Fight or Flight

[Neko]

It was a raw night, the rain was falling, the wind was cold, and Innocence was sitting in the Great Hall covered with layers of blankets while a wet cloth was sitting on her head. Satisfaction and Mercy were watching over her. She had gotten sick a few days ago, she was just coming down from it now at this point. She had thrown up, fainted, and had a very bad fever for the last week. Seeing both Enigma and Walter had been caring for her she had to let Damian be baby sat by Jezebelle who took him without any problems much to her relief.

Enigma walked into the room, a new bowl of water in her hand. She walked over to her sister and placed the warm towel in the cold water before feeling her sister’s head and frowning. “Your fever is still there… You should go to bed.” Innocence looked up at her sister though tired eyes, “I cannot stop coughing if I lay down though…” Enigma looked at her for a moment before sighing. “Alright I will check back in-” Before she could finish the door slammed open and Vivi followed by Walter came into the hall.

Walter gave both women a look of apology. He had tried to stop her but she just barged her way into the room anyways. Vivi walked right up to Enigma and slammed a letter into her chest. “READ!” Enigma taken by carefully took the letter and took a moment to read it. She then sent the woman a glare, she forced the letter back into her hand, “No.” Vivi glared, “Your uncle demands it.” Innocence and the two children looked on confused at what was being said in the letter. Enigma glared at her aunt again, “I highly doubt he would want what you have tried and failed to accomplish by yourself.”

Vivi cooled down before grabbing a handful of Enigma’s hair and started to play with it in an almost sweet gesture, her eyes and tone of voice showed the display was anything but sweet. “Oh but darling… Unlike you, I have a husband who is willing to make me happy.” Enigma did not falter at the comment, “That is not a husband you just described, that is a slave.” Vivi gave her a dull look before gripping the hair she had been playing with and pulled roughly. “Oh darling on the contrary he is my husband and my slave. So I have two for the price of one, more then you will ever have.”

Innocence up to this point had tried to stay quiet but a string of coughs erupted from her violently and it got her aunt’s attention. Vivi glanced at Enigma and saw the glare she was receiving from her eldest niece. She was tempted to scratch the glare right out from her eyes but she let go of Enigma’s hair and stalked over to Innocence who just looked down. Last time she looked up she got in trouble. Walter sighing in frustration walked over to Enigma before giving her a look. Enigma returned the look, and he nodded. Vivi then noticed the two children who were sitting on Innocence.

She let out a string of chilly laughs. “There is more of them?” Innocence snapped her head up, she had a frown on her face, “H-” Before she could even get one word out Vivi struck Innocence across the face. “How many times do I have to tell you, address me properly and never meet my eyes!” Innocence snaking a hand from under the blankets placed it on her cheek and just nodded slowly. Mercy and Satisfaction looked surprised at the slap. Mercy buried his head in the pile of blankets; this was just like before he moved here… He disliked violence.

Satisfaction on the other hand glared up at Vivi and went to say something but Innocence snaked her hand over the girl’s mouth and pulled her towards the blankets. Enigma felt her frown grow, she tilted her head to Walter who moved behind Innocence. Enigma then went over to Vivi and took the letter she had given back. She then pointed to it, “This is not going to happen, and I have a feeling you know that so why did you come over here?” She bit back the part that she was not welcome to keep from adding to the fire. After knowing her aunt for so long, if you just took it she would leave you alone but if you stood up to her she would keep coming till you broke.

Vivi turned and ignored Innocence; she gave Enigma a blank look, “Oh? Are you a mind reading too now? Well if you must know I came here knowing those things will come true… Your little title depends on it.” Enigma sighing in annoyance crossed her arms, crumpling the letter in the process. “My title you say? What makes you think my title would be risk? Do explain…” She personally did not care but she wanted Walter to get the other three out of the room before she could make a break for it herself. She looked straight into her aunt’s eyes and listened as she explained it.

Walter picked up Mercy who hugged Walter’s neck with his arms and Walter’s waist with his legs. Walter went to take Satisfaction but she refused to let go of Innocence, she wanted to kick that mean woman in the shin… Innocence letting the blankets drop from her shoulders took the girl’s arms from around her neck and handed her to Walter before standing. She felt bad about leaving her sister to listen to such lies but it had to be done if they all wanted to make it out. The four started to sneak out of the room but just as they went to leave Vivi finished her explanation and Enigma answered with something that was the wrong answer.

Vivi let out a snarl and snapped her hand out and wrapped her fingers around Enigma’s neck. “Now you listen here you little bitch I am not someone you can talk down to! If you want to talk down to someone do that to your whore of a sister and useless housemates!” Enigma dropped the letter and wrapped her hands around her aunt’s wrist. She just continued to glare at the woman, she normally would have just agreed to her stupid requests but they went from being stupid to impossible. No matter what her aunt did she refused to do any of the things listed and the fact she dare say Uncle wanted it too was just making it worse. It was a bold lie.

She was not going to send a group of warriors to annihilate all of the gypsy, she was not going to take over Darcia, so her aunt had a castle to herself, she was not going to kick her sister out, she was not going to fire Walter, she was not going to make the castle add a slave rule go into effect, and she was not going to marry someone her aunt had picked up. Uncle liked the gypsy, he was happy not being a head of a house, he loved Innocence, loved Walter, and he hated having slaves… He would have accepted her as single for as long as she wanted as well.

Vivi glaring at the lack of breakage she was so used to getting wrapped her other hand around Enigma’s neck and pushed her so she fell backwards. Vivi then grinned, “Well darling are you still going to fight me? You could be so much more without all this baggage holding you down…” Enigma did not say anything she just tried to get her aunt off of her. Walter quickly handed Innocence Mercy and Satisfaction and strolled over. He grabbed a handful of Vivi’s hair and yanked causing her to scream and thrash. This caused her to release Enigma and dig her nails into Walter’s hand and arm.

Enigma being able to breath again took a deep breath and backed away from her aunt as Walter tossed her so she slid across the tile. Walter had an unreadable expression on his face; he then turned to Enigma and gave his familiar smile. Enigma held a trembling hand to her neck and he helped her stand. Vivi getting back to her feet rubbed her head and fixed her hair. “I shall be telling Robert about this!” Walter just turned his head slowly and sent her a slightly bloodthirsty look which surprised her enough to stop for a moment. He then brought Enigma over to Innocence who gave her sister a worried look.

Walter looked over his shoulder and looked at Vivi who looked quite pissed as her lack of victims. Enigma regaining her composer took Walter’s arm and looked at it, the scratches were not that bad but she was still pissed that Vivi was still causing problems after not seeing them for a few years. She had not changed at all. Walter blushed slightly at the touch but did not have much of a chance to become flustered as Satisfaction upset at Walter and Enigma being hurt also forced herself from Innocence and went to run over and give Vivi a piece of her mind.

Innocence pushed Mercy into Walter’s free arm and ran over, grabbing Satisfaction by the shoulders she spun the girl around and pushed her towards Walter and Mercy who was giving her a freaked out look. Satisfaction went to glare at Innocence but the slightly wild look in Vivi’s eyes made her second guess her idea of beating the mean older woman up. With another push she started towards Enigma and Walter. Innocence went to return also but Vivi had snuck up behind her and snaked an arm around her shoulder.

Vivi rested her chin on the now frozen Innocence’s shoulder and held a grin. She then placed her hand on Innocence’s chin forcing Innocence to look forward. “Well, looks like I got someone who might take my orders into account…” Enigma went to walk over but Walter snapped his hand out and gave Vivi a look. The way she was holding onto Innocence was bad, if she wanted to she could snap her neck and the way she was acting today she would not put it past her. Enigma looked up at him and he shook his head. Enigma gave him a confused look and he while looking at Vivi whispered into Enigma’s ear. “Do not do anything rash…”

Enigma still looked confused, “Huh?” Walter sighing continued, “We need to go get Robert to bring her home… Right now she is acting… Worse.” If that was even possible. Enigma frowned and was fighting the urge to go over there and release her sister but… Vivi gave a mocking taunt, “Oh what you are not going to go all hero on your sister now? Perfect. Leave us alone… I have much to talk about…” Enigma went to say something but Vivi changed the grip to a grab and pressed her nails onto Innocence. “I asked you to leave…” Innocence then sent her sister a look. Enigma biting her lip drew blood but she snapped her eyes closed and left the room.

Walter sent one last glare before taking the children and following after Enigma. He would be getting Robert. Putting the kids down he allowed them to chase after Enigma as he went to his room to go get ready to make the quick trip to the small house Robert was probably sitting in wondering where his wife was. Now alone Vivi snatched her hand back like it had been resting on acid. This caused her to scratch Innocence and without having someone to hold up she fell to her knees. She was tempted to look up but as soon as her head went up it snapped down remembering less then a moment ago she had gotten slapped for it.

She settled on nursing her chin and cheek. Vivi grinned, she had gotten her favorite target all alone, fucked with the minds of the two children, probably got a few bruises on her other bitch of a niece, and scratched a few holes in that stupid bastard who dared to call himself a butler in this house. She was on a roll today. After feeling so badly for herself she could finally get rid of some of the pent up rage she was feeling. She saw Innocence still had not moved, swinging back her leg she placed a kick in her ribs. “Well get up! I am not going to talk to you sitting on the floor!”

She then smirked, “Not all of us talk on our knees…” The kick caused Innocence to start coughing. Vivi held a look of disgust, “My god where are you manners?! Cover you mouth! Not everyone wants to have your germs on them.” Innocence catching her breath forced herself to stand. She still did not look Vivi in the eyes; her cheek was sore as it was she did not want to have another slap to add to the count. Vivi waited a moment before tapping her finger to her lip. “Where is the child of yours? And that man you were flinging yourself over last time I was here? Some father he is…” She was thinking out loud.

Innocence paused before daring a response. “He is not the father…” Vivi snapped her head at Innocence and Innocence ducked her head again. She heard a bark of a laugh that sent a chill down her spine again. “Not the father? So the child is a bastard then and the man was just another fling? Oh my god… You really are useless.” She laughed again, “I should have known, I gave you to much credit. So do you even know who the father is? Or is that another mystery?!” Innocence taking a deep breath fought back the urge to run.

“… I know yes…” Vivi snorted and crossed her hands, walking around Innocence in a circle now. “Oh and I suppose he left the picture and you replaced him with that idiot of a man you were hanging on? Seriously, I heard he was the head of a house just like your dumb bitch of a sister and here he is dating below him, to someone who will sleep with anyone... HA! These houses just keep proving how dumb they are.” She then looked at Innocence who had not spoken, “You know, your sister is quite rich, I do not see why you wear such horrible clothing… Oh wait yes I do, it is to get attention. You are worse then a regular whore.”

