(Laaaaaaaag)

'I'm sure he'll get bored of this eventually. But, on a related note - you should learn to defend yourself. You're not in the order anymore, so there's nothing stopping you from standing up against bullies like Crowley. If he'd tried harder to attack you yesterday, you might not have been able to simply run away.'

Pythia: "I know...I just...I don't like the idea of hurting anybody...Dianne said she wanted to teach me, but...She's so violent....I'm not sure I want her as a teacher..."

'Violence is sometimes unavoidable. You don't need to become like Armin and Dianne, getting into fights everywhere you go - but what will you do if someone attacks you again while you're alone? Hesitating to defend yourself could cost you your life... And why don't you want Dianne as a trainer? Are you concerned that she'd hurt you?'

Pythia: "No, I know she wouldn't...I'm just concerned about what she might....expect of me...Her methods are...frankly barbaric...tearing out spines, crushing skulls....I can't even imagine killing someone..."

'I'm sure she wouldn't expect someone like /you/ to copy her methods... I'd recommend at least going to see her. She has a lot of experience, and might have important advice to give you. Other people will be happy to spar with you so you can practice, but they might not know as much.'

{Pythia just sighs at the thought.}

Pythia: "I guess it was only a matter of time...as soon as she's on her feet again, I'll ask her to teach me. I only hope I won't have to use her teachings often..."

'Of course not. All we want is for you to not die when someone attacks you.' Fred shifted. 'Anyway, I think that's all.'

Pythia: "That's not so much to ask...I'll do it. For everyone's sake. Also, Fred, I'd like to thank you for...giving me a place to stay, and....putting up with me....I know it hasn't been easy..."

'You're welcome. I have no problem with you being here; it's all the others I don't like. Taking over the house, spreading dirt and germs everywhere... that's why I need you to leave. Otherwise, you could stay longer, if you wanted.'

Pythia: "I see...I'm sorry about that... but, they needed my help. I couldn't just turn them away."

'Of course. I understand that. Maybe if this place wasn't so small, it wouldn't be such a problem... Anyway, please inform me when you're able to go out and look at houses again. I'll send Ryder with you. Hopefully, that will dissuade Crowley.'

Pythia: "I'd like to go tomorrow, if that's ok. I'm sure Ryder's busy, so I don't want to take up to much of his time..."

'Tomorrow is fine. I heard there's some large houses up for sale on Rancher Avenue, just north of here, if you're looking for something big.'

Pythia: "Yes...It has to be big...I hope the price is reasonable."

{Gathering up the last of her things, Pythia starts to head for her quarters.}

Pythia: "Well, I think I'll retire to bed now. Thank you again, Frederick."

'I wouldn't worry about the price. Armin gave you more than enough. Anyway, goodnight.' With a nod, Frederick headed back to his own room.

(Should we skip back to Armin and Dianne now?)

(Yes, you go.)

----

Back at the Alscher household, everyone had just finished dinner, made by Rex. As darkness fell, Armin contentedly shifted closer to Dianne while watching the end of some action movie.

'Huh, Esme seems pretty happy watching this stuff considering all the guns and violence in it... Maybe only the smell of blood scares her.'

{Dianne was happily snuggled against Armin, watching the movie throught half open eyes.}

Dianne: "I guess so...she sure wasn't happy with Praetorus when he showed up covered in the stuff...Despite her traumatic beginning, I am happy that she doesn't seem plagued by nightmares like the rest of us..."

Armin tilted his head thoughtfully. 'Maybe she's lucky that it happened when she was so young. I mean, she must have only been a few weeks old when the hunters attacked her tribe. I doubt she really understands what happened. She just remembers the blood, maybe. But yes, I'm glad she seems happy.'

Dianne: "Esme. Here, sweetheart, let me get a look at you."

{She beckons Esme over to sit on her lap.}

Esme chirped and climbed up onto Dianne's lap, one ear pricked in a questioning expression.

