Micah Carrington: Micah spills himself from a cab just outside Central Park, pausing only long enough to pay the slightly bewildered cabbie before he makes his way in, limping just slightly and cursing rather fluently under his breath, one hand clapped to the back of his thigh.

Micah Carrington: He passes the bums without glancing their way and heads, fast as he can for the fountain, eyes watching nervously.

Micah Carrington: 1,4,9,3,

Micah Carrington: His leg hurts just bad enough and he's just scared enough that if anyone is following, he can't see them.

Micah Carrington: Finally, he heads towards the shanty town, not sure who to look for but knowing that someone would have to be able to help him.

Micah Carrington (8/8 - early evening): ((Deletes last post))

Micah Carrington (8/8 - early evening): Finally, growing tired, Micah moves to a bench and sits carefully, his body far enough forward that the grazing wound on the back of his thigh doesn't rub the wood. Sighing, he drops his face into his hands, mind spinning as he pours over everything that's happened in the last few days. ((Rolling Manip+Sub))

Micah Carrington (8/8 - early evening): 4,2,6,9,3,

Micah Carrington (8/8 - early evening): The raw, wounded thoughts in the back of his head, the tiredness, the dull ache in his leg...Its enough, just enough to push him over the edge and into tears. Face in his hands he begins to cry softly, his shoulders shaking.

Micah Carrington (8/8 - early evening): This being New York, most people will look the other way as he huddles there on the bench...but maybe, just maybe, his looks and breeding will get him the right kind of attention...

Micah Carrington (8/8 - early evening): ((And pauses in the self gratifying-play*))

Troy Lawrence: He makes his way into Central Park, rubbing at his temples. Vampires, Kami, cameras and water. He wants to have nothing to do with any of it, right now. He needs peace, so he makes his way along the paths, looking for the feeling of Fellowship the Sept is known for.

Micah Carrington (8/8-early evening) : The park is relatively quiet; a few joggers make their way along the paths and people are scattered, here and there, in little knots, talking or simply enjoying the quiet.

Troy Lawrence: 3,3,6,8,

Troy Lawrence: A glance goes over to Micah as he walks along, and he pauses, regarding the young man for a moment, expression stone-cold.

Micah Carrington (8/8-early evening) : He cries softly, face pressed into his hands, his body sitting far forward on the bench; any farther forward and he'd be sliding off of it, but perhaps that has something to do with the way his jeans are torn on the back of his right thigh, material hanging down in a couple, ragged strips.

Troy Lawrence: He frowns a little bit, regarding the young man in such an obvious...state. He takes a couple steps in his direction, eyes gazing imperiously down at the boy. "Are you all right?" Yes, a silly question. So?

Micah Carrington (8/8-early evening) : The slim shoulders stiffen and his head jerks upright, green eyes wide and just a little red from crying. For a moment he looks embarassed and then, resigned, shaking his head slowly as he drops his eyes to Troy's feet. "No..."

Troy Lawrence: A little, stern frown. "What's wrong?"

Micah Carrington (8/8-early evening) : His eyes close and he scrubs a hand furiously through his hair. "I...That is..Um..." He freezes up for a moment, voice choking off in his throat.

Troy Lawrence: He looks around, then sighs. This certainly would not do. Another glance down to Micah. "Yes?"

Micah Carrington (8/8-early evening) : The kin straightens his shoulders slowly, gathering himself up as he pushes to his feet, lifting tearfilled eyes to Troy. His tongue flicks across his lips as he struggles to find words. "I got...i've been...Master Rothechilde attacked me and I ran..."

Troy Lawrence: "Master Rothechilde?" He raises an eyebrow. "Who is this? Why did he attack you?"

Micah Carrington (8/8-early evening) : "Alexi Rothechilde...F-from Chicago...He-he bought me." Micah shifts, arms wrapping around himself as fresh tears threaten. "I don't wanna go...please..."

Micah Carrington (8/8-early evening) : ((I don't wanna go back...))

Troy Lawrence: "Bought..." He frowns suddenly, deeply, a curl coming to his lips. "State your name."

Micah Carrington (8/8-early evening) : "M-Micah Carrington, Sir," he murmurs.

: ((Open?))

Micah Carrington (8/8-early evening) : ((yup!))

Troy Lawrence: ((Yep))

Jaikula Freedom: *Jaik makes his way into CP and starts along one of the paths, large takeaway coffee in one hand taking the occasional sip from it. He looks like he is either coming from work or is on his way, his jacket on over the top of his EMT uniform.

Troy Lawrence: "Micah." He nods, and makes a quick look around, then back to the boy. "Tell me about this man who bought you, and who he bought you from."

Troy Lawrence: 2,8,2,4,

Troy Lawrence: He notes Jaikula traveling along, eyes on him for a moment, before turning away, back to Micah.

Jaikula Freedom: 4,8,1,5,9,

Micah Carrington (8/8-early evening) : "L-Lord," he whispers, remembering Troy from the first time they'd met... "Elder from Chicago. Likes..."He makes a face that's part anger and part self-disgust. "Boys. Young boys,"he adds. "There's...I got taken in June. To someplace overseas. They..." He frowns, grinding his teeth together as the memories swamp him.

Troy Lawrence: A sigh. Here is not the appropriate place for this interview. He affects a smile, warm, caring. An act, but a practiced one. "Would you like to go somewhere else to talk, Micah?"

Micah Carrington (8/8-early evening) : His eyes jerk up to Troy's face, widening slightly, fear spilling across his face briefly. "Please..."

Jaikula Freedom: *Jaik looks around as he walks, eyes passing over Troy for a moment before moving onto Micah, then back to Troy, but he doesnt interupt the two as they talk, his feet taking him to a bench a short distance from the two of them, out of ear shot. He brings his phone out and starts going through what msg's he has missed, though one eye is on the two of them...

Troy Lawrence: He nods a little, reaching down to help the boy to his feet. He takes off his sport coat, putting it around the young man, and moves to lead him off to a more provate environment, deeper within the Sept...toward the Reservoir.

Micah Carrington (8/8-early evening) : Micah flinches as Troy touches him, his slim body shrinking in on itself as a fresh wave of shame spills across his lovely face. He does, however, gather the coat gratefully around himself and follows.

Jaikula Freedom: *He reads over the msgs he has then slips his phone away and takes another sip of his coffee...

Troy Lawrence: An arm goes around Micah, not forceful, but directing, and off to the Reservoir he heads. ((Off 2 Reserv))

RESERVOIR

Micah Carrington: Micah doesn't pull away, though he clearly wants to.

Troy Lawrence: He walks along with Micah, leading them off to a more private area of the locale, where they can talk more freely. He finds a bench, and gestures for the boy to sit with a smile. "Have a seat, Micah."

Micah Carrington: He sits slowly, settling his slim frame on the ground, pulling off troy's coat as he does and laying it across the bench.

Troy Lawrence: "Are you injured?" He takes a seat on the bench, withdrawing a Dunhill cigarette and placing it between his lips. He offers one to Micah.

Micah Carrington: "He just grazed me with his teeth," he murmurs, taking the smoke gratefully, a frown knitting his brow as he notes how badly his hand is shaking.

Troy Lawrence: He nods a little, lighting his, then holding the flame out at a distance so Micah can safely light his own. "Do you know where this Rotheschilde is?"

Micah Carrington: "Last I saw him...He was at home. An apartment Upper East Side. He was mad," he says, lighting the cigarette and taking a deep drag that sets him coughing until his eyes water. "We had...There were two kids, that I was taking care of...A little girl to be used for breeding and a boy to r-re...To replace me when I got to hold for M'Lord's tastes."

Troy Lawrence: His lips curls a little, and he nods a little.

Micah Carrington: "We were delivering someone to be trained...and when we got back they were gone. All their stuff taken too."

Troy Lawrence: He raises an eyebrow. "Any idea who?"

Micah Carrington: The expressive green eyes close and fresh tears spill down his pale cheeks. "Karlos Basoalto."

Troy Lawrence: He blinks, and his eyes get an...edge to them. "Karlos Basoalto stole the children?"

Micah Carrington: "No! M'Lord Rothechilde sold him! I don't know who took my-the kids," he adds, gesturing helplessly before taking another drag off the smoke.

Troy Lawrence: "Ahh. I see...my apologies, I misunderstood." He watches the boy, keeping his tones a calm rumble, soothing even. "Rothechilde will be dealt with, Micah. And we will find the others involved, and deal with them, as well. First, I must know everything you do about this. Do you think you can tell me that now?"

Micah Carrington: He nods. "They take the kin they steal to Cairo for training. You don't want details of how that's done but um..." He frowns then rolls his eyes up and to the right, pulling the details from his head. Slowly, he begins telling Troy about the facility, the number of trainers, etc...

Troy Lawrence: He listens, nodding as Micah recounts the information, making mental notes as to it, planning even as he digests the information.

Micah Carrington: "I don't know if it was just me or if they do this to all adults but...I was shipped back to the states in a packing crate," he whispers, skin crawling as he remembers the feeling of the peanuts shifting against him. "They." He inhales shakily. "They cathetered me and plugged me and gave me oxygen and put me in a crate filled with packing peanuts...conscious."

Troy Lawrence: A low growl at the thought of Fang kin sent in such a manner is quickly cut off. "I'm...sorry to hear that, Micah."

Micah Carrington: The growl sends him crawling awkwardly backward, to sit, just that touch farther out of reach. "I wasn't unloaded until they brought me to Alexi. There were a few other kin shipped out too."

Micah Carrington: ((DLP...I screwed up.)) The growl sends him crawling awkwardly backward, to sit, just that much farther out of reach. "There were other kin at the laundry, in the holding cell with me. We weren't allowed to talk but...I think they were waiting to be claimed or shipped out..."

