The Real Thing (Terra, Damien)

[Lovely]

Name: Damien Woodsen Aliases: Dam, Damien Steele played by: Tripp likeness used: Ferri Somogyi	__________	Name: Soterrana Pazore Aliases: Terra, Terrana, Kitty Torres played by: Lovely likeness used: Tia Carrere
Name: Gaia Woodsen Aliases: DOB: December 28, 2008 played by: NPC (Tripp/Lovely)	__________	.

[Lovely]

May 19, 2008
afternoon
O'Reilly Estate


Dick did have several enamoured leading ladies he worked with like Terrana... maybe a few others ... a few guys too. Not that he'd do anything with the others now, but, terrana.... apparently a li'l chem going on. he's not smiles and sunshine with her either... interesting..

"I'm curious..."

"..about?"

hehehe.... what your smile tastes like.. .... and feels like..

"You're an almost married man... Would be just awful if your fiancee caught you with another woman...." She smiles wickedly.

"..an awful lot of fun reliving my past... "

"..and ... well.. almost is like horseshoes... care to try for a 'ringer'?" *teases her *

pulls his finger to her mouth and sucks it. "mmmm so much fun... are you sure... "

replaces his finger in her mouth with an eager tongue, letting his actions answer.

"I'm sure... and I'll only worry if I get caught... makes the excitement worth it"

She stroked him and smiled, wicked and plotting his downfall.... arrogant bastard, but damn he was sexy... And with little miss goody out of the way, all destroyed... stud boy would be hers for the taking... over and over. She chuckled at the thought, kissing him roughly. Terra pushed him back a pittle and brought her mouth down to his shaft. She sang over him with the practiced skill that made men quake. He was more than ready and she was eager to feel his throbbing rod filling her.

Almost married... psh... like she was equating that to death.... he was still very much alive in her attentions, feeling every tug and movement on him. Eager, he leaned back further and reached to her lips, lapping twirling at her tongue as he pulled her down to him

She straddled him and her eyes closed in pleased satisfaction that she was getting what she wanted. Her lips curled into a smile as her eyes caught the clock... oh so soon everything would fall into place. She leaned down to take his lips, no rush to take him over the edge, stretching the pleasure out longer.

Then just like Terra predicted, Annia walked in on the two of them.. "What are you doing?" She was clearly shocked.

He smiled and invite her to join in."Oh come on.. it's just an old friend.... costar... intimate.. close friend.." *sighs and smiles*.... "Where you going? Annia?"

"..yeah thats nice.." starts crying and locks herself in the bathroom.

Terra kindly offers to help and maybe set Annia up with some people she knows.

"Out.. I broke it, by god, i'll fix it.. or by the devil that got in me to do this to her in the first place."

[Lovely]

December 12, 2008
early evening
Call from Terra to Damien


So Terra gives him a little jingle.. "How'd you'd like to earn some money.. real acting.. and a sweet bonus if you play the part right?"

"whose parts am I playing?" *smiles bright enough to hear over the phone*

"Oh... do you remember Dick, You know who I am talking about..."

"that prick.." *muttered*

"The arrogant bastard who thought he was better than all of us." *lays it on thick*

"Well anyway.. he's got himself a sweet spread out here, and I do mean sweet.. you have your fax on hun? Incoming.." *Faxes photo sheet of variuos pics of Ann and the kids, a couple very revealing ones of Ann as well as her usual sweet-sexy to grab his attention, yep Terra had a photographer spying and getting photos for her.

"That's the only thing I ever have on around the house, hon.. you know me. Send it on over and I'll be happy to take a look. What kind of money?"

"We can negotiate, but I'll make it more than worth your while." *Faxes financial info on G as well, planning to try and get as much of his money as she can, though she has plenty of her own to pay Damien with, for his services and the beauty of revenge*

He watched the faxes spin out of the machine as he sipped at his coffee, the pucker of intrigue and spinning gears evident as he looked over her photo. "Got the first one. What's the honey's name?"

"Annia.. play it right and she's the bonus.. along with a hefty inheritence, she owns her own ranch.. but.. you might find it interesting to know..her last name.. O'Reilly.. or should I say Shiner.."

"Pity. She looked smart. She actually married him.... hehe... he actually bothered to marry anyone? Won't last."

"Don't knock the poor girl.. cause he knocked her up.. you know.. ooops.. lets get married now.. his idea... But you're right.. won't last..he's already cheated on her.. twice.. she kicked him out.."

He grinned and teased, "And how would know a thing like that, Terr?"

"Well how was I to know..? you know we were catching up.. and could I resist wrapping my legs around that waist? More to the point could he resist me?"

"Hmmm... more to the 'point'... I like the sound of that," he cooed. "Can't say as I blame you... or him. Sorry I wasn't there to join you... or him, for that matter either." Damien chuckled softly and set down his cup to take the rest of the papers in hand. "Hmm... 'knocking' the poor girl is a very tasty idea, Terr. How do you always know where to shop for me, hm?"

"Because I love you darling.. you're my good friend.. I have to know what you like.. Is that a yes that you'd like to knock the girl?" She giggled. "Oh please Damien.. come play.. I know you'll have fun... she all sweet and... I bet you'd love to have some of that sweet on your lips.. or to sink into.. Hell if I thought she'd go for me.. " She laughed again. "Too bad 'Dick' isn't man enough to bring out the wild lust in her.. Pity really.. some one should.."

"I think I could manage a little of that sweet on my lips. When can I have some of yours, though? It's been a while, hon."

"Ooo grr as soon as you get here... just remember that's all you'll get for awhile.. can't have her seeing you with me.. like she did me and "dicky-boy'.. that would sort of ruin the plan.." She chuckled. "Real acting Damien.. you'll have to play the part of a nice.. well decent, somewhat nice guy.. be her prince charming.." She sighed. "You know.. since Dick, screwed her over.. You'll have your work cut out.. you think you're up to the task?"

"Then I'll steal you away to a secret hideaway all our own. Maybe to celebrate and wash the foul taste of 'milquetoast' out when I'm done playing 'nice', how does that sound, hon?"

"Mm hmm.. though don't knock it till you've tried it.. I hear it's delicious.." She laughed again. "Maybe you can ease that wild out of her.. and we can all play.. hmm wouldn't that just burn Dick's ass?" She chuckled some more. "Turn his sweet thing into our dirty little girl.. grr.."

"Not so fast. I get her all to myself first," he teased. "I think I know just the thing for her. Farmgirl, hm? How far away did Dick get to? Wouldn't want him coming home to make up too soon."

"Oh don't you worry.. she's very angry with the bad doggie.. and I'll be keeping him busy and in trouble with her as much as I can.. between you and me.. I'm sure we can make it so they never make up.."

"You're delicious when you're up to no good. Should I meet you for the particulars or should I swoop down on the poor defenseless rabbit?"

"Do you need particulars or do you just want to play?"

"Pets? Things she likes? Places she goes? She's been in town a while if she owns a farm.. who does she know? Make it seem like old friends in no time."

"Pets and things she likes.." She laughed. "Same answer for both.. Dick!" She chuckled a moment. "I'm sorry, I'll be serious.. Yes.. She's lived here all her life.. one of the papers you should have gotten has the basics of her life. where she went to school, etc. The Ranch, was her father's.. left to her when he died. Horses.. She adores horses. Somewhere I think it said she was a gymnist or something. Loves kids, real friendly.. does all kinds of volunteer work, soup kitchen, goodwill.. yadda yadda, make me gag.."

"A gymnast? Hmmm Dick really doesn't deserve her," he said, looking longingly over the photo and noticing the effect she was having on him already. "I think I'm in need of a volunteer, myself, hon... know anyone?"

"Yes a gymnist.. I think it says she was headed for the olympics or something.." She chuckled "Read look.. you know how I am with details about people I don't care about.. I just want her kept from Dick.. You're very right he doesn't desrve her.. but you desrve some sweet pie.." She bit her lip, sucking loudly on the tip of her finger. "A volunteer.. depends on what you need.. I can think of several.." She teased.

"Know any devilish mediterranean goddesses who cook plans to perfection and add a cherry on top who might be free for a drink and little private dancing?"

"ooo I think I do know.. one.. If you're nice to her and come to play in her plans.. she might do alot of private dancing with you.."

"Consider it done, Terrana. I'll be nice to you over and under. Just tell me where. I have my morning reading just about done," he said, flipping the pages quickly. "Although it seems I have plans for dinner."

She chuckled and gave him her address, she was staying in The Sea Side Condos. "A beautiful view.. it's a pretty town.. you'll like the scenery."

"I love that scenery. I may even be swayed to look out the window and see the view, too."

"You want to come explore my view?" She teased.

"Thought you'd never ask," he said, slipping into jeans and a button-down. He buttoned the sleeve as he looked over the last sheet. "And a newborn, too. What a horrible thing to do, playing on the sympathies... of a..*sniffs*... family man like that."

"Dick's the idiot that cheated on her.. not once.. but twice.. he doesn't deserve that nice little family.. kids are cute... and I hate kids.."

He chuckled behind the crocodile tears. "You may have to pay me extra for dealing with the infant, but I'll manage. See -you- in about 30 minutes. I plan to see -her- in the morning after a long night."

"I'll pay you extra.. as long as you do a good job.. under no circumstances do I want Dick to get this girl back.. Do you understand.. and are you willing to play this to the end?" Her tone turned serious for a moment as she slipped into something more revealing and tantilizing.

"What and or whose end of what, Terrana. You might almost scare me," he said, sounding nearly bored with the play-up she was giving as he tied his shoe.

"Psshh I don't want you scared.. I just want things to work my way.. and I want good ole Dick.. anihilated.. okay?"

The knot tightened with a sharp tug as she spoke the word. The grin built slowly and his eyes sparkled a mischievous green-gold. "Soterrana... you are playing for keeps, aren't you? How badly do you want this girl for yourself, hm?"

"Look.. If you're going to try and analyze this or f*ck with me.. forget it.. This about Dick.. and crushing him under my stiletto... The girl is juice.. for who ever to drip over their tongue..okay?"

"Terr, please. I'm not teasing you or analyzing anything, not unless it's up close and personal, thank you. I'm offering to squeeze this juice for the both of us, hon. That's all. C'mon now. Dick will get his in the ass and it won't be the pleasant way he's accustomed to. Deal?"

"Deal.. and I wouldn't mind having a little of the juice myself... If all are willing to share.. or can be convinced to.. " Her tongue ran slowly over her lips.

"Heading over to share a little coffee and juice with you now before I get started. Almost wouldn't mind gripping a squeeze out of Shiner myself. I have to admit, those were some fun times, Terr. You sure you don't want the whole fam damily in a little spank and whisper party?"

"Take a look at those pictures again.. You know Dick.. his attitude of better than... you think he'd share them with us?"

"You just never asked him quite the right way. Maybe I should work on him a little on the side, hm?"

"No but I saw the look on his face when his little miss walked in on us.. Do what you like.. but f*ck this up for me.. and I'll have your balls mounted on my wall.. okay?"

"Yea yeah... promises. Mount me anyway you want when I get there," he chuckled. "We're golden, don't worry."

"Alright babe.. see you soon."

Damien tossed the phone down and picked up the papers again, studying the photo of the girl and running a finger over the image of her cheek. "Play it to the end, hm? Expect a stellar performance, my dear. There's wild in you and I want it," he grinned.

[Lovely]

December 12, 2008
10:15 p.m.
Terra's house

Damien always said he did his best of everything in the bed, including making plans between the pets and delightful hums. He'd meant every word of seeing Terrana later, all of her, beside him in deep discussions. "So... we just need to get that girl right here," he beamed, toying with more than just ideas. "See? Smiling, happy, trusting... feeling safe.... and foolish," he teased.

Terra sighed softly, enjoying the attention, remembering the last time they were together before this.. she frowned, wasn't that what got her into this whole mess? She passed the frown off as a thought on their business discussion and shifted to his hand would hit her just right again. Her smile returned and she nodded to his words. "Smart cookie.. knows the plan.."

Her fingers were doing their own petting over him, relaxed and lightly enjoying each other. "Damein.. darling. Improvise.. how you get her where we want her.. is entirely up to you.." She had her own share of thoughts on that and about him right here right now with her.. so tempting to just stay like this. No! The plan.. she had to stick to the plan. "hmmm well first you have to meet her.."

"Hm this is true." He sighed and leaned into her fingers, humming more. She'd only be as foolish as he was a superb actor. "An invitation...," he considered out loud. "An invitation to a party for the lovely Mr and Mrs O'Reilly... but would she go on her own?"

Terra liked that he was enjoying the attention, she loved having him in her hands. "I don't think she will." She murmured as her mouth went lightly over one of his shoulders. "Hun.. do we know anyone with kids?.. could borrow one.. Do you remember that blonde.. pretty thing.. worked as a set dresser.. wasn't one of us.. but she was nice..?"

Damien turned with a pre-emptive grimace. "You're not going to suggest the park, are you?" He really hoped she wasn't - far too many people there to get acquainted properly. He smirked and kissed her forehead. "Sorry. Go on."

She kind of made a face herself, that he would even think she'd suggest such a thing. "No.. that's just too cheesey.. the park? What sort of idiot does the park now a days?" She laughed a little, deciding to nip playfully at his shoulder for the insult of sorts.

"Dick," he replied with a grin, saying the name with delicious contempt. "C'mon, Terrana, throw me a bone. I don't pick up nice girls. I need a start," he sighed again, truly looking helpless. For all his devinely lecherous qualities, he came up with squat when it came to nice girls.

"A sleep over.." She began, working her hands over him a bit more vigorously, forgetting the plotting for a moment and just wanting him in several different positions. "It's classic..." She brought her focus back to the purpose of their meeting, the one other than simply enjoying him for hours. "You can play.. hunk in distress.."

[Lovely]

December 13, 2008
9am
Terra's House


Ger was sitting at Terra's kit table this morning -eating frosted flakes...naked..

Damien leans in the doorway smiling... "when you're done with your cereal.... can I have your milk?" *winks*

Looks up -holy shit.. what a hottie- smiles. "MOM!.. you have a visitor.." Lets his gaze run over mr Steele..

"Who says I'm here to see her?" He saunters in in his loose robe, leaning to kiss Terrana's neck and moves around the table to Gerald, resting his hands on the boy's shoulders. "MMmmm... and such a lovely morning... don't you agree?"

"Morning Damien... " She murmurs, enjoying the attention and watching with a smile as he saunters and then stands near Ger. "Ger, baby.. this is my good friend Damien.. Damien.. meet Ger.. I can see you two will get along."

Ger lounges in the chair, easy and relaxed as can be, tipping his head to give a gorgeous smile to the man. "Beautiful morning.. if I do say so... Nice to meet you Damien."

"Good? Don't listen to her.. never been good in my life," he winked, looking over the boy and his uninhibited morning meal.

"Who said you had to be good.. to be her 'good friend'.. With her.. the more wicked.. the better." He spoke before taking another bite, shifting in his chair as he dribbled a bit of milk, giving an even better view of himself when he set the bowl on the table to wipe his chin.

"With her, I'm better than wicked," he said quietly, watching and feeling the muscles shift and quiver beneath his fingers. He smiled warmly, raising a beaming and pleased nod to Terrana. "You didn't have plans for this one today, did you?"

Terra was watching them quietly and carefully for a moment, watching Damien in particular. As usual he seemed unphased by something other's would find shocking, no one knew Terra had a 'son'... or that he was a bronze eighteen yeard old with a rippling hard body and an endowment, one might call 'blessed' in size. It seemed as though her 'little secret' was out.. at least to Damien. "Plans.. no." She chuckled, waving her hand to the table. "He actually just showed up and surprised me with breakfast this morning... and news that he's come to stay for awhile.. " Her smile showed a true fondness for the young man, and was full of affection for both Ger and Damien, with that slight curl of wicked that was always Terra.

"Ooo... how I do love surprises, myself," he said, brushing his hand over Ger's back as he slid to the chair between them. "A very pleasant surprise. Where have you hid him all this time, Terr?"

"Boarding school." She laughed, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

Ger nodded his head, chuckling less enthusiastically. "She's not joking.."

"I hear they teach some really interesting things at boarding school. My folks tried to get me to behave like a civilized beast and sent me to an all-boys school when I was fourteen. What a beautiful thing that was," he mused, looking Ger over hungrily.

"I definately saw some very interesting things, while I was there... " He smiled again, setting bowl to the side, having abandoned thoughts of food for the moment. "So are you civilized?" He asked with a lazy grin, his hands resting down over his well defined abs.

"Hardly," he chuckled, proud of that fact. He watched the boy's hands shift. "Doesn't pay nearly so well... and isn't nearly as much fun."

His voice was deep and low, naturally seductive, and his dancing eyes seemed to draw you in and make you want more. The chuckle rumbled from him and he nodded in agreement. "Very true.." With a slight sigh, Ger stood, his tall muscular form rising up, with broad shoulders and every inch of him was solid and well kept. He reached to his bowl, and winked at Damien. "You didn't mean that milk, did you?" He asked, taking the bowl to the sink to rinse it out before putting it into the dishwasher. "Terra, you want some more coffee? What about you, Damien.. Coffee, juice, anything?"

"No, not that milk," he sighed playfully, watching and craning for a better view as Gerald walked through the kitchen. "Thinking 'freshly squeezed' sounds delicious."

"As much as I would love to watch you boys play... some of us have work to do.." She spoke softly, hinting to Damien but not being forceful about it, she sipped the last bit of her coffee and set the cup down. "Thank you Ger.." She smiled again as she stood, brushing a few locks of her long hair behind her shoulder. "I'll see you tonight." She murmured, kissing Gerry on the lips, and brushing her hand over his cheek and shoulder. Her heels clicked softly as she moved towards the side door, "Buh-bye hun." She leaned to kiss Damien on her way by, her tongue teasing at him a little.

Her tease was met equally and savored even as brief as it was. He really wanted her stay, but likewise wanted to have time to make her son feel more than welcome and relaxed. The impure thoughts bubbled and sparkled like the wicked smile that lingered as she walked away. He had work to do, for certain. Work on the boy's shoulders, then chest, then...

Ger smiled with affection for Terra and watched the sway of her hips as she walked away, his father had been an idiot for walking out on that.. damn.. He finished loading the dishwasher and then leaned back on the counter, watching Damien for a moment. "It seems like it doesn't bother you.. but I don't make assumptions... " His grin curled up a little. "Just so you're aware.. I don't wear clothes much when I'm home... unless someone is around who is offended or embarrassed by my choice. So if it will bother you in any way.. please feel free to say so... otherwise.. this is how I'll be, alright?"

"Clothing is highly overrated," he shrugged, stepping up beside the boy to pour himself a cup of coffee. "But, there are some things I take great pleasure in feeling against my skin. Fresh silk, soft leather...," he said quietly, trailing off and looking the boy over boldly as he stood beside him.

