And she could not very well demand him stay. It would only cause him more ache and grief. It was not easy for her to say but she placed upon her lips a smile, sad as it seemed, and bowed her head to him. "I thank you, from the bottom of mine hearrrt. I hope in the futurrre we can keep such company again."

There was a storm brewing in his head, that calculation and swimming thoughts that had made him a soldier. The tactical and successful private guard back in the day. He would never abandon her, but he needed a game plan and time to think. He needed more information. Her words had those flitting eyes lifting to her as she spoke, had his hand reaching for hers if she didn't pull her own away. If she didn't, his would cover her own. He forced a smile she couldn't see, but there was that stubborn determination that she couldn't currently remember in his tone. "I will find the answers, Rai. This will not be the last you see of me," he promised. "There has to be a way to find the solution to all of this. And if there's a way, I will not stop until I find it." A solid promise coming from the oath and honor bound soldier. "For now, I think it best if you continue to let your mind heal from your spell tonight.." He slowly rose from the edge of the bed.

His hands found her own and she didn't move. That is until she found that he was rising from his place. Both of her hands quickly moved to clasp over his and she caught herself. She was suppose to be letting him go but why was it so damn hard"! "Do not push yourrrself on mine account. Please. Yourrrr vow is a kindness but I've no rrright to hinder thine life so. If you find it too much to handle. If..it becomes too much you should.." should what? She didn't know what she was going to say and it showed as her ears sulked low and she sighed. "I do nae wish to be a burrden upon such a kind man."

He hadn't so much as taken a step from the bed when his hand was caught and he stopped, looking back at her. There was almost a sad smile as he lowered his head and shook it gently from side to side. Turning toward the bed, he crouched beside it while keeping his hand in hers. "Madame, you do not remember, but I pledged my love to you. You have never been a hindrance, and you aren't one now. You claim burden, but there is nothing I wouldn't do for you. Whether you remember me or not....I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I didn't do something to try.That would be the only thing I couldn't handle." Realizing his own words may have been a bit heavy on a memory lacking woman, he lowered his eyes to the blanket on the bed. "My apologies, madame.."

Wow if ever he wanted to leave a print, that was it. She would of been staring at him if it were not for the blindfold. And that she was blind, of course. A warmth rose to her cheeks, not exactly fully concealed by the short fur there, and her ears twitched forward than back a few times. "That is trrrruly flatterrring." She only wished she could live up to such a kindness as he afforded her. Her hands released his but only to catch his cheeks so that she could lean forward and kiss his brow. She may of been a little low and caught him between the eyebrows but she did try her best. "You do not need to apologize, good sirrr."

Words exchanged that night had already been heady as it was, between the bombs he'd already dropped on her of them having been courting before her disappearance. Now, he'd dropped the love bomb on her, and there was a touch of guilt for that. He didn't want her to feel obligated for anything, but he didn't know how else to explain why he would go to such things for this woman. Why he couldn't just walk away and leave her with no recollection of herself or her life. Though there was a want to have his Rai back, his reasons weren't selfish. Even if there was partial guilt backing his need to strive so very hard to do everything within his power to fix all of this. When she pulled her hands away, his own slid to the edge of the bed as if he was going to push himself to his feet until he stilled at her hands suddenly catching his cheeks. His eyes closed briefly when she administered the kiss, he didn't care where he was. That simple gesture was enough to have a breath leaving his lungs in a soft gust and caused his racing thoughts to cease if for but a moment. There was a tick to the corner of his mouth that threatened a smile as he snickered. "That doesn't mean I won't," he warned in a soft tease, which....the older Rai might've understood far better. His eyes opened when it ended and there was warmth in his gaze. "...May I visit again soon, madame" Even if it's just for your company?"

1.7.17 Late Night

Give us your sorrow The large winged creature, with a singular eye and mouth that took up its body, hovered close enough to fill her senses. Its voice cackled, filling her ears and what felt to be her entire being. She struggled to distance herself from the monsterosity but no matter how hard she tried she could not seem to move her limbs.

Give us your regret

Finally the demon moved and colors of purple, mingled with blues and reds , filled her vision. The whole area was darkness save for the ground that was etched in some sort of complicated arcanic symbol where the colors seemed to thrive from. The very ground seemed to pulse with energy. Slithering tendrils crawled up from the markings and crawled across her legs. It was only then she realized that she was hovering several feet in the air and whatever was holding her up kept her arms at stretched at either sides. She felt like a worn dangling from an unseen hook so that the energy could gobble her up.