Troy Lawrence: "Do you know the names of individuals on this side, besides Rothechilde? Any names for the organization, if they have a human front...anything you can say weill be useful."

Micah Carrington: "Just faces. When M'Lord Rothechilde delivered Karlos he spoke in another language, so I can't even offer you that."

Troy Lawrence: "Where is this location he delivered Karlos to."

Micah Carrington: "The transfer was made in a parking garage at the ____ Hotel. Its where they transfered me to M'Lord Rothechilde as well."

Troy Lawrence: A short nod. "Do you know where the laundry is?"

Micah Carrington: "No, Sir."

Micah Carrington: "But if there's a way to track Karlos...he's likely still there."

Troy Lawrence: He nods a little. "All right." He smiles to the kin, that smooth, urbane look that is designed to reassure. "We will take them down, and resolve all of this. Do not worry." He looks at the boy a moment, considering. "Do you need a place to stay...someplace safe?"

Troy Lawrence: He nods a little. "All right." He smiles to the kin, that smooth, urbane look that is designed to reassure. "We will take them down, and resolve all of this. Do not worry." He looks at the boy a moment, considering. "Do you need a place to stay...someplace safe?"

Micah Carrington: He thinks about Josh for a moment and his grene eyes darken, remembering how eager the other had been to get off the phone. "I...No. I have friends."

Troy Lawrence: A nod. "All right." He pulls out a business card, writing something on the back with a Montblanc pen, the uber-expensive kind that people collect, before handing it to the kin. "This is my cell, office, and home phone numbers, Micah. If you think of anything else, or need anything, call me."

Micah Carrington: He nods and pockets the card in his shirt without looking at it, one hand slipping into his pants for his cell. "Yes, Sir," he murmurs, eyes finding the ground once again.

Troy Lawrence: He stands up, picking up his sport coat and folding it neatly over an arm. "I must go, Micah. But I will do what I can to work on this. If you like, I can accompany you somewhere, to make sure you reach there safely."

Micah Carrington: "I'll call someone. Its okay. Thank you," he murmurs.

Troy Lawrence: A moment's pause, then he nods. "All right, Micah. Be careful. And good evening." He knows it won't be a good evening...he says it out of propriety, before turning to leave.

Micah Carrington: The kin nods silently and leans into the bench, feeling the tears that, now that he's started, he can't seem to stop. Finally, he flips the phone open and dials.

Aerin Thomas -> Micah Carrington: *Click* "Micah? Are you okay?" He's tense, nervous, deeply concerned, from the sound of his voice.

Micah Carrington: "I'm...Someone took the kids and all there stuff...Alexi attacked me but I got away. I'm in Central," he says tiredly. "By the reservoir."

Aerin Thomas -> Micah Carrington: "I'm right near Central as it is. On my way...be there in ten. Are you hurt?" He picks up the pace, jogging along as he talks.

Micah Carrington: "He grazed my thigh, just under my right asscheek so I'm hangin a bit out of my jeans but...I'm not hurt but I"m not okay either, Aerin."

Aerin Thomas -> Micah Carrington: "I didn't figure you were okay, hon. Stay in the open, where the guardians can see you. I'm just about there. I'm sorry, Micah."

Micah Carrington: "Its not your fault, Aerin...Aerin, they have Karlos."

Aerin Thomas -> Micah Carrington: "I know. Malcolm told me. We'll find him, I promise."

Micah Carrington: He inhales raggedly. "I gave Papa to Alexi, Aerin..."

Aerin Thomas -> Micah Carrington: A moment of silence as he digests the information. "We'll get it all sorted out, Micah. Try to relax, okay?"

Micah Carrington: He chokes on a sound which might be laughter and huddles closer to the bench. "Trying. I am."

Aerin Thomas: And finally, he runs into view...yes, he made pretty damn good time. He's a bit out of breath, and he stops for a moment, looking around, phone still to his ear.

Aerin Thomas: 3,8,5,10,3,3,

Micah Carrington: 6,10,3,8,

Micah Carrington: Seeing Aerin, he hangs up the phone and raises on small hand into the air to catch his attention.

Aerin Thomas: Ahh, there he is. He takes off at a jog, toward him, ending the call and slipping the phone into his trenchcoat.

Micah Carrington: Micah scrambles tiredly and rather ungracefully to his feet, hand dropping back to tug at the torn fabric of his jeans as he takes one, single step towards aerin.

Aerin Thomas: He slows as he gets nearer, to a walk. He makes the last few steps toward the kin slow, deliberate, not wanting to spook him, even as he reaches out to draw him into a hug. "Hey."

Micah Carrington: 4,8,3,7,10,

Micah Carrington: "Hi," he whispers, settling himself into Aerin's arms with a sigh, slim arms sliding around the other's waist, clinging.

Aerin Thomas: He holds the kin close, petting his hair, soothing him. "It's okay, Micah. You're safe, now. And we'll get everyone else back, I promise."

Micah Carrington: "I dont' feel safe, Aerin...I talked to Josh, told him what was going on...He couldn't wait to get off the phone and...I'm in Central Park with my ass hanging out of my jeans and someone took the kids and Karlos is...I..." He growls softly in frustration.

Aerin Thomas: He nods and kisses Micah's forehead. "I know. You're in hell, right now. We'll do what we can. We'll take the ring down, and we'll get everyone to safety...we will. And we're gonna start with you. Okay?"

Micah Carrington: He nods mutely, arms tightening almost painfully around Aerin.

Aerin Thomas: He lets Micah cling as tightly as he likes for as long as he likes, holding him gently close, fingers running soothingly over the other's back.

Micah Carrington: "I feel like I'm falling apart. Like I'm loosing everything," he murmurs, voice muffled against Aerin's chest.

Aerin Thomas: "I know, hon. You're not. I'm still here, and I'm not going anywhere. Everything will be made all right."

Micah Carrington: He snorts softly. "How is everything gonna be made all right? How? Josh is...Pissed at the least and ready to kill me at the worst. I beat the shit out of papa and gave him to Alexi...Alexi!"

Aerin Thomas: "And I endangered the entire Sept, and held a shotgun full of silver at Tori before she was born." He looks down at the boy. "Nothing is unfixable. Think about Ita, and how...far she's come. There is nothing that can't be fixed, if we set our mind to it and believe it can be done."

Micah Carrington: ((Per+Emp))

Micah Carrington: 5,1,3,

Micah Carrington: Micah doesn't notice the pause in Aerin's words; he just nods mutely and slowly pulls back, turning a tear streaked face up to Aerin.

Aerin Thomas: He smiles genlty down to Micah, reaching out to wipe the tear tracks away, one at a time. "We're going to make this right, Micah. I promise we will. Don't lose faith in yourself...I haven't."

Micah Carrington: "I'd just...I did the right thing. Didn't I," he asks, tongue flicking across his dry lips. "I was doing so much better and now...All I seem to have is guilt and shame and pain."

Aerin Thomas: "Yes, you did the right thing, hon." He nods a little, pulling his trenchcoat off to settle it over Micah's shoulders. "You tried to help, for no reason then to help. There's nothing at all wrong with that."

Micah Carrington: He nods and huddles into the familiar scent of the coat, curling it comfortingly around his slim frame. "Thank you for coming to get me."

Aerin Thomas: "Of course, Micah. Any time, anywhere." He smiles to Micah and nods, doing a quick glance around, bodyguard instincts coming into play. "C'mon...let's get you home, okay?"

Micah Carrington: "Not so sure I have one anymore. Is it okay if i crash on your couch," he asks softly, reaching out to take Aerin's hand.

Aerin Thomas: "That's what I meant, hon." He takes the boy's hand with a smile, moving to walk along with him.

Micah Carrington: "Oh." He sighs and curls close to Aerin as they walk. "How's mom?"

Aerin Thomas: "She's tired." He sighs. "Very, very tired. Been a lot in the last month for her to deal with. I think she's okay, though."

Micah Carrington: "You okay," he asks softly, glancing up at the other. "Do you need anything?"

Aerin Thomas: "I'm good." He nods a little, shrugging. "Things are...complex, I guess, right now. Hectic, all around, obviously. But I'm okay, right now."

Micah Carrington: "Kay. I just...I don't want to add to your problems, Aerin."

Aerin Thomas: "You're not, Micah." A soft, supportive smile goes to the kin. "Really, you aren't. In fact, I'll feel better, knowing you're okay. Don't even stress it."

Micah Carrington: He nods and squeezes Aerin's hand, offering him a small, shakey smile. "I'll make myself useful around the house...Promise."

Aerin Thomas: "If you want." He nods. "Don't feel like you have to, though. For now, the only thing I want you to do is relax, take it easy. Try to feel safe. We'll sort everything out together."

Micah Carrington: "I need to keep busy. If I don't I start thinking about everything and its just...Its not good."

Aerin Thomas: He nods a little, understanding. He very much knows that feeling. "Fair enough. I can understand that."

Micah Carrington: "I feel like I could take a hundred scalding hot showers and scrub myself with one of those scratchy things that you use to wash pots and never get clean."

Aerin Thomas: He just nods to that, looking over at Micah as they walk along. His hazel eyes hold an empathy for him, an understanding. He knows what the other is going through, completely.

Micah Carrington: "And if i ever get the chance...I'm going to kill Alexi Rothechilde," he adds as an aside. "Trevor's wrath or not."

Aerin Thomas: "I'm right there with you on that." He nods. "Been on my agenda for a while now."

Micah Carrington: "I want whatever it is he shot, Papa with...Just enough to make him manageable..." He frowns, eyes darkening angrily. "Then i'm going to make him wish he'd never met me."

