A Whole New World

[Guest]

It had been a week since Valeria had moved in with little Sveta and himself, and the sensation that lingered afterwards was rather.... odd. He couldn't really describe it. It wasn't like when he gained his adopted daughter, this was a whole other sort of sensation that he had no prior experience with whatsoever. Was it because the woman was closer to his age and not his daughter? Or was it because she was a co-worker, a subordinate of his that he was responsible for? Or was it something else entirely that he didn't even know? At the moment, he was sensing that it was the latter of the three questions that were spinning about in his head. He hadn't quite felt fully himself this past week, and he could attribute it to a few things. One: It could be the amount of work he was doing. Two: The fact he had a new body in his home. Three: Valeria herself. As for those three choices.... he really had no idea which of the three it could be. Or if it was another reason altogether. Long story short, he was out of sorts.

At the moment he was walking out of his office building with a black briefcase held rather loosely in one hand. Olga cawed as she flew down and landed on his shoulder, carefully shifting her claws so she wasn't stepping on any strands of his long black hair. He was wearing his typical black trenchcoat, its fabric much like a peacoat except with the various bars and symbols that dictated his rank and position in the military. He wore a hat that many felt was normal for a drachman, a red star rather prominant on the front although he felt it got buried amidst the dark lamb skin of the fabric. His hands were covered with black leather gloves, a crimson scarf around his neck. It matched his eyes which stared downward at the pavement with a rather distant gaze, his mind lost amongst the waves of his thoughts. Today... he was eating dinner out with Valeria. When he mentioned to one of his close subordinates, Simeyon, the man got a glint in his eye and whistled as if he were impressed. "Going on a date eh? I never thought I'd see the day comrade Goncharovich! Have fun." He had clapped him upon the shoulder before they went their separate ways. If it had been anyone else, Zabulon may have just shrugged it off. Simeyon was different though. He was a man whom had been present in Zabulon's life since his adoptive mother brought him in at age 17. The man may as well be his uncle. A.... date? What was this?

When he had asked Simeyon what exactly it was, the man only laughed and waved the question away as he left the Head of Defense utterly lost. He had read books with times that a man had courted a woman, but was that the same thing here? Was he inadvertently giving off such meanings by accepting her question to them having dinner just the two of them? He.... was very confused. What did a "date" mean to these kids nowadays? He wanted to ask Valeria about it, but he oddly felt embarrassed to. Sveta hadn't seemed confused at all when he told her that he'd be coming home late tonight because of this dinner with Valeria. She had just nodded and told him that she'd be working on her studies, or else see if Nikolai was free to train her. Zabulon had to admit he was very proud of the fact that she had wanted to start so early on her self-defense classes. She had apparently taken down a bully at school last week! He wasn't sure if it was necessarily alright for him to feel so proud of her for having also gotten in trouble for it, but to him? Taking down a bully was something that didn't necessariliy warrant disciplinary action.

Light spilled across his face as the restaraunt rose up before him, causing him to blink twice as he stared up at its bright sign. It was a place that he went to on special occasions, which was basically any time he decided to eat out since he didn't get out that often. He either made something at home, or ate at his office. The last time he had been here was when he came here on the anniversary of his adoption. Yes, he and Svetlana had made a tradition of it. So for him to be here with Valeria just to eat dinner alone together was, he had to admit, odd. With a light sigh that steamed the air in front of his mouth, the tall man walked through the door, the bells jingling softly as waiters walked up to greet him. "Table for two, reservation for Zabulon Goncharovich." His voice spoke in its deep tones, allowing one of the waiters to take his coat and hat to place them on a rack somewhere. He hoped that Valeria would not feel out of place here, for he knew that it was a nice restaraunt for sure. One of the men nodded and lead him towards his table that was upstairs by the windows, beautiful chandeliers hanging overhead and delicate candles in the center of the table. The place spoke of the old Drachman regimes with their grand palaces and parties before everything changed. It spoke of the golden era that had long since passed, with the richly colored curtains, napkins, tableclothes, silverware... all of it.

Smoothing out his hair, he tucked his napkin into his lap as he sipped at the glass of water that was brought for him, the briefcase resting by his leg as he stared out the window onto the street below. It was time to have this odd night continue on whatever path it would.

[Emmelin]

Snow fell as always, The white fakes that never ended in the gloomy world made Valeria feel less and less at home. She was used to the sun warming her skin, sand under her toes at times. The burning heat she was so used to was gone and in its place was rampant winds that burnt her nose in a different way. Sun tans were a no go and the only thing she found was that while she was bundled like an Eskimo, she didn't have to worry about sunburn. Her coat was pressed close enough to be another layer of skin, draped as a dress. Oh the few outfits of hers didn't matter, because under the coat was never seen. She had been so used to flaunting a bit of skin now and then, but in Drachma the slightest inch left her shivering uncontrollably.

In fact, she couldn't be sure what was changing her more. Was it the climate or was it... Her mind wandered and a flicker of a blush roamed upon her cheeks. There was something about her new friend that left Valeria unsure of even who she was in all truth. Wen they'd met she was certain RIOTE was what she wanted and that through purifying the world she would sate the gaping whole in her stomach that grew and gnashed for more food. Adryion had been an important factor as ell, but even now.. she was beginning to wonder.. him being around had been a bad choice, but the whole situation made her wonder where her mind had been. A man whom ruthlessly choked the life from others and went as far as- raping her- and yet she'd kept him around?

Her body stopped and she grimaced. She had been with him. Ruthlessly cutting down innocent people to dine in the feel of their blood. The times she'd even been borderline cannibalistic how reliant she'd become on a literal poison it was all-.. Her feet couldn't move any further. The steps she had been taking ceased in their tracks and a woman once confident and sure in what she liked was disgusted with herself. It was no wonder she could accept being a beast when she did such things. When had she strayed so far? Had it really taken her to learn of her disability in order to finally understand that some things were beyond her control. Not only that, but she as well, lost her bother and her hand. This time the table was out of reach and realization had washed over her. Nobody could have aces in their hands at all times and one day if she chose to continue it would unravel the already withering strands of her life. She was dancing on thin ice and that could be her very undoing.

It wasn't until Zabulon had come around that her whole being was faltering. What was it about him that drove her insane? He was almost a magical intervention in her life. Perhaps a God had finally taken pity upon a rotting sou and sent her something to guide her way? Or maybe it was just the pure coincidence that struck up a different person in Valeria. Her body started moving again through the silver streaked sky. There was an odd beauty about the winter wonderland and it wasn't about Santa Claus. The magical dancing snowflakes were of a different story to her.

The walk took longer than she intended it to. Her feet moved rather clumsily in the deep snow that just felt awkward to her. Sea legs, landlegs and now, Snowlegs. Maybe she would get the hand of it one day. The destination in question seemed to loom over the horizon, closing in on her, leading her closer and closer to where she was meant to be. A dinner date? Well it wasn't really a date, was it? She didn't even know anymore, but having a dinner with someone felt nice. After all, being in Drachma, she barely knew the language and even fewer people. Her Drachman social life extended no further than Zabulon and Sveta (not that she was complaining), however it was an odd feeling of being a burden if she had to nag for attention all the time. A lot she just but back her tongue and waited for a chance to 'hang out', no matter the goal for that day. He was certainly different than her usual company.