Give us your PAIN!

With that one word pain is what she felt. Searing white, all consuming, pain. Every part of her body felt like it was being was being torn apart, unraveling under the demands of energy.

\\\\\\\\\\V/////// ////////////////

Her own screams filled her ears as she jerked away. The darkness wasn't what alarmed her. She was use to the darkness by now. It was the fact that something kept her arms restrained by a strong grasp to her wrists. Instantly her legs started to kick out, thrashing against the simple sheets and blankets beneath her.

"Come on, girl. Wake up!"

Jack's booming voice filtered past her screams, startling her to the reality that it was the man who was restraining her. The tension in her body released and the Mithra began to sink down into the bed. Her own thudding heart sounded in her ears as well as the sounds of movement behind herself and the bed.

"She's calmed." Jack spoke calmly and slowly sat back.

"Good heavens, Miss Cleo. Well enough to give this whole house a start." Sophia's voice soon followed.

Embarrassed by what seemed to be another nightmarish fit, the mithra raised a hand to her face while mumbling, "Mine apologies."

She felt Jack's large hand pat her shoulder, "No need to. We all have our skeletons and nightmares, Raijin" The way he pronounced the name was as if he were correcting his wife.

She only scowled at him for doing so, "Shoo. Off to bed with you. I will make sure she gets back to sleep comfortably."

There were smooches and hugs exchanged. While not seen she could still hear it. As well as some hiked gasp from Sophia followed by hushed words that only left the Mithra guessing that Jack had got a touch frisky with his wife. "I'm fine. Thy should be off to slumber too, m'lady." Spoken as she rolled over and pulled the blanket over shoulder.

She could hear what started as a protest from the woman turn into a sharp intake of breath as Jack scooped his wife up and carted her off to bed. They both quietly laughed until the door closed off the sound.

Left to the silence and darkness she laid there, waiting for sleep to return. Instead she was left with a wandering mind, trying to pick out details of a dream she couldn't grasp enough to remember. A dream or memories? The pain had felt so real.

To what she couldn't clench of the dream she replaced with fond thoughts of the upcoming day. He would return and she looked forward to finding out more about herself from him. Not only of herself but of him. A man she had apparently had relations with. How terrible it must of been for him, seeing a woman he loved unable to remember him or his affections. She could not help but feel guilty.

Eventually her tired body won over the wandering mind and she fell back into slumber.

If Jack had got a wife that Julius was anything but what he seemed the man simply did not show it. It could be a possibility that he simply did not care. Pushing off the perch that had been the wall the towering man gestured to the side door that lead to the kitchen before guiding way. "You've got quite the energy in you lad. What is it you do for work?" Because Jack was a curious man or maybe there was something deeper to that question.

He would wait for Julius to be inside before moving to get a mug of coffee for him. This mug would be placed on the simple wooden table with the fixings for Julius to doctor up the coffee as he saw fit. "I am going to guess that my darling wife had you working the wood out of some plead to help my weary old bones but you really do not need to my lad."

He nodded when he was gestured to the side door, trailing after Jack as he was asked that question. He chuckled softly, shrugging his shoulders a bit. "At one point, I would've told you a soldier, monsieur. Now I am a business owner. Mostly working behind a desk and doing paperwork, making phone calls. Sending emails. Perhaps that is why I have so much energy to spare," he smiled softly though it didn't quite meet the marker.

Once inside, he closed the door behind him and moved to the mug set out for him. "Merci," he said, adding no more than sugar to the black coffee before he grinned to Jack's assumption. "She may have let on to the pile of wood that needed to be cut out back," he admitted, but assured him with, "but I find it to be mutually beneficial. My own firewood pile was building up at home, it gave me something to do. She didn't mention weary old bones, though," he chuckled, turning away from the counter as he lifted the mug to his lips for a lingering swallow.

A glance was spared towards him and a brow struck up from the bulky man. While Jack was not one to call another's bluff he seemed to be rather skeptical of Julius' claims of being a paper-pusher. "That is quite the difference from being soldier to being behind a desk." Still he seemed not ready to dig any deeper than what Julius had said.

"Oh I'm sure she didn't. I am still as spritely as when I was a young man." The words were spoken with a grin that set strong across his weathered face. "She is quite a trickster, that wife of mine. If you feel need for payment you just let me know and we can work out something." There was barely a break in the words, "But it does give us a chance to speak as I do have questions and concerns. I am sure you can guess of the subject to these."

