Welcome to Gaia! ::

Roleplay with Yume (continued)

The brown pawed dog barked, nudging the babe a bit closer towards her furry body. For good reasons as well, the window was open up here, a rather chilly breeze starting to circulate through the upper most floor. The smell of the boxes didn't seem to disturb the dog, and as soon as she had boldly braved the open door, three fox cubs followed after. A little bit older than Yume had last seem them the small creatures horded around the larger animal and child, light brown and azure eyes gazing up towards Yume.

William almost bristled, she was worried about him, she still cared. "I'll explain later, I promise." He spoke softly, keeping his light embrace around her back. Shifting from one socked foot to the other, he almost shivered as another breeze racked through the building, slowly wrapping one wing around the side of them so at least some of the breeze was blocked out.

"You'll stay? Well, believe it or not, we've not lived on Pizza's they've just been there for a while?" He quickly stopped, realizing he was being quite ungentlemanly. Taking a step back, he offered his hand out to Yume. Intending to take her inside with him, well, and not let her go again when they got inside once more.

Cera saw it before most, picking up onto all fours. Motioning for the cubs to move, she made to crawl back inside, large black ears twitching as her long dirty, blonde hair fell before her eyes.

Looking down, Yume suddenly saw three small little creatures run past her. At first, she was a bit scared they might have been large rats but slowly, she remembered about Vixy's Cubs and smiled seeing how much they had grown. Just seeming them made her feel slightly worse realizing now how long it had been.

She let out a small sigh and looked back at Will as he moved his wing. Looking over him and into the room, she noticed a window open. Shaking her head softly so that her long ponytail moved back and forth with her head, she looked back at Will. "I hope later won't be too long." She whispered.

"And how long is awhile?" She blinked surprised at him trying to find the pizzas in her sight. She turned her head around as she noticed him pull back from her. She was a bit surprised until she saw his hand come to take hers. A smile passed her lips as she took his hand walked back inside with him being careful of Cera and the cubs. She wasn't used to so many little ones running around her feet. Jiyuu was normally attached to her or playing with Squeeky so he wasn't in her's or Sirene's walking path.

"Would you two mind if I threw the left-over pizza stuff away?" She asked looking from Will to Cera.
"A while?....I'm not sure you want to know," The angel spoke nervously, leading her inside. Thistle had rushed over to his side in the meantime, and even now she lead the three of them indoors. The room was cold, a few bricks laid abandoned on top of the carpet from where Cera had been playing a few moments before.

Now inside it wasn't all that bad, the three cubs running off into the nearest bedroom. It was actually quite clean, only the three boxes sitting on the cupboard gave away that it wasn't all that clean. A tiny Robin stirred from his position on the bird cage, and seeing as the door was always open, he tittered out. Perching on the edge of the cage door to watch the new person walk in.

Little black and beady eyes snuck out from underneath the sofa, a pair of black tipped paws slowly snuck out, until the fox came out to meet them. Her long tail flicked too and fro, watching Yume carefully tread in with the cubs, before bolting up to jump on top of the sofa.

"Feel free to clear them away, do you want some help?" William questioned, almost embarrassed that he hadn't done it himself recently. His fingers twined back with her own, enjoying that small bit of warmth pressed up against his own. In his mind it was perfect, and maybe it was. So many things had rushed through his head these past few weeks, he couldn't leave without asking her, could he now?

Cera just trotted back over towards her bricks, tail flicking happily too and fro, a small purr escaping her throat. She seemed happy enough, picking up the bottle full with water beside her, wafting it around in time with placing the bricks against each other.
"William?if they have been here that long why haven't you cleaned them out yet?" Yume said in a somewhat commanding tone that let others know she wasn't that happy with their choice. It was the same tone Sirene had used with her as a child when she wasn't doing as she was suppose to.

Sighing slightly, she squeezed his hand once more before pulling her hand free and walking over towards the remains. She hadn't noticed the robin sitting there watching them but the fox she saw well. Walking by her, Yume gave her a small pet before moving over to her goal. "Always the case! Leave a man alone and he never cleans." She said mumbling to herself as she looked back at Will. "Trash is where?" She asked holding everything in her hands.

She wasn't sure what they had been living on since they had been alone but something inside her didn't like seeing Cera taken care of in a mess?let alone leaving Will in it as well. His outfit told her enough about that.

Looking over a Cera from behind the trays, she sighed watching the girl. Her mind was telling her that her motherly nature might kick in soon if she was around her for long. Something about Cera always did that too her. "Will, how old is she now?"

"Rubbish bin is in the kitchen, beside the fridge," William spoke, he almost shuffled nervously. He knew full well they should have been cleared but, what with waiting for his Dad to get back, and keeping the family on run when you can't see a thing - it wasn't easy. His fingers found the blanket that had been dumped at the end of the sofa, folding it back over the couch the best he could.

Stuffing one hand into his pocket, his fingers brushed over the one thing he'd kept in there for her. Well, there was no time like the present, so with that he knelt to place it down onto the sofa. Cera just watched him, half way through putting the next brick on the table. She remembered that box! He'd picked it up while the pair of them were out with her dad. Crawling over towards Vixy, she patted the smaller fox on the head, before going after yume.

"Cera? Ask her yourself, how old are you now kid?" William questioned. She may only be little and have a very limited vocabulary, but she knew how to answer that one perfectly these days. His wings folded back behind him, a single feather falling down onto his palm. Cupping it, he set it beside the box. The box itself was only small, white, but had carved markings into the wood - little swirls and patterns that lead up to the spelling of her name on the top.

Cera's ears perked up, sitting beside the girls feet. Pointing her thumb at herself she repeated, with a bit of mispronunciation mind. "Twue, Cera Two." The second time it came out more clearly, the girl struggling around her words, before beaming as she managed to pronounce each syllable.

"Dad's been gone for about a week now, hes supposed to be coming back in two days time. We had to go with him on his business trip, there wasn't a way around it, one of his relatives died. All rather sudden, or so he said." William started on a speech that obviously some of it belonged to his father, feeling his way back up to sit back on the sofa once more, wings curling around him like he had done when he was a child, and a scared child at that.

Yume nodded and shifted the trays in her hands before walking into their kitchen. It wasn't like theirs so it took a moment before she could find what she was looking for. Her shoes moving quickly on the floor, she moved towards the fridge and dropped the trays into the trash bin. Brushing her hands against her skirt, she stared at the fridge tempted to find out what they had been eating. Shaking her head, she turned and headed out of the kitchen. She was slightly too scared to know.

Walking back into the room, she was greeted by Cera coming towards her. Kneeling down next to her, she smiled as she spoke. "Two? My you are getting to be a big girl now aren't you?" Yume said with a giggle in her voice as she taped Cera's small nose. She had grown and Yume was upset that she had missed it.

William's voice brought her back to him and out of playing slightly with Cera. She looked back at the couch and stood up slowly. She didn't like it when he got this way. When he with-drew, she was always scared he would never come back.

Walking over to the back of the couch, she moved around Vixy and leaned on the couch behind him. "So he's been coming and going?" She sighed and bent over to wrap her arms in the small spaces around the wings he left. She hung onto him softly and whispered to him lovingly "Please don't leave me again."
Cera smiled, giggling helplessly as the girl had poked her nose. Determined to show this girl exactly how she was such a big girl, she clambered up towards the sofa. Once there she reached her arms up, latching onto the blanket, and pulled herself up onto two feet. Waddling was no problem, the girl padding over, looking almost like a penguin as she spread her legs for balance - feet out turned, walking her way over.

William tensed up for a few moments as she wriggled her fingers underneath his wings, before slowly relaxing again. One at a time, the large feathered adornments upon his back opened out, falling back behind the sofa. Awfully careful not to let her fall, he wrapped his arms around her waist so if she wanted she could ease back in to sitting on his lap, or just plain old sitting by his side.

"Dad's been coming and going a lot recently, though, you're not to tell anyone about it. Please Yume, I promised him." William started, his chin staying tilted down, one white tooth biting down hard onto his lip. It was only then that he heard his little sister's laughter, trying his best to smile and knock the whole subject off he started up again on the one thing they both shared and loved to have around; Cera.

"Shes been learning how to walk you know," William noted, keeping his arms rested around her waist. It almost felt natural, for the three of them to be there alone. He didn't want it to stop, that was for sure, and leave her again, never? Wait?.it was only then that it hit William what she'd said. Oh gorden bennit?

"Yume?I couldn't leave you again if I tried," He whispered on a just as loving tone. Leaning forwards, he caught her lips in a light but loving kiss. Well, someone had grown a lot bolder since last time they had seen each other. It had only been short, but it hadn't been riddled with nervousness like last time had been.

Feeling his arms around her, she moved closer and sat down softly in his lap. She laid her tail over his leg and wagged the tip of it slowly across his leg. "Don't worry. I won't tell anyone but Mom might get worried if I don't give her a reason I'm staying." She blinking thinking about how her mother would react the moment she said she was staying with them. Just seeing that face she would get she shivered slightly.

She had wanted to say more but could tell he wished not to speak of it yet. Looking down at Cera, she couldn't help but look surprised. Her ears perked up and her golden eyes widened. "Cera! You are such a big girl now! I'm so proud of you." She said happily, almost bouncing out of Will's lap. She wanted to pick up the little neko and just spoil her rotten the moment she saw the small steps over towards them. It was almost too cute for her to believe and a small laugh escaped her. The little girl seemed so much like she wanted to show off for Yume that she would even come towards them. Yume started to wonder what Jiyuu would think of her?

The thought was stopped by Will's moment and sudden kiss. It was something she hadn't expected at all from him. Some things had even changed about him in the time apart. Slowly, she blinked her eyes and then returned the kiss with one of her own on his lips. She had wanted to kiss him since he opened the door but now, she felt a bit more sure about it as she lengthen her kiss on him.

Pulling back from him, she smiled and looked down at Cera again. "Seems both of you have changed and grown." She giggled.

"So, you'll stay?" William questioned as she broke the kiss. Breathless was one word, his eyes blinking rapidly for a few moments. True, he couldn't see, true he didn't have a clue how she'd changed as she sat on his lap but she was here. She had kissed him back, she was in his lap. Even as her tail brushed slowly over his leg, the angel's wings almost fluttered behind him.

Cera smiled happily as the girl giggled, pulling herself up onto the sofa. It was a scary height, even for a toddler, positioning her arms so she could pull her body and legs up to the bouncy cushion. Wriggling her legs, she was soon sitting up beside the pair of them, of course with a helping hand of the fox by her feet. Vixy having given her a helping push up and onto the sofa.

"Yume stay?" Cera questioned, eyeing all around her. It was then that she noticed the box still on the table. Leaning over, she plucked it up from where she was. For the time being, she just held it tight to her chest, small fingernails clutching onto the tiny engraved white container.

William didn't have a clue what to say about the changed, well, he had a lot of time to think while he was gone. Coming back as something slightly changed, for the better, he hoped at least. He just couldn't help but smile, twining his fingers behind her back to keep her from falling off all together. He could have held that moment in time forever, he knew full well he'd have paid the world to lock this moment up, wrap it up in a box and keep it for all eternity.

Cera just stayed sat there, cuddling the box to her chest. She waited for her answer before holding out the little pristine box to the girl, pushing it along the couch covers. One finger pointed at her brother, barely even giving the girl time to answer the previous question, in her mind she was staying and that was it. She'd be here till her Dad got back, right? And her Brother could smile again?

Yume couldn't help but laugh as she listened to the pair of them. It was very easy to tell they were related and she saw that in how both of them seemed to be holding her from ever moving or leaving. "Well, neither of you have given me a choice." She said lightly more looking at Cera as she ran a hand up and down Will's arm. "So, yes. Yume stay" She said lightly copying Cera's words and watching her hang onto something.

Leaning her head to the side, she narrowed her eyes and looked sharply to what Cera was holding onto to closely. Not wishing to leave Will's hold, she moved closer to his chest sliding along his leg next to him. Her eyes never left the little one's gaze. "Cera, what do you have there?" She asked softly thinking it was one of her bricks but noticing something on it that didn't look like the others.

Will seemed lost in his own mind at the moment so she just leaned close to him and purred lightly in her throat for him to hear. She still watched Cera and the little Vixy walking pasted the couch with them. Seemed the mother was slightly happy to not always have the cubs on her anymore or so it appeared.

"From Will?" Cera spoke. Will suddenly snapped out of it, there was only one thing on that table or anywhere near him that was from him. Well, here goes nothing, reaching out one foot (and trying to be awfully subtle about it) he knocked the end of the table. Just enough so the neko wouldn't notice, sure enough, it wasn't there. He almost took in a deep breath, tightening his light grip on Yume as he waited with baited breath for his little sister to give her the box. He had planned out things differently, something slightly more romantic, but well?.it meant a lot to him, and he hoped she'd like it.

Cera just shifted, pushing the white box into Yume's hands. It was smooth around the outside, no bigger than the size of a fur cone and had tiny little golden clasps. There was two clasps holding it together, and around each one the spiral engraving started. Her name was written on the top, and under Cera's thumb the way she held it was a small engraved wing onto the top. If the box wasn't pretty enough, she wouldn't have a clue what exactly was inside the little thing.

"I picked it up while me and Dad were out, just thought you might like it," William started, suddenly speaking a little quicker. He was nervous, that was for sure. His wings flicked a little behind him, waiting until she opened the box. To ask her when she'd opened the box, ask her now, take the box. Why did present giving have to be this complicated?

Vixy just jumped up behind Cera, ushering the small child back to sitting on the other end of the sofa. She laid down, her head resting on the little girls legs. Cera seemed happy to just sit there, watching the two infront of her, brushing her little fingers over the foxes head. It was only then that Thistle padded over, pressing her cold nose into William's trouser leg. Lying down underneath his legs so that her furry back was up against his ankle.

"Its not just the box mind, you need to open it," William started, deciding to stop yammering, as he shifted to get comfortable where they both were.
Seeing Cera hand it to her, she took the small box and ran her hand over it. She had felt Will move slight before but didn't know what he was doing at the moment. Now she had a guess he was looking for this. Turning it over in her hands, she looked over the carvings and smiled seeing her name and the wing. It really was beautiful. She was a bit surprised and was too busy enjoying it to open the box.

"William?what is this?" She blinked and looked back at him just noticing that Vixy was moving Cera to the other side of the couch. Seemed everyone knew something about what was going on but herself. Even Thistle was moving in on it. Yume was really starting to feel out of the loop on this one.

"Well, I was going to sooner or later." She said softly looking over at Will and holding the box in one hand. Looking around the room, she shook her head just keeping her hair out of Will's face as she watched everyone. "Well, alright." She smiled and leaned back against him slowly before holding up the box and gently lifting the lid up.

The whole room waited, almost with baited breath as she got to opening the box. Even the small robin on the edge of the bird cage turned his head away from eating to watch the small scene open out. Cera's small eyes watching as she held the box in one hand and slowly opened it. Crazy eah? How time can be stopped for one little piece of wood. Well, it had good reason to be stopped in there.

Inside, under the small layer of clear paper lay a necklace. A delicate silver chain, with a charm at the end of it. The charm was two small wings, in the centre a clear silver globe with one single feather engraved into the silver. Each little feather could be made out on the smaller wings, and even if she rotated it the tiny wings could unlatch from the globe to flap in the breeze on a few single strips of silver to keep them attached. It was perfect, the chain looking about the right size so the charm could rest against Yume's neck. Attached was a small note, obviously written by one of not many words. It read: "Yume, love William".

Cera took in a little breath seeing the ornate jewelry once more, she remembered it from the store, but it seemed so much more sparkly now. Her lips curled up into a smile, clapping her hands together for a few moments. Her tail twitched from one side to the other, her pitch black ears moving from beside her head and back up to the usual place near the top of her head.

Even William heard the rustle, he could feel her shuffle a little closer, a soft but nervous smile staying settled on his face. He heard the box lid open, heard the golden clasps rattle as the lid was completely opened. Resting his arms around her stomach, he took in a deep breath before daring to speak again. "I hope you like it," He whispered just into one of her soft furry ears, his fingers twining together in front of her stomach as she shifted a little further back.

The silence in the room was a bit disturbing for her as she felt all eyes on her and on the box she was opening. Holding her own breath, she opened the box completely and looked in.

The moment she saw it, her jaw dropped. It was one of the most beautiful things she had ever seen. "Oh William!" She purred happily holding the box and necklace in one hand and throwing the other hand around his neck. "I love it so much." She called out before placing her lips back on his and kissing him softly. "Just not as much as I love you." She whispered as she pulled out of the kiss for his ears only.

Slowly, she placed the box back on the couch and pulled the necklace out of it and unhooked the chain before placing it around her neck and hooking it together. The charm landed just under her collar bone giving it a place were all could see who looked at her. She held the charm in her hand for a moment smiling happily. "Thank you so much." She purred looking down at it.

The angel barely heard her for a few moments until she threw one arm around his neck. He laughed happily as she repeated just the words he wanted to hear. Catching her furry ear, he lightly kissed the tip, glad for once he had done something right. Apparently he had a sense of style when it came to jewelry.

Cera gurgled, watching as she put the pretty thing around her neck. Still clapping her hands eagerly together, the girl nuzzled up against the smaller fox beside her. Curling up just a little where she was, her fingers balled in the soft fox's fur, a large yawn escaping her lips as she watched them happily.

"Yume, I'm glad you like it," William chuckled out. Then he did something quite unexpected. He'd been practicing it since he got back, shifting off as he slid the young girl onto the couch. He slid to the floor, wings and all, taking both of her hands within his own. For a few moments he just sat there, teal hair falling down in front of his shoulders, his fringe fanning over his forehead and a few longer wisps falling before his eyes. His wings tucked back behind him, a few larger feathers dwindling down towards the floor.

Thistle moved, gazing up towards his owner. Cocking her head to one side, she wriggled underneath the table, her little body pressed right up against the floor until she came out the other side. Lying where she was, her back paws and tail stuck out of the other end, while her head gazed up towards William. Tail thumping on the floor, she disturbed a few pieces of paper on the desk, but the dog really didn't seem to care.

"I've been thinking about this for so long?.so long, and I couldn't keep it for much longer. Yume, I love you, I always have done?.and I need to ask?" The males voice almost choked up, his eyes seemingly gazing into her own. His halo tilted down as he spoke.

"Will you be my girlfriend? I know it's a big step and?" his voice got faster near the end, but he bit down hard onto his lip. If she only knew how long he'd waited to ask this, how long it had taken him.

Yume giggled feeling his lips against her ear. It wasn't something she head felt before and it was tickling her a bit. Cera seemed to be returning to her nap now as Yume watched her curl up with the fox before feeling William move.

Blinking as she felt herself moved off his lap and onto the couch, she looked a bit scared that she had done something wrong. His sudden movements to the floor made her wonder even more. Her ears stood up and her tail stopped moving as she waited to see what was going on.

Thistle's movements also confused her slightly as she watched the dog move and a few things fly off the table. Deciding she would be playing a house maid soon, she turned back to look at Will just as his words came out.

His girlfriend?

She sat blinking at him. Her heart seemed to have stopped suddenly as she watched him. Wasn't it just a few days ago someone else had asked her this?oh how did she get suck like this.

She sighed and her heart seemed to return to normal as she nodded. "Yes." She smiled looking at him. "I will." She said softly.

Roleplay In the Apartments (Freize and Sirene) - Continued

The angel beamed slightly at the two, rubbing at the back of his neck in what seemed to be a sheepish manner, "Ahh, yeah. I work for Arafel.. She asked me to stop by and clean up." He huffed a bit, "I should've brought my music, though.." He turned towards the other angel now, seeming to be thinking something over before responding in a cheery manner, "Good afternoon." He was about to say something else when his attention was caught by the dog, brows arching.. He extended it a bit, allowing her to get a good sniff at it before pulling it back as her attention went elsewhere. He lowered a bit, glancing up towards the younger male, "Your dog- can I pet it?"

It had been awhile since he had gotten to interact with people outside of his "family", so he was going to be pretty talkative today. Luckily he hadn't gotten the urge yet to just talk. Then they'd think he was some crazy guy rambling on about something like the weather.. He really did like people, he didn't want to be hated- just like Spiro. He just... Didn't let people in too close. For personal reasons.
(*waves* Ah, okay. Bye ^___^; )
The halfbreed looked up at the girl uncertainly as she approached, not quite so nervous about her.. She was a kid. She wasn't one of them.. But there had been a few cases... Naw, forget that. Put it back into the darkest corner in his mind where it belonged.. He jolted a bit as she grabbed his wrist, tensing at first before swallowing heavily. He guaged her expression and tone... She wasn't angry. He relaxed once again, glancing about, seeking out the olders now... Oh, over there. With that Ajani. Figures..

Spiro turned his attention back towards the girl, "Umn... I... I don't like older people so much..." He shrugged slightly, allowing her to hold his wrist- a sign that he was getting better around people. Awhile back he would have jerked away and curled up.. His toes pressed into the ground slightly. Nervous energy.. He noticed her eyes on his mouse and he seemed to relax as he remembered the little guy's presence.

He shifted slightly, "Um.. That's Alexei. He's really nice.. You can.. You can hold him, if you want to." He was bad with people, so he decided to avert the attention to his mouse, who was very good with people. Hooray for Alexei.

Nervous about older people, how wierd? She had lived her life around older people, and they were always lovely, her Dad loved her to peices and took care of her really well - and big brother and Yume were just amazing. Not quite fully being able to understand the subject, her fingers trailed off his wrist and back down to her side. Well, it didn't matter if she didn't fully understand, did it? Taking in a little breath she creased away the frown lines upon her brow, smiling on up towards him and the small mouse ontop of his shoulderblade.

"Why not like them? Yumes really nice, really! And my big brother, even though he can't see, is the best person in the world." The little girl exclaimed, motioning with her hands to get her viewpoint accross. Her ears twitched just a little, almost tripping over once more as she shifted from one foot to the other, her shoelaces having come undone - the girl continueing to step on them. Being clumsy was Cera's downfall, and the girl was going to get into a right pickle if she didn't notice that her shoelaces were trailing around her ankles. Bad move.

"Thistle you mean? Oh, feel free, shes trained." William was a rather quiet speaker, but when it was about the favorite person of his life, a very softly spoken one. He loosened the leash that was wrapped around his fingers, letting the peice of red lead drop from his fingertips, his last peice of support trailing on through. Now normally he'd bring up the defenses but today, for some strange reason, he didn't. Inclining towards Yume still, his hand still intwined with hers, he didn't feel so bad standing there.

"Her names Thistle," He added in. This talking business wasn't too bad once you got started. His large wings pressed up against his sweatshirt, large blue eyes gazing off towards what seemed to be Thistle. If anyone studied them for a few moments they would find an almost eerie sense about them, as if everything wasn't as it seemed. Which of course it wasn't. His gaze always held that emptyness about it, and almost as if that spark of life that used to be there had dwindled out to nothing.

Thistle, almost confused as William dropped the leash gazed up towards William for a few moments. Her tail continued to thump, bending up to lap over his fingers a few times. She gazed from the lad before her and back then over towards the other angel. Leaning her muzzle towards the floor she padded back over, inclining her head to lap over the angels fingers. It was something she always did, tail wagging from one side to the other, the cross-breeds eyes gazing up towards that of the angels.

"We have pets at home, its alright. Theres Thistle, Will's guide dog, Vixy and the four cubs...the robin, the sparrow, the cat and Yume brings her hamster along," Cera shaked her head. As much as she'd love to pet the little thing, she'd much rather get to know and play with this boy. She'd had enough of animals for the time being, they seemed to flock around her brother like no tomorrow - but strangly enough not her. Not that the matter really bothered her. She was quite happy with petting the cubs when they nuzzled up for some fuss.

Ticking each animal off on her fingers, she continued on, taking in a deep breath before asking the next question. "Would you like to play something?" She questioned, a certain sincerity found in her tone. She kept her smile up towards him, large brown orbs gazing into his own. It didn't matter if he was tense, maybe he'd play with her. That would make things better, right? Even William laughed when they played...maybe, just maybe, it would have the same effect on him?

The boy laced his fingers together after being released, thinking over her question to himself silently. He stared down towards his socked-feet, the striped things beginning to tear at the bottom.. "I can't help it..." He shrugged then, trying to find words to explain what he felt towards the olders. It was a tough question really- but maybe only because nobody had never asked.

He opened up slightly to this girl now, because he found out that... Not even any of his friends had ever asked him what was the matter with him when he was down. They just let him be.. This girl must be a good person, because she seemed to care. "They... Scare me." He admitted, wriggling his toes. "Older people didn't like me much.." Back before he was banished...

Alexei lifted to a stand, going over to sniff at his jawline thoughtfully before ducking down and disapearing into the collar of his shirt. The little mouse was getting slightly old- for a mouse, anyways, and was a lot less active than he used to be. He preffered napping on Spiro's shoulder, or at his collarbone beneath his shirt.

Ajani smiled brightly, "Ah, okay.." He went down on his knees now, hands moving to pet through the dog's fur at the side of her neck, smiling warmly towards her. "Hey girl.." He set aside the Hoover before going to ruffle the dog's fur in a gentle, friendly sort of manner. He scritched behind one ear lightly before looking up at William, "Thistle? Ha.. That's a good name for her. Did you name her?" He gave a tilt to his head, continuing before allowing him to answer, "She's a beautiful dog... What kind is she?" Now he was quiet. He had to let other people say something.

Freize often joked that Ajani could easily carry on a conversation on his own- which was rather untrue. But the one-winged angel never said so.. He had enough trouble carrying on one with people, although it didn't seem that way. He seemed perfectly friendly, and was actually good with kids- and he didn't like kids too much. But he tried to keep kind and helpful at all times, and never since the first day he had come had anyone seen him angry.

The crossbreed nodded a bit as she refused his invitation to hold his friend, not minding in the least. Not everyone had as much affection for the little guy that Spiro did. Spiro shifted slightly, tilting his head as the girl named off all of the animals before speaking up quietly, "Most animals don't like me.." Most things didn't like him, really, atleast from what he had seen in his past. Especially not Freize's raccoon. That thing was deadly.. Urgh. Alexei was the only one.

The boy's teeth worried at his lower lip, his hands unlocking and coming to rest on his knees, "Okay, but I'm... Not very good at playing." He was still getting the hang of it- but Avery and Colette were teaching him. He was learning. They were the ones that originally taught him how- before he came to the center, he had never played before. Now he was a little self-conscious about it, because he really didn't want anyone to hate him for that or think lesser of him.

"Scare you?...Older people can be nice. You just met the wrong people...not all older people are nasty," She started, the words of a gem escaping out what couldn't have been much than a five year old. The younger girl stood there, a smile splattered from one black furry ear to the other. It seemed having a brother who was a burden had almost forced her to grow up before her time, she'd barely played with anyone else - and now was her time to do so. Trying her best to console the older boy, she continued on.

"Papa always told me some people in this world arn't very nice, but not all people are like that, and just cause one person is nasty doesn't mean another will," She continued on. It was hard for her to put it into words, struggleing a little over what exactly to say to express herself. It was something Cera had problems with, she knew deep down what she wanted to say, but turning feelings into words decided not to come easy. The end of her tail flicked, bright brown eyes gazing up towards Spiros own.

Thistle, in the meantime, wagged her tail happily. Her muzzle nuzzled into this angels hands, lapping over his fingertips in a friendly way. William had been right, she was well trained. Even when he scratched behind her ear, the animal cocked her head to the side, obviously enjoying this little gem of attention from another human being bar her owners. He was right though, it was a good name for her, her coat being about the same coloured as the dried out version of the plant- smooth and rugged brown. Even the fur underneath her corresponded to the plant - the way it shifted from brown to an un-eaven brown just like the plant went from a lilac to a deep purple in the midsts of spring.

"I found her when she was little, and ever since shes been called Thistle. Well, its all because she used to roam in the garden that way back then...." William started, suddenly realising how little he actually knew about the dog. A smile perked on his lips, well, he was talking - this was what Yume wanted, right? A convosation of some sort between the two. Stuffing one hand down into his pocket, he waited for the next question. Wondering exactly what to throw the topic back onto.

"Kind?....I'm not exactly sure. I'd say she was a border collie cross, but i've not seen her for so long..." He trailed off on the end part. Would he be treated any differently as soon as this angel realised he couldn't see? Taking in a little breath, he dug about in his pocket. It was one thing he knew was there, his Dad had told him it was still there, and sure enough - his wallet was stuck deep down in his coat pocket. A very light wallet, but a wallet all the same. It was brown, and as the angel fumbled with the clasp, it fell open - revealing a picture underneath one of those clear plastic films.

"Here...this is us as kids. Have you ever had any pets?" Apparently, confidence was starting to pick itself back up. Clicking a little in the back of his throat, Thistle darted over, taking the wallet with the picture inside it between her teeth. Pressing her black nose into her owners hand, she placed it before the angel, knudgeing her nose against the soft brown leather. Her tail wagged. Even William had to admit it was nice to be talking again, dispite his distint reaction against it only ten minutes before.

Reaching forwards to take the boys wrist once more, she almost tripped up. Cera smiled on up towards him, everyone could play, no matter what game it was - everyone could play in some form. Thinking for a few moments, she tried her best to drag the half breed out from the corner. Feet shuffleing, her shoelaces hung by her shoes, keeping the ever constant threat to trip the younger neko over. Of course, Cera didn't care, pulling the male out into the light.

"I'm sure Thistle would like you, and Vixy, and the cubs!" She exclaimed, as he shifted. He bit down onto his lip, thats exactly what her older brother did. That same smile brimmed over her face, now, how to get this solumn boy to smile. Well, a bit of tag would do to start off with.

"You don't have to be very good...you just need to have fun, my big brothers awful at some things but we still have fun. Lets play tag, kay? Want me to be it?" She questioned, positively beaming on up towards him. He was willing to play! Shifting from one foot to the other, the tips of her ears twitched happily, and if anyone was close enough they would have heard a light purr escaping from the back of her throat.

The halfbreed drifted into his own thoughts for a few moments, simply trying to pull up a response.. His own demeanor seemed a bit off, especially seeing as he was only seven years old. He was usually very calm, and rarely showed great deals of emotion, especially excitement or anger, and he had a closed mind in some ways... Such as his belief in fairy tales and happy endings- or lack there of. His past had forced him to grow up at an abnormal rate- as he had been the same when he first came to the Center, when he was about four or so. Perhaps younger, he couldn't really remember.

His lips parted, but it was still another few seconds before he spoke again, "I know not everyone's bad... I've met a lot of good people since I came.." He'd only known one before, but that one had taught him that there weren't as many bad people as there seemed.. And what real bad people were like. "I just can't help it." He couldn't help it... The mind-numbing fear that sometimes came as an older angel approached him.. But he seemed calm now, his eyes even lifting to meet those looking into them. It wasn't often he made eye contact- it was a slight sign of trust. Not a lot of people knew that.

The angel smiled brightly at the creature, continuing to pet and scritch at her as his head turned so as he could look up at the younger male. He smiled a bit, and nodded, keeping quiet for a bit so as to allow him to finish responding. No jumping in just yet- he was trying to be polite. Ajani could actually do that, to the great disbelief of Freize. He finally piped up, seeming unphased by the fact that the youth was unable to see, simply smiling, "Yeah, I was guessing so too. She looks like she has come collie in her. And she has a really sweet temperment, so she's probably a mutt.. But then again, I always had a thing for mutts."

He settled back, allowing the dog free as she was called, letting his arms fall to drape across his knees haphazardly. He watched in a curious manner, allowing a grin to split his lips. "I picked up a stray once when I was younger, and kept that dog with me until it died... He was a good dog, really.. But before that, naw.. My parents hated animals." He lifted the wallet, looking at the picture and smiling to himself. "Hm..." He kept a lot pictures of when he was younger... But that was from before he was banished. And in his room back at Freize's house. Besides, he doubted they would benefit the blind boy at all, so he just let it slip away.

Spiro looked uncertainly towards the neko girl, allowing himself to be pulled along, head falling into a tilt. The muscles in his arms had tensed slightly- he wasn't good with being touched, but he was getting better. Well, he seemed better depending on the personality of the person touching him. If Akito had touched him or something... He would have seemed like he was back on square one.

More of his age was beginning to show through, his face holding an almost childish curiousity- he really wanted to learn how to play better. It was something of interest.. His brows arched just slightly at the mention of animals maybe liking him.. "I dunno..." He thought back on something Arafel had said.. Hm... He lifted his head as she mentioned the game, expression changing to one of ultimate interest. "Okay..." A hint of a smile showed itself at the corner of his lips, but was gone just as quickly as it came. He knew this game. "Is there a base..?" He glanced about, seeming to be thinking over something.

The younger neko kept her gaze on his, quiet as he spoke, her brown eyes gazing back into his. Well, he was looking at her, that was a first. A small happy giggle escaped the back of her throat as she finally managed to ply him back from the wall. It seemed whenever anyone else was happy, Cera just joined in. Her feet wobbled though for a few moments, glanceing down towards the culpret of the almost-to-be-fall. Ducking, she quickly did up her shoe laces, making a thing about making sure they were done extra tightly. Her little fang bit down hard onto her lip, obviously deep in concentration as she bent over to do some as simple as tie her own shoe laces.

"Maybe one day, you'll come to like older people. And base?..kayu, over there!" Cera started, finally picking herself up from tieing her shoes. Waving estactically at the corner of the room and over towards the room with all the pool table, trying her best to point towards the door. Pushing her sleeves up her arms, she looked like one of those toddlers in a dress up game - rather, without the make up. She giggled again, spinning around, before proceeding to think for a few moments. She always hated it when people at nursery made her go on 'it' first, so maybe, yes that was it. She'd be on first, just so he could stay smiling.

"Hated animals?" William questioned, he hadn't known a world without something furry and with a heart beat beside him. An almost happy smile met his lips, finally shifting out of being so uneasy about the whole situation. It wasn't too bad. Though, how could anyone hate animals? What ever had animals done wrong to be hated? They were such innocent creatures that never did any harm, they listened and they never fought back in arguements. The concept puzzled the young angel, but he decided to shrug it off, after it - it wasn't nice to delve into things that really wern't his business.

"Mutts? Hm, yeah, you can get better dogs out of a mutt than out of a purebreed anyday." William commented. A small frown crossed his lips, remembering something from far back - a small dog. Shaking it off, he could think about it later, he decided to stick to the subject in hand. The angels wings shifted once more, apparently never comfortable, a single feather dwindleing on the edge of one wing - on the verge of falling to the floor alltogether. Then again, that wasn't a rare sight, William's feathers were always falling off one way or another. They seemed to malt almost 24 7.

Thistle, continueing her wagg of her tail, barked happily up towards William. Padding back on over, she sat down, the tip ridge of her furry head landing in his palm. Loyal till the end, her tail thumped from one side to the other behind her, tongue lolling out happily as she watched the man before her. Even she seemed happy now, not shifting nervously from one paw to the other, or gazing off into space from the window. All they needed now was the cubs and the picture would be complete, in her eyes at least.

"I'll be on, kay?" Cera started. Raising her hands up to point a thumb at her chest. She still gleamed from one ear to the other, large tail flicking just slightly at the tip. Continueing to purr, she got ready to dash on off after the boy, one foot being placed infront of the other. She hoped he didn't mind, hoped he didn't want to be on, well - as soon as the speedist cat in all of time caught up with him then he'd be on. But there was even a hint of a smile now, that raised her spirits just a little, maybe...he was having fun?

"I'll count to ten, and then ready or not here I come! One..." Cera started off. She even raised her hand to cover half of her eyes, gazing out intently through her hands. Well, she hoped he hadn't seen her try and gauge where exactly he was going to anyway, the numbers spilling out in random intivals - ranging from shouting number eight out to number 3, not quite in order yet.

"Have...you thought about getting another dog?" William finally questioned. It had taken a bit, his fingers curling a little to brush the back of his palm against the dogs head. It was more of a comfort thing than a patt, but both guide dog and owner stood there happier for it.

The boy watched as she tied her laces, hands tucking themselves into his pockets for now. He hated shoes, so he never really wore any. But he'd have to soon- all of his socks were ripping pretty badly. Freize promised to take him when they went to get shoes, and that he would get to pick his own out. He didn't really care. They were all the same to him. They were all just shoes. He drew in a deep breath, pondering over her words, "Maybe..." He hoped so. Because when he came to like them, that would be when they came to like him. He wanted that day.

He looked towards the claimed 'base', and then watched the cheerful girl. Her happiness was almost contagious.. He almost, almost found himself openly smiling. That was odd... Maybe he should try and be around people more.. He folded his hands behind him, fingers twitching in a way to release his nervous energy. He was worried he'd mess up and she'd hate him. He always worried about things like that...

Ajani spoke on his parents openly though, as he did basically everything else- he was dead honest all the time. He believed the truth could never hurt you. "Yeah, they were real negative people." He smiled and rolled his eyes, "Wasn't a lot that they did like." He lifted himself from his kneel, brushing at his knees with one hand before reaching out to lightly touch the other male's elbow. "Here." He moved to touch the wallet near his hand.

"Yeah... You've gotta love them." He gave a slight shake to his head, thinking back on his mutt.. Hm... His own wing shifted slightly, along with the stub of what once had been a wing. His wing had brown tips, which had actually gotten him some ridicule from his mother- she had said he was more like a pigeon than an angel. She called him a rat with wings sometimes, too. He didn't really seem to mind anymore, but it probably affected him a bit psychologically. As far as self-esteem goes, anyways.

Spiro nodded, "Oh, okay.." He didn't really mind. In his mind, a game was a game. He didn't really think any part was better than the other. He felt a burst of excitement in his stomach from a sudden adrenaline rush- tag was a pretty fun game. He prepared for her to start counting, getting ready to take off. He wasn't paying much attention, so he didn't notice the younger girl peeking. He just took off running as soon as she started counting, hoping that he wouldn't somehow mess up the game. Here goes.

The one-winged angel hesitated, thinking over the question and actually putting a pause between it and his answer. For once. Normally he gave a pretty eager response. "Yeah.. I'd really love another dog. But the people I'm living with right now have a pet raccoon who's really cranky, I'm not sure how well that'd work out." A dog and a raccoon? That could only mean trouble. Especially with a puppy... Atleast from what he'd seen.

- To be continued with my last post ASAP in here-

[ Message temporarily off-line ]

"William, I've brought you some tea," The door rattled, and finally, it swung open. With a bit of shifting, the guardian strode in. Large white ears cocked back against his head, perching on the edge of the single bed. The sheets were bunched up on one side, but it didn't seem to bother neither man nor fallen. Gently, he pushed the tray of hot steaming coffee towards William.

He decided not to even reply. William just curled up a little tighter where he was. That dream had spooked him. He clutched to the furry creature within his grasp, his fingertips clinging to her fur. Long blue bangs fell before his face, the few plaited segments falling down beside his ear. His hair had grown longer recently, and was just about down to underneath his shoulder blades. Did William want to cut it though? That was completely beside the point.

"Alright, there's a slice of toast and a mug of coffee." Owyln started off. Reaching his hand out to attentively grasp the boys wrist, he pushed a slice of buttered toast into his palm. It was only a small gesture, but it was enough for William. Pushing his Father's hand back, the fallen crumbled the slice between thumb and forefinger. Sprinkleing the crumbs like fairy powder upon the breeze.

"Kid, look..." He started, but, rather rapidly the fallen interrupted.
"Dad, just leave me alone. You don't care, nobody in this dam world cares, can't you see that? I'm a weak and blind fallen angel for peters sake, what the hell is the point?" As it a loose cannonball had been set off William sparked up. The dog left his grasp, the lad clutching onto his trouser legs. His large wings quivered, spitting out each word with such disgust that he sounded like a completely different person.

"Just leave me alone! LEAVE ME ALONE!" He finally called. It was certainly a strange sight, and even his guardian was taken a back that the angel could even shout. Owyln backed off, not even wanting to gaze down towards his son- who would have been glaring daggers at him if he could.

"I said just go!" William spoke. He wasn't as strong now, and as quickly as the toast had crumbled so did he. The scatters of bread covered his bed spread, the angel clinging tightly to his trouser leg. He sat, knelt over, turning away. Large tears brewed at his eyes, threatening to fall like a downpour at any moment. The eye of the storm had just arrived, and if the Polar bear wasn't careful, he would be caught up amidst the lightening.

It was almost like magic, all five fox cubs and mother dashed into the room, followed by the Robin and of course the last animal in the household - Cera's kitten. All flew in, jumping, diving, scrambling and even in some cases flapping to join the fallen on the bed. It certainly was an array, 7 pairs of eyes grimacing out through the darkness. All sat their, despite creed or race they laid in peace - just for that brief moment, all tucked up beneath the angel's wings. They were safe.

"I'm going, ok?" Owyln replied. He carefully chose his moment to back out of the room. Slipping the door to a shut. All went quiet. Neither a feather nor fluff made a sound, gathered in that little communal meeting.

"That's it, now, realise your destiny. Stay with them, remember, they killed you, threw you out - why don't you feel anger?"

Seeping back into existence, the strained voice croaked. Appearing happy with his latest actions, it praised the boy, before becoming dormant once more.

The animals gazed from one to another in confusion, why had they suddenly flocked here? Neither knew, all looking to the other for the answers they just would not find. Wherever they looked it would hide- only William knew the answer.

Retching himself from his bed, William stumbled forwards. Aided by the dog, the pair wandered over towards the window. With a slight slant, the fresh air blew back into his face, his two plaits flying back in the breeze. He was free here, or at least he felt it. Here, gazing into the epitome of the darkness. Fingers curled around the wooden ledge, the other bundled in the dog's fur. What had he just done? Not even he knew himself, other than that voice. That same voice that spiraled around his head every day.

A tear dribbled down his cheek, landing like a diver would into a pool upon the ledge. Another followed, thus followed by yet another, until a total of 5 were shed. He was weak, he was crying, for no reason at all. Each drop that tricked down his cheek represented his weakness, his vulnerability, his disability to not be able to help each other. William knew it deep down, he would never become the same person he was all those years ago.

Long tendrils of his mind drifted back to that sight, that timid little boy sat perched upon the chair. The puppy laden within his lap. He remembered it well, that morning, well at least he did now. Everything had seemed so fresh, a new start, a promise to himself not to re-start what he had. Well, what was he doing? All he was doing was continuing his retched self from up their.

A sigh escaped his lips, the breath dwindling upon his lips before exhaling. Cloud formed upon the window, which the Angel pressed his nose into. Steam turned into water vapor, and that quickly turned into smudges.

What a mess.

Bending down, he sat upon the floor. Not even caring what was around him. Thistle turned, crawling with all four paws into his lap. She nudged his chest with her cold black nose, wishing for a reaction.

None.

The moon was lit up in all its glory. Showers of stars outlined the white orb, glittering as a border and of course an aid to those in need. No clouds bordered the horizon today; rather, the sky for once was rather clear.

A crisp breeze blew, ruffling the Angel's feathers, as he walked upon this clear night. For once, William was out of the stuffy flat. His left hand buried deep with a layer of lead, both fallen and animal walked side by side along the pavement- which happened to head towards the park.

Soon enough, they both collapsed down onto the wooden bench. William didn't care as the wind blew a few dark blue bangs back behind his ears, two of his long braids flapping in the wind like a leaf in the breeze. Flowing from one way to the next, without a care in the world. A care in the world William would rather have at this point in time.

Thistle shifted beside him, lying down. Her brown muzzle rested back onto William's black shoes, apparently content to be out of the house. Yes it was some horrendous hour in the morning, yes it was late, but somehow the dog was just happy to see her master out. Even her fur blew about in the wind, the old dog gazing into the blank distance. It was no use; he had to sort this out on his own, not with her help.

"Thistle?" William questioned. He hadn't spoke since they left the comfort of the flats, and his wings bustled to curl around his sides- protecting both him and the dog from the vicious wind. His grip tightened on the lead, the piece of material flexing up, and the dog lifted her muzzle. Yet, she didn't even make a sound, just returning to where she had been laying with a grateful thump of her tail.

"What exactly have I done?" He questioned again, persistent on his course for answers. The fallen wrung his hands together, leaning forwards on the bench. The fallen's mind was whirring, what exactly had he done?
The bonfire night, there had been that. That first night he had met Yume as a teenager, the night they had flown off together and of course the night she had to wear his coat. It was as clear as crystal, and he could even smell the fragments of smoke, and hear the way Cera had giggled and gurgled as the fireworks flew into the air - blasting out the patterns up in the sky.

He almost smiled, each memory flooding back after the next. They passed on by, like a train, with the end carriage being this moment. The bonfire, the cleaning up, the way he'd first realized his feelings. He couldn't help but chuckle then- remembering the way Mr Gallowsraven had tried to explain a few of the slightly more explicit matters of life to him. Well, that was most certainly in the past now.

That's right; he hadn't come out here to think. Shaking his head, William tried to get back to the point, he had to change. He had to be perfect for Yume, she was going to get fed up of him soon enough. Eyes closed tightly, the male gripped onto the lead with a sudden surge of energy. Large wings flapped out behind him, struggling to stay straightened back against the bench. Feathers poked out everywhere, pushing over and under the large wooden restraints.

But then...that date. The way he had dragged her up to the hill, the way the basket had fallen, and the pair of them toppled over onto the grass and... His cheeks positively burned at the thought. She had been so warm rested up against him, finally two hearts beating at one. Really, the way it was supposed to be.

The way he had asked, the way she'd thrown her arms around his neck. The way she'd become his girlfriend, and the charm she held around her neck. The way her ears folded back against her soft hair. The male shifted in his seat, forcing himself to pull back from that tangent of his mind he found himself falling to most days. It was useless, the memories flooding back one by one.

Even the feeling of her curled up on his lap while they listened to the radio, her leaning up against him as the rain fell. His wings folded around her back to protect her from the storm. He shock his head again, really, why was she on his mind all day? He knew he loved her but really did he.... was she the one?

The thought crossed his mind for a few moments, bending down to brush his fingers over the dog's fur. Thistle barely even glanced up, eyes now closed, quite happily settled on the floor beside him.

That was it; he would grow up, for her. No longer become the weedy teenager that stayed inside all day long. A smile perked on his lips, remembering the time they had walked down those stairs together- the way she seemed so happy when he was, well, talking to someone else.

Finally, he slipped back, to those times. Curled up on the sofa, Cera pressed up against his chest. No, that wasn't William Amergin.

Exhaling a large breath, the male tightened his fists up. Pushing his wings right out away from the confinements of the bench, and standing up.

One large step for mankind and one large step for William.
A new era had started, and the teenager positively glowed as he walked away from it. Little did he notice the way his wings had grown over time, or the way he carried his shoulders, or even the way his hair had grown- those bangs that now covered his eyes with each way. The unruly way his jeans tended to cover his shoes completely.

It didn't matter anymore.

Need another two more reserves

- the actual growth -

(( OOC POST.

Alright then. *Deep breath* I'll say it now that this is going to be long winded but please bear with me.

I've got to start somewhere, so I may as well start with the fact (I know it's not excusable) that I'm currently at a prestigious University studying medicine. The course is breaking my back, literally, and on top of that everyone has such high expectations. At the moment I'm doing practical work experience at a local hospital, and I'm on shifts. Being the student, I've got the un-lucky job of the wonderful night shift.

I'm home at about eight in the morning, from when I tend to promptly collapse and die in the nearest corner. Then of course I tend to drag myself out of bed, and I'm back to A and E by seven in the evening. That, plus assignment work, plus trying to keep myself up and running has been hard.

However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I finish tomorrow, meaning I can start on track once more. All practical until next year, thank goodness. So I'm very sorry I haven't made allowances for Gaia as of late, but at least you know the situation now.

I do however want to keep William. I'm very sorry I've not been around, but at least you know my situation now.
Yes, I should have posted, yes I know I should have gone on hiatus; but if I want to be honest with you, I thought I could cope. Apparently not, as this has just proven.

I don't know if you want to class this as a "big apology", but I'm afraid all I can say is I'm sorry. If you'd accept this, then please, can I keep Will?
He really is my little baby, and I'd hate to see him go after putting so much work into him.

Thank you for hearing me out.))