As she walked inside, heat started to warm her numbing joints and a man greeted her with a frown. "Uhmmm..." Well shit she didn't know enough Drachman in to get her way there. What was his last name? "Goncharovich?" Of course that was what she INTENDED to say, but with her Esparian accent mixed with a Cretan accent all spattered out in her little knowledge of Drachman, it was completely butchered. The man gave her an odd look, but led her to her friend. His eyes giving Zabulon a questioning look, before walking back to his pedestal.

Upon meeting him, she gave a smile. Her coat was shed not long after, revealing one of her cocktail dresses that she couldn't live without. The tight-fitting red shining fabric had a tie in the back this time, looping around her neck. The sit didn't reach nearly as high and the rest of the length went to her knees. Underneath, she had become smart and placed a pair of white leggings and to match, a tied white jacket. Mixed with her boots she felt clunky and a bit out of her comfort zone, but it was better than roasting in her jacket.

Then there was her hand.. Of course Valeria still forgot it wasn't there anymore and it was an obvious source of insecurity. There had yet to be a replacement so for now, she just had a stump. Never had she been with a handicap as such, so maneuvering was difficult for the time being. Maybe some day she'd have a replacement, but for now it was an eyesore that she kept wrapped in bandages and placed often times either in her purse, lap or a pocket. Obviously it was a big thing to her, but she hardly realized the amounts she went to hide it.

Sliding into her seat, she rolled her shoulders a bit and thought of the best greeting. "Good Evening, Zabulon." She spoke in Cretan, finding it much more effortless than struggling in her very little knowledge of Drachman. "I hope I didn't keep you too long?"

[Guest]

Within a few moments of Zabulon sat down, he couldn't help but notice the rather perplexed waiter who approached his table with a woman that he knew quite well in tow. He couldn't help but blink at how bundled up she was, though he couldn't help but wonder at how warm her coat really was. He remembered her saying what her ancestry was, and for someone who was Esparian, did they know which was a proper coat for the harsh weather of Drachma? Most guessed pretty well, but Zabulon couldn't help but wonder. He was used to dealing with a lack of proper clothing from when he was growing up (being homeless and everything) so he could completely understand where they were coming from. Perhaps he should find her a proper coat and give it to her? The thought made him blink and sip his water as if to help him switch gears. He really shouldn't worry too much about it. She had clearly done fine so far, he shouldn't worry too much about it. The waiter shot him a rather odd look, to which he only raised a singular eyebrow as those crimson eyes bore into the man. He seemed to stiffen a bit before hurrying back downstairs to his pedestal to greet the other guests of the evening. He could not understand why people were being like that. Was it because she did not really speak their language? Foreigners were generally regarded with some confusion, but never extremely confused like that waiter had just displayed. Or perhaps.... it was something else?

His thoughts were rather interrupted as she smiled to him and then... she removed her coat. Mind you, whenever he had seen her, they had both been wearing rather comfortable clothes that were clearly quite informal. Things that soldiers would wear from day to day. She.... was no dressed in anything like that right now, and to be quite frank, Zabulon was never used to seeing women dressed like this. Svetlana, his mother, had never really dressed up like this for she had always worn her formal uniform to occasions, and little Sveta was too young for such things. Oh dear, he would have to get her something proper for a just in case for such things too wouldn't he.... Right. Valeria. His eyes couldn't help but slide over her form as she slid into her seat, the smallest hint of a smile cracking that impassive expression before it returned to normal. "Good Evening, Zabulon." "Evening Valeria." He responded softly as he tried desperately to pull his mind together into the natural order that it was normally in. He never got so flustered like this before. It was almost.... concerning. Extremely concerning.

"I hope I didn't keep you too long?" He blinked, sipping at his water as he clumsily regained his composure (not that it really seemed as if he ever lost it to begin with). He shook his head as he smoothed his napkin down once more in his lap, ignoring the odd buzzing in his head. He would have his normal peace. "Not at all. It has only been..." He pulled up his sleeve slightly to check his watch, "Four minutes." Another rare smile flashed across his lips, the long tresses that hung in front of his ears leaning as his head tilted ever so slightly. "I was almost a little worried you would not be able to find the place easily. I apologize again for being unable to accompany you." If work hadn't pulled him away, then he would have. Perhaps.... he should try to pull away from work more. He did have Sveta to take care of, and now he had Valeria as his house mate. Then again, Svetlana had never withdrawn from her work when she had adopted him. She had merely taken him with her. Now how in the world would Sveta handle that....

No. He was distracting himself again. He could see how self-consciously she hid her stump of a hand, though he did not obviously stare at it. He could tell by the way that she was holding herself, how her one arm lay in such a way to allow her hand to be hidden by her lap. It made him uncomfortable to see that. She should not have to hide any part of herself. But he knew how hard it could be to come out of ones self and stand strong against whatever wandering eyes might rest upon you. "I have inquired more regarding automail experts. Some have suggested attempting cybernetics instead." He spoke quietly in an awkward way of starting a fresh conversation as he picked up his menu. He already knew what he was probably going to get, but maybe there was something new on the menu that he would be more interested in getting. He was worried, however, that she might take those words poorly. He sincerely hoped that she realized he meant no ill-will by them. He remembered how she felt about doctors.

[Emmelin]

He greeted her back with the sliver of a smile on his lips. A warmth rolled into her stomach. It may have been just knowing the man didn't smile much, but this was somewhat different. She felt a genuine shift in her stomach and a red rouge would be her natural make up for a brief second after. She'd seen smiles before, frowns and even surprised expressions and yet this simply gaze was something that made her feel a heated fervor on her cheek. That was a bit unnerving for her. So long her emotions were what she'd force them to be, forever acting and living on calculated lies that she just forced herself to feed others. True emotions only came in her rare encounters of weakness and only twice, maybe three times could she recall genuine feeling slipping out of control. Those times it was desperation or sadness. Her suicide attempts had happened a handful of times and yet something kept her from really pulling the trigger. Then there was the singular time all that pulled at her was curiosity. What would it be like to see death? She'd tasted it before, the cold steel of a gun upon her own tongue.

One day there would be no safe-house for her and one day these numerous sins would pile up. The demons of her past were bound to catch her one day and the thought gave her temporary shivers. Was it okay to smile at him like that? Was it okay to feel the way she was? Was it a true feeling? So many things were just in question with her anymore and yet her outward appearance was only less flirtatious than usual. A troubled mind barely spoke of its paths for a reason. So much mental wandering and her mind erased it all for the moment. She would take what she could, it didn't matter how selfish it made her or how shorter her pleasure might be. Sometimes... a simple smile was all that was needed.

Zabulon spoke something of the time she'd let elapse without being there.. she didn't catch it. Instead, she was staring quizzically at his smile. Two of them? That seemed preposterous and yet there it was, plain as day to her. He'd smiled twice at her. The way his ace seemed to almost light up from it hypnotized her until it broke with words once more. "I was almost a little worried you would not be able to find the place easily. I apologize again for being unable to accompany you." The violet eyes met crimson ones and she couldn't help but smile slyly at him, that fox-like grin of hers obvious. "Oh, I suppose you'll just have to make up for it, hm?" Playfully, she would wink at him. It felt good but at the same time she wasn't sure if he would get it. Oh well, some things were just only understandable by herself.