"It is, I'll admit." He nodded his head. He wasn't lying, really. He did own a business, he did deal with the paperwork. And he had a desk he made calls from. He just didn't tell people the fine print of his business and what he did with the money obtained from his work.

Leaning against the counter, he chuckled before taking another sip of his coffee. Nodding, "I don't doubt that for a moment, monsieur." Keeping up with Sophia and the energetic kids, he had no doubt the man was still spritely. There was a bit of a smile at Jack calling his wife a trickster, shaking his head however when he mentioned payment. With no break between his words, he didn't have the chance to object before he was looking at Jack with a lift of his brow then his chin. There was a bit of a knowing smile on his face as he spared a glance in the direction of Rai's room, fleeting as he circled back around to Jack. "I'm sure I have an idea, monsieur. I will offer the answers I have and will do my best to quell your concerns," lifting his mug to the man. "Ask what you wish." Then a sip taken.

He blinked, being asked more questions and fought back a wince to the harshness of the words. There was no other way to say it, he knew it. Sighing slow from his nose, he looked down to the dark liquid in his mug with a frown. "As I told your daughter, I have many resources that have not been spent yet. I spent months searching for her, I never really gave up," he muttered his admission. "I would be a fool to walk away now just because she doesn't remember me. I.....I will admit I have wondered if my reasons to stay are selfish," he frowned. Him being around and trying to bring her memory back seemed to cause her more pain that what it seemed to help her. "I love her, monsieur," he mumbled. "I do want my Raijin back, but I also love her enough to simply accept the fact she is alive. As much as her lack of memory of me is painful," his voice was soft then. Admission to another man that maybe would understand considering he was wed to Sophia.

"I would not consider it selfish but you have to ask yourself what you will do if she cannot remember you. Being around you, from what I have seen, gives both a pleasure and pain to that lass. She speaks very fondly of you in a way that she finds pleasure in your company." The words were spoke, maybe as if in comfort to the man who practically opened his heart up. The next few words were chewed upon before giving, "When she was found she would cry in her sleep. Usually words we could not understand. One thing for sure. She is searching for home. This is a word she speaks of most frequent even as she sobs in her slumber."

A long sip was drawn out as Jack looked down the hall when hearing the noise of others waking. "I cannot even fathom what that young lady has endured," he started before his eyes turned on Julius, "But I do know that my family has grown quite fond of her. You hurt that lass and I will unleash both of my children and wife upon you." Such a threat though spoken with a sense of amusement. By Julius' words it may be that Jack did not think Julius had it in him to hurt Raijin. "You are welcome to our home any time you wish to see her. I am sure she would enjoy that quite a bit."

He nodded slowly to Jack's words, showing he both heard and understood what he was saying. "Oui, monsieur. It is a question I have asked myself every day since finding her again," he admitted. There was a soft smile he couldn't help being told she enjoyed his company. It didn't last too long hear of how she slept and it unsettled him. His brows soared downward to that one word, making him look in the direction of her room once more. Home....He wasn't sure what to take of that. "My ultimate goal is her well being, monsieur. Her happiness. Whether it is with me or not," the last part was mumbled.

His own eyes flicked to where the noises were coming from, his sensitive hearing picking up on the movements alerting him that the others were surely coming. He glanced to Jack behind the rim of his mug while he took a sip of coffee, he lowered it to present that boyish smile as he chuckled. "I would be disappointed if you didn't," with his own amusement. He didn't seem offended, as he'd heard the speech once before. Though....it was perhaps a bit less intimidating than Sophia and the two little ones....He nodded then, smile softly to Jack. "Merci, I appreciate your hospitality. So long as you do tell me if there's any work around the house you'd like done," flashing a grin. "I get rather bored at my desk job."

"I'll let you on a little secret, lad. Ever since you've entered her life," he paused. That didn't sound right to him. "Re-entered her life," was corrected, "she has been all the better for it. Despite what pain your presence creates, I have not seen her quite so lively. Before she would just quietly sit at the window, basking in the sun as if she were waiting. And I am not even sure she knew what she was waiting for. It is refreshing to see her excited about something. To the point she is rushing around despite her state of blindness." A healthy laugh left him.

The laughter died down but it remained in the burly man's eyes. "Best be careful, young man. Sophia hears that and she will make sure to put you to work then what time will you have to flirt your way into your love's heart?" Jack teased with a smirk while eyeing the hallway. The way it sounded was as if Sophia was fighting with both children to get them out of bed and ready for the day. What a task indeed! "I've but one more question for you. Do you plan on taking her with you?"