Aerin Thomas: His lips press together for just an instant, before he nods. "We'll make him pay, Micah. I promise, we will, one day."

Micah Carrington: He shrugs and leans into Aerin, his head dropping to the man's shoulder. "Can we start with castration?"

Aerin Thomas: "It's a good start." His arm goes around Micah's shoulders.

Micah Carrington: Micah slips his arm around Aerin's waist, leaning his head against the other's chest. "Will you..." He sighs. "I know we need to stay not sexual but...will you do something for me?"

Aerin Thomas: "Of course, Micah. What is it?"

Micah Carrington: He runs his finger along the leather of Aerin's belt, eyes seeking out the other's, dark with need now. One raven brow arches eloquently.

Aerin Thomas: He pauses for a moment, watching the kin. He's quiet for a moment, before he moves to hug the kin, leaning in to whisper to him.

Micah Carrington: Micah leans into the hug, fingers curling in Aerin's belt loops.

Aerin Thomas -> Micah Carrington: "If you need this, Micah, then yes, I will. You know I'll do anything to help you."

Micah Carrington -> Aerin Thomas: "I want it...but...i want you to want it to," he whispers, lips pressed against Aerin's ear.

Micah Carrington: He whispers back, his lips pressed to Aerin's ear.

Aerin Thomas -> Micah Carrington: "Do I want this? Yes, of course I do." His voice comes out quiet and calm, stroking the other's hair. "I wouldn't do it if it wasn't to help you...but yes, I do want it."

Micah Carrington -> Aerin Thomas: Tension spills out of the kin's frame, though his fingers remain locked in the other's beltloops and he nods. "I missed you. i just need...I need to feel like i belong."

Aerin Thomas -> Micah Carrington: "I understand, hon. Come on...let's go somewhere else."

Micah Carrington: He nods and pulls back, one arm staying locked around Aerin's waist as they head off.

Aerin Thomas: He heads off with Micah, arm around the kin's shoulder, a protective gesture, as if trying to ward the negativity away from him, out of the park.

Micah Carrington: So...Aerin leads a rather willing Micah off...*EG*

Aerin Thomas: *G* He takes the kin out of the Park, to his car. He gets in on his side, waiting for Micah to get in before driving off.

Micah Carrington: Micah climbs into the care carefully, curling Aerin's jacket around him, face burrowed into the collar that smells familiarly of cigarette, Ita and Aerin.

Aerin Thomas: He smiles softly over to Micah as they head off, reaching into his shirt pocket for his cigarettes. He pulls one and hands the pack over to Micah in case he wants one, eyes on the road as he pushes the cigarette lighter in in the car, heading for a hotel...his place is out, Ita's probably home, and this is very much not what she needs right now. "Micah...I just want to make sure you want this. I know how you're feeling...really, I do. I've been there, not so long ago."

Micah Carrington: "I want You," he murmurs, shaking a cigarette to his lips and lighting up quickly. "I want to just...be safe and warm and feel loved and I need to hurt."

Aerin Thomas: He nods. He really does get it. A hand comes out, resting gently on the boy's shoulder, squeezing lightly before he rubs the shoulder a little. "Okay." He heads off to a hotel about midway between Central Park and home, pulling up to find a parking spot.

Micah Carrington: Micah walks in beside Aerin, his chin tucked to his chest, all but swimming in the oversized trench. WOuldn't do for someone to get a look at him and start thinking that Aerinw as picking up under age prostitutes.

Aerin Thomas: He moves to the counter, quickly getting them checked into a room, signed in as Luca Armaya. He takes the key and moves along with the kin, toward the room. His walk is comfortable, a relaxed pace, making no signs of anything untoward, and nothing aggressive toward Micah, an attempt to keep him comfortable.

Micah Carrington: Micah sheds the trench inside the door, tossing it to lay across one of the straight backed chairs circling the tiny table. His shoes and socks follow before he turns nervous but excited eyes to Aerin.

Aerin Thomas: He smiles, shutting the door, and moves to Micah, putting his arms around the other's slim waist. He leans his head forward, kissing the other's forehead, then looks down to meet Micah's eyes with a warm, gentle look.

Micah Carrington: The gentility in Aerin's eyes takes his breath away, almost literally. Alexi had looked at him with lust, Trevor with kidness sometimes and often anger...the Trainers...He shivered softly, the looks in their eyes didn't bear thinking about. A soft, almost bemused smile hits his lips as he lays his hands over Aerin's arms.

Aerin Thomas: The smile that spreads over Micah's face is met with nothing but warmth, and he leans his head down, pressing lips softly against the kin's cheekbone. "You know, things have been so crazy, I haven't even gotten the chance to tell you...I'm glad you're back, Micah." His head tilts down further, lips brushing the kin's own lips.

Micah Carrington: Anything he might have said is stolen by the lips brushing so softly over his own. Fear spills quickly over his mind then washes away as he melts beneath the kiss, knowing, deep in his heart that this is one person in his life who would never, intentionally harm him, no matter what he may have done. Slim hands slide up to curl over Aerin's shoulders and the soft, full lips part.

Aerin Thomas: He pauses, very briefly at the hesitance of fear, but when it flows away and Micah gives himself in, he gives over as well, his lips parting open as he slowly deepens this kiss, hands running lightly over the other's back, fingertips brushing over the other's spine.

Micah Carrington: Slim fingers curl in the fabric of Aerin's sleeves, a slow, heated spasm sliding through his frame as the kiss deepens. His back arches into the slow caress of the other's finger tips before he slowly breaks the kiss to stare up at the other. "Ita would never understand if we...If...but if you just beat me," he murmurs, though that's not all he wants...he wants all of it, everything he knows Aerin can give him.

Aerin Thomas: He freezes a moment at that, and shakes his head. "No, Micah. I can't...just beat you. I'm sorry, but I can't. Part of it is because I don't know how to do so without risking something permanent. And another, large part of it is because she'd be no more comfortable with that then with if we slept together." He sighs. "That's why, whatever we do this one time, much as I don't want to hide anything from her, it has to remain just between us. I'm doing this to help you, and that's okay. I'm comfortable with it."

Micah Carrington: "I'm not," he says softly, pulling away, tears rising in the wide, green eyes. He takes one, and then another step back, then he turns and heads for the bathroom, another weight of guilt settling onto his shoulders, stripping out of shirt and pants as he goes, revealing a patchwork of faded welts and bruises and fresher, Alexi's lupine teeth marks, scrapped across the tender flesh of his pale white thigh. He doesn't close the door behind him, but instead just focuses on the shower, trying to get the water as hot as he can stand it.

Aerin Thomas: He sighs, but lets the kin go, pausing a moment, eyes on the floor. He stands there, debating in his mind as he wrestles with this.

Micah Carrington: The sound of the water changes as he steps into the steaming water, turning his face up into it to wash away the tears that just won't stop.

Aerin Thomas: He sighs and nods a little, turns and heading toward, then into the bathroom. "Micah?" He calls the name out, soft, but calmly.

Micah Carrington: "Yeah," Micah answers, voice thick as he begins soaping himself with slow, deliberate motions of his small hands.

Aerin Thomas: He takes a lean against the door frame, body just a little tense, and watches the shower door. "Are you sure...absolutely sure...you really want me to do this? Beat you, I mean?"

Micah Carrington: "No. I want you to make love to me...and then i start feeling horrible because of Ita and josh and then I want you to beat me until I can't stand...I want you to beat me to a fucking pulp," he murmurs, words barely audible above the sound of the water.

Aerin Thomas: He sighs, looking down as he pulls a cigarette, putting it between his lips and lighting it. "It won't help. Believe me, I know." He exhales the first drag.

Micah Carrington: "I want to wipe the memory of their hands and faces and cocks out of my mind," he snarls, slamming a fist into the wall of the shower. "I want to stop feeling like I fucked up again...But mostly I want peace. I want to be happy. The happiest I've ever been was at the house, with you and Ita...and I can't have that back."

Aerin Thomas: "No, you can't. That's in the past, and it's not coming back," he agrees. His voice remains that calm, soft voice, as he keeps his eyes on the shower door. "You're realizing, just like I did after I was cleansed of the algorithm, that what you had, it's gone, in a way. You now have two options...the same ones that were presented to me. You can continue to dwell upon what you've lost, or you can build something even greater then that."

Micah Carrington: "I'm getting tired, Aerin...I can't keep rebuilding," he whispers, sinking down into the tub with a sigh, forehead pressing to his drawn up knees. "I'm gonna be 20 in a few months and...I feel like I've got nothing left."

Aerin Thomas: "Micah...I know how much you've been through in your life." He takes off his shirt, revealing the vibrant Rose tattoo on his chest, coming over and taking a seat on the edge of the tub, eyes on the young man. "You have my eternal admiration and respect for making it this far. What you've been through, particularly this last, is something that would break most people. And you had the strength to, knowing what it could mean, go in and do it, because it meant fighting for a future of those kids, all the kin that would be victims. And now, you've come out. And you're hurting." He reaches out to put a hand on the other's shoulder, letting the water run over them both, smiling a touch at the water's feel. "It's okay to hurt. Feel the hurt, but down't drown in it. Feel it now, so you can let it go, and move on. You can do this, and I'll help you."

Micah Carrington: Micah reaches up and clutches, with painful tightness, at Aerin's arm, nails curling in. "The worst, was wonderig if Trevor was really going to come get me...After they took me out of that box and pulled the catheter out...Gaia, did that hurt....They kept me in a pen with a cement floor with a few other kin and...We couldn't talk and we were all afraid to touch...and I had to wonder if it was ever gonna be over."

