*✧ — 𝕥𝕖𝕞𝕡𝕖𝕤𝕥

If it weren’t for the fact that Ophelia looked as mad as he felt. Davut would have thought she had something to do with this. “ So let me get this straight,” he began standing from his seat.  “ So because we spend the day together, we have to get married?” the disbelief evident in his voice. Flicking his wrist, the paper fluttered to a halt a few inches away from himself. Dark furious eyes searched her out. “ You don’t have anything to say about this? You can’t be okay with this? No one even bothered to ask what we wanted.” 

Previously, Helena had felt a sense of desire for others but this was different, it was much stronger and one she believed she’d have difficulty in controlling for a lengthening period of time. Perhaps, she hadn’t needed to leave her index finger lingering inside the warmth of her mouth for as long as she did but her attention was drawn to his reaction and she couldn’t help but find it amusing. Still, with her finger in her mouth, she allowed her gaze to drift over his stature. Her mind reeling with images of what could happen between the two of them in the upcoming minutes. 

“You know I wouldn’t mind offering a hand to help clean but if there’s a way of avoiding it then I’d much prefer that.” Her tone had softened into a whispered mutter, finger dragging over her bottom lip as she released it. There was heightening intensity between them but it wasn’t something Helena was going to complain about - she enjoyed it far too much. 

A subtle mischievous but innocent look displayed across her features as she watched him dip another finger inside a separate pot however she wasn’t expecting him to ask her to try it despite how much she wanted him to. With his finger brushing over her bottom lip, a series of goosebumps raised on her forearms but luckily her jacket managed to cover them from view. Something about the intermittent silence they shared was beginning to have affects on Helena, she was gradually growing aroused just at the pure sight of him. 

Without much hesitation, her tongue ran over her bottom lip while her gaze continued to peer up at him through her lashes. There was still an innocent look in her eye but it was starting to fade fast, lust replacing it. Dainty hands lifting to perch on either side of his abdomen, gripping the material of his shirt to drag him closer. “Aren’t you going to say ‘please’?” She whispered but she didn’t give him time to answer; both hands wrapped around his and guided it towards her mouth. 

A quiet and small giggle released as her gaze flicked from him to his finger then back again, lips eventually wrapping around his slender digit. Her eyes remained on his as she licked the dripping sauce off, tongue swirling around the width of his digit before slowly lifting her mouth from it with ease. 

“It’s really good but I can’t help but feel like you’re missing out on this tasting session…” She teased, biting her bottom lip as her head tilted to one side. Her gaze never seeming to leave his. 

There is no mistaking the mischievousness of her teasing. Part of him was a little surprised at how innocent she could look as what they were doing was far from it . Greysen knew that he was pushing boundaries. They were friends, colleagues. He and Helena had fostered a level of respect between all the late-night hours in his office. A level of trust, as Helena confided in him a secret about her life. About the trauma, she had suffered. He didn’t want to jeopardize that, didn’t want her to perceive him as someone she couldn’t be left alone with .

However, he wanted more.

There was a need to get to know Helena more and become more than just someone she confided in as she ran her tongue over her bottom lip. The tip brushing against the finger that waited for her. Greysen wanted to be closer, to fill up his senses with her. Whatever concerns he had, worry he felt upon getting what he wanted. It seemed to matter less when she looked at him the way she was now.

He swallowed thickly as she took the digit into her mouth. A low hum osculated deep within in his chest. His tongue running along his bottom lip as the heat of her mouth enveloped his finger taking him in. 

“ I could have, but you responded so well without one.” he chuckled darkly as his desire started to rise. Mimicking the look in her eyes, though he was sure he was far less innocent.

“Tasting session?” Greysen took a step forward till she had Helena trapped between the countertop and himself. “ It’s my recipe. I already know what it tastes like.” Callous hands took either side of her face, tilting her head up. his thumb running along her slightly swollen bottom lip as he pressed himself against her. 

“I’m sure it will taste different off of you if you’re offering, that is.”

– 

“I know, I’m glad to see them all lighter.” She wanted the best for the people, they deserved it and they deserved to know that the people they had trusted with their futures and making sure things were just and fair had the same ideas and visions they did. Sometimes she found herself taken back by just how far she was willing to go for that dream. 