(From live play.) 3.27.17 The Marketplace Square, Late Night

For weeks, the hermit had making phone calls, extending his knowledge on some very questionable literature and everything in between to find a solution. So far, he'd come up with little. There were still a few favors in his pocket he'd yet to use, but he was waiting on those. Mainly, for Rai's protection.

After nearly driving himself mad the past few days, the man had decided that a stroll to clear his head was in order. Dressed as simply as the man could, he wore a button up shirt and jeans. After the Valentine's Day Cleanse, he hardly went anywhere without his rapier which was sheathed at his hip through a belt holster. He'd been doing better with keeping himself groomed, whether Raijin could see him or not didn't seem to matter to him. Those shaggy locks were combed behind his ears with bangs that still fell over his forehead no matter how much he fussed with them, but that hadn't changed even when his hair was past his shoulders.With the warmer weather these days, he went without a jacket. Not that he needed it in the first place, but when the weather was below twenty degrees....one would often get some strange looks in a tee shirt and jeans.

Hands clasped behind a straightened back, slow strides carried him down the streets of the marketplace. With Easter coming up and Beltane, shops were lining themselves with springtime festival decor and sales. Though he never seemed to buy anything, those red speckled hazel eyes still lingered on the shop windows.

The Valentine's Day Cleanse was not a good day for Raijin in so many ways. As if she didn't feel weakened already, the day (and the ones followed) left her feeling as if the very life had been sucked out of her. Whatever powers was in her blood had left her, even if she found it to be temporary thing. It took nearly a full two weeks for her to bounce back from it and even then it left her out of sorts. She felt distant - not of her own skin, and it seemed to draw worry from the family that housed her. The city felt like it was starting to get back to normal, things apparently back on track with the every day livings. Festivities whispered in the city and decorations were already springing up in ready. This is what she liked more of the city than the chaos and hate. The coming together in celebration, even if she didn't understand any of it. She had only heard of Easter and the Beltane but she remembered hearing things about dresses and flowers and all sorts of things that made her wish she too could enjoy such. But the lack of sight stole even that from her. Despite the lack of sight it didn't stop her tonight from strolling her on streets she was most familiar with. A dress of simple nature followed the flow of her figure, a summer dress of sea-green, blues, and purples. Nothing fancy but comfortable all the same. She had two focuses for the night. One of them she was managing just fine leaving from - a bakery in which she had collected some fresh bread that smelled absolutely divine to her nose. It might of been the reason why she kept her head dipped low, nose turned to the brown paper bag that housed the round sweet bread.

It was almost involuntary how he moved through the streets, seeming focused and alert on the windows even if he was lost in his own head. The goal had been to clear it, but instead only seemed to do the opposite. His eyes lingered on a particular shop, not too far down the same street he was carrying himself down.

...Yet, it wasn't the shop itself that caught the man's attention, or the delectable scents wafting out from the windows and front door. No matter her attire or the way she carried herself, the Mithra would stand out among a crowd of others.

A small smile curled the corners of his mouth, seeing her nose tucked toward the paper bag. The sight lasted but a moment before worry struck him that she was alone, his eyes casting one way then the other to see if there was someone accompanying her as his steps slowed yet didn't halt.

Instead, they carried along down that street, closing the distance little by little. And like a nervous school boy, his fingers fidgeted behind his back the closer he came to the Mithra. No more than ten yards away, that lightly accented tone announced his presence. "Bonjour, madame."

Oh how that bread tempted her. Just a bite. Just a small bite! She managed to just be happy with the soft sweetness the bread provided. It was temptation at its finest and she was so wicked for teasing herself. Still even with her nose and attention on that bread she seemed to be faring pretty damn well in heading herself toward the fountain. She was alone, with nothing but the sounds and scents to guide her. If there was caution in her, it didn't show. She walked with the confidence as if she still had sight. She almost made it to the fountain when a voice caught her ears and those feline ears shot straight up with one turning in his direction. She knew this pleasant voice and a smile crawled across her lips - a smile that was hidden away by the bowing of her head. She did raise her chin, as if not to be rude, and turned half step after drawing still in order to face him. At first she didn't say anything, mayhaps waiting for him to creep that much closer in his slow pace. "Good evening, Lorrrd Julius." She greeted him with warmth and a gentle smile. "You arrrre out awfully late, arrren't you?" Her head tilted to an angle that showed her curiosity, an unspoken question in that simple little motion.

