Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: Aerin makes his way in through the front door, setting his staff aside. Another set of rounds around the house to make sure they're not being watched. While he may be playing the bitter, "fuck the world" idiot in the city...in his house, it's the same old Aerin. Or the same old...new...Aerin. Something like that. He heads into the kitchen for a drink. Hey, it's only his third of the day. These days, that's practically going dry for him.

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): So Jesse and Bliss had their talk, she had her shower, and finally managed to settled down enough to crash and take a nap....inside even. Which is still where she is. But naps are about all she ever did sleep as it was. And so she was back up again, wearing an old pair of sweat shorts with a symbol embroidered on the left cuff in Hindi. And a white crop tank top, under which part of an Aboriginal tattoo symbol can be scene around her belly when she moved just so. Walking out to the kitchen, she was still yawning and trying to pull her hair into a fast and dirty ponytail just to get her hair out of her face.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: Bliss looks up from the couch, dressed for...well, going nowhere. Black leather pants, hair brushed back and in a ponytail. By the door are his boots, with a black fishnet shirt, a hairbrush, and a knife tucked into one of them. He's wearing eyeliner, and his nails are freshly painted a blinding neon blue, but he's still definitely in casual mode.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He gives Bliss a nod and a brief smile as he walks through the past the Great Room for the kitchen, and smiles when he sees Jesse. He slips an arm around her as he passes by, in a brief hug. "Be right out. Scotch is calling my name"

Shadow's Blissful Silence: He waves to Aerin. "Morning, sunshine. Morning, sugar." The last is to Jesse, who also gets a wave.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "Morning, cupcake." It's said to Bliss with a little grin, before he makes his way into the kitchen.

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): Sleepily, she waves to Bliss, smiling. And while hugging Aering back, she yawns. "Not you...." she murmurs.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: He huffs lightly at that. "You can't pick something not edible? Do I look edible to you?"

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "If basted with the proper seasonings, maybe. And plucked."

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): She laughs softly listening to them, moving to grab her bag and take it back to her room. "If you are hungry, all you need to do is say the word and I'll cook something."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: He rolls his eyes. "Mmmmmmhmmmm...how are you?"

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "I accept being waited on. Surprise me. And make something for Aerin. I promise to help you pin him down to forcefeed him if he refuses to eat like a civilised person."

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "Been worse. One moment." He slips into the kitchen, smiling to Jesse on the way. "Not hungry...thank you, though." He slips in and pours himself a moderate amount of scotch. While he's in there, he raises his voice a bit so he can be heard. "So, Jez and I got outselves in quite the little brou-ha-ha..."

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): She blushes a little, glancing to Aerin before hurring back into the room. "I'll see what you have around here to fix..." she calls out.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Did you?"

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "Yep." He nods and comes out with the glass. "People were running away...we were right at each other's throats."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Good. That'll be good for what he's doing." Bliss chuckles. "He wants to come talk, by the way."

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): She pads back out barefoot, heading out to the kitchen to see what is there to fix.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "I know. And it's good for what I'm doing, too."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Good." Bliss smiles. "I rather like him. He mentioned he doesn't expect to go back to Dark Elements."

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): She looks around in the kitchen, probably the first time to see where things are as well as check out the fridge too, letting the two talk.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "Yeah. I talked to him on the phone...he said the same to me, too." He takes a seat on the couch, watching Jesse for a moment when she heads into the kitchen. "I'm fine, Cricket...really." He's gotta try. Neglecting one's health takes work.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "You're going to eat, Aerin."

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): "You heard him...he'll help me pin you down to eat," she calls back. Not hard for this one to hear them really. "Just have a bite....for me?"

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "More than a bite."

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He rolls his eyes. "You know...I remember back in the days when being Alpha meant you didn't have to worry about threats of being held down and tortured with horrible things like food." He's smiling a little, though. "All right, I tap out. Your foodlock got the submission win."

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): She finds the fixings for some spaghetti and meatballs, and starts to making that, working on the meatballs first sice it doesn't take long to cook spaghetti. Then on to the sauce. Quietly now listening.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Good." He smiles and lays down, resting his head in Aerin's lap.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He smiles a bit and starts to pet his hand over Bliss's hair. "So. So far...Dara, Jez, and those here in the house are in the know about my act...and are the only ones in the know. I have a feeling it may stay that way, though I may tell Eyes-of-Hecate, too. You know, so we don't get our asses TOO royally kicked."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Good plan. I had to tell Jez when I was too reasonable. I couldn't...he was so worried he'd hurt me." His eyes slowly close at the petting. "Catie will likely figure it out She knows us both too well to figure we'd both give up."