"You have good tastes.." He wasn't bothered or bashful about the man looking at him, he let him and took the opprotunity to look at Damien as well. His eyes travelled up to his face and he studied the somewhat rugged looking man, with an admiring gaze. "You work with Terra... ?" It was partially a statement, partially a question.

"With...for... .... under... it's all the same, really," he winked. "Your mother is very good friend, too. We... share... a lot."

He chuckled at the first comments. "Share.. huh?.. Yeah, I kinda gathered that... Don't worry.. I've been around long enough, I know her.. her ways.. it's cool."

"Who's worried?" He mused. "Hmm... although I wonder... if you'd be cool with other things, too. I usually take my coffee with 'cream'," he said, lifting his cup to his lip.

[[continued on our sister site due to content]]

[Lovely]

December 14, 2008
late morning
Terra's house

"..and what a beautiful bad bad man he is.."

"yeah well."

"yesssssss precious."

"ooooooooo... Terrana...... purr.."

"Puurrrrrrrrrrr -get to work.. I'm growing impatient. I want to see results and I want to see Dick in agony."

"Give me twenty minutes alone with him, then... he never could handle me."

"funny and I am tempted to let you have twenty minutes... later.. but that's not the agony i meant, darling.. I'll make a deal with you.... if you can pull it off, make the girl completely yours.. ours.. I'll let you have a couple hours with him, her, Ger and me... but, it's only if you can make the girl into our willing playmate." She smiled wickedly. "Care to up the stakes a bit, hun?"

Damien gives her a level stare. "... her and your step-son... with you and Dick? Hon, I admire your prowess and stamina. I don't know if you've seen your son lately, but.... he'd make Dick cry, he's so beautiful... and talented. He takes after his mother."

"Thank you darling.. I have seen him, and I knew when I first saw him, how beautiful he would be.. but he even surpassed my expectations. Another reason I have kept him hidden away... someone unsavory might have tried something with him, hurt him. and I couldn't bear for that to happen... he's always been so good to me."

And to me, he thought longingly, feeling a gently persuasive chill of anticipation from her offer. "Make her wholly mine.. and ours... to have and hold and et cetera et cetera... as our own little wild thing and Dick hangs out in the cold all alone? How preciously inviting." He thought a long moment and nodded, accepting the challenge, regardless of the outcome. "She's ours, Gerald is already yours and we make Dick sit and watch as we eat her up whole in front of him, enjoying every delectable morsel. I could kiss you, you're so..... mmmmm.... I have something better in mind than kissing for you, though."

She chuckled, circling around him, letting her fingers stoke his waist. "I think we could spend days eating her up, if Dick had to watch, dont you agree?" She teased him a bit, laying soft kisses to his neck. "Things in mind for me.. you know how much I love your things... but you can't play with me.. until I see some results.. " She swatted him on the ass, with a stinging slap.

"Tsk... that just leaves more of me for that beautiful god you call a son, doesn't it?" He teased, but he knew he had to hold himself back and fit the role he was to play. He couldn't waltz in drenched in the scent of heavy play... at least not yet. The thought of having to be innocent and charming for that long made him want to wretch, but for the party favors she was offering him, he'd almost consider becoming a monk for a short term. Being around a dark and cavernous expanse with all those men in robes and hidden corners of contemplation teased at his senses as well in ways only Damien would be twisted enough to enjoy. He smiled at those thoughts and of the rest of the game plan. God, what Gerald did his mind let alone his body.... that alone was worth the wait.

"Tsk tsk.." She taunted back. "My boy will listen to mommy when she tells him to go off for a couple weeks.. " She smiled, biting her lip a little. "Wouldn't that just be awful.. "

"You wouldn't dare," he pouted sincerely and sighed. "Alright, mistress, I am at your command. Bows and courtseys and tongue in cheek... whose ever it must be to get this assignment done so get what I really want, hm?"

"Oh don't pout.. it's just too adorable... and you act as if you won't enjoy this assignment... I know you better than that. You want to lick her from your lips after you have tasted the wine right from the source." Terra smiled, picturing in her mind the scenes she, herself would like to see play out.

He chuckled, "And what if I don't want to share her with you after I've had her myself?"

"Then I won't share, either." She stuck just the tip of her tongue out at him, her eyes dancing.

"Hmm... and maybe I don't want to share you with her," he murmured, looking longingly now at the hint of his second favorite part of her. "You're right, damn you, that I really will enjoy every moment of this, except the waiting part. Do you think it's too forward to take her in the foyer as soon as I say 'hello'?"

"I would enjoy that greatly, would it be rude for me to watch?" She chuckled and wrapped her arms around his waist, standing just behind him and kissing his cheek. "Hmm something bold, but a little less 'make her run screaming'.. perhaps?"

"Only if it makes her run screaming for your safety," he grinned over his shoulder. "You do make things hard, don't you?" He chuckled and pried her loose. "I should go. I'm feeling.... inspired."

"Remember hun... have fun." She kissed him again and moved off, she had her own agenda to attend to. A certain man to comfort and to pull back into her web, to tie him in knots.. she chuckled at the thought.

[Lovely]

December 14, 2008
12:15pm


She had just cut a piece of the crumb cake for him and sat down to talk more, when the back door opened and Damien came strolling in.

*wiggles eyebrows*...." well well... a happy family reunion... didn't realize 8-10 would look so well on you Donatello..."

Brie looks down.. "8 to 10?.."

*lowers his head and gazes at her over his sunglasses*.... "years, sweetness... I'm surprised he's not hunchbacked and bowlegged now... ever the pretty boy, aren't you?"

*Defiant and defensive stance*... "Damien... surprised you didn't hear. I never went in. Or didn't 'Daddy' tell you?"

Brie folds arms and gives Damien a look. "He was gone.. off to make some big movie.. weren't you, Dam... I convinced -dad- (said through gritted teeth) not to press any charges."

"Oh well, then that changes everything, doesn't it? By all means, go f*ck her some more. What... ten years, I'm sure you've learned how to do it right by now?"

"You bastard. You knew all along and set me up... you probably even made the call, didn't you? Couldn't bother to tell me, give me a hint.. hell, you even encouraged... you're a piece of work, you know that?"

"Why should I? She didn't. You weren't f*cking me, so why should I care if you incinerate for it?" He's just rattling Donnie's cage... he's glad to see him, really.

She looked down at the floor, her jaw working in anger... at herself and at Damien. She pushed her plate away and stood up, facing Damien. "Classy.. thank you.. anything else you'd like to say, to make me feel like shit, to feel any lower than I already do about what happened?"

He grinned, "Brietta, darling... when will you learn? I love you and your son. It's this rat here eating your crumb cake who didn't tell me he was around in town. I'm hurt, Don... don't you love me anymore?"

"Should get out of bed once in a while... maybe go to church... spend some time in the community once in a while... you know.. step outside your center of the universe a few minutes, Dam. I've been teaching seminary for six years and giving sermon for eight. Of course, when's the last time you stepped into a church?"

He laughed, "You're joking."

"He's not joking. Donnie and I ran into him at services.. he was giving the sermon.." She moved to the sink, staring out the window with her back, mostly, to the men.

"I meant, he's joking about me stepping into a church. I prefer my condemnation to come with two supple legs, a bottle of wine and a weekend to kill instead."

"Did you know?" She asked softly, hardly glancing at him before staring back out the window.

"About him being a minister? I know now. I can't say as I believe it really, but it suits you, Don. Always something in your eyes...," he said, looking at the man carefully, almost fondly if Donnie noticed now what he may not have a decade before. Damien seemed almost envious as well as awed by his old friend, but drawn into the deep stare. "Obvious why we haven't crossed paths."

The way Dam looked at him made him shiver uncomfortably. Was he always that predatory? Donnie didn't remember, but he found himself watching in return. He felt suddenly on display, flattered and equally frightened by the man he'd called his best friend for so long. "Thanks... I think... something. So, um.. how have you been. Joking aside?" He asked, feeling more nervous than he could explain.

"I've had my ups and downs," he smirked, enjoying his own humor even if the others didn't. "But enough about my success story. I see you two have a lot to discuss and probably can communicate so much better and closer without me. I actually came to ask a favor, but it turns out I might be providing one instead. Would you two like a nice quiet evening and overnight alone? I'm not joking. One of the girls at work ran into a snag and has no sitter. I offered and if you think Donnie would like to come over, we can make a big party of it.. let some of his friends come from school, the works. That is, if you think you two want to be alone together that long, hm?"

She turned halfway, giving her brother a curious look. "You're babysitting? and you're offering to take Donnie overnight? Who are you and what did you do with my real brother?" She teased, with a slight smirk on her face.

"Ahhh... you think I'm being charitable? I see... actually I have a ski weekend with her while her husband is in Utah, so it works out," he teased. "I'll be compensated for my pain, not to worry. But, because I adore my ... kid... sister... I will gladly give you two a little more time to reminisce. Good to see the good book hasn't swayed your pig too far from the trough, Don. Doesn't He frown on his shepards fleecing the flock?"

"Doesn't your mouth ever shut unless it's wrapped around someone's private parts? Treat her with some respect around me, alright? She's your sister afterall. Besides, the act was old ten years ago... it's just sick and old now... and not funny. It never was. Another thing... it's minister, not priest. I can date and marry if I choose.... consider that a warning, 'brother dear'," Donnie grinned, no small amount of contempt and equal mischief gleaming in the dark stare. The opportunity to have more time with her without interruptions was becoming more appetizing the longer her brother stood within striking distance.

She stared in shock, not used to anyone sticking up for her, and no one ever had to her brother.. but he was the only one in the family who talked to her after she had left. "Damien.. cut the crap okay? I just.. can't deal with it, right now." She sighed and stepped away from the sink. "Donnie likes spending time with you.. he has fun and you usually bring him back in one piece." She looked to where 'the older' Donnie was, not wanting to make assumtions about if he wanted time alone, and then looked back to Damien. "It's fine with me.. I'll call a few of his friend's mothers and see if I can get you your little 'party', alright." She didn't know what Donnie would think or say about the way she just seemed to take what Damien dished out, he was the only family they had.. all she had left since her 'disgrace'.

Damien stepped up to her and kissed her cheek. "I'm sorry," he whispered, sounding genuine for once. "I just don't want you hurt again, Brie. Be careful, hm?" He rested his forehead against hers a moment then turned toward Donnie. "As for you...," he said pulling away from his sister as if he were going to start another argument, but instead moved to whisper closely to his friend's ear as well. "Be good to her... be good for her... or you will answer to me this time. It's good to see you... very, very good."

"It's a little late for careful.. and what hurt was having to leave.." She whispered back, letting him step away as she moved to get the phone and her address book.

Donnie shifted a little as if trying to step away, but at the same time he remained frozen, watching his friend from the side and feeling his voice tickle over his ear. It was a strange sensation causing him to swallow nervously. "Yeah... glad to see you too, Dam... really. I... I should help... *ahem*... help her clean up, alright? We're good, right? You and me? Whatever happened then I'm over... are you?"

"Bygones, Pastor Gabriel," he grinned, running his hand smoothly down Donnie's as he stepped away. "We're good... as good as I ever was, anyway."

Donnie's hand jerked away from the sudden stroke, his other hand rubbing away the feeling. "Great, okay.. thanks, Dam. Thanks for .. you know.. giving me a chance to talk to her for a while and all."

She stayed in the other room for a few minutes and then came back, holding the phone in her hand. "Alright.." She smiled at Damien, the time alone had given her a chance to gather herself a bit. "You have yourself a sleep over. Wesley's two boys, Annia's son, and Abby's daughter.. the usual riff raff.. Are you sure you want to do this?"

He smiled at her and turned a warmer, wistful grin to Donnie. He was quite pleased to see his old friend, especially to find him lean and healthy, and purely, deliciously available if the man could be swayed. Damien wondered what it would take to get him away from his sister to keep as his own if only for an hour of teasing to watch him squirm if he wouldn't just come out and play openly. The myriad of activities he envisioned danced in his smile and his gaze as he turned back to Brietta, another game unfolding in the back of his mind as she helped him with his assignment. "I'm sure, sweetness. You deserve your every happiness. I sincerely cannot think of a better place to start than with him," he murmured, kissing her cheek and the corner of her mouth. "I have to go and childproof the place... and square away a fifth of Jack before they show up. I'm insane." He shrugged away the statement as if it were one of his finer qualities. Considering the thoughts in his mind, it likely was his shining pinnacle.

She was sincerly hoping it started and ended with Donnie, she really didn't want anything else.. she had her son, had provied for them for ten years, had her brother -as strange as he was.. and now all she wanted was Donnie.. to make her happier. "Thank you Dam.. I'll have him packed and ready for you.. and the other moms are looking forward to a free night as well.. except for Annia.. she has the baby still... but you just made three of us child free for the night... this town better lock up it's men, single mothers on the loose!" She teased, giving a little whoop of excitement and slapping Damien on the rear in thanks.

"Not so single," he winked, nodding to Donnie, realizing the truth of her comments was likely the reverse, since it was Annia who was free and for the taking in his special way. "It's a shame I can't help Annia more, then."

She chuckled. "I think Donnie can hadle keeping me out of trouble for the night." Her eyes as she glanced at Donnie, probably told him that she was hoping he'd be her trouble for the night. Giving Damien a hug she patted his arm. "Goodness.. ski weekends put you in an awfully good mood.." She teased about his comment of wanting to help more. "The baby is six months old, Dam not quite old enough for a sleep over of this kind, and I don't think you want to add infant to your party favors anyway." Brie shrugged. "Maybe she'll be able to have someone watch Caitlin or maybe.. just maybe the little girl's father will take her... I'm not sure how well he and Annia are speaking, yet.. anyway.. " She kind of shook herself out of her concern and pondering Annia's well being.

"Oh, don't think he'll be that sweet and understanding any time soon. Not if you heard some of the whispers I have," he said with all sincerity, although the terrible deeds Mr O'Reilly was supposedly guilty of lately were yet to be committed.

"He'll be? Oh honey if that was my husband.. the only thing he'd be is in the hospital.. trying to have privates sewn back on!" She folded her arms and 'hmphed', nodding her head. "I just don't get it.. a man has a beautiful, loving wife, a baby girl, adorable step son.. that whole huge ranch and both of them have plenty of money.. why the heck did he need to cheat on her?" Brie sighed and tossed her hands up. "Now there's a pig for you Dam... With a capitial P!"

Thank heavens for the small favors of acting that kept the smile turned into a concerned and serious frown. "You have nothing to worry about, Brietta, I assure you. Donnie's always been a very good man," he partly teased and partly felt the chill of his own desire to explore just 'how good' a man he'd become. "Thank you for your help, but I do have to go."

"I'll see you in a couple hours to come get the kids?" She smiled and started to walk him to the door. "I'll give you a list of the moms' numbers in case you have any problems and of course you have my cell number if you need me and I'm not here."

He knew she'd be home and wouldn't bother her. The intrigue of the other single mothers made him smile, however, wondering how helpless he'd need to be to partake in all of them. "I'll conveniently forget that you're home. Have fun, Brie. I do mean that."

"Thank you.. and I do mean it, too." She kissed his cheek once more as he went out the door, partly wondering if it was a good idea to give him the ladies phone numbers. She did know her brother, after all, but she had to give them to him, since he'd have their kids. "See you in a bit.." She called after him, waving and then closing the door, she turned back to Donnie with a slight smile, like a kid who's parents were gone for the night. "Looks like I'm going to be all alone tonight.." She walked her fingers along the counter as she circled and came up to him. "Could get all dark and lonely.."

"Can't have that. Nope.. no lonely, anyway," he smiled gently, his eyes shining like a kid at Christmas. "Remind me to thank him when I'm not pissed off at him later, okay?" Donnie leaned to kiss her softly and whispered. "Let's get our son packed for his party and then we can start our own."

"Mmhmm I'll remind.. later.. much later." She pulled him back for another kiss, she wanted to.. oh what was she thinking? She was thinking he looked good and so did the counter, table, floor...

[Lovely]

December 14, 2008
a little after 9pm
Damien's House

Damien plans were still coming together, thinking that it would be simple enough to get her attention when Robbie was picked up in the morning. That afforded him time to come up with something, but the boys were all restless and eager to horseplay for hours with no sign of stopping. He didn't seem to get a minute to think about his plan or think about much of anything, finding their new game putting him in chair where he was tied up for questioning in their story.

He played gracious host and unassuming 'uncle' as best he could, but now that his arms where tacked down, his pleasant mask was cracking a little with growing frustration. "Boys... even the worst criminal gets his one phone call you know..," he reminded them, motioning with only his hands at the wrists that he was a little helpless.

Robbie bounced in and right up on Damien's lap. "Phone call?" He laughed, bouncing on Dam's legs.

Sam, the only girl of the group, checked his bindings and tightened the 'ropes' on his wrists. "You are the worst kind of criminal.." She informed him. "You're a grown up!"

"You're right, I'm terrible and horrible and I need a nice quiet cell," he said, agreeing and only partly teasing. The girl, if older, would be his kind of playmate, but even Damien feared the kind of cell he'd see for thinking that. He smiled briefly and tipped his head back, trying not to yelp in pain and swear at the one in his lap who insisted on bouncing. "Yes, please. Be a darling and bring the phone, please, officer?"

"Sam.. ?" Robbie climbed up, kneeling in Damien's lap as he peeked over his shoulder at the spunky girl who grinned as she yanked the knot as tightly as she could.

"Okay Robbie get the prisoner his call.. I'll watch him to make sure he doesn't try to escape. Joey! Donnie! Get me the ping pong paddles!"

Robbie took off for the phone and Sam stood in front of Dam, with her arms folded, while the other boys hooted and took off to get her the paddles.

Donnie was the first back with a sweet smile and the evil glint of mischief he'd definitely gotten from his mom. "Right chief. Did you read him his rights yet? We wanna smack him!" He aimed at his uncle with the paddle like a bat, giggling.

"No, please officer. I'll tell you anything you wish. Not the paddles!" He melodramatically whined, trying not to chuckle. The phone was brought in and the beaming gap-toothed smile of the boy who brought it shined happily as he resumed bouncing. "Right.. thank you. Dial my wife... my mother.. the queen... I don't care...be a dear... thank you," he said between bounces, gritting his teeth and trying to smile pleasantly.

"Read him his rights before we tied him up, remember?" She looked smug and eyed Robbie and Damien.

"Okay.." Robbie happily agreed to dial, bouncing more enthusiastically in Dam's lap. His fingers quickly dialed his home phone number.. Robbie held up the phone, setting it unevenly to Dam's ear so he could speak. "The beautiful queen of the land.." He giggled some, which pulled the phone away from Damien's ear and then brought it back to be pushed into his jaw.

"Ow... right... oh, it's ringing," he smiled, not realizing the boy had dialed a real number. He listened for the line to pick up, ready to apologize since he couldn't hold the phone himself.

"C'mon... no one's gonna talk to him cuz he's so bad. He needs to be taken out, guys," Donnie grinned, waiting to get a 'hit' on his helpless uncle.

