#ftf:tybalt

Megan was so grateful to Tybalt for agreeing to be with her at the palace again as she was a bundle of nerves as she waited on the Princess.  Her letter with the appointment time was clutched in her hand and she had taken the day off work to ensure there was no issue with her getting there on time.  Glancing at her watch she checked the time on the letter knowing exactly what it said but unable to stop herself.

Ty could feel Megan’s nervousness radiating from her. He couldn’t blame her; not after how the last meeting went. If he were honest, he was feeling a bit nervous as well. But that wasn’t something he would show. He reached for Megan’s free hand and squeezed it. “It will be over soon.”

Megan gave him a weak smile.  She wanted this, she knew she had to take this step but it still felt so brutal and final.  Closing her eyes for a moment she tried to picture Carlo’s face and the smile that would greet her when she reached his home later in the evening, finally able to be together.  All too soon the door opened and they were called to the Princess’s private study.  It didn’t seem that long ago since they were sitting there with Oz being given another ultimatum but this time she was the one asking for something.  The Princess entered and after a brief greeting they got down to business.  “Lord Montague and I separated back in November.  I do not take ending my vows lightly but there is no chance of us reconciling and after six months I feel it is time that we both need to move forward in our lives,” Megan explained when asked.  “I am asking for our claim to be dissolved by mutual consent your highness.”

Tybalt listened as Megan gave her reasoning to the Princess. He knew very well how hard it was for her to say the words, even if he’d never been in this position. Endings were so terribly...final. But hopefully this would open the door she needed to move on with her life. “Your Highness, as the head of Megan’s family and on behalf of my sister who approved this Claim, I have given my full support to Megan’s decision and also request that her Claim to Lord Montague be dissolved.”

The Princess had a feeling this request would be forthcoming and it amused her. As far as she was concerned, this was the deathknell for that upstart Montague and she would feel rather successful in her reign if she could diminish or limit the power that family had accumulated for themselves over the last century. “Well, this kind of request may never be granted lightly. To enter a claim is a serious matter and to terminate it even more so.” She murmured officiously before she smiled, “However, in this instance I will not delay the matter further. I will grant this request and support the dissolution of this Claim between Megan Capulet and Osbourne Montague. Lord Capulet, I take it by your presence here today that you welcome Megan back to the ranks of your family?”

Megan nodded in understanding of the gravity of her request.  In other circumstances she would have pointed out again she wasn’t doing this lightly but her last audience with the Princess had taught her to keep her mouth shut.  As the domme continued Megan let out the breath she was holding, her request had been granted.  It was a strange mix of joy and sadness but at least the uncertainty that had hung over her life for months might come to an end.  She turned to look at Tybalt as the question was directed to him although she had absolutely no doubt as to the answer.

“Yes, your Highness,” Ty said nodding, grateful that the Princess didn’t hesitate to grant Megan’s request and even more grateful that Megan held her tongue. “Megan is welcomed back.”

The Princess nodded in acknowledgement of Lord Capulet’s confirmation of the submissive’s status in his family. “As you wish. I will mark the Decree of severance as of the 21st of June. A formal document will be forwarded to you in due course. Please leave everything with my secretary.” She continued with a graceful wave of her hand toward the person she had just referenced. “I wish you luck in future, Megan, and  most particular, better judgment in your selection of your Dominant. Please … see yourself out.”

Megan’s heart was racing and her chest getting tighter as the matter was settled.  With a momentary glance in the direction the Princess indicated she rose at the dismissal, “Thank you for your time your Highness.”  She could have said more but stopped herself, she had what she wanted and that was all that was necessary.  Making her way out to the door she handed over the paperwork to the Princess’ secretary as requested and it wasn’t until they were outside again that she felt able to speak.  “Thank you for coming with me.  I’m sorry to drag you out for such a short meeting but I don’t know if I’d have made it through the door on my own.  As I suspected though she wasn’t sad about ending my claim.  In fact I’d almost say she was pleased.”  Megan closed her eyes for a moment as she let the last few minutes sink in, she was beginning to think she was the only one who felt anything beyond joy and relief at the situation.