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "Not if it's authentic enough." He shrugs. "So far, Maya's about ready to murder me...Grace looked scared of me, and not just because she thought I was a hairs-breacth away from frenzying on Jez. Hell, I was even playing nice with the Reaper's frickin' blacksmith. And they were believing I would do that. If Catie finds out, though...she finds out. At best, it may be good for you to suggest that you're playing along to figure out what's wrong with me. I want reactions to me to be completely authentic as much as possible."

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): "I have that blacksmith's phone number too..." she calls out from the kitchen.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: He nods. "Cloud...well...not an issue. If she calls me on it, I'm playing along with you."

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "Awesome," he calls back. "May come in handy."

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "Oh, I think Surly is pretty well ready to beat the tar out of me, too. I just have to build off that."

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): "I think she's been pissed ever since that night we met up again, Aer...."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Catie knows I was madly in love with her and let her go because of her breeding. She knows about my past, more so than you do. She won't believe anything but me hunting for what hurt you and what's threatening our kin."

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "Well, yeah, that is why, Cricket." He shrugs and takes a swallow of scotch. "Which is what I have to build on...which shouldn't be too difficult."

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "As for Catie..." He takes a deep breath and sighs. "How well can she play-act, Bliss? That's my concern."

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): "You know I'm not saying a thing....."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "After asking her to spy on her mate you ask me that?"

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "I know," he calls out to the kitchen, before looking down to the Lord with his head in Aerin's lap. "Spying on one person is easier, Bliss. It's a matter of just not saying anything. Reacting to general rumor around the Sept...that's a little bit different. It's trickier. Pretending everything is wrong is harder then pretending everything is normal."

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): She comes back out finally, smelling a bit of meat and tomatoes, carrying a pan and wood spoon. Oh yes, she's going to have them try the sauce.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "She knows about me Aerin. More than anyone here save Raven. You can trust her."

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): Carefully she dips the spoon into the sauce, letting it stay there above the pan for a moment so it's not too hot, first offering it to Bliss to try, even kneeling so that it's easier. "Just need to know if it's not too spicy. I didn't use curry I promise."

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He looks over at the smell, and grins when she comes over. "Am I a taste-tester now?"

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): "You sure you want to try?" she sticks her tongue out at Aerin.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "Fair enough," he says to Bliss, and smirks at Jesse's response. "Well, if you think I'd do better being surprised in the end...far be it from me to get in the way of your devious master plan."

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): And after finishing with Bliss, she offers Aerin a taste of the sauce. "Nah...no surprises with me."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: He stays still. Quiet. Miraculously.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "All right." He nods and leans in to taste it, looking up at her as he does. "Mmmm...no, not too spicy at all."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: [Eeeeep! DLP And don't ask HOW I missed that post. Hold on.]

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): She smiles, looking back into Aerin's eyes for a moment while he does taste it, then stands back up again, heading to the kitchen.

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): ((okay))

Shadow's Blissful Silence: [Edit to:] Bliss licks at the sauce and nods. "Good." He sounds only vaguely interested in tasting anything, but he does smile before he closes his eyes again.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He watches her go with a smile, and then looks back down at Bliss. "One of these days, you have got to let me figure out how you manage to look that restful..."

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): "Thanks, Bliss...." ((putting that up a little further where it goes. leaving other post stand with Aerin.))

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "I think it's the petting." He smiles. "Oh, and the actual submitting. You don't do real submission. You should try it sometime. It's very peaceful."

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): She continues making up the dinner and now considers some garlic bread, even if she is the only one who'll eat it. So she looks around to see if she can make some of that too.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "Yes, but then I'd need to let my guard down. And Goddess knows I can't have that." He grins a little bit. "Besides that..." He shrugs. "I don't know. Never been a real big submitting type."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "You could try occasionally trusting that your pack could keep the sky from falling for a few hours so you could get some rest."

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: There are, in fact, the basic tools for making garlic bread in the kitchen. "Yeah, but then I'd have to sleep."

Dara: *knock knock on the door*

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Might be good for you. Or, you might be able to get Jesse to give you a massage, you can be conscious through that, I hear." He chuckles. "I'd do it, but I have to save the world. And there's no chance in hell we're having the hot follow-up sex. Though I promise you I'm the best time you'll never have."

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He shoots his eyes to the door, brow raising, and moves to rise. Of course, he gently moves Bliss's head when he does so, so that the Lord doesn't just fall back on the couch. A pillow replaces his lap, and then he's moving to the door...his new persona coming forth as he does so.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "There are other people in this house you know. People who aren't currently petting me."

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "Yes, and they're cooking or elsewhere." He looks through the peephole, and then relaxes. "Dara." He opens the door, nodding to her. "Hey, you. C'mon in."

Dara: *wearing that usual too big black hoodie(hood up over her head) and huge black jnco jeans, she nods when he opens the door, chewing her lipring* hey...sup A? not, um....yknow....interruptin or nothin....am I?