Aerin Thomas: He nods, not registering the pain on his face through sheer force of will((power roll: : 1,8,7,9,2,7,)). He remains calm, relaxed, silently letting the other continue.

Micah Carrington: "The bound me and gagged me and put me in a laundry cart and took me in a truck to the hotel for Alexi and Trevor, whoever he was supposed to be, to examine me. Alexi was...He enjoyed it, you could see it in his eyes as he touched me. He didn't have to act that hard to convince them that I was just what he wanted." His teeth grind together for a long, quiet moment. "The trainers left and Trev took me into another room and rubbed me down with a dry towel. It felt odd...Then we talked. I told him everything and he asked me questions, sometimes over and over again. Then he held me in his lap and just let me cry...I felt safe and then he left and he left me with that bastard and I get why but...It hurts."

Aerin Thomas: He smiles, sadly, that gentle, empathetic gaze on the other, squeezing his shoulder gently. "I know it hurts, Micah. I'm so sorry, that you had to feel that pain. And I know that the emotional pain...that hurts more then the rest. If I could, I'd take it all away from you. I'd give my life to be able to do that for you, because I love you."

Micah Carrington: He nods and presses his face against Aerin's hand, tears mingling with the water, his eyes on the other's chest.

Aerin Thomas: "You're strong, Micah." He watches the other, smiling gently. "Stronger then I could ever imagine...stronger then you can ever know. I wish I had half your strength...but for now, rely on my strength. I'll help you through this, okay?"

Micah Carrington: "When did you get...that," he asks, leaning up to press his palm against the tattoo.

Aerin Thomas: His eyes trail down to the hand on his chest, and he smiles softly. "Last week."

Micah Carrington: "Why," he asks, other hand moving to turn off the water which was starting to get very cold.

Aerin Thomas: "Because someone wanted to give me a gift. A very, very significant one." Hazel eyes move from his chest to the other's eyes, gaze soft and filled with an uncompromising love for the kin.

Micah Carrington: He nods slowly and draws himself to his feet. "You should call, ita. Make sure its okay."

Micah Carrington: "And, y'know...I love you." He nods and drops his hand from Aerin's chest.

Aerin Thomas: He watches Micah for a moment, and nods, smiling a bit. "I love you, too, Micah." He leans forward and kisses the young man's forehead. After the courage and resolve he's shown, he's far from a boy in his eyes. He stands up. "This is...probably not the best time for me to check with her, but I will. I'll be right back." He moves out of the bathroom, shutting the door so he can talk with his mate for a moment in privacy.

Micah Carrington: He frowns softly at that, brow arching before he turns to the mirror to study his reflection, finger smoothing over full lips and the clean line of his nose before he turns and tries to get a look at the back of his thigh. Giving a shake of his head he grabs a towel and begins to dry off.

Aerin Thomas: Ita gets a phone call @ home last night. :)

Ita McNairee: Alllo?

Aerin Thomas: "Hey, love." It's Aerin, of course. He's speaking quietly, but not overly so as to be hushed. "I think we might be having a house guest, if you're comfortable with it."

Ita McNairee: .. aye.. oo ye mean sweet loves? Dae ah've time fer tae clean?

Aerin Thomas: "Well, I meant for more then a visit." He pauses. "Micah called me tonight. Someone took the children and all their things from Alexi's, and Alexi attacked Micah. Micah got away with little more then a scratch, but he's all sorts of torn up and hurt emotionally. I brought him to a hotel so that he could relax in a less public place, and talk with me, one on one...we're still here." He sighs, his voice dropping an octave, and growing deeply sad. "He's really hurting, Ita."

Ita McNairee: aye loves.. oc course ee can coome o'er.. *she'd sound almost outraged over the question were it not or the overwhelming ~concern~ in her voice* aye.. aye loves.. ah'll move yer shite entae a corner en tha bedroom.. see aboot gien a bed... ow long tell ye'll be hoome? *yeah..the pikey was going to be doing alot of heavy lifting. good luck with that prego. *

Aerin Thomas: "We still have the second bed that Travis used when he was in the second bedroom...don't you dare try to move anything yourself, either. I'll move it." He pauses. "We may still be a while...I'm letting him talk, get some of it out. He...I think Joshua's might leave him over this one, Ita. He's been working with Alexi on a slave ring that's been kidnapping our kin for breeding purposes, and he was in as undercover, kind of. Alexi was on our side, but he...apparently had to...do things to Micah, in order to be convincing. Joshua just pretty much hung up on him, which I understand why...but Micah wasn't doing anything he wanted to, you know? He was trying to save kids and defenseless kin." He sounds a little torn...he understands Joshua's pain, but knows Micah was doing it because it needed to be done.

Ita McNairee: och boolox.. jes gie hem hoome. *bah.. all that would be soothed away and made right. but not if the kid wasn't within arms reach of her it seems. pikey shushing tori as she starts to squall*

Aerin Thomas: "I'm going as quick as I can. He's in a very scared, very hurting state right now...he's very vulnerable right now, and he asked me to...help him feel safe, and loved. But I know you're not comfortable with that, so I'm trying to let him know that this isn't something I can do anymore. As soon as I'm done with that, I'll have him right home. I don't want to bring that kind of tension into our home, you know? I want him to feel comfortable there, and I don't want you to be worried that he might try to push that."

Ita McNairee: aye darlin.. dinnae break a wee felly.. ye breng hem hoome an ee'll be safe an loved enough. *she nods, sounds of a door shutting, she's apparently outside now*

Aerin Thomas: "I will, love. I'll see you very soon, okay? I love you."

Ita McNairee: aye darlin. love ye tae. *and for the firts time in awhile its not said with a sigh, just truth, she's too worried for guile and covered feelings*

Aerin Thomas: *Click*

Aerin Thomas: After a few minutes, he knocks on the door.

Micah Carrington: Micah pulls it open, then turns his attention back to the mirror, fingers combing through his curls once again.

Aerin Thomas: He walks in, smiling a little bit. He moves up behind him, sliding his arms around the other's waist...though chastely, as is the gentle kiss placed to the kin's shoulder. "I think we should go home, Micah."

Micah Carrington: "Yeah," he asks, leaning back into Aerin, glad of the closeness though part of him misses what they'd had. Fingers give another half hearted try at the short, short curls and he sighs. "Maybe I should try bald?"

Aerin Thomas: "Mmm, I dunno. Personally, not a big fan of bald, myself. 'sides, I like your hair." He squeezes the young man, lightly. "Thank you, Micah."

Micah Carrington: "For what," he asks softly, dropping his head back against aerin's shoulder.

Aerin Thomas: "Being strong." He smiles down, meeting Micah's gaze. "Keeping me from violating a trust. You're much stronger then I am."

Micah Carrington: "Not really..." He shakes his head and sighs. "If I hadn't been through all of this...If I hadn't been violated over and over again in the ways that I was...If I hadn't lost Josh, sick of all, I'd have been begging you...But...I knew that I'd just lose you, or part of what we have...if that makes sense."

Aerin Thomas: "It does. And that realization...that's strength. To be able to see that, through everything." He pulls away, looking at the kin's bruises and welts, and the wound on his leg. A little frown, and he places his hand over the leg, focusing. ((MT: : 5,8,4,7,2,6,))

Micah Carrington: He makes a soft sound then sighs as the teeth marks fade. "Part of me is always gonna want that back with you. But I love Ita too much to hurt her like that."

Aerin Thomas: "I know." He nods a little, watching the fading wound with a satisfied nod. He can heal something tonight, at least. "And part of me will always want that with you, as well. Like I said, though, as much as I want it, I'd only do it in order to help you. And this wouldn't help, because it will tear you up inside." He puts his arms around the young man's shoulders, hugging him again and kissing his cheek. "Come on. Let's go home, before my mate hurts herself trying to move workout equipment around, setting your room up."

Micah Carrington: His eyes go wide. "Oh bloody fuck," he mutters, bolting out of the bathroom to grab his clothes, hopping around as he climbs into them.

Aerin Thomas: A little smile, tempered only because he knows Ita's probably DOING it right now, despite his request for her not to. He grabs his trenchcoat, holding it out for the kin to wear and waiting to walk downstairs with him.

Micah Carrington: Micah shrugs into the thing, snorting as he sees how long it is on him...Ah well, Josh has the rest of his stuff. "lets hurry before she either hurts herself or wakes up Tori."

Aerin Thomas: A nod, and he heads off to the car, to take them to the apartment. ((And, if you want, lemme check with Chumble, see if we wanna take this to DT Resi?))

ITA & AERIN'S APARTMENT

Ita McNairee: *the pikey's making a bed, smoothing a a hideous home made quilt thing, one hand on her pregnant belly. crows watch over little tori, who's gurgling all swaddled in her crib in the bedroom. the smell of roast permeates the house*

Micah Carrington: ((Waits for Ravyn to post...))

Aerin Thomas: The car pulls up to the apartment complex, and he kills the engine. The door opens and he steps out, making a quick look around as he does. With Micah in the car, and Ita upstairs he's in full bodyguard mode.

Micah Carrington: Micah waits until he gets the nod from Aerin before sliding from the car and moving towards the door.

Aerin Thomas: He moves around to Micah's side, opening the door for him to get out, then following him to the door, unlocking it and heading up to the second floor, where home lies.

Ita McNairee: *thank god she'd finaly stopped crying. the last thing anyone needed was the sound of a screaming child to heighten what was likely going to be a tense moood already. she finishes witht he bed, shooing brutis and clay into the master bedroom with a soft pet to both, she toddles into the kitchen, anxious*

Micah Carrington: Micah fidgets a bit at the door and wraps Aerin's coat around himself, hunching his slim shoulders.