'I wonder if she really sees us as... her parents,' Armin mused quietly.

Dianne: "Well, until she starts talking, we won't know."

{Dianne pets Esme, scratching under her chin and looking her over.}

Dianne: "She's very healthy. And she's getting bigger."

'Yes. Maybe after our trip to Alexandria, I'll look into getting her her own bed. We can put it next to ours.'

Looking drowsy and content, he offered a hand to Esme, and she nuzzled against it with a little growling purr.

Dianne: "Yes...Her own bed....But, once she learns to shift, her size won't be a concern."

'Yeah, but she might not be able to shift for years. And by then, she might even want her very own bedroom...' Armin looked mildly concerned by that. 'Would you be able to deal with it, if she decided not to sleep so close to us when she's older?'

{Dianne makes a contemplative expression.}

Dianne: "Yes....probably...So long as she doesn't leave the house....Why?"

'Just thinking about the possibility, that's all. She seems happy sleeping with us now, but when she's older, she might want her own space. I don't want you to start having nightmares again. But, that's not relevant right now.'

Dianne: "I don't want them either, but....I don't know if they'll come back or not. She'll definitely want her own space eventually, but...I guess we don't need to think about that right now..."

'Yeah, it doesn't matter right now. She's only a baby. I was thinking too far ahead.'

Armin settled more comfortably against Dianne, resting his head on her shoulder and wrapping his arms around her. The movie on the TV had ended.

{Comfortably settled in his embrace, Dianne starts to quickly doze off.}

Armin picked up the remote to turn the TV off, then lightly kissed her on the cheek. 'Let's go upstairs to bed, rather than fall asleep here,' he suggested.

Dianne: "Ok...That sounds good....Carry me..."

{She says sleepily, wrappong her arms around him.}

Smirking slightly, Armin carefully stood up off the couch and lifted her into his arms. He laborously climbed the stairs, setting her down against the headboard once they reached his room.

'Can you stay awake for two minutes to get changed?' he said with amusement, reaching for the zipper of her dress. Esme hadn't followed them up yet, having stayed behind to pester Rex for a piece of fruit.

Dianne: "Yes..."

{She says while blinking slowly and swaying slightly, a drowsy smile on her face. Regardless, she cooperated with Armin's efforts to help her change.}

Armin gave her a bemused look as he finished helping her change. 'You seem like you're already half-asleep...' he said, quickly stripping down to his shirt and boxers. 'Lie down before you fall off the bed, please.'

{Chuckling, she flops over onto her front, closing her eyes.}

Dianne: "Good idea....It's happened to me before..."

Armin climbed into bed, tugging the blanket up. He lay on his front, head turned to look at Dianne fondly. 'Well, don't do it again... Rex just said that Esme stayed behind to get a snack, so she'll be up soon.'

{Dianne opened an eye to return his fond look.}

Dianne: "Good...She likes her snacks..."

{With that, she starts to doze off again..."}

Armin snuggled closer, draping an arm over her. A minute or two later, Esme returned, quietly jumping onto the end of the bed and settling down for the night.

(Skipping?)

(Yes. You can start.)

----

Around midmorning, Armin stirred, opening his eyes briefly before settling down again. He was comfortable, and content to doze with Dianne until she woke up.

//Wonder if she'll be any better today? Probably not... last time, it took over a week...//

{Dianne stirred slightly, but otherwise remained asleep. After another half an hour, she starts to squirm a bit in his grap. Opening her eyes, she looks over at Armin.}

Dianne: "Armin....Why is Rex dressed like a cat?.....A very sad cat....."

{Closing her eyes again, she seems to have immediately fallen back to sleep, offering no explanation.}

Armin blinked a little, then snickered quietly, trying to hold it in so he wouldn't disturb her. //Well... alright then... Strange mental picture...//

{She slept for about an hour more, before hunger finally roused her. With a loud internal grumble, she wakes, propping herself up on her arms.}

Dianne: "Mmmm.....G'morning..."