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): And Jesse is in the kitchen cooking, the smell of garlic wafting out, along with bread and pasta cooking.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "You were serving a very important function. Hello, darling. Pleasure to see you."

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "Not at all. Just hanging out, really." He shrugs, a bit of his act in place with the door open. "C'mon. You want a drink?"

Dara: um....yeah...please....ifn it aint a bother er nuthin...*shrugging, soft clicking coming from her mouth, hands in her pockets. she moves inside and looks to bliss, blinking and nodding to him, rather quiet* hey, sup...

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): Jesse steps out of the kitchen hearing a new voice, taking a peak, then quickly skittering back in there again.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: The door is shut behind Dara and he relaxes, making his way to the kitchen. He slips in, taking the opportunity to hug Jesse from behind and kiss her shoulder. "Smells good." He smiles to her.

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): He certainly catches her by surprise after she has moved back in there and jumping at first, she relaxes against him. "Thanks," she looks back over her shoulder at him.

Dara: *she glances towards the kitchen quietly, chewing on her lipring, then looks back towards bliss, shifting about on her feet slightly*

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He grins a bit and steps away, moving to pour Dara a glass of rum. It's brought out to her, handed over with a smile. "How you feelin', hon?"

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): She goes back to doing her thing in the kitchen, the sound of dishes being put out on the counter, though she tries to be quiet as much as possible.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "C'mon, darling. Sit down. Make yourself at hime."

POSTS LOST

Shadow's Blissful Silence: And he promptly resettles his head in Aerin's lap and closes his eyes.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "Dara...come on in and sit down. Relax a little...please."

Dara: *taking a deep breath, she sighs softly, downing the rest of the glass with a wince and soft cough before moving closer and settling on the floor near them, legs crossing indian style and feet bare* sorry....tryin...*chewing on the lipring*

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "You're safe here, birdie-girl. C'mon. Come here. I'm not getting up to pet you." He extends a hand toward her, inviting her to come get petted.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "It's cool, hon." He reaches out and runs his hand over her scalp. "It'll take a while, I know."

Dara: *the hoodie pushed back when aerin runs his hand over her scalp, her hairs a bit out of sorts, tucked down into the hoodie. when bliss motions to her she moves closer,leaning her head on the couch slightly looking up to them and blinking slowly*yeah...spose...

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): Eventually she finishes with the cooking and comes out, holding three plates, two in one hand, much like how waitresses do in restaurants. Forks and knives wrapped in napkins held in the hand with one plate. The plates filled with spaghetti and meatballs with a slice of garlice bread. She carefully gives each plate to Aerin first, then Bliss and finally Dara.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: He scritches along the top of Dara's head. "It's okay...."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Thank you, sugar." He takes the plate and promptly sets it down to resume petting Dara. "Much appreciated."

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He looks up when the food comes, giving Jesse a warm, grateful smile. "Thank you..." He takes the plant from her with a little nod. "Very much."

Dara: *when she sees jesse come out she blushes, real deeply, and looks down to her hands fidgeting with the glass in her lap, murmuring a soft thank you to jesse as she takes her plate, shrugging to bliss, looking real sheepish/ashamed about something*

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "What's up, huh?" He asks Dara gently.

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): She smiles to them all, telling them they are welcome and moving back into the kitchen quickly.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He gets to eating...and to be fair, he eats a little bit. More then a bite, to be sure. He watches Jesse head back into the kitchen, his eyes following her until she vanishes out of view and a few moments after, before looking back to Dara and Bliss.

Dara: mel left*gets murmured to bliss, and when jesse moves back into the kitchen she looks up, blinks, and sighs, setting the plate and the glass down* Im interruptin dinner, I should jet, leave you guys be..

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "You're interrupting nothing. You stay."

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): She just stays in the kitchen, cleaning up what she couldn't earlier. The sound of running water in the sink now.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "Dara...no. Don't, please. If we didn't want you here...well, I can't imagine a time when we wouldn't, okay?"

Dara: made a complete ass of myself the other night though....*rubbing at her face, leaning against the couch again*

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "No, you didn't." He says it calmly, but firmly. "Enough of that, a'ight?"

Shadow's Blissful Silence: He keeps petting Dara gently.

Dara: *looking to aerin, brow raised, she snorts softly, then looks to bliss(still allowing for petting though)* would you call gettin completely ripped enough so that in the middle of redbones you start spitting spitwads through a straw and being loud and obnoxious an then yellin an shoutin causin a scene before running out makin a complete ass of yerself er nah?

Dara: though.....honestly...I mostly blame mayas evil stuff in tha flask*shrugging gently*

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "No, I wouldn't." He shakes his head. "Not at all."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Nah. Around here I think we call that being drunk."