Annia had just pulled her pajamas on, short knit shorts and a cami tank top with a light two button pj top over them, when the phone started ringing. At first she thought it might be Galen calling since he'd not left that long before, and considered not answering. But the consideration that Robbie was away for the night and god forbid something had happened, had her reaching for the phone and speaking in a soft pleasant voice. "Montgomery residence."

Robbie continued to bounce harder and higher with excitement looking at the other boys and Sam. He was the second youngest of the group at seven years old.

"Ow... alright... stop please... hello? D... did you say Montgomery?" Damien heard the voice and the photo he'd seen flashed his mind. Robbie had dialed his mother, which would make sense being one of few numbers he likely knew. "Hello... Annia .. Montgomery? I'm sorry to trouble you..." Damien's gears clicked quickly, gliding into polite and worried.

She hesitated a moment and then her voice came over the line again. "Yes? This is Annia.." she listened carefully to the background noises and then chuckled, softly. "Hello."

"Um.. hello," he chuckled softly. "If I said I was being held hostage and threatened with merciless giggles and ping pong paddling, would you consider it a crank call? I surely hope not as I think... I may need your help."

"Prank caller, prank caller!" She teased, making as if she was offended and shocked at the 'joke call'. But then she laughed and sighed. "This wouldn't be Brietta's brother Damien, would it? Having fun with the kids?"

"Brietta's hopelessly lost and put upon strapped-to-a-chair-and-being-bounced-upon brother... yes. Robbie... please... it's your mother."

"Hi mommy!" Robbie called out gleefully, bouncing even faster and giggling loudly.

Sam growled and narrowed her eyes on Robbie "You called your mom? Oh brother!" She huffed and walked off towards the kitchen, motioning the other boys to follow and see what trouble they could cause with Damien tied to the chair.

Annia covered her mouth to stifle the laugh as he told her his predicament. "You let them tie you up? That was not a smart thing to do.." She chuckled and sighed moving through the house to find her keys. They jiggled as her hand plucked them from the hook and she was pulling her sneakers and her jacket on as she spoke. "Brie gave me your address..." She paused as she heard something crash in the background. "I think you might need some back up... if you can handle being rescued by a mom in her pjs."

Donnie laughed. "Good job, Rob. Keep him busy and don't come looking for us. We're not doing... anything!" He whooped and dropped the paddle running after the others, knocking a vase from the side table.

Damien cringed. "It wasn't so much as 'let' as much as drawing a short straw and turning my back on Aubriegh's girl. She's the ringleader, the little minx," he chuckled lightly and sighed. "Would you... I mean, would you mind terribly?"

"You're the first man who has been brave enough to take the gang for a night on his own.. I'd hate to see you become a casualty of the war... So.." She chuckled again. ".. how about I come wrangle that minx for you?"

The fridge was being raided of anything sweet or fizzy, while Sam thought about what to do next. "Does your uncle have a cool tv and stuff hidden in his room, like my mom?" She turned mischievious eyes on Donnie.

"Brave? Is that what you'd call it. Ow... Robbie... please, I'm not going anywhere. I think he wants to talk to you."

Donnie shrugged. "I don't know. He's kinda weird. He likes wine and movies where they don't talk in english and stuff. We can look. He's always talking about games and toys. He should have something around here."

"Cool.. hopefully he has some good stuff. Maybe we can find an 'R' movie to watch... something scary!" She chuckled and tagged Joey and Donnie on the arm, making them 'it' as she took off across the house.

"Well, calling you the only man stupid enough to take them, just sounded so mean." She chuckled, teasing him a little more. "And Damien.. you have to be specific, telling him to stop won't do much good unless you tell him what to stop doing." She added gently.

He had to do something before he broke apart at the knee. "Robbie... bouncing... being a darling and stop bouncing," he said, being as polite as he could manage. "Thank you. I hate to put you through the trouble of coming out here. The idea was to give the mothers some time for themselves. I'm horrible at this, I'm afraid."

"Hey!" Donnie paused a moment too long, letting Sam get the head-start. "If he's got an XBox, I'm playing first. He's my uncle!"

"It's alright.. Thank you for the time. I think I've had way more than enought time.. anymore and I'll throw myself in the river." Of course she was speaking of the incident with Galen, how he'd 'loved her and left her'.. he had to go.. sure.. she felt used, dirty, ashamed for falling into his arms and 'throwing herself at him'. She had been so stupid, so weak.. why had she been foolish enough to think that she mattered, that what they had shared tonight mattered? Why had she let herself.. even for a moment think that she could be with him, that he'd stay?.. She couldn't think about it anymore, she couldn't deal with it, time away from the house to deal with the kids would help, would be good, get her mind off Galen and their wrecked marriage and her broken heart. "I'd be happy to come down and give you a hand."

Annia knocked lightly on the door before checking the handle and coming slowly inside. "Hello.. " She called softly, still dressed in her pajamas, sneakers and a coat, her bare legs are little chilled from the walk from the car.

"Hello? Um.. I'd come to the door, but I'm a little tied up... still," he squeaked, sounding lost and embarassed as she waltzed into the play perfectly unaware.

She peeked in on him and chuckled softly. "So it appears, Hey Robbie.. how's that icecream?" The look she gave him, prompted him to scurry from the couch to get rid of his bowl and on to wash his face. Annia smiled at Damien as she walked over to him, her jacket sliding off and set over the back of the couch. Her seductively 'nice girl but naughty' pajamas were revealed as she looked around, seeing the broken vase and the mess, listening for the kids in whatever rooms they were hiding. Her bare thigh brushed Damien's shoulder as she slowly circled him, taking a good look at how he was bound. She whistled softly, coming back around the front. "I'd like to just let you out and all.." She straddled him and sank into his lap with a teasing smile. "But I have to know you're not really a dangerous criminal, before I do that."

"I'm the worst of the worst," he grumbled, putting on a gruff face and whispering. "I'm a grown-up. I think that gets me 5-10. And I might add... hello. You must be the Queen of All The Land. Said so on the call ID." He smiled warmly at the introduction, but equally at the suggestion of being 'let out' as she slid into his lap.

"The queen of all the land? ooo I've been promoted, this morning I was just queen of my house." She chuckled, letting her hands lift and her arms rest on his shoulders. "You must be one of my loyal subjects, then... being the generous queen that, though I'm not a grown up." She shook her head, 'dispelling that rumor'. "..I think I will have to set you free. Give you a royal pardon in exchange for you being my slave." Her eyes sparkled with genuine warmth and amusement. "And hello back... nice to meet you, sorry I missed meeting you earlier."

She was certainly close enough that she couldn't possibly 'miss' meeting him now if she settled any closer in his lap. The woman was beautiful and witty and he was at her mercy. He'd have whimpered and thanked the heavens if he didn't have a part of innocent charmer to play instead. "The pleasure is definitely mine, Miss Montgomery. Your pardon for slavery is a sentence I graciously accept. These bindings are beginning to itch," he chuckled. That's not the only itch he wished desperately to scratch, either.

A squeal came from another room, sounding distinctly like a girl getting the upper hand followed by Donnie's distinct rebuttal. "Hey! Give me that!"

She graced his cheek with a quick kiss and a playfully whispered tease. "I hope you can cook..." She heard the sounds of the kids and sighed. "Here we go.." In a fluid movement she was on her feet, her slender leg swinging in limber motion up over his head. The knots were done tightly and she used the small knife on her keychain to cut him loose. "Kids!" She yelled, her legs swiftly taking her towards the closed door to the room the other children were in.

"Hmm... sister, can I cook," he mused to himself, watching her flow from the room like water as he rubbed his wrists. "All the better to eat you up, my dear." The whisper of her lips on his cheek did him no favors, making quick movement pleasurably impossible. He took the moment to relax himself by attending to the broken glass and gathering his breath. What a remarkably stunning creature and what a hell of an introduction.

"Shhh... it's supermom! Shut up you guys!" Donnie's whisper snarked across the room, but it didn't stop the giggles. The kids had raided the closet and found a toy box, alright, filled mostly with things they couldn't even describe.

Sam giggled, looking at the array of things and taking a few things out which dropped to the floor with more giggles at Donnie's announcement and the voice that had come before it. "Oh no!" She looked at Joey and scrambled away from the box, closer to Donnie and booking out the door as Annia came in.

The door swung open and her gaze leveled on the boy near the box and then her eyes widened as she saw what was on the floor. Sam was already going out the door and heading down the hall. "Joey drop those handcuffs!!...and I'm not sure what that is but drop it too!" Oh dear, look what they had gotten into.

Donnie pulled them out of Joey's hand and dropped them, then took the boy's hand to lead him out of the room as well behind Sam. "She did it. We were just putting this stuff away," he guiltily stammered. "C'mon Joe. I think Damien wants us in the other room."

What Damien wanted was still obsessing him as he stood shakily with the glass bits and tried to get the feeling to move back down into his legs. Sam came bolting past him and he heard the others coming up behind. "Low bridge, look out," he said, lifting the debris above 'kid head' level so it wouldn't scatter again.

She moved into the room to pick up the scattered 'toys' and put them back in the box, she noticed the boy in the bed and decided it was a good thing to let him sleep for now, he could be moved later. She felt the heat rise in her cheeks as she glanced in the box while putting the other toys in. "Oh my.." She whispered, putting the cover on the box and standing up, she was moving to the door when she spotted the cuffs still on the floor or was that another set? She picked them up and was ringing them around a finger as she came into the living room. Annia softly cleared her throat and held out her finger with the cuffs dangling from it, she smiled and arched an eyebrow. "Good thing they didn't find these when they had you in that chair.." She bit her lip, adding softly and trying to be gentle and polite about it. "I put everything back in the box, but saw I missed these on the way out the door.."

The bit of anger for having his things tampered with was enough to confuse as a blush of embarrassment as his cheeks pinked. The smile was genuine, however, seeing her standing in her half-bare outfit with the real cuffs in her hand. The props that had been found were plastic replicas, but the solid metal ones she toyed with were his special set he'd set out with intent to use on her in the morning, "I'm sorry. I ...I don't know what to say," he cleared his throat nervously and stammered. "My ex girlfriend.. she was... she liked... I hope I haven't embarrassed you."

She held up her hand to hush his words of explanation, though the other hand lowered, she still ran her fingers over the cool metal of the cuffs. "It's okay.. not really my business if your ex or you enjoy.. things of this sort. I should be apologising for glimpsing into something very private and for the kids opening it to view.. and yes.. a little tiny bit of embarrassment, but nothing to worry about, was more that I just met you and your toys were not what I should have been seeing."

"Don't apologize, please. I'm truly in your debt. I'd open my very soul right now in thanks. I'm not sure what they saw, exactly, or what they understand, but you'll be my alibi, I hope. I didn't do it on purpose."

Donnie heard him and laughed. "We saw everything and then some. Hoooo... that was one hot babe you got on your home movies, mister! I'm telling mom!"

"I hope they didn't understand.. because I didn't even understand a few things I saw.. oh god, I should not be saying that.. Can we just .. Donnie!" Her eyes widened and she diverted her attention. "Young man.. go sit at the table." Her eyes swung back to Damien. "Home movies? A little advice.. if you ever do this again.. a lock on the closet and all this stuff put away in there."

His hand went to the back of his head, scratching through his thick blond hair as he grimaced. "I'm not sure I'll be doing this again. It's been a disaster. I really don't know how to thank you. I mean, coming out here in your... in um... don't misunderstand, please, but I have to say, your son is right.... your title I mean."

Her head tipped to the side and gave him a funny little smile. "What? my title..?" She shook her head, being thrown off by his comment and the prior subject.

He stepped toward her to go toss the glass he carried carefully in the other hand. "Queen. He's right, you know. Grace, poise, authority.... beauty," he whispered huskily at her ear for only her to hear before he reached behind her to the trash can.

"Oh." His breath tickled down her neck and she shivered, biting her lip as she took a soft but deep breath in. "Thank you." She murmured back, giving a brief but very beautiful smile as he moved back. She switched gears quickly, her eyes lingering and her expression showing that she was still thinking about his words as she 'moved on'. "Alright.. this is not a disaster, it's a learning experience. Wesley's littlest is asleep in your room, doubtful he saw much and wouldn't know what he saw if he did.. that's a plus for you. I'm Robbie's mother so I witnessed everything and I think he was out here with you the whole time.. so that leaves damage control for the other three." Her fingers strummed against her lips as she thought about how to handle things. "Donnie, Joey, Sam.. " She poked into the kitchen and saw the mess, "You three get to work cleaning this mess up. Joey dishes, Sam wipe down the counters and table, Donnie you get the mop. You made the mess.. you're cleaning it up." She said quickly and firmly, then stepped back to the living room. "Let them stew on that for a bit."

Sam glared at Annia's back as she left the room, but knew better than to argue or not do as she told them.. they all knew, it would be hours of chores on the ranch if they messed with Annia. "This sucks." She grumbled, moving to the sink and snatching the sponge Joey had picked up to start on the dishes.

Donnie rolled his eyes but gave his uncle a smile anyhow. "Sorry about the vase, Dam," he grinned, eyeing him then Annia and chuckling. "Psh... yeah."

"Watch it. I know where you live," Damien teased back and rustled the boy's hair. "Mop's in the closet with the bucket and soap."

He turned to Annia. "Impressive. We'll have the party at your house next time," he said grinning and sitting on the sofa, offering her a seat beside him while the kids cleaned up.

Damien listened while the children hooted and barked at one another in the kitchen, trying to make light of their work. His eyes gleamed with ideas of different hoots and hollars, looking over the woman who'd 'rescued' him, moving a little closer on the couch.

"Is it all the fun you imagined it would be?" She teased, her gaze moving from the doorway to the kitchen and casting over Damien.

"Perhaps," he smiled, offering a hand for hers. "I'm not sure how I should properly thank you for your help. You're very good with children. I guess I should stick to managing Donnie and leave the rest in your care."

She shook her head and held up her hands. "Thanks.. really, but I already have two of my own to manage by myself.. I don't think anymore would be a good idea right now."

"Yes, I heard," he pouted, tutting slightly. "Foolish man. Don't understand what he was thinking at all." His gaze traced over her, being suitably obvious that he would never ever have done such a thing as Dick.

"Wonderful.." She sighed, her hands falling to rest towards the back of her hips. "I just met you.. and you already know that my husband cheated on me... You have to love the way news gets around in this town."

"You misunderstand. I know him from his previous work... as a trainer. The only thing faster than that thoroughbred he owns are the rumors at the track. I'm sorry. I doubt it's 'around town'."

"No, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have snapped at you.. I'm sure it's around town, not much around here remains out of public knowledge. It's not your fault, I'm just a little over sensitive about it.. especially since I ... saw him just before you called. I guess it's kind of 'raw' at the moment."

"Tonight? Oh, my dear, I am so very sorry," he said, feigning an expression of worry that the man had been incessantly cruel. He moved a little closer and raised his hand to brush her cheek. "If there's anything I can do.... would you like a drink? Tea? Something to settle your nerves?"

"How about a divorce? A time machine? Some new self esteem? If you have any of those things, it would be great." Her fingers rubbed lightly under her nose.

"Well, I'm not a minister or a judge, and fresh out of batteries for the 'way-back' machine," he said reaching to the phone table for a tissue for her. His arm naturally curled around her shoulder to console her as he handed it to her. "Self-esteem I believe is an ingredient I can cook with, however. You should never, ever think that this happened because of you. Alright? You're a beautiful girl." he said, rubbing her arm lightly, pulling her slowly closer.

"Yeah.. right.. sure I am.. just one that attracts guys who treat me sh*tty.." She took the tissue and shook her head. "All my major relationships failed... three in a row.. one common factor.. me."

He chuckled. He knew Morris and if anything it definitely wasn't her but entirely Ray and he could concur, though Morris had gotten to him first and had she. "Shhh... that's nonsense. Believe me. If I had been in any of their shoes, never would I have done such a thing," he said, pulling her to his shoulder and cradling her softly. "I believe you're a magnificent heroine and that young boy in the other room seems to agree."

"Being gay is not something Ray could really have done differently.. That I know.. somewhere inside, but I still can't help but feel like it was me.. that I keep attracting these guys... Ray, gets me pregnant.. discovers he's gay.. Tommy.. possesive, obsessive.. abusive.. " She sighed. "Galen.. well I guess I should have stayed gone the first time I left.. or even the second when I walked in on him with another woman.. I'm just a fool."

He glanced to the kitchen to be sure the children remained occupied for that moment then lifted her chin to be sure she heard him. "You're not and never believe you are," he whispered, brushing her cheek with the thumb that held her gently before leaning a kiss to her pout. It was sweet and simple, but lingered a moment before he gave the impression he was shocked at his action, pulling away apologetically. "I... I'm sorry. That was terribly forward of me."

She laughed sadly, closing her eyes against the tears that burned. "Great.. now I have you apologising for something that felt nice."

"Then allow me to apologize nicely," he said, kissing her tears from each eye as they stayed closed then bringing the salty sweetness to her lips, parting his own gently to tug the pout away.

She started to tell him he didn't need to, but then felt his lips on her face, the small gasp parted her lips for the kiss he brought there. She trembled just slightly and reached her hands to his arms to steady herself.

His fingers slid back to her hair, holding her tenderly at the nape of her neck as the kiss lingered. Finally pulling away, his words were teasing this time. "I'm so very sorry," he winked.

"So am I." She whispered, gently patting his arms and giving him a soft sad smile. "Thanks.. I think I needed that."

"No, I don't think that's what you need at all, Annia," Damien said gently hinting that he had other ideas as he shifted her hair from her face.

"No? Well.. It felt nice anyway... What do you think I need?"

"Some time away not to think about it. Some time to have something take your mind off it, hm? I'm not apologizing now for being forward. Your son should have warned me how beautiful you are."

"Yeah, that would be nice.. except I think about him every time I look at our daughter, when I eat vanilla icecream, when I wash dishes.. When I breathe.. How do you get time away from that?" She sighed and turned her dark eyes up to him. "You're tall.." She said with a chuckle. "See that is true.. I'm not beautiful.. I'm a mess."

"Not so tall to see that you're here and you need comfort. At least a temporary fix? If you'll allow me to distract you from your tears?"

"What is a temporary fix? You have something special you can do, whip something up in a dish for me?"

"Maybe," he teased, chuckling softly. "I think I need to get these kids to bed... and you...," he paused, taking her hand gently in his.

"And me..?" She glanced to his hand and then to his face, her eyes questioning the innuendo in his statment.

"Whatever you'd like. I'll distract you the best way I can."

"Thanks, let me help you get the kids to bed.." She smiled lightly, seeming a little unsure of herself for a moment.

"No, thank you. I still owe you millions for your help earlier," he said, playing up his helplessness a little more.

"You don't owe me.. really.. it's okay. Besides I should thank you for getting me out of the house. I might have tried to stick my head in the oven, and ours is electric." She teased.