Aerin Thomas: He unlocks the door and heads in, holding the door open for Micah and looking around. "Love?"

Micah Carrington: "Hi, mom," Micah adds softly, sliding into the apartment with a sigh.

Ita McNairee: Och... *she looks up from the kitchen, dropping the mits and closing the oven as she checks the roast compulsively for aboutthe millionth time.. bustling over towards Micah and Aerin* darlins..

Micah Carrington: He smiles softly to Ita and starts to shrug out of the jacket; then, thinking better of it, just lets it gap open.

Aerin Thomas: A warm smile to Ita, and he walks over, sliding an arm around her waist and giving her a quick kiss, before letting her go to fuss over Micah like he knows she will. He watches impending fussing with a soft smile on his face.

Ita McNairee: *a kiss to Aerins, chin and a squeeze to his shoulder, a whisper before she zero's in on micah, wrapping her arms around him and curling him close* och me darlin.. sweet lad.. ye aulrecht?

Ita McNairee -> Aerin Thomas: loves... reckon ye could check tha custard? *akiss to his ear before she's off to miach*

Micah Carrington: He blinks and curls his arms around Ita, hugging her gently, his face nestling into the curve of her throat. "I'm okay. I am..." But its clear if Ita keeps it up he won't stay okay for long.

Aerin Thomas: He nods and heads over to check on the custard. Mind you, the man has no idea what to check for...yep. Looks like custard.

Ita McNairee: *she curls the boy close into her, warm and concerned, stroking his hair* me precious darlin.. *a kiss to the side of his head as she hadles him carefully, glad he's safe and home* yer oome noow.. .. *she leans back* ded ye breng anythen? ah've set oop yer room..

Micah Carrington: "Josh has all my stuff and um...the little I had with me, well, Alexi probably got rid of it," he murmurs.

Ita McNairee: *the custard smells like custard too. a graham cracker pie crust has been pressed into a pie plate, ita finger pressings evident. apparently thast where the custard is to go. in a few minutes the custard will likely smell like burning*

Ita McNairee: *ita nods and strokes the boys face, finger a little crummy. she gives a frown and wipes the crumbs off poor Micah* aye.. well we'll gie ye set oop sweet lad.. come. set doown. ye et?

Micah Carrington: Bewildered, he nods and follows mutely after Ita, pausing only long enough to peel off the coat, eyes flicking over his shoulder to the exposed back of his thigh with a frown.

Aerin Thomas: He looks to the custard...looks to the crust. Looks to the custard...looks to the crust. Custard...crust. Custard...yeah, guess that's it. He starts to pour said custard into crust.

Ita McNairee: *she leads him to his room. yes, against his highness's wishes things have been moved.. but only a little,, only what she could lean on and skin out of the way, all the fairly light equipment shoved in a corner of the former workout room, bed made up carefully as she sits and takes a good look at the kin* wha ye wan tae dae sweetness?

: ((Yes and that REALLY IS him and cooking))

Micah Carrington: "About what," he asks,reaching back and down to tug at the trailing bits of denim with a frown, his eyes everywhere but on Ita.

Aerin Thomas: ((*Thwaps the lurker*))

Ita McNairee: (*laughs* well hey. if we're playing true to life there should be some sort of Pants included in the dinner.. *sighs*))

Ita McNairee: 6,8,4,1,6,

Ita McNairee: ah jes mean taenaecht loves.. ye've 'ad a rough wan.. aye? *She smiles warmly, tilting her head in question at his pants* wha's wie yer trousers loves?

Micah Carrington: "Got bit in the ass," he murmurs, glancing at her with a sigh. "Well, just below the right cheek at anyrate. And tonight, just...spend time with you and Aerin...Maybe something to eat? I haven't eaten all day."

Aerin Thomas: Custard scuessfully pours, he takes a brief taste, then moves to check on his baby girl, giving Ita and Micah some space. He watches the crows flutter off as he approaches the crib, and smiles lovingly down to Tori. "Hey, you."

Ita McNairee: och.. *her eyes go wide as she toddles towards him* och... well we'll gie ye ot o those clothes.. aye? gawn.. ye take a shower.. we'll fex ye oop soome clothes.. ah'll fex ye supper.... aye? *she moves to look at the man's wound*

Micah Carrington: "Its okay," he says, flushing as she moves to look at the skin just beneath his arse, not wanting her to see any of the other welts or bruises. His hands drop back to cover. "Aerin fixed it...and I've showered so um...just clothes. Please?"

Ita McNairee: och.. aye darlin.. *she strokes his back gently, a smile at his modesty* och.. ye've seen me en tha buff darlin.. reckon yer arse es naethen a wee pikey's nae seen afore.. *a smile as she hugs him from behind* ye gie settled en bed oor awn the coudh oor where ever yer 'eart desires.. ah'll gie ye clothes..

Micah Carrington: He nods, flushing slightly. "Okay." with a groan he settles on the edge of the bed to wait for the new clothes, blinking as he notes that more then his thigh seems to not hurt.

Aerin Thomas: He reaches down and picks Tori up, cradling her in his arms and walking around, speaking quietly to her.

Ita McNairee: *ita trundles into the bedroom, slipping her arms around Aerin's waist from behind,stopping his pacing, head resting on his back as she sighs* reckon ye've sweats wha'll fet tha lad? *a kiss pressed to his spine*

Aerin Thomas: He looks over his shoulder, down at her and smiles softly. "Not perfectly...they'll be a bit big. But they'll work until I can take him clothes-shopping before work tomorrow."

Micah Carrington: Micah pushes back to his feet and strips off his t-shirt before moving towards the workout equipment. Face thoughtful he begins to move it a bit.

Ita McNairee: *a nod turns into a nuzzle to his shoulderblade. a kiss pressed there too before she makes with rummaging in the closet, a pair of sweats retreived with a t-shirt. she smiles softly at her mate and the baby before moving back to micah*

Aerin Thomas: The workout equipment is mostly mats on the floor, likely pushed up by the pikey...some free weights. Biggest item, that Aerin will probably have to move, is the large, heavy punching punching dummy, in the corner of the room.

Micah Carrington: Things pushed into order, he drops himself down on the bench and lays back, curling slim fingers about the bar.

Micah Carrington: ((DLP!*lOL*))

Aerin Thomas: He looks after Ita with a smile before looking at the little girl, soothing her half-awake protests with a little Romani.

Micah Carrington: The kid moves the weights by ones and twos, settling them off to oneside, pausing with a set of twenties to do slow curls.

Aerin Thomas: ((Actually, you can keep that; forgot about the weight bench. :P))

Micah Carrington: ((*snicker* Allll righty then! Keep the first, delete the second!))

Ita McNairee: *ita trundles en* they may be a wee spot tae beg.. *a soft smile his way, warm and friendly*

Micah Carrington: "Sokay," he says, releasing the bar to sit up with a small smile. "Anything's better then flashing my backside."

Aerin Thomas: Once Tori's soothed back to sleep, he heads into Micah's room, leaning in the door frame, watching quietly.

Ita McNairee: och.. reckon tha'd be yer style loves *she teases with a little wink, moving close to kiss his temple if he'll let her* Ah'll dish ye oop a plate.. aye? ye 'eaden tae sleep oor wannnen tae curl oop?

Micah Carrington: His face darkens at Ita's first words and he almost pulls away from the kiss, then sighs, turning to brush his lips across her cheek. "I'd like to sit out there with you two if that's okay."

Ita McNairee: *she gives a little frown as he takes offense, stroking her fingers through his hair with a slight jingle, kind eyes catching his a moment as she lullabys* aye.. ye gie changed an we'll 'ave supper, *she nods and trundles towards the door, giving Aerin a smile*

Micah Carrington: "Okay," he murmurs, pulling his t-shirt back on before stripping out of his jeans and pulling on the baggy sweats.

Aerin Thomas: He sighs a little bit at the darkened face, but he nods, stepping out of the room to let Micah change.

Micah Carrington: He exits the room a few minutes later, slightly more relaxed and with an apologetic expression on his lovely face.

Ita McNairee: *she's in the kitchen... blinking that the custard is already in the pie plate. .. well. she's intended on .. oh never mind.. he was helping. an amused smile as she tries to figure out how to remove a now hot roaster from the over without searing her burgeouning belly, finally struggling it onto the counter*

Aerin Thomas: He smiles warmly to Micah as he comes out. "Someone wants to say hi to you." He walks over, slowly with Tori.

Micah Carrington: "Oh...Hey, sweety," he coos softly, teeth catching at his lower lip as he reaches out to touch her silken cheek.

Ita McNairee: *putttering about. she's making gravy. a pause to hunch over the sink and cringe as Archie waves up and has at her insides*

Aerin Thomas: Tori blinks up at Micah and makes a little sound, reaching out in an unfocused manner for the finger brushing her face. Aerin smiles and looks from his daughter to Micah. "You want to hold her?"

Ita McNairee: (wakes)

Micah Carrington: He blinks then glances up at Aerin in uncertainty before looking back down to Tori's little face. "Um...If you think its okay," he manages after a moment.

Ita McNairee: *a string of gaelic curses as she drops the spoon in the gravy, they say babies start to absorb meaning and tone while in the womb.. if so.. what must archie be absorbing?*

Aerin Thomas: "Of course I do, if you'd like." He nods to Micah, stance relaxed, calm face set on Micah.

Micah Carrington: His teeth nip at his lower lip again and he nods, curling his arms so he can take her. "She's so tiny...Um...mom? You okay?"

Aerin Thomas: He looks over at Ita at the foreign-language string of profanity, then looks back and sets the infant carefully in Micah's arms, taking his arms slowly away, to make sure the young man has her.

Ita McNairee: Aye.. *gaelic curses.. pikey speak.. gaelic muttering... she's trying to fish the spoon out with a chopstick*

Micah Carrington: Micah makes a soft sound as Tori's weight settles into his arms and his eyes glue themselves on her face. Slowly, and carefully, he paces towards a chair, sitting down easily. "Hey, you...Its just me, Micah, again."

Aerin Thomas: He looks after Micah with a soft little grin...a baby girl to help sooth a young man's pain. Perfect plan. He nods a little, then moves to Ita. "Need help, love?"

Ita McNairee: occcchhh.. *its a noise of irritation as she points to the spoon rapidly cememnting itself to the botom of the roaster, face screwed up in what is obviously consternation, but on a bedraggled pikey looks somewhat comical*

Micah Carrington: "I'm your...Well...I dunno. Your brother, kinda and kinda just..." He sighs and bends down, kissing her forehead, a small smile on his face. "I'm the one that's gonna make sure no one ever lays a finger on you."

Aerin Thomas: He chuckles a little, leaning over to kiss the Rroma woman's head. He opens a drawer, grabbing a set of tongs and reaching in to pick the trapped spoon.

Ita McNairee: och.. ah didnae kain we 'ad thoose.. *she sighs in outrage, looking a little sheepish and setting down the chopstick to look up at the cheeky garou* clever widget.

Micah Carrington: "Josh and I were talking about kids," he adds thuoghtfully. "But I don't think there's even a we, much less a family...So, I guess that means that you're stuck with me. You and Archie. And I'm gonna apologize now if I ever do something stupid...Kay?"

Aerin Thomas: He grins down at the woman. "I prefer to think of it as 'ingenious,' thank you very much. You can just call it pure genius, though, if you like."

Ita McNairee: *she grins and brings her hands up to his neck, pulling him down for a kiss, and mumbling against his lips* cut tha roast oop, me genuis.. *another quick kiss stolen before she loosens her weak grip*

Micah Carrington: He laughs softly as Tori whaps him in the nose with one little fist and turns his head to kiss the tiny fingers gently. "Love you, chica. I'll try, really hard, to be a good whatever I am. I promise," he whispers, settling back in the chair, his head against the back, eyes turned down to the baby.

Aerin Thomas: He leans down into the kiss, another of those brief, but teetering on the edge of more then a kiss, before he pulls back and smiles. "All right. One cut-up roast, comin' up."

Ita McNairee: *she gives his chest a rub and turns back to the stove, adding some butter to potatoes and making with mashing them, a sigh as she looks over to micah and tori. she smiles and chimes* Micah loves.. dae ye like custard?

Micah Carrington: "Never had it," he says, glancing up, briefly, from the baby before his eyes settle on her again with a look of mingled loss and hope.

Ita McNairee: och.. well we'll see than.. aye? good fer when yer en a woory. *she fliches as she gets a bit of potato on her cheek, sighing and closing her eyes*

Micah Carrington: He mouths gently on Tori's fist then glances up at Ita and starts giggling. "Um...You got some white stuff there...by your mouth."

Aerin Thomas: He slices up the meat with, while not perfect cuts, tolerable ones. A glance goes back to Micah and Tori and he smiles a little, heartened a bit, before going back to his work.

Ita McNairee: Och ah dae nae!.. *ita looks veeerry confused suddenly, until her hand comes up and she realizes its potato..juuuust potato. she turn a deep shade of red under the tan, eyes wide, she looks for something to throw, towel getting bunched up before her eyes drift to the baby and shakes her head*.. och.. saved by yer lettle sester..

Aerin Thomas: He laughs a little, shaking his head.

Ita McNairee: *a cheeky rueful smile as she shakes her head at the kin*

Micah Carrington: "Love you," he says more softly, watching her for a long minute before dropping his attention back to the all consuming baby.

Ita McNairee: Love ye tae Micah darlin.. *she sets the towel back and steps away from the stove, hands on her widening hips, she looks around* och.. well.. reckon everythens ready.. *a look up to Aerin, a little smile of amusement*thank ye fer 'elpen wie tha pie.

Aerin Thomas: "Anything I can do to help, m'love." He smiles, completely missing that he may have done anything wrong.

Micah Carrington: Micah rolls carefully to his feet, making soft, almost sweet faces, at Tori as he pads towards the kitchen area.

Aerin Thomas: And as one last FR series: War of the Spider Queen. Damn good shite.

Aerin Thomas: ((X-Post))

Ita McNairee: *a chuckle as she gets out of the way and just lets folk dish up their own plates. its a fairly plain supper. a small pork roast, gravy, mashed potatos, peas, and a little "custard pie" that ita grins at as she walks past. she guesses all that cut up fruit would be breakfast then*

Ita McNairee: ((LAUGHS))

Micah Carrington: ((*snicker* nice, Rav'...Nice.))

Micah Carrington: Micah eyes the food then drops his eyes to Tori. "I'm gonna have to put you down sweety so I can eat. My belly's rumblin'."

Aerin Thomas: "Here, I'll put her back. You're hungry. Eat." He moves to take Tori from Micah so he can stop being starving.

Micah Carrington: He leans up, kisses Aerin's cheek as he hands off the baby. "Thanks." Eyes flick back to the food and he grins. "Looks good mom. Really good."

Aerin Thomas: "Any time, hon." He smiles to Tori, leaning down to kiss her forehead as he walks her to her crib and sets her in it.

Ita McNairee: *ita moves out the way, setting milk on the kitchen table, arms full of glasses as she settles into a seat, the dogs have smelled food and trot out the bedroom to lie in the living room. they know its worth their LIFE to try to beg at the table.*

Micah Carrington: Micah fixes up his plate and kisses ITa's cheek as he settles into a seat.

Aerin Thomas: He gets a plate of food, giving an adoring look to Ita. "Thank you for dinner, love."

Ita McNairee: *she smiles, brushing micha's face with her hand and rising now that every one has food to fet herself a plate.. a bit of a struggle to get out of the chair*

Ita McNairee: *she nods to Aerin* nae prollem loves.. reckon ah've gawn better, aye? ye dinnae grimace nae moore.

Micah Carrington: Micah snickers softly and digs into his food, smiling a bit.

Aerin Thomas: "No, you've gotten much better, love." He smiles. It's edible now, after all...and even good. Quite good.

Ita McNairee: *a little shove to him as she goes past with her plate* see yer tha same *she teases* tha pie wasnae supposed tae "AVE custard en et.. *and the rotund pikey settles into her seat, eating a bit of mashed potatoes so as not to do more than smirk*

Micah Carrington: "So...I just wanted to say, y'know...thanks. For putting up with me."

Aerin Thomas: "...oh. Ooops." He grins a little, sheepishly, at Ita, then looks to Micah, his expression softening. "Of course, Micah. You're more then welcome. Any time."

Ita McNairee: *ita lets her head drop to the side, kind brown eyes fixing on micah as she shakes her head in amusement. no thanks needed, he was family now. she nods in agreement with jer* we love ye darlin.. yer family. aye?

Micah Carrington: "And I'll try and live up to the whole family thing...If I can figure it out."

Aerin Thomas: "Micah, don't feel you have anything to live up to. Family isn't about goals and expectations. It's about love and support."

Micah Carrington: "I just don't want to fu-screw, anything else up."

Ita McNairee: darlin.. *she laughs and pours herself some milk* course yer gintae fook thengs oop. everywan daes.. aye.. but reckon we'll stell be family, stell love ye.. aye? sae jes try yer best an dinnae stress o'er et.. aye?

Micah Carrington: He nods and downs half the glass of milk in three long swallows.

Aerin Thomas: A little smile, as he eats.

Ita McNairee: *she seems content to eat in silence.. just "pass the peas" and "watch your elbow" and "clay gie awa frem tha table oor ah'll skin ye an save meself awn dag kibble"*

Micah Carrington: Micah watches the dogs, half tempted to give them food...Animals were new to the kid adn he was just...awed.

Ita McNairee: An ye! Gie OOT tha ketchen oor ah'll 'ave meself a fur coat ye scruffy shite.. Oot! *her voice rises as she redirects a very stealthy husky from the kitchen to the bedroom*

Aerin Thomas: He chuckles at the dog's antics. "You know it's a lost cause, love."

Micah Carrington: Sheepishly, Micah draws his hand out from under the table and lays it beside his plate, cheeks flushing.

Ita McNairee: *she gives up and starts laughing, pushing her hair out of her face*

Micah Carrington: "That one was my fault," he admits, smiling.

Aerin Thomas: "Nothing I haven't done once or twice, Micah." A wink to him, as he prepares to duck the scolding he's about to get.

Micah Carrington: Almost giggling, Micah proceeds to pop tidbits into his mouth in an effort to keep from just laughing.

Ita McNairee: *she swivels her head to Aerin, moth open* OCH! yer tha reason they keep daen tha? och.. good ruddy job alpha wolf.. letten em con ye..

Micah Carrington: "Scuse me," he squeeks, pushing away from the table to head into the other room, laughing hard.

Aerin Thomas: He gives a mock innocent look to Ita. "What? An alpha has to show generosity to his pack, after all."

Malcolm De Witt: He arrives in a dark blue Lincoln Continental that looks like a limo, only without the stretch. He double checks the address, and glances around before heading up to knock on the door.

Malcolm De Witt: 10,7,6,10,

Malcolm De Witt: 4,10,2,9,7,7,10,

Malcolm De Witt: 10,2,4,7,2,

Micah Carrington: He goes silent hearing the door and moves back towards the kitchen. someone else so gets to get that.

Aerin Thomas: He looks up at the knock, and immediately stands, going straight into action-mode. He moves to the door, checking though the peep-hole.

Ita McNairee: *her eyes rooolll, and she tenses as the door sounds*

Malcolm De Witt: Malcolm stands, a bit nervously, in the hall, waiting for the door to open.

Aerin Thomas: He blinks, looking back to them. "It's Malcolm." He opens the door.

Malcolm De Witt: His driver remains on the street, behind the wheel of the car.

Micah Carrington: Micah tenses upon hearing who it is and leans into the doorframe, trying to make himself small.

Ita McNairee: *she rises, hand on her belly, head tilted* ... Loves..

Aerin Thomas: "Hey, Malcolm. Come on in." He gives the man a warm smile.

Ita McNairee: *a small warm smile to malcolm as tori begins to fusss. she moves from the table* cooome et effen yer hungry loves... *and she's off into the bed room to deal with a crying baby*

Ita McNairee: (have to make brekky. be back)

Malcolm De Witt: He smiles at Aerin, tho there is a quite a bit of worry and concern in his eyes. He smiles and nods to Ita, and then to Micah. "Hello. I'm not...interrupting anything am I?"

Micah Carrington: "Hi, Mr. De...Malcolm."

Malcolm De Witt: He smiles and nods to Micah, then looks back to Aerin, waiting for the verdict.

Aerin Thomas: "No, not at all. We were eating, is all. Can I get you anything?"

Micah Carrington: One raven brow arches and he frowns. Malcolm doesn't smile at him...

Malcolm De Witt: "Uhm, no, thank you. You have....people watching the street, you know that?"

Micah Carrington: Micah's eyes flick to Aerin, widening.

Malcolm De Witt: "I spotted someone. My driver confirmed it."

Aerin Thomas: A sigh. "I guess I'm not too terribly surprised. I've been trying to look out for them as best I can, but I'm no expert yet."

Malcolm De Witt: He nods. "I'm no expert, either." He draws in a deep breath, then exhales. "I was given some items by a fellow named Liam Mackenzie. He told me to talk to you about what's...happened with Karlos."

Ita McNairee: *the baby is getting fussed with. a squawk and flutter as crows swoop out of the room, 3 of them*

Micah Carrington: Micah flinches and heads for the bedroom and his shoes.

Aerin Thomas: He nods. "Good...I'm glad Liam got them to you. So what's going on?" He gestures toward the couches, for them to sit.

Malcolm De Witt: Malcolm backs up against the wall as the crows fly out, eyeing them with wide eyes.

Malcolm De Witt: 1,7,5,8,5,

Malcolm De Witt: "Uhm..." his voice is a little quavery, gaze still on the crows. He seems to have lost his train of thought.

Aerin Thomas: He frowns at the crows, and goes to try and herd them back ingo the bedroom, or at least, into a state of order. "Guys...back up."

Malcolm De Witt: He glances around, fear in his face, as if expecting some ghost to jump out of the woodwork. "Uhm...I...Do you know there are crows here?"

Micah Carrington: Micah comes back out of the bedroom with his shoes on, Aerin's sweats tied as tightly as he can around his lean hips, and heads for the door.

Ita McNairee: *she toddles out of the bedroom, a now silent baby in her arms being coddled, she looks to Aerin herding her crows and gives frown waving them to the couch*

Malcolm De Witt: He frowns as Micah seems to be leaving on his account. "Micah, I don't think you should be leaving, not with those people watching the street."

Micah Carrington: "I could be paranoid or way too self important but there' probably here because of me..."

Micah Carrington: ((they're))

Malcolm De Witt: He sees the baby and his eyes get REALLY big. He gets an 'oh shit!' look and turns his face to the wall.

Ita McNairee: *ita looks about in confusion* Micah.. wher ye gawn lad.. ?

Aerin Thomas: "Micah, stop." He looks to the young man. "You're not leaving here, to go out and be risked to those people. In here, you're far safer then out there. And besides, my guess is, you're not what they're after. They're probably from the Silver Fangs."

Malcolm De Witt: 1,3,9,8,8,

Micah Carrington: The kin sighs and steps back from the door. "If they are here from...Well...I'd rather go and get caught then risk Tori."

Malcolm De Witt -> Aerin Thomas: He feels a surge of warmth from LWS, and knows that Malcolm has just activated the link.

Malcolm De Witt: (Btw, for clarification, when is this scene occurring? Real time?)

Aerin Thomas: ((Late last night by now, IIRC))

Ita McNairee: *the pikey hears "risk tori" and the baby is suddenly PART of her body, pressed close and secure, Ita's eyes dart around the room*

Malcolm De Witt: He groans and presses his face into the corner, head bowed.

Micah Carrington: ((Per+emp on Malc))

Micah Carrington: 3,3,1,

Micah Carrington: Micah is utterly oblivious as to why Malc may be groaning into the corner. One raven brow arches and he sighs, glancing from Aerin to the door and back.

Aerin Thomas: He stops, taking a deep breath, and smiles a little involuntarily, before looking to Micah. "I believe they're probably hoping Xu comes here. I doubt they have anything to do with you, and while I appreciate you're wanting to protect Tori, if I thought she was at the smallest amount risk, we'd all be taking the back entrance out and heading for someplace safe."

Micah Carrington: He nods and heads to the couch, sinking down onto it in relief.

Aerin Thomas: He looks over at Malcolm, concern coming instantly. "Malcolm? What's wrong?"

Ita McNairee: 8,7,3,2,3,

Ita McNairee: *she cocks her head, watching malcolm as she approaches him* Malcolm darlin.. are .. yer aulrecht?

Aerin Thomas: ((Per+Emping Malc meself))

Aerin Thomas: 3,3,7,9,6,8,4,

Malcolm De Witt -> Aerin Thomas: (He appears to have launched into a sort of panic attack, triggered by the crows and the baby, and then reached out via Rose for Karlos, and is now calming down due to whatever Karlos is doing in the link.)

Ita McNairee: *a shrill caw from the pikey and the crows grudgingly fly into the bedroom, ita's voice turning soothing* Malcolm loves.. shhh shhh shh.. noow noow.. nae o tha... *she lullabys as soft and comforting as she can* (manip + emping -2 dif)

Malcolm De Witt: "Uhm..." He takes a few deep breaths, shuffling away from Ita, keeping his gaze averted from Tori. "I'm...I don't do well around babies."

Ita McNairee: Ets aulrecht doves.. she's nae harm... wan me tae taek er entae tha bedroom while ye veset?

Ita McNairee: 2,1,10,7,3,6,6,

Ita McNairee: 10,

Aerin Thomas: "Ita...please, if you don't mind, can you hand me Tori." He says it calmly, moving to her as he watches Malcolm.

Ita McNairee: 7,

Malcolm De Witt: "THat'd be really good," he says, too quickly and too sincerely, as if Ita's carrying a slavering, face-eating monster instead of an infant.

Micah Carrington: Micah is silent, watching them all quietly from his perch on the couch.

Ita McNairee: *Ita nods, soothing noises having put the fussy baby to sleep, she gennntly transfers Tori to Aerin's arms* there ye are.. naethen tae woory about sweet darlin..

Aerin Thomas: He takes the little girl carefully, smiling down to her as he takes her away from Malcolm, over to Micah to hold.

Micah Carrington: That instant, bemused, smile hits the kin's lips as he takes the baby, curling her gently into his chest as he snuggles into the corner of the couch.

Malcolm De Witt: He takes a few breaths, calming down as the baby gets further away, and keeps his gaze averted from the baby. "Uhm..." He tries to refocus on his reasons for being here. "Liam...gave me...Karlos' things. And...said to talk to Aerin."

Micah Carrington: ((manip+Subterfuge))

Micah Carrington: 6,7,5,5,7,

Ita McNairee: *ita tilts her head, sighing and hauling her round self across the room to clean up supper dishes*

Aerin Thomas: Baby transferred over, he retuns back to the kitchen area. "All right..." He nods at Malcolm's assessment. "So, what exactly is going on with Karlos being captured, then, Malcolm?"

Micah Carrington: Micah keeps the smile, though his eyes tense, just slightly, at the corners at the mention of Karlos.

Malcolm De Witt: "Uhm...Apparently...He's being held in a commercial laundry in Brooklyn."

Malcolm De Witt: "But...I mean...what do you know about all this, Aerin? Why did Liam tell me to talk to you?"

Ita McNairee: *ita's fussing with dishes, another sigh as she has a spoonfull of potatoes before beginning to scrape plates*

Micah Carrington: Micah stands and takes Tori into the bedroom, laying her down in the crib gently. "See, sweets...I'm trouble," he whispers, covering her lightly before leaving the room and pulling the door mostly shut.

Aerin Thomas: "Honestly?" He sighs. "What I know is this. About a month and a half or so, Xu told me that something, in an aside, about a kinfolk smuggling ring. I offered to help, he made the point that there were situation that were much more dangerous and urgent at hand. I let it go. Then, Micah came by, about a week ago, and told me about what he'd done for Xu, as far as working under that fucker Rothechilde. I contacted Xu, he sent Karlos, and I offered to help by talking to Alexi, since Micah seemed to be having difficulty doing so."

Ita McNairee: *dogs mill about the kitchen area, hoping to catch a scrap of something as ita tensd to the mess, listening*

Aerin Thomas: "This weekend, I went to see Liam, and tell him his daughter had been born, and took her to see him the next day. Liam told me that Micah had called, that Karlos was with Rothechilde, but Karlos had given Liam those items to give to you. I told him to do so. Then, Micah came to me tonight, saying Rothechilde had had his kids taken, and had attacked Micah. And there we are."

Micah Carrington: "Alexi and I were part of each other's cover. Slave and owner so we could move around amongst the people involved in the ring."

Malcolm De Witt: "Okay..." He stares at Aerin, brow furrowed s he does his best to put this together. "Who's Rothechilde?"

Malcolm De Witt: "Alexi is Rothechilde?" He nods as if that now makes more sense. "So...Micah knows how this goes beyond New York?"

Micah Carrington: "Cairo...That's where I was trained. And yeah, Alexi is Rothechilde."

Aerin Thomas: "Alexi Rothechilde. An Athro Shadow Lord. Alexis Donovan's father. A sick fuck who has apparently been working on our side in order to infiltrate the slave ring." His eyes are fairly flashing at mention of Alexi.

Ita McNairee: *food put away, she begins packing up some left overs in a little tupperwear container*

Malcolm De Witt: "Micah can you tell us precisely who and where the traders are in Cairo?"

Micah Carrington: "I know what it looks like and I know the route but none of the signs were in English...And no one spoke English, either so I know faces but not names." He frowns softly. "Trevor knows how to get there...He acted as the middle man for my purchaser."

Ita McNairee: *a slight whimp from the pikey, a plastic cup clattering to the ground as she hunches over her stomach, holding onto the counter with a look of shock*

Aerin Thomas: He starts to say something, until Ita whimpers and hunches, and he goes to her side in an instant. "Ita?"

Malcolm De Witt: "Trevor? Trevor Dunne?" He looks at Micah.

Micah Carrington: He nods. "Yeah."

Ita McNairee: *the hand that was holding the cup presses her belly as ita starts to look a little green, between the talk of selling people and slaver, and a baby deciding to jog around in her insides.. the pikey is not looking too good. the heat from the kitchen can't be helping either* .. och.. dinnae reckon.. *a long huff of breath* .. jes.. och.. reckon.. ah'm a wee bet dizzy's aul..

Micah Carrington: Hearing Ita, Micah flinches and runs a hand through his curls, looking guilty.

Aerin Thomas: "Come on, Ita. Let's get you into the bedroom for a nap." He stays attentive to the conversation, waving for the others to continue their discussion as he leads her to the bedroom.

Ita McNairee: there's a mess *she protests half heartedly, moving to lean on her mate as he ushers her to the bedroom. looking worried*

Micah Carrington: "I'll clean it up, Mom. Go rest."

Aerin Thomas: Mess later. Rest now. No arguments, love." He ushers her into the bedroom and helps her into bed.

Ita McNairee: *another whimp as archie boots her with a tiny foot or head or something.. she sinks into bed comfortably and draws Aerin down for a soft pleasant kiss, leaning back onto the pillow with a worried sigh*

Aerin Thomas: He meets the kiss, then comes back out, shutting the door behind him. "All right...sorry, guys. So, Xu knows the route to get to the Cairo side of the ring, we were saying?"

Malcolm De Witt: With Aerin and Ita out of the room, Malcolm frowns, looking somewhat angered at the mention of Trevor. "Trevor Dunne is a sadistic, megalomanical son of a bitch, and I hope the Europeans take him and tear him limb from limb."

Aerin Thomas: ((Puts my post under Malcolm's))

Micah Carrington: "Trevor is Xu, Malcolm...Yeah, Aerin, he does."

Ita McNairee: *Ita curls up in bed, frowning at her unruly son, not minding too much when the dogs crawl up on the bed and curl round her protectively, she hugs to the husky and falls asleep, one exhausted little gypsy*

: ((*waves and scampers*))

Malcolm De Witt: He scowls at Micah. "And I'll bet you're looking forward to him beating you for revealing ~that~ little tidbit."

Micah Carrington: He sighs. "Not particularly no. His beatings are great until they're over, then they hurt like a bitch."

Aerin Thomas: "Guys...Trevor-slash-Xu is a touchy subject in this room. Can we all just agree to disagree on opinions of him, and move on to Karlos, why he's in a laundry in Brooklyn, and how we get him out?"

Micah Carrington: "He's in the laundry because I knocked him out and brought him to Alexi who sold him."

Aerin Thomas: "Somehow, I suspect there's more to the story then that."

Malcolm De Witt: "Who did Alexi sell him to?"

Micah Carrington: "The slavers. He'll be sent to Cairo for training. I was picked up in the states and sent then brought back."

Aerin Thomas: "So we have to find him, and right quick, then."

Malcolm De Witt: "No, Karlos will be alright. Whatever happens, he'll be alright."

Micah Carrington: "Yeah. He will...but we should still get him out. There's no reason to have him there. He's kin. He's not going to be able to do anything from inside."

Aerin Thomas: "You'd be surprised, Micah." He folds his arms over his chest, listening.

Malcolm De Witt: "Well, we can't attack the Garou directly. I mean, my people can't. It would violate the treaty. So we'll need permission from...your elders to work jointly with you on this."

Micah Carrington: "If you think he can help from inside the..."He shrugs. "What do I know."

Aerin Thomas: A sigh. "You may be asking the wrong person to ask the Elders for help, Malcolm. Not saying I won't ask them, because I will, and I can probably get them to meet with you, possibly even help you get them to agree to working with you guys, considering the situation, and the fact that it involves kin. I'm really not associated with the Sept that much anymore, though."

Micah Carrington: "Talk to Joshua. He idolizes Papa...He'll do whatever it takes," he says softly.

Malcolm De Witt: "But I do believe we'll need to move quickly before the slavers become aware of our plans and move to shut their operation down."

Micah Carrington: "I think its too big for them to just shut down...They may move though. Maybe even quickly."

Malcolm De Witt: "Well, if it's too big just for them, we'll help, too. We'll do what it takes to get rid of them here in New York."

Aerin Thomas: "I'll go talk to the Elders today, Malcolm." He nods a little bit.

Micah Carrington: "What about Cairo? What about the trainers," he asks, face becoming intense.

Aerin Thomas: "Micah meant that the slavers wouldn't be able to just shut it down on the spot, though they'll move quickly, Malcolm."

Malcolm De Witt: He looks to Micah. His brow furrows and he gets a very dark look himself. "I'll finance whatever needs to be done to take them out, also. And bring Trevor down."

Micah Carrington: "Trevor's not part of it," he snaps. "Trevor got me in so we could take them down."

Malcolm De Witt: He stares at Micah. "How well do you know him, really? I've known him since I was eight. Do you know the first time I met him? When he was murderig my father. He then managed to convince everyone else around me, who made decisions for me, that I was delusional, I never saw him assasssinate my Va, and got himself hired on as my bodyguard. Just to ~fuck with my head~."

Aerin Thomas: "Micah. Malcolm." He looks between the two. "Back off of the arguing about Trevor. This isn't helping any at all."

Malcolm De Witt: "You think he's doing something great and good, because that's what he ~wants~ you to think. He uses people, manipulates them. Controls them with all his little games, so he's free to do the evil shit he ~really~ enjoys."

Micah Carrington: Micah swears softly and darkly, glaring at Malcolm before he turns and stalks towards the kitchen.

Aerin Thomas: "All right. So, I'm going to talk to the Elders, and see if they'll work with the Body on stopping the Slavers. Right?" He looks to Malcolm.

Malcolm De Witt: Malcolm glares after Micah, then looks to Aerin, his face blanking. He sighs, calming himself and turns to the door. "Thank you for sharing your information. I'd appreciate whatever help you can give us in this regard."

Malcolm De Witt: He nods to Aerin and reaches for the doorknob. "Have a good evening, sorry for coming to call so late."

Micah Carrington: He turns, leaning a hip against the counter, eyes on Malcolm.

Aerin Thomas: "Of course, Malcolm. Thank you for stopping by. It's really good to see you." He smiles toward him, a sincere, warm smile.

Micah Carrington: Muttering, he turns to the sink and starts cleaning up the dishes.

Malcolm De Witt: He nods again and heads out, glancing around again before heading to his car and the waiting driver.

Malcolm De Witt: 1,4,1,3,

Malcolm De Witt: 8,4,3,4,5,9,6,

Malcolm De Witt: He gets into the car, and it drives off.

: (thanks for the scene all)

Micah Carrington: ((welcome))

Aerin Thomas: ((Thanks for the scene, Singh! *Hugs*))

: (oh, wait, I knew there was something wonky there...retcon that bit about knowing him since Malc was eight...he actually met him when he was five)

Micah Carrington: ((A'ight! *HUGS*))

Aerin Thomas: He watches Malcolm leave, then sighs, walking to Micah and putting hands on the kin's shoulders, rubbing them a little. "Hey...calm down, okay?"

Micah Carrington: "Its my fault Karlos is there...and...Trevor is fucked up, yeah, okay whatever. But he loves me and he trusted me to do the job."

Aerin Thomas: "I know he does, Micah. Just understand that Xu provokes strong emotions in everyone, and in a lot of people, those emotions are not positive. Hell, you know that I've been absolutely furious with him before...once, even to the point of wanting to kill him. So as much as we love him, there are those who truly despise him. We just have to accept that about him."

Micah Carrington: He nods slowly and exhales slowly. "YEah. Look, i'm gonna finish the dishes then go to bed, I think. i haven't had a good night's sleep in a couple days."

Aerin Thomas: "Go sleep now, hon. I'll finish the dishes...you must be exhausted."

Micah Carrington: "Its okay. I told mom I'd do them...go on and curl up with her, hon. Love you," he murmurs before turning resolutely to the sink.

Aerin Thomas: "All right." He leans forward to kiss the young man's temple. "Sleep well tonight, Micah. I love you, and I'll see you in the morning, okay?"

Micah Carrington: "I'll be here. I promise," he says, offering a tired smile.

Aerin Thomas: He smiles, and heads off to the bedroom, to curl up and get some rest with his mate.