He wouldn't blame her if she took a nibble of it. He could still taste, he just didn't find the use for eating human food. It held no particular use for him other than sating taste. And even he could admit that the smells coming from the bakery were mouth watering.

After he took note she heard him, his pace returned to it's normal leisurely stroll. The purpose of slowing was for her not to think a stranger was coming up on her. When she was aware of him, it didn't take him long to close the distance in time for her to turn and greet him in return. His own smile spread at the sight of hers, a deep chuckle rolling through his throat. "Oui, madame. I guess you could call me a night owl," he said, neglecting to tell her that sleep wasn't something he cared much for these days. His brows rose as he leaned a little bit toward her with his hands still behind his back. "But as it seems, so are you. Perhaps escaping the early long lines at the bakery?" Straightening, there was a brief glance spared, as if he was still waiting for the young girl or the boy to come out of nowhere.

Did they really leave her to wander at night alone?...

The simple compliment still brought a flush of color to his cheeks, his eyes downcasting as he turned his head a little. ....At least until he realized he was trying to hide a blush from a blind woman and turned his head back. "You're too kind," he chuckled, but warmth still flooded his cheekbones. Seeing the sweet offering, he shook his head. "You go ahead and eat it. It would be a waste on me," he chuckled.

"Non, no more than was expected. A bit banged up, but I survived," he shook his head, a soft smile was matched with a teasing tone in his voice to try to quell her worry. "It will take more than some bigots in robes to take me down, Madame." Those hazel eyes flickered to the way her ears pinned back, and he had to keep his hands clasped to refrain from the urge that rose to pull her into his arms. Clearing his throat softly, he nodded. "I am glad that you seem recovered from the spell's effects." A heartbeat later, his voice was no more than a whisper. "And I must apologize for having not sought you out sooner. I wanted to...but I didn't know if it was safe to do so just yet."

His eyes turned back to her to see that scowl, and he had to refrain from chuckling at her calling him out. Well, that surely hasn't changed" The smile that started faltered to the last part. "I simply don't wish to worry you, Madame...'Tis the last thing you need right now. If it makes you feel any better..." Lord, if he didn't feel the fire rising on his cheeks all over again. "..Your presence tonight has lifted my spirits and made me feel better," he admitted, yet his tone was no more than a mumble and he couldn't find it in him to look directly at her. You're a grown man, not a school boy with a crush. Get a hold of yourself!

"You say my offerrring would be wasted on you?" Such a curious thing to say to her, to be sure, but she would not force it down is throat. Instead she nibbled on it without complaint. Hey, his loss! He may not of realized but with the way the young miss of the house painted him as some handsome white knight, he was only adding to the mental image. His soft touched words had her quickly shaking her head. "It was prrrobably betterrr you had not. Jack and his family have been getting much grrrief forrr housing the likes of me. I would hate to have such grrriefs extended to you as well." Which only aided her concern seeing how he was sitting there talking with her in public. It was a slow measure but her lips began to lose that smile. Oh yes, she had not been without the cruel words and mockings from people she couldn't even give face to voice. Some things he was better off not knowing. "Tis not yourrr place to decide what I can and cannot worrrrry about." she scolded him just a tad more. "Besides I was alrrready concerrrned with thine well beings. How could I not with all that was going on' I could hearrr people being killed right outside mine window. I fearrrred that something was amiss when you," she stopped herself with a sigh and a shake of her head. He didn't need that from her. "I am honorrred and humbled by thine worrrds." her own words were quiet as they left her lips, "Thine prrresence has done the same for I and has eased a worrry."

"In a way," he mumbled. "I....have no need for such sustenance. To take it would feel greedy to me," he admitted. Her eating it instead had him nodding once. He preferred it better that way.

He wasn't intentionally trying to seem that way! If he knew about that, he'd probably be doing the opposite. He preferred to be humble and modest, not one to boast or seem like....a white knight...But her telling him of the trouble Jack and the family had been getting had the corners of his mouth turning downward, only to deepen when she talked about the effects it would give him. "Your presence wouldn't hinder me in the slightest, Madame. I..." Pausing, he let out a soft sigh and all but whispered the words. "Though I am technically human, there are things about me that....doesn't seem like it." The first time explaining it to her had been difficult, and this time wouldn't be any less so. Perhaps because last time....she could see what made him 'different'. Now, he wasn't sure if she'd really understand it.