There was an awkward shift in the conversation and he was quiet a moment. When he DID finally talk again, it was on a subject she hadn't been expecting. "I have inquired more regarding automail experts. Some have suggested attempting cybernetics instead." Damn. He'd seen the shifting. He knew how she felt about it. She couldn't understand that. Since when did someone actually know what she was thinking. It wasn't a topic she liked to speak on, but he was trying to help her about it. That was another thing she wasn't really used to. Zabulon was a man who was far more down to Earth than she had ever encountered before.

In response, she buried her nose in the menu and rolled ideas in her head. Suddenly she really wasn't hungry. The thought of food was less than appealing. Although it would be stupid to just order nothing, so maybe an appetizer would deal as a meal for now. "Oh?" She asked in a torn voice. She wanted to know more and at the same time, she wanted to keep her hopes at a minimum. The less damage she could take would be the better. Taking a slow breath, she found words. "How soon could it be done?" Her eyes were dropped. "And should I have this dish or that dish?" A singular finger trailed from one part of the menu to another part, both with different pictures, because she didn't understand Drachman. It would take some getting used to still.

[Guest]

She seemed as confused and lost as he was in these circumstances between them. But then again, she always seemed to regain herself far more gracefully than he did. He felt as if he were bumbling about here in confusion, not really sure what to do or what to say. "Oh, I suppose you'll just have to make up for it, hm?" She winked at him, and much to his embarrassment he had to clear his throat and look down at his menu. Wh-what exactly had she meant-- Oh it was no use. Although he was oblivious to certain things, he was aware of certain double meanings of certain phrases, and what she had just said was one of those phrases to be sure. So he decided that he may very well buy her some more clothes for her to wear just so she didn't freeze. Perhaps an excellent winter jacket. Or something. Gods he was unable to focus at the moment.

His hand reached forward to pick up his glass, sipping at the water as the waiter came back around with the bottle of wine he had ordered. A deliciously aged red wine that he used to share with his adoptive mother. It was uncorked and poured with care into their two wineglasses from which he pretty immediately took a sip. He had heard they called alcohol "liquid courage" and at the moment he was seriously considering needing some. "Oh?" Perhaps he shouldn't have brought it up after all. He could tell that it was on her mind almost constantly for it was obvious to him how self-conscious she was about her disability. "Yes." Wanting to alleviate that was not a bad thing, but it was a very... delicate sort of situation that he had to tiptoe around. "How soon could it be done?" But before he could even answer her she was pointing to two images in the menu to which he leaned over the table slightly to gaze at. He was careful of his hair not passing too near the small candle in the middle of the table, after all, catching on fire was a bit of a downer. "And should I have this dish or that dish?" Perhaps... he should just drop this topic all together.

"Depends on what you are in the mood for. I recommend the first of the two though." The dish was called Shashlyk and was a form of shish kabobs. The meat was always so very tender, and rich in flavor. "As for the automail, all they need to do is see you at your earliest convenience. So as soon as you would like it my dear." He finished answering her just as he placed his menu down, raising those crimson eyes to find that the waiter had returned to take their order. His low voice was quiet as he murmured his usual dish to the man, sipping at his wine again as the waiter turned to her to get her order. "I will translate for you. The lady does not speak Drachman. I will translate for her." He explained in his native tongue to the waiter to ensure there would be no confusion between them.

[Emmelin]

"As for the automail, all they need to do is see you at your earliest convenience. So as soon as you would like it my dear."

"My dear."

"My dear." Wh-what? They were said so casually and yet Valeria felt her stomach clutch. It was hard trying to convince herself it was nothing more than a casual phrase said. Zabulon was a kind guy like that, but still. Her stomach sat like a rock and her whole body felt a strange tingle of unsure insecurity. She shifted to push a bang away, then realized she was blushing and absent-mindedly pushed it back in front of her face. Dammit, she couldn't handle emotions like that. It seemed it didn't take much for her to crack anymore.. or else it was him.

"I will translate for you. Dama ne govoryat Drachman . YA budu perevoditʹ dlya neye." She stole a glance up when she was sure he couldn't see her embarrassed face. The violet rested on his face. Since when did she act like this? So thrown off guard by a passing pet name. The way she couldn't help but avoid his gaze like a shy sheep, was a frustrating factor. Had she really lost her touch in a matter of a few weeks? The whole situation was something she could hardly understand. It was a new world with new customs she, herself was inexperienced in. In his world, her experience, her normal ways, were all worthless and yet.. she felt no need.

Her eyes wandered back to her menu and she wondered about herself for a few minutes. What had changed her? Since when did she let a man stay close to her without a manipulation in the process. What she didn't understand even more was the lack of her will. She didn't desire to pull his strings. There was just something different about the man that Valeria kind of.. adored. She sighed and straightened herself, letting her brown tresses fall back into place. She was worrying too much about words. Simple words, they never meant anything. In a way she felt better and at the same time she felt worse.

Focus on picking dinner. "I'll take the uhmm.. thing you picked. I'll trust you." She refused to butcher his language and make a fool of herself in front of the waiter. She already screamed foreigner by her clothes and slightly darker skin-tone. ..What had she said? She TRUSTED him? She couldn't believe the words out of her own mouth. In the whole world, she doubted she trusted anyone, hell.. she never even trusted Adryion. the beast was the only person alive who knew her story, who she was and the sins she'd stacked up. Hell, he'd contributed, like a drug and she had dazed delusions of murdering and the blurry results often left her awake in her own nightmare. Blood dyed her hands and yet the power was something she'd always missed and now.. she felt sickened to herself. If he knew what would he say? He probably wouldn't say sweet things like 'My dear' again.


There came the bitter feeling of tears. She'd be damned if she ruined a night. If she had to act a little for him, she would. He deserved a happiness, an enjoyable night and she'd choke on her sadness before she let it break the dinner. Her wine glass was left untouched... to that point. Her despair needed to be drowned out. A flash of her last night with alcohol left her unnerved, but a safety net was there for now. She doubted she'd try and test death again, not at the moment. At least, not as long as he was around. There was reason.. whatever it was, that she felt almost too comfortable around Zabulon. The strongest of emotions she often held back were seeping at the seams, but there were things better unsaid. Should she even be here? Sullying his almost pure presence with her disgusting demonic one.

Her face never changed. A rather soft smile stayed, pleasant and yet distant while her violet eyes looked over the pictures of deserts. Everyone had their own, she wondered what his was. She'd be surveying his food choices, curiously picking out his taste preferences, because sometimes foods told a lot about a person. Or at least that was Val's odd point of view. They needed a conversation though, which had her a bit at a loss. "Hm.. So Zabulon. Is this your type of drink? Or was this spur of the moment?" She motioned to the drink, swirling it a bit in her hand, before tilting it. Like a cat playing with a mouse, she was playing with her drink. Again, she was never really a 'wine' person. She of course wouldn't complain and drink it though, once she was done prodding Zabulon for conversation.