Armin started slightly when she moved, then looked up at her drowsily. '...Morning... I guess you want to get up now...'

Dianne: "....Yeah....sleep well, I hope?.."

'Yeah... but now I'm comfortable and don't want to move...' Eyes half-closed, he lay motionless beside her, trying to will himself to wake up properly.

Dianne: "Well...That's unfair....Given my state, this is one of the few times you could actually bar me from getting up. I can't use magic and I can't overpower you..."

Armin raised his eyebrows, a mischievous glint in his eye. 'Oh, good idea...'

He then wrapped his arms around her and pulled her down with him, pinning her in place. He was only playing; he fully intended to get up afterwards.

{Dianne yelps as he pulls her down, then sighs and smirks. In his grasp, her struggling felt like he was pinning a human. Clearly, her strength has truly waned.}

Dianne: "Yup...I should have kept my mouth shut..."

'Yeah, you don't go around telling the enemy their advantages,' he said jokingly. He drowsily nuzzled under her jaw, amused by the fact that she couldn't force him off this time.

{Tensing slightly, she chuckles, still squirming against him.}

Dianne: "Ooohohohoho.....I'm going to remember this...."

Armin smirked. 'Now you're making threats at the enemy who has you in their grasp? How have you survived this long?' he teased, tightening his hold slightly.

Dianne: "I manage. Besides what could you possibly do to me?"

{She grinned at him confidently, seemingly enjoying playing along.}

'Hey,' he objected. 'I don't think you're in a position to be sounding that confident. I could do anything.'

He gently and playfully bit at her neck.

{Dianne smiles, breathing deeply at the feeling.}

Dianne: "Well, if that's all you got....you might as well just release me...I don't think you have the heart to fully press your advantage..."

Armin tightened his grip, looking amused.

//Esme, go downstairs. With Rex,// he said telepathically. Thinking Rex might have food, Esme got up and left the room without objection.

He then turned his full attention to Dianne. 'You're really pressing your luck, taunting an enemy like that...' He started nipping and scraping his teeth along her neck, moving up to the underside of her jaw.

{Dianne raises a brow when Esme leaves. She leans her head back when he starts to nip her there, grinning and gripping onto his arms.}

Dianne: "You've sent away the only witness...that's a weak effort at intimidating me...You're all bark..."

{She says teasingly.}

'No, I'm a vampire. We're all bite. You should know that by now.'

With a playful growl, he bit into the muscle between her neck and shoulder. He freed one arm from her grip and lightly trailed his fingers down her side, then across her stomach. He was easily able to hold her down with his remaining arm.

{Dianne draws a quick breath, tensing up.}

Dianne: "Lazy pun.....Heheh..."

{As Armin holds her, he can feel her pulse quickening as she grips his arm tighter.}

Armin bit a little harder, absently caressing various parts of her with one hand. His own breathing and pulse were slightly elevated, but not too much.

'...Overconfident little dragon...' he murmured against her neck.

{Dianne smiles, seemingly enjoying what Armin was doing to her.}

Dianne: "Mmm....Yes...guess I just can't seem to stay out of trouble...."

Armin smirked, nuzzling under her jaw and pausing there momentarily.

'...I have a feeling you're going to pay me back for this when you're better...'

{Dianne looks at him directly, grinning ear to ear.}

Dianne: "Oh, you know it...But, I'm not going to be so subtle about it...enjoy your moment of power while it lasts...after all, this is a rare circumstance, and I am enjoying myself...."

'Mhm... It is quite satisfying to turn the tables, just for once... And as for your payback... bring it on. I'm not afraid of you.'

Smirking, he lifted his head and kissed her deeply. Still pinning her with one arm, he slid his fingers just under the waistband of her shorts, clearly with the intention of going lower.

(Aaaaand that's about as far as I can go. XD)

(FBI OPEN UP!
XDD

OK, we skipping now. Who goes?)

(Eh, I'll go.)

Once he was done taking advantage of his newfound power, Armin helped Dianne with the usual morning tasks, and took her downstairs to the couch. The smell of eggs, bacon, and coffee had filled the house. Esme was in the kitchen doorway, watching Rex cook.

After setting her down, Armin kissed her briefly before going back upstairs to the bathroom. The sound of the shower running could be heard a few moments later.

{Smiling at Armin as he left, Dianne happily waits for breakfast. Today, she seemed significantly more alert, despite her previous activity tiring her out. She was content to sit calmly and wait, sinking into the couch a bit.}

After a few minutes, Rex came out with plates of food, distributing them around. Esme started eating her share ravenously, though was more interested in the eggs than the bacon.

'You seem better today,' Rex remarked, sitting calmly at the table with a mug of coffee. If he suspected what they'd been doing, he gave no sign of it.

{Dianne accepts her food gratefully.}

Dianne: "Yes. I am feeling a bit better. Recovery is slow, but steady..."

'Glad to hear that.' Rex sipped his scalding hot coffee, gazing out of the window.

When they were about halfway through their meals, Armin returned, wearing a blue sweater and jeans, with damp hair. He settled down on the couch beside Dianne, content to enjoy the peace.

{Dianne leans forward and kisses Armin's cheek before turning back to her meal.}

Dianne: "Rex, how are we on food? Do we need to get anything?"

Armin glanced at Dianne contentedly, then leaned back into the couch.

'We're out of eggs and fresh fruit,' said Rex. 'And we don't have much fish, either. Everything else is fine.'

Dianne: "Hmmm....I guess someone should finally go out to resupply...Esme likes her fruit..."

Rex drained the last of his coffee, while Armin responded.

'I don't mind going to get some things. I guess you'll have to stay here, and Esme too - I'm still not sure if it's safe enough to bring her out into the city.'

Dianne: "Yeah...I don't trust these people.....Not after what we saw after our date a week and a half ago..."

{Done with her meal, Dianne puts her plate aside and settles comfortably into the couch.}

'I'll go, then,' said Armin. 'I can pick up the food, and I might hunt too... I'm not so worried about going hunting in the middle of the day.'

Dianne: "Alright, just be careful...But, eggs spoil, so if you hunt, do that first, then get the eggs,"

'I know that...' said Armin with a hint of exasperation.

He reluctantly pulled himself up off the couch, glancing towards the door.

'Well, I guess I might as well go now. There's nothing else to do.'

Dianne: "Ok, we'll be here..."

{Once Armin got up, Dianne sprawled out on the couch, settling down for a nap.}

Armin bent down to kiss her cheek, then headed back to his room to collect some money. With a handful of squalls and haars in his pocket, he went to the front door and let himself out.

Once Armin was gone, Rex retreated to his room, followed by Esme.

(What now? I probably won't show Armin running his errands, unless you want to do something specific with him. We could maybe also skip to Pythia going out and have her assaulted by Crowley again.)

(Before Pythia gets assaulted again, Lucci wants to talk to Armin. I can make that quick.)

(Alrighty, is Lucci going to show up right after he leaves the house, or a bit later? I can skip to wherever you want it to happen.)

(About five minutes after he leaves, here, I'll start it.)

{Not long after Armin left, a familiar voice popped into his head.}

Lucci: //Hey, Armin, got a minute? I need to talk to you.//

Armin was flying towards the plains north of the city. He tilted his head at Lucci's voice. //Yes. I'll stop down here.//

He flew down into a quiet back alley, shifting to human form and looking around expectantly.

{Lucci appears from around the corner, calmly walking up.}

Lucci: "Yeah, hey. So, Death's Aspect showed itself to you. Again. I imagine that was frightening, so I'll have to apologize on its behalf."

(Posting new room)