Aerin Thomas: So, Aerin, what with one family member dead and knowing about the attack on the Sept, will be making contact with Ethan.

Ethan Anderson: Oooh. Yeah. Phone. Kay.

Aerin Thomas: I believe he has Ethan's phone number. Will be calling, say, today around now.

Ethan Anderson: "Hello," comes the groggy, soft voice, followed by a quiet moan as Ethan stretches, writhing atop his bed.

Aerin Thomas: "Ethan?" It's Aerin. He's outside somewhere. "It's Aerin."

Ethan Anderson: He blinks and sits up quickly, wincing a bit. "Hi...How are you?"

Aerin Thomas: "I'm...been better. How are you?"

Ethan Anderson: "I'm good. Really good." He shifts to the edge of the bed and stands slowly to the creeking of bedsprings. "What's up?

Aerin Thomas: "I'm just calling to check in, see how you're doing. I haven't seen you around too much lately, and...well, there's some shit going down. I don't think we should talk about it over the phone, though."

Ethan Anderson: "Oh. Um. Well. I can meet you somewhere I suppose."

Aerin Thomas: "That would be good. What say I meet you downtown in, say, 3 hours? Battery Park?"

Ethan Anderson: He lets out a soft, relieved sigh. "Sure. I can do that."

Aerin Thomas: "Perfect. I'll see you then, then."

Ethan Anderson: "Sure. See you then, Aerin."

Ethan Anderson: ((Play this here or on site?))

Aerin Thomas: ((I was figuring on-site, to attract others...then remembered that would be dumb, as they're discussing Sept-related stuff. :P

Ethan Anderson: (*chuckle* so. Here then!)

Aerin Thomas: ((*NOD* Here good))

Ethan Anderson: Ethan is waiting for him on one of the benches, a bottle of water tucked between his legs, mostly empty, his blue eyes wide as they flick from face to face, watching for him...waiting.

Aerin Thomas: He heads into the Park...Aerin's looked more rested, to be sure. His paranoia seems to be heightened too, as he scans the vicinity for potential threats. As his eyes fall on Ethan, he smiles a little, approaching the kin with a nod. He's in full Aerin-bodyguard regalia...the trenchcoat over a crimson dress shirt, black slacks, and his steel-toed Docs. Clean-shaven, hair pulled tightly-back.

Ethan Anderson: Ethan grins a bit, eyes sweeping down Aerin's frame, lingering appreciatively at chest...and lower before rising back up to his face.

Aerin Thomas: He stops a few feet short of the bench and smiles to Ethan. "Hey, Ethan. How've you been?" Eyes flick over the vicinity, then back to him.

Ethan Anderson: "Pretty good." He stands, unfolding himself lightly, all that soft hair hissing against his snug black t-shirt...Black jeans...black boots....So not Ethan.

Aerin Thomas: He looks back to Ethan, eyebrow raising just a hint. "C'mon...let's go talk somewhere private. This stuff isn't for public ears."

Ethan Anderson: "Sure." He nods and takes a long, hard swallow of his water, darting up to walk beside Aerin, small hand touching the man lightly, just above his backside, fingers driftiing back and forth over the coat.

Aerin Thomas: He glances over at Ethan, then back ahead. His hand moves around the kin's shoulder, and he guides Ethan along, toward the hunter-green hybrid parked just past the park entrance.

Ethan Anderson: He blinks as they near the car. "Where we goin, Aerin?"

Aerin Thomas: "Well, we're looking for non-public. I was thinking my apartment."

Ethan Anderson: "Mmn..Okay." He nods and bites at his bottom lip, regarding the other from beneath pale lashes as he leans into the man's side, shivering softly at the feeling of Aerin's hand on his shoulder.

Aerin Thomas: He guides Ethan to his car, automatic keylocks idsengaging. He releases Ethan near the passenger side door, and then moves around to the driver's side, slipping inside.

Ethan Anderson: Ethan settles in, some part of his mind wondering just how much trouble he'd be in. "How's Ita?"

Aerin Thomas: ((Sorry, on a phone call))

Ethan Anderson: ((Sokay))

Aerin Thomas: ((Wait a minute...ummm, did Ethan ever meet or be told of Ita? Or is this a potentially crucial mental slip? *S*))

Ethan Anderson: ((This is a rather crucial mental slip))

Aerin Thomas: ((Thought so)) He looks at Ethan a moment, then nods. "She's okay." He starts the car up and starts driving. "Doing very well, actually."

Ethan Anderson: "That's good." He smiles softly and lets ihs head drop back against the seat, rubbing slowly from side to side.

Aerin Thomas: "What've you been up to?" He flicks occasional glances to Ethan as he drives along, eyes checking the rearview mirror as he maneuvers through the street.

Ethan Anderson: "Mmnn...Not much." His eyes flutter open and he smiles, glancing at Aerin. "New boyfriend...No job..." he shrugs.

Aerin Thomas: "New boyfriend, eh?" He grins a little bit. "So you're probably in the 'New Love' stage, huh?"

Ethan Anderson: "Mnn..." He smiles blissfully. "He's amazing," he murmurs with the utter conviction of a fanatic.

Aerin Thomas: ((Aerin: d10: Persuasion: 5,9,7,3,3,9,8,)) "Tell me about him," he says, the expression on his face indicating he's enjoying the look of joy on his kin's face. ((Aerin: d10: Man+Subterfuge: 8,6,5,6,2,9,3,))

Ethan Anderson: "He's beautiful...all ebon black and so big...He can cup my whole head in one hand just about." He shivers softly. "And Gaia...the things he can do..."

Aerin Thomas: "Mmm, nice." He chuckles. "What's his name?"

Ethan Anderson: "I...I'm n-n-no...Not.." he blinks and swallows, throat going dry. He unscrews his water quickly and downs the rest of his bottle.

Aerin Thomas: A frown, pure concern for Ethan. "Honey, are you okay?" He reaches out and puts a hand on Ethan's shoulder, rubbing it a little, as he drives.

Ethan Anderson: He shudders softly under that touch, a near moan escaping his lips. "I'm not supposed to say his name."

Aerin Thomas: "All right. It's okay, Ethan...honestly." He nods a little bit, smiling. "You don't have to at all. We're almost there."

Ethan Anderson: "He's given me an apartment and roomies and he's paying for me to finish school...I only see him at night though most of the time...He's busy."

Aerin Thomas: "Mmm...sounds like a really nice guy. I'm happy for you" He nods a little and pulls up to the apartment building, killing the engine. "C'mon, hon. Our privacy awaits."

Ethan Anderson: He nods and slips from the car, hurrying to Aerin's side...to touch him, fingers drifting over his coat before drifting down to rub slowly across his hand.

Aerin Thomas: He grins a little at the touch and unlocks the front building door, moving up through the stairs, to the apartment.

Ethan Anderson: Ethan follows, his hair bouncing, shimmering int he dim lights, his fingers curling into the back of Aerin's coat.

Aerin Thomas: The apartment door is opened, and Aerin moves in first, eyes scanning about the place. It's empty, of course...looks like someone left in a hurry. He flicks a light on and steps inside, guding Ethan in and shutting the door. "Make yourself as comfortable as you'd like, Ethan. Can I get you anything...something to drink?"

Ethan Anderson: "Water. Please." He nods and moves to the couch, curling into the corner, his teeth moving together softly.

Aerin Thomas: He nods and goes into the fridge, getting a bottled water, and then makes himself a rum and Coke. He sheds his trenchcoat, the shoulder holster following immediately after, and moves to Ethan with an even, direct walk. He keeps his eyes on the kin, smiling as he leans over to hand the boy his water.

Ethan Anderson: He blinks and blushes, clenching his teeth tight together to stop the grinding. HIs hand shakes as he reaches for the water and the cool, damp of the glass makes him gasp softly.

Aerin Thomas: He takes a seat right next to Ethan, his body just barely making contact with the other, and leans back, taking a sip of his drink before setting it down. He pulls his cigarettes, shaking one out and into his mouth. "But anyway...you've been okay, right?"

Ethan Anderson: He nods slowly and begins swallowing the water in quick sips, his body straining towards Aerin of its own accord. "Mn...yeah."

Aerin Thomas: He lights the cigarette, his arm sliding around Ethan's shoulders. "That's good, honey. I've been worried about you...I don't see you near enough. We need to change that." A little grin goes to the boy.

Ethan Anderson: He blinks and smiles, nuzzling his cheek against Aerin's shirt with a soft, shuddery sigh. "Mnn... I' m okay. Really."

Aerin Thomas: "Doesn't mean we don't need to change the fact that we never see each other, right?" He smiles a little, rubbing at Ethan's shoulder lightly as he exhales a drag of smoke.

Ethan Anderson: "True." He blinks and glances up at Aerin, hand rising to drift wonderingly across the stubble on the man's jaw.

Aerin Thomas: He looks at Ethan and smiles a little as the kin's fingers brush his jaw. "So, your new boyfriend...he's not a jealous guy, is he?"

Ethan Anderson: "Very. Kinda..." He shrugs eloquently. "Why?"

Aerin Thomas: He seems almost disappointed at that, shrugging with a sigh. "Wishful thinking, I guess."

Ethan Anderson: He blinks and shifts onto his knees. "YOu want something Aerin...what?"

Aerin Thomas: A little sigh, and he smiles to the kin, reaching out to ghost his fingers over the other's cheek. "Ethan...there's certain things in my life that have been...missing. Even with a mate. My mate can't fulfill certain aspects of my life...you know what I mean?"

Ethan Anderson: He tilts his head into that hand, body shuddering as the teasing sensation draws a moan from his lips, eyes closing. "Mnn?"

Aerin Thomas: "Ethan, certain things in my life that I want...my mate can't give me. A woman can't." He takes a deep breath. "But I don't want to cause problems for you and your boyfriend."

Ethan Anderson: "I'll talk to am...him," he sighs, eyes fluttering open. "I didn't know you...LIked guys."

Aerin Thomas: "Mmmm." He nods a little bit, his fingers dropping to Ethan's jaw, and traveling down his neckline, forefinger tracing his pulse. "I think there's a lot you don't know about me, honey."

Ethan Anderson: He gasps, his pulse thudding beneath Aerin's finger, eyes going huge, glimmering. 'ooh..." ((Oh my...*blinks*))

Aerin Thomas: ((*G*))

Ethan Anderson: ((Aerin's gone...kinda dark.))

Aerin Thomas: ((You noticed? :) )) He sighs and leans back, his fingers pulling away. "So, he doesn't like you playing around, then?"

Ethan Anderson: ((oh yes. *GRINS* That dream did him some...um...good))

He whimpers softly as that finger leaves his flesh, his teeth grinding together helplessly. "He's...possessive but...i...he...Ammo...He..."

Aerin Thomas: "He what?" He tilts his head, listening quietly as his hand comes to rest on his own leg, fingers trailing back and forth along the inside surface.

Ethan Anderson: "He would..take care of you too," he finishes lamely, eyes tracking that hand, teeth going back to grinding.

Aerin Thomas: "Hmmm...that's enticing, Ethan, it really is." He grins a little bit. "But I don't know this guy...I don't know who he is. I know you."

Ethan Anderson: "What do you want Aerin? I mean...really...what do you need," he asks helplessly before downing more fo the water, his eyes hazy and unfocused.

Aerin Thomas: He smiles softly at Ethan. "I tell you what, honey. Go to the bedroom, while I take our drinks back to the kitchen. We can discuss it in there."

Ethan Anderson: He nods numbly and slides from the couch, moving slowly and carefully towards the bedroom.

Aerin Thomas: He picks up their drinks and moves to the kitchen, setting them inside the sink. He waits there just a moment, giving Ethan time to get into the room.

Ethan Anderson: He can hear the bedsprings creek and groan as the kin settles on the very edge of it.

Aerin Thomas: He takes a deep breath, eyes closing, and says a prayer to the Goddess, to grant him strength. And he focuses his attention to sensing for elements of the Wyrm within the apartment, hoping to everything he holds dear that he's wrong.

Ethan Anderson: ((Whoa...the wyrm taint))

Aerin Thomas: ((Aerin: d10: Per+Occult (WP): 5,3,4,2,2,)) His jaw sets, and his heart breaks. This can be fixed...he will fix this. For the Goddess's sake, if he can fix Ita, he can fix this. He's not losing another goddamned member of his fucking family. A moment is spent to calm down, and he reactivates Persuasion, heading toward the bedroom. ((Aerin: d10: Persuasion: 4,4,4,8,4,10,7,))

Ethan Anderson: Ethan fidgets and then slowly pulls the tight black t from his leanly muscular frame. Small he might be, effeminate, but his body..his body is all male.

Aerin Thomas: He steps into the bedroom door, smiling warmly to Ethan, and sighing. "So, Ethan...where were we?"

Ethan Anderson: He blinks and flicks sweat from his upper lip with the tip of his tongue, eyes jerking to Aerin's. His skin is sun warmed, almost golden in the dim light. A brilliantly colored blue and green celtic cross is inked into his chest just beneath his collar bones, so large that it would take more then one hand to cover it. An intricate, brilliant, Froud Faerie is nestled amidst foliage on his right bicep.

Aerin Thomas: He smiles a little bit and makes a slow walk over to Ethan. "Nice tats," he observes with a chuckle. "Gotta get some work done myself, one of these days."

Ethan Anderson: "My brother almost beat me for them," he murmurs, tongue sliding over his lips as he watches the other, eyes hungry, the X and just plain need driving him insane.

Aerin Thomas: "Why?" He frowns a little, an arm extending, reaching over to brush over the other's hair, lightly.

Ethan Anderson: "Cause I didn't ask," he breaths, shuddering.

Aerin Thomas: "Your brother sounds like he was a bit of a control freak," he says with a hint of a smile. His hand comes down over Ethan's hair, moving away from it at the jaw line to pass under, tracing the jawline to his chin.

Ethan Anderson: "Galliard...Pack alpha," he breathes, panting. his chin rubs slowly to Aerin's fingers.

Aerin Thomas: "Mmm." He nods a little bit. His thumb passes gently over the kin's lips. "Yeah, alphas can be like that."

Ethan Anderson: His mouth opens, tongue darting out to taste the other's flesh, lapping against it.

Aerin Thomas: "What do you want, Ethan?" he asks softly, catching the kin's jaw in his hand and gently tilting his chin up to face his gaze.

Ethan Anderson: He moans in frustration, teeth pressing tight, grinding. "Ammon...love..."

Aerin Thomas: He nods a little bit, sighing. "I can imagine. There's only one, small problem." He leans down, lips coming close to the kin's ear,

Ethan Anderson: "Mmn?"

Aerin Thomas: He kisses Ethan's cheek, then whispers in his ear. "Most vampires don't do love well."

Ethan Anderson: He pulls back, frowning. "He's not...Vampire? Are you on crack?"

Aerin Thomas: ((Aerin: d10: Per+Subt: 9,6,3,4,4,9,5,))

Ethan Anderson: ((he really don't know))

Aerin Thomas: ((Gotcha.)) He tilts his head, eyebrow raising. "Wow. He's good. Yes, Ethan. Ammon is a vampire. Have you seen him outside during the day. Let me guess, he sleeps during the day...or at best, he's VERY groggy. Or have you even seen him at all during this time?"

Ethan Anderson: "I...no. Only at night. But he works!"

Aerin Thomas: "He sleeps." He pauses. "And Ethan...you're incredibly tainted. I'm guessing he's ghouled you. And you're probably blood bound to him...which, for the record, is why you're so in love with him."

Ethan Anderson: "No...Tainted? Me? Aerin its just a little X...a little pot," he murmurs helplessly, blue eyes wide.

Aerin Thomas: "Supplied by Ammon? The man who ghouled and thus was responsible for the death of a dear, good friend of mine?" He's not even close to smiling anymore...his face has gone stone cold. "Do you have any of the X on you?"

Ethan Anderson: "J-just o-o-one..." Shaking hep ulls the little tin from his pocket, thrusting it at Aerin, his face miserable and confused.

Aerin Thomas: He focuses his attention on the tab, taking a step away from Ethan as he tries to see if there's any taint specifically in the X.. The kind Vampiric Blood would bring ((Aerin: d10: Per+Occult: 3,8,3,3,4,))

Ethan Anderson: ((I don't think so...))

He watches Aerin quietly, biting at his lips.

Aerin Thomas: He frowns and pockets it, looking to the kin. "What's he fed you?"

Ethan Anderson: "Just food. He makes me drinks sometimes."

Aerin Thomas: "What kind of drinks? Have you gone down on him at all and swallowed?" Yes, he's damn serious about those questions, too.

Ethan Anderson: "Well, yes. And alcohol, Aerin! Gaia! Stop this," he whimpsers, tears in his eyes. "He fucks me..."

Aerin Thomas: "Jesus Fucking Christ." He shakes his head. "Vampires don't come, Ethan. Any ejaculate they give is fucking blood. That's how he's been ghouling you. Through fucking sex."

Ethan Anderson: "HE"S NOT A VAMPIRE!"

Aerin Thomas: d10: Initiative: 4,

Ethan: d10: Initiative: 2,

Aerin Thomas: ((Going on 9))

Ethan: ((8))

Aerin Thomas: His hand snaps out, to catch the kin by the throat.

Aerin Thomas: d10: Dex+Brawl: 4,9,4,8,

Ethan: Ethan tries to dodge by tumbling back onto the bed.

Ethan: d10: Dex+dodge: 2,5,7,3,1,

Ethan: And he fails miserably.

Aerin Thomas: Aerin grabs hold of the kin's throat, his expression cold, hazel eyes hard. He doesn't appear to be done yet, either. ((New Round))

Ethan: Ethan whimpers softly, staring up at the other, almost too stunned t fight.

Aerin Thomas: ((Rage spent)) His body grows and fills out, and he moves to shove the other down onto the bed, holding him there by his throat. ((Performing a hold to immobilize Ethan))

Aerin Thomas: d10: Strength+Brawl: 3,8,5,3,5,1,6,

Aerin Thomas: It's not the best hold in the world, the Glabro Philodox's anger getting the best of him, but he's got him for now.

Ethan: Ethan thrashes, the warformed Aerin's weight helping to push him back to the bed. Tears spill slowly down the kin's cheeks as he fumbles at the other's hand. ((Trying to get his hand free))

Ethan: d10: Str+ brawl: 10,8,2,

Aerin Thomas: ((Ethan can try to fight it with a resisted Strength+Brawl roll as his next action, versus a new Strength+Brawl for Aerin.))

Aerin Thomas: ((And there you go. *S*)) He merely tries to maintain the hold, looking down at the kin with those cold eyes.

Aerin Thomas: d10: Strength+Brawel: 7,6,5,7,3,6,2,

Ethan: The petite young man clutches at Aerin's hand, the pressure on his throat uncomfortable, his eyes wide.

Ethan: "you're hurting me," he whispers.

Aerin Thomas: "You're tainted, Ethan. Your mind's been enslaved by a monster. But we're going to fix that. And we're going to fix you." He doesn't seem too concerned about the young man's comfort level at the moment. What's a little discomfort compared to the chance to cleanse more taint then he's felt in some time? "I'm going to let you go, and you're going to lie there. If you get up or try to run, Ethan, I swear to the Goddess, I will knock you unconscious. Do you understand me?"

Ethan: He nods jerkily, lips quivering, breath coming in quick, delightful little pants.

Aerin Thomas: He nods, and removes his hand. He takes a step back, moving to shut the door.

Ethan: He draws in a hard, pained breath, hand rubbing his throat, the tears falling fast and hard down his cheeks.

Aerin Thomas: "Ethan...Ammon is a fucking vampire. Get that through your head, even though I doubt that's possible for you, because the blood he's been pumping down your throat. He's what's known as a Setite. He tried to sell myself, Ita, who by the way, I NEVER TOLD YOU ABOUT, and others to another Setite."

Ethan: He flinches at the sharp tone and rolls to his side, drwing his knees up as if curling into a ball will save him from the anger pouring off of Aerin. He says nothing...Afterall, what can he say? Ammon would punish him for speaking his name...That thought widens the kin's eyes and draws a frantic, terrified sob from him.

Aerin Thomas: "Give me your cell phone." It's not a request, by the tone in his voice.

Ethan: He fumbles in his pocket and draws it out, hands shaking so bad that he drops it to the bed. He lets it lay there, hands curling around his head.

Aerin Thomas: He reaches out to pick it up, then steps back quickly, staying in front of the door while he carefully goes through it, staying gentle with the piece of machinery in his Glabro form, looking for Ammon's phone number.

Ethan: There's one number denoted by a little "<3"...but no Ammon. Ethan huddles, sobbing softly, his arms up over his head.

Aerin Thomas: "Is he the heart?"

Ethan: "Yes," he whispers brokenly. ((Sorry!))

Aerin Thomas: He nods a little and dials the number, putting it to his ear with cold, hard eyes on the kin.

Ethan: Ethan rolls to his stomach, pressing his face into the bed to muffle the hateful, pitiful sounds that shake his shoulders.

phone -> Aerin Thomas: Hello? *its sharp, all buisiness, or maybe you startled her*

Aerin Thomas: d10: Per+Lingustics: 10,2,1,8,7,

Ethan -> Aerin Thomas: ((He's pretty much screaming wordlessly interspersed with Ammon's name))

Aerin Thomas: He frowns...something is very familiar in that voice. "Hello. I'm looking for Ammon Black."

phone -> Aerin Thomas: mm everyone's looking for something sugar.. not everyone gets it. who's asking?

Aerin Thomas: "Someone who has a very valuable...arrangement for him. Who can deliver some very good friends of his to him. And who doesn't deal with underlings."

Ethan: "AMMON!"

Aerin Thomas: He moves swiftly, to level a punch across Ethan's head and knock him unconscious

Aerin Thomas: d10: Dex+Brawl (WP): 5,10,2,1,

phone -> Aerin Thomas: I wouldn't be so sure of that honey. *the voice grows a little less saturated with sweetness as she realizes which number is calling. that wasn't the blonde thing. pretty eyes narrow* Its not safe to speak to strangers.. this is new york baby.

Aerin Thomas: d10: Damage: 9,4,5,10,10,

Ethan: d10: Sta: 2,8,

Ethan: Bonk! Ethan goes still atop the bed.

Aerin Thomas: "Sorry about that. Your little pet here isn't very happy that I took his phone from him." He chuckles a little. "My name is Luca. And I understand Ammon is in the market for dinnerware."

phone -> Aerin Thomas: mmm now where would you get that idea sugar? *she gives a husky chuckle, slight movement in the background noise* someone's been telling you tall tales..

Aerin Thomas: "I don't think so. I have it on VERY good authority that Mr. Black is short on serving vessels for his favorite drinks, and is looking to get ahold of one. I might have something that fits his tastes. But I'll only discuss it with him. After all...a simple phone conversation can't hurt, can it, love?"

phone -> Aerin Thomas: I don't think so sugar. the only thing that sounds interesting is how you got this number.. we might have something to barter there... but..I'd have to talk to the boy.

Aerin Thomas: "The poor boy's resting right now...I think I done wore him out." He leans against the wall, lighting a cigarette. "I'm getting annoyed. You have thirty seconds to get Mr. Black on the phone, or to contact him and have him call me. Otherwise, I sell the Cup to the Mummy, toss this phone in the Hudson, and sell any information I get from your pretty-boy here to the highest bidder."

Ethan: There's a little moan from the bed, not much though.

phone -> Aerin Thomas: *she seems to be considering*

Aerin Thomas: "Twenty seconds. May I mention, by the way, that you have a VERY attractive voice?" He smirks a little, his eyes on Ethan, ready to kock his ass out again if necessary.

phone -> Aerin Thomas: mmm. *she murmers. a tapping and then* no.. i don't beleive we have anything to discussss.. i'm not interested in dinnerware, nor am i interested in cups. thank you luca.

Aerin Thomas: "All right. I think I'll just shop off the little boy's mind to other parties, then. I hear the Concerto's interested. I mean, I'd hate to get them involved, but...you know. I have to make a profit somewhere off the things I salvage."

Ethan: Still out like a lite.

Ethan: ((err, light))

phone -> Aerin Thomas: *her voice slips soft, an uncertainty and vulnerability coming to it, definitally the same voice he heard several months ago in a hotel room, mending a wounded girl.. confusion coming into her voice suddenly, almost frantic*.. I... what? ..wait.. who is this?

Aerin Thomas: He shifts down into Homid, his voice becoming his natural one. It's a little sad, almost...resigned. But still cold over it all, a faint hint of amusement, too. "Hello, Emma. Put Ammon on the phone, or get in contact with him to talk to me, or I swear to fucking Christ that I will spare not a single penny of expense in eliminating him. And I think you can imagine I'll do it, and I can. He'll like what I have to say much better."

phone -> Aerin Thomas: *click*

Aerin Thomas: He hangs up the phone and sighs. Dammit. A glance to Ethan, and he shakes his head. Ethan's phone is tossed on the dresser, and his own phone comes out. "You know, Ethan...you're in luck. Had anyone else found you, you'd be in some serious shit." He dials a number and puts it to his ear.

Ethan: He moans softly and rolls slowly to his back, blue eyes hazy.

Aerin Thomas: "Hey, it's me." He keeps his eyes on Ethan as he talks. "I need your help."

Ethan: "Aerin," he whispers, voice shaky.

Aerin Thomas: "I'm fine. I have one of my kin here, at my apartment. He needs a serious cleansing done." He puts his hand over the phone and looks to Ethan. "Yes?"

Ethan: "Thought i was..." he shakes his head, wincing as he sits up, hand touching hte back of his head. "Dreaming."

Aerin Thomas: He unmuffles the phone. "Thanks. See you when you get here...I'll explain more then."

phone: Ringy Ringy Ringy

Aerin Thomas: He hangs up and shakes his head. "No dreaming, Ethan. Not this fuckin' nightmare. You're still here, still ghouled. And your precious Ammon just let you go, rather then even talk to me."

Aerin Thomas: "Oooor, maybe not." He picks up the cell phone and answers, holding it to his ear. "Hello."

Ethan: He whimpers softly and burrows his face in his hands. The vampire and ghoul thing he can't quite get...that the love of his life let him go...that hurts.

Aerin Thomas: He looks at Ethan with a glare that says Keep your damn mouth shut or it's nighty night time again as he listens.

phone -> Aerin Thomas: *a low sultry rumble* Well hello small thin and spooky, *he croons playfully* I hear you have something thats ours.

Ethan: Catching Aerin's look he jams his fist in his mouth to choke off the sobs.

Aerin Thomas: "Hello, Ammon." His voice is calm, still carrying that coldness he had with 'Emma.' "I've got to say...considering how many mutual acquaintances we have, I'm surprised we haven't talked before now."

Ethan: Pathetic how his eyes light up when Aerin says Ammon's name, a frantic, needy light touching htem.

phone -> Aerin Thomas: mmm a shame, isn't it.. but i suppose thats one of the hazzards of doing business.. mm? so little time for pleasure... *his voice is oily and slick, drifting through the phone and curling around the thin garou* Now... my Ethan..

Aerin Thomas: "No, Ammon. Not your Ethan. My fucking Ethan. He's my family. And something that you leeches are going to learn, very fucking quickly, is that you do not...fuck...with my family." He's so clinically cold, saying the whole thing, that you might well think he's a robot. "Now, are you ready to hear my deal?"

Ethan: "Ammon..." He whispers the name, voice catching, desperate.

Aerin Thomas: "Shut the fuck up, Ethan."

Ethan: He flinches and draws his knees to his chest, pressing his face there.

phone: and what hasve i done to your family? mmm? does he look worse for wear? no... in fact you'll find he's as happy as he has been. mmmmm? look at him Aerin.. you'll see for yourself.. confident.. taken care of.. in love...

phone: (*laughs and boots that to a pm*))

phone -> Aerin Thomas: d10: cha + expression (wp: 7,5,4,4,5,4,2,6,

phone -> Aerin Thomas: ((dif 4))

Aerin Thomas: "You've blood bound him to you, you piece of shit. Of COURSE he thinks this. You've created a fucking slave. You killed Silkie. You tried to sell me and my mate out for the cup. You've fucked pretty God-damned hard, and you didn't even bother to put a condom on your rigor-mortised dick. So don't tell me you haven't done anything."

Aerin Thomas: ((Potential DLP))

Aerin Thomas -> phone: d10: Per+Subterfuge:WP: 7,2,7,10,4,8,5,

Aerin Thomas -> phone: d10: Specialty: 4,

Aerin Thomas: Something passes through his eyes, and he looks at Ethan, his frown deepening, becoming a bit conflicted. "This is about more then just Ethan, Ammon, and you damn well know it. You killed Silkie. You tried to sell me and my mate out for the cup. You've fucked pretty God-damned hard, and you didn't even bother to put a condom on your rigor-mortised dick. So don't tell me you haven't done anything."

Ethan: He cries softly, shoulders shaking, his head bowed, hidden from sight, all that soft blond hair spilling around his shoulders and knees.

phone -> Aerin Thomas: i won't try to tell you I haven't done anything.. but i will tell you the truth. mmm? ..unless you'd rather go with the popular choice of assume and maim over listen and know. If Ethan is your family, you won't hurt him... though after i finish speaking to you, i would like to comfort him. mmmmmmm?

Aerin Thomas: "See, that's why I called, Ammon. Ethan is not yours. He's mine. End of story. So I have a deal for you. Would you like to hear it, or would you like to waste more air that you don't really need with that smooth little voice of yours?"

Ethan: Ethan sniffles softly, whispering Ammon's name softly, heart brokenly.

Aerin Thomas: "And for the record, Ammon...as spiritually tainted as you've made Ethan, I have to tell you...if he wasn't my kin, AND I wasn't the one who found him, AND I didn't care as much about him as I did, he'd be dead, family or not. I'm the only thing standing between him and that death. You don't know our ways very well, obviously."

phone -> Aerin Thomas: Aerin.. *he rumbles lowly* You're so tense.. *a low chuckle* We're both businessmen. and we both care about the boy... these insults, are unessecary.. mmmmmm?

phone -> Aerin Thomas: then it seems wise you give him to me... mmm? where i can protect him.

phone -> Aerin Thomas: d10: cha exp (wp): 9,8,3,8,6,9,3,8,

Aerin Thomas: "You're not getting this, Ammon. When you do, you can call me back, and we can discuss how we all make it out of this alive." He hangs up.

Laidan: Steps, muffled, outside the door. A murmur of a voice that's familiar to Aerin, before the door pushes open slowly, to allow the woman to enter. Her steps are quiet, brow furrowed, as she closes the door behind her. Aerin's tone, his words, make her a little uneasy. "Aerin..."

Ethan: He jumps hearing Laidan and scoots back on hte bed, moving towards the headboard.

Aerin Thomas -> phone: d10: Per+Subterfuge(WP): 8,3,5,3,3,8,5,

Laidan: Someone else in the room? Unnaturally bright blue eyes turn in the direction of Ethan, the woman frowning. The kin, probably, that Aerin had been talking about.

Aerin Thomas: ((Sorry, guys, trying to figure out the results of a social roll vs. sanity here))

Ethan: ((Oh my. Kay))

Aerin Thomas: ((Okay, back in action. Sorry about that.))

Ethan: ((*staples my name back in*))

Ammon: ((yeah. sorry. we ver hashink)

Aerin Thomas: He looks up at the bedroom door as it opens. "Hey, Laidan." His tone has lost a little of it's coldness, and has been replaced with a twinge of weariness. "Thanks for coming. This is Ethan, my kin."

Ethan: "I'm not yours!"

Laidan: She slides over to Aerin, a hand gently squeezing his arm, before she 'looks' to Ethan again, raising an eyebrow. "A kin of yours... denying that he's your kin?"

Aerin Thomas: "I've told you already, Ethan, shut the fuck up, or I will knock your ass back out." Ahh, there's the coldness again.

Ethan: He makes a soft, pained noise and curls his arms over his head, knees rising.

Laidan: And she twists an ear towards Aerin as he gets cold again, eyes narrowing. The Fianna is absolutely totally in the dark.

Aerin Thomas: "Ethan's been ghouled by a vampire, Laidan, against his knowledge. He didn't even know the man was a vampire until I told him such tonight. We need to fix that ghouling."

Laidan: There is an extremely distinct pause. "... and you didn't..." A pause, and a shake of her head as she moves towards the boy, an unpleasent rumble in her chest. "I will perform it three times to make absolutely sure."

Aerin Thomas: He frowns a little bit. "I didn't what?"

Laidan: "Didn't do what many a other Garou would do." She says simply, supplies being gathered. "Ethan... please come off the bed?"

Ethan: Ethan huddles, hiding behind his hair, rocking. What a way to come down off an ecstasy high.

Aerin Thomas: "No, I didn't. He was deceived. It's not his fault his mind's been fucked with...like it wasn't my fault, with the algorithm." He leans against the dresser, lighting up another cigarette as he watches.

Laidan: "You're right." She agrees quietly with Aerin. "Ethan... please. I need you to come off the bed."

Ethan: He doesn't move.

Laidan: She frowns. She doesn't want to drag the boy off. An ear is tilted back to Aerin. "Is the bed wide enough for me to complete the circle?"

Aerin Thomas: "Ethan, I swear to fucking Christ...don't make me drag you off of it." Yes, he's saving the young man. He's just not being nice about it.

Ethan: He whimpers and scrambles off the bed at Aerin's words.

Aerin Thomas: A nod, and he looks to Laidan. "There you go."

Everyone's favorite Setite: RINGYRINGY RING

Laidan: "Just sit on the floor." Her voice is fairly soothing. When Ethan does that, she sets about to creating the circle. Once that is done, the rumbling becomes more prominent in her chest, and she moves on to performing the riual. ((three rolls, wp spent for all))

Laidan: d10: cha+ritual(wp): 10,10,5,8,5,3,9,

Laidan: d10: cha+ritual(wp): 2,2,1,9,8,1,5,

Laidan: d10: cha+ritual(wp): 1,6,8,7,4,6,9,

Aerin Thomas: He picks up the phone, steeling his will, and answers it. "What?"

Ethan: He obeys this time, knees clutched to his chest, body rocking.

Laidan: She wraps arms around Ethan, a hand stroking his hair softly, even rocking him slightly. "I know you feel you do Ethan... and I know this is hurting you. But you don't want to go back to Ammon. You really don't. This will be better, I promise."

Everyone's favorite Setite -> Aerin Thomas: mmm. yes. but let me talk to him.. or he'll find his own way back.. mmm? *that low throbbing voice reasons, affecting worry*

Ethan: "He loves me! He takes care of me," he whispers around the sobs.

Aerin Thomas: "On speaker phone." He turns the speaker on. "You can talk now, Ammon."

Laidan: "No Ethan..." Softly, almost sadly that she has to say these things. "No, he doesn't. Ammon does not love anyone. He'll kill a girl, without a second thought. And he has. You do not want to be with him. And your family will take care of you, -we'll- take care of you."

Ethan: "Ammon?" He lifts his head hearing Aerin's words, eyes going wide.

Laidan: Her lips press a little, arms around Ethan still.

Everyone's favorite Setite: hmmm. hello precious.. are you alright? *comes the slow sultry rumble, vibrating through the room*

Laidan: Don't growl. Do not growl. That will scare the kin. But that voice makes her skin crawl. That was the one who killed Silkie, who meant to hurt Ita and Aerin.

Ethan: "Yes...I'm scared, baby...Please come get me, please!"

Everyone's favorite Setite: shhh shh baby.. shhh.. Its alright.. I know your scared.. but its alright.. they have you, and are going to take care of you mmmm?

Ethan: His eyes widen. "But I wanna be with you!"

Aerin Thomas: He frowns...something in this conversation is not sitting well with him. There's a flash of pain in his eyes...a sifting of tension through his frame as he sits there, phone held up.

Laidan: Arms curl a little bit tighter around Ethan.

Everyone's favorite Setite: mmmm .. i know.. and I want you sweetlips.. but the in laws don't like me.. mmmm? It'll be alright.. you know i care about you...and you're safe with them... mmmm? I can't put you in that kind of danger.. It'll be alright..

Everyone's favorite Setite: d10: cha exp: 3,2,7,10,8,5,8,8,

Everyone's favorite Setite: d10: rerolling: 3,

Everyone's favorite Setite: *his voice is soothing, curling round the kin like hot bathwater or a warm blanket on a chill evening, cracking with emotion and regret*

Ethan: He whimpers and a fresh rain of tears rolls down his cheeks, body collapsing against Laidan's, slim frame shaking. "I love you...I love you...Please don't leave me please."

Laidan: She can't help the little rumble in her chest, angry at the vampire. She holds Ethan tighter to her, rocking him. She's whispering, but the words don't really mean anything; there merely soothing sounds to the crying kin.

Everyone's favorite Setite: shhh.. i know baby.. I know. You need to stay with your people. Stay. be good for them mmmm? It'll be alright. remember, I'm keeping you safe, even if I'm not around. mmm?

Ethan: "I don't understand," he whispers, voice shaking and raw. "I love you, Ammon," he murmurs with utter, fanatical conviction.

Aerin Thomas: He almost seems a little regretful to be doing this...he knows it's the right thing to do, though. He sighs a little bit, letting them talk.

Everyone's favorite Setite: I .. I know. I love you too little one. that won't change mmm? not on my end at least. be good.. Stay with your relatives... Its going to be ok. Trust me.

Everyone's favorite Setite: d10: cha exp: 4,7,4,10,3,5,9,10,

Everyone's favorite Setite: d10: re reollin: 10,4,

Everyone's favorite Setite: d10: an one moah time: 6,

Aerin Thomas: ((Holy Jebus))

Ethan: "I do," he whispers, voice thick. "I trust you...but its...I'm gonna miss you." He sniffles softly and scrubs at his eyes, letting his body remain against Laidan's

Aerin Thomas: He purses his lips, eyes casting down...the coldness having pretty well vanished, replaced with sadness. There's a lot wrestling inside the Philodox right now.

Everyone's favorite Setite: *his voice breaks, chocolatey rumble cracking with pain and care, fighting through it and flowing rawly over everyone listening. Its the sound of a heart breaking. transmitted through speaker phone. his voice determined. the boy'd be safe.. a waver in the usual reassuring rumble*.. I'll miss you too.. *the only thing making it more poignent being that while Ethan has maybe 70 years to miss the handsome black man.. the setite has eternity, voicce hollow as he rumbles* Aerin. turn off the phone.

Aerin Thomas: He clicks off the phone with a simple press of the button, and then quietly slips it into his pocket.

Laidan: Her lips are still pressed extremely tight together.

Ethan: "Nnnn...."He swallows the sound, pressing his hands to his face, his body shuddering in Lai's arms.

Laidan: Almost a sigh, hand lifting to stroke the kin's hair once more.

Aerin Thomas: After a period of long silence, he clears his throat, voice subdued. "Thank you, Laidan."

Laidan: "You're welcome." Comes the soft murmur. She was going to hug Aerin later too.

Ethan: "Aerin...gimme the tab," he whispers. "Please...Please."

Aerin Thomas: He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small tin. He walks over to Ethan and Laidan, dropping to a crouch, and hands it over. "Here you go, hon."

Laidan: Her head tilts a little curiously, but arms still remain around Ethan. So motherly.

Ethan: He takes it, hands shaking as he fumbles the little tin open and dumps the x into his mouth. TWenty minutes and he could forget...for just a bit. He drops the tin and reaches out to catch at Aerin's hand.

Aerin Thomas: He takes Ethan's hand, squeezing it, smiling to him, albeit sadly. "I'm sorry this hurts, Ethan. I understand...believe me, you have no idea how much I understand."

Ethan: "Where'm I gonna go? All my stuff is with him...My school books...school.."

Aerin Thomas: "I'll get it all from him. You'll...we'll figure it out, hon. For now...I'll take you someplace safe, tonight."

Ethan: "I don't wanna be alone," he whispers, shaking in Lai's arms, his hand clutched tight around Aerin's, face hidden by all that hair.

Laidan: She continues to stroke his hair, a comforting rumble in her chest.

Aerin Thomas: He pulls gently, to draw Ethan toward him, draw his arms around the young man.

Laidan: As Aerin pulls Ethan, she releases him so the other man can hold him.

Ethan: He goes easily into Aerin's arms, clinging to him as he begins to cry again, the warm, solid body more familiar then Laidan's soft curves.

Aerin Thomas: "Shhh...shhh, Ethan." He pets the kin's hair, voice soothing, calm. "It's okay. It'll be okay, I promise."

Laidan: She moves a bit away, out of their way, letting them have their moment.

Ethan: He relaxes slowly, the sobs quieting to gentle little sounds of sadness. "Why can't it kick in sooner...why,' he asks softly.

Aerin Thomas: "Because it's not the way it works, hon." He sighs. "Not everything works out the way we want them to, I'm afraid. We can't have everything we want. But everything happens for a reason. And things will get better, I promise."

Ethan: "Don't make promises you can't keep," he murmurs, head rolling against Aerin's shoulder.

Aerin Thomas: He winces, visibly at that, and falls silent, just holding his kin.

Ethan: He sighs as the drug begins to trickle into his system...Not enough,not nearly enough yet.

Laidan: "It's not a promise he can't keep." She says very calmly, and quietly, as she rises. Moving out of the room to give them privacy.

Aerin Thomas: After a moment, he pats Ethan's back. "Come on, hon...we have to go. We have a car ride ahead of us."

Ethan: He nods and stands slowly, shakily. "I need water and something to chew on,' he mumbles, having at least figured that out about the X.

Aerin Thomas: "Yeah, I know. I've got water in the fridge, and we'll get you something to chew on." He takes Ethan by the hand, guiding him out of the bedroom.

Ethan: He clings to Aerin's hand, following him. HIs eyes seek out Laidan and he flushes softly, utterly embarassed. "Thank you...for holding me."

Laidan: She was sliding a jacket back on, and she smiles a little to Ethan. "You are welcome."

Aerin Thomas: He lets go of Ethan a moment, moving to Laidan and putting his arms around her, hugging tightly. "Thank you, Lai. I really, really owe you."

Ethan: He drifts into the kitchen...Aerin's glass is the first thing he sees and he downs whatever's left in it.

Laidan: "You don't owe me anything." She murmurs to Aerin, hugging him tightly back as well. "Be safe."

Aerin Thomas: Oh, that was definitely alcohol and cola. Aerin mods. "You too. Oh, hey...I need to talk to you about something, when you get a chance. Something about our new Grand Elder, and some Shadow Lords. Another time, though...I'll call you later, all right? Don't let me forget." He draws away from Laidan, looking to Ethan. "Umm...hon, you just dehydrated yourself some more..."

Laidan: She frowns, just briefly, and the nods to Aerin. "I won't let you forget."

Ethan: "I don't care,' he mutters softly, setting the glass aside to draw himself water, downing it quickly. "I have to ride this high in a car...its gonna suck."

Aerin Thomas: He nods to Laidan, and reaches for the shoulder holster sitting on top of the trench coat on the counter. "Thanks."

Ethan: He drinks another glass and then heads into the restroom, closing the door so he can pee.

Laidan: She brushes fingers gently over Aerin's shoulder, and then moves to drift out as silently as she came. She wasn't needed here now.

Aerin Thomas: He watches Laidan go, and sighs a little bit. His phone slips out, and he dials up another number. His mate's cell.

Ita Phone -> Aerin Thomas: Allo?

Ethan: The toilet flushes and he runs water, washing his hands thoroughly before scrubbing his face to wash away the tears.

Aerin Thomas: "Hey, love." He smiles a little...sadness in his voice, but warmth, too. "I'm bringing a guest up to the house. One of my kinfolk. He...got ghouled by Ammon Black, and we need to break him of it, and the Blood Bond."

Ethan: He pauses in the bathroom door, listening quietly.

Ita Phone -> Aerin Thomas: *silence on the other end of the phone for a moment* och.. gawd demnet.. aye.. be carefy tho.. we're hiden frem tha vampires.. aye?

Aerin Thomas: "I know, I know. I do remember, after all. I just...yeah." He shrugs. "It'll be okay...we'll figure it out."

Ethan: "I don't wanna cause you problems," he murmurs, rubbing his hand up and down the door frame slowly.

Aerin Thomas: He looks up at Ethan suddenly. "You're not causing problems, Ethan. Really, you aren't." Well, or won't.

Ita Phone -> Aerin Thomas: *ita's voice sings tiredly from the other end of the line* aye darlin.. ah'll put tha stew awn..

Aerin Thomas: "Thank you, love. We'll be home soon enough. I love you."

Ethan: He nods and combs his fingers through his hair, pulling it away from his handsome, masculine face. He twists it and knots it at the base of his skull.

Ita Phone -> Aerin Thomas: love ye.. see ye soon darlin.. *click*

Aerin Thomas: He puts the phone away, and looks to Ethan, sighing as he picks up the trench coat and pulls it on. He goes to the fridge and pulls out a few bottles of water. "You ready?"

Ethan: "No, but I dont' have a choice, do I,' he asks softly, jaw pulsing as it clenches.

Aerin Thomas: "I'm sorry, Ethan. I really am." He moves to the kin, wrapping his arms around once more.

Ethan: "I should sit in the backseat," he mumbles against Aerin, his arms clinging. "Ammon always helps me ride through the high...i'll...I'll be all over you if I don't."

Aerin Thomas: "Okay." He nods, then shifts his stance, relasing Ethan with one hand and sliding his arm over the other's shoulders. He guides the kin toward the door, picking up the water bottles on the way.

Ethan: His jaw clenches, feeling his eyes blur with tears again as he follows along.

Aerin Thomas: Out to the car he heads, helping Ethan into the back seat, pushing the seat forward so he can get back there...ahh, two-doors. Eyes scan the streets, before he slips in himself.

Ethan: Ethan curls in, sliding to the passanger side, as far from Aerin as he can get. He buckles the seatbelt and swings his legs up onto the seat. "Your mate doesn't mind my coming with you?"

Aerin Thomas: "No." He shuts the door and starts the engine. "She very much understands."

Ethan: "You were lying to me, weren't you," he asks softly. "All those things you said before..."

Aerin Thomas: "What things?" He looks over his shoulder, at Ethan.

Ethan: "About needing something your mate couldn't give you," he says flatly, sitting forward to grab one of the waters and taking a hard drink.

Aerin Thomas: He's quiet, watching him. "I wasn't lying, no. I am bisexual, Ethan...there are desires inside me that Ita can't fulfill, out of simple genetics. I merely took those feelings that are deep inside of me and expressed them to you in a way that made you more amicable to my point of view. But I wasn't lying, no."

Ethan: "Yes you were. You were twisting the truth to getme to do what you wanted me to." He shrugs.

Aerin Thomas: He sighs and turns, leaning back in his car seat, staring at the steering wheel. "Nothing I said was a lie, damn it. I didn't twist my words...my intent wasn't what you believed, maybe, but not a single word I spoke was untrue. And believe me, I didn't want to do what I did. Any of it."

Ethan: "You didn't want me, Aerin." He shrugs and chuckles softly, running his fingers against his cheek with a soft sigh. "Its okay. You won't even know I'm there."

Aerin Thomas: His jaw hardens, and he throws a baleful glare out the windshield. "We're about to hit, 'Shut the fuck up' mode again," he mutters, as he pulls the car into drive. "Just without the unconsciousness threats."

Ethan: "Don't like what I have to say," he asks mildly, blinking. "S-sorry..." He sighs and shifts in the seat. "I wanted you."

Aerin Thomas: "That I'm not in the backseat or upstairs in the bedroom jumping on top of you right now has nothing to do with what I do or don't desire, Ethan."

Ethan: "That wasn't..." He sighs. "Its the drugs and the hurt...just ignore me. Please."

Aerin Thomas: "I know what it is. And I'm not going to ignore you. Frankly, I think I've ignored you too much as it is. I'm sorry that I have." he looks up in the rearview mirror. "And if I didn't have a mate that I promised fidelity to, I'd be all over you, for the record." A very, very faint smile, barely perceptible but warm.

Ethan: "Thanks," he whispers softly, curling more firmly into the seat, hands moving slowly over his thighs as he sighs, head falling back.

 

LUDDINGTON

Ita McNairee: *she's rigged it so she can carry both babies around, both of them carefully slung over her front, rocking gently as the woman putters around the kitchen, a rub at her empty belly, old habits dying hard, she shoos the dogs all out of her way, shuffling freya out of the road with a moccassined foot and a jingle of charms*

Ita McNairee: *a gentle shush as archibald fidgets.. he couldn't be hungry again could her? a siiigh as she crumples some cold bacon int a pot of thick potato sludge*

Ita McNairee: *bending was still a little difficult, she casts kind eyes up to the clock on the wall, hmm. assuming they left when aerin called, it should be any minute.. a flance back at the oven, and she struggles to hunker down into a squat, peeking at the buns rising with a delicious cinnamon smell throughout the kitchen*

Aerin Thomas: They make their way home...by the time they pull up to the house, Aerin is in a fairly tense mood. He gets out of the car, pushing the seat forward to help Ethan out.

Ethan: The boy is half asleep when they arrive, his body langorous and heavy. He lets Aerin pull him from the back, stumbling into the man briefly, lips smacking dryly.

Ethan Anderson: He rights his clothing with quick, nervous fingers, tongue moving slowly in his dry mouth.

Aerin Thomas: He helps Ethan into the house, an arm curled protectively around the kin's shoulders. He moves to the door and unlocks it, opening it and moving into the house. "Ita?"

Ethan Anderson: He leans tiredly into Aerin, arms wrapped around his own middle, face mostly hidden by the long blond hair which had come out of its knot in the long car ride.

Ita McNairee: En tha ketchen darlin *she hollers from well..in the kitchen, voice ringing warm over the ruckus of dogs barking and crows squawking and now babies crying as she yips and scolds* coome take these buns oot me oven?

Aerin Thomas: "Thought we did that earlier this week." He grins a little, and leads Ethan into the kitchen. "Ita, this is Ethan...Ethan, my mate, Ita. And all of our pets, and our children. I'll let you get acquainted while I de-bun the oven."

Ethan Anderson: "Hi," he mumbles, blinking at her through his hair for a moment before his attention falls on the animals and an almost-smile hits his lips.

Ita McNairee: allo Ethan darlin.. ye like cinnamens" *she pokes at aerin with a foot at the bu oven comment, shushing the babies*

Ethan Anderson: He nods and sits down on the floor right where he is, hands held out to the dogs. "Hey there," he croons softly.

Aerin Thomas: He grins to Ita and goes to the oven, taking the appropriate food out.

Ita McNairee: *the dogs but for the husky approach, horselike dane puppies tackling all over him, ita turns her attentnion to aerin, looking up at him in question*

Ethan Anderson: He laughs softly at the dane puppies, loosing himself in their friendly tongues and wriggling bodies, his hands moving from one dog to the other, over and over again, his voice soft as he murmurs nonesense at them.

Aerin Thomas: He looks to Ita and sighs a little, giving a slight shrug. Time to talk about the nasty later. For now, he just smiles a little, his eyes casting down to Ethan, a little smile on his face at the kinfolk plays with the animal.

Ita McNairee: *she gives a little nod and leans on her mate once he'd put the buns on the counter, watching ethan awhile and murmering* darlin.. ye hungry? Ah've made chicken salad, tater soup an tha cinnamon buns... effen ye wan et.. soory, ah reckon tha buns are aul tha's nae made oot o left o'ers..

Ethan Anderson: "I'm kinda thirsty," he murmurs, turning his mouth away from a questing tongue. "And I could use some tylenol. My mouth hurts."

Aerin Thomas: "I'll got get the tylenol." He nods to Ethan and after a kiss to her cheek, reaches to relieve Ita of Archibald and Tori, to spare his mate's back. He moves with soft steps away from her, heading for the bathroom.

Ita McNairee: och.. *she gives a light frown, then moves to the fridge, carrying the babies on her like some kind of monkey in the canopy, until aerin removes them. she gives a warm smile, half worried, and turns to dig in the fridge* ye like apple juice darlin?

Ethan Anderson: "Um. Water please, ma'am," he says, rising reluctantly from the wriggling pile of dogs, fingers scraping his hair back from his handsome face.

Ita McNairee: *she takes out the water jug and commences with pouring him a tall cold glass of h20, looking at it with an odd quirk of her mouth. she didn't really understan this filtering the tap water thing. keeping it in the fridge made it taste unnatural. the glass is handed to him with a jingle* there ye are loves.. Ethan was et?

Ethan Anderson: "Yes, ma'am." He nods and downs half the glass in a couple hard swallows, hand rubbing his jaw when he'd finished.

Ita McNairee: *she cocks her head and fills up the glass again, eyes narrowing a little in recognition. the kid was on something*

Ethan Anderson: "Thank you." He tries to smile, he really does, but it comes off almost flat as he takes nother drink.

Aerin Thomas: He returns with the tylenol, setting it on the counter while he supports the two infants.

Ita McNairee: och. auls well than.. *she looks to aerin* et?

Ethan Anderson: Ethan trades his glass for the Tylenol, popping the cap and shaking three into his palm. His tongue worries at his teeth a moment before he pops the bills nd swallows them down.

Ethan Anderson: ((Wow. Pops the PILLS AND...))

Aerin Thomas: "Food would be good, yes." He nods. "It's been a very long day, love."

Ita McNairee: *a nod of her head, the pikeys not lookig so great, despite apparent good spirits, happy mask faltering a little as she turns from them and moves to dish up some soup and sandwhich meal for the men*

Ethan Anderson: "Aerin? I'd like to lay down please,' he murmurs. "I'm not really hungry."

Aerin Thomas: He nods to Ethan. "All right, Ethan...that's okay. Let me show you to your room." He smiles to Ita a bit, with a 'Be right back' look, and moves to lead Ethan upstairs, to one of the smaller rooms up there.

Ethan Anderson: "Thank you, Miss Ita," he murmurs. "Good night." And then he lets Aerin lead him off.

Aerin Thomas: He shows Ethan to the rooms. It's simple...bed, dresser, closet, lamp, night stand. One of the ones witn no window. "I'll talk to Ammon tomorrow, get your things, I promise."

Ethan Anderson: He nods. "T-t-the dogs c-can come up whenever," he murmurs, the stutter slipping back into his voice.

Ita McNairee: *ita nods as she prepares the soup for her mate, and a bowl for herself, she reaches to turn the oven off, and makes with finishing the buns with a trickle of glazey icing*

Aerin Thomas: He nods a little. "Of course." He reaches out and pulls Ethan into a hug. "It'll be okay. I promise."

Ethan Anderson: He hugs Aerin back tightly, quickly and then pushes him away, scrubbing an arm at his eyes. "G'night, Aerin."

Aerin Thomas: "Good night, Ethan. Sleep well." He moves out of the room, shutting the door behind him, and heads downstairs.

Ethan Anderson: He strips down to his boxers and slides beneath the covers, curling around a pillow as he falls quickly to sleep.

Ita McNairee: *ita's let go of the happy face, staring blankly into the soup as she stirs it, then carefuly ladles it into a bowl. the mediocre chicken salad set at the side of the bowl as she moves slowly to set it on the table*

Aerin Thomas: He moves down the stairs, steping quietly through the living room and into the kitchen.

Ita McNairee: *the pikey doesn't look up, though she hears her mate, moving back to dish up her own*

Aerin Thomas: "Hey," he says, moving up to her. "You okay?"

Ita McNairee: *a nod, she swallows and ladels up her soup, moving to the table*

Aerin Thomas: d10: Per+Empathy(WP): 9,5,7,4,4,7,3,

Aerin Thomas: ((You ~knew~ the futile Per+Emp was coming. *S*))

Ita McNairee: d10: manip sub: 4,5,5,2,6,2,8,

Ita McNairee: (HE WINS!)

Aerin Thomas: ((*GASP*))

Ita McNairee -> Aerin Thomas: she's feeling very very betrayed. heartbroken. mourning micha. tired, and obviously angry

Aerin Thomas: He moves to set the babies in their carriers, and them moves back to Ita, sliding arms around her. "Love...you're feeling betrayed. You're angry. What's going on? Did I do something...?"

Ita McNairee: *she stops, eyes glazing as a tear snakes down her cheek unbidded, jaw tightening then releasing as she gives a sad laugh* och.. ah dinnae kain. *she looks up to him* what 'appened o tha concerto?

Aerin Thomas: "What about the Concerto?" He frowns at that. "I didn't stop by there today...as far as I know, it's fine..." He seems confused, and instantly tense. Oh, Goddess, someone's attacked the CONCERTO??

Ita McNairee: nae tae tha concerto darlin.. but o tha concerto. *she keeps her face turned up to him* wie gunther.

Aerin Thomas: "Ahh." He sighs. "This is how I understand it. Jody spoke with Gunther, and was willing to discuss other methods of dealing with Gunther; Gunther wanted to have his ass get kicked. So Jody agreed. She promised that Micah would not do it, and that he would not be present. She spoke with Micah, and Micah said to let me be the person to deal it out. Since I was Concerto staff as well, it worked out. When I got there, Gunther was apparently just expecting me to beat him; I don't beat people who can't fight back. He wouldn't fight back, so I tried to provoke him to...he wouldn't do it, so I just had to give in and beat him down completely, 'cause it was pretty well all he'd accept."

Ita McNairee: och. *she nods. jaw tightening. on second thought she's not hungry, the pikey moves to dump the contents of her bowl back into the pot with a hard swallow, tears playing at the corners of her eyes*

Aerin Thomas: "Are you angry with me?" He stands there, watching her.

Ita McNairee: ye didnae tell me. an AYE ah'm fooken angry o ye. *she whirls around, dish shattering as she tosses it to the ground, eyes streaming* there was a FOOKEN REASON ah tauld ye NAE tae fooken touch gunther. Gawd DAMNET nae wan LESTENS. *aaand she's on her way out the kitchen, moccassins padding on the lino then softly on the carpet as she heads for the front door, hand in her hair*

Ita McNairee: *and aerin's left in a kitchen that smells like dog and cinnammen*

Aerin Thomas: "Ita..." He watches her leave. "~HE~ put forth the idea of being beaten. Other options were suggested to him. What did you want me to do?"

Ita McNairee: *the front door slams as she's making her way down to the horses, she likely should have grabbed a coat, but she's got the husky at her side, and horses were warm*

Aerin Thomas: d10: Rage: 10,6,4,4,

Aerin Thomas: The sound of an INCREDIBLY loud crash comes from the house.

Ita McNairee: * the babies. she stops in her tracks, head jerking to the house as she swallows a sob, fingers flexing at her sides in some long ago instinct as she stalks back to the house*

Aerin Thomas: The table's split in two, likely from two very large arms. Aerin's got both of the bawling infants up, rocking them, shushing them quietly, murmuring tearful, frantic apologies to them both. He looks up as the door opens, guilt darkening his face. "I...I'm sor..." He shuts his eyes and looks back to the children.

Ita McNairee: *ita stalks towards him, anger clear on her features, insisting on the babies who are wailing like banshees*

Aerin Thomas: He offers them over to her, eyes downcast. "You're not being fair," he murmurs, staring at the floor.

Ita McNairee: Jaysus merciful Christ jeremy *she scowls, tears starting to dry on her face as she curls the babies into her arms, humming and kissing in an attempt to sooth them, a look shot from under her hair as she rocks them gently* nae bein fair.. bollox, tha es.

Aerin Thomas: "Yeah, not being fair." He just kind of stands there...he's not moving past her, and there's not much room for him to go elsewhere. "I'm sorry." It's more to their children then it is to Ita, though some of it, at least, seems directed above their tiny heads.

Ita McNairee: 'ow ye reckon tha es? *she manages to swallow the majority of the snap, soothing the children unti l they're just doing that hiccuppy sobbing instead of the full out wail*

Aerin Thomas: "You're angry at me for not telling you one single thing...and yet you hide from me all the time." He looks up to her face, gathering a little steam. "Frankly, most of the time, you don't want to hear anything about the Concerto. And yes, I told you that I wouldn't go after him on my own. And I didn't. I spoke with him. When it became a Concerto issue, I was asked to get involved. Because Jody and Micah both trusted I wouldn't take it too far and hurt him permanently. And I didn't. But in fact, Jody had to literally TALK my into it...I fucking refused to do it, flat-out. And you'll also note that you contacted the Concerto, not them. What did you think was going to happen?"

Aerin Thomas: "Of course, I don't get a chance to explain myself. Any explanation I have won't make a lick of difference. Nothing I say, on any subject, ever seems to, with you...so I have to be the damn bad guy here. Once again. I'm fucking tired of being the bad guy, Ita. I'm really truly tired of it."

Ita McNairee: Och fer tha love o GAWD *she snaps, shaking her head and looking entirely exasperated* Ah contacted tha Damned concerto sae hes awn folk would take care o et. sae YE wouldnae be envolved.. an sae gunther'd be angry o tha damn concerto where ee couldnae dae nae harm.. enstead o et me an me "faggot boyfriend!".. but nae.. ye lestened tae damned JOdy oo doesnae kain 'alf o wha's gain awn. rather than yer damned lass..an Noow every damned vampire en tha cammarellies looken fer oos!

Aerin Thomas: "And it's OUR fault that his own damned folk sent him BACK to the Concerto? Or that Jody didn't know what was going on? I agreed ONLY because I knew I wouldn't kill him, and most others would! Yeah, I could have let Joshua handle it, rather then me...how fucking restrained do you think HE would have been?"

Aerin Thomas: He opens his mouth again, and then pauses. "He...the Camarilla..." He blinks, color draining from his face. "...you're kidding me."

Ita McNairee: AYE! Causen ee's hurt an thenks ah betrayed hem fer ye tae humiliate. ah reckon ah understan why ee wans me dead.. *the spark drops out of her voice with the last statement, shoulders shaking as she turns away with the children, making soft choked noises as she tries to sooth them*

Aerin Thomas: He stares at her, a look of horror coming to his face. "...I didn't...I was trying to save him, Ita. I..." He's totally pale. He sidesteps around Ita, pushing by, and heading out of the kitchen. "...I'm sorry. It's all my fault."

Ita McNairee: *she puts the babies in their carriers, chirping at the dogs and moving after aerin, tears pattering on her chest as she pads after him*

Aerin Thomas: He's moving his way the the door, picking up the shotgun he carries while on patrol along the way.

Ita: Aerin. *she sings gasping between hiccups*

Aerin Thomas: "What?" It's a hard syllable, angry and hurt, though at who or what, anyone's guess. He opens the door and looks back at her, blinking back tears, jaw set hard. "I have to make sure my fuck-up doesn't kill us all. We've lost too much as it is."

Ita: Stop. set doown. please Aerin. *she's looking hurt and upset as well, but the anger there previously has been replaced with a hollow sort of stare*

Ita: *a hand comes to touch the small of his back as she swallows*

Aerin Thomas: He shuts his eyes, wavering a little, and shuts the door. The shotgun is dropped to the ground, and he turns, leaning against the door. "...I'm sorry," he murmurs quietly.

Ita: *she presses her forehead to his chest and strokes his arm* es nae aul yer fault.. ah'm jes oopset.

Aerin Thomas: He doesn't react to her touch, just kind of...leaning there, listlessly. "But I'm responsible. I did this."

Ita: nae aul o et... ah shouldnae o trested tha concerto tae handle et propers.. ah didnae kain they'd gie ye envolved. *she gives him a shake, voice frantic* Aerin. please.. ah'm losen everywan.. dinnae gawn awa tae..

Aerin Thomas: "I'm not...going anywhere, Ita." He sighs. "I just...everything I touch, it falls apart. I've fucked everything up. Again. Nothing is working."

Ita: *she reaches up and curls her fingers in his hair* Aerin. ah love ye.. even effen ah reckon yer a daft arse soometimes. ah'm jes oopset es aul.. ye've nae ruined nae wha cannae be fexed.. was jes.. *her voice drops quiet* jes panicken..es aul.. an angry. et'll be aulrecht tho doves.. claud's awn et? aye?

Aerin Thomas: He nods slightly. "I just hope..." He swallows, hard. "M-Micah."

Ita: ee didnae 'arm micah. *she nods, understanding, voice soft and shallow* tha wasnae hem. ah kain tha. ... ah thought et tae..

Aerin Thomas: A shaky breath comes out, the Garou obviously relieved that at least his reponsibility for that isn't increased. "You should go to sleep...I'll watch Tori and Archer. I need to make sure Ethan doesn't try to sneak out anyway...get back to Ammon. I...you know I never would have..." He looks away. He wouldn't have, he knows it. Still feels beyond shit.

Ita: ye need soup. *as though soup was a requisite for peace. she hugs him tightly a moment and sighs tearily into his chest* an sleep.. an a pikey wha loves ye. an ah need ye tae. *she nods and looks up at him* tha wee wans'll sleep.. an tha dags'll watch o'er ethan.. ah'll have em ootside hes door leanen awn et, they'll make a ruckus effen there's a prollem. an tha corbies are ootside awn look oot. coome.. et an coome tae bed.

Aerin Thomas: A sigh...he doesn't have the energy to argue. "All right." He nods a little and moves to eat, his walk weak, a little listless. After that will come bed...and an unconsciousness he does, in fact, very much need.