But it was that scolding that had him lowering his head a bit, just to look more like a puppy the more she went on. He....might've neglected to think about what she could've thought with him not visiting or not hearing from him in those weeks. She probably thought I was dead....Oh lord" "Mon apologies, Madame. I didn't mean to worry you with my absence," he all but stammered. "I had no intention to make you fret over me." He worried his bottom lip with those slightly sharp incisors, glancing to the fountain. "Would....would you allow me to make it up to you?" His eyes returned to her with those kind words, bring both warm to his face and a soft smile to his mouth. "Though I still feel terrible for making you worry....I am glad you're more at ease now." You could practically hear him apologizing a million and one times in his head, like he was barely containing himself.Sorrysorrysorrysorrysorry!

"No need for such su -" what was he" A flower" Her ears twitched curiously as she listened to him explain. Technically human but not. "What makes you seem like you are not?" because it was clear he was stroking the fires of her curiosity with each word. The moment she realized she had allowed it to run away with her she lowered her chin sheepishly. "Forrrgive me. You do not need to answer such a private thing, Lorrrd Julius." Even still she did, if only slightly, understand what he meant by not hindering him. "Either way, I am glad to hearrr this. I do so enjoy thine company." He was left with the 'get away free' card without having to explain himself. She thought him hurt or possibly dead, yes, so her concerns did hang over her. After all, as she said, there were killings outside of her window. For all she knew he could've been coming to pay a visit. But that was something his presence cleared up. It was a worry driven clean away so when he apologized she smiled and quickly shook her head. What was left of her bread was tucked away into her bag and she reached out towards him, fingers stretched out to where she heard his voice as if her fingertips were aimed to hush his lips. She found his cheek instead but give her credit for trying! "Shhh," the sound left her lips quietly, "You've no need to apologize." came the assurance. "While I did worry I also prrayed you werrre just busy and patiently awaited next we met." her fingers left his skin to gesture. "And herrre we arrre!" Ta~da~ She had heard his words about making it up to her but she didn't address it simply because she didn't feel he had anything to make up. "You should not feel terrrible because someone carrres about you enough to worrry."

Yes, he was a petunia. Definitely. Maybe a daisy. Daffodil" "I..." He started, trailing off when she asked forgiveness and was told he didn't have to explain himself. Lowering his own chin, he nodded. "It isn't that I don't wish to tell you...I have once before," he admitted. "I simply don't want you to see me differently if I retell it.." He whispered, words that were barely audible but he doubted it would escape her hearing. The smile slightly returned when he was told she enjoyed his company, however. "As I enjoy yours, Madame," he agreed.

He didn't shy away from the reaching hand, but instead just looked at her with furrowed brow as if wondering what she was doing. The feel of her hand to his cheek was a surprising one, and before he could help himself, his eyes closed as he tipped his chin to the touch. Though she may notice that his skin was a touch cooler than it should've been. Not cold, but cool. Realizing what he was doing, those hazel eyes resurfaced as he cleared his throat. Yes, they'd been something, but he didn't want her to get the wrong idea now.

Still, the reassuring words and lingering touch did bring a smile that she could likely feel until she took her hand away. His skin still tingled from the contact, he chuckled to the gesture made. "Oui, Madame. Here we are." He did note her not biting the offer to make it up to her, but he didn't really think she would. "Perhaps you're right. Though when you also care about someone, the last thing you wish to do is make them worry about you," he countered with a chuckle. "Regardless...Your care and worry for me is humbling."

Looking about, he'd realized how late it'd gotten. "Don't mistake me trying to shorten our time together....But would you allow me to walk you home?" The tension between his shoulders had been collecting considerably the later it got, having her out this late at night considering recent events was...well, could anyone blame him' Teasing lightly, "..We could walk slowly," he offered, chuckling under his breath.

She had noticed how cool he was to the touch but didn't think much of it. She also felt how he had leaned into her touch and it caused quite a stirring in her chest. "Do you not trrrust me?" she questioned him as she came back to his earlier statement of not wanting to see him differently. "What you arrre obviously does not matterrr to me. I simply was seeking to sate a bit of curriosity." She smiled to him. "Besides. You forrrget. I cannot see." Oh the pun was horrible but if she couldn't make light of her own situation it would've became grim. "If it pleases you so, you may walk me back but I do think you will find me trrrying to quietly sneak in through mine window to be most amusing." She chuckled and tilted her head a bit, listening for something or another before pushing off of the fountain's edge and reaching her hand out, fingertips down. For his arm, mayhaps" "You keep rrreferring it to as mine home but tis not home. I've told you this beforrre, have I not?" She was sure she had. Before he could answer she raised her chin. "I think the little lady of the house is quite displeased she didn't see you around the day of the Valentine. I do think she's quite the crrrush on you." She teased, her head tilting toward him. "Mayhaps I've competition for thine affections?"