[Shula Brighton]

{BUMP}

[Guest]

His words seemed to have startled her, much to his immediate alarm. His head rose as he straightened up in his seat ever so slightly, blinking twice as a singular eyebrow rose in question. His eyes had even widened a little. Zabulon Goncharovich was rarely startled, and yet here we were. He was most certainly alarmed. He almost voiced the question that pressed upon his lips, but he had to order for the two of them. The waiter hardly seemed to care when he spoke in Cretan, though he knew that though his face gave nothing away, Drachmans always questioned when a person did not, or could not, speak their language. It was a cultural "flaw" perhaps. He, on the other hand, merely asked out of curiosity than anything else. Most would want to know in an almost accusing fashion.

He waited patiently as she examined the menu one more time, his expression already reverted back to its normal neutral expression. He was not an unfeeling statue, just a not expressive man. He couldn't help but wonder now, what would have happened had he not been adopted by Svetlana all those years ago? He knew that very day that she found him, the likelihood of his survival was next to nothing. He was grateful to her for everything that she had given him, after all he would not be who he was today. And yet.... "I'll take the uhmm.. thing you picked. I'll trust you." Zabulon nodded once, turning towards the waiter to give him their order. The man bowed his head before zipping back off, the Head of Defense now returning to his subbordinate and housemate.

He could see that there was extra moisture in her eyes; this was not normal. Though her features appeared the same, they could not deny the fact that there was excess moisture in those pretty eyes of hers-- Pretty eyes? Inwardly he blinked at himself. Well, she did have pretty eyes. Valeria was a beautiful woman, and he was quite sure that she had to be very aware of that. He felt that she should be proud of it without being too.... oh what were those girls like.... like those unnattractive egotistical girls. In any case, she must be aware. She was very self-conscious about her missing hand though, but to him he felt that she should not feel that way at all. Great warriors still took injuries in battle, and that was nothing to be ashamed of. Maybe he should...

"Hm.. So Zabulon. Is this your type of drink? Or was this spur of the moment?" She seemed to have a knack for interrupting his thoughts at the best moment. He shouldn't be pondering this too heavily. Svetlana and even Sveta yelled at him for doing so. He sipped his wine quietly, noting with relief that she did take a sip. He had been a little bit worried that perhaps she did not like wine. Most Drachmans didn't appreciate it, they appreciated Vodka so much more. Not him though, perhaps he was just old fashioned in that way. The glass lowered from his lips, "This is what I drink when I feel a craving for alcohol. I do not like Vodka or many other drinks. But wine is simple... " He paused, what was wine exactly? What was the word he was looking for? Ah yes, "Perfect." He nodded in confirmation at his conclusion, turning his crimson eyes towards her now as he swirled the drink in his glass. "If you would prefer something else, we can order it. I do not mind. I apologize for not asking before hand."

[Emmelin]

"This is what I drink when I feel a craving for alcohol. I do not like Vodka or many other drinks. But wine is simple... Perfect. If you would prefer something else, we can order it. I do not mind. I apologize for not asking before hand." He too was swirling his drink. A look of relief sat on his face. Well, Valeria wasn't completely against wine. The only reason she had a slight dislike for it, was it was so weak. She could barely feel anything until she's down one or two bottles. To her, it was like drinking a juice. It tasted sweet, but had no real kick. Of course, normally she didn't drink at all. There wasn't any moderation. Normally she either drank heavily or not at all. One of two extremes each time the offer was there. She had manners though, to not worry about what SHE wanted, for once. A playful grin unfolded onto her lips and she pushed the glass to her lips. Another sip and she felt just fine.

A moment she wondered. Why did she even care if this man was hurt or not? So many times she had just gotten what she wanted, whether it hurt someone or not, but lately it had been different, even if it WAS just for him. Odd, she didn't really understand it, but she would live with it. So many fickle questions in her mind that she could only silence for a better time. There were always things left unanswered, this was one of them.

Back to the man, her eyes rested gently on his face, absorbing the details. "I'm not much of an alcohol person. My personal favorite are spiced Rums. However, I don't mind the wine. It's a nice touch." Instinctively, she winked at him. Flirting was natural, something she really couldn't fight. "Also, may I say you look handsome as always?" Her eyes closed and a soft laugh escaped her lips. For a moment she wondered how he would react. It didn't seem like people spoke much to Zabulon outside of work. Well, she'd change that. At least, she'd try to, until she got the look. She'd seen it before, when she made a bad decision and guilt ate at her. Again, she was getting ahead of herself. Her mind snapped back to the dinner (or rather the lack thereof at the moment). Nervously she took another drink. She just wanted the night to be perfect and yet, she was just fumbling anxiously over herself. It was so.. unlike her.

[Guest]

He had to wonder at what in the world she was grinning about, for that matter, what KIND of grin that was anyways. He was unfamiliar with such expressions, though he did remember Marynia getting them on occasion. She was a wild one she was, he had to wonder how she was doing lately. Perhaps he should check in at some point. But these were thoughts for another time, at the moment he should focus on the dinner that was at hand. After all, it seemed somehow rude to be lost in thought when it was the two of them here. This was their time after all. "I'm not much of an alcohol person. My personal favorite are spiced Rums. However, I don't mind the wine. It's a nice touch." He nodded slowly at that, staring thoughtfully at his glass as he took another sip, failing to notice the wink. "Also, may I say you look handsome as always?" He almost spat into his wine glass, his eyes going wide as he coughed, placing his glass down as he tapped a fist against his chest. He had almost choked on his wine at that. Wh...What had she just said?!

He could feel the heat on his face, staring wide-eyed as he attempted to catch his breath, his composure utterly lost. H-Handsome... as always? Wh-What in the... Touching his napkin to his mouth, his eyes remained lowered as the coughing began to subside, clearing his throat a few times which drew the attention of surrounding tables but they were hardly on his mind right now. The only thing that was there at the moment, were the words she had just uttered. Forcing himself to look at her, he could not figure out why it was so hard for him to do so. Why it felt awkward, and just... off. "I-I," He began poorly, clearing his throat one more time as he took a deep breath and slid his napkin back into his lap, licking his lips to buy him a little more time to gather himself. "Thank you Valeria. You look stunning this evening." Just as he said those words their food arrived, the two dishes laid out before them. Hers were shishkabobs of tender meat, and his was a filet of fish drizzled with rich sauces. Thank goodness.

The blush finally subsided as his utensils were suddenly in his hand, carefully cutting the meat to slide it into his mouth. There, he wouldn't have to embarrass himself further and distract himself from how out of sorts he felt by that singular comment. Him? Handsome? He had never heard that from anyone. Ever. Maybe from his adoptive mother, but if she had he didn't remember any particular time at this moment. And then what he had said to her.... She did look stunning, that was a fact and she should know it. He was sure even if he could see her stump that would hardly affect the radiance that was her. Good lord what was wrong with him.... He swallowed with some difficulty, "I hope you enjoy your dinner."

[Emmelin]

Oh dear. Her comment nearly made him choke. Valeria held back a mixture of panic, amusement and bewilderment. Was it really that little that he had heard that? It seemed like something he had never expected her to say, but come on, she was Valeria. It was only natural for her to flatter and compliment and then the way his face turned a brilliant blushing red.