Ophelia wished that she could be as brave as he was, as seemingly carefree, at least on the outside. She had no doubt that he worried as much if not more than she had his sister did, but he had mastered having a mask in place, and she didn’t mean just the physical one he wore - he was great at keeping his emotions to himself except for when it came to…what did her mother always used to say ‘that one has kindness in his eyes’. The memory was enough to draw a soft smile from her and she gave him a small nod. “Okay, I’ll try.” It was as much as he was going to get from her at this point anyway. 

His grin was enough to worry her, this was not the day to be going off an adventures with men like Davut and his reputation. Then again if they were going to be with a group of people she couldn’t see what harm it would really do to let her hair down a little, everyone else would probably be too busy with their own plans and shenanigans anyway. 

The second he was closer to her, her laughter could be heard again but this time it was louder and more joyful. If he wanted to taunt her she wasn’t about to just sit there and take it. Oh no she could have far to much fun with him if that’s where he wanted to go. “Am I not susceptible to your charm of have you never been brave enough to try and truly charm me before?” The challenge was a dangerous one, and she knew that it could likely end very badly for her but the opportunity was right there. “Fine, but I’ll need a new mask too many people have seen me in this today.” 

"Are you saying that I'm not brave enough to pursue you, Ophelia?" he tsked, giving a wag of his finger. "You should know me better than that. Anyway, I don't make a habit of pursuing women whose affections are  elsewhere, "a beat." Well, not unless they  want me to. Is that what you want?"

She was trouble. Davut knew already knew how much trouble Ophelia could be. He'd heard the stories and whispers; unsubstantial gossip because mostly. She did nothing that could be misconstrued or taken out of context. Her reputation and that of her family were far too important for her to do such things. He was a great many things, charming, persuasive, even devilish, some might say. One thing he was never the type to do was forcing his company on someone. Mainly because... he didn't have to.

Sighing, he shook his head, standing to his full height. "You are just asking for trouble, Lady O. I'm all too happy to oblige."

Undoing the top few buttons on his shirt, he grinned as she consents, taking him up on the offer for some fun. He was holding out his mask for her to wear.

 "Wear mine, it will adjust to fit the curve of those subtle cheeks of you, and we can be on our way. The show will start soon," he said, reaching for her hand and pulling her closer to him as he placed his mask on her face. Fingers gently brushing away the strands of hair as he tapped the button on the side. The mask glowing faintly as it settled onto her body as it has always been made for her.

He took a step back, nodding his head in approval. "It looks good on you. I wonder what else of mine would look good on you? I'm tempted to find out." he teased, already letting the games begin.

Something about his touch caused goosebumps to raise on her forearms, it brought a sense of comfort and security - two things which she was in desperate need for amidst the storm. Usually, Helena was fickle about close proximity but with him, it was different. Urges to pull away, stand still or simply glare at him were non-existent. Ever since the day spent dancing in his office, she felt something linger and build between them, he was the first who hadn’t run from the trauma she’d admitted being victim to. The warmth of his body was already radiating through her and knowing how clumsy she could be, she knew she had to tread carefully with such little distance between them but that was all the more harder now that they were in shared darkness. 

“You simply know me too well…” She grinned, gaze flicking between his own and the touch which he still spread over the back of her hand. To her own disbelief, she was enjoying it. 

Without the need of further prompting, Helena shifted from her position. Her hand slipping out of his just after the gentle squeeze he provided, her attention drawn to the newfound light which casted around them. Impressed by the device, she leant forward to inspect it with small curiosity. Thankful for the gadget, she returned to watch him with a content expression - relieved that the darkness had been dispersed. 

“I don’t have a single doubt about it.” She confirmed, head popping over his shoulder to glance into the pot. Part of her was awaiting for his reaction but the other half was distracted by the scent of his cologne. 

An amused look displayed across her features, gently shaking her head. “Oh, a spoon isn’t necessary… That would  just mean more washing up for us to do later.” She reasoned, returning to his side to peer into the saucepan once again. A beat passed and then the tip of her finger replicated his same movement, scooping a small amount before placing it in her mouth. Head tilted with contemplation, finger still being sucked on as she allowed the taste to savour on her palette. Eventually, she spoke. 