She paused a moment enjoying the shaking of the shoulders she saw. “Most whores need the money to live, here you are living off one of the richest woman around and you still want to sleep around. You really are the worst type of woman.” Innocence backed away and braved a look up, “You have no idea what you are talking about!” Vivi glared at her but just tilted her head and grinned, “Oh? Then do enlighten me.” Innocence gaped at her for a moment before she wrapped her arms around herself.

“It is not Damian’s fault… I did not ask for it to happen, I- … I- … Was jump!” She screamed the last part out, she had always been the type to avoid saying what happened… She would always ignore that fact it happened and instead make believe that other things happened instead. Not that she would be telling Vivi that. She just looked back at the ground. Vivi let out a choked laugh, “You were jumped? Awww am I suppose to feel bad for you now? The way you dress screams ‘jump me I am easy’ so do not try to get any sympathy.”

Innocence bit her lip, she knew her aunt would not care but it was the truth… She had been lost and someone had jumped her. She knew her aunt did not care but… She braved up another look, this time paired with a glare. “He never was in the picture to leave, leave Damian out of this he has no control over what happened, and I love Damon, do not call him an idiot. He is very kind and do not talk about sister like that! She is very intelligent and was only a bitch because you forced her to be one!” Vivi stopped laughing, she then froze, her expression turning icy cold. She returned her head to a straight line with her spine.

“Oh? I turned her into one? Does that mean I am a bitch too?” Innocence bit her tongue she knew if she answered either answer would cause her pain. Vivi waited for an answer, when Innocence did not give one she took three quick steps forward and grabbed a handful of hair and forced her to lock eyes. “WELL!? Does the little slut think she is better then me?!” Innocence struggled to get free but the grip was iron. Innocence shook her head, which caused Vivi to laugh and throw her down onto her knees again. “Liar!” Innocence just sat on the ground again hoping Vivi would grow bored.

When she grew bored it meant she would leave. She waited to hear footsteps after a moment of silence but instead heard more laughter. “You know… I am sure that besides your closest ‘friends’ everyone used to think you were a klutz. I mean broken arms, broken legs, burns, cuts, bruises… I bet many people think you did such things for attention… Now you go and get jumped without even needing my help… I think you enjoy this…” She had a slightly twisted grin on her face. Innocence felt tears burning her eyes; she refused to let them fall.

Vivi grabbing Innocence by her hair forced her to stand and once again lock eyes. She had a smooth smirk on her lips, “And you want to know the only thing I regret doing in the whole time I ‘played’ with you?” Innocence just stared at her with a blank look on her face. Vivi allowed the smooth smirk to grow into a full blow toothy grin. “The only thing I regret doing is failing to kill you…” Innocence did not falter at the comment. Vivi taking the lack of reaction wrong threw her on the floor again before taking a seat at the table.

She turned the chair so it faced Innocence. She crossed her legs and gave a semi bored look. “So you love that stupid man do you? How many times? How many others? And do not lie I can smell lies…” Innocence was quiet for a moment. Growing annoyed Vivi looked around for something to use, she spotting the bowl of water that had been meant for cooling Innocence down from her fever she reached and took the bowl. She held onto it for a moment, waiting for an answer. When she got none she stood up, she then poured the water over Innocence enjoying the scream of surprise she gave.

“Well?” Vivi asked again this time her voice less amused. Innocence shivered slightly but kept quiet. If she stayed quiet she figured she would grow bored, or at least hoped she would. Vivi grew angry, “You ignoring me then?” After another moment of silence she threw the bowl next to Innocence causing it to shatter. “ANSWER ME!” Innocence just jumped in surprise at the sudden smash but refused to speak. Vivi then grinned; grabbing a large piece of glass she looked at it before leaning over Innocence, carefully trailing the glass over her shoulder, down the length of her arm, onto her dress, and then down her leg before bringing it up and resting it on her hip.

Innocence just laid on the tile. She ignored the feeling of the glass tracing its way down her body. Vivi not getting any more reactions grew pissed, she waited one moment longer before she held the glass hard enough to cut her own hand and then stabbed it into Innocence’s lower leg and she then trailed the glass back up her leg before stabbing it deep enough to stick out of her hip. Innocence let out pained scream that caused more coughing. This was a reaction that made Vivi smile, “You know what is funny? I leave here and no one will do anything, they will just make it seem like you fainted and accidentally cut yourself in the process… It is so amusing!”

Innocence just bit her lip to keep from screaming anymore. Her leg was throbbing and her aunt seemed pleased at her work. Vivi getting sick at leaning down to the floor stood up. She glanced down at Innocence who refused to look at her, she grinned. “Well are you going to answer me or not? Or are you afraid if you answer you will prove me right you little no good harlot!” Innocence snapping twisted her head up at her aunt, “Twice! Two!” She then snapped her head back to the floor, reaching her hand to take the glass out of her leg. Vivi watched silently. “You take me for a fool? You think you can tell me you have only done it twice with two men? You really must think me stupid?”

Innocence finally getting the glass from her leg threw the shard of glass behind her and just sat in the middle of the room. Vivi was growing bored at this point, she was getting almost no responses and she knew Robert would be quite upset if he saw her at this point but… It was so much fun to watch her suffer. She had lost her family and she had married into this one… She had been in love at one point but now Robert was nothing but a slave in her mind. If she had to live with the Tiamorre, they would have to live with her… That being said she would make it the hardest thing they had to do… Resting her head on her hand she glared at the silent girl. She had a blank look on her face.

She decided to say one more thing, hopefully get a response. If not she would leave… After getting a little revenge for not getting a response that was. “Well even though you lied to me I will give you a nice little gift. If you fail to say no again, I can always help you… You will never worry about having another child as long as I am around… As long as you have me you will only have to worry about one bastard if that…” Innocence opened her eyes in shock at the statement. She snapped her head and saw the grin on Vivi’s face.

“In fact if your little lover boy is still in the picture you can screw him all you want and never ever have to worry...” She was getting a fun reaction, it was not tears, it was not screaming, but the look of pure horror on her face was well worth it. “All I need is a well placed push down the stairs or a kick to the stomach for you and then you are free to go for another round.” She laughed, “Do not look so surprised, I’d do anything for you.” She let her twisted smile stay on her lips.

Vivi waited for the girl before her to either once again snap giving her a reason to cause more injuries or maybe make her life easier by just end it herself with the other shards from the bowl… Innocence just settled on placing her face in her hands and tried to keep from crying. She felt her fever coming back worse then it had before, she was shivering and wet, and her aunt was just waiting like a bird of prey to strike again… She wanted her uncle to come and help her but most of all she wanted to be back at Lee…

Vivi watched for a moment longer, a blank and slightly bored look on her face. Her youngest niece was just sitting there... While it was obvious she was in pain, it was from wounds given moments ago... The rush was so enjoyable. She had no exact reason to keep going but the rush... Standing up she slowly stalked over to Innocence, a twisted grin on her lips and malice in her eyes. She had eyes for no one but her little niece. Innocence refused to look up she knew if she did she would not like what she saw, she felt her heart speed with each step her aunt's shoes made.

Vivi noticing Innocence had not looked up, grabbed another clump of her hair ripped it back so she was forced to stand, and her head was forced to look at the ceiling, her chest was sticking out, Vivi then pushed a finger roughly into Innocence's ribs where she had kicked earlier. "Did I break them?" She paused for a laugh, "I have broken so much, but not your rib. Hey this could be like old times sake... Plus I can practice that birth control method... Which do you prefer dear? A fist or a foot?..." Innocence just tried to stay limp.

Vivi was growing angry again, it had gotten a response before but now she was doing that thing she did as a child to make her leave... Most of the time she would humor her and grant her relief she was never worthy of but she was not innocent anymore, she was not worthy of anything at this point. Growling slightly she shook the hand holding hair, shaking Innocence. "Well answer me!" Innocence refused to do anything, just stayed like a doll. Vivi taking this as a challenge let out another snarl and slammed her into the floor like she did the bowl.

Leaning down she then started to rip the dress. "We cannot have you wearing such a 'lovely' dress during this practice, it must be positively ripped to shreds. No lovely ribbons or bows, no lace or ties... Perfect!" Innocence had a blank look on her face, she just looked at the ceiling with her arms spread out and her legs sticking out straight laying together. Vivi tilted her head and looked down. The dress was ripped and ruined with the decorations rained around Innocence. It bothered her that even though her dress was ruined, her cheek was bleeding and swollen, her leg was bruised and bleeding, and she had a few other bruises still looked nice.

She had heard she looked just like her whore of a mother from the letter her brother in law had sent to her husband, and Rob had been to stupid to hide. The whore that stole Christopher's first wife's rightful spot. Meaning the bitch before her would do that same. She waited a moment, giving the girl on the floor to make any type of reaction. When she did nothing Vivi lifted her foot up and brought it down in a stomp. Innocence tried to bite back a scream but the foot landed on her already sore ribs. She did it once and listened to the scream before she started to stomp her over and over. Innocence tried to turn to her side but every time she tried to move Vivi would kick her in the back.

Finally turning to her side and staying, she just flinched at each kick she got in her back. This time refusing to make any noise. Vivi growing tired looked down at her work. Before she would also make it an accident... That was she was always free from blame. This time around though it was obvious. This girl had no idea how stupid she was just to take this... However the grin grew knowing if she tried to run it would have been a lot worse. "I would have killed you if I would not get the blame... This is just as fun though... I hope your are having fun too..."

After a moment Innocence fell back into her old position. Almost in Vivi's mind begging for another stomp but then she noticed the scar on her chest. Pouting she tilted her head, "I do not remember giving you that scar..." Innocence did not answer and she took advantage of the silence. Grabbing the thrown shard of glass she returned and bent forward. Tracing the scar softly with the shard she pressed down enough to cut skin, carving a few words into the girl's chest she stabbed the shard into her shoulder as if it was a quill returning to ink.

She then stood up and sat down. Waiting to see if she could get another reaction. She would need to leave soon... She did not need anyone telling her to stop what she was doing and she figured that Robert would be coming soon. She needed to clear out. As fun as this was if she wanted to be able to do it again she would need to hide for a bit... She listened as the girl on the floor started to whimper slightly... Yes... Just like old times indeed.