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): Jesse finally emerges from the kitchen with her own plate, taking a seat on the floor, sitting crosssed legged, not getting too close to anyone. Eyes dart to the plates for a moment before starting in on her own meal.

Dara: *looking between both of them she thpthphtts softly and mphs, leaning heavily into the petting*

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He chuckles, both at Bliss's comment and at Dara's raspberry, before looking up as Jesse walks in. He smiles to her and finishes up his food. Yes, all of it. He's behaving.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: Bliss is still too distracted with Dara to have so much as tasted said food.

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): "You ate it all?" she looks back at Aerin's plate surprised. She wipes at some sauce she feels on her chin.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "I did," he says with a little smile. "It was good...thank you."

Dara: *she hasnt touched hers either, giving a light almost grin for a moment flipping aerin off hearing the chuckle, eyes sliding closed and keeping leaned into the petting from bliss*

Shadow's Blissful Silence: He glances at the food. Oh. Right. He stops petting Dara long enough to take a few bites. "Thank you." And then he goes right back to petting Dara.

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): ((apologizes if I bumped anyone)) "You're welcome," said to both pretty much, before going back to eating once more. She's hungry.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He finishes off his drink and rises, heading to pour himself some more. "Anyone up for a drink or refill?"

Dara: *murmuring softly* sorry jesse...guess....jes havent been real hungry lately.....dont have m'regular supply of treerat*giving a soft chuckle, eyes closed still, and a quiet somewhat sad grin* does smell good though...

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Rum and Coke?"

Dara: please?*flicking an eye open hearing aerin mention refill*

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "Rum for the flyby girl...rum and coke for the guy who thinks I'm a chair...anything for you, Cricket?"

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "I don't think you're a chair. I think you're a pillow. There is a difference."

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): She gets back up quite fluidly to her feet with the empty plate. "Nah, I'm fine." Reaching down she takes Dara's plate. "Sorry 'bout that," she says quietly, sympathetically. "I need to finish up in the kitchen>

Dara: sokay if I think yer a pillow fer a while?*opening her eyes again and looking up to bliss*

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He nods to Jesse, bringing his own plate along with. "No problem. Want a hand?"

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Yeah. That'd be just fine."

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): She leaves Bliss with is plate in case he wants to finish it later, and follows Aerin. "Only if you want to. I thought you were playing host."

Dara: *blinking at jesse quietly, she nibbles the lipring and murmurs* oh...um...kay...*then watches her and aerin head for the kitchen before closing her eyes and sighing softly, sinking back in against bliss*

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "I think Bliss has it covered," he says with a chuckle, looking back to Dara and Bliss. His eyes soften just a touch and he sighs, slipping into the kitchen and getting the drinks ready.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: He keeps scritching gently through Dara's hair and tries to handfeed her a bite of pasta.

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): Once in the kitchen, she turns on the water for the sink to rinse the dishes, and also takes this time to whisper to him, leaning up and wrapping her arms around his neck.

Dara: *she shakes her head gently sensing the offered bite and opening her eyes slightly, rubbing at her face a bit before whispering to bliss*

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He leans in, arms wrapping around Jesse's waist, and listens.

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app) -> Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "I'm making her uncomfortable....we are.....I think when we're done, I'm going to go outside....this is your home and she's a guest and last thing I want to do is make her feel worse than she was that night at the bar....I just...can't."

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He sighs a little bit, nodding, and murmurs back.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3] -> Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): "I know, love. Yeah, I think we are. I just...you're not a dirty little secret, okay? I don't want you to think that you are, or that you have to go hide when people come around."

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app) -> Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "I don't mind staying in the background. I just want there to be peace.....I'm sorry....." she says very quietly. "I dont' want there to be conflict around here."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: He curls around Dara gently.

Dara: *sighing softly, she leans her head up that little bit more and uses bliss' lap(?) for a pillow finally*

Aerin Thomas [PB 3] -> Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): "I know you don't." He nods a bit and sighs. "But I told Ethan the other night, and I'll tell you. I'm not sorry about how I feel. Which also means I won't hide it. I know that Dara's sensitive right now, because she just ended a relationship. Don't feel you have to go run and hide every time that someone comes over, though."

Dara: *when she gets curled around she pauses for a moment, then leans and curls into it*

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app) -> Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "I'll try. But even when she just looks at us.....I'm certainly....words can't even describe how you make me feel.....lucky....thatyou want me....but it's how I am....I hate to hurt people....and she's hurting."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: He gives Dara a little nuzzle and kisses the top of her head. "No worries, birdie-girl. You're home. Everything's okay."

Aerin Thomas [PB 3] -> Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): "Yeah." He looks over toward the Great Room, then back to her, kissing her temple. "She is hurting. And she needs us. I also know that you have this great capacity and desire to help people. But if you do think that if might be better to give Dara her space...it's up to you."