"Well that won't do at all," he chuckled. "I do... I do owe you more than you can possibly imagine for just coming here. I'm serious. Alright. Roll call! Kids, front and center. Let's see some sleeping bag action here."

"But, we're not done with the floor yet. I thought you wante...," Donnie protested. Once he started a project, he made sure it was done right, even if he didn't like the project itself, cuz he sure didn't want to do this twice.

Annia moved away to sit down in a chair as he called for the kids, smiling as Robbie came from the bathroom. Using a towel to wipe his face and showing her how nice and clean he was, Robbie bounded up to climb in her lap.

Sam paused in her wiping and raised her head. "There's still more drips!" She complained, she was similar to Donnie in wanting to get things done right once she started them.

She finished the thought for him and he smiled, but wasn't going to let her know why. "Cuz you're a drip. C'mon," he teased, grabbing her towel and snapping it at her.

"Drips will dry children. I'll be keelhauled if you don't get some sleep tonight. Alright... one, two, three... where's the other one?"

He looked around, forgetting Wes's little one in the bed and his brother who'd not reappeared yet.

Sam gave a startled cry as the towel hit her leg and then spun, catching it and yanking on it. "You're gonna pay for that!"

Man she was quick. He let go and jumped away, laughing. "No I'm nooooot," he whined, sticking his tongue out and darting around the corner.

"I see a shortage of children in this room. I'm counting, despite the popular belief that I don't know how, and I better see...," he tried to sound threatening, but lost, turning to her for the total headcount before losing a beat of his sentence.

She held up two fingers, behind Robbie's back, where the other two could not see and gave Damien a wink, letting him know he needed two more kids for his line up. "But don't forget Christopher is sleeping in your bed right now."

"All five... four since only one of you is being an angel and sleeping already... ready for stories and pillow fights in six.... five.... four..... three...."

"Dam.. we're right here." Donnie was too busy teasing Sam to notice that Joey was missing.

She giggled and started after Donnie, colliding with him as he stopped in the living room. "Watch out!" She gave him a little push.

"Ow, hey watch it yourself, punk," he said, pushing back into her. "Oh yeah... hey, where'd Joe go?"

"He was washi-.." She stopped and turned to look back in the kitchen and then glanced back with wide eyes to Donnie. "He's um.. where'd he go?" She whispered.

Annia hugged and kissed Robbie "Keep being the good kid, will ya?" She stood and deposited the boy into the chair, stepping towards Damien. "I guess we have a boy to find.."

Damien turned a little pale, wondering what else he'd left unlocked or unstashed, or stashed in such a way that smaller hands and feet would still locate. The thought wasn't pleasant considering the job he was trying to accomplish. "Right, and quickly before they all turn into pumpkins or easter eggs or whatever they do after midnight."

"Ravenous over-tired demons." She patted his arm gently and peered into the kitchen. "Okay, Sam and Donnie.. first instinct -where would Joey go?"

Donnie shrugged and looked at Sam. "Dunno. He doesn't talk much. Probably playing a game or watching something on TV."

"Yeah, he loves movies and stuff.." She gave a shy smile to Donnie and then looked to Damien and Annia. "We'll stay here with Robbie.. while you go find him.. Promise.. we won't be any more trouble." She smiled sweetly to the adults.

"Oh, you are so busted," he winced, teasing her and mocking. "We won't be any more trouble. Sure way to make them believe that, uh huhn." His eyes rolled and he moved over to the couch by the quiet boy. "C'mon Rob, back me up here. Two on one, okay? You and me against the giiiiiiirrls."

"Donatello Gabriel, you be nice to your friend or you're scrubbing carpets tomorrow with your own toothbrush," Damien said, losing a little composure with the worry over whatever Joey was doing, hoping the act didn't fall apart completely.

"What? Wha'd I do?"

"Thanks alot.. I was being serious.." She frowned and went to sit on the opposite side of the room, giving Donnie a glare. She chuckled a little as Dam scolded him, but still curled her legs up and pouted.

"Sorry, Damien," he said softly and sinking into the couch himself. "Sorry Sam."

"Whatever." She stayed where she was, waiting for the grown ups to go off to look for Joey.. then she was punching Donnie.

"Best guess is start at the back room and come this way. I don't think he's left the place."

"Ow, hey, quit it! Rob.. help me," he whined quietly so he wouldn't alarm the others, half serious, half joking back and not minding. "I said I was sorry."

Annia nodded and motioned for Dam to lead the way as it was his palace after all. "I'm right behind you."

Sam scowled at Donnie and wouldn't say anything to him, just punched his arm.

Robbie giggled and scooted off Donnie's lap, going to curl up on the couch.

"Traitor... I'll remember that. Hey, Sam, c'mon, I said I was sorry."

"Yeah, sure you are."

Damien led down the main hallway to the den he used for his weights and stair machine. The whole of the condo was as large as a full house and then some, likely rivaling 'Dick's' humble home. The door to the deck was still locked, so Joey was somewhere inside. The weight room was empty of boys, so he started on the sleeping rooms and pointed to the other side of the hall where there was a large game room and the spa. "You might want to check the game room in there. I'll check these," he said, opening doors and stepping in.

She sighed and gave him a smile, nodding as she peeked into a room. "Joey." She called softly, there was the flicker of a TV screen as she opened the door. Annia motioned to Damien, thinking Joey was in there and then moving into the room. The sounds coming from the television alerted her, first to the nature of the 'program' Joey was watching. But even knowing it was an adult film did not prepare her for the shock of walking around the jut of the wall to see her husband boldy on screen and 'in the act' with multiple people. "Oh.. god." She whispered, her knees feeling weak and nearly giving out on her. Of course it had to be that.. Terra girl on top of him.. "No.. Oh.." She felt the urge to vomit, watching Terra enjoying her husband on the big screen TV. As if it wasn't bad enough when she'd walked in on them, that day at their house... The room spun for a moment and then she barked at Joey. "Get out.. right now! Go.. get your butt in the living room right now, young man!" She rushed to turn the movie off but didn't know which button it was in the dark. The tears started, before she could regain control of herself and she sank to the floor, sobbing.

Damien came in the room behind her and saw the display, "Go on, Joey. Go get your bag set up." He ushered around them and shut off the screen, having seen enough, himself, his own stomach churning more for want of the duo on the screen. He calmed himself and sank beside her on the floor, pulling her to his chest. "It's over, it's off, Annia. I'm terribly sorry. I had no idea he'd find those either. I really don't think I should have the children here again until I purge the rest of my ex's things. What a wicked and awful thing to discover," he murmured as he held her, thankful he'd clamped down on the off button before his own appearance in the orgy film.

"I hate him.. I hate him, I hate him.." She sobbed weakly, wishing it were true.

Pretending he didn't make the connection with the man on the screen having been Galen, his tone was confused and concerned. "Joey? He's an innocent child. He was curious, that's all. I'll have a talk with him in the morning..."

"No.." She sniffed, lifting her head and pointing to the screen that was now dark. "Him!.. Her.. them.. it was hard enough to find out.. that he'd done those things.. Galen.. it was him.. and then when I came home and found him with her.. I should have just stayed away.." The sobs shook her shoulders. "The kids know him, they have seen him.. I can only hope Joey was distracted enough not to recognise him.. and the woman.. it was her.. why did it have to be them??" Her hands came up to cover her face.

He nestled her quietly, resting his chin on her head, looking at the dark screen and fantasizing the memory of how both had felt in the heat of the studio. He seethed with the chill of desire and it sounded like he, too, was sniffling. "I had no idea," he said, to make it sound that he was shocked to find that Galen was that type of actor. He really meant he had no idea he was that good until that day, both of them partaking of Soterrana's multiple gifts.

"Neither did I when we got involved.." She whispered, sniffing some more. "You know.. I thought I was okay with it, after the shock and all." She lifted her head a little but stayed curled to him. "I mean I'm open minded.. and all.. I think I was okay until I came home and found him with one of his former co-stars. The woman in that film.. " She shook her head. "But he kept telling me he didn't want anyone else, how much he loved me.. I am so stupid.. I took him back, just so he could cheat on me again.. "

"Cheat on you again?" He was genuinely confused now, having known of only the one episode. "Annia, look at me. Please tell me... how on god's earth he could do such a thing? Twice? When?"

"This past spring.. with the woman in that video.. I came home to them.. in our bed.." She wiped at the tears which would not stop flowing from her eyes. "He said it was just that one time.. he was scared about the marriage and the baby being close to due.. he had a moment of weakness.." She chuckled sadly. "And then.. a few weeks ago.. I kicked him out after I found out he'd been with another woman.. again.. this time, it wasn't a one time thing.. more of a twice a week at least.. I thought things were good.. I thought we were happy.. thought I was a good wife to him, that we had a nice family.. I guess we weren't enough.. I wasn't good enough.."

Once or twice weekly? Oh, this man was going down for sure, although he'd apparently already been going down on someone other than Terrana or she'd have him already. "Nonsense, my dear. You're far superior to that greaseball," he spat, more on Terrana's behalf. What was he doing? Making things more complicated and keeping Gerald from him that much longer, Damien bemoaned. "Far superior and far more considerate and thinking... and caring. You deserve much better than that. So much better."

"Yeah.. can I have that to go, with fries and coke?" She laughed, though the tears came a little harder.

"Annia, let's get you calm, please. You'll make yourself sick. Those movies are old. Several years. I'm sure there's an explanation. Why don't you come lay down in the guest room a moment and dry your eyes. I'll tend to the kids. I think th... I hope they're settled down enough to go to sleep soon. Alright?"

"I don't care how old the movies are." She pushed herself away from him, so she could get to her feet. "What I care about is that he was in our bed with her.. and that he was sleeping with another woman after swearing that I was the only one.. You know I have nothing against guys who want to sleep around.. one of my best friends is like that, I just don't want to be married to one!" She wiped at her cheeks and took a deep breath. "I should probably just go, if the kids are settled."

"Please stay," he insisted softly, hoping that she would take his offer. "At least a little while?" He stood, more slithered, beside her, gliding along her and remaining close. His expression was of deep caring masking the deep 'something else' that lurked like a predator beneath his mask. Watching Terrana even for that moment built his want, threatening to burst and he wanted to be attended soon. Her lips were so velvety soft and her smile so delicate, he could taste her with his eyes and wanted to taste more. Galen was a damned fool and so was Terrana if he was playing more than her. "Please let me help you."

She wanted to go, to run away from everyone and everything, but she wanted to stay, she wanted to stop hurting so much. Licking her lips, her thumbs hooked at her hips, into the waistband of her shorts, sliding them down a little as she shurgged, though she didn't notice. "I don't know.. it's really not fair.. you have enough to deal with, with the kids. Last thing you need is a broken hearted woman complicating the night even more."

He noticed the narrow bit of exposed hip she afforded his hunger to view as he slid his hands to hers on her hips, sensual yet reassuring as his thumbs slid to lock with hers. Her skin was cool and splendid where his fingers curled to caress lightly. "Nonsense," he whispered hoarsely, kissing her deeply. He scarcely noticed himself doing it, pulling her closer to where she couldn't help but feel how much he really wanted her to stay, brushing himself against her through her thin clothing.

The kiss was more than a friend or a comfort.. it was deep and hungry, pulled closer to him, she could feel the heat and the solid muscle that pressed against her. She started to say something in protest but this only parted her lips to accept more deeply the kiss and her words were lost. Her mind reeled and her body reacted to the skillfull kiss and closeness, his thumbs brushing over her skin. Annia shivered, leaning towards him and begining to return the kiss on her own.

His fingers dipped beneath the waistband, sliding down only a little to feel the chill that tremored in her kiss. "Please stay," he murmured against her lips, shifting to kiss her slender neck.

She nearly moaned, biting back the noise, a shiver running through her as his lips moved to her neck. "I.. really shouldn't..." Her eyes fluttered and she wanted to step back but it felt so good. "I'll stay till the kids are settled." She whispered softly, licking her lips and setting her hands to his shoulders.

"Alright then," he murmured, lacing her ear with nipping kisses and moving his hands up her sides, dangerously close to lifting her top, but releasing her reluctantly and pulling away. He cleared his throat and tugged at his jeans to adjust the pressure points a little, forcing a light blush. "I don't know what came over me, but who am I to argue? Let's get them settled so you can rest, hm?"

(back in the livingroom)
"Hey hey, Joey, where you been? You're missing all the fun," he smiled seeing Joey come around the corner, waiting for Sam to turn her head so he could slap her butt.

Something was up. Joey looked like he'd had the p*ss scared out of him and Damien and Annia weren't back yet. He uncurled from the couch himself and started helping Robbie with his sleeping bag. "C'mon Rob, it's time to get some sleep. Let's get this thing rolled out." He looked over his shoulder, still waiting for the adults to join them and for Joey to say something... anything.

She finally seemed to stop pouting as she moved to help lay out the sleeping bags. "Here.." She offered to give Donnie a hand getting Robbie settled. "Are you okay Joey?" Sam asked, looking back to Donnie with eyes that asked what he thought was up.

He whispered to Sam, not realizing Robbie was listening, and maybe Joey could hear him too, "I dunno, but I told you, uncle Dam is a little weird. Maybe he said something or maybe, you know, he was awfully mad there. Maybe he did something to her and he's stashing the evidence, you know?" He was teasing, sure everything was alright, but playing on the imagination of the younger boy and the one who'd seen what he just saw, there was no telling how they'd react.

His eyes went wide as he sleepily listened to Donnie's words. "Mommy!" He screached, jumping up and taking off down the hall. "Mommy!"

"Maybe he's just doing to her.. what those people in the movie were doing." Joey said quietly, almost not loud enough to hear with Robbie yelling.

Annia cleared her throat softly, nodding and blushing as he adjusted himself. "I'm sorry.." She murmured, not sure what she was doing or why she was doing it anymore. Robbie's cry startled her enough that she actually jumped and she looked to Damien, before starting towards the door.

"Don't be s..," he started to say when the cry came to their ears. He also jumped, not expecting the sudden wail. "Is everything alright?" It was genuine concern for the boy, wondering if he'd been injured.

"Cripes, Robbie, cut it out," Donnie said covering his ear from the loud noise right beside him. He started laughing, not realizing Robbie was scared. "What was that Joey? What movie?"

Annia pulled Robbie into her arms as she met him in the hall, he was murmuring to her and she smiled over her shoulder at Damien as he followed her out. "He's alright, just a little scared.. something Donnie said.." She scooped Robbie up and started back down the hall.

Joey bit his lip and leaned to whisper to Sam and Donnie. "Those s-e-x movies.. like the ones they keep in the room we aren't supposed to go in, in the video store.. Your uncle has loads of them."

"Donatello??! Can I see you a moment, please?" Damien's voice carried down the hall from somewhere behind Annia as she carried Robbie up to the front room. "Annia, I'll be up to help you in a minute. I'm sorry. I'll have a quick talk with him, alright?"

"Maaan... twice? What did I do now?"

Annia gave Damien a look and whispered. "Don't be too hard on him.. okay?" She smiled and then kissed Robbie's forehead, moving down the hall again as Donnie passed her. She went into the living room and started to get her son settled, making sure he was aright to stay for the rest of the night and didn't want to come home with her instead.

The scoop and lift of the hair as he slapped the back of his head was the limit of the 'spanking' he'd give the boy. "I want you to watch your mouth. Whatever you said, you scared little Robbie half to death. And your behavior with Samantha is deplorable. Can you be a little gentleman and put a lid on that. You sound just like your father."

"No I don't, I sound just like you," he stated flatly, rubbing the back of his head, giving the older man a level stare that -was- just like his father. "Not my fault you can't keep a lid on -that-," he retorted, pointing out Damien's 'problem' was more than obvious. "So was Joey right? Did you stick it to her?"

"That is quite enough," he steamed. "Go up front and get ready for bed. We'll talk tomorrow."

"Whatever," he sighed, skulking back to the other room.

He stood up straight, feeling the pinch at his zipper that again needed adjusting. He winced and tugged gently, letting his nephew leave the hallway. A deep sigh was followed by a side step back to the game room, locking the door for the night before he came back up for a status on the others.

"Yeah, probably," was all he said to Joey and Sam, giving 'supermom' a wary look before sliding over to his own bag without another word.

Sam made a face and turned to climb into her sleeping back, rolling on her side to face the middle and the boys. Usually they would all whisper until they fell asleep, keeping each other entertained with stories and schemes.

Annia tucked Robbie in, he was starting to nod off already and she fixed up a place next to him for Christopher, figuring at some point Damien would want his bed back. "Nite guys." She said softly to the group, making a motion to Damien towards the kitchen or another room, so the kids could settle and hopefully fall asleep.

He nodded and grinned leading her to a guest room, having checked briefly on Christopher who still slept soundly. "Still asleep. I'll leave him be. I've got plenty of room to spare that pillow for tonight," he whispered, closing the door behind them.

"See.. told ya," he murmured, rolling to his stomach and tossing a shoe at Joey. "So... tell us. What did you see, huh? C'mon... did they use that stuff we found in the box?"

Annia glanced around the room and turned with a smile for Damien. "You have a very nice place.." She meant it sincerely, everything she'd seen so far, showed he had taste and took care of himself and his place, though his styling was much different than Galen's or even hers. He had more of a bacholar's style, her's was a comfy lived in home.. definate place where kids and family spent time. "Thank you, again, for being.. so d**n nice... " She moved over to the bed, her lithe body leaning down to lay across it on her stomach, her lean legs curling up so her feet rested on her butt. She was a picture of youth, beauty, strength, and a sexiness that was natural and there without attempting at it.

He watched her glide to the bed gracefully and felt his breath catch, tempted to follow her, but forcing himself to stay polite and calm. He stepped to the desk for the chair and set it beside the bed instead. "Heh.. no arms to tie to on this one. Maybe I'll move it out front. You're more than welcome, Annia. Seems perhaps we both needed a little rescuing tonight, hm?"

"Yeah, I guess we did.. I'm feeling a little better, despite.. what you saw in the game room. I'm sorry I fell apart like that." She looked down to her hands as her thumbs twirled with one another. The way she propped up on her forearms and faced his chair gave an open view of her, into the top of her shirt. "I owe you.. maybe I can repay you with dinner or something one night.. or do you have a car you need washed.. I could be your slave for a day."

"I have a car, but it's a company lease, washed weekly. Hmm. I suppose dinner isn't too much of a strain," he smiled. "I think I'd like that.. very much," he said, looking up after a moment as if deeply considering it, though he was merely distracted by the view.

"Well you don't have to accept.. You can tell me no, I swear I'm not that bad, I won't throw myself in the river."

He chuckled, "Oh, heavens no. I meant a strain on you. I'll gladly accept, but you don't need to go all out for this. How about this. Would you... like to have dinner with me?"

"Dinner with you? What's the difference?" She smiled a bit, tipping her head to gaze at him curiously.

"The difference is.. it will be a surprise. I will pick you up, bring you flowers and take you to a wonderful evening. The way you should be treated. If you can put up with me, that is," he winked, looking bashful and nervous as he rubbed his palms on his knees.