“I think it’s perfect.” 

If there ever were a time Greysen knew that he was in some trouble, his had to have been it. Never had he known this kind of longing for someone, not since Thea. Grey couldn't help but stare at her in acute interest as Helene slipped the digit into her mouth and held it there.  It was bad enough that she was so close to him, but this action had his mind drifting and thinking of everything he'd be happy to watch her lick clean.

"Is that what you are trying to do, make sure there isn't a lot of clean-up left over?"

The intent was to be teasing, light and fun so that there was no undue pressure or unnecessary expectation. The dimness of the kitchen, the intensity of Greysen's stare, the low huskiness of his voice rang in his ear. That familiar feeling he felt that day in his office hung there between them again. Did she think it? He believed that she did, even with the playfulness there. He could see something else, something akin to what he was feeling in the moment, what Grey felt whenever he was alone with Helena. Want.

"Perfect, should I have you try the other one." he turned his gaze back to the stove. He pulled another saucepan towards him, replacing the lid with the first sauce—the second for their dessert. A mulberry compote, taking his finger, he dipped into the dark blue sauce. Coating it, he held his hand underneath and brought his digit towards Helena's lips. Lifting a brow in a silent challenge. "Since we aren’t using spoons, "

It was a simple request, and maybe it would have been considered innocent to some. But this was far from innocent now. It was a step towards something more and something they both wanted but hadn't said out loud. Would be so by to see what it would be, what it could be? If it wasn't, it's far too late to take it back. If his expression was anything like the lingering look Helena was giving him now, it was far too late. Greysen eyes focused on her lips as he spread the sweet sauce gently on her bottom lip. His breath is increasing in time with the rise and fall of his chest.

 The warmth of his breath brushing the wisps of hair around her face. His voice was low laced with something thick and wanton, "Open your mouth for me."

How? He wanted to ask but he remained quiet, careful not to show how curious he was and soon enough his thoughts were displaced by her grip. Something like desire curled low in his stomach and he was hoping that five minutes was up. The impatience was no longer over concern for her getting more rest. His intentions as far as that was concerned had altered. He glanced at the bed, the distance between them and it.

When she leaned back to look up at him, Gene’s hands slid to bracket her hips. His mind hazy as she brought up what they had done a few hours ago. There was a question perched on the tip of his tongue but no time to ask it as she continued. He kissed her palm and leaned his cheek into it, not knowing how he had come to possess such an easy affection for her. The furs fell away and he let them, studying her, wondering where she was leading him. He thought he knew, but her words held different. 

“What is it?”

It wasn't hard to be distracted by him. To let the worry fall away and be in the moment with Gene. The low-grade warmth that spread through her body increased as she felt his lips on the palm of her hand. Eyes watched as his gaze flickered towards the bed. Gene said so much without saying much at all, and it was a wonder how anyone could miss it. But she had already started down this path. The least she should do is finish it.

River didn't flinch as the furs pooled at their feet. She was plenty warm as it was, and they would no doubt get in the way of things later. Breasts pressed against him; a hand traced up his chest. They found their purchase at the nape of his neck. "A way to bring down the council," he voice above a whisper as her eyes screwed shut at the feel of his hand against her skin.

"Not just be an annoyance in their side, but to truly be rid of them. To help the people we left behind. There is something that my father left, something we need in order to do it.”

River's eyes shown bright with hope. She didn't often allow herself the chance for that feeling. Acknowledging the fact that in this fight, they were the underdog. But it was still a chance and a risky one to try and get that information back. Is a risk worth taking, but at what cost?This was her worry that pulled her from the warmth of his bed. Restless enough that she kept replaying the plan over in her head. Thinking of all the things that could go wrong. Thinking of what they could lose, and looking at Gene now... what she could lose.