[1<3[)r@I<3]

The carriage pulled to a stop at the front door. Damon, climbing out, looked at the driver. "Get the horses under cover and find somewhere warm and dry for yourself too." Turning away, he opened the door and entered. Normally he would have knocked, but since he was here to take Innocence home, something he was certain Enigma would object to, Damon decided to just let himself in. Less chance of being caught that way. He figured Innocence, being ill, would have been placed in her old room and headed in that direction. Before he could reach the stairs, however, he heard voices in the great hall. Stepping to the open door he froze, shocked at what he was seeing. While he wanted to interfere, he had been told that the woman was worse when interrupted than when left with her target. No matter who that target was. What he heard made him mad, making it hard to stay back. He wanted to take Innocence home now more than ever. She didn't need to be talked to like...

He jumped when the bowl shattered, taking a step forward as Vivian stabbed the shard into Innocence's leg causing the younger woman to scream in pain. He made himself stop and watched, wondering how much longer it could go one before the old bat would leave. Soon, he hoped. He didn't know how much more Innocence could take. Or himself either, for that matter. It was hard to stand by doing nothing and his nerves were beginning to fray. When Vivian threatened to 'help' Innocence lose any children she might carry in the future, his heart lurched. The sheer horror on her face at the thought brought tears to his eyes. When she began ripping the dress, his tears began to fall. Innocence didn't deserve any of this. From the sound of things, this had been going on for a very long time. Why hadn't anyone stopped it?

At the first stomp, he started across the room. Both hands were curled into fists so tight that the skin on his knuckles appeared yellow and his nails dug into his hands, drawing blood. The sound of Innocence's scream echoed in his head, breaking something deep inside. His eyes took on a dangerous light as she began carving with the glass shard, and he began to trot toward them. Innocence's last scream turned the trot into an all out run. His arm came back as he charged at Vivian. "Get away from her, you bitch!" Damon's arm snapped forward, connecting with a loud crack against Vivian's face and leaving a bright red hand print on her cheek. Then he heard Innocence whimper, and everything faded to a dull red. He swung a fist and felt bone break as he connected with Vivian's nose. Then he swung again. And again. He felt ribs popping under his blows, saw blood spring from smashed lips. But he couldn't stop. He wasn't even sure if he wanted to. And the entire time, tears streamed down his face because of what Innocence had endured.

[Neko]

Innocence had figured after a moment of no contact that Vivi had indeed grown bored but she felt her dull expression twist up in shock. She heard Damon's voice... She was confused at first but then as she sat up she saw that her aunt was getting beaten up. She heard her over dramatic screeches. She tried to stand but fell and let out her own scream. Looking she saw her leg was bleeding and the gash was worse then she had thought. She went to say anything but felt her voice turn into a rasp. She placed two hands to her neck and looked to the ground. Just then she heard the other door slam open.

Enigma had heard the screams and while she had figured Walter would come with Rob, when she heard her aunt's screams, her own curiosity had caused her to send the children to Whisper and try to help her sister even if Walter had told her not to. For a moment she stood stunned, she was very surprised to see Damon beating her aunt but she forgot about the two of them when she saw the bowl shattered, and her sister cut and bruised. Letting out a whimper of surprise she rushed over to Innocence who was still shocked to see Damon. Innocence turned her head and saw Enigma just as she wrapped her arms around her. The embrace caused Innocence to cry out in pain as her ribs changed position and the glass in her arm dug deeper.

Enigma noticing the glass snarled slightly. She let go of her sister and with a careful hand pulled it out, allowing her sister to dig her nails into her other arm. She felt her sister's tears on her lap and she narrowed her eyes. If Walter had not made her leave... She snapped her head up to say something but Vivi was on the ground. She had blood coming from other locations. She went to snarl something at the woman but felt a gentle hand caress the forming bruise on her neck. She turned her head and saw her sister's eyes will filled with tears and her lip was tremblings. She felt a wave of guilt, she had known something had been wrong all these years but she had thrown her sister under the speeding carriage and now it had gotten worse.

"What the f**k is going on!" Both girls looked and saw Walter soaking wet next to Robert who was also soaked to the bone. Vivi looking up at the man who attacked her pointed with a wild look in her eyes, "The bastard attacked me!" Innocence felt her eyes widen and she went to say something but no sound came out. Enigma saw that Innocence was trying to say something, she never really liked Damon but... "You lying bitch! He was helping!" Robert looked pissed but held his tongue. Walter left Robert's side and gave a shocked look at Innocence. He suddenly felt a wave of guilt. His own arm was bandaged... Robert had forced him to have it bandaged before leaving.

He had explained but Robert had wanted him ready for travel so he would not get infected... He went to bend to check the wounds when Enigma gave a feral look and snarled. Walter gave her a surprised look but backed off. Enigma just buried her sister in an embrace before looking at Vivi with malice in her eyes. Vivi seeing the numbers were against her held a sleeve to her mouth and crawled again before standing and moving to Robert. "The bastard was beating on her and I tried to help but he ended up stopping me!" Innocence let out a loud sob at the lie. Robert gave Vivi a blank look.

Vivi seeing her explanation was not getting the reaction she wanted, pointed at Innocence and then Damon, "Why do you love someone who is broken!" That got Robert's attention. He gave a look of mild confusion, "Broken? Did she break something?" Vivi gave him a twisted look before pointing to Damon, "No darling, that bastard jumped her! Why do you love her if she is broken?! Why are you not killing that man for causing so much trouble! You killed so many others! Why do you insist on loving damaged goods!" Robert was silent before he sent his wife a haunted glance, "What did you say?" Vivi paused for a moment, "... She is bro-" Before she could finish Robert slapped her across the face causing her to pause and hold her already beaten face.

"You dare call a fellow woman broken after such an experience?!" Vivi yielded slightly at the feral look in Robert's eyes. She went to say something else but he took her by the hair and roughly dragged her over to Innocence before roaring in rage, "APOLOGIZE!" Vivi bit her already bleeding lip. She saw the fear in Innocence and almost grinned but she felt Robert shake her violently. She was silent for a moment, "I apologize..." Enigma gave her own glare, she snarled and growled softly at the fact Vivi was so close. Robert getting the apologize forced Vivi to stand. "Now explain it slowly... You say he did it?" Vivi taking the chance nodded, "Yes yes, he was the one who did it, he brain washed everyone including her into thinking it was love!"

Robert released her and stalked over to Damon. He glared at the man, towering over him for a moment. He send a savage glance at him, he saw he had been crying, saw the fact he seemed upset... He then turned slowly, "Why are you lying..? You want me to use my skill to kill an innocent man for your own gain?! Go outside..." Vivi gave her husband a frown and went to fight but he punched his arm out and crushed a hole in the table that he was standing next to. "GO!" Vivi jumped slightly and while nursing her wounds headed out of the room. Robert send one more sideways glance at Damon before walking over to Innocence.

Enigma offered him a snarl and held Innocence closer to her. Robert gave a frustrated sigh but then offered a smile, placing a hand on Enigma's head he took a closer look. "Walter..." The butler went over to the man with a look of curiosity, "Yes sir?" He pointed to Enigma's neck, "Was this what you were talking about?" Walter nodded, "Yes..." Robert let out his own snarl but stopped when it caused Enigma to start snarling again. He took his hand back and rubbed it down his face. "Innocence..." Hearing her name she looked up at her uncle. He took one look at her and his face hardened again.

"How long?" Innocence was confused, She tried to talk but could not. Walter started to clean the glass up and went to get some bandages and water. Robert seeing the confusion sighed, "Since you were jumped... I thought the child was his... I would have done more for you if I knew... Also... Since when had she been doing this?" Innocence gave a saddened expression. Enigma let out one last long snarl before speaking in a strained voice. "He is not the father... Some asshole did it... And it was almost a year and half ago... As for this..." She let out another snarl.

"I am not sure... Keep her away uncle, I swear if she comes back again I will have her killed, if you have any love for her keep her away!" Robert softened his glance before sighing. "Of course my darling, if this is the case..." He went to stand straight but Innocence gripped onto his collar. He gave a confused look but then she pointed over his shoulder to Damon, she gave a look of urgency. Robert looked at Enigma who snarled before Innocence gave her the same look. Sighing she let go of her sister and Robert brought her over to Damon. She wanted to thank him for helping but her voice was still to raspy. So instead she settled on leaning against him on her good leg and taking one of his hands and kissing the knuckle.

Enigma stood up and fixed her hair. She was not exactly pleased about the whole thing but if she ever saw that woman again she would pay... She looked at Walter and sent a feral glare which was taken and returned by a guilty stare. Placing a hand on her sore neck she hoped that this was the end of the whole suffering. If Vivi even dared to insult her she would have to deal with the whole group. Walter sighed, he had expected something bad from her worse behavior but this was worse then he expected. Walking next to Enigma he went to apologize but she just hit him softly. "Shut up..." She then went to sit down at one of the chairs.

Walter followed suit. Robert heard Vivi screaming from outside and left Innocence to hang on Damon. He gave the younger man a calm look, "I understand your friendship for my niece but you should re frame from hitting my wife... As much as a pain as she is, I am bound to her though sickness and health the good and the bad and I will have to screw you up the next time you try to deal out a punishment..." He had a serious look on his face but when he got a look from Innocence he felt the look melt into a softer smile and it grew to an amused one. "Although... I must say bravo. I would stay but I must deliver my own punishment... Please watch her for me. Forgive my moment of weakness I should not have doubted you..."

He spoke to Damon but he was looking at his wounded niece. To see her so worried over her own protector was sweet, cute even. It reminded him of Mary... Such a talented woman... Even if Innocence looked nothing like the Tiamorre clan it was clear that she had their blood in her. With a heavy sigh he rubbed his temples... He then as he went to leave muttered, "Sorry Chris... I failed again..." Enigma heard him and gave him a shocked look, "Father..." She then sighed and then she herself rubbed her temples. This was going to be causing troubles...

Sighing she stood and grab Walter by the shoulder. "Let us leave... Damon... Wrap up her wounds... I trust you will do a good job..." She had a slight grudge in her voice. She wanted to heal and help her sister but she could only reach so many places in Innocence, Damon could reach more... It annoyed her but it was nice to see her sister happy even after being mutilated so badly. Innocence gave her sister a confused look, she tried to get her sister's attention but Enigma was focusing on Damon. "After you get her wrapped up take her back... Take her far away..."

All things considered Lee was not all that far away but it was farther then Tiamorre and as a Lee house leader if Vivi dared to storm the place she would have no power at all, Robert would not be able to help her, not that she thought he would, and she would have Rhys to look forward to. It pained her that Tiamorre was not a safe place for her own sister but she would deal with it. Taking a big sigh she rubbed her eyes. She went to leave but she walked over, ignoring Damon all together now and placed a small peck on her sister's forehead. "Take care..." She then left the room quickly followed by Walter who just offered a small wave.