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app) -> Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "I do.....it hurts me not to be with you....but her hurt is far more than mine. I love you Aer....." she kisses his ear. "I'll be outside....I need a walk....and I'm fine...don't you go after me....or Bliss either."

Aerin Thomas [PB 3] -> Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): "Okay." He nods and smiles adoringly at her, before kissing her, deeply and full on the lips. "Have a good time, then, love."

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): She kisses him back deeply the same, looking back into his eyes, slowly moving back. "Thank you. You too...." she turns goes back to cleaning off the dishes.

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): ((shoves that back into PM land))

Dara: *taking a deep breath, she lets it out slowly, face burrowed against him and nodding gently*

Shadow's Blissful Silence: He resumes petting with a soft sigh.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He smiles and nods, moving to help her with the dishes quickly and efficiently.

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): Which doesn't take her long at all. When done and everything put away, she murmurs to him.

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app) -> Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "I love you.....thank you for last night....."

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He smiles and leans into her, murmuring back.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3] -> Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): "Love you too...and the thanks goes both ways."

Dara: *murmured softly but muffled slightly*...you make a comfy pillow...and scritch good....can I keep you?

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: When the dishes are done, he runs a hand up Jesse's back and then slips away, back to the Great Room.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Yeah. Yeah, I'm keepable. I'll stay around. No home but here, after all."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: He reaches a hand up to Aerin, inviting him into the snuggling. Because more snuggling clearly equals better.

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): And ever so quietly, she opens the door heading outside, and closes the door as quietly as she cans.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He smiles and takes the offered hand, moving to take a seat on the couch next to Bliss and Dara. Another to the snuggle-pile. "Jesse went out for a walk...get some fresh air. She'll be back later."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Okay." He leans into Aerin a little but stays curled around Dara.

Dara: *keeping curled close to bliss, she looks up slightly when he reaches the hand to aerin, curling her head back into the cuddling once he joins them and sighing softly*

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He smiles a little and looks down to Dara, petting his hand over her hair. Of course, the other hand pets over Bliss's. "You okay, Fly-By?"

Dara: mmm....peachy....lil better though......miss stuff like this...

Shadow's Blissful Silence: His eyes close again. Curled up with two people is like...twice as good.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "Yeah. You should get more of this."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Everyone should."

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "No argument." He smiles slightly. "So. Is snuggling the end-all, be-all of the plan tonight? Not that I'd mind..."

Dara: *she mmhmms softly and seems to ease a bit more, slowly but surely melting against the onslaught of pets and cuddling*

Dara: (put her post before aerins last*chuckles*)

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "It's not a bad plan. We could...put in a movie? And snuggle. I'm good here."

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "That would work for me," he says with a nod. "Movie and snuggling sounds like a good night."

Dara: movie?

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Yeah. Movie. An ideas on which one, darling?"

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "Your choice, Dar."

Dara: mmph....yknow I dont usually know nothin but anime....s'long as its not a chick flick I wont be forced t'kill no one....

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "Hmm. I vote Serenity, then. I need to take lessons on how to be an asshole, and Jayne fits the bill."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: "Okay. I'll get it." He eases Dara into Aerin and slips off the couch quietly.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He slips his arms around Dara, hugging her tightly. "You're good people, Dara. You know that, right?"

Dara: *she meeps softly as she gets eased into aerin*

Shadow's Blissful Silence: He comes back and sets up the movie. "Drink refills, before we start this thing?"

Dara: bah...ifn ya say so*returning the hug, curling in against him now*

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "Please, yes." He nods, picking up the glass and handing it toward Bliss.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "And I do say so," he says to Dara with a grin. He leans down and nuzzles her temple. "And so it must be. For I am bad-ass, and none dare contradict me."

Shadow's Blissful Silence: He takes Aerin's glass to refill, adds more rum to his, and gets Dara a refill if she asks before settling down with them and curling up to watch the movie.

Dara: bah I say....*almost giving a twitch of a grin to aerin as they all settle back down, drinking slowly on this drink*

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "Baah, indeed." He smirks and picks up his drink, settling in to watch the film. And, perhaps annoyingly, he can speak along with the best parts of the film. And does.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: And, quite happily curled up with them, Bliss is alseep by about 20 minutes into te movie.

Shadow's Blissful Silence: [Love you guys, but I work FAR too soon.]

Dara: *after a few times of him speaking with the film dara lets out a soft giggle, snuggling close with them both as she watches the film*

Dara: (*hugs* ni ni)

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): ((Night. Thanks for the sceneage! Sleep well :) ))

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: ((Night! *Hugs*))

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): Jesse walks back in, very quietly, getting a glass of water from the fridge.