ᙖᥙt ყoᥙ'ʋᥱ ɠot ⳽tᥲɾ⳽, tᖾᥱყ'ɾᥱ ɩᥒ ყoᥙɾ ᥱყᥱ⳽

ωᖾo: Paris Claremont & Reign  ωᖾᥱᥒ: Pre Squall Event ωᖾᥱɾᥱ: Blood Woods

Tonight was the night, it was the last night they would be separated, they could go home, back to the world they knew, the world they loved. Although Paris missed their home in Arlesia they had grown accustomed to some of the Terran ways not to mention some of the friendships they had formed. But as always Paris knew not to get too attached to anything and for the most part, the people of Tera, the people they slept with, the people who Paris had befriended were just filling the purpose of the missing hole that had been left  inside of them not  being able to be with those that they cared for.

Sweaty palms, that was the first sign, Paris had no idea why they were so nervous but the thought of seeing Reign again brought it on. Paris hadn’t seen him since the night of remembrance day, the occasional visit from Heda carrying a note kept Paris informed that Reign was still alive and surviving and that was some comfort at least.

Although the anticipation of the meeting was bubbling up inside of Paris as they walked through the Bloodwood to meet him for the final time before they would be headed home, they wished that it were under better circumstances. Paris could feel their age catching up with them, Reign was still so young only twenty-seven as if he would want them let alone even look in their direction once the hair would go grey and the signs of their one-hundred and twenty-seven year life caught up with them. Paris couldn’t live without the water if it meant living without him.

Hearing their name escaping those lips sent electricity through Paris’ veins, as they entered the small clearing in the woods Paris caught the canteen with ease and looked down at it while Reign spoke. Reign was so thoughtful, just what Paris needed after the trek from Terra. Paris rolled their eyes at the next remark.

“Reign, you know I don’t drink well spring water for the taste, I need to keep beautiful. I mean just look at me, I’m getting old I have a wrinkle on my forehead when I smile.” they paused for a moment a look of distress spreading from their eyes to encompass their whole face.

“Just this morning I found a grey hair, a grey hair Reign. See, what’s to become of me.”

"You're being ridiculous again." Rolling his eyes a little. There was never going to be a time when Paris didn't look good. Mostly because Paris themselves wouldn't allow this to happen but also to Reign; they were beautiful. Not that they didn't already know this.

While staying with the Outlanders had been bearable and to his shock-- and probably Paris' as well. He did like a few of them, most of them. The person he missed the most was standing just a few feet in front of him. Reign didn't show affection easily. He didn't know why that was: maybe it had something to do with that hew as an orphan. Losing his family  caused him to withdraw a lot from others. Paris was one of the few he started to let in. One of the few people that probably saw him for who he was.

Taking a step towards them, Reign was silent, a neutral expression on his face as his dark eyes raked over the other's features. 

"Oh wow, is that a wrinkle?" he said, a finger tracing the smooth skin on Paris' forehead. He was giving a smile of his own before he kissed the spot.

"Stop being so dramatic and drink your water, please," he huffed. Crossing his arms, Reign leaning back on one of the nearby trees. "What are you going to do when we get back home? "Reign held up a hand before Paris could answer.

 "And throwing a party should not be on the top of that list."

          the  bombs  were  mistaken  for  thunder  at  first,  but  then  everything  went  black.   dani  had  been  fortunate  enough  to  find  a  group  of  people  to  stay  with.   she’d  ushered  them  all  into  a  corner  in  the  bazaar,  hoping  that  they  could  just  lay  low  until  someone  came  to  find  them.   arms  were  wrapped  around  a  younger  girl,  had  to  be  under  eighteen,  as  dani  just  rested  her  cheek  against  the  female’s  head.  time  seemed  slow,  but  she  knew  better  than  to  think  it  had  stopped  completely.   help  would  come,  that  much  was  a  guarantee.   it  was  just  a  storm,  right  ?

          then  they  see  him  &  dani’s  forced  to  shush  the  girl  beside  her  for  gasping  a  bit  too  loud.   she’s  all  too  familiar  with  destruction  &  demons.   whoever  this  man  was  couldn’t  do  more  damage  than  her  partner  already  had.   stature  remains  collected,  arms  only  squeezing  around  the  girl  before  dani  is  letting  her  gaze  fall  upon  the  male  before  them.   he  looked  alone,  but  that  didn’t  mean  more  weren’t  coming.   her  brave  face  was  much  more  visible  than  those  around  her,  so  dani  assumed  the  role  that  nobody  else  would  &  she  made  a  personal  vow  to  protect  them,  even  if  it  meant  putting  herself  at  risk.

