Family Ties

[Arianna Barrial]

In that time Arianna paled. Her hand crept back to the seat to match the first in look. She nodded, swallowing back a choking sound, then pressed her forehead against the seat.

"Sorry—I just—"

Need to concentrate on breathing. And not freaking out or passing out. Besides, the important part was over. And she understood, as much as she could with where she was right now.

[Damien Blaze]

Damien put a hand on her shoulder.

"It's okay, Arianna. Just flight-sickness. It will stabilize."

He would allow her to relax while he punched in the coordinates for Hyperions hideout.

[David B.]

He continued to hover, rotating very slowly as he started to lower them to the ground.

"I see. Why is he going after Hyperion? Can you fill me in?"

He watched her, waiting as their feet touched the floor.

[Arianna Barrial]

"...mnn...a-and f-fear."

She sank to her knees, not wanting to but content with that over passing out. Her death-grip on the poor upholstery didn't lessen. For now it might have been her lifeline against passing out...but she was thankful she couldn't see out anymore.

Her hands trembled, and she could feel it work it's way to her jaw more fully. The knot of fear was a hard pit and she could feel the trickle of cold sweat meander down the back of her neck.

[Kyrie Blaze]

"I...do not know, exactly. Maybe he is...going to make amends. Maybe just to get information. Maybe because he did not protect Themis. They were only attacked because they helped me..."

Or it was as good an excuse as any.

[David B.]

David scanned her face and spoke softly.

"I see. Maybe we should take another pod then. The only problem is...one of us would need to stay behind to run the ship. And...it makes sense it should be me."

He smiled a nodded.

"You should get down there. Especially if they helped you, but also because they helped us and we are kinda short on allies right now. You and I can have a date when you get back."

A broader grin now, with a wink.

[Damien Blaze]

Damien nodded once they plotted their course. He would move over and attempt to take her in his arms and lift her up to be set into his lap, so he could sit in the chair and she could cling to him.

"Remember, a long ways back, when you and I were leaping rooftop to rooftop to escape from Strikes men? This is no different. Its just a much longer jump. But what we did then could be considered flying, and you are safe with me. Take deep breaths and let them out slowly....maybe think about the time we were caught alone in the hatch...you know the time I'm talking about."

A mischievous, very "Blaze" like grin stole across his lips.

[Kyrie Blaze]

Kyrie listened and cracked a tiny smile in turn before giving his arm a soft pat.

"You are right that someone needs to stay with the ship." It wouldn't do for them to have all their chips in the pot. "But you have some things to do and time to take before any 'dates' happen."1

Her smile and eyes softened, hopefully taking any sting out of the truth she said even if he was joking.

"Einrik will have to come with me. Ceres? Guide Einrik here, if you would, and prep another pod."

[David B.]

David's smirk widened a little.

"I know. But it got you to smile. And that's something you don't do enough of anymore."

As she gave orders, he would take her arm. He was beginning to see a pattern in her...and if she was leaving for Earth, she might not come back.

"Hey- I know I have no right to tell you this. But don't give up, okay? Not on Damien, or on me. I know what mistakes I've made in the past. I will correct them if you give me time. I know you are just trying to protect yourself...but go too far, and you'll...end up like me. Not able to take what's right in front of you."

He would bring a hand up to cup her cheek, before leaning in to plant a kiss...on her other cheek, before leaning back and looking into her eyes.

"I want to kiss you, but it has to be real. Just me and you. Not just...a ghost of something you fear you can't have. When you get back...I promise, I'll take care of things on my end, while you stay and watch the ship. Then you won't have to worry anymore."

[Arianna Barrial]

It only took a tug once his arms were around her to prize her fingers loose. The joints ached and protested as she gripped his shirt with one hand and drew her other arm around her head after burying her face against Damien's neck. Her other hand fisted into the material on his shoulder.

She shook her head with a short sound of incredulity. The same? No, not even close. Not in her mind. But to be fair...she absolutely appreciated him trying to talk her down. She shivered and pressed her teeth together to mostly stop them from chattering.

And she didn't even try to poke him for his grinned and teasing quip. Mostly because that death grip of hers on his shirt wouldn't allow it.

[Kyrie Blaze]

Something she didn't do enough of any more..?

Maybe it was true, so she wasn't hurt or insulted by it. What he said next he was right on. Or at least, half-right. She was protecting herself. And mostly because she didn't want a shadow of guilt hanging over her or them because she slipped in when it wasn't officially over between him and Olesya. Or that she came to be with him too soon, either way.

The blonde blinked, then lay her hand overtop his on her arm as he brushed his lips against her cheek. Her eyes closed a moment...and she looked back up after.

"I could never give up even if I wanted to, David. It is not in me to. On the kiss and wanting it to be real? I agree. And like we already discussed...I want to do it right. You can take care of what you need to in the time that feels right to you, okay? I will not hold it against you. I...do not want to rush things and I do not want you to think that I want you to. You love her and likely always will, and that is deserving of respect and for you to take the time you need."

She searched his gaze, wanting him to know it wasn't just herself she was trying to protect, but him as well. And Olesya and Maddie. It would come in its own time and she was content to wait.

And she trusted him, regardless of how it wound up being.

[David B.]

David smiled.

"It must seem like I'll need time. But in the weeks or months or I don't even know how long I was under....that was the time I took. I was told about Olesya when I was still under and it made me angry. Because all this time you were fighting for my happiness...she was still fighting to find hers. And Kyrie...I am tired of waiting. But I can suffer it just a while longer."

Einrik would arrive as David said the next bit, but it didn't stop him. He wasn't ashamed of it.

"I do love you. I never stopped. Someday I WILL prove it to you. Until then...don't close yourself off completely, even if you think you couldn't you'll find it's easier than you think."

He turned to Einrik and grinned.

"You make sure she comes back, okay?"

Woah, talking to Einrik like a human? David was talkin serious business.

[Kyrie Blaze]

Even with Einrik coming towards them at a brisk jog, Kyrie's gaze never wavered. She gave a dry swallow at his words.

"I...I will say the words back to you once I feel I am free to do so. But just because I can not right this moment does not change how I feel."

Her fingers gently squeezed against his hand before she let go, content to watch Einrik's reaction.



Einrik slowed to a stop and listened to what David said, quirking his head to the side. He was about to make some snarky remark to cut the air of mixed feelings when David totally sandbagged him with his shift in demeanor.

Who the fuck are you and what did you do with that ass, David? Oh wait this is serious? Shit. What's going on?

"...I would never consider otherwise. She'll come back."

Einrik nodded.

[David B.]

He would nod and take a deep breath.

"I know you love me. You don't have to say it."

He turned to Einrik and smiled before he patted him on the shoulder, actually genuine in his remarks and in his touch.

"I know you won't let me down. Thank you."

He started off down the hall, talking aloud so they could hear.

"Ceres! Bring both teams up on the monitors. I'll be watching the whole time."

[Kyrie Blaze]

Kyrie gave him a soft smile in turn. She had made mistakes before and might even be making more, now, but she was doing as she felt was right. Still, she was entirely content to watch the utterly baffled Einrik and hide her amusement despite the glitter to her eyes that have her away.



Einrik...wasn't sure what to do or how to handle David being real and serious with him. Oh, he appreciated it, but he was better at trading snarks.

"Yeah. No problem." The Titan blinked and waited until David finished calling out to them...and then turned to Kiyr with a lopsided smirk. "You have a lot to fill me in on. C'mon, Marshal, you can tell me while we're en route."

His smirk widened to a grin as the duo moved for another pod. Yeah. He was looking forward to whatever this was.