Called it. She giggled sheepishly. "I apologize as well. It feels almost as if by habit I call you it. It feels almost...nostalgic." It was terribly hard to explain. Much to the same as explaining why she had called out for him once or twice in the night. How does one explain what they clearly cannot remember" Maybe it was some part of her that did, deep down. His touch startled her enough that she jumped, her other hand clenching hard on the bag. The brushing of his thumb and her reaction only caused her to fluster more. Then he added in offering again which had her stammering a bit herself. "L-Like a date?" Assumptions! She scowled herself all too quickly for letting those words leave her lips but she found herself laughing shortly thereafter. "That sounds about rrright but sadly I've not had steak in some time. Steak can be a little expensive and Jack doesn't make nearly enough to afford steak for the whole family. I told him time ago that if he could not afford it for everyone then I did not need such luxurrries. T'is unfairrr to a family that has been nothing but kind to me."

He couldn't help but laugh softly and nod. "I will admit....This is not the first time I've asked you to not call me 'Lord'." But his tone was amused, and not accusatory. "Just as...this isn't the first time you've asked me to not call you 'Madame'. We seem to be very habitual creatures," he laughed. On a level, he did understand. Though he didn't know about her calling out for him at night. Which was probably for the best. Knowing she called for him at night and he wasn't there to soothe her would only make the urge to bring her back home all the more urgent. But he wasn't sure if she was ready for that development yet.

Between the startle and the flustering, he muttered another apology and pulled his hand away to let it dangle at his side. But it was her question that turned the tables. Lordy, they both were a mess. "I....well....um..." Clearing his throat. "Not to say I'd be against it being a date, on the contrary...But it doesn't have to be. It could simply be dinner and us spending time together.." A date, idiot. That's usually what a date is. "..Unless you'd like it to be a date. I'm.." A mess. A stammering mess. He couldn't help but laugh nervously and rub the back of his neck with that free hand.

Thanking the heavens for her interception, he nodded slowly and let his hand fall away from it's nervous fidgeting. Listening to her talk about the family, the gears might've been tearing in his head a bit. But first, "perhaps you'd allow me the honor of spoiling you a little bit?" He teased, but couldn't help the smile to that nostalgic feeling. Suddenly, he was having that deja vu feeling.

Creatures of habit. Was he suggesting that before things were like this" Maybe in a way..affectionate means" She went from chewing on her bottom lip to chewing on her inner cheek, stopping suddenly when she felt his hand move away and him apologize once again to her. "Please...don't." She knew it sounded like a plea and she couldn't help that. He had nothing to apologize for in truth. Being touched suddenly tended to startle her. Not like she could see it coming! Hearing him stumble over his own words caused her to giggle. They really were quite the pair weren't they' "I would like that. If you would be so kind as to pick a day so I may look mine best for you." Because lord forbid if certain womenfolk of the household heard it was, in fact, a date, there was going to be pampering and dolling up whether she wanted it or not! If just going to meet the man had them fluttering about the place then what was to say how they would react when the word date was applied to a sentence with his name. She was almost afraid! "I will leave the details past the date in your capable hands." If he wished to cook or take her out was completely up to him. Oh she was giving him all the wiggle room a person could ask for and yet not giving no help at the same time. That wasn't very helpful was it' But also she was wondering if maybe she should put limitations or else he got all out in a way he need not. Surely he wouldn't though, right"

The scent of the planted flowers was pleasant. That tell-tale signal that Spring was right around the bend, the telling that winter was over. It was a welcoming scent that had him briefly closing his eyes and enjoying for a moment before they resurfaced. The giggle from her had him smiling all the more sheepishly.

....It was that unspoken tease that had that poor man's face turning into a tomato again. Forcing his heart rate to stay steady and his voice not to waver in that frantically nervous way, he swallowed and cleared his throat. "No, I suppose it wouldn't.." You could almost hear his teeth clamping together before he made a further fool of himself by word vomiting. Her reassurance brought that nervous chuckle from him and he nodded. "Friday it is then." Offering a warm smile in return then. Even if she couldn't see it, he was the type of man that you could hear his smiles in his voice when they came.