          this  wasn’t  vince.   she  couldn’t  bite  back  with  sarcasm  because  she  didn’t  want  a  sword  through  her  chest.   it  may  have  been  covered,  but  she  became  very  aware  of  the  weapon  quite  fast.   there’s  a  warning  glance  shot  towards  the  rest  of  the  group  as  dani  begins  to  ease  herself  away  from  the  hug  she’d  engulfed  one  of  them  in.   the  young  girl’s  fingers  curled  into  her  flesh  &  dani  had  to  remind  her  that  it  was  okay  before  she  turned  her  attention  towards  the  stranger  again.   “   is  that  a  promise  ?   ”     her  voice  is  much  more  steady  than  she  thought  it’d  be,  but  she  positions  herself  in  front  of  the  group,  between  them  &  him   as  she  speaks  calmly.     “   leave  them.   they  won’t  go  anywhere.   i’ll  come.   ”     there  was  very  little  hope  that  her  offer  would  work,  but  she  had  to  try.   there  were  kids  with  her.     “   whatever  you  want,  i  swear…   they  don’t  have.   ”

“I didn’t think any of you would have what we’ve come for.” 

Brow raised in amusement. Was she trying to dictate how things would go down? He liked the bravado, was it real or not? This was the question, as Davut eyes took in the group huddled together. None looked like soldiers. Granted, he could be wrong, but he figured if there were some among them: he would have been attacked by now. After all, he was by himself. He’d ordered his men ahead to towards the building in the center of their city. 

Davut eyes zoned in on the little girl that clung to the woman. Was this a relative of hers? Sister, niece? They didn’t seem to share any familiar features even in this light. He could tell that much. It wasn’t his aim to scare children: it wasn’t his aim to kill innocent lives. If he could help it, his people would be in and out and not spill a drop of blood. “ You’re scared, yes?” His voice calm and inviting as he offered up a smile towards the little one. Reaching into the front breast of his pocket, he pulled out a small creature. 

 “Would you mind taking care of her for me?” Smiling as he moved closer slowly, patiently, he watched as the little girl petted the small reptilian creature. “ I don’t make it a habit of hurting unarmed women and children.” his words were directed only towards her. 

“Staying here isn’t advised, isn’t there someplace you all can go?” While they were hidden, if any of his people came through this way, there was no telling what kind of fighting would occur, leaving them in the crosshairs. “Listen, so long as you and your group are with me, you won’t be harmed, so.” he looked towards the other people surrounding her. 

 “Why not lead the way to somewhere safe for you and yours. Think of me as your personal human sheild.” 

“I am sure you do, though I’m also very aware you don’t need a festival once a year to be getting a lot of attention so I don’t know why it’s so special to you.” He may have been attention worthy but she preferred to keep her fawning in the quiet, away from the eye of the people around her and certainly away from the subject of her affections. After all she had managed to keep the earthly crush she had had on Davut a secret for over a hundred years now. She had matured a lot since the days she had longingly glanced across at him from the other side of science labs. “I can’t keep the worries about the water out of my head, we’re giving people extra and we still don’t know how long it’s going to be until we can get more.” Her scowl was firmly set in place and she planned on keeping it that way for now.

“Nope, I was planning on a day by myself.” It may have been awfully suspicious of her, but she couldn’t stand to deal with the rumours that came with spending the day with someone. The looks people would give if she was seen sneaking off with someone for the day. “Exactly what I said, what a lucky lady they will be.” Her laughter was a little lighter than it had been just moments ago. “I did, softer skin remember?” Though all Arlesians were soft, even the men with their rough hands seemed softer than everyone else. 

Ophelia eyed him in suspicion as he moved and she reached to fix her mask back in place, smoothing out the dress she had been wearing for the day. “Davut what are you doing?” The woman scoffed as she looked up at him, sure he could see the judgement in her eyes. “You want to out romance each other? With other people or are you trying to charm me?” The idea of just being an idiot for a day was appealing but she wasn’t sure how far he was willing to go and the competitor in her would get caught up if she let it. “The idea is awful and tempting all at once.” 