Tybalt wasn’t going to look a gift horse in the mouth. He added his own thanks to Megan’s to her highness and then made his way to the door with the submissive. “Trust me, you don’t have to be sorry. I’m learning quickly that the shorter the meeting is with the Princess, the better.” He reached for Megan’s shoulder and gave it a squeeze. He suspected she was right, the princess was pleased. It was clear she had no love for Lord Montague. Possibly the only thing he shared with the Princess. “Now, go and enjoy the freedom you’ve been given.”

Megan opened the door, her heart in her mouth and torn between excitement for the scene and frankly terrified at submitting to anyone other that Oz.  It felt like the ultimate betrayal but she had to get that out of her head - she wasn’t his any longer and her health was suffering through neglecting her needs.  

“Hello Sir,” she said softly as Tybalt stood at the door.  “I hope you like what I’ve done with the place.”  The living areas were all still mainly set up, it was more the bedroom and her spare room that were still a mess.  The spare bedroom was still full of boxes, mainly because she had yet to bring herself to open them.  The ones she didn’t pack and doubted Oz did either.  It all felt so impersonal and upsetting to know some complete stranger had packed up her life into boxes, that that was what it was worth.  

She took a deep breath as she stepped aside to let him in.  Megan knew she had to focus on herself tonight and how she felt and push everything else to the side.  A good scene was what she needed and that would hopefully set her up for quite a few weeks before she needed anything else again.

Tybalt felt an odd sense of deja vu as he stepped into his old apartment. It was more than a bit weird to be greeted at his own door. “Hello Megan,” he returned, stepping in as she allowed and removing his jacket. “I do. You’ve made it your own. I’m glad to see it,” he said, looking around. He knew this wasn’t going to be easy for her. But he certainly didn’t want to entrust her health to someone who didn’t know her. And he couldn’t lie, it was a bit of a triumphant to have her back here and away from that man.

“Before we begin, Megan, review your limits with me.” He wasn’t entirely sure but suspected there may be things that she wished to avoid and he certainly did not want to court comparisons.

Megan’s hands twisted together at the question.  It wasn’t that she hadn’t thought about the scene and what she wanted, she had gone through it in her mind many times but what her body wanted and her mind were ready for were two very different things.

“My limits are pet play, blood, permanent marks…...and intercourse.”  She raised her head and looked at him, “I’m just not ready for that…...but if you are willing then I would like pain.”  

Tybalt wasn’t surprised at the the answer. “Understood. Just pain or are you comfortable with sexual gratification, Megan?” He didn’t want to push the envelope too far. Tybalt had many vices. He could be egotistical and selfish but he’d never treated a submissive with anything but care even if it was just for a night.

Megan’s eyes widened at the question and she took a moment to think.  “I’d be happy to be of service to you but I don’t want anything for myself.  I think I would be fine with bondage, sensory, naked even is fine but I don’t want you to touch me sexually.”  Her eyes dipped to the ground and while she knew he would understand it was still a far cry from what she usually wanted.

For all of Tybalt’s selfishness, he wasn’t of a mind to pleasure himself in this instance. Megan was too vulnerable. Maybe in the future she would change her mind. Maybe not. “I will not touch you sexually but I will be touching you, Megan,” he said, considering his options. “For now, we will use stoplights. You will address me as Sir, or my Lord.” His voice dropped lower and more commanding as he addressed her. “Do you have any implements, Megan? A paddle or crop?”

Megan swallowed deeply as she heard his words, a shiver running through her at the idea of calling him ‘my Lord’.  She knew perfectly well it was his title but in a position where she was putting herself in his care that title was still too raw for her.  “No Sir, I haven’t found my crop yet.  I have belts though if you could use that….or a wooden spoon.”

Tybalt nodded. “Fetch a sturdy wooden spoon then. When you return, I want you to strip to your underwear. You do not need to be nude. When you are finished, I want you to stand perfectly still in the middle of the living room. Do not speak unless asked a direction question. Are we clear, Megan?”

Megan listened carefully to the instructions.  She badly needed to let herself get into subspace and following orders were the first step.  “Yes Sir,” she replied after a pause.  Moving swiftly she headed into the kitchen and found a spoon before heading to the living room and stripping down as she had been told.  Holding the wooden spoon in both hands she waited finding it harder than she would have anticipated not to speak to him.  It had been over a year since she had submitted to Tybalt and while she was excited to be here she needed to get her head into the style of his dominance and the silence was an effective way of starting it she thought.

Tybalt retrieve a glass of water from the kitchen, giving Megan time time to comply. As quietly as he could, he moved to the living room and sat the glass on an end table. He loosened his tie and turned to face the submissive. “Excellent,” he said, retrieving the spoon from Megan’s hands. She was just as beautiful as ever but this was not what this was about. He tested the weight of the spoon in his hand, slapping it against his palm. “Bend over the back of your sofa, Megan. I’m going to give you the pain you are desperate for and you will thank me after each strike, are we clear?”

Megan was pretty much calm again by the time Tybalt walked in.  She did feel a certain relief that he hadn’t requested her be naked, while she would have done it she did feel more secure having that thin layer on.  Hearing his plan she could feel her head already clearer, grateful he could give her what she needed although her love of pain wasn’t a secret to him.  “Yes Sir,” she agreed easily as she moved into position, her arms holding on and her chin resting on her hands as her ass stuck out for him.  Closing her eyes she did her best to let herself sink into the moment.

Tybalt watched Megan move into place. She was just as beautiful as ever and he couldn’t help but be flooded with memories of other times and places. He wouldn’t touch her overly much but he rested a hand in the middle of her back so that his presence was felt. An anchor of sorts. He let the first strike land on the swell of her ass, a fairly firm smack but not near what he knew she could take. He would warm her up first.

Megan held her breath as she felt his touch.  There was a part of her that wanted to just say ‘fuck it’ and have some crazy, wild scene.  She had gone through the scenario several times in her mind the night before but it always ended the same way - with her feeling incredibly guilty and ill with what she had done.  Coming to the conclusion that since that was only in her own mind it probably wasn’t something she really wanted to try in reality.  She knew that at some point she was going to need more but that wasn’t now and so pain was the best she could think of.

The first strike made her gasp.  It wasn’t particularly hard but certainly enough that she could recognise he understood what she needed.  “Thank you Sir,” she said softly as she stuck her ass out a little further in encouragement that she could take more and indeed wanted it.  The next few strikes must have made her ass glow she knew and she was beginning to feel herself sink deeper into subspace.

Tybalt increased the force of each blow, enjoying Megan's reactions. She was always beautiful but never as beautiful than when she submitted. Memories filtered through his mind of Megan splayed out and wanting. He pushed those thoughts away. That was not what this was about.

“That's it Megan, doing so well for me.” Another blow, harder still and placed directly where she would sit. The hand placed on her back pressed a little harder reminding her he was there.

Each strike nudged her a little more into the headspace she needed.  Megan vaguely considered that he was very much marking her sit spot but that also just made her happy as she knew she would feel these for several days to come.  He was there, right beside her, the hand on her back told her that and of course the more she got into it there was a part of her that wished he was going to strip her and fuck her but then she went back to her earlier thoughts and knew this was the best for her right now.

Her ass was beginning to burn and she couldn’t hold back the moan that left her lips.  Her head dropped a little lower as she relaxed into the scene.  Her head felt clearer than it had in days and that would only get better as the next few hours passed.  “Please more Sir,” she murmured as he seemed to pause, she really wasn’t ready to stop the pain.

Tybalt had to take a deep breath and not react to the moan that left Megan’s lips. It was far too reminiscent of the days when he wouldn’t hesitate to fuck her senseless after turning her skin red. “Simply beautiful,” he muttered, moving his blows to the back of her thighs. “Let go, Megan.” Ty knew how much pain she could take and how much was needed for her to reach the point where she would truly let go and clear her mind.

Megan felt the praise sink deep within her and as he moved onto the back of her thighs the knowledge she would feel this for days, how much it would pain her to sit made her feel lighter than ever.  There was no doubt she had made the right choice in seeking Tybalt for this.  He knew her so well, even after the time apart he was straight back and coaxing her to what she needed.  Her eyes began to water as her skin burned, the blows raining down on her bruised skin.  The strikes seemed to get harder or maybe it was just that the blows were on top of multiple others now and as one particular smack sent pain running right through her she yelled out, her body seeming to flop entirely in that moment.\

Tybalt dropped the spoon immediately, knowing that Megan was done. Her skin glowed and he could tell already that she would be bruised. He ran the hand resting on her back down her spine, petting her soothingly. “Beautiful. Good girl,” Ty said quietly. He couldn’t resist running his fingers over her ass and feeling the heat emanating from her skin. He let her rest for a moment, continuing to murmur praise before gently moving her so that he could lift her. He was careful with her abused skin as he carried her to her bed. “On your stomach, Megan. Let me take care of you.”

Megan was breathing hard as it was clear the scene was over.  He had been right, she needed to let go, to be pushed to that point where she could just lay herself totally at his control.  His hand on her ass was a good feeling and she bit down on her lip knowing that if he let his fingers slip into her underwear he would find she was more than a little wet at the contact.  She closed her eyes, slowing her breathing and still pushing the thoughts of anymore to the side.  Resting her head against his chest as he carried her through to her bedroom she laid her head on her folded arms with a murmured, “Yes Sir.”  Her ass was throbbing and she could feel her body growing tired as her adrenaline started to leave her.

Tybalt watched her a moment as she relaxed into her bed. Moving to her bathroom, he located cream for her ass fairly quickly, knowing she would have it on hand. He sat gently on the bed next to her. Being as gentle as possible, he began to apply the soothing ointment. She was going to be sporting some lovely bruises and be sore for while. He couldn’t help but be pleased with that. “Did so well, Megan,” he murmurred. “Would you like some water or juice, beautiful?”

Megan held back her moans as he applied the cream.  Her ass stung in the perfect way, the heat and the achy pain that she was so familiar with.  The praise sank deep within her, being called beautiful was what she needed.  To actually feel desirable even in a small way was a boost.  “Thank you Sir,” she replied sincerely, her heart sinking a little at the knowledge the end of the scene was near and she had got so used to Oz’s aftercare with her bath and then cuddled in his arms for the rest of the night.  She needed to push those thoughts away again.  “There’s apple juice in the fridge,” she replied, not moving from the spot.

Tybalt’s mind drifted again to days past when this would have ended very differently. As it was, he would be leaving with a problem he would be taking care of later, alone. His only acknowledgement of their past was to bend and press a gentle kiss to her shoulder before standing. He put away the cream and fetched a glass of apple juice for Megan, sitting it on the counter. “Rest beautiful,” he said, stroking her dark head for a moment before moving to leave.

As the day for her to actually testify arrived Megan felt like she had experienced every emotion going.  She was pretty silent in the car on the way to the court.  Her only way of coping with what she was about to do was to zone out entirely.  With Tybalt by her side she entered the courthouse and registered at the desk, taking a seat as instructed and waiting, almost slipping into doctor mode to focus her mind.

Tybalt concentrated on being a supportive presence, allowing Megan to focus and not worry about making small talk as they made their way to the courthouse. He stayed by her side as she checked in and was seated.

The morning of Megan’s court day, Carlo got up and for once since their breakup - aside from Auntie Benita’s birthday - made an effort with his appearance. He knew that he wouldn’t be able to do much, but he wanted to be there to lend his support. Carlo arrived at the courthouse, going through necessary protocol, and then his eyes scanned those waiting before landing on Megan. There was an ache, and a slight pause where he tried to keep himself composed at the sight of her. Making his way toward her, he tried to give her a supportive smile. “Hey. You holding up okay?” He asked gently, surprised his voice sounded so smooth when he felt as nervous as he did.

Megan smiled softly at his question, swallowing before she replied.  “I guess, I mean I don’t really know how I’m supposed to feel right now.”  Tybalt excused himself for a moment, Megan suspected more to give her and Carlo a minute rather than his sudden need for coffee but she wasn’t going to object.  “Take a seat,” she said, patting the space beside her.  “You look really good,” she added before a faint blush grew on her cheeks as she realised that she wasn’t really supposed to comment on anything like that now. 

With a nod, Carlo replied, “Well, this isn’t exactly a normal situation to find yourself in. I think it’s fair if you don’t really know how to feel about it all.” His eyes followed Tybalt as he left, and then returned to her as she offered him the seat next to her. Without a second thought, he slid onto the space she had patted and then offered her a faint smile at her comment. The blush on her cheeks nearly had him reaching for her, but that was out of the question now. He pulled his gaze away from her to look down at his clothes. “Yeah, well, I figured I should look somewhat respectable today,” his tone was light, despite the fact that he had hardly felt in a joking mood lately. “Thanks, though. You look lovely, as usual.” He lifted his eyes to her again.

The bloom on her cheeks deepened at his compliment and she let her gaze run over her own outfit for a moment.  “I wasn’t sure what to wear - can’t go too short, too low cut, too trashy, it was something of a minefield,” she replied with a slight chuckle.  “I hope you have brought a good book.  If the last few days are anything to go by I have a feeling I’m going to be on the stand for quite some time.  I just hope the seat is comfortable.”  While it was easy enough to try and make light of it she was well aware that her testimony was crucial to Oz and everytime she let that thought enter her head she pretty much wanted to vomit.

“I can imagine.” Carlo commented. He could only imagine what it must feel like to have to watch what you’re wearing, knowing that your own clothing could impact the view that other people had of the person you were providing evidence, or testifying for. Carlo lifted the book that he’d brought with him and nodded, “I don’t think you have to worry about that. I’ve got myself sorted with this. I have another backup in the car in case I somehow magically get through this one.” He sighed and shook his head, “Let’s hope that it doesn’t last too long for you. I mean, in the end, you weren’t with him the day all this supposedly happened. All you can really do is provide a basis for his character, right? It’ll help him out immensely, but you can’t give them any information to assist them with the actual act he’s accused for. We’ll just have to hope that they decide to be kind to you. No matter what, I’m here for the duration. Whenever you get a break, or whenever you’re done.” He had offered his support, and he would stick by his word. He knew the weight of what she was about to do must feel overwhelming, and he only hoped that by his being there that it helped ease some of that, even a little.

Megan gave a nod as he clearly understood her concerns.  There was a flurry of activity outside the courtroom and a sudden coming and going of official looking people.  “I think I’ll just quickly visit the restroom,” Megan said standing up and looking around.  She saw Tybalt coming back and indicated to him where she was heading before hurrying off.

She was no sooner back when her name was called and her face paled.  Standing up she could feel the panic rising and she knew she had to calm herself down quickly.  Closing her eyes she took a few deep breaths before she opened them and looked between the two Dominants, “Wish me luck then.”

Watching her leave, Carlo glanced down at the book he’d brought and tried to think of how else he could possibly help and coming to the conclusion that he likely couldn’t do any more than he was already doing. He glanced up to see her speaking to Tybalt, and he remained quiet for a moment, nervous at the fact that he was here with her after everything that had just happened. He’d broken up with her, after all, and he didn’t know how her family viewed him because of it. When she returned, however, and her name was called he rose from his seat and gave her a nod. “Just breathe, okay? Take your time, no need to rush your answers. Don’t let them pressure you into saying something you don’t mean. They’re here to hear what you have to say, so if you need to take a while to say it, then so be it. And don’t give them any more than what they need. No need to give them anything they can twist around. It’ll be fine.” He leaned in to place a kiss on her temple and hug her quickly. “Good luck. I’ll just be here whenever you’re free.”

Ty hung back and let Carlo encourage Megan. Watching the pair, it was clear that strong feelings had existed. It wasn’t his place to pry, however. Well it was, but Megan deserved a break from his meddling in her affairs. As the interaction ended, he stood and placed a hand on Megan’s shoulder giving it a squeeze. “Hold your head high, Megan Capulet.” He stepped back to let her make her way inside. Leaving him and Carlo to wait until they released her.

Megan focussed in breathing as she listened to Carlo’s advice.  It was easy the night before to think through what might be asked but now she was about to have her quite private relationship torn open in a courtroom and she had to be ready for some very personal questions.  Her eyes fluttered closed for a moment at the hug, the familiar feel of his lips against her temple, something he had done on a number of occasions and she realised how much that reassuring kiss had began to mean to her.  Smiling at him as she stood back she murmured her thanks before accepting Tybalt’s words of encouragement.  Nodding at them both she took a deep breath and headed towards the clerk and was led into the courtroom.

Giving Megan an encouraging smile, he watched as she disappeared into the courtroom before sitting back down. His eyes fell to the book in his hands before glancing over at Tybalt, “I hope you don’t feel as though I’m imposing on anything here. I’m not sure if you told her that it would be okay for me to come, but… all the same, thank you for letting me be here, even after everything…” His voice trailed off, and he looked back down at the book again.

“If I felt you were imposing, you wouldn’t be here,” Ty said, looking up from his phone. “Whatever happened between you two is your business. But for the record, I have no problem with you, Mr. Romano. In fact, I have to admire someone who willingly puts themselves into the middle of a mess just to help. It’s admirable.” Ty certainly wouldn’t have stepped up if it hadn’t been his duty as head of the family. Not for someone he’d ended a relationship with, at least.

Carlo nodded, and glanced back at his book again, running his fingers over the cover. He was grateful that Tybalt wasn’t being harsh on him. Instead, this was much kinder treatment than he expected, or even felt he deserved, for that matter.  “I thank you for that. I care about her, still. I know all of this isn’t easy for her, it wouldn’t be easy for anyone in her position, but…” He shrugged slightly. “It’s the least I could do, offer my support, and try to be there as a friend while she goes through something difficult.” Maybe he was foolish for that, he didn’t know, but he also knew that if he were in her position he would hope that he had people willing to lend him moral support.

Megan was grateful when the judge called for a break.  She was led out of the courtroom and reminded not to leave the building before the clerk disappeared and she closed her eyes taking a long breath before she moved again.  Looking up the corridor she quickly spotted Carlo and Tybalt and made her way over.  “Lunch break,” she sighed.  “They had better have cheesecake since I can’t have wine.”

As Megan approached them, Carlo looked up as she announced that it was lunch break. A slight smirk formed on his face as she mentioned the cheesecake, and he rose from his seat to stretch a moment before saying, “Then we’d best get you some cheesecake so that you can make it through the rest of the day, yeah? How long have you got for lunch?”

Ty let the two talk, answering email on his phone while they discussed lunch. “I’m guessing not long. You two go. I’ll stay here and let you know if they resume early.” He didn’t fancy being a third wheel and it would hardly be comfortable for him to be there.

Megan was grateful that Tybalt didn’t insist on joining them for lunch.  It was already a strange sort of situation and she wasn’t sure how she would have coped with that.  Looking around she saw signs to the cafeteria turning back at the question, “I’m not sure.  I think they said an hour but I’m not sure if that is to when I need to be back inside or when they just start all the preliminary discussion again.”  She turned to walk towards the restaurant, her hand reaching for his automatically before she stopped herself and swung her hand back to her side.

When Tybalt said he was going to stay behind, and not join them for lunch, Carlo nearly suggested he still join them. However, he thought better of it, not wanting to annoy him. At Megan’s response, he nodded and caught how she reached for his hand. It was a natural reflex for him as well, and instead he settled by resting his hand on her mid-back as he walked with her. “I know you’re probably not allowed to talk about what’s going on, or what’s been said, and that’s fine… I just want to make sure you’re doing alright so far?” His eyes ran over her with concern watching her carefully to pick up on her body language.

Megan was surprised by the contact but it did give her some comfort and reassurance which she was grateful for.  With a soft laugh at the question she shrugged, “It’s not been too bad so far.  It’s been Spencer asking the questions and most of what has been discussed is pretty much public knowledge anyway.  I have to face the prosecutor soon though and I’m not looking forward to that.”  Her fists clenched at her side as she thought about it and her stomach churned unpleasantly and suddenly lunch didn’t seem quite so appealing.  They reached the cafeteria and Megan ran her eyes over the sandwiches and salad bowls trying to pick which she wanted before looking at Carlo with a small grin, “Would you judge me if I skipped proper food in favour of only having cheesecake?”

The laugh from her had Carlo a little more at ease. Of course, he knew the situation wasn’t easy by any means, but she seemed to be in fairly decent spirits, and that was promising. With the hardest part yet to come, he was determined to try and get her mind off of it. He turned a smirk in her direction. “No, I wouldn’t judge you, but you know I’m going to tell you that you have to at least try to eat some real food. It’s a long day, and last thing you need is to not have the proper energy to get you through it all. However, you can always start with the cheesecake, since it’s the best part anyway.” He looked over his options before reaching for a salad, and a sandwich. “I won’t judge for that cheesecake, but you can’t judge for how much food I’m about to get. I’m thinking ahead.” He held the sandwich up. “This one’s for later.”

Megan knew he was right even if she knew she wasn’t really feeling like eating much right now she would feel the effects as the afternoon went on. “No judging,” she agreed with a grin before she turned back to the selection and took a salad bowl for herself too.  Grabbing a bottle of water and her cheesecake she looked round for Carlo, “I’ll get this, it’s the least I can do for you accompanying me today.  I’m sure you have much better things you could be doing.”

Although Carlo thought that her request to pay for his lunch was sweet, he shook his head. “No, there’s nothing else I’d rather be doing at the moment. Truly. I probably would’ve been worried about how it was going if I wasn’t here. But no, you don’t have to pay for it. I’ll pay for it, don’t even argue. My treat, you have enough to worry about today. I’m not taking no as an answer, either.” He reached for a bottle of water, and then looked back at her. “Got everything you need? Let’s pay for this so we can go and eat.” Once everything was purchased, Carlo glanced around for somewhere for them to sit so that they could eat and relax, spotting a fairly isolated spot, he nodded over to the empty table and pulled out her chair before taking a seat in his own.

Megan wasn’t surprised that he insisted on paying so rather than argue she thanked him and checked over her tray to make sure she had everything she wanted.  “I’m all set,” she nodded and followed him over to the table once he had paid. His manners were as impeccable as ever and she slid into the seat with another thanks as she reached for her water.  “How have you been?” she asked as she unscrewed the lid and took a sip.  “Did you go to your Aunt’s party?” she added hoping that would be something fun to focus on.

It wasn’t unexpected, that Megan would ask him about his Aunt’s party. After all, had things not gone how they did, she would have been there with him. That part didn’t need to be pointed out, however, as it was his fault that he was alone. Carlo decided to start with his salad taking a short moment before he replied. “Yeah, I went. When it’s something family oriented like that, you don’t have a choice. Whether you want to go, or not, you have to be there. It’s expected.” He also wasn’t going to mention that Arden stopped by his cottage, forced him to go, and they ended up in an argument that still had them at odds, and not talking to each other. That fact still made Carlo feel uneasy, and unbalanced. “I did my rounds, and then headed back home.” He took a bite of his salad before answering her original question, “And I’ve been alright. About as good as one can be, I suppose.” He tried to make his answer light, but it didn’t come off that way, unable to get the lift in the response. “What about you? Aside from being here today… how’ve you been, really?”

Megan felt like there was a hesitation to his response.  She wanted to blame it on the fact he was hungry and wanted to eat but she couldn’t help feel like she let him down by not being there with him, even though it would not have been at all appropriate.  Nodding at his response and trying to give him a smile she let out a breath, “Family is like that but it is good that you went.  Not being there would have caused you problems and I would hate for you to have that.”  It was her turn to give herself a moment’s distraction before she responded to his returned question.  “I will be honest and say that between us and the thought of today it’s been something of a difficult few weeks.  I’m also moving and maybe changing jobs so there has been a huge amount going on.  I guess in some ways it has been good to have so much going on as it has distracted me from each thing.”

A small laugh escaped him at the thought of the problems that he would have had to endure had he not gone to Benita’s birthday. “You’re entirely correct about that. Plus, I hate letting the family down, so at least I was there.” Although, he silently thanked Arden for having the sense to stop by his cottage and remind him of the day. The argument that came about afterward was something to be less grateful for, but that was beside the point. At least when it was Megan’s turn to answer, she was honest with him. He nodded, managing not to cringe, or grimace when she mentioned how their situation had contributed to her difficulties. Still, he looked at her in surprise. “You’re moving and changing jobs? I didn’t even realize you were going through all of that. Why are you moving? Where are you moving to?” He asked first, that was the question that seemed most confusing for him. The job, unfortunately, made more sense but that question could come next.

Megan lifted her fork to her lips as she finished speaking but laid it back down as she saw the surprise and heard his questions.  With a look somewhere between sadness and hesitation she replied carefully, “I will no doubt be staying at the Capulet Estate until everything calms down after Oz is released but long term I don’t think it is a good idea for me to stay in my apartment.  It is owned by Lord Tybalt and he and I had an argument recently and he threw it back in my face that he had given me somewhere to stay and I don’t want my home to be used as some kind of weapon against me.  I would rather have somewhere that is mine and not a bargaining chip of any kind.  As for where I am moving too, that is a lot harder to answer.  It depends where I find and where I get a job.”   She sighed softly, sitting here talking about moving and new jobs was even more frightening as she looked to potentially leave her home city but she was about to go back into a courtroom and have her relationship ripped apart by the prosecution.  Suddenly her appetite had left her altogether.

Carlo could understand where she was coming from, but at the same time still wondered if living in apartments owned by the head of her family wouldn’t be safest for her in the long run. Still, it was her choice to make, and if she wasn’t comfortable with her living arrangements there was no point in her staying where she was. The mention of moving depending on where she found a job had him wondering what that meant exactly. “That sounds as if you’re looking to make quite the drastic change. Are you looking to leave the city altogether? Or do you just mean within Verona?” He noticed that she had stopped eating, however, and nearly reached out toward her, but stopped himself. “It’s going to be okay. This day will be over soon.” The trial, however, that was a different story, but he didn’t see the point in focusing on that. “Why don’t you try some of the cheesecake?” He suggested, hoping that might coax her to eat even a little bit of something.

Megan shrugged slightly, “There are a few possibilities elsewhere I’m looking into …..but I doubt anything will come of them.  I’m just exploring opportunities right now.”  Sheknew he was trying to help but she knew the worst of the day was still to come and she would be called in before she knew it.  She picked up her spoon and broke off a bit of cheesecake, lifting it to her lips.  The taste was nowhere near as good as she wanted though she knew it was due to her nerves.  Still she tried a few more bites before she gave up.  Lifting her water to her lips to clear her mouth she glanced across, “Why don’t you head off after we have had lunch?  All I’m doing is going back into court and then Lord Tybalt has security on standby to get us out to the car and then I’m back to the estate.  There really is no need for you to give up the rest of your afternoon.”

Carlo leveled his gaze on her at her suggestion. Perhaps he should head off, but he was here for her, to offer what support he could. It wasn’t much, he knew, but he also knew that what she was about to do would be difficult for her as it would be for anyone. “Don’t worry about me. I’m here for you. I’m here to support you. If you want me gone after it’s done, fine, but I’m here until you’re finished.” It wasn’t that he didn’t trust Lord Tybalt to take care of her, but he selfishly wanted to make sure she wasn’t too shaken up at the end of it all.