She chuckled and reached to take his hand, letting hers cover his on his knee. "Did you see me handle those kids?" Annia winked, teasing a little. "I think I can handle you for an evening."

"Ah but kids are just kids. I'm a criminal, don't forget. An evil grown-up. Who knows what I might have planned for you, hm? It might involve... holding hands... or heaven forbid," he teased, blowing her a kiss.

"This is true, but you should be warned.. I like holding hands.. and if I decide that you can't.." She blew him a kiss in return instead of saying kiss me. ".. then I have a pretty mean right hook."

"Oh, I hope you do," he nodded. "I won't be offended if you put me in my place." He grinned a little wider, "But I can't help but try. You're devastating. I'm sorry, but it's true."

"I'm what? Oh dear.." She chuckled. "Those kids hit you in the head, before I got here, didn't they?"

"No," he insisted gently, moving off the chair and kneeling before her, crossing his arms on the cushion in front of her. "I truly mean it. Robbie is a handsome boy, but his mother truly is a fair queen."

She blushed a little and shook her head. "You're far too kind.." She said softly, finding it hard to look away from his gaze.

Close-ups were perhaps his best performance... the closer the better. He nodded, smiling warmly and shifting his hand to hers. "I'm not being kind, I'm being serious," he said softly, watching her eyes, pulling her into his own.

"I.." She forgot what she was going to say, something about him being wrong, but his eyes pulled the words from her thoughts and she found herself lost in his eyes.

His own slitted closed slowly as he reached for another tender kiss. His fingers rested on hers and if she intended to stop him or deck him, he'd have a moment's warning. "Yes, you....," he whispered.

She took the tender kiss, sighing softly at how nice it felt, and then lingered to return a gentle kiss to him. "I shouldn't be kissing you." She whispered, her lips brushing over his once more.

"Why not? You're grown and you're free, right?"

"Not exactly free, no." She said softly.

"Alright, that's fair," he whispered, stealing another soft kiss before backing away. He crawled up beside her to sit on the bed, resting a hand to her shoulder, rubbing gently. "Is it alright if I do this? Stay here beside you a while, hm?"

She nodded. "Yes.. it's alright.. " She turned her head to look up at him. "It's not that I don't want to.. kiss you.. It was.. very nice." Her voice was soft, like her smile. "But.. I am.. still.. married.."

"I understand," he said, because he most certainly did, but even that was a malady that could be medicated and remedied. His hand shifted to her other shoulder and his free hand took its place, working gently on the tension around her neck. "Then let me be here for you as a friend, alright?"

"Alright.. thanks." She murmured, laying down flat and closing her eyes as he worked over her shoulders.

It wasn't perfect, but it was comfortable. He worked her shoulders and neck gently for a while before laying down beside her, propping up on an arm and content to observe, watching in his character study for details that would be useful later on, the certain subtleties that a lover and caretaker would notice over time. His fingers worked slow circles on her back now. "Is that any better?"

She opened one eye to look at him and smiled, curling her arms under her head. "Yes.. felt wonderful.. thank you." She chuckled softly. "I guess I owe you two, now."

It had, he had to admit, feeling the strength in her form. The ranch had been good to her. "Don't be silly. You don't owe me. If you insist, then just allow me your company, alright? No more keeping score. I insist."

"You drive a hard bargain.." She teased, winking playfully at him. "I'm so used to keeping score with my brothers and cousins.. it's hard not to."

He smiled. "Yes, I suppose I do. Now, please don't misunderstand, but will you be staying the night? Please say 'yes'. You're exhausted and it's nearly 2 a.m. You're welcome to the use of the room. I don't want you to drive home if you're too tired."

"I can't.. If anything happened with Cait.. Galen doesn't know I'm here, he wouldn't be able to get ahold of me... " She sighed but smiled. "I appreciate the concern and the offer.. but it's best if I go home, besides.. it's not my bed, I don't sleep well in strange beds."

"And if I insisted til you've had a short nap? Please. With the tension suddenly out of your shoulders, your head may loll clean off," he chuckled. "Seriously, Annia. Please. A little nap before you go so I'm assured you'll be okay?"

"A short nap? What's a short nap? It's already almost 2 am like you said.."

His arm curled around her and he leaned down to whisper softly, "I don't want you to go."

She smiled a little, feeling his warm breath on her cheek. "If I don't leave.. then I can't come back later."

"Yes, but I mean right now. I find this.. you... incredibly comfortable," he continued to whisper softly and warmly.

She shifted and lifted her eyes to his. "Just for a little longer.." She whispered, nodding that she agreed, it was comfortable.

"Marvelous," he murmured, feeling like he, too could doze happily like this.

She rolled on to her side and then to her back, motioning him to get comfortable, next to her or resting his head on her tummy. She reached to grab a pillow and adjusted it under her head. "I am way to easy.."

"Nonsense," he yawned softly, shifting to lay beside her. He tapped the buttons on his watch to wake them before five to be sure the children were checked and she was home before her family returned.

"Yup.. I am.. still here, aren't I?" She yawned and stretched, lazily.

He curled around her a little, supporting her a bit as well as he chuckled, finding it hard to say much more. It was late, even for him and the kids had worn him out.

"Hey Sleeping Beauty... time to let your date go home," Donnie teased from the doorway. He stood there for a few minutes watching them, deciding they weren't doing anything even remotely interesting then spoke out loud. He needed to tell them that Robbie woke up scared and wanted to go home.

Annia was well trained to hear the voices even when she was wicked tired. "What?" She murmured, half sitting up and rubbing her eyes with one hand. "Donnie.. is something wrong? Why are you up, hun?"

"I'm up cuz Prince Robbie is sitting in the middle of his sleeping bag crying and wanting to go home," he sighed, rolling his eyes. "Make one stupid comment and the kid's scarred for life, I guess. I'm really sorry."

"It's alright Donnie.. He's been through alot lately.. with Galen not living with us anymore.. he's been through the wringer emotionally.. it's not your fault, he's just extra sensitive." She sat up more fully, running her hands through her hair.

He reached out a socked foot and nudged Damien's shoe. "Hey... Dam... got some bad news for you, too. Christopher... he um... you want me to do the sheets for you since you were going to talk to me anyway?" He folded his arms, looking a little cowed as he volunteered his penance for scaring Robbie so badly. Christopher had wet the bed sometime during the night and was now out in the other room.

[Lovely]

The voices barely reached him but the nudge moved his leg enough to startle him. "Wha-? Oh... Donnie... Annia?" He brushed the sleep off his face and seemed out of sorts, wondering what was going on. The smile at seeing her beside him was genuine, however, having not prepared his act for that waking moment. "I'm sorry Donnie, what?"

She turned back to give him a smile and patted his leg. "Damien.. I suggest you sleep in here for the rest of tonight." She said softly, standing slowly and stretching out. Annia ruffled Donnie's hair as she walked past him, to go into the living room and check on Robbie.

He smiled softly, his arms still folded as he looked up and tipped back, watching her go. She was cool as long as she wasn't giving him more work to do. Once she was gone, he looked warily at his half-asleep uncle. "Have anything else you wanted to say? Tell me what else I'm doing wrong? I'll fix the bed, Dam, but I really didn't mean to scare him. I said I was sorry."

His expression was somewhere between confused and cross, not having registered what had happened to the sheets, but understanding why the boy seemed defensive. "No, Donnie, sit down," he said, sitting up slowly and rattling the sleep away.

"Fine. It's your bed. What?"

He looked at him from the side with his head hung, "It can wait. What's going on here? I don't like the tone and I certainly didn't like that display in the hallway. You're showing off and mouthing off. Why?"

In a word, Sam, he thought, but he sure as hell wasn't telling Dam he liked her. "I dunno. Just ... got upset I guess."

"You guess? Donatello, you can't behave like that in front of company. Not here, not with your mother and whatever happened just now, likely at my expense, is inexusable, do you understand? Now I don't care who the adult is in the room, but you use your pleases and thank yous," he said, being a little more polite and golden-ruled about his discussion, likewise showing off should Annia be listening at the door. The act was resumed, but for a good purpose of reminding Donnie to be a good kid. "... and if there are girls in the room, you're a gentleman. Case closed. Got it? Good. Now ... tell me again.. what happened to my sheets?"

He listened and sighed, waiting for the droning to stop. He knew this stuff. Damien knew he knew, but he'd crossed a few lines and now he had to pay for it. He chuckled when the litany ended and the question about the sheets came up. "Hope you have some Glade or something, buddy. I got it. Can I go now?"

He yawned and nodded, "Yeah, go on, just be good.. please?"

"Whatever," he said, slipping away. He came back again and gave Damien the obligatory hug. "I'll get that stuff in the wash. Then can I sleep in when I crash?"

Annia had consoled Robbie and calmed him down, rolled up his sleeping bag and gathered his clothes, coat and shoes. She stifled a yawn as she packed up his stuff and got his coat and shoes on him.

He stood up and smoothed the blankets then ushered Donnie out ahead of him. "No, absolutely not. Your mother is expecting you back and I have a very important appointment at 9. You can sleep when you get home, okay?"

"Fine, whatever," he said - the deadly combined words of childhood aggravation and resignation. He'd lost the battle and skulked away to fix Damien's bed.

Annia was on her way back down the hall when Damien and Donnie came out of the spare room. "Hey.." She spoke softly, giving Dam a small smile.

Donnie disappeared and the sounds of coughing and gagging, most being exaggerated, could be heard in the other room.

Damien chuckled and shook his head, "Hey, yourself. Again, I find myself apologizing. This has been far from the perfect night it was intended to be for you wonderful women."

"I already told you.. my night was horrible.. before you called, you were a much needed reason to get out of the house." She leaned over and kissed his cheek softly. "I'm sure the rest of the ladies had great nights away from the kids, because of you... brave man that you are."

"Foolish. Foolish is fair.. hardly brave, but thank you," he said, only half-hugging her, aware of the awake eyes that were likely watching. "I'll have to have a talk with Wesley. No help on my end that she's been seeing that cop since her accident. How am I going to explain those movies?"

"You're a young man.. single.. you have movies and you're not used to kids in your place.. simple enough.. I'll call her in the morning.. I'm telling you, she'll probably laugh. She used to be a stripper.. she's not going to judge you for having adult movies."

"You really are 'supermom' aren't you?" He teased, chuckling and kissing her cheek. "Let me help you with Robbie's things at least. Did you wear a jacket? I'm sure it's freezing out. I can loan you my overcoat," he offered.

"I wore a coat, thanks.. It's on the back of the couch and my car keys were still in the pocket, so we're safe."

"Alright then. So much for another reason for you to come back later," he whispered. "Drive safe, please."

"How about to help you clean your mattress? I actually have some good stuff to get the smell out, since it's probably soaked."

He winced and nearly gagged thinking about it. "Now you're being far too kind," he coughed and chuckled. "I do appreciate that. I understand you have a busy morning ahead as do I, but I'm free this evening if you want to help with the damage control then?"

"I am.. far far too kind." She teased. "But I think someday you might want to sleep in your room again.."

"I've got other rooms," he nodded, making a face, apparently not intending to use his own room for several days now.

She laughed. "Don't be too obvious about not having kids." She winked and bumped his shoulder with hers. "How about you give me a call a little later and we can see how our days are panning out and then I can come back later to help with the clean up."

"Marvelous," he agreed softly, admiring the view again. The act was more natural than he'd anticipated and he made a snort of amusement at the thought, amazed at his own efforts and wondering himself how much he was acting now.

"Great its settled then.. Brie gave you my number right? You already have it?" She bounced as she turned and headed to grab her coat and Robbie. "Night kids." She whispered to the others, stopping to give each a kiss on the head, before scooping her son up and shuffling him to her hip.

"I have it," he grinned, watching her become lively and bubbly, not reiterating where he really got her number from. If nothing else, he could explain it was still in the redial on the phone should he need it in a hurry. "No kiss goodnight for this little boy? I'm teasing. Go home and rest. I'll call you when I'm done with my appointments today, alright?"

Donnie heard that exchange and did a double-take. What the heck was his uncle doing anyway? She was Robbie's mom and she was a married lady. He got heebie jeebies all of a sudden and went back to his sleeping bag to curl up.

Annia chuckled and nodded towards the door. "Walk us out?" Holding Robbie on one hip, she reached to take up his sleeping bag and overnight bag with the other arm.

"Absolutely," he said, scooping up the sleeping bag and the overnight bag for her. "I've got these, just mind him. After you," he said, giving a glance over the kids before stepping to the door behind her. His glance caught Donnie's as the boy rolled away to his stomach again to ignore him.

Robbie giggled and yawned resting his sleepy head on Annia's shoulder. He reached, grabbing and poking at Damien's shoulder, generally trying to pester.

Annia got the car unlocked and secured Robbie in the back seat, taking the bags and setting them on the seat beside him. She still looked tired, though she smiled at Damien, moving to the front to start the car and let it warm up for a few minutes.

Annia leaned against the side of the car and gazed at Damien for a moment. "Despite what you may think, you did a good job handling the kids tonight."

He stood with his arms curled around him against the chill. Her comment made him shake his head. "Thank you, but no. I really didn't. They handle themselves pretty well... well, most of the time... and you... you're simply amazing. I should go inside. It's a bit dark and cold yet," he laughed at the obvious, blowing into his hands with visible breath.

With a gleam of mischief in her eyes, she held open her coat and grinned. "Or you could come in here for a minute and let me give you that kiss goodnight.. but shhh don't tell, I was naughty." She added a playful wink to go with the invite.

"Very," he whispered and beamed, sliding up to her and her offered coat, warming himself graciously with as deep and unchaste of a kiss as she would allow.

"I think someone likes me naughty." She whispered, letting the kiss go much deeper than before

"I think someone likes -you-, but don't tell her and run her off, shhh," he whispered against her lips before shivering.

She wrapped her arms around him, rubbing his back to warm him a little as her front pressed firmly against him. She stole one more kiss before pulling away, to let him go warm up. "You better get inside.. before you get too cold."

"Thank you... for everything," he said, fully meaning it. Assignment or no, he'd had a wonderfully innocent time with her and the kids, though not his ideal evening adventure. They had provided new insights into the workings of her family and his own, though he still wondered what device was at work and ticking in little Donnie's mind.

"Thank you as well.. I think we helped each other out tonight.." She smiled, opening the car door, her expression almost as if she didn't really want to go. Part of her did want to stay, she'd had such a pleasant time with him.. it felt good, minus the few mishaps with seeing the tape with Galen and Terra on it. All in all his company was enjoyable, he was handsome and charming, friendly and kind. She waved and slid into the driver's seat, closing the door, adjusting her seatbelt and slowly backing out.

He stepped up to the door and waved, keeping what bit of mask remained in place until she was down the street. Stepping inside, it fell and his face drew tight, thin lines of an expression of a man formulating a report in great detail. He checked his watch and came further into the room, checking on the remaining children before deciding it best to lounge on the couch and expect the rude awakening.

[Lovely]

Dec 15, 2008
Montgomery Ranch


She'd pieced him back together as much as she could, though she felt like it just wasn't enough. He'd been beaten so badly, she knew he was lucky to even be alive.

his eyes were trying to write her a novel behind the swelling.. that's all that was moving much.Trying to tell her... I love it here... love you... I'd explain except my hair hurts. He fell deeper into pillows, feeling weak and looking up at her trying to make her understand.

Annia tucked the comforter around him gently and put advil in his mouth, she gently placed the straw to his lips so he can swallow the pills.

*eyes open and slowly blink a 'thank you'* *coughs and groans*

She gently brushed his hair from his face. "It'll be alright hun.." She whispered, watching him worriedly.

*nods with his eyes as they close and he sinks into fitfull sleep*

*phone rings*

She bites her lip, wishing she could do more for him and leans to kiss a tiny spot that is unbruised. "Rest.." She sighed and moved to answer the phone. "Hello."

"I didn't wake you I hope?"

"Wake..no.. I've been up." She smiled and frowned and smiled again at hearing his voice. "Did you get some rest?"

"No rest for the wicked, you know that," he chuckled. "No, I've been in meetings. Had a break and wanted to check to see you made it home alright. Is 'Prince Robbie' doing better?"

"You called me on break from your meetings... that's thoughtful.. How did I get to be so lucky?" She laughed softly, leaning against the wall. "Robbie is doing fine.. He's actually gone down to the stables, with Ethan, to meet the new guy."

"Ah, my heart... the 'new guy'...," he teased, the smile shining in his voice. "As long as he's well and you made it home safely, that's what's important. I must ask... I don't want to wait until tonight. Can I pick you up after my next meeting? I should be out by 4. Or is that too soon?"

"The new worker.. this is a ranch.. no worries." She chuckled, closing her eyes for a moment then looking to Galen across the room. "Four?" She chewed her lips, watching G rest. "Umm.. I'll have to check with Brady to make sure he can stay with the kids.."

"Don't be ridiculous. They can come along too... unless you were planning on being naughty for me," he murmured, finding himself playing with the metal cord of the payphone.

"Never plan to be naughty.. it takes the excitement and fun out of it. It's much better to have spontaneous naughtiness.. you don't know what to expect or when.. makes it more delightful when it happens." She felt herself blushing, thinking very naughty thoughts about the handsome 'caller'.

"Mm...absolutely delightful. So you didn't say. Am I being surprised by your spontanaeity after 4 or should I expect a call?"

"How about whether the kids are with me, will be the surprise.." She chewed her lip, her gaze shifting back to Galen and her heart sank for a moment. She couldn't just leave him like this.. but then again.. she was only going to help clean up from the kids, wasn't she? "Do you need directions?"

"I'll call when I'm on my way. If you don't mind talking me through it then... okay, I confess, I really want to just listen to your voice. Yes, it's silly, I know..."

"That's.. kind of sweet.. " She bit her lip harder and blushed a little more. She was flirting.. yeah.. Last night had been a little different, she's been in such emotional pain after Galen left for his 'date'.. she'd just needed to feel better, to feel wanted and liked.. She didn't know she would feel that way back or that it would last after she went to bed. But the sound of his voice made her smile and the butterflies to flutter in her tummy.. d**n it!

"Marvelous. Then I'll see you in a little while, alright? Get some rest for me since I'm... well.. tied up... again. Not quite the same, but you know."

"Love to, but I have my hands full at the moment.. I'll take a rain check on that rest thing, though."

"Annia... are you alright?"

"Am I that obvious? I really have to work on that."

"No, I'm that good. Remember, I have a younger sister that I cherish and adore. If you're busy.. I can manage. It's alright."

"Brie is great, and I'm busy.. but not busy.. watching someone while they sleep isn't very exciting.. but I don't think he should be alone.. which is why I'm going to ask Brady to keep an eye on him."

"I thought you said he was at the ranch with the 'new guy'.. Annia.. please. I don't want to be a bother, really."

"Not Robbie.. . You're not a bother.. really, please.. this is just a little.. hard.. Um.. Galen.. is here.. sort of dumped on the doorstep in pieces.. I've been sewing him back together all morning.. somewhat literally."