"Oh, contraire," he chuckled. "I may be brewing something in this old mind as we speak," he teased, tapping his fingers lightly over hers with that tell-tale grin on his face. "But you'll just have to wait until Friday," he nodded firmly just to hear that she'd look forward to it. "As do I, Raijin." Almost as if the day couldn't come soon enough, or perhaps the fact that they were now approaching the home that had signaled their night being over for the time being.

Hushing his voice further, he leaned a bit. "Were you serious about crawling through the window?" There was a raise of brow, but also amusement in his voice as he looked from her to the window.

She did find the boyish stumblings rather flattering if only because it was she that made him that way. Truly flattering even if he knew he need not be so nervous. Or maybe he didn't know. Still hearing him drew a smile to her face. "Forrrgive mine tease. I hope I did not cause any discomforrrts." His arm was released then if only so she could arrange the bag a bit. "Well that was the whole point, was it not' Just do not feel as if you must go all out forrrr me. I do not rrrequirrre much." She assured him quietly. It would be sad not to be able to see him then but something to look forward to was exciting and she was rather excited indeed. At his question of the window she gave him quite the amusing sound and since he was closer now she purred softly to him. "How do you think I escaped into the night' I did not simply walk out the doorrrr. Jack would've had himself a hearrrt attack. I have done so beforrre." It was just climbing back in she tended to have a little bit of trouble with. Parting from him she moved to the window and she bumped lightly into the wide open wooden ledge. The bag was the first thing to get shoved on through.

The flush of color spread over his cheeks to her sentiment. "I would hardly think so," he mumbled, tucking his chin. Which, honestly, didn't help his case. He'd refrain from hooting while she was consuming something. That would really be a poor way to end a date. Julius, what happened to Miss Cleo' ....You see, monsieur....I hooted while she was drinking and she choked out a lung from laughing at me.

The close proximity of them had his pulse rising as well as his heartrate, but he swallowed hard to keep himself calm and not be a nervous stammering wreck. Y'know, like he'd been most of the night already. Nodding, he pressed his lips together at the image THAT put in his head. "Oui, let's not have that happen.." He refrained from chuckle before he moved his arms like he couldn't decide what to do with them. "I'm.." A glance from her to the window. With his height, the window wouldn't be trouble at all for him. A brief chewing on his lip, he cleared his throat. "..Going to have to pick you up." Moving behind her, he moved his hands like he wasn't sure where to put them. In his defense, he was a respectable man, not a perv! Settling for curling an arm about her waist, he scooped her up with his forearm to the backs of her thighs so he could lift her effortlessly. To him, she weighed no more than a feather.

That would be quite a conversation and attempt to explain to Jack and the rest of the family! She listened to him, but rather the fact he was moving. Closer. "Okay." she agreed. That is until she felt what he was doing. Raijin squeaked out in surprise and her hands went out as he lifted her and she made grab for the ledge of the window to crawl herself in with his help. She'd waste little time once she was within to turn herself around and plant a kiss on his forehead or..well whatever part of him was close enough. "Thank you." was hushed to him. "I will see you soon but off with you to yourrr home." She didn't want him to get caught outside of her window so she quickly slid her way into the room, her hand waving to him would be the last thing he would see. It may be because she was hiding her face after the untargeted smooch she had just placed on him.

In his defense, he did warn her before doing so! As she scrambled in, he kept a hold on her until she was safely on the ground and not, y'know, ass up in the air. It was the sudden kiss that was incoming that he didn't think twice about. It was true that old habits died hard, and between her blind targeting and his habit of returning her affection when it was offered....

The idiot lifted his chin and got the kiss right to the mouth. The sudden chaste kiss stunned him and brought a flush of heat to his face that could probably warm the earth as he stammered instantly. "Oh, I....Yes, I should go. Um, mon apologies." Turning one way, then the other, like he wasn't a grown damn man and instead a young boy who'd never kissed a girl before, regardless of being married a long time ago...."I mean, I'm not sorry that....I'm going to go home." He nodded firmly, clearing his throat before realizing that she'd already started off.

He did not run....but he did briskly walk away after his foolishness and swiped a hand over his face despite himself. Muttering to himself as he left the family's property. "What in the Heavens is wrong with you, Julius?" He hissed. If there was ever a time he wanted to slap himself stupid, now would be it.