Naturally, she had a comment to make, but before her words formed, he gave his own comment. "Thank you Valeria. You look stunning this evening." It wasn't as if she hadn't heard before, she'd heard dozens of times, mainly by men who wanted something from her, but this was... different. Zabulon had only given to her. It wasn't.. normal. Someone who gave without expectation to receive in return. It had always been that way, people take and never give, or give with expectation to take more. Her own family had been victimized to it. She was lost in a loop and yet, she found herself stunned, forgetting to breathe and staring at him. A feeling clutched her stomach that she refused. She couldn't feel that way, it only got her hurt, clouded her judgement, but somehow it was corrupting her slowly.

She took a gasping breath, once she remembered she had to breathe. So much change had happened, she was slowing down, stopping in place, like a lamb found, someone calling to her. The black sheep was the one people never liked, but this man had been reaching a hand out to her. She had dug a hole, but somehow, this man was helping her out. It frightened her, the changes happening, when even her view on the world was morphing into something she wasn't used to. A step of it all was harder than any trial before. She was detoxing, dealing with withdrawal. It had been well over ten years on an addiction to a poison, her body was expecting and not receiving, but he was there. He'd been there since her bad news, he was helping her every step, to find her way. What was this? When had she become so soft?

Her stomach felt uneasy, lurching and swishing around uncomfortably, but she didn't know the cure to that. Her head was spinning and whirling her in wild circles. "Zabulon.." She muttered his name, nearly shivering at the feeling that slipped down her spine. "I hope you enjoy your dinner." He stated, while digging in. She'd stumped him it seemed. The blush had cleared away. It didn't take away from him. She loved how the red brought out his eyes, her own eyes seemed full of intrigue.

Silently, she began to eat her meal, very delicately, very precise. She didn't want to drop a bite, but didn't want to look like a pig, either. It was silently she picked at it, using her fork, though Kabobs were usually eaten with hands (well, hand). Once she had finished, she sat there, thinking. Wine chased down her meal, while allowing her to think of something to say. "Zabulon. What kind of things do you like? Of course I mean, as a gift." Her lips curled back into her smirk, her mind was made up, but she wanted to see what he was thinking about. There were so many common reactions to the question, it was based on personality. Each person had wants and desires, whether they shared them or not was a different story. Her violet eyes rested on him patiently, but a secret intent sat behind those doors. It was going to be a holiday soon, after all and she wanted to get him something, anyways.

[Guest]

He could sense the change that had come over her from his simple, little compliment, much like what hers had done to him. What was it between them? She couldn't NOT be used to getting such compliments, after all she was a beautiful woman. That was a fact, and she should be proud of it. Though, on the other hand, not too proud because egotistical people were such a bore and headache. One could encounter enough of them depending on what section of Moscow you went to. Damn oligarchs. They always had those big black sedans, suits of expensive Cerisian make, and those wads of cash that they could bribe people with. He remembered seeing a number of poor children on the street when he was a child that would take such handouts with glee no matter what the job was. A wad of cash could buy them to a better life. More food, clothes... maybe even a ticket out of here. His eyes lowered for a moment as he sipped his wine. He had never thought to take such handouts. The look in their eyes as they stared at you... they had been but a tool for the rich and powerful to get their questionable work done.

No. He had found his own way to survive without having to rely on those wads of cash that wanted to buy his very soul. "Zabulon.." His crimson eyes slid through space to stare at the nexus that was her, the very center of it at this moment in time and somehow.... It put him at such peace. Peace that he had only found with his little Sveta, or even Svetlana his adoptive mother. But he only bowed his head to continue eating, missing the look that was in her eyes as she continued to stare at him so. It didn't take him long to finish his meal either, occasionally sipping at his wine to help it go down. "Zabulon. What kind of things do you like? Of course I mean, as a gift." This time, thankfully, he wasn't sipping anything and so didn't choke at her question. He paused, his hand still resting on his glass that he had just set down. He stared off through the window to the snowy street below, really puzzling over this question of hers. "Well you know I like wine. Red wine to be specific." He stated thoughtfully, falling quiet as he tapped a finger against the glass very gently. "I enjoy books. Philosophy and dark fantasy predominantly." What else was there? He raised his eyes towards the skyline, the stars covered by a layer of clouds per usual in this drab city of theirs. He hoped Olga was doing well, she had decided to fly tonight rather than stay at home. He really didn't know what he would like as a "gift." His eyes met hers again, "I think I would honestly be touched with anything you got me." Which was true, and of course, this begged a new question. "What of yourself?" He had already some ideas in mind, but he was still curious as to what she would answer. He wanted to be sure that he was at least on the right track.

[Emmelin]

"Well you know I like wine. Red wine to be specific. I enjoy books. Philosophy and dark fantasy predominantly. I think I would honestly be touched with anything you got me." Everything he had listed was something she could have guessed. Wine and philosophy, eccentric sort of things she had admired as she was younger. So books was always a good option then. Her mind was rolling with ideas. Thought after thought crossing her mind, giving her vague ideas. However, his voice would interrupt her plotting and lead her to an onslaught of following ideas.

Her lips pulled into a soft smirk. What kind of gifts did SHE like? The thought made her laugh lightly. Valeria had always enjoyed most anything someone had to give her. "Kinds of things I like? Well.. cocktail dresses for one. Spiced rums are always good, but not all the time but I also like.." She shimmied out of her seat and grinned a bit. Oh she couldn't resist herself any longer. Her right hand graced his cheek, gently holding it and she sighed softly. "But what I really adore? I can always love..." Her face leaned in, lips barely on his own. "Sweet things," she purred, before stealing a gentle kiss (Of course that was if he didn't pass out or push her away). It felt like electricity for her. The moment hers touched his, she felt as if she were in a third world. Only a second had passed and she would hop back to her seat, seeming almost satisfied. Then she would watch for his reaction. Of course, even if he was mad, she wouldn't be upset. "By the way. That was a gift for you. To say thank you." She beamed at him, while secretly trying to hide her own blush. Had she just done that? "You could always return it if you don't like it.. but that seems kind of contradictory."

She hid it well, but her heart was racing a mile a minute. There was something about this man. She wanted to keep him to herself. His mere presence brightened her day, though also mixed up her head. This feeling was like something she'd felt once before, but at the same time, it was different. Trying to calm herself, she dove straight for the wine that she didn't particularly like. It frustrated her. Where had she come to that such simple things she had done by nature a long time had become troublesome? He flustered her, made her mind race. She couldn't think anything, but her body showed a calm exterior. She had control, she had to. Would he run? Would he be mad? Any reaction would be fine or understandable.

[Guest]

She began with a smirk, for better or for worse, but he sat there only watching her with a quiet intrigue as to her answer. "Kinds of things I like? Well.. cocktail dresses for one. Spiced rums are always good, but not all the time but I also like.." So the clothes route was still a valid one, good to know. She was getting out of her seat, and he raised a single eyebrow very slightly as until they both raised upon her suddenly being before him. The skin of her hand felt so soft as it brushed against him, his eyes gaze a great tornado of things. What was... "But what I really adore? I can always love..." ...she doing... Her breath was warm against his lips as he just sat there utterly dumbfounded and in complete shock. It was like he wasn't even processing what was going on, and what was obviously about to happen. "Sweet things," And with that, her lips met his, which instantly summoned the brightest red from the depths of eternity spreading over his face.