"Pieces?!" Terrana wasn't going to be pleased.. he wasn't pleased. This put a wrench in it. "Is... is he alright? Well, no... of course he isn't. I can step out of this meeting... come help if you need it... I had no idea..."

Her voice choked a little. "No he's not okay.. he's a mess.. I'm doing the best I can. It's pretty bad.. " She sighed. "I thought I was supposed to be helping you?"

"Look. No arguements. I'm canceling out and coming down there. Yes, I need the directions. Has he been to the hospital?"

"No.. and he can't go to the hospital.. it's a very bad idea for him to go.. I called my doctor for a house call.. just waiting.. "

"Bad idea? I don't understand. Of course I never did understand him much. I do need to go so I can let them know... reschedule or whatever they need to do. Tell me how to get there and I'll call from the car. My cell is still charging in the office, but it should have enough now."

She looked back to the heap of man on the bed, her heart breaking a little to see him suffering so. "Alright.." She gave him directions, they were pretty simple from the main road in town, and wiped a tear from her eye.

There was no meeting, of course, and his cell was with him, but the 'thoughtfulness' of breaking away to make the call from a random payphone was the important part and it had worked well. Lucky for him it worked as well as it had and he found out. Terrana would want to know about the set-back and they'd need to work out an alternate, especially if Dick wasn't able to shine more than his own pillow for a while. He scribbled the address down and gave her his cell number in case something happened so she could leave a message... ever the kind and caring fellow he was. "I'll be there soon, Annia. I'm sorry this has happened. I'll help any way I can, alright?

"Thank you.. " She spoke softly, volumes of gratefulness and emotion in her voice.

To emphasize the haste, he said nothing more. The line clicked silent, leaving her alone with her nightmare for the moment. Damien, meanwhile, went back to his car and was dialing Terrana on the cell before he'd even gotten the car out of park. He needed to stall a few minutes anyway to make it seem he'd been detained with exiting his meeting. He listened to the ringing as he softly revved the engine to warm up the car.

Gerald answered the phone with his deep voice, rumbling a greeting, though Terra's voice could be heard calling behind him, not to answer. "Hello.. Pazore residence, how may I help you?" He fiegned butler with a light chuckle.

"Gerry? Mmm... what your voice does to me. Listen, hon, I'm really very, very sorry. I'd love... more than... god would I love to talk to you for hours, but I need to speak with her. Is she there?"

"Of course and riding my a**.." He lamented his complaints of Terra's relentless orders and such this morning. "but she's not as good as.." He chuckled, calling over his shoulder. "Hey gorgeous evil minx.. the phone is for you." As he waited for her to pick up he smiled, his rich voice coming back to Damien. "I'd love to see you, tonight."

He felt a pleasant chill cascade over him at the thought and the sound of Gerald's laugh. "Mmm... I might be able to ... squeeze... you in, hm? We'll see, Gerry. I might be working overtime tonight. That's why the call. Stay out of trouble... save it all for me, okay?"

"Why should I? You're not saving it all for me.." He teased, he was still a bit sore from their romp. It was a pleasant ache though, reminding him of their heated passion and making him want more. "Call me if you're free later." He hung up as Terra clicked on.

"Yes Dam, hun.. and why is my boy smiling like that?" She asked, watching Ger across the room.

"For the same reason you do when you hear my voice, Terrana," he said smugly and sighed. "If only that would last. We've had a change in plans. Yours specifically. Mine, I will tell you, are going spectacularly well, however. I'm ahead of schedule even. As for the rest... sit down."

"I smile because I adore you.. If my step-son adores you.. I might not adore you so much.. and you know I won't sit down, so spill it." Her voice went from teasing before he'd spoken, to cold after.

"Whatever you like, because you won't like this. It's Di... Galen," he forced himself, reminding himself not to let that slip when talking to Annia. "Galen... has washed up broken and battered. I'd recommend your spanky little nurse costume and some TLC, but Annia's got him there at the house and won't take him to the hospital. And there's something else."

She growled and it sounded much more like an animal than when most people made the noise. "How could you let this happen?"

"It wasn't my doing. I was coddling her all night and playing by your rules and then some. That's the something else. She mentioned she's discovered him in the playground with someone else's toys twice, only once with you. Not sure if this was the jealous boyfriend's doing or what. I'm actually on my way down there to persuade her to let me take him to the hospital."

"Someone besides me? The plot thickens and his pay back just increased.. " Her voice remained cold. "Twice and yet she's taking care of him now, what does this tell us? He's at her home.. she let him in, took him in, is being the good little wife -taking care of him. Oh be still my heart, she's such a nice girl.. I think I need the toilet, I'm going to vomit." Her glare could almost be felt fhrough the phone. "Let me get my hands on that perfect little b*tch.. I'll shred her."

"Terrana, you have no idea what that does to me. Oh wait, yes you do," his voice pawwed and teased through the phone. "He can't have been there long, considering he left her for his other appointments around nine or ten last night... just before she waltzed right into my lap. Lucky for me her child is as needy as her husband."

"Shut up. If he went to her and she took him in.." Her sigh was heavy. "No more playing nice.. I'm going to gut the f*cking b*tch!" The phone slammed down and Terra stalked for the door.

"Marvelous," he sighed, looking at the phone while the call dropped and the phone itself followed into his lap. He gunned the engine and pulled out, nearly swiping a sedan that jerked to halt, horn blaring as he sped off. It appeared he might be taking two people to the hospital, and if he got there in time, it was going to be him instead of Annia. He jerkily put the car into 3rd and hit redial, hoping she hadn't taken Gerry with her.

Her tires squealing as she whipped out of the drive, had Ger at the window, gazing questioningly out at the tail lights of her car. "What the..?" The phone started ringing again and he picked it up, wondering what Damien had said to her and feeling an instant protective anger rise. "Hello." His voice was clipped and not nearly as charming or warm as it had been.

"Good, that answers one question at least. Gerry, listen to me. I don't have a lot of time to explain, but hear me out... I want you to call AJ Montgomery... he runs the Montgomery Ranch. His.. .nephew, I think it is...maybe it's a cousin... anyway, Robbie is down there. Come up with something convincing that explains why the boy's mom isn't picking him up tonight and that he needs to stay the night at the ranch with Brady, his uncle. I'd call, but there's a reason I can't right now. Can you help me with this?"

"What am I supposed to say, when they ask who I am?" A simple question, as he moved to the window again, though Terra was long gone. "Does this have to do with why Terra tore out of here? If I do this.. will you be straight with me about what's going on?"

"Everything to do with it and if I don't get to his house before your mom does, that boy might be an orphan," he said quietly, the engine sounding strained between his words as he forced it between starts and stops at the lights that caught him. "If they ask, tell them you're an orderly with the hospital and the doctor's gone to make a house call to check on his stepdad. Whatever AJ decides to do at that point is his own affair. If he presses you for more information, tell him to call the doctor and hang up. If he's suspicious, so be it. Might be good if he is."

"Fine.. " He whispered, sounding a bit hoarse as worry crept in. He didn't know what the deal was, but the fact that Terra was so upset bothered him and now Damien seemed worried too. "I'll call you back." He clicked the phone to hang up and then dialed information to get the number he needed.

Indecision started to tear at his insides. He didn't want anyone damaged. He liked the games, but not the type Terrana was playing now. If he called to warn Annia, the ruse was over and he was out of a job and a handsome pay off, not to mention a beautiful playmate. If he didn't warn her, then walked in... he had no idea what to expect. He called and put the act back in play, his voice was strained and colder, more calculating as he sped faster, skating a few precarious yellow lights.

Terra was speeding across town, closer to Annia's than Damien was at the moment and she was seeing red, and green.. rage and jealousy mixed and brought her blood to a boil. They weren't playing how she wanted them to.. and damnit if that perfect b*tch was going to win..

The phone rang again and Annia was on her way to Cait's room when she picked it up. Thank goodness for cordless phones. "Hello." Her voice was soft, sweet, and a bit sad as she opened the door to the baby's room.

"Told you I'd call when I was on my way.. here I am. I should be there in about.. oh five minutes or less, actually. I can't explain it really, I know... I shouldn't... especially under the circumstances, but I have to be honest... I am really eager to see you," he whispered to mask the strain.

"I'm looking forward to seeing you as well.. and you're right.. you shouldn't say and I shouldn't say.. but we said.. so there." She reached into the crib and lifted Cait out, planning to take her down to play for a bit in the playpen that she'd set up in her room. Galen couldn't get around and Annia had to be in there with him a lot, so it made sense. She cooed at her daughter and snuggled her close. "There's my big girl.." Cait giggled and cuddled into the warmth of her mother's chest, content and happy. "So.." She resumed speaking to Damien. "Are you sure you want to come by and get more involved in this mess I call a life?" The sound of a car suddenly taking a sharp turn was heard at the end of the drive. "That's not you already is it?" She asked, walking down towards the front door instead of the bedroom, still holding Cait.

"No...," he slammed his curse into the steering wheel and maneuvered oncoming traffic in some highly illegal passing. "Were you expecting other company?"

"No.. but maybe someone sent me a male stripper to cheer me up.. cover your eyes Cait." She joked, hearing the noise of the other traffic in the background. "Hey.. Dam.. drive careful.. there's no rush.. I'd hate to have you get in an accident on the way to help me." The doorbell rang as she was coming across the foyer.

"I would too," he murmured, jerking back in his lane to avoid a truck. "And someone did send you a male stripper, he's just not there yet... he almost got in a head-on, actually. I promise, I'll be careful. It's just... how can I explain... it's like high school all over and I'm skipping my math class," he chuckled. "Hopefully that's the doctor you sent for, come to think of it. Mind if I stay on the line?"

"Well I wasn't going to hang up on you.. but how polite of you to ask.. I'm the queen, remember I can do multiple things at once." The door opened and her chuckle stopped abruptly. "Terrana.." Her tone was surprised, annoyed, displeased. "Oh my.." She gave a startled cry as she ducked the swinging arm and flash of whatever was in Terra's hand. Cait gave a wail as she was nearly knocked from Annia's arms, when Terra lunged at them. The phone clattered to the floor and Annia sought to get a hold on the baby as she fell to her knees. Terra's voice spitting profanities and promises of bodily harm might be heard through the phone as she came at Annia again.

"Hello? Hello?!? F*ck. Damnit Terrana, you have to be at center stage, don't you. You'll f*ck us all up the arse this time," he cursed openly as he hung up now that he was at the end of the street anyway, fishtailing into the drive to avoid Terrana's car and parking half-off the pavement into the grass as he slammed in park and ran out to get in the house.

She had Cait in her arms, which prevented her from fighting back.. much. Annia did what she could to avoid getting hit or cut, protecting Cait at all costs, she managed to bring her leg up and knock Terra's side, sending her off kilter as Annia got to her feet.

The door was open and he was empty handed, grabbing the first useful item he could find on the way in. Sliding the letters and bills off the tray in the entryway, he inspected it, deciding it was a shield enough and sturdy enough as long as no guns were involved. She hadn't mentioned the doctor's name and no other cars were out front. He tossed a drawl into his voice and altered his pitch as he called out as if nothing were wrong, "Hello? Annia? It's Doctor North. Your door was open, is it alright if I come in? Hello? Annia?"

Terra didn't seem to care that someone else was in the house as she lashed out at Annia, though Annia was very aware that, who ever it was, it was not her doctor. Caitlin was crying, scared and not understanding what was happening, as Terra swung again. Annia swore loudly as the blade sliced her forearm. "What the hell.. are you out of your mind?" She spoke loudly, trying to let Damien, she assumed, know they were in the living room, just to the right of the foyer.

Terra turned her attention from Annia for barely a moment as she heard the voice calling from the entryway. "You f*cking b*tch.. no one screws things up for me.."

Though he could barely stand, he managed, hearing the ruckus and pulling himself from the bed. The sounds of Cait's wailing gave him the strength to move slowly across the floor though he buckled from pain on every other step trying to reach the door. His throat was sore and dry and his lungs ached from the labored breathing, making his voice slight and shallow and unable to call out to Annia from this far down the hall. He moved slowly, driven on by the cries of their child and by the shriek from his wife.

He moved cautiously after the sounds then ran when Annia's voice rose, swinging the tray at Terrana's hand to knock her weapon away. "What are you doing?"

She shrieked as if he'd caused her some horrible pain, so much more than what he had. Her knife knocked away, she turned on him with a deadly glare and lashing claws. "Stay out of my way!"

Annia was thankful for the reprieve from Terra's onslaught and quickly set Cait to the floor. Watching as Terra turned on Damien, "Get Cait!" She called out to him as she took a running lunge to tackle Terra to the ground, both women tumbling back into the foyer. But this time Annia's arms were not occupied with holding her daughter. She grabbed Terra by the hair and slammed a fist into her cheek.

Startled by being shoved aside for her to fight her own fight, he balked and watched a brief moment as the women collided, then blinked as the request she'd made registered. He dove for the child and kept the tray in the other hand, stepping back to the hallway in search of the phone that had dropped.

A few more steps forward had him gasping for breath around pain, hoarsely sending Annia's name out to the pictures and plants that lined the wall as he slid past them. Intent to reach her and keep her from harm, he was afraid at first that it was Resher's boys at work, not expecting to see the flash of the deep olive tan and flowing dark hair that tumbled briefly in and out of view. "Annia?" He winced and murmured against the bright light through the doorway and the confusion that swam around the painkillers, not seeing Damien there with his child in hand.

Terra shrieked again, lashing out with her long nails and legs. "Stupid little B*tch." She cursed, finding Annia's injured arm and tearing the wound open further with a clawing hand. She laughed looking up as Dick came into view, her other hand raking across Annia's cheek, she gave him a wicked grin.

Annia's cry was pained from the nails digging into the cuts on her arm, she had no idea why Terra was coming after her... it had been Terra who had slept with her husband. If anything Annia should have been the one going after her. She yanked away from Terra, moving smoothly into a back flip, which drove her feet into Terra, sending the other woman flying back as well, though not as gracefully as Annia. "Galen?" She'd heard his soft and pained voice say her name and turned to see him there. "What are doing? You're going to make yourself worse."

"Geezussss..Galen? What the hell happened?" He hadn't seen the man come down the hall and to look at him, he wasn't sure -how- he came down the hall. The guy was still in pieces around the stitches and looked as though he busted a few open on the way. Damien was genuinely upset that such a fine piece of meat had been worked over like that and may have even felt some remorse that bordered on concern for an old friend at the moment. He looked away a moment to be sure Cait was alright and looked to Annia beyond the hall, seeing Terra scramble to her feet. "Annia... look out!

"Damien.... how... what are you doing here?" He scratched out, reaching to take his daughter from him with a smile before doubling over in a cough that pulled him to his knees. The cough was shallow and he pulled his arms around himself, one obviously fractured and splinted, seeming to hold his sides together but pushing the blood out as the air forced it from his mouth.

She turned to see Terra comming but her gaze shifted back as she heard Galen cough, she watched him sink to the floor and sputter blood. "Galen!" She was about to run towards him when the flash of light of the blade Terra had retrieved, caught her eye. Annia narrowly missed being sliced again, though her shirt did not, a good sized flap hung where it had covered her back. "Damien.. " She rolled and came back up on her feet. "Get him back in bed!" She dodged another attack and spun, trying to keep her eye on the slashing mad woman. "There's a playpen set up for Cait in our room.." She back flipped again, putting a little more distance between herself and Terra.

"Oh no you don't!" Terra's dangerous gaze shifted to the men. "You stay right there.. and watch while I fix little miss perfect to match her sweet hubby.." She swung her gaze back to Annia and smiled, resuming her attacks.

"You're insane," Damien seethed, despising her for the moment. He couldn't pretend to know her even half as well as he truly did, yet she baited him. He finally spied the phone on the floor and made note of it, moving over to Galen with his girl. She'd be fine in her father's care for ten seconds, but he wasn't so sure about the father being as well for that long. "Galen, stay still and watch her. The doctor's on his way," he murmured, partly acting and partly not as he came closer, seeing him, feeling his presence, and the strength that glowed off him as he attempted to move. Damien was awed and shocked to some degree, though it hardly showed. Setting Cait down with him, he grabbed the tray again and turned. "Leave her alone!" He said, flying at her himself.

Galen nodded and winced, reaching to wipe the crimson from his lip. It was only a small amount, but it was a sure sign of many things wrong. He smiled as best he could for his darling girl, resting back on his heels and gasping for decent breath as he curled her up to his lap with the one strong arm.

Annia stepped back as Terra advanced, keeping as clear a head as she could and looking for the right opprotunity to catch the crazed woman off guard. She kept her arms up protectively, like a boxer would and her eyes on Terra's advancing form.

Her head spun in shock as Dam came at her, she'd not expected him to defend the girl or Galen.. and it angered her further. She kicked at him, like a spoiled brat who wasn't getting things her way. "You son of a bi-.." Her words were cut off as Annia grabbed her by the arm and spun her into a forceful fist.

He dodged the kick and narrowly missed Annia's slip between them, nearly hitting her with the tray. "Stop this, both of you. What the hell is wrong with you? Come into this woman's house to destroy it... her....? Why?" He knew why and if Terrana had any sense in her head behind the rage she'd understand that he was trying to salvage the ruse and get things in control. "Annia... stop it... get Cait and call the police," he said, trying to pull the women apart before they did the same to him.

She punched Terra again, her eyes narrowed as she unleashed her anger on the other woman. "You.." Her fist connected with Terra's cheek. "..slept.." Another hit landed to Terra's middle. "..with my.." Her fists continued to fly at Terra with every word. "..husband.." It was Terra's turn to move back as she was bombarded with strong blows. "..in my..bed!!" Annia's foot hooked behind Terra's ankle and sent the woman falling to the hard wood floor.

Terra dropped the knife as Annia's fury turned on her, she'd heard Damien's words and though they didn't quite reach her the way he hoped they would, they distracted her for a moment as they tried to register in her mind. Once on her back on the floor she stared up at Annia, shocked, but still angry. "You thought you could have what's mine!!" She spat at the girl.

He gave up on them, deciding it better not to get between them afterall. Damien kicked the knife away from Terrana and pulled into his own hand, rolling away from Annia's blows and Terrana's words to move around them and grab the phone from the floor. It wasn't the police he called, but Gerald, though the call sounded every bit as though the police were on the line. "Yes, we need someone right away, officer," he said, giving the address.

Galen waivered in and out of consciousness as he listened, rocking slightly with the tiny girl in his arms. It was a horrid dream, he was sure of it, brought on by the fever and blood loss.

Ger chuckled rolling his eyes and puckering a kiss to Damien. "Right away sir.. I made that call.. it's all set, the boy will be staying with his uncle for the night."

"No, no gunfire. A fist fight... yes. Um... no, they appear to know each other. I'm just a friend of the family, no relation.... what? Oh, yes, Damien... e-n, yes... Woodsen... two... yes, brunette, caucasian... female, yes... the other?... dark hair, dark... no, not... yes... more latino, olive, yes... five six... yes, of course they are, that's why I'm calling...."