Davut rolled his eyes, “ It’s not the day, it’s the people.  we lost good people a few days ago. We all mourned that loss. Still they could find it in them to celebrate today. If they can do that, if they trust us that much. then the extra attention and gifts and giggles I can deal with.”  

Resilient, it’s the one word that he could use to describe them all. The kind of resilience that made a nations, a people, great. That even despite their differences, despite not always seeing eye to eye. they were stronger together, they always found a way to come together.  “Stop worrying so much about the water. We will find more, have found more. Today isn’t about rations it’s about a new start.” Davut held her gaze for a little while longer, before clearing his throat, taking a step back from her.  Remembering the eyes they had on them and the fact her affection belonged to another. 

A fact that was hard to remember, especially as peals of her laughter covered him. Davut found he like the sound of her laughing. Like the sparkle in her eye when for just a second she let her guard slip. Of course, he could be imagining the whole thing. “ Yes, the women tonight will be very soft , all the more reason to come along.” 

- 

a blackout was the last thing helena was prepared for, she was more than glad to have company though. the storm had spooked her more than necessary and now with the power outage? she slipped onto the edge, every sound and movement seemed to make her jump. this wasn’t the kind of behaviour she had expected to showcase in front of greysen. the smell of food distracted her, almost pulling her entire attention away from the flashes of light and drastic downpour of heavy rain. intrigued by how good of a cook was he kept her from losing full control of her actions amidst the storm. 

she was pretty much blind in the darkness of his home, unsure where was appropriate to roam and what was suitable to sit upon to try and relax her nerves. her comms device was out. part of her thankful since it was apparent that she wouldn’t be called to an emergency any time soon. she couldn’t help but blame herself for the outage though, after all her group were in charge of securing ART. helena’s mind wondered to the world of possible sabotage but her gut instincts suggested different, merely pinning the blackout on a simple fluke. 

her leg was bouncing, hands fiddling on her knees as she sat where she knew was comfortable and appropriate. his action caught her by surprise but within seconds, she was on her feet and her uneasiness had subsided for now. he was definitely a good distraction from the craze of the storm. 

a small grin etched at the corners of her lips as he took her hand within his, following his guide towards the kitchen without much hesitation. still, the loud rolling of thunder caused her to jump almost out of her skin. “you don’t have to worry about doing all this for me. . . but if you insist then i won’t retaliate.” she confessed, hand still firmly in his hold. “it still smells delicious in here.” 

Grey turned towards her now, his thumb rubbing gentle circles on the back of her hand. The were already close, closer than they normally would be. Maybe it had to do with the fact that the lights were out, or that he could sense her trepidation or worry. Or maybe it was all of these things. Whatever the reason it’s embolden him a little more. Ever since their dance in his office ... something has been brewing. So taking that step towards her, was natural, looking down into the silhouette of her face he smiled. 

“ I insist, though i’m sure you will find a reason to fight me on things one way or another.”  With his free hand, Greysen tapped her hip, “ Shift for me please,” voice calm and soothing. He reached into the drawer and pulled out a circular disk . Placing it on the counter his waved a hand over it and the device casted a dim, almost candlelight glow to the kitchen. Giving her hand a light squeeze he released it. 

“Hopefully it taste as good as it smells.” he turned towards the stove removing the lid to one of the pots. Lowering his hand , he dipped the tip of his finger into the sauce. Bringing the digit  into his mouth, humming in approval; Greysen turned back towards her.