Innocence waved back while keeping her balance. She felt dizzy, she was throbbing in places she forgot she had, and Damon was upset along with Enigma... She felt her leg grow tired and she was about to fall but she used her good arm to grab onto Damon. She wanted to apologize and she wanted to make sure he was not to badly hurt from beating up Vivi but her voice still was failing her. She looked up, she felt herself frown. He had actually been crying. She raised her bad arm up as far as she could and brushed her fingers against his cheek. She tried to speak once more but it still would not allow her voice to come though.

Instead she dropped her bad arm down and gave his knuckle one last kiss before wrapping her arms around his waist and placing her head on his chest. She wanted to get Damian... That threat was not just for any future children but it was directed at Damian... She knew Jezebelle would not fall for Vivi but... She wanted Jezebelle dead too... It scared her. She hugged Damon tighter, she would have to somehow explain it to him. All she could do now is hold onto his waist and hope he calmed down. She did not want him hurt anymore then he was... She went to try and say something else but the door opened slowly.

It was then locked and Vivi in her bruised and battered glory had her head held high and have a grin on her lips. She kept a safe distance from Innocence and Damon but gave no attention to Damon. "Darling... You will pay for this... You must think you are some new kind of special getting so much attention for such superficial wounds." She then let her lips crack into a slightly twisted grin, "I just wonder who you would miss more... Your dumb bitch of a sister, your bastard of a son, the annoying butler, or that whore of a girl who was visiting last time... Or maybe that fresh little broken girl..."

Innocence tried to ignore her but she was feeding the whole fact that she wanted to kill her friends and family. Vivi waited a moment before acting like she was making a choice, "Well I know you would miss you sister but I need her so... She would hate me if I killed the butler, and that broken little girl has no real kill value... The children you had before are useless too... That little Gypsy whore would be fun but... I really do not have the resources to kill all the rebelling Gypsy... Yet, but that is besides the point so I guess that just leaves that bastard of a child... What was his name again Damian?" Innocence hearing her son's name froze before she glared.

She had said it again... She had listened all the important people in her life and then settled on the one who was the most vulnerable... She noticed Damon was not in the lineup... She obviously thought him to tough to kill... Walter had never hit her but with the green light she figured if she caused trouble again he would do more then toss her across the room. Vivi was making enemies... She knew it would somehow be her fault again, working her spells to make the lovely miss Vivianne the evil one again... Just like she did as a child. She took a deep breath before forcing a raspy would out, "Stop..." Vivi rose a brow, "What?"

Innocence held her free arm to her neck and tried again, "Stop it..." Vivi looked mildly amused before breaking out in another grin. "Or what? You will sick your dog on me again? Curse me to death? Give me some disease you picked up? Please... Well Robert awaits... I figure I will make a pit stop to your friend to check on the child... Not to worry though, I am sure you and your little friend can make another one." Rolling her eyes she turned to leave again, knowing Robert would really be pissed if he caught her alone here. She had no care for Damon if he tried it again she would fight back this time. She had done this in order to make her appear like a victim so her story would fit.

Touching her lip she frowned... This would mean she would need to stay away from the public eye but... She could kidnap that little brat and torture him a bit before killing him. Give her some entertainment before seeking out Innocence again. She then felt something whack her on her head. She looked down to where she heard it fall and saw a white shoe. She turned around slowly, she noticed the murderous look in her niece's eyes. She looked surprised before it melted into amusement. "Oh I see... You got your little dog here so you can grow a backbone? Well it will take a lot more then what he can do and what you can dream to do, I will do what I want."

She tossed her hair over her shoulder and picked the shoe up. She then grinned, "Oh I am sure the boy will be so happy to see something that belongs to his mother before it bashes his adorable little skull in. Thank you for the gift." She then turned on her heel again. Innocence went to say something else but all that came out was a raspy scream as she fell down after leaning on her bad leg by accident. She gripped at Damon's pants and watched in a panic as Vivi went to leave. She needed to go and get Damian before Vivi did. She was not happy with how it happened but she loved Damian and she did not want some stupid woman with a grudge against her dragging her son into it.

[1<3[)r@I<3]

Damon stood silent. His anger at what had been done to Innocence was at a manageable level now, but he didn't trust himself to speak. After letting this...this...harpy do as she pleased to Innocence for for who knew how long, he wasn't certain he could keep a civil tongue in his head with any of them. And he didn't feel like making an effort. Not until he'd figured out what had happened, at any rate. He had no clue how he had gotten where he was. Nor did he remember what had happened. He only remembered seeing Vivian hurting Innocence and then the others telling him to take care of her. He nodded mutely to what everyone was telling him, not really trusting himself to speak. When Robert started to leave, Damon found his voice. "I'll protect her. But if that bitch ever hurts her again, you won't have a wife to worry about." He didn't realize that his face was set in the same cold mask that Rhys had often sported, nor that he had the same wicked glint in his eyes. He only knew that Innocence had been hurt and that he had no clue whatsoever what Robert was talking about. He watched everyone leave through narrowed eyes, almost seeming to beg for a reason to lash out at them.

When he felt her arms around his waist, Damon wrapped his own about her shoulder in a protective embrace. He wanted to hold her tightly and never let go, but kept his arms loose so he wouldn't cause her more pain. "I'm so sorry. I should have gotten here sooner. I should have stopped her." He gently kissed the top of her head and stood silent for a moment, trying to figure out what had occurred. "I don't understand what your uncle meant. I remember slapping that old harpy, but...I don't...I can't..." He shook his head in confusion. "Innocence, what did I do?" There was the slightest hint of panic in his voice caused by a lack of memory spanning several minutes. "Whatever it is I've done, please don't hate me for it."

His arms dropped from around Innocence and he began to look around for the bandages. He found them but before he could take a single step, Vivian returned and locked the door. He listened to what she said, his back stiffening at the threat to Damian. But as it seemed no more than a taunt to get to Innocence, he let her go. A taunt, after all, hurt no one and only showed the weakness of the bully. Innocence seemed to believe her and threw her shoe. When Vivian took the taunt a step further, Damon gave a cold smile. "I'm no one's dog, you old hag. I outrank you. And when Innocence marries me, she will too. So watch your mouth." He listened further as the threat became a real possibility and lost some of his control when Innocence screamed and fell. He knelt at her side, arms around her shoulders, and glared. His voice raised to a yell, snarling out a threat of his own. "If you go anywhere near our son, your dead. You'll become the Wolf's prey. And I don't think there's a hunter in the world can stop that one."

[Neko]

Innocence had heard his confusion. She looked up at him She of course never had a chance to explain it as her aunt had come into the room and started on her again... By looking at her it would seem clear what he had done... He had beaten her up but it seems her spirit was still alive and very much kicking out. The first thing he said made her mouth drop open. "W...hat?" She had known he had liked her but... Had it not been said she could not marry him without causing problems? She let out a small whimper of surprise and she heard the door slam open. She turned her head in time to see her sister coming out the room.

She had a look of pure upset on her face and went to say something but just froze. She bit her lip and glared at Vivi who just tilted her head back and laughed. "Marry her? Your not a dog you say...?! You must be joking! You are nothing but her little pet, you are nothing! You are the pet of nothing and you claim ranking! You are killing me!" She continued her babble and Innocence just placed a hand on the worst of her wound. The place the glass had been stabbed in her leg was causing her a lot of pain. Enigma took a deep breath, she wanted to explain that it was impossible but...

The way Vivi just laughed made it seem like a bad idea to agree... Rubbing her temples she rolled her eyes, "Is it really so impossible aunt? You married uncle after all... And father was with her... Is it all that impossible to break the rules you so depend on?" Vivi stopped laughing for a moment to send a glare at Enigma who just returned the look. She took a few more steps into the room. "I already told uncle... Leave..." Just then she snapped her head over to Damon. He had just said... She looked down at Innocence who went from being shocked at the sudden idea of getting married to actually having a father for her son.

Or at least that was it sounded like. Innocence looked up in disbelief but the pain from all her aunt's harm kicked in and despite her trying to stay councious for the conversation she wanted to hear she fainted. Enigma sighed in frustration. She knew Damon was trying to help, but the girl had enough problems... To be throwing around marriage and adoption was a bit much... She hated the idea but then again... The child did deserve a father figure... She saw Damon had a good grip on Innocence and went to say something else but the other door opened again, this time softly and a sing song voice came from the person. "Oh kiiiiitten I need ... Your assistance?" Jezebelle looked on happy until she spot the scene. She let the rest of the sentence follow in confusion.

She had her arms around Damian who was crying softly. Vivi sent a grin to Innocence who was still out, she still gripping the shoe gave a devilish grin to Damon. "Wolf? I live in a brick house son, he can huff and puff but I shall forever get my way!" She then strolled over to Jezebelle. Jezebelle gave a look of alarm, she spun out of reach and held Damian to her chest tighter. Vivi went to reach again with a frown but this time Jezebelle spun the other direction and stuck her leg out causing Vivi to trip. Vivi went to grab her ankle but Jezebelle just kicked her leg out and sent a kick to her jaw causing Vivi to fall backwards. Vivi just cursed before sitting up. "GIVE ME THAT CHILD!"

Jezebelle ignored her and then trotted over to Innocence. She went to bend forward to see why she was on the ground and then saw the blood, bruises she then looked over her shoulder. "Dinda! Jebem vam boga!" She paused after cursing in her native tongue. She stood up straight a look of anger on her face. She kept Damian who was crying harder to her chest and pointed to her finger out. "What have you done you... You Snake you! Why did you hurt Kitten!" Vivi just glared up at Jezebelle, "Give me the brat you whore..." Jezebelle just twisted her face up, "The Cub is not a brat... Why did you hurt Kitten!" Vivi just sighed and stood. "Cause I can... Now give me the f**k**g brat!"

Innocence at this point started to wake up, she heard Jezebelle's voice arguing with her aunt, and she suddenly tensed up. Using her good arm to reach for Jezebelle. "Damian... Give me my son please!" Jezebelle turned looked at her friend and smiled. "Of course Kitten..." She bent forward and gave Innocence Damian who was placed in a protective embrace. She then braved a look at Damon. Enigma watched and Jezebelle looked at her. She was obviously not going to be getting an answer from Vivi so she asked Enigma instead. "What the hell happened Dovie?!"

Enigma was silent for a moment, "I will explain later..." She then looked at Vivi, "Leave... I do not wish to cause uncle anymore heartache but I will have you killed... The wolf you so joyously disregard will not be blowing on your brick house but tearing through it... LEAVE!" Jezebelle gave a look of surprise, "She disregarded Wolfie?" She giggled behind her hand for a moment. Vivi was not happy to be talked down to by so many but she knew she was outnumbered. Growling she went to the door and she unlocked the door, but before leaving, she threw the shoe at Innocence who snapped her head up and let her own raspy snarl out. Vivi then slammed the door closed leaving everyone alone.

Enigma grabbed Jezebelle by the hand and carefully dragged her away. "Time to explain it... I need to do it somewhere else..." Jezebelle just nodded and followed, giving a last look at Innocence who was just glaring at the door where Vivi had left. When the other door closed Innocence bit her lip. She was silent for a moment, "Did you mean that?" He had not remembered the other several minutes... Would he remember a moment ago? Part of her was panicking but the other part of her was screaming in joy. Damian feeling the tension clear stopped sobbing. He then saw Damon and started to coo, "Da!" he had a smile on his face.

He seemed happy to see Damon again and then spotting his mother, he grabbed some of her hair before nomming on it. He felt happy to be home she looked up at both of them while chewing on his mother's hair. He felt tired but was happy to be home and surprised to see Damon. Innocence blinked twice at her son before looking at Damon again, "I do not hate you... Thank you for helping me..." He could have killed her and she would have been worried about him that her aunt. He had punched her so hard he had hurt himself, she was more worried about that then anything else. Save for maybe her own sister and Walter who had also been hurt. She would be checking them later.

She then felt her eyes tearing up. She had not liked how he had been conceived but if anything ever happened she would have no idea what to do with herself... She would be watching Damian with a hawk eye from now on... Vivi could beat her all she wanted but if she wanted her son she would have to be killed first... She would die before one hair was hurt on his head. She pushed the tears back and waited for his answer, she hoped he was not just throwing words around but she would understand, if it had been a heat of the moment thing... She then felt Damian had stopped chewing on her hair. She went to look down and he looked up at her before looking at Damon.

Damian tried to break free of her embrace so he could crawl up her shoulder and chew on Damon's hair. He had yet to chew on his hair, he always chewed on his mother's hair, had chewed Jezebelle and Enigma's hair. The time Walter held him he had gotten to munch on his hair. He had even chewed on Whisper's hair and the other children's hair but... Damon had new hair and he had a look on his tear stained face that spoke levels of determination. Innocence watched her son and actually gave a giggle. She then remember Damon had hurt his hands. "How are your hands? Let me see them please..."

Damian cooed again reaching up to both of them all the while giggling. Innocence nuzzled her face into Damian and it caused him to giggle louder. She was happy Damian was clueless, he seemed happy. She wanted to get off the floor though, she was bleeding everywhere and she knew the help was not always happy to clean up the mess and it was resembling a murder scene. "Uh... Can you help me to the table? I am bleeding all over the floor..." She knew that she was going from one subject to the other but she really did want his answer, she really did want to see his hands, and she really did want to get off the floor. Damian watched the two of them silently. Wondering what was going on.

[/size]

[1<3[)r@I<3]

When Innocence fainted, Damon panicked. He held her more tightly with one hand and caressed her face with the other. He began to rock gently, his voice a strained whisper so soft it reached no further than the two of them. "Please be alright. Please. You have to wake up." he brushed his lips lightly across her hair. "Please wake up." He didn't know why she had fainted but figured it was due to pain and the severity of her wounds. It never occurred to him that her current state might be due to his words. He glared at Vivian, the glint back in his eyes, and growled softly. He truly hoped she would come close enough to be considered a threat. He would gladly throttle her for what she had done. From the look of it, he already had though he still couldn't remember doing so. He was about to tell Vivianne to leave when Jezebelle entered with...

He stiffened and tightened his grip on Innocence as he watched Vivianne attempt to steal Damian from the gypsy girl. "...No..." No sound emerged, though his lips framed the word. He wanted to take Damian, but he needed to stay with Innocence to keep Vivianne away from her as well. The glare on his face faded to be replaced by a look of horror as Vivianne reached for the child he had come to consider his own. He watched, frozen with terror, as Jezebelle dodged the pure blood again and again before coming over to them and looking at Innocence. Her spate of cursing made him flinch slightly before she handed Damian to Innocence and giggled at Vivianne's ignorance of his brother's abilities. He looked up at her with a pathetically thankful look on his face before he buried his face in Innocence's hair.

When he heard both doors close, he looked up again. At her question, he looked at her in disbelief. Surely she had known how he felt? But then, he'd never said it out loud. Not when she could hear at least. "I..." He gave her a timid smile and blushed slightly. "I wanted to do this differently. I was going to bring you home and wait until you felt better..." He trailed off for a moment, wondering how to continue. He listened as she giggled at Damian and then asked more questions. Kissing her cheek, he slid his arm under her legs and carried her to a chair and placed her in it, careful not to dislodge Damian as he did so. "Much better than a table." He smiled softly and ran the back of his hand over her cheek. "Don't move." He walked over and picked up the water and bandages, masking the pain he felt in his hands before coming back to Innocence's side. Damon knelt down and placed them on the floor and looked up at her. Taking off his jacket, he removed his shirt and placed it over her shoulders before putting the damp jacket back on. He decided to ignore her demand to see his hands. They weren't that bad after all. Just lacerated all to hell from his own nails digging into his palms. Nothing he couldn't handle. He took her hand and kissed the back of it, before looking into her eyes. "I cross my heart and promise to give all I've got to give to make all your dreams come true. In all the world, you'll never find a heart as true as mine."

He blushed again before looking down to see just what he had. Taking a small bandage, he dipped it in the water, wincing at the sting of his hands and watching the as the water took on a pink tinge. He gently washed the blood from around the wound on her leg before he spoke again. "I meant every word." Both his expression and his voice hardened for a moment. "No one will ever harm my son. No one." He looked at Damian and smiled softly at him. His voice grew calm again and he placed a folded bandage over the wound and began winding another bandage around her leg with hands that were shaking with reaction to what had happened. "And he is my son. By choice if not by blood. I don't care who got you pregnant. He's mine. It takes more than seed to make a father, after all." He finished binding the wound on her leg and wrapped his arms about her waist, and buried his face in her stomach, the tears starting to flow once more. They were partly caused by relief that they were both in one piece, more or less, but mostly caused by the fear he had felt. "I almost lost you both today. I..." The tears he was trying to hide by hiding his face came through in his voice and his entire body began to shake. "I don't want to lose you." Though he tried to stem them, the tears just flowed on, soaking through her already wet dress.

[Neko]

She gave him a soft look as he started to try an answer her questions. She should have known if he did remember it would not have been a simply yes or no. She saw him blush and she just softened her look even more. She gave him a look of confusion as he trailed off after speaking, she wanted to ask him what he mean by that but he simply kissed her cheek and picked her up before bringing her to a chair. Commenting instead on how it was better then a table. Taking a look at the damage Uncle had done it was obviously better for her rump too.

She was silent, not really sure if she should talk and risk causing him to go silent again. He ran a hand over her cheek and told her to stay put, with a small smile she looked down at herself. She hardly could move… She would be staying put even if she wanted to move but she still kept quiet just watching him go grab what both Walter and her sister had gotten for her. She tilted her head ignoring the pain that shot up her neck. He had made a face that looked like pain but it had been masked enough that it could have been something else… She stared at him for a moment longer with narrowed eyes but then let them return to normal size. It could have been anything.

She just kept silent, straightening her neck she watched as he knelt down on the floor and got everything ready. She was rather surprised when she saw him take off his jacket but instead of giving the jacket took his shirt off and placed that around her shoulders, putting the jacket back on himself. She gave him a look of surprised before tilting her head down so her hair covered her face. She had a large smile on her lips, shame it had to be this that got the shirt over her shoulders but… She had always wanted to put his clothes on and run around. The idea just sounded so appealing, even though he was taller then she was and she would probably look like a joker.

She had gotten half an answer to her first question and her request to be moved but… She had not seen his hands yet. She had kissed the knuckles but she wished to actually see them. She however did not force the subject it was obvious he was busy worrying over her, which hardly seemed like a good idea… At least in her mind. She was more worried about him and everyone else. She was then taken for surprise again; he took her hand and kissed the back of it before saying something that caused heat to rise in her cheeks. Before she could say anything he looked down. She just held Damian tighter listening to him giggle and coo.

She watched him get everything ready, she probably could have done it herself, most of it anyways. Her shoulder and ribs… Those would need help. She could not see her ribs or her shoulder. Her face was fine, it had stopped bleeding a while ago but still stung. She would need help on that probably but her leg, which he was working on, was fine. At first she thought the blood was from her leg but then saw he was not dabbing the wound and wrapping it meaning… That was not her blood and it was his. She then frowned, she wanted to ask about his hands again but he then started to speak again. This time about Damian, answering the second part of her first question.

She heard his voice and expression harden as he spoke about meaning everything. She felt the blush flare up again but kept the frown, she wanted to see his hands… She however listening trying not to forget about his hands while he spoke about how Damian was his son, no matter how he had been conceived. Well that would make her little fantasy easier to act out. She blushed but spoke softly, “Funny thing is… I always had pretended it was you anyways…” It had always been her little fantasy. After he stopped speaking she felt the bandage was finished on his leg. She then felt him wrap his arms around her waist and bury his face in her stomach. She looked down at him in surprise.

She went to say something but noticed he was crying again. She could tell he was trying to hide it but it showed in his voice and she was beginning to feel warm tears though her cold damp dress. She offered a small smile and looked down at him losing her surprise. Shifting Damian so he was being held in one hand she brought her free hand down to pet Damon’s head. “My silly little man child…” She wanted to bend down and give his head a kiss but she knew her ribs could not take such an action. She when to say something else but the door opened, she jumped slightly in surprise but the voice was one she could accept.

“Did she come back here?” Innocence looked at her uncle who was now soaked again and she offered him a small smile, “Yes… My sister and my little knight and tarnished armor shooed her away. I believe she is on her way home… Do… Do you wish to stay here tonight? I would not put it past her to…” She frowned and Rob walked over but stayed a distance away. “No no… It is fine, just wanted to make sure she was not coming back to cause more trouble. I can deal with her… She needs to be dealt with… Um… What is he doing?” He pointed at Damon.

Innocence just looked down at him before smiling softly, “Oh just being sweet is all. Are you sure you want to go home? If you do I am sure Sister can-” She was cut off as Rob gave a slightly chilled laugh, “No, I am fine really… The rain calms my nerves anyways. Do you need help?” He pointed to her shoulder that was still bleeding ever so slightly. She looked and then shook her head a slight blush on her face, “No… I can handle it. Thank you uncle…” She looked up at him and then her blush left a frown returned to her face, “Uncle… Come here.”

He gave her a slightly feral look but slowly walked over to her. She then placed Damian in his hands. Using the arm that had been holding her son she wrapped it around her uncle’s neck. “Uncle… Do not think you failed father for an action you have no control over. You are as guilty as I am over this whole thing, please just promise me I can see you again… I already lost father…” Rob gave a surprised look at the child being forced into his arms and went to protest but felt her hug him. Hearing her words he tensed but then calmed down. “Yes of course…”

Innocence released her uncle and gave him a soft smile. Rob then returned her son to her free arm. “Give my regards to everyone… I will be keeping her away from here. I promise on my life you will not have this happen again.” Innocence taking advantage of his now bowing form just whacked him on the back of the head. “Oh shush, what would father be doing if he say you doing that? Rolling in his grave probably. If you really feel sorry then simply stay well.” Rob gave her a calmed look as he stood up straight. “Of course…” He then turned to leave offering one last look.

Innocence sighed, she then bopped Damon softly on the head. “Damon, as much as I love your face being crushed into my stomach I still need help with my arm.” She gave a small laugh at the sentence. She went to say something else but she saw Jezebelle enter the room. She noticed the girl had Damon’s shirt over her shoulders and the man in question glued to her. She giggled before trotting over. “I heard everything Kitten… Why I am so sorry I never thought to help you out… In all honesty I thought you were a klutz…” Innocence smiled, “Is that why you were so surprised when you saw me dance?”

Jezebelle nodded before laughing. Innocence then handed Damian to her friend, “Thank you for watching him… Thank you for keeping him away.” Jezebelle just smiled, “Oh that minge was so transparent… So I also heard you are getting yourself a father for your little Cub how does it feel?” She had a smug smile on her face and Innocence suddenly remember, “Oh… Uh… Baksheesh…” She was to shy to actually say the words so Damon could understand. Jezebelle just giggled, “Oh Kitten… When I said there are many fish to catch I had no clue you already had a prize you wanted to mount…”

Innocence snapped her head up causing a slight pained gasp but she glared through her new blush at her friend, “Do not-” Jezebelle just giggled, “And to think Cub has a father now is so sweet. Right Cub?” She looked down at Damian who just looked up at her before giggling. “Da…Da… Da” Jezebelle paused for a moment, “Oh my god do that again!” Damian looked up at her before tilting his head, “Da?” Jezebelle then giggled, “Do it again only closer together!” Damian looked at her for a moment before speaking again, happy to be pleasing the funny woman. “Da da…”

Jezebelle then looked up smugly at Innocence, “My god Kitten, he is so smart, he already knows!” Innocence just took her free hand and covered her face. “Jezebelle…” The woman just giggled before seeing her shoulder as she walked around. “Ah… Du' dera…Do you need help?” Innocence smiled at the comment before nodding. “Yeah… My shoulder needs to be done Damon already got my leg. I need my ribs checked too.” Jezebelle nodded, she went to put Damian down but then saw Damon was still gripping onto Innocence. Placing Damian on the table she reached to grab Damon’s wrists.

Innocence noticing just laughed before wincing. “No no, watch this…” Careful of her shoulder she shook the shirt she had gotten, off and then gripped the sleeves of her dress before tugging. After a few well placed tugs the dress had be pulled over her stomach and was tossed on the floor. “Tada.” Jezebelle looked before grinning, “Oh Kitten… You sly thing you… Practice makes perfect…” Innocence gave her friend a look of horror before Jezebelle started on her shoulder. She then relaxed as the feeling that her leg was currently under soon hit her shoulder.

The face was going to be hard to do, she watched as Jezebelle changed the bandages her sister made her wear and wrapped it all the way down till she could no longer do to Damon being in the way. Tugging it she frowned, “Kitten your ribs are pretty badly bruised… One might be broken. As for everything else you are pretty much set.” Innocence thanked her friend before she was handed Damian again and Jezebelle placed the shirt over her shoulders again. Innocence then gave a happy smile, “I finally got his shirt…” She would be dancing around the room in joy if it had been any other scenario. So instead she settled on using a free hand to bring it to her nose and gave it a sniff. She then stuck her tongue out playfully.

Jezebelle was silent before giggling, “Oh yeah that’s right… Silly girl and your fantasies. Well I need to go before mother worries. I wish you both well. Drop by for a visit some time.” Innocence got a hug from her friend and she exited the room. Innocence was tired but she knew she wanted to go back to Lee. Her sister and Walter would help each other out. Damian resting in his mother’s arm just looked down at Damon before bending slightly and taking a mouth full of his hair and with a smile started to chomp. He finally got it he knew he would. With a happy giggle Innocence watched amused as her son started to nom on Damon’s hair.

She then remembered, she had a blank look on her face. “Damon…” Her voice trembled slightly, “If you do not show me your hands you will make me cry…” It sounded like blackmail and maybe it was but as blackmailing it seemed it was also a truth. She had seen his knuckles and knowing him he did something by accident that he did not want to worry her about but… Not seeing it made her worry more. It was sweet of him to try and hide it but she wanted to help him, he had helped her and although it would not pay off the debt she felt she owed it was the least she could do…

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[1<3[)r@I<3]

Listening to the two girls talk and tease, Damon began to relax enough to notice that the stone floor was hard and cold. And not at all a comfortable place to stay for long. He decided to have the servants at home put rugs down, though it meant more work for them, so that Damian would have a softer, warmer surface to crawl on when on the ground floor. And perhaps some on the floors of the hallways of the upper stories and in his suite as well. He thought about it while Innocence tugged off her ruined dress and Jezebelle wrapped her ribs. He'd have them bring some of the things their own children played with as babies. It would be nice to be able to look up from his work and see his son playing there in the same room. Maybe a cradle in his bed room until a proper suite for Damian could be decided on as well. The boy would need a bed room and a play room. And once he got older, Damian would need a room to do his own studies in. And a desk in Damon's office so that he could do his book work there if he didn't want to be alone. He thought harder as he felt Damian chew on his hair. A desk for Innocence to write letters to her sister at would be another welcome addition to his office. Right next to his own. Then he could look over at her from time to time as well.

At her statement, he straightened and looked up at her, wiping his eyes on the back of his sleeve as he did so. "My hands are fine. Honest. I think I just scraped them up a little." Damon gave her a teary smile and stood. "We should leave soon, in case that old hag comes back." He started to turn toward the door, intending to order the driver to get the carriage ready, but turned back to Innocence. He bent over and gave her a sweet, gentle kiss before brushing her cheek with his thumb and standing straight again. "I'll have the driver get the carriage ready. Then Rhys can have a look at you. If he's back from wherever he disappeared to." He started toward the door to give the order.

[Neko]

She heard his retort to her mention of his hands. He had said he was fine... Yet as he went to brush his tears away she noticed that his hands were not fine... They were bleeding and they looked horrible. She went to say something but he stood before she could say anything and mentioned about getting ready to leave to avoid another bump into with her aunt. Something she herself could not risk doing or wanted to happen. He then started towards the door. She watched with a slightly saddened look on her face but nodded to tired to bother saying anything. She then was taken by surprise.

She had figured he was going to go talk to the carriage person like he had said he was going to do but instead found herself being kissed. She blinked a few times in surprise at the gentle kiss. She felt him brush her cheek with his thumb before he stood straight again and mentioned that he was now going to get the carriage set, making sure to add that Rhys could take a look. She frowned slightly at that... She then noticed he was heading towards the door again. Looking down she noticed Damian was looking back with a stare. Carefully she stood up and made sure his shirt would stay on her shoulders.

Putting Damian in one arm she hopped the few feet to where Damon was and wrapped her arm around his waist, placing her cheek on his back. She did not say anything, she had no idea why she did it, she just had the overwhelming urge to cling to him. He was being so nice again... Sure she should have been used to it but... Most people would have gotten sick of her now, to have him being so kind was nice yet shocking. She then bit her lip. "I do not want Rhys to see me... He does not need to see me I am fine... Make sure he sees to your hands though... They might get infected."

It was a raspy whisper but she figured she was close enough for him to hear her. She then closed her eyes and just held onto him. She figured he needed to walk but she felt comforted by being so close. She knew it would probably worry him to have her clinging, she would make an excuse up later. Right now she just felt safer leaning on him. Damian being close to Damon again cooed with glee. He was not used to being so close to Damon for long periods of time without him freaking out. This was pleasant. Even thought his mother seemed slightly emotional. Innocence sighed softly before taking her cheek off his back and tried to look around his arm to see his face.

"I um... Uh... Nevermind..." She wanted to tell him she was thankful for him being there but that would be corny... She sighed and resumed resting on his back with her free arm gripping at his waist. She figured she could hop as he walked, she just needed to be close by, sure this may be a bit extreme but... He was her security blanket right now. Sighing again this time in content she relaxed against him. She had a weird sensation to jump him but it had been changed by the kiss he gave her. It was so sweet and gentle... She felt herself blush slightly before she went back to trying to relax.

Enigma who had peeked in noticed the two of them were going to leave. Walking up to Innocence she got her attention before placing a small kiss on her cheek. "I am sorry... Innocence gave her a strange look before Enigma showed her hand, "I am sorry for earlier... I overreacted... I would get going... You know our aunt..." Innocence smiled softly at the apology before giving her sister a kiss on her cheek in return. Enigma gave a look of surprise before she bit her lip and headed back towards the door. It was not what she wanted in the least but it was for the best. Waving goodbye before shutting the door Innocence sighed. She knew how her sister felt and was thankful she was not fighting the issue... That was one less worry now all she needed to worry about was the problems back at Lee...

[1<3[)r@I<3]

He hadn't gone far, just a few steps, when he heard her hopping toward him before wrapping her arm around his waist. He froze for a moment to keep from unbalancing her and smiled. He brushed her arm lightly with his fingers as she spoke, sighing softly at her words. Apparently she didn't agree with him about his hands. Or her own injuries either, it seemed. He would have Rhys check her over anyway. He shifted a little and got ready to turn around but stopped when Enigma approached. While he was now calm, Damon still wasn't happy about what had happened. Nor about the fact that it had been allowed to go on for so long. He didn't want to risk causing a scene in her home, so he refused to face her. Instead, he listened to her apology and wondered what it was about. What ever it was, Innocence seemed calmer and happier now. To him at least. And Damian was happier too. Obviously so, judging by the sounds he was making.

When Enigma left the room, he turned carefully and took Damian from Innocence, giving the child a hug. Looking at his hands for the first time, he saw the blood and gashes. They still didn't seem that bad to him, but... "Is it really so important to you that my hands are seen to? They don't look that bad to me." He wrapped his free arm around her shoulders and gave her another gentle kiss, though this one had some passion to it as well. He felt a need to be with her, but pushed it down. She was in no condition for a roll in the hay right now, and he wasn't about to start anything until she was. He led her back to the chair and eased her down into it. "If my hands mean that much to you, then lets get them wrapped up before we leave. Then you won't have to worry anymore." He placed Damian in her lap and knelt to pick up the bowl and left over bandages. He reached over to place them on the table where they would be in easy reach and laid both hands in her lap.

As he waited for her to take a good look at them, and hopefully come to the same conclusion he had, Damon smiled softly up at her. He took a breath in preparation to speak again but was interrupted by the appearance of his driver. "M'Lord, the carriage is ready. I took the liberty seeing as how the weather is turning nasty. We should be going before it gets to much worse." The man took a look at Innocence and frowned. "If M'Lord wishes, I can alert the guard when we arrive home. Whoever did this to M'Lady won't be getting off easy. They'll see to that." Damon looked at the man and shook his head. "We'll leave in a few minutes. I'll need you to bring in the covers you placed over the horses to keep them warm. I don't want Innocence or Damian getting ill from the cold and damp outside. And under no circumstances are you to alert the guard. They'll only get hurt if they go after that old harpy. Its been taken care of already, at any rate." He turned away from the driver, dismissing the man who then went to follow the orders given him.

[Neko]

It seemed he finally got it. His hands really were that important to her. As to why she herself was not all to certain but she could come up with one or two excuses if she needed to... Both of which would make total sense. At least they would to her. She watched in light surprise as he took Damian and held him, actually giving him a hug. She almost laughed at the expression Damian had on his face. A look of pure extacy if she ever saw one. She however ended up turning her head up to give him a look. She felt him place an arm around her shoulder and give her another gentle kiss. The kiss did not surprise her as much this time around. This time it held a hint of passion which she noticed and almost took advantage of but she had finally got him to agree to his hands. She would stay focused until they were wrapped.

Being seated once more she placed her legs so that Damian would not fall from her lap. She then watched silently as Damon gave her the bandages and the water before putting his hands in her lap. She glanced down and frowned ever so slightly. She was by no means a doctor but for a simple clench fist his hands were torn up... Even if it was to beat her crazy aunt up, it still was her fault and she wanted to make sure they healed. She noticed he was about to say something but was interrupted by what she guessed to be the driver of the carriage. She decided to take advantage of this interruption to start on his hands. She made sure to clean them quick yet gently before taking the left over bandages to wrap each hand up. She had been listening to what was being said but only really noticed one thing. When the man went to leave to tend to what Damon had ordered she looked down at him with surprise while holding one of his hands. She used her free hand to point at herself.

"... He just called me a lady..." She looked confused, holding a small smile on her lips before it melted into slight amusement. "I have never been called a lady before..." She then dropped the hand that was pointing at herself and rested it in her lap. She stared at him for a moment. She had finally gotten his hands wrapped much to her glee. Damian was now napping happily in her lap, the carriage driver was getting everything squared away and besides the throb of her ribs and leg she was doing perfectly fine... She felt like things were finally beginning to work out. Not that she would openly say that, she knew everyone would beg to differ. She then without really giving it much thought brought her free hand up from her lap and placed it on Damon's cheek. She then eased herself forward to be mindful of her ribs.

She then placed a sweet kiss on his lips before pulling back enough so she could look at him for a moment. She then kissed him three times more before resting her cheek against his own. She had no idea why but she wanted to be right next to him. Pressing her cheek against his she made sure her lips were close enough to his ear that he could hear her quick and silent little whisper of 'I love you' she then noticed what she was doing and froze slightly. A slight blush on her face. She had gotten taken away, not that she did not mean what she had done or said but... She noticed how embarrassing she had just been. She then pulled back still careful of her ribs. She then tilted her head, "You said something about a blanket right? Uh... What are you suppose to do?" She had his shirt... If she remember correctly he did not exactly enjoy the cold... And if the weather was going to get worse that would make it worse...

She felt the shirt in question was still on her shoulders. She should give it back but she just got it... She gave him a teasing look before taking the hand that had been resting on his cheek and grabbing the shirt so it was tightly held against her back and shoulders. "I would give you back your shirt but it is mine now." She then gave a small string of laughs. As far as she cared it was her shirt now. She finally got it and by god she was going to keep it. That was until it needed to smell like him again which she would either steal the shirt off his back or rub this one over him... That would have to wait till he was asleep though. Least he knew what she was doing.

As the rest of the tension and emotions left her she felt a slight drowsiness but she kept quiet about it. She had something nagging at her brain. It wanted her to answer but she felt it was hardly the place or the time to answer such a call. Not that it keep the look from growing in her eyes, which try as she may would not stop giving her away. She knew when lying the truth often came out when the victim looked in her eyes... With that being known she gave Damon one last look in his eyes before making sure to avoid looking him in the eyes. She had no need to give herself away... Not yet anyways. She knew something was up on his end... The last kiss had been nagging at her brain. She was either reading it right or her suddenly horny mentality was reading the signs wrong...

With a slightly tired sigh she leaned forward again. This time dropping Damon's hand and wrapping it around Damian to keep him from falling from her lap. She did not leave the chair but she leaned forward enough to rest her chin on his shoulder and tilt her head so could whisper in his ear. She would have said this sooner, and hell she would never have acted so embarrassed... She wanted to make sure no one like her sister, Walter, or that man, would spring in while she was kissing him but that was when she could think straight. She had done that without thinking. She was just lucky no one came in and she had been able to wait till the carriage driver had left. now she was 'thinking' ... However much like a man, she was not exactly using her brain to think.

With what she was thinking with she had no clue but it was making all the ideas bouncing around sound utterly perfect... Pausing for a moment she decided now was as good as ever to share her little idea... "... Damon, I seriously have no idea why... As hard as I try to keep from saying this... I serious want to jump you right now..." Now as her normal self she would know jumping him right now in her sister's home was hardly a good idea... But she was not exactly being her normal self. She had only felt this way three times... Granted two of them had been interrupted but the first time had worked like a charm... If she could just wait until later... She could do that... She just needed to bite the bullet...

"... I could go into more detail but I will wait until I do not have to worry about someone walking in..." Stopping herself from going into anymore details she decided just to rest against his chest and shoulder. She figured if he was willing he would not fight her when she finally did decide to jump his pretty little ass. She knew something was not right, she was sore and tired yet she still wanted to jump him. With all honesty and seriousness she had no idea why, and she knew something was up but... She hardly gave a damn about it. She was going to enjoy this... That is when they were finally alone. Although if the ideas she had stopped merging and splitting into new ideas she might have a plan for the carriage... She just had to be a good girl till then... Oh god she hoped that man would come back with the blanket soon... She wanted to jump him now...

[1<3[)r@I<3]

Damon smiled softly at her surprise. "Of course he called you a lady. Your my lady aren't you?" The grin grew and became mischievous. "I suppose I could tell him that you don't like being called a lady. But you're likely to be called Kid if I do. Anyone younger than he is gets called a kid. Except for me, but that is simply because I am his Lord." His grin softened after his little joke. He couldn't let on about what the servants and guards had been up to lately. It might embarrass her. It certainly had made him blush a few times. It had taken only a few days for the women to lay into their men folk about the teasing, and now it was said seriously. Almost as if they knew what he was planning.

When she touched his cheek, he sighed happily and leaned into her hand with his eyes closing. But then his eyes snapped open in surprise at the string of kisses she gave him and the admission that followed. He sat there in shock for a moment with a big silly smile on his face and then managed to find his voice. "I don't know what I did to deserve that, but if you tell me what it was, I'll do it again." To get that reaction out of her, he would do it all day, every day. And enjoy every moment of it. He would be teased again, of course. And not just by the servants. He was certain Rhys would do the same. He had become more brotherly of late, and Damon was sure he was behind the rash of teasing he had already endured. But if it came, he would learn to accept it as the price he payed for making her happy. And count the cost as nothing to be concerned over.

Her words caught him by surprise and he stared at her in confusion. "Huh?" Damon shook his head to get his thinking straight and thought about what she was saying. "Oh. That. Well, I suppose I'll just have to tough it out. I can do that. I think..." He looked her over and considered what she had said. "If you wanted my shirt, all you had to do is ask. I'd have given it to you a long time ago. It looks good on you." He blushed lightly and glanced down nervously, embarrassed by his own forwardness. Not that he'd had any intention of taking the shirt back. Not until they had returned to Lee, at any rate. But that last line had just come right out on its own, without any thought behind it. He kept his eyes turned toward the floor, though his blush deepened at her words. It seemed she was feeling the same thing he was. He would have to ask Rhys about that some time. Maybe he would know why they were feeling what they were... Damon stood and helped Innocence to her feet, laying Damian in the chair carefully to keep from waking him. Then he closed his arms around Innocence and hugged her tightly. "I wish you wouldn't say that. I'm trying to keep my hands off you right now, and its hard enough as it is." While his words matched what he was feeling, he didn't realize that they could be taken any way other than what he had meant. He leaned down, intending to give her another gentle kiss. What harm could a kiss do, after all? But when his lips touched hers, his mind lost the fight for a few moments and the kiss was not gentle at all, but full of need. He broke the kiss and took a step back. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that..." He looked toward the door, wondering what was taking the driver so long. If he didn't return quickly, they might not be able to leave. And they wouldn't be staying due to the weather either.

[Neko]

She was feeling the intensity of whatever the hell was effecting her but she was happy to still have enough control to avoid causing any embarrassing situations from occurring. She blushed at the comment about her kisses but it left her faster then it normally did. She had no real answer why she did it so she could hardly tell him what to do so he could have her kiss him again... He had just been there and she wanted to kiss him to death was it really... She had listened to his explanation or rather his tease about being called a lady. So she was his lady hmm? Well that was a nice development. She however did not speak, she felt if she did she would lose herself again. She had already spilled what she had be trying to spring on him when they were alone... Injured or not she wanted to have some fun, and if he wanted to or not, she would be having some.