"Hang up the phone," Galen rasped, finally getting a voice. "Sto... stop... stop it... all of you, please," he said, putting his splinted arm to the floor to hold himself up, nearly dropping Cait.

Ger listened and shook his head. "Mom.. in a fight? She okay?" This was all just very odd to him.

Terra sneered at Annia and Galen, hearing his rasped out words. "Oh.. I haven't even begun yet.." She hissed, but for the moment did not resume her attacks. Watching as Annia took a step back, before she got to her feet, wobbling on her very high heels as she steadied herself.

Annia was wary of Terra, not trusting her for a moment as she stepped away from the other woman. "It's alright Dam.. go ahead and hang up for now." Her eyes shifted to Galen and she nearly ran to his side to help him hold onto Cait and not fall over himself. Her arm gently circled his waist and she let his weight rest on her.

"Fine.. no, no, I guess it's alright, officer. Yes, if you need to send someone still because of the call I understand, thank you," Damien said, ending the call. Yes, Ger's mother was fine. Out of her mind with rage, however.

"T... Terr...ana...," Galen tried to move and make sense of it, but the room was wavering green and grey, washing up and down around him as best he could tell. "Get out... get out of my hou...," he tried to say, rattled by a cough that shook him roughly and moved more blood from within.

"Shh.. love, take it easy.. We're going to get you back in bed.. the doctor is coming." The concern shone in her eyes and trembled in her voice. She directed a much more firm and hateful voice towards Terra. "Get out.. now." Leaning Galen back against the wall, she took a couple steps forward. "I don't know what it is you want from us.. from him." She motioned behind herself, to the heap of man. "But he needs a doctor, rest, and to be taken care of.. whatever is between you two.. you can work out when he can stand again. If he wants to go back with you at that time.. so be it.. but until he can walk out that door on his own, he is in my care. And if I catch you near this house again.. They won't need to call the police.. they'll have to call the coroner." Her voice was so unnaturally cold harsh and serious, she was in no way joking. Annia had just reached the end of her wonderful forgiving paitence.

Terra snorted at first, but then looking at the expression on the girl's face and hearing the tone of her voice, she knew Annia was not to be taken lightly in this moment. Her chin tilted and her dark eyes cast in a looking down way over the girl, though she felt a chill from her words. "I'm going to make you sorry you ever met me.. and when I'm done.. you'll wish you'd never met him, either!"

"Why is he here?" Galen asked slowly and softly. "Annia... your arm. You're bleeding," he smiled gently as much as his lip could curl with the swelling in his face, sympathetic and worried.

Damien moved forward to pull the woman from the room 'forcefully'. "They said to leave, I suggest you do as they say," he winked, suggesting that they go outside to talk for a moment before she did anything else.

She glared at him, attempting to wrest her arm free of him. "Take your hands off me!" She had seen the wink, but was still angry so her actions were not all an act as she batted his arm and turned for the door.

Cait had calmed, being in her father's arms had soothed her despite his condition. Annia gently took the girl from him. "I'll be right back." Her lips whispered over his, barely touching, but their pressence felt like a breeze. She carried Cait down the hall and set her in the playpen in their room and then hurried back to Galen. Annia knelt beside him and carefully took his hand in hers. "You couldn't go for the mild mannered librarian, could you?" She teased him softly, smiling despite the tense situation.

He tried to focus on her and reply with something clever though the words swam as much as the room. His head rested back to the wall instead, his eyes closing against the dizziness. "I.... I'm not well, am I?"

Damien let go and ushered himself out behind Terrana to ensure she went to her car.

"No.. love, you're not well at all.. Resher and his boys gave you a good working over.. don't worry, I'm sending him the bill for my services."

Terra walked to her car in a angry huff, fussing with her hair and touching her cheek and lip where it was swelling up.

"What the hell.... the hell are you doing? You'll ruin it... nearly destroyed it right there," he started, lowering his voice as he came closer.

"Annia.. y... you can't... not a word about him. He'll get you... Cait... I c... I can't, please..."

"Oh shut up! You're not the boss around here." She hissed, turning a sharp gaze on him.

"Shh.. shh it's alright.. he's not going to do anything to me or Cait." She curled closer to him, trying to keep him from getting upset.

Whatever in god's name possessed him to do so, he slapped her. "Stop it. Think about what just went on in there, get in your car and go home. It won't work this way. You know it won't and now that you've threatened them both, you just made your work that much harder, do you understand? I can fix my end, but you f*cked up, Terr... go home. I'll see you there tonight."

Shocked was not the word to describe her reaction to the sting of his hand on her cheek. Her eyes darkened in shades of black and her hand lashed out to slap him in return. "Don't you ever.." She hissed, nearly hitting him with the car door as she opened it.

He stepped back, chuckling. At least he knew he got through the fog of her rage. Slapping the hood of her car, he stepped away to let her rage cool and the engine race out of range of running him over. Damien slipped back in the house to check on the other two, curious where this house call was... doctors, he shook his head.

"No... not alright... nothing.. nothing's been al... alright," Galen said between slow breaths, curling more into himself. "I'm a disaster," he whispered to her, bemoaning the trouble he'd caused her.

"You are a disaster, which is why we need to get you back to bed and I need to call and find out what's keeping the doctor." She spoke softly, concerned even more as she watched him curl.

Damien's mask was in place as he stepped back in the door, true worry at seeing Annia's face as he came up to them. "He needs a hospital, Annia. The doctor can't do anything here. I should take him... and you. You need stitches. I can't do it and you can't do it one-handed, though you did fine work with him."

She looked away from Galen at the sound of Damien's voice, tears shining, but with held in her eyes. "Damien.. I.. we.. " She looked back to Galen and brushed her fingers over his swollen cheek, very lightly. "There will be questions.. we can't answer.." She said softly, speaking to Galen, asking him what he wanted to do.

"What more do they need? He was mugged and doesn't remember... come on. I'll get him in the car. Get Cait and we'll go."

Galen looked up at him slowly, uncertain, wary and confused. "Damien? What...," his question was again cut off by the cough.

"He's right.. you need the hospital.." She kissed his forehead, after whispering the words. Looking up at Damien she smiled a little. "Looks like I'm really going to owe you.." She reached her hand to him, to help her to her feet.

He helped her up with ease, pulling her into his arm just a little, his hand resting at her side a moment to reassure. "You owe me nothing, please," he insisted, reaching down to help his old playmate to his feet if he could stand.

Galen's move to an upright position was a more difficult task. He grasped at Damien's hand, attempting to pull himself to standing slowly, not straightening much from the ball he sat in.

She gently brushed past Damien as he reached to help Galen, in the bedroom she quickly wrapped her arm in some gauze to stem the flow of blood and then gathered her daughter. Once her bundle was bundled to go and settled into the seat, she carried her out to check on how the boys were doing.

He was up as far as he was getting and as mobile as he was before, nearly draped over Damien's arm, unable to reach his hand along the man's back for much support. They had shuffled as far as the car itself, but not gotten in yet.

She tried to hide the concerned sigh and moved to open the door, then around to the other side to strap Cait's car seat in. She didn't say anything as she came back around to help get Galen into the car as gently as possible. She slipped up beside the two men, her arm going around Galen's waist.

"That's it, just fall in and get comfortable," Damien said, stepping away to make room.

[Lovely]

December 16, 2008


He said something about being twisted which made her laugh. "Yeah, yeah.. twist this."

*tweaks a nipple*.... "you were saying?"

"oo!" *blush*

*shrug*... "s'what you get, hon." *blows a kiss*...

"You are very naughty!"

"Don't tempt me. You never know how I might react." *grins*

"Didn't realize I was tempting.."

"Very. Oh, I'm sorry... am I being forward again?"

"You are.." *blushes* "It's alright.. you shouldn't worry about, just be yourself."

"Hmmm... there you go tempting me more. As long as you're prepared for the consequence," he sighed, looking over at her sideways, teasing and goading a little. His smile was warm and inviting, etched with mischief.

"Uh oh.. planning to cause mischief?" She bit her lower lip gently, watching him with nervous, shy curiosity.

"I never plan... I just 'do'," he grinned, leaning to kiss her constrained smile. It was mostly truthful that he often improvised the situation. His type of world rarely had a script to follow.

Her smile was was softer when he pulled away, her eyes slowly opening to gaze into his. "Just doing.. could get you into trouble.." She whispered, almost leaning to his lips again.

"Oh, I hope so," he teased dramatically, offering a wink and closing the distance between them again.

The kiss lasted longer this time and was slightly deeper, Annia leaning into him less shyly this time. She blushed as she pulled away, her fingers coming up to her lips and brushing over them briefly. "Definately trouble." She whispered, though she couldn't help smiling.

"I won't tell if you don't," he whispered, putting a mock-embarassed expression on for a second then chuckling. "Annia, relax, please. You have a world of worry. Indulge in a little time away, alright? I won't bite... at least not right now."

"Indulge.. god how I'd love to just.. do that.." She whispered.

"A sure sign you're thinking too much," he pouted, running his finger under her chin. "It's just me. What harm is there in a little.. relaxation?"

She sighed gently, her eyes lowering then raising back to his face. "What do you have in mind?"

"Where the road takes you? You're grown, Annia. You're entitled to do as you please. Have an adventure."

"I'm married with two kids.. not exactly the catalyst for 'adventure'."

"Separated... with one child being minded by the relatives to allow you a moment to do what you need to for your sanity, hm? Cait's fine. She's sleeping. How about you?"

"Seperated.." She echoed the word softly, letting it sink in more than it had in the month Galen had been gone.Looking over at Damien, she half smiled and held up her stitched arm. "I about as well as I look.. okay.. maybe I look better than I am.. I don't know what to do."

"You're thinking again," he scolded teasingly, taking her fingers on the upheld arm to guide her to the couch and sit beside her. "Follow where the road leads..." This time his voice was more hinting and inviting that she trust him and let herself 'go'.

"I have a bad habit of thinking.." She murmured softly, following him to the couch. Her fingers curled a little more tightly with his as she sat down. "Where the road leads?" She nodded slowly, more open to the possibilities.

"How is your arm?" He looked over where she was bandaged, noting that her shoulders were unharmed, offering to rub them as he had before.

"It hurts.. but considering, it's not bad." "Thank you." She said softly, looking to his eyes with a gentle smile.

"You are a timid little thing aren't you? Turn around. C'mon... now... turn....," he smiled, motioning his hand in a half-circle for her to turn her back to his strong and gentle hands.

"Only when I've been thinking too much." She countered, with a bit of tease in her voice, she turned so he could rub her back, settling with one leg curled on the cushions.

His hands were warm on her shoulders and he worked over them slowly. Each gentle dig brought her slowly closer and after a few quiet minutes to let her enjoy, she'd find herself leaning into him, nearly in his lap. His breath tickled gently over her ear to break the silence, "Comfy?"

Her eyes had closed and she smiled, nodding her head. "Yes.. thanks." She let a soft sigh out and shifted slightly to settle against him, instead of moving away, like a tiny voice inside her cried for her to do. She ignored the voice and rested her head back on his shoulder.

Damien held her there, his head resting against hers. His fingers rose to brush her hair lightly back, curling into it and turning to kiss her. He made no apology for lingering or hinting at the desires she built in him, letting the kiss tell her more of where he wanted the road to lead.

The voice cried out, telling her to pull away and she ignored it again, sinking further into the kiss instead. Her lips parted to deepen the kiss and let it build slowly, her tongue coming to the edge of her mouth to seek his, gently.

Damien's fingers were gentle yet bold, moving from her hair, down her back and curling her, encouraging her to turn more as he leaned down beneath her. The tip of his tongue teased at her lip as she teased his, brushing past her sweetness with his own peppery, daring tint.

Annia was enraptured by the sweet bliss of the kiss, her tongue danced slowly with Damien's. She was shy and bold at once, shifting to face him, ending up laying on top of him as he in turn shifted down. Her heart sped up in her chest, as she continued to kiss him.

Careful of the bandage on her arm, his hand rubbed her back in slow circles through her top, gradually reaching the hem and touching the skin beneath it where it lifted from how she was laying against him. His fingers fanned out beneath the top over her smooth skin and rested there on her back, feeling her breath rise and fall in building excitement.

His fingers on her skin caused her breath to catch a moment and her eyes fluttered. Pulling back for a moment, she licked her lips and smiled softly down at him, not moving far, just enough to regain her breath.

"Shhhh....I didn't mean to startle you," he smiled, whispering and watching her eyes. He meant to calm her and ease her back down, still offering no apology for misbehaving, letting his fingers slowly move up her back.

She shook her head. "It's alright.." Her voice low, near a whisper, eyes shining brightly as she gazed at him a moment longer. She didn't protest or seem to mind the fingers that caressed her back, gently brushing her lips over his again.

For a moment, maybe two, possibly longer, the act was lost as he held her, lingering in kisses that continued and built slowly on true desires. He hadn't expected such sweetness and genuine warmth could exist. Part of him wished to purge the seeming unnatural idea from his mind while part embraced it and longed for it more. He shifted his arm next to the cushions, finding the most comfortable place to rest his fingers against the back of her hip.

She trembled a little as she sought a deeper kiss, something that had curled up inside her when Galen betrayed her, was slowly having life breathed into it again. One hand rested lightly over his chest and the other gently stroked his jaw, inviting more kisses, her lips parting to take them.

Instinctively, naturally, his fingers gripped at her firm behind, not so much to squeeze, but she would know he was finding her attention pleasant. He nipped back, pulling her lip tenderly with his own. His pleasure was certainly no secret and he stretched out beneath her to adjust.

She kept kissing him slowly, tenderly, her gently aroused passion coming out more and more in the kisses. She felt him as he shifted under her, there was no mistaking what pressed into her and she slowly pulled her lips away from his. "Should we stop?" She whispered. "I don't want to make you uncomfortable.." She glanced down and then back to his face. She didn't want to be a tease or frustrate him, but she couldn't say at the moment she would go further.

"No, by all means, no. I'm fine," he grinned dreamily, feeling her weight against him. "Are you comfortable"

She smiled, nodding and shifting to lay back over him, she rested her head to his shoulder a moment. "You're making me very comfortable." She spoke softly, lifting her face above his so he could see her smile and the sparkle of her eyes.

[Lovely]

January 13, 2009
1pm
Terra's house


Damien says... *nothing.. and curls a finger for her to come closer* "wanna ride, hon?"

Chuckles

*smiles and reaches out the car window* "... I'm sure you're going my way... hop on in." *winks*

raises a brow and says. "No."

*rolls his eyes*... "Terrana, please... what have I done now?"

Chuckles again. "Damien.. the question should be what haven't you done?.. stop making me laugh.. I'm not supposed to like you anymore."

*grins* ... "But you can't help yourself, can you? Please? Come talk to me."

"Oh I can help it.. see.. this is me not liking you.. how does it look?" *Tries not to smile*

"Like you're a cat trying to keep the canary from escaping out of your beautifully, lusciously rouged lips, hon.... what's wrong.. don't 'swallow' any more?"

"Oh please.. of course I do.. I mean why waste something perfectly good?"

*nods* "exactly my point." *points in car window.. that he has something to 'show' her*

She raises an eyebrow at him and sort of nods her head as if to say go ahead and show me whatever you have.

*gives her a look and raises a finger to his lips, chuckling* ... "unless you'd like this to go to waste...?"

"like what to go to waste?"

*looks down and muses, looks back up at her*... something so perfectly good right now... would be a shame

"You're assuming alot about what I think is good."

"Oooo ouch. Cruelty 101.. passing score, hon. You're assuming a lot that I'd actually want to waste something so perfectly good on the likes of you. "

She smiled wickedly. "Not like you have anyone else who'd want the likes of you... you know nothing about being true.. or really caring about someone.

"Be still my heart. You? Telling me about being 'true'? How's your morning sickness these days? Oh, that's right... you're more sick that the father decided to work things out with his wife. Silly, how I forget these things."

"What morning sickness?" She tipped her head to the side with an innocent look. "Ohhh and I guess that means his wife left you... poor thing.. I'm sure it just broke your heart.." She sniffed dramatically. "Oh.. that's right she knows you didn't care and were just using her.. tut tut.."

He shook his head. "Very very untrue. It was actually quite touching. I convinced her to patch it over with 'Dick' once and for all. If not for the fact that in some bleak distance past he and I were once friends, I wouldn't have bothered. It's her heart breaking for him, nothing I did. He's deserving of real love, Terrana. So am I."

"Sure.. whatever.. you both have had it.. and thrown it away.. You deserve to have hot coals raked over your balls."

"Your plan, Terrana. It was your idea to begin with and I'm sorry it turned sour for you. I've personally had a marvelous time and regained an old, dear, ... dare I say 'true' friend in the process and gained a second along the way. And a third. But what have you got left besides your temper, I wonder?"

"My family.. and the knowledge that I have truly loved two men.. though neither deserved it.. my temper is just what keeps me from falling into a crumbling pathetic mess like some other people... Now if you'll excuse me, I'm expecting my son."

"Oh, that's what I've actually come by to tell you... that he won't be coming by."

She laughed and waved as if to tell him to shoo. "Damien love.. I just got off the phone with him.. he's on his way to take me to lunch.. that's why I'm standing out here.. you silly man."

He nodded as if he only half believed her. "I see, well I suppose you'll have a very interesting conversation when he tells you, then."

She looked to the sky and sighed, shaking her head slightly. "Damien.. go away.. I can't be around you right now.. " She looked as though she was trying hard not to cry. "You don't care about anything that is further than a foot away from you.. and you can't be true to one person because youre always looking at or thinking about what else is out there that you could have!"

"Perhaps you should lower the mirror, Soterrana," he said softly. "It was you, wanting more than you could ever have... not thinking about what was within reach." He shook his head gently, feeling the pain from her as he watched her eyes, still caring deeply, but keeping distant. "If you really believe that about me, then you never cared to look beyond the surface."

She looked at him and shook her head. "I haven't had any lovers.. beside you and Dick.. in years.. but neither of you.. forget it.. none of it matters.. because there was nothing within my reach but false hope.. and now I'll have a daily reminder that all I was to either of you was a convinient place to drop a load when nothing better was around.."

"I can't make you see it, Terrana. I never could. Believe what you will," Damien sighed and rested his head against back of his seat, staring out the windscreen for a moment. Determination settled in and he adjusted himself to open the door and step out to face her directly. He left the door open, the radio playing quietly to the sidewalk as he stepped up to her. "It matters, Terrana."

"See what Damien? What is there to see? That you'll be here till something younger and prettier walks by.. You can't settle.. you're not content to be content with one person.. and that's why it doesn't matter.. I got myself into this.. stupid false hope that I might matter.. and I'll have to deal with it alone.. like always and everything.. that's how it always ends for me."