She had just kissed him. The world whited out for a moment as it just replayed, over and over in his mind as he sat there in a daze. The whiteness didn't fade even as she moved back to her seat, the background noise of the other folks in the restaurant buzzing out into nothingness. He was alone, in this space, and he had no idea what he felt. There was warmth, yes. There was embarrassment, yes. But did he like it? He had no idea. The fact that she had done that immediately begged the question, how did he feel about her? He was well aware of what that simple gesture meant in the world, and thus he instantly had to face everything that came with it. All of those questions.... In the real world, he was sitting there stunned and basically not even there, at least until she spoke again, her voice calling through that whiteness which made it immediately fill out with lines and color that formed the room where they were eating dinner. "By the way. That was a gift for you. To say thank you." Th-thank him? Thank him for what? He blinked twice and realized how his eyes stung from being open so long, rubbing them a little as she continued, "You could always return it if you don't like it.. but that seems kind of contradictory."

Most men would have jumped at this opportunity and been able to come up with some sort of caramel words to woo the woman with such ease. Zabulon? He may as well be a dumb rock. Literally, a rock. A rock could be used to kill people, it could be fashioned and honed into a new weapon that was deadly. It could be thrown to hit farther enemies, but a rock didn't know how to talk. It didn't know how to deal with these nuances in life, it didn't know anything beyond what it was used for. That was Zabulon right now, he had NO idea what to do now. So he blinked as he stared at her so more, his face positively on fire that almost made those crimson eyes of his vanish amidst his flushed cheeks. He was a statue that could not move, at all. It took another moment before he finally took a deep breath and quickly sipped at his wine, clearing his throat as he seemed to regain himself. ".....You're welcome." That was it? "You're welcome?" Dear lord, he had to get ahold of himself!

The waiter came by again, turning to stare at Zabulon whose blush was only just beginning to fade. "Are you both finished?" "Yes. Thank you." The waiter began to pick up their plates, Zabulon turning to look at her. Which only made the blush return. "Would you like to see dessert menus?" He asked as he glanced between the two of them. "Would you like dessert?" Well, at least it was an interruption that could give him some more time to think.

[Emmelin]

Red. Brilliant red filled her eyes and pooled into his face. Blood didn't break the surface but made sure to show his utter shock and embarrassment. For a moment she wondered if he'd even kissed another person. Perhaps she should feel guilty for being such a thief? It wasn't like she could just give it back, either. Unfortunately, she didn't regret it THAT much. Her violet eyes closed and she simply smiled at him. A devilish grin played at her lips, showing how mischievousness she could truly be when she tried. Despite her looks, she was far from innocent as people took her be, but that had been stolen away from her. She dismissed the thought, and instead, simply enjoyed the reactions Zabulon gave. A nervous reaction it seemed, like he was walking on ice. Had he never been in such a situation? The idea made her ponder just what it was she even felt for him. He muttered a 'You're welcome' as she zoned out.

"Would you like dessert?" Her head rose to catch his crimson orbs again. There, his blush again manifested upon his cheeks. She was beginning to wonder if he would permanently be so red in the face. Had she broken him? She hoped not, she kind of liked him. Well... maybe it was more than like... she honestly wasn't sure.

"I already had dessert and if I have anything sweeter than what I just had, I might develop diabetes," she cooed softly, and then laughed a bit. It was such an odd thing that would be out of cheesy romance movies, but Valeria found they fit just well. It took her a moment to think it over. DID she want dessert? It was debatable. Her brow was furrowed in thought, reading his expression. Did he want to stay or leave? She couldn't read it, he was stoic as always, but a red stoic. That was one thing frustrating about Zabulon; he never had his emotions on his sleeves. Her usual tricks and reads were rendered useless to his wall of solace and silence. It drove her INSANE sometimes. Her attention faltered with chin in palm. "It's up to you. I'm pretty full from dinner, but if you want, we can split something."

She watched him then, for his reaction. A slightest grimace could tell her she'd overstepped her bounds and a hesitance could lead to a prolonged time at the restaurant. Either way she could deal with his answer. Her legs crossed, one hand cupped her chin. The pose was just for waiting. A look of patience sat on her face, while her left arm rested on her lap.

[Guest]

Ok, maybe if he just--"I already had dessert and if I have anything sweeter than what I just had, I might develop diabetes," Zabulon blinked and glanced down to their plates in a brief moment of thought. He honestly didn't want any dessert, he wasn't sure he could even keep anything down at the moment anyways. Even the wine was beginning to sour due to his nerves and just.... flusteredness. He gathered she wasn't very serious considering she chuckled after speaking, and in all honesty the dish shouldn't lead her towards diabetes in any sense. "It's up to you. I'm pretty full from dinner, but if you want, we can split something."

He nodded once and looked up to the waiter, folding his hands in his lap as the threads began to slowly ravel themselves back up into their previous form. "No dessert, just the check please." And with that the waiter nodded and walked away, leaving them alone again. Things... were beginning to make sense again. Somebody had hit the reboot button on his modem. "Is there anything you would like to pick up before heading home?" He asked her quietly, taking care of the check before raising his eyes to her as the waiter came back that last time to take his card. Then he remembered something, "Actually, I need to see if a sweets shop is open so I can buy Sveta something. She asked it as a favor. Perhaps we can find something there to have later if you would like." As he stared at her longer, the less he felt the need to blush. Valeria obviously must care for him, otherwise why would she kiss him? He could tell it wasn't just an act, she wasn't trying to toy with him. So, the question remained, what would come next?

[Emmelin]

Well, Valeria had succeeded in making him uncomfortable it seemed. That was a good two points to her. Well, not really, because now he would probably be looking at her as if she were a creep for the rest of the week and a few to follow. Oh well, it felt good to sate that infernal desire that had plagued her. She'd sated her inner beast and now she sat staring at him, wondering what was going through his mind. The man was an abyss of questionable thoughts. What WAS going through his mind right now? She couldn't crack this egg as hard as she tried. Her lips were still warm, as odd as it felt to her own touch. She traced a finger, without much thought as she thought it over. Why had she done it? Or rather, why had she WANTED to?

"Is there anything you would like to pick up before heading home?" He asked her, but before she could respond, he asked answered for her.

"Actually, I need to see if a sweets shop is open so I can buy Sveta something. She asked it as a favor. Perhaps we can find something there to have later if you would like." He added and she nodded. Alright, well so much for her needing to chose. She didn't mind though. It made less effort for her. His eyes were on her and she couldn't help but blush. Her reaction was instant and accidental at the same time. "Is there something on my face? "A smile on her lips for once showed an honest coyness about her. After she asked, she shifted and grabbed her coat. Again, her hand plagued her. It was a hassle trying to get the coat on clothing, again. She struggled for a couple of minutes, stubborn and trying not to look completely useless. It was irritating. It was something she pretended that it didn't bother her.