Dara -> Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: hey A, ifn you want I um.....I kin head off er go for a fly or somethin ifn y'all wanna, yknow....talk or whatever....*said whisper soft when jesse comes back in*

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He looks up and smiles a bit when he sees Jesse come in, and then murmurs to Dara.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3] -> Dara: "You don't have to. We just don't want to make you uncomfortable, hon...we're trying to be sensitive to you. It's up to you."

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): She stands there, chucking down the water, cooling down.

Dara -> Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: shes yer girlfriend right? ya gots every right ta be close an cuddle an not hafta worry bout bein sensitive ta others....
(are they going out now?)

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): ((chugging))

Aerin Thomas [PB 3] -> Dara: ((Kind of, yeah.)) "Yes, but it's not about having the right. It's because we care about you, and we choose to be sensitive to your feelings."

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): Finishing most of the water, she comes tip-toeing back into the Great Room, bottle in hand.

Dara -> Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: (s'a good thing kae likely wont find out, unless he plans on telling her since he has been mostly honest with her before*soft chuckle*)
*sighing softly* almos seems like shes avoidin me though, s'why I figgered t'ask

Aerin Thomas [PB 3] -> Dara: ((He didn't plan on it happeneing...and he's not sure about telling her. Ethan's got him all sorts of fucked up about these kinds of things now.))

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "You're fine, hon," he murmurs to Dara, and then looks up at Jesse, giving her a warm smile. "Hey, you. Good walk?"

Dara: *looking up from where she had her head, she tries a tentative almost nervous smile to jesse*

Dara -> Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: (hate to say it but either way would suck honestly*chuckles, shakes head* jamie left her because of a kinfolk woman, thats when that whole thing happened, and since kae still hasnt been able to become kin yet....and if he doesnt tell her since he has been so honest in the past if she finds out its like a slap in the face*hugs*)

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): She smiles back warmly to both. "More like a run....but it was good...." her body is covered in sweat, forehead wet with damp hair stuck to it, and her tank top looking wet down the front. And she's still breathing quickly.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "Good..." He smiles to Jesse and nods. "Glad to hear it..."

Dara: always...yknow...like a good 'fly' m'self ya know?*another nervous tentative smile, chewing on that lipring*

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): She smiles back to Dara. "I bet it feels ....incredible and free.....just Gaia around you....."

Dara: yeah..*smiling quietly* usually does...

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He smiles quietly, just letting the two women talk.

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): "Sometimes, I wonder what it feels like...you know...to be able to change shapes....you're pretty lucky....despite the drawbacks I'm sure....but living between the worlds like that.....well....I'm rambling...sorry..." she looks down embarrassed and drinks the rest of the water.

Dara: sokay...not, uh......not many drawbacks......really...*shrugging gently* s'kinda differnt'n mammals....

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): "Seems pretty cool...." still not looking up.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: d10: Per+Emp (Jesse): 2,4,3,5,3,8,9,

Dara: it is...*nodding, then blinking, chewing her lipring a moment* why you keep lookin down er away?

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app) -> Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: She's feeling nervous....afraid of Dara. Reminiscent a bit of her fears of Ethan. Plus not knowing her that well doesn't help. He can tell she's ready to run for the nearest tree and hug it.

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): "Sorry...." she looks up, but not directly to Dara or Aerin, fingers rubbing over the ridges of the empty bottle.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He gives Jesse a reassuring smile, hoping maybe she might catch it out of the corner of her eye. "Cricket, love...you're fine."

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): She gives a smile. "You all look comfortable. I think I'm going to ummmm...." looks and motions toward her room. "....get the sleeping bag.....go back out....."

Dara: naw, sokay...ifn you guys wanna cuddle I kin jet...really...*chewing her lipring looking between teh two of them* I mean...yknow...Im tha last person t'wanna get tween somethin like that....

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): She frowns deeply, bites her lip and shakes her head. "No....that's not.....don't go because of me."

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He sighs a little, looking between them. "Can I interject here?"

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): She nods quietly to Aerin, not really looking to him right now.

Dara: *soft clicking from inside her mouth, she nods gently*

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: d10: Persuasion (Hehehe!): 4,4,3,3,3,7,2,

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: ((One success is all you need! WHOO! ;) )) He nods, and looks to Jesse. "Cricket...Jesse." He smiles a little. "You're uncomfortable because you're woriried about hurting Dara, and that's the last thing you want to do. You also don't know Dara all that well, so you're not sure how she'll react. You don't want her to react in a way that's painful for her...because that's who you are. And it's part of what I love about you." His eyes turn to the Corax in his arms, and he smiles to her. "Dara. You want us to be able to be close and spend time, enjoy being in each other's company without having to worry about having to be sensitive to your feelings. You want us to be able to be happy, above all. And it's part of what I admire so much about you." He looks between them. "You're both willing to deny yourselves in order to sake of the other. But as long as we recognize this...why do either of you need to leave? I mean...no one's going to be an asshole about this. Not in here. This home is a safe zone for us...no matter what's going on out there, everyone here is family. You know?" ((Cha+Expression coming))

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: d10: Cha+Expr vs. five: 8,6,9,6,3,8,

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): She listens quietly to Aerin, eyes moving back over to him during his speech. Though she doesn't smile, she does nod.

Dara: *clickclickclickclick, she nods slowly as well*

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): d10: emp Aerin: 6,7,7,5,5,2,5,

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): She studies Aerin closer.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He nods and smiles, reaching out to take Jesse's hand. "I've said my peace...it's your guys's call. I understand what you guys both want to do, and I, also, don't want either of you to be uncomfortable. I just....didn't want you guys to think that the other didn't want you here, you know?"

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): She shyly takes his hand, and holds it in her free one. "I don't want you to go Dara....."

Aerin Thomas [PB 3] -> Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): He doesn't like seeing either of them uncomfortable. He's close emotionally to Dara...but with a clear separation. There's no romantic love notions there at all...he views her much as a little sister, and has an innately protective streak over her. His love for Jesse is growing daily...and he wants them to be comfortable with each other. He also feels fairly bad himself, because he feels he exacerbated the situation by choosing to pick the other night to start pushing things, while Dara was in pain...and he knows that he took the lead there, not Jesse, who was just more following him at the time with how open they were being.

Dara: I don' wanna go either.....I ..miss bein close ta people already...*chewing her lip hard, speaking softly* dont want you ta go neither tho.....

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): "I understand a little how you feel Dara. I been spending my life devoted pretty much to helping other people and my mom....and suddenly I'm living in a different world now....and I want to be close....but when I do, I just hurt people. Like Ethan. And you....and I'm really sorry."

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He smiles a bit, squeezing Jesse's hand and hugging Dara a bit tighter for just a second, and otherwise stays quiet, letting them talk.

Dara: ya didnt hurt me.....*chewing her lip hard and swallowing* ya werent tha one that left.....if I were you Id prolly be all cuddlin an kissin much as I could while I could....*rubbing at her face* be close cuz ya dunnknow when it'll be gone...yeah?

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): "To be honest, Dara....." she hestitates, looking down at her barefeet. "....I was with one guy....not even a week.....it was one helluva a week too. Then he was gone....." she's not telling the whole story, but her voice gives there was certainly something bad that happened. "I won't ever forget the empty feeling I had. Sooooo....I buried myself in my work. And then my mom. I feel selfish for not realizing you were hurting that night.....I had no idea...I really am truly sorry for how I behaved."

Dara: s'not yer fault.....I got drunk an stupid an took it out on everyone an I shouldnta done that, ya didnt do nothin but be there

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): "Still....." she sighs softly. "Sorry...."

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "But you were hurting already, Dara. And like I said the other day...I'm sorry. I did realize, and...still pushed it. For a good reason or not. We both feel bad for that night."

Dara: its allright, ok? both of yas....*brows furrowing slightly* nuff with the 'pologizin.....

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): She squeezes Aerin's hand gently. "If you need a hug...I've got two arms Dara....I'm pretty good at these things too I've been told."

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "Okay, no more apologizing. I promise." He smiles to Jesse at her words to Dara.

Dara: an however small an stuff I look I wont break......not one ta refuse hugs.....

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): She moves down to her knees, offering her arms out to Dara.

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): ((Least I thought they were on the floor, if not, adjust accordingly.))

Dara: *sighing softly, she rubs at her face a bit before sliding to move into the hug, returning it after a few moments*

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): And Jesse is very good, holding onto Dara, giving quite a heartfelt caring hug, even brushing her hands over Dara's hair gently, with a very light rocking.

Dara: *taking a deep breath, she lets it out slow and shaky, one hand keeps raising to rub at her eyes*

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: His smiles is nothing short of radiant, relaxing just a bit. He pulls himself up on the couch, head tilting as he watches the two, and nodding a little. That's progress for the night.

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): She's not expecting any hugs back, and wraps her arms protectively around Dara, able to do this as long as Dara will let her.

Dara: *thatd be a decently long hug then*

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: And, just because, he moves over and joins the hug, arms wrapping around both over ther shoulders and rawing them to him.

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): She leans in and gently kisses the top of Dara's head, only partially aware of Aerin's joining in because she really is focused on Dara.

Dara: *light enough to almost feel like she weighs nothing, she sighs softly after aerin joins in when she gets kissed on top of her head , easing alot more now, like she was curled up with bliss*

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): "How ya doing?" she asks quietly.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He smiles gently and nods...seeming remarkably relaxed, considering recent weeks. He's had a victory...some small victory. That's something, at least.