He sidled up to her, hovering near, clenching a fist in debate of reaching out to slap her for doubting him or to offer an arm to console her. "What you refused to see and still do," he said calmly, directly. "Jobs are just that, but love is... was... you. And me. I do love you, likely I always will, but it's apparent more now than ever that that's not enough for you, is it?" He shook his head again. "I'm not what you want, so you play your games and get your kicks and all the while you push me away. It worked. I'm done. You made that choice for me. I suppose I really should thank you, though. It managed to open my eyes to something.. someone I can care for as much, if not.. no, definitely more, and be appreciated in return. I'll never see that with you."

"I have always been right here... for years.. there hasn't been a new lover.. months alone while you were off.. with whoever had caught your fancy.. -you- were the one who didn't see what was right in front of you.. So go ahead and hurt me more with what wonderful happiness you've found.. with someone else.. No you wouldn't see that with me.. because you didn't want it.. so.. I guess you're welcome.. cause I helped you find everything I wanted with someone else.. congratulations.. I hope you'll have every happiness that I won't."

How many of the 'others' had been assignments and games of her own devise and how many were simply passtimes when she wouldn't see him or allow him to stay? She was only partly right, but likely for the wrong reasons. "Go on, keep playing your game. You won't win this time," he seethed quietly, letting her try his sympathy. "This last one, this last game, was truly the last one. I'm through. I'm through with you and your deceit, your vengeance, your wicked anger. It's not real and it's not healthy for either of us. It's too late to tell me now about your 'true' caring. If you really wanted either of us... it's too late and I'm sorry."

"It stopped being a game a long time ago.. when it stopped being about winning or losing." She stopped fighting the tears and a few slipped down her cheeks. "I may be wicked and vengeful.. but I'm honest with those who matter.. and I was always honest with you.. I never knew you thought so poorly of me.. I thought you were the only one who got me.. boy was I wrong on that one, huh?" She nodded to herself and wrapped her arms around her belly. "You're wrong about it being real.. it's very real.. but since it's too late and you obviously think I'm shit.. you should get going.. Gerry and I have alot to discuss."

"And you're wrong about my not caring and loving in return. So that's where it stands," he said, pausing and folding his arms in the very likeness of Galen as if they both stood passing judgement on her. "I don't think you're shit. I think you need help, but it won't come from me."

"am I? you're the one ditching me." She sighed and stepped away from him, looking down the street. "I didn't expect you'd help me with this.. which is why I went after Dick.. " She stepped back onto the driveway. "Ger said he is going to help me.. he cares enough to show it and be around."

"Yes.. yes he does," he agreed fully, his tone changing slightly. "Which is why you went after him? You mean to say you were... before?"

"I don't mean to say anything.. words usually just come flying out before I can stop them.. you know me.." Her voice trailed off and she shook her head. "Like I said.. none of it matters.. are my eyes red?" She turned towards him, wiping her cheeks. "He gets so protective and worried.. I don't want him to know I cried.. I never cry.. he'll think I'm dying or something.."

"You're still beautiful," Damien muttered. He wondered if by her silence she confirmed his question. If only he and Galen had been with her in years, then... Maybe it was a trick to get him to stay or maybe it was truth to ensure that he didn't. "We both worry about you. Here," he said, offering a hand to brush her hair from her face and dab her smudges away from her cheeks.

"Liar.. no one is beautiful when they cry.. just hel-.. is it okay now?" her fingers followed his over her face trying to make all traces of her upset disappear.

His fingers retraced their motion to grasp her hand tenderly and he nodded. "No, it's not okay, but it will be. Of course I'll help you," he said, answering more than just the question about her appearance as he kissed her palm.

Her eyes narrowed as she felt him take her hand and watched his demeanor change. She honestly didn't know what to think, now. Terrana was silent for a few moment, simply staring and then searching his face. She was shocked enough by his tenderness and words to lose her venom and spite for the moment, seeming a bit lost.

"We'll both help you. Family does that," he added, still quiet and holding her hand, rubbing his thumb over her knuckle.

"Stop trying to make me like you again.. it's easier not to like you when I don't like you." Her eyes closed against another wash of tears though they dampened her cheeks anyway.

Her eyes closed and he leaned to kiss the tears from them, reaching as he did to hold her softly if she'd have anything more to do with him.

"What are you doing?" She whispered, sniffing a little, her eyes remained closed as he took her into a gentle embrace.

"Apologizing, demonstrating... breaking down a wall that's been between us too long... letting go some of my pride to be honest and tell you I do love you," he sighed, hearing the car coming up the road, but continuing to hold her. Some part of him accepted the fear that Gerry would be upset to see them like this, but he listened to Morris' words in his head and held to the faith that Gerry would understand and think no less of him. That was trust, wasn't it?

Terrana bit her lip making a soft but audible noise as she tried not to sob and leaned into him, letting her head tilt to rest on his shoulder. "Why would you want to go and do a thing like that for?" She burried her face to his neck, trying hard to control the tide of emotions she was experiencing.

Ger was worried about her, Terra had sounded truly distraught and he knew she'd been taking everything very hard lately. Her plot had gone terribly wrong and though she often played games for fun and the thrill of 'winning' this one had been about something more and the stakes set higher. Gerry didn't know everything and he was aware there was much she hadn't told him.. but she'd always protected him and kept him away from her darker side and her wicked games. He had learned over the years about the games and understood her desire to keep him out of that part of her world. Ger had always seen the other side of her, the person who cared enough to take care of a child who was not her own.. even though his father had left her, divorced her and then run off with some girl who was barely legal.

She'd given Ger everything she could and though their family was broken and odd.. it was still family. She made him laugh, listened when he needed someone to talk to, nursed him when he was sick.. all the things she didn't have to do. He was determined to repay her in some way now, though he knew she didn't expect it, she hadn't been there for him all that time in order to get anything from him.

He had stopped to buy her flowers on his way, which is what had taken him longer to get there and now the drive came into view and a car parked near the end. His lips pursed as he recognised the car, he'd not expected to see Damien here, and see he did as he pulled up. He parked his car on the street, not far from Dam's and got out, walking up to the two and tipping his head to the side. "Is this a private hug, or can anyone join in?" He asked softly, putting a hand lightly to Terra's back and glancing at Dam for some indication of how she was.

Damien's look, a bit of dampness in the corner of his own eye, would be indication enough of how they both were. He moved his arm to pull the boy in with them. "It's a family hug. You need to be here," he murmured, now having one hand warmly settled to each of them and radiating the care and concern he'd bottled for so many years.

Terra nodded and murmured an agreement that Ger needed to be included, but she didn't turn her face yet, still not wanting him to see that she'd been crying.

For his part, Ger stepped into the hug, wrapping a well muscled arm around each of them, he kissed the top of Terra's head and leaned across to kiss Dam's cheek. "I think we should order in.. get comfy and relaxed.. and then we can figure everything out." He was speaking mostly to Terra, but Dam was definately included in the we as his eyes looked to the other man and showed a deep sincere caring and thankfulness that he was there, too.

"We should get off the drive before the neighbors come and join in, too," he chuckled, patting each of them so he could peel away and close up his car, giving Gerry a moment with her alone. Damien realized his problem when he spoke with Morris. It wasn't that he held out for something better, he wanted both, to keep all his toys... and he stopped himself at that thought. Not toys, he chided himself as he stepped to the car to shut it off and lock it... two people he loved dearly.

"Damien.. would you be a dear and lock mine too.. there's something on the front seat, would you grab it?" His arms wrapped around Terra as he smiled at Dam, turning the woman towards the house. Terra tried to hide her damp cheeks still, but the nudge and look from Gerry was his hint to tell her he knew.

She sighed and let him steer her into the house, though they walked slowly, giving Damien time to catch up. "I'm sorry.." She said softly, never liking Gerry to see her in such a state.

His arm tightened on her to reassure her, that he was there and going to do what he could to make things better.

Dam's alarm chirped in merry obedience as it set itself and he walked to Ger's car to retrieve the items. He leaned on the roof on an elbow, running his hand over his face to clear his vision and his thoughts as he looked back to see Ger walk her inside. Fear was easier and something he understood so much more than this. Damien pulled the flowers gently from the seat and locked up Ger's car with as much care as he'd done his own, taking the moment to brush a crumbled leaf from the seat and keep things tidy for him. The flowers were pretty and even had a light scent that inspired him to draw them up to his nose to appreciate. A tender and sad smile curled for a moment before he started up the drive to follow them inside.

Gerry had scooped her up and taken her to the long plush couch that had plenty of room for all three of them to sink into. There he had set her down gently and gone to her room to fetch something soft and comfy for her to put on since they were staying in.

Terra had curled her knees up and had her arms wrapped around her legs, she appeared very vunerable like that, with her raven locks spilling over her shoulders and her slightly red rimmed and sad looking eyes. Her head only turned a little as she heard Dam come in things had gotten so far out of hand, she didn't know what to do at this point.

Dam peeked over the bouquet meant for her, sorry he had nothing to offer from himself besides apologies and a few uncertain promises. He closed the door behind himself and stepped toward her to let her smell the flowers. He leaned to whisper gently. "For you. I'll put these in water. Where did Gerry go?" He hadn't seen him slip to the back room.

She glanced up at him and reached a finger to touch a few of the petals from the flowers. Terra nodded to his offer to put them in water, she seemed so confused by his sudden kinder attitude, they had been lashing at each other a short time ago and right now she didn't know what to expect. "He stepped into my room.. he'll be right back."

He nodded and leaned to slip a whispering kiss over her cheek before stepping away to find a vase. "We'll be right back," he said, promising that neither would leave her alone to herself too long. The flowers were left for a moment in the kitchen and he stepped to Terrana's room to peek in on Gerry. "I'm sorry, this wasn't planned. Are you alright?"

He turned from pulling some knit pajama pants from her dresser and smiled a little. "Me? Yeah.. I'm just worried about Terra. She's been acting really strange lately.. not at all herself." He shrugged, his expression etched with that concern as he rumaged for a top.

"Camisoles are in the left side drawer," he said quietly. He'd looked after her things from time to time when he did stay. "She'll be alright I think. Listen, Ger... I was thinking. About ... about my offer. I'm thinking there may be a change in that."

He paused and then shifted to the left drawer, not turning to look at Damien, he spoke sort of over his shoulder. "Oh.. what sort of change?" He looked at the pants he held and then to the array of soft colors in the drawer for something that would match.

"Not entirely sure yet, but I believe she needs more help than she's let you know. She... she's fine, not to worry, but..."

"Not to worry.. but?" He shook his head turning now and gazing at Damien. "That makes me worry more, you know?.. She's not okay..In all the time I've known her, I've never seen her like this. Not when my dad left us, not when the divorce was finalized, not when he came by with his new trollop of a wife.. or when he called to tell us he was having another kid.. any time she's ever been upset.. she is loud, dramatic.. angry, spitting fire and turpentine.. you know?"

"I know," he nodded, looking away to the window then to the floor as he agreed. "We three need to talk, Gerry," he murmured, leaving his perch to come up beside Ger.

Gerry leaned towards him a little as Damien came up beside him. "You think so?"

"I don't know what to think," he said. "I was going to let her know, not knowing you were coming for lunch or that she... she hates me a little right now, but there's so much more. Come on. Bring those and let's help her relax, okay?" He sighed and turned a worried smile to his companion, adoration and sadness mixing in his eyes.

Ger brought his free hand to Dam's cheek, his worried eyes searching the older man's face. "What's wrong?"

He felt compelled to curl into the boy's arm for the moment and hold him for the reassurance he needed. "I love you," he whispered. "But I can't let her know how much. Not yet."

Ger frowned and kissed Dam's cheek. "Why not?" He asked softly, holding on to Damien for a little longer.

"She needs both of us too much, for now, for a while and it would shatter her. You saw her... I... I can't."

His fingers traced softly over Damien's jaw a light, loving caress. "Do you love her?" He smiled a little as he waited to hear Damien's answer, still holding his jaw gently.

"Enough to care about what it would do to her and you if I told either of you I didn't. I do love her, but we're toxic, Gerry. I'm poison to her and you know what she does to me. With you... it's entirely different."

"Wanna know a secret?" He whispered, looking into the other man's eyes.

He chuckled, slightly disarmed, but nodded. "Sure, what's another today?"

"I love you and I love her.. and neither of you is toxic for me.." He leaned to kiss Dam softly.

He sank into the sweetness of the kiss, feeling calmer and warmer than he had. "We'd better get back to her then, alright? Nice choices. She's stunning in those colors," he winked.

"Alright.." He agreed, taking one more soft kiss before turning towards the door.

"Thank you," he whispered, letting Gerry move off ahead to sit with her a moment while he gathered himself, feeling the heat rise through him from Gerry's attention. He chuckled softly and huffed out a cloud of emotions that sought to drown him. Damien moved off quietly to the kitchen to finish the with the flowers, pulling a vase from a shelf in her room.

She'd tipped on her side and curled up with one of the throw pillows, the corners of her eyes damp with a few fresh tears that had fallen while the boys were out of the room. Gerry moved to the couch, to sit with her, wrapping his arms around her gently. She was taken by the sobbing as she leaned into his lap, mutting softly as her shoulders shook. "I'm sorry.. I'm sorry.. I didn't mean.. I ..can't.. do this.. can't.." Gerry held her and spoke softly to comfort and reassure her.

A few minutes of faint snipping and clinking and the water was running to fill the vase. He'd arranged the flowers neatly and nicely, though he was far from professional at it. He gave Gerry a tentative grin as he set the vase down and moved to prop her and the pillow she laid on in his lap. "Come on, Ter. There's nothing in this world you can't do."

Damien's words made her cry harder, though her hand found his shirt and twisted tightly into it. She was shaking her head, still muttering that she couldn't do this.

Ger looked up to Damien an almost pleading in his eyes for some way to make it- her, better. "Shhh.. Terra it's going to be okay.. come on please.. please.. you'll end up back in the hospital if you get yourself all worked up again."

Damien gave him a puzzled look, unaware she'd been that ill. His hand settled on her shoulder and rubbed softly. "We're here, hon, right here. We'll help, okay?"

She kept crying, though a bit less now, Gerry looked over at Damien, giving him a slight thankful smile. "Terra.. please. You're supposed to be getting yourself better, not getting all upset.. you need to be healthy when the baby gets to come home.." He bit his lip, not sure what he could say to reach her.

His mouth formed the words to confirm he'd heard correctly as Gerry had said, though no sound came out. She couldn't have been far along, or hadn't shown it. Galen had only just told him not long before when their nests had all been stirred. His hand settled more firmly on her shoulder and he curled around her to prompt her to curl into him more. "Why didn't you ... no, no I'm not angry... I'm worried Terrana. Why didn't you tell me?"

"It's all my fault.. my fault.." She curled to him as he promted her to with the way he curled around her, she lifted her head enough to almost rest it on his shoulder. "I'm a terrible person.. she's being punished because her mother is so rotten.." She leaned to him and pushed him away at the same time. "You were right.. all those awful things you said outside.. they're all true.. I'm just vile."

Gerry eased back as she shifted towards Damien, giving them some space but still close as she was half in his lap as well. His hand rubbed over her back, gently and as she uttered her last words at Damien, he lifted his gaze to the man with an arched brow, wondering what he'd said. Gerry's expression was not angry or judging, merely curious and concerned.

"I've never called you 'vile', Soterrana. I merely stated you chose not to see what was clearly offered, nothing more," he sighed, returning Gerry's look with a shake of his head. He'd not called her names, but did say truths about the disintegration of their relationship. A soft smile shone, "A girl? She's a little girl? Ter, that's wonderful."

"You didn't have to say it.. " She murmured, miserably, pushing at him as she sank back into the cushions. Her eyes were brimming with tears as she spoke of the baby. "A tiny.. girl.." her hands slid up over her face.

Gerry nodded his head at Damien's question and placed his hand to Terra's back again. "She's getting bigger.. she'll be able to come home soon.. I'm sure she will."

Gerry seemed the most at ease with the situation, but Damien wondered how true it was. The girl had to be tiny and likely very early. He nodded, "We're here to help, Ter. See? Right here." He again looked at Gerry, lost and a little afraid to speak for him.

"Why would you want to help me, Damien?" She asked in a tiny voice, wiping at her cheeks. "I just screw everything up.. "

Ger closed his eyes and sighed, she'd been beating herself up since she'd gone into the hospital. He gently untangled and stood up. "I'm going to go get you something to drink.. maybe you can try to actually eat something today.."

Damien watched him rise and blew him a small kiss. "Thank you," he whispered, watching him a moment before stringing his arm behind Terrana's shoulder. "Because I want to, a little bit, because I need to, a little bit. Because I should, but moreso because you might let me?" He tried to make sense of it without being confrontational with her. He wanted again to slap her self-degradation from her, but it would do no good and spiral things out of control. "Because maybe I'm a little more responsible... "

Gerry cast him a smile and nodded towards Terra, telling him to do what he could while Ger was in the other room. "She has hardly eaten a bite at each meal.. " He whispered and then made his way to try and find something she would accept.

Terra half sat up, wiping at her damp cheeks more and pouting as she gazed at Damien. She had no retort for Gerry's words, which was an indication that what he said was true. "Is this you feeling sorry for me.. because I'm.. " She shook her head. "I'm not worth it.. you have better things to do than waste your time on me.. I'll never .. you said so yourself."

"Angry words to hide the truth, Soterrana. I love you dearly and you're scaring me to death right now. It was easier to walk away when I didn't know what it would do. I know better, alright? It's not pity, it's called being true... you know that one thing you said I'm not..? I'm more true than you ever dared give me credit for."

"I never wanted you to know.. how much you could hurt me." She said truthfully, looking down to the cushions and sighing. "I screwed everything up, Damien.. screwed up so badly.. "

"Only the part about me not knowing what could hurt you and how much. You know it was never my intent to do that to you. Nor my intent for this to happen, but it has. I won't make an assumption, but I will help whether I'm her father or not. That is a promise."

She trembled and didn't dare look at him, she was afraid of what she might see in his eyes. "You.. " She bit her lip and leaned back against the couch. "Why would you.. you said it was too late.. do you want to know.. if you are?"

"It doesn't entirely matter whether I am or not. What matters is that she's brought into a loving home." He thought about it and was truly curious. It would certainly stand to reason if he was the father, but the game and his time away cast enough doubt that he didn't want to think too much about. "No, I don't want to know. Not tonight. What matters tonight is that you feel better, that you eat something and that you -let us- help you. Please."

Terra nodded to his words, listening with a hollow feeling inside, she couldn't help feeling as low as she did right now. "I'm not hungry.. really.." She spoke softly, none of the usual fire in her voice.

"My assumption is that I am and that's all that matters. It's pointless for me to think or believe otherwise since it will only build a larger wall when I've been trying to take it down. I'd prefer it if she never knew differently than that she is my daughter. But I don't know how you or Gerry feel about that." He looked over his shoulder and called to the kitchen. "Ger, don't knock yourself out, hon. Just some soup or something." He turned back to her and whispered, "Eat anyway. You're shