[Limited] At Risk

[Arianna Barrial]

After seeing David came in to move up to the second floor, Arianna turned back to make the tea that had boiled a few minutes ago, steeping a few cups.

"Would you like some tea, David?"

[David B.]

He shook his head and shrugged.

"Not that I know of- just wondering where Damien is. We're looking at a home off the Californian coast and he's supposed to get back to me about....wait, did he mention this to you or....?"

He'd also furrow his brow, giving a little nod and a "please, thank you" to Arianna.

"And why lawyers? Anything I can help with....?"

[Kyrie Blaze]

By the amount of silent staring, and slightly wide eyes, it could be assume that--

"...no..." She rubbed her index finger from the very top of her nose, up and down along her forehead. The cat may as well come out of the bag. Her stomach was already twisting itself into knots, but she seemed cool and composed despite that. If stressed, as David had picked up. "...my ex-in-laws are vying for custody of Aurelia."

She didn't know if this came through Robert or not. Given what David told her about employing him and sending him to Dubai with threats on his life should he continue pursuing her...not likely. But she didn't know, for sure. And didn't want to know. He'd be dead right now if that was the case, and she was sick enough without envisioning that.

[Arianna Barrial]

Arianna soon emerged from the kitchen with three steaming mugs of peppermint tea, with a hint of honey. She maneuvered the glasses a little to hand the first to David, and then Kyrie her own from before.

She cupped her fingers around the glass and sighed.

"Armand will be here early tomorrow morning."

[David B.]

He let out a low "Hmm." and would continue to stare as she spoke. His brow furrowed.

"I see."

He'd walk over and lean against the wall next to/behind her. Chewing his lip for a moment, he'd respond.

"So you're confirming with your lawyers about it. I can help, if you want."

And this time, not by threatening to kill anyone.

"I have some very capable friends. And my firm holds copious records of the mans antics over the last while. I'm sure the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. With the skeletons in his closet I'm sure they have a few. Sounds like dark business, but that's usually how custody battles are. You'll obviously want bank records, employment records, etcetera. And I'll be happy to step to the stand on your behalf."

He'd put a hand on her shoulder.

"Ain't nobody taking your child, is what I'm trying to say."

He'd readily accept the tea, taking a little sip.

[Kyrie Blaze]

"I was actually having him draft and send the response the LA Superior Court needs...in two days."

She was silent as he spoke, measuring and weighing his words. She let the cup warm her frozen hands, blinking down silently a moment.

"Despite their son...Robert and Elaine are not bad people. If you want to try, you can. I may be wrong, after all. And I appreciate the support."

[Arianna Barrial]

"We're lucky she decided to sit and open the mail tonight... While it wouldn't have meant custody would be granted to them by default, it wouldn't help if the Court received no response in the indicated time frame."

Arianna spoke, her nose hovering near the edge of the mug to breathe in the soothing smell...and then took a couple small sips.

[David B.]

He would nod at them both, taking another sip.

"I'll pay them a visit to find out why. In the meantime...where is Damien?"

He'd glance to Arianna and then back to Kiyr before the door opened, as though speaking his name thrice brought beetlejuice to life-

[Damien Blaze]

- Damien would enter.

"Hey guys. What's up?"

He was holding a rose, and would close the door behind him.

"Family meeting without me?"

He'd grin.

[Arianna Barrial]

"I guess, albeit a bit impromptu. Had fun house hunting?"

WHOOPS...did she just do that? Oh yes, she did.

David wasn't the only pro eavesdropper.

[Kyrie Blaze]

"I do not kn--" Her head cricked a little and she looked over to the door at the sound of the lock turning over.

Beetlejuice or the Devil, either way...her eyes darted to Arianna; a soft puff of a sigh escaped her lips, and she tucked her legs underneath herself. Good going, Arianna.

[Damien Blaze]

His brow rose and he let out a little "ha" at her statement.

"Not house hunting. Vacation home hunting. Just a little slice of heaven for my family."

He would move over toward Kiyr, offering her the rose and a little kiss on the cheek.

"You okay, love?"

He'd move behind her, rubbing her shoulders as he did.

[David B.]

David folded his arms and stepped out of Damien's way. He'd move over to Arianna.

"I actually meant to talk to you too. I wondered if you'd be interested in a date with me. Dinner, movie, play- whatever your fancy."

He stared right at her. Open to both a yes and a no, but confident in himself nonetheless.

[Kyrie Blaze]

"Yes..." She gingerly twisted the rose stem between her fingers and sipped at her tea. "...and no."

His fingers would find old knots, and newly-blooming ones as well. She leaned forward a little, still...tense, was the only way to describe it.

"Yes because it is being handled...no because Robert's parents are pressing for custody over Aurelia."

Her brows drew together in a wince. Every time she'd said it, it became more and more real. Which, on one hand, was a good thing. On the other...it felt like another nail being hammered into a coffin.

[Arianna Barrial]

"Hm--?" Arianna blinked several times and nearly coughed.

Wouldn't the media have a hayday? BILLIONAIRE BLAZE SEEN WITH DOCTOR BARRIAL, WHO WORKS FOR HIM. Blech. Instead she swallowed her tea and cleared her throat. The reporters wouldn't hold sway over her. However, she did adhere to a sense of...propriety, even so.

"I don't particularly think a 'date' is what I'd prefer, right now. If you'd like to have coffee, or a drink, perhaps lunch? I'd be open to that."