Dara: ok....*murmuring softly* just...tired an lonely....but Ill be ok....know I will......always am...right A? been scratched beaten an bruised but Im still tickin....

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): "It gets better...." she murmurs, leaning back against Aerin, pulling Dara with her some.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "True enough." He smiles and smooths a hand over Dara's hair. "Two of a kind, we are. Can't keep us down, right?"

Dara: s'right...*moving with her, almost literally curled up on jesse's lap right now likely, nodding to jesse's words of it gets better*

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): Jesse doesn't mind at all. She glances back to Aerin behind her and mouths, Should we ask her to stay tonight?

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He nods a little bit, and then looks to Dara to vocalize it. "You know, Dara...if you like...we'd be more then happy to have you stay here tonight."

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): She smiles back to Aerin when he asks outloud.

Dara: ok...*simply said, even so theres the slightest bit of tentative tone to her words*

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "Good, then." He nods a little bit and smiles supportively to Dara. "We've got extra rooms...you can take your pick. Or outside, or the couch...you're got quite the list of choices. Whatever works best for you."

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): "And you'll be safe outside. Bliss and Aerin have patrolled when I've been out there."

Dara: outside.....cant...cant sleep inside less I got someone sleepin next t'me.....*shaking her head gently*

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "I understand." He nods a little. "Outside is just fine."

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): "I'm glad you're staying."

Dara: thank you....

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): "Thank you Aerin," she adds as well.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "Of course." He nods and smiles, leaning in to kiss Jesse's temple gently. "Anything I can do to help."

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): She closes her eyes, smiling back to Aerin, giving Dara another close protective hug.

Dara: *sighing softly, she does manage a bit of a yawn though, rubbing at her eyes wearily*

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): "Sleepy?" she asks Dara.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He grins a bit at the yawn. "Thinking it's bedtime for a bird?"

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): She nods to Aerin.

Dara: ya would nudge me off ta bed if I protested though, wouldntcha?

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): "Aerin would most likely."

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "Probably." He grins a bit. "You could use some good rest, I think."

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): "Sleep sometimes does a lot of good..." she smiles.

Dara: think its ok I dont go in ta work t'morrow?*almost squeaking out a protest as she tries stretching some, causing her to yawn again, blinking heavy lids*

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): She gives another hug before getting up slowly to her feet.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "I think that'll be fine," he says with a nod. "Tell them that your spiritual healer said that you're not feeling well. I'll write a note if needed."

Dara: mmm.....mkay*blinking slowly again, she nods, wobbling slightly as she stands, having had three rums as it were* gonna go outside, sleep now...

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): "You need a sleeping bag?"

Dara: *shaking her head gently, she gives a lazy grin* nope.....jes a tree branch an Im good t'go....*stretching and squeaking slightly again before she shifts to corvid, looking up at them and blinking beady black eyes* an summun ta open the door for me....mebbe

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): Jesse watches with amazement as she shifts to her bird form, all she can do it just stare. "Wow...."

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He rises to his feet as well, picking up the glasses to take them to the kitchen. When Dara shifts, he smiles, noting Jesse's reaction. "I got the door. C'mon." He moves to head into the kitchen, to get the door for her.

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): She keeps watching until Dara is out of sight.

Dara: *hopfluttering along, she doesnt fly outright not wanting to knock things over, the ground transpo nowhere near graceful, but it works as she heads for the door*

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He smiles as she passes by. "Sleep well, Fly-By. If you need anything...I'll be around. And I'll keep a window upstairs open for you."

Dara: *once the doors open she flutters outside, settling onto a nearby tree's branch and huddling down as her feathers fluff up about her*

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): "Good night Dara," she calls out before she's out the door. "Sleep well."

Dara: *since shes outside she behaves, squawking in return to both of them as she settles down*

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: He shuts the door quietly, watching through the window on the door, before he moves to rinse the glasses out. A loving smile is thrown over his shoulder to Jesse.

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): She moves into the kitchen where Aerin is. "I hope I wasn't rude....never saw that before."

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "No, not at all." He smiles and shakes his head, setting the glasses in the rack to dry. "You should have seen me the first time. THAT was gawking."

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): She laughs softly. "I try very hard not to be too surprised by things...." she moves to wrap her arms over his neck. "I'm going to steal you away just for a short time.....before I go crazy," she murmurs against his neck.

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "Mmm...well, can't have you going crazy. Because, you see, we're all about emotional stability in this household." He grins and brushes his lips along her jawline.

Jesse Jones (pb 1/feral app): She whimpers softly when he does that. "Then I think you should take care of my problem right away....."

Aerin Thomas [PB 3]: "Your wish is my command..." He grins and bends over, picking her up and carrying her out of the kitchen, toward her bedroom.