She listened as he took the shirt thing a little to literally. It had been meant to be teasing but truth. He was not getting the shirt back, it was her's now. She pouted slightly as she heard he was just going to have to tough it. OH that is what he thought if she could help it she would make him warm... Oh no her mind was creeping back into that dark little corner... If she was ever in the situation like in Walter's book she would have a devil and a demon on her shoulder. There was not angel in her... Both would be telling her to stop fooling herself and just jump him but... She needed to keep composed and ignore... Wait a second since when was she standing? She noticed midthought he had helped her to her feet and Damian was no longer in her arms but resting in her chair.

She went to give him a confused look but it ended up in a embrace, some amusing words and then a kiss. At first it was almost like the other kiss she had gotten but after almost a split second it shifted to something a little more lustful and it brought a grin she quickly hid as he backed off. So it seemed she had not misread the passionate kiss from before... She thought whatever she was feeling was only her but it was clear it was not just her... She knew why he was holding back, obviously he was worried about hurting her... Shame she could not careless about her wounds. She had her mind stuck on one thing and it was not going to stop... She was stubborn. She listened to him as he took a step back and seemed to regret doing what he had done.

Licking her lips much like a cat she ignored the pain in her leg and forced herself to take a step to close the distance he had created. She decided to be mean and tease him about all he had said. Wrapping her arms around his waist she placed her cheek on his chest and grinned when she figured he could not see the cat like smile. "Oh... Trust me... I know it is hard... You do not have to tell me." She felt her grin grow larger. She then answered his other comment, "I am not sorry in the least... In fact do it again." She was using one hand to grip at his jacket and using her other one to tug lightly at his pants. She used her one good leg to help her close the distance so she could place a kiss on his lips again. She grinned against his lips as she rubbed her tongue against his before she broke the kiss. He was so much taller it was impossible to do without pulling at his jacket and standing on her toes.

She then pressed her face against his cheek again. She was going to kill that man if he did not return fast enough. She was really about to jump him... The idea of just saying f**k it and going for it was oh to tempting for her. Sister could accept this... Right? Alright that was a bold lie but... She wanted to jump him... If she did not get him alone in the next five minutes she was going to drag him up to her room. Her sister could not complain if it happened there. At least not as much as if she did it where Mercy or someone else could happen to find them... Taking a slightly shaky breath she backed off slightly.

That was enough to keep her good leg from buckling from putting her full weight on it to keep from hurting her already sore leg. She then decided to mock how she had teased him before a few months earlier. If not for Walter and well... The Labor itself she probably would have gotten some action. He had been slightly embarrassed if she remember correctly but he had been on the way to jumping her she could tell. While she could not use her body as well as she would have liked words had the same impact. It made it less difficult to tease him. Placing a hand to his chest she let go of his jacket. She however kept her other hand at his pants. She then playfully stuck her tongue out.

"You know Damon... You seem to be trying to fight me on this..." She paused long enough to press her hips against his and grind them ever so softly, "But you should know by now, I tend to get my way..." She then placed her cheek next to her hand and moved the hand on his pants to his ass, "Not to mention your lips say no, but your body says yes... So why not stop fighting me..." She then nuzzled her face against his chest and moved her hand up from his chest to behind his neck, "Resistance is futile... Give in." She was trying to avoid laughing. It would ruin it... She was killing herself by doing this, it was to torture him but it was doing the same to her. She seriously wanted to jump him but knew better... She should know better then to cause herself to risk losing control but she lived dangerously...

She then got a deviously delicious idea. She had no idea how exactly but she had somehow seduced him before... She could always pass time by trying to do it now, even though she had no idea what the hell she was doing. Oh well it would be fun anyways. With a nice plan in her mind at least until they got outside, she decided to put it to work. Continuing to keep her hands where they had been she smiled softly before letting out a small moan. A little test to see if it was going to get the result she wanted. Last time she checked he had teased her so much the last they played in bed because of her moaning. If she wanted to play one sure way to get him to join the game was to give a little teasing moan while grinding against him. She was trying to remember the things that worked in the past.

Trying to make a deadly but perfect combination to knock off his will so he would not fight her. Feeling her leg was rested enough to stood on her toes again, using her hand to pull him down to close the gap. Only this time she did not kiss him, she rested her cheek against his and then panted softly in his ear before grinning, "Damon... I hope you know that if you do not drop your guard you are going to pay for it later..." She then leaned forward sliding against his cheek so she could nip at his ear, never losing the grin that was on her lips. She had gotten to the point where she thought she knew where she was going with this. If he kept his will through all of this she would have to reward him after she punished him.

She then felt her leg getting tired again and released his ear, relaxing to her normal height and allowing him to stand to his full height if he wanted. She then took her hand from around his neck and placed it on his lower stomach. She was tempted to say something else teasing but decided to just let what movement her boy allowed her to make speak for itself. She used her fingers to make a walking motion down his stomach before turning around and making them walk up till it was 'standing' on his chest. She then with a careful movement spun so she was resting her back against his chest. She then placed a finger to her pouting lips, "I wonder where that nice man went... I really want to go back... I have plans."

She tried to keep it serious and cute but it turned slightly humor filled with a sultry sound to it. She almost surprised herself with the tone but decided it was working the whole deal and was helping her. She then turned and looked towards the door without speaking and with a random movement shook her waist so she could rub against him in a last moment teasing gesture. She had to turn around to avoid getting serious. Now she had to avoid doing anything else... Or else she really would lose control and either jump his ass here or fight it long enough to drag him to her room... Hopefully she worked him up enough to not fight her once they were alone... Cause god help her, if she had to use her bandages to tie him down she would get to have some serious fun... It had been far to long...

[1<3[)r@I<3]

Damon swallowed and blushed. He certainly wasn't feeling any more steady, but was determined to wait. If he could. If that driver didn't get back soon...

"If your plans match mine, then we need to get home soon. I don't want to be here any longer than we have to." His voice was hoarse with need, but his face was determined and a little fearful. Then he noticed how badly his shirt covered her. This wouldn't do at all. He was having enough trouble keeping his hands to himself without having to look at so much of her. He took his jacket off and draped it over her shoulders. That helped a little, though it didn't hide much more than the shirt alone had done.

Walking over to the chair, Damon picked up Damian and took the child to Innocence. He started to hand him to her, but was reluctant to release his son, even to the boy's mother. The earlier events were still too fresh in his memory for him to be comfortable. And he wouldn't be until they were on their way and well out of Tiamore. With a sigh, he placed Damian in Innocence's arms and picked her up. Then he walked toward the door of the great hall, meeting his driver in the hallway just outside the door.

The driver bundled the blankets around Innocence and Damian while Damon still held them, saving one to drape around his young lord's shoulders. "It wouldn't do for M'Lord to catch his death in this weather. Kid your age, you haven't learned your limits yet. Nor would follow them, I'm sure. Not if my own young'uns is anything to go by. Now you just follow me, and we'll have M'Lady and the young master safe and sound, so we will." The man seemed to babble on as he led the way, holding open the door of the carriage for them. Damon got the three of them settled comfortably, and the driver closed the door securely before climbing into his seat. There was a grim look on his face for more than the weather. He would tell the guards to keep a sharp lookout, regardless of Damon's orders. Some had relatives in Tiamore. Perhaps they could find the culprit. Innocence was well liked by the servants in Lee, even if they hid most of it to keep from embarrassing her. None of them would be happy about her condition. He shook his head with a sigh and cracked his whip above the horse's heads. The sooner they got home, the better.

[Neko]

Innocence noticed wha she was doing seemed to have the desired effect she wanted on Damon. She gave a smile when he said “If your plans match mine, then we need to get home soon. I don’t want to be here any longer then we have to.” His voice was hoarse and it was not hoarse like hers had been earlier from screaming in pain so much earlier. It was hoarse just the way she wanted it to be, with need. However his face had a look of determination despite looking a little fearful. She had no idea his shirt he let her borrowed badly covered her. It clicked when he took of his jacket and draped it over her shoulders. She gave a tiny flirtatious grin.

She had perfect vision of his chest. She gave a small trace with her hands but did not have much of a chance. He picked up Damian and took Damian, she looked at her son with a smile. Even with lust it was like a ray of moonlight that cooled her off. She noticed Damon was reluctant to release him and gave a tiny smile. She fought back a giggle despite the pain she was in. She heard him sigh as he placed Damian in her arms and then she was picked up. She blushed suddenly embarrassed despite being so forward moments ago. She rested her head against the crook of his neck. She watched as he walked them towards the door of the great hall and met the driver in the hallway just outside the door.

The driver bundled blankets around Damian and herself while Damon held them both still. When the driver said what she was thinking she peeked at Damon. She allowed Damon to once again lead them to where they were to go. That happened to be the carriage. Once inside they were all settled comfortably and the door was closed. Innocence noticed a grim look. She was no fool plus she had the sight. She saw bad weather was coming. She was to weak to see much else and could only hope the travel would be quick and safe. She peeked at Damon with a teasing smile. “You really do love him.” She lightly bounced Damian lightly who was snuggled up to Innocence in his sleep.

“I noticed you did not want to let him go even to me and when you finally did you gave a sigh. You can see him and hold him whenever you want you know. Now that I know you care for him so much you can do exactly as…” She paused for a moment as she looked down at Damian which allowed her bangs to shield her blushing face. “A father would.” She always had fantasized that he had been seeing her being jumped and their little roll in the hay had been so close it made her feel better. With a sigh she hugged Damian closer to her chest and was glad that despite all the injury that her son thanks to Jezebelle being so gifted in dance and dodging had kept her son safe. She was glad for everyone really… Well all but Vivi…

As much as she wanted to jump him she felt a different feeling now it was less lust and more… Warm even if it was freezing cold outside. She turned towards Daman slightly and gave him a tiny soft kiss and then smiled. “Thank you for all your help. You are beyond words.” Honestly she could try to think of words to explain how she felt but she would probably explode or something else drastic. There was no way she could explain it with words. It pretty much was explained between the sheets anyways. “I am happy about what you said to my aunt… I remember saying Rhys and Sarah was lucky to live fairytale… I guess I got my wish.” She then gave a shy laugh.

She was not sued to this feeling. After a moment she gave a sly smile. If he really wanted to hold Damian so much that he had almost kept him from even her he probably wanted to hold him now. It filled her chest with a warm feeling. Shifting she smiled up at him with a amused smile. “Oh Damon…” She said in an almost teasing but it still held a hint of love. “Catch.” Of course she did not throw or toss Damian but she gently passed Damian to him and rested against Damon where Damian was not taking up. She despite feeling relief was still reeling from the beating. Plus it was adorable to see Damon actually act fatherly. She had already seen him act like a husband, despite her being dazed, she had seen it. She was extremely happy and it showed.