[Guest]

As he stood there staring at her, he really was at such a complete loss. He had never exactly been great at.... expressing himself. Especially not in situations such as these. He had never been outgoing in school once his adoptive mother enrolled him, he hadn't had many friends and even out of those that he had they understood and respected his silence. He had never gone on a date, and even any girl that he had been potentially interested in he had never bothered to pursue since.... his life back then had been very driven, and it still was now. He didn't know how to deal with people. Or at least, in the sense of intimacy and whatnot. He knew how to deal with them in terms of their protection, of how each of them was a life he was responsible for in their country that they called home. It was a very large responsibility and one that he took very seriously since..... He lowered his eyes as he adjusted and pulled on his coat, the two long strands that framed his face swaying as he turned away a little. His job had been all he had, it had been the gift from God that had saved his life in the form of his adoptive mother.

"Is there something on my face? " Blinking, he cleared his throat out of embarrassment, and shook his head, noting the coy smile that touched those lips of hers. Lips... That kiss was still plaguing him, nibbling at him and making him all confused and.... Lord what had she done to him? "No. No... There is nothing. I apologize for staring." Raising his eyes once more, he took a step over and held her coat open for her to slip her arms into since she was having such trouble as was to be expected when you had just lost an apendage. She may be annoyed at him, or herself, for the aid, but she needed it. And he was more than willing to extend that helpful hand to her like it had been to him. Maybe.... Maybe it was time for him to try focusing more on just his work. His little Sveta had begun that process in his life, causing him to become quite the father to her though sometimes it felt as if he were just stumbling about in the dark. She seemed to not mind at least, to be happy with how her life was. And now.... Now he had Valeria whom had opened that door wider for him, forcing him to look beyond his desk of papers, maps, diagrams, files, and whatnot.

"I was thinking of how glad I am that I ran into you at the hospital when we met." He added as he extended an elbow to her like a gentleman, picking up his briefcase in his other hand. He would escort her like a proper lady for that was what she was, and erm, this was a date...sort of, so.... It was just the correct thing to do.

[Emmelin]

There it was again. That beautiful crimson that covered his face, if only just lightly. She was barely trying. It was so effortless to tease the man, but she enjoyed it anyways. It wasn't the same as before. With her victims of the past, Valeria had never had an off button.. but this time she did. She waasn't going to break him. No.. Though the thought intrigued her and amost plagued her, she couldn't do that to him. At least, not until she was sure he could handle such things, but who knew when that would be? "No. No... There is nothing. I apologize for staring." Her comment was kept to herself. He could stare all he wanted, she didn't mind at all. However, she restrained herself and only grinned a bit wider. It was things like that which made her want more. Such an odd circumstance.

Such a gentleman too! Though she despised the fact she needed help, he still stepped in and between both, they managed to get her coat on. It was much easier that way, but it didn't stop her from hating that which imperfected her. "I was thinking of how glad I am that I ran into you at the hospital when we met." Her self-spite thoughts were erased and torn from the tracks while he spoke. Happy to meet her? How long would that last? Valeria was pretty sure that NO ONE would ever think that, let alone say it. Her brow furrowed a moment, as her tongue fished for something to reply. Naturally, all she managed was a surprised, "Oh?"

His arm was offered and she graciously accepted it. If there was something she loved, that was one. There was a certain sophisticated closeness she felt when someone linked arms with her. Her violet eyes closed and soon, she was nestling her nose into his shoulder. She pressed her body close to his, adoring how she felt. Loneliness eased away and that feeling o constant paranoia was slowly slipping away. This man was bad for her.. or so her mind muttered in a frantic way. When defenses went down, that was when she was most vulnerable. "Why is that?" She decided to expand on the conversation, in order to shut her brain up.

[Guest]

He could sense that she wanted to ask him more questions, needle him more for answers or.... something. He wasn't really sure. As soon as they began to walk outside, his mind began to clear as the snow fell all about them in gentle flurries. It was cold, but not too bitterly so as was custom in Drachma. Breathing in that crisp air was something that would always bring him a sense of calm and.... nostalgia. The wind had been his friend and enemy when he had been but an urchin on the street. It carried smells, words, his thoughts, his hopes, and music. But it also lashed against his exposed skin and whipped through those meager rags that had been his clothes. Now? He stood as tall as those that had passed right past him as a child, but he would stop for them. He would stop and pay attention to those clinging to the cracks in this city and country, and he would not leave them to die alone and afraid. He.... enjoyed helping others. He had seen other orphaned children scream against the hand that had been dealt them, curse all those who had more than them, and he felt sorry for them. For what good did that do? They wasted precious energy on such a silly thing as that, rather than focusing on bettering their lives somehow.

Ah, but such thoughts were for another time when he wasn't in the company of a lovely lady. "Oh?" It appeared she was surprised by his statement, and honestly he was rather surprised it had popped out of his mouth as well. It was true though, he was glad to have met her despite her initial misgivings when they were at the hospital. As her head came to rest against his shoulder, he only looked down at her with those blood red eyes, calm and distant as ever. Perhaps... it was time. Svetlana had always told him some things, but words could only do so much when teaching a person something. Experience was an irreplaceable teacher in itself, and he certainly lacked its lessons in certain areas of life. "Why is that?"

And.... then there was that issue of formulating proper thoughts into the proper sentences. He did not look at her when he answered, only continued walking down the street with his arm linked in hers, staring up instead, at the sky. "Because I can help you. Because you are teaching me things that my mother could only try to explain to me. Because..." One reason after another, and yet nothing was quite.... hitting the nail on the head so to speak. "Because I do enjoy your company, though sometimes it seems that you do not think I should." Now those crimson orbs turned down towards her, the small hint of a smile on his lips, as a smile that only she could conjure up from him.

[Csilla Angelis]

{BUMP}

[Emmelin]

"Because I can help you. Because you are teaching me things that my mother could only try to explain to me. Because... Because I do enjoy your company, though sometimes it seems that you do not think I should." The concept was strange. Was she .. attached to this man somehow? His words almost made her laugh, but at the same time her cheeks flared. That feeling in her chest.. What was it? Anxiety.. paranoia? No, it was neither of those diseases. She could feel them in the edges of her soul.

"You know.. that's scary to say to someone who is known by some as The Black Widow." The words she spoke, she wasn't sure why. Was she trying to hurt him.. or scare him away? The feeling.. she was terrified of it, yet it was addicting.. far more than the poison. Was it safe to even touch such a spot on her own mind? Yet she wanted him.. not in such a literal sense of bedding. No.. it was something- something more? Or was it less? Her head was hurting. For a second, she stopped and held her head. Feelings overflowed her mind and she wondered for a moment, what was wrong with her.

An assassin, a shadow had been reduced to being nearly vulnerable. It was as if her paranoia was going to sleep around him. But sleep was death. When you didn't expect was when you were stolen away to Hell and she.. really wasn't ready.. not yet. She'd kill that bastard Ayden before she died and yet.. there was more she wanted. More than revenge, but it wasn't something she deserved. In her deepest soul she knew she didn't deserve to be loved.. she never had. This realization remained a dormant factor she never spoke of to anyone.. not even Adryion. No wonder she couldn't be around her. Her eyes lowered. What road was she to go down? She might die trying to kill Ayden, but the other path.. she couldn't kill him. Things were so complex.. Absentmindedly, she buried her nose more into his shoulder, lightly sighing. "How can you.. say such things?" She blurted out. Her own words slipped from her mouth. "So easily?"

She paused to look at him, curiously. "Not that your words are not appreciated. I do enjoy your company as well.. but how can you just- accept me? How can you have not cast me out or away?"