 “ Grab a spoon and try this tell me if its too spicy for you.” 

whatever  you  say  ma’am  ;  his  choice  of  words  and  tone  sent  a  shiver  down  her  spine,  not  exactly  the  kind  she’d  warmly  welcome  either.  things  had  always  had  been  tense  around  them,  but  this  somehow  felt  different.  it  was  still  better  then  watching  him  lay  up  in  the  infirmary.

he  was  always  asleep  when  she’d  visit,  to  be  fair,  she  had  planned  it  that  way.  the  times  he  was  awake  she’d  go  no  further  then  an  update  from  the  doctor  and  departing.  it  was  always  easier  this  way  for  her.  the  only  exceptions  to  her  locked  doors  were  the  people  who’d  know  her  before  she  locked  them.  a  small  list  when  you  go  through  the  extinction  of  a  planet.

lilith  huffed  out  a  soft  breath,  her  hand  reaching  for  his  as  she  pulled  him  away  from  the  buttons.  “  it’s  not  going  to  do  you  any  good  getting  worked  up.  ’  in  fact,  your  doctor  says  its  best  you  remain  calm.  “  it’s  going  to  be—-  ‘  fine,  it’s  going  to  be  fine,  just  have  patience.  that  was  how  her  sentence  was  supposed  to  flow,  instead  she  found  herself  bracing  the  walls  around  them  as  the  elevator  halted  to  a  rough  stop.  back  pressed  against  the  metal  doors.

His eyes stared at her hand on his for a moment. A part of him wanted to shrug her off but he didn’t it. Or at least didn’t get a chance too. The abrupt and jarring hault of the elevator had his full attention. Instinctively, his hands reached for her, holding her arms  to steady Lilith. The force pushing him towards her,  One arm bracing itself against the wall. Kade used his body as a shield as the stretcher came careening into his side. It was a horrible impact but enough to cause him to let out a groan.  It was so quiet, save the slight groaning that came from the elevator itself. As it settled into place.  Kade couldn’t see a thing, but he could feel the heat of her body mingling with his own. The warmth of her breath brushing against  his collar bone. he decided it was best not to focus on that. Taking a step back, his hand not leaving her arm. “Didn’t think we would ever have a black out,” he muttered clearing his throat awkwardly. “ Are you alright Lilith?” 

–

Though the fawning over her counterpart was almost sickening she had to admit it was an amusing distraction from the worry she felt at giving out the extra water. She knew why they were doing it, fresh starts, new beginnings and they now had the means to find more water she knew they did, but the niggle was there in her whether or not she tried to push it back. At the flush of the girls cheek she let her eyes roll, she didn’t mind if they were visible to the others, let her judgement be known for all she cared. It wasn’t that she hadn’t had her own share of gifts and visitors, but none of her gift givers had flushed so far. 

“Oh please.” She hummed in distaste as he kissed the girls hand and she watched the girls scurry along. “You could at least try and look like you aren’t enjoying the never ending stream of attention.” Her light chuckle followed however as she removed her mask from her face for a moment as there was a break in people waiting for their extra share of water and she let herself settle against the well. “I’m sure you will.” She nodded, head leaning back for a moment as her eyes closed. 

“Actually I don’t have any plans for the rest of the evening.” Ophelia would likely wander through the streets, enjoy the dancing that would likely go onto into the night before she ended up back at the Primus keep. Spending a day like today with Alon just wouldn’t have been appropriate given the distance she was trying to keep and she certainly wouldn’t be visiting Finley on a day like today, he could enjoy the festival however he pleased but she would be staying away. 

Opening her eyes she let her gaze sit steady with him for a second again. “I’m sure your lady of choice will be very pleased she get’s to share the romance of the day with you.” 

 “ But that would be a lie, I might not care about the holiday but the attention I do love.” he winked. It wasn’t like anything would ever come from it. He enjoyed his singleness too much. Cherished it. The army and protecting everything they had built-- their legacy. This would always be first for him. Davut didn’t covet or crave power; didn’t want to be more then what he was. A general, leading his troops protecting the republic. Like his great grandfathers before him on a planet long dead.  “ Look at you, so lovely and beautiful and yet carrying the weight of the world when no one asked you to. You could do with a night of fun and debauchery.”  He knew that Ophelia possibly got up to all sorts of things. At least he would hope so: other wise she would have cracked long ago. He would never understand why she and his sister walked around like the world would end if they didn't work themselves to the bone. It was stupid; they were immortal why try and tempt fate. “ Really, no Alon or boy toys? Colour me surprise. The only lady of choice I plan on seeing is the Diva and the lovelies at the Moon house. You did say you like the feel of a woman better than a man’s didn’t you?”  Words teasing but the was and idea forming. Taking root and soon, he was calling over his personal guard.