Her voice stopped and she swallowed back a breath. Since when was her mind so easily confused. Words were strained sounds that she couldn't exactly literate. It took a second to regain her mind. At last she managed to settle on a sentence. "What I mean to say is, I enjoy your company as well, but what made you trust me. Enough to allow me to stay with you?" In his position, she was a stranger he knew nothing of. She could have been sent to kill him for all he knew.. but what allowed him to be near?

[Guest]

As his eyes rested upon her for her response to his words, he could easily tell that they had affected her rather strongly. But was it for good, or for ill? It almost seemed as if she weren't really sure herself. "You know.. that's scary to say to someone who is known by some as The Black Widow." A chuckle rumbled in his chest like a soft, low thunder on the horizon, yet the surprise of it did not stop him from letting it ring its toll. A smile was at least more common in his repertoire of demonstrations of emotions, but a chuckle? That was amidst the rarest of the rare. Only Svetlana and little Sveta had ever witnessed such an event, now Valeria had joined their ranks. Now the cause of his chuckle; her statement. He had heard such whispers between some of RIOTE's forces that were not his men, but he had never heard her be referred by that name directly. She had not mentioned it before now, and so for her to mention it now, was she trying to make him aware of that name? Of its connotations? "Is it? Hm." He murmured quietly as he slowed to a stop with her, his brows furrowing when she held her head.

Had he crossed a line? Was it something she ate? Did it relate to her hand or some other injury he didn't know about? The questions began to flow at such a fast rate through his mind, but it was only when she pressed her face more into his shoulder that his expression relaxed as they stood there with the snow falling all around them. "How can you.. say such things? So easily?" Now he began to worry even more though his expression was now as impassive as ever, had he said something wrong? He must have, otherwise she would not ask him such questions. But to be honest... he wasn't sure that he had a very good answer for her either. Then she stared at him with what he knew to be curiosity, quickly attempting to prepare himself for whatever it was she might ask. "Not that your words are not appreciated. I do enjoy your company as well.. but how can you just- accept me? How can you have not cast me out or away?" Oh. So.... he had not necessarily said anything wrong. Hearing her say that she enjoyed his company oddly made him feel a bit... warmer. Like he liked to hear her say it. Huh.

Now it was his turn to appear thoughtful as his eyes raised to stare at the quiet street around them, the lamp light casting its soft glow as the flakes glistened on the ground. How could he accept her? Was it not normal to accept someone of her position into his home and life? Her questions perturbed him a little bit for they seemed like they had simple answers, given answers so to speak. But she continued, "What I mean to say is, I enjoy your company as well, but what made you trust me. Enough to allow me to stay with you?" His arm slipped out from hers, briefcase resting on the ground as he placed his hands on her shoulders oh so gently, his features soft and gentle as he stared with such warmth at her. He had not even known he was capable of such an expression, but it was his smile that possibly seemed the most different. It wasn't small, or subtle, or gone in a flash. It was steady, and was akin to a smile from anyone on the street which was something he had never had. She had unlocked that true ability to smile from within him. "Valeria, I have told you before that I see myself in you. I see the orphan boy that was left out in the cold to die, digging for scraps and daring to hope for the kindness of another. I see the mistrust that I gave to each jacketed person as they passed by without caring, of the resignation to die alone and unknown in the gutter without anyone to care for you."

His hand raised to her cheek, gloved thumb stroking her cheek affectionately, slowing to a stop as he cupped her face there in his hand. "I trust you because I see that, and because I know how much the hand that does reach out to help you means. You may think to define yourself by the lives taken or as "The Black Widow," but you are a woman that is more than that. I can see it." His smile grew a little for a moment as he was utterly marveled at what she had done without thinking to him. "You are a beautiful woman, and a powerful fighter. You are kind to Sveta. You are intelligent. You are greater than you think you are. Not all is darkness. There must be light for there to be darkness." His voice grew soft as he found himself drawn forward, bending down to kiss her softly on the lips.

[Emmelin]

"Valeria, I have told you before that I see myself in you. I see the orphan boy that was left out in the cold to die, digging for scraps and daring to hope for the kindness of another. I see the mistrust that I gave to each jacketed person as they passed by without caring, of the resignation to die alone and unknown in the gutter without anyone to care for you." His hands moved to rest on her shoulders, releasing her hand for a moment. She tried to speak against him. But you didn't PUT yourself in that position. You didn't wish so hard for your parent's death that you began worshiping a demon of death. You didn't kill your innocent brother in cold blood. In a way she had bitten the hand that fed her, the one to help save her was the first killed. She was so sick to her stomach. How could he say- such things to her?

"I trust you because I see that, and because I know how much the hand that does reach out to help you means. You may think to define yourself by the lives taken or as "The Black Widow," but you are a woman that is more than that. I can see it." Her heart beat heavily and flooded her veins with more emotions she didn't understand. I'm a murderer.. you say it so casual. Her mind screamed, the paranoia was a demon in her head that screeched as his very words began to silence it. It felt as if something inside of her was breaking.. slipping away. He didn't know.. but he didn't NEED to know. He had already seen her true self. Broken.. at the hospital and he had accepted that. Despite she had nearly killed the doctors.. she could have blown the place away with ease, but instead she had.. cried to him, a complete stranger. He was smiling.. genuinely.. so strange. While his words were spoken, his hand moved to cup her cheek. Chills ran down her spine in the most pleasurable of ways.

"You are a beautiful woman, and a powerful fighter. You are kind to Sveta. You are intelligent. You are greater than you think you are. Not all is darkness. There must be light for there to be darkness." Her mind was mush at that point. There were no thoughts. A kiss upon her own lips was for once something that sent the oddest of feelings to cascade through her body. No.. this one felt different to her. Perhaps she was just lightheaded? Either way, she felt lost in it, as if the pent up questions were nothing but idle ripples in a pond. She couldn't think as he stole her very thought process away. The defenses were gone, if for a moment and her arms draped around his shoulder. In that moment she allowed whatever it was stirring strangely in her to channel in the form of a simple kiss.

Her past didn't matter to him. The people she'd killed or lied to.. it was in the past, it was time to recover. A realization hit her strong enough that she wondered even if it was okay to feel such a way. The strangest factor was that she felt tears fall upon her cheeks but for once not of sadness or loneliness or that dreaded internal pain that the 'beast' often ate away. It was a raw feeling that made her whole inside feel sort of warm and fuzzy. She hadn't intentionally pulled herself to him, but when their lips touched, she felt drawn. SO, after a second, she pulled away and blushed fervently. Her eyes turned away and for once, she felt like a child once more.

As she wiped away her strange not-sad tears with one arm, she still held onto him with her one arm. Strange that she felt weak at the knees. "I-I.." Words couldn't form. The usual eloquence was replaced with barely understandable stutters of a start of a sentence. She cleared her throat and managed to laugh. "I.. actually don't know what to say." She finally admitted. For the first time in her life.. for years of knowing what to do, knowing how to play her cards, she was clueless. The laugh was one of sincere confusion and.. happiness? Was that what she felt? "You are wonderful.." was all she could breathe, in Esparian to ease the frantic and misplaced words.

[Csilla Angelis]

{BUMP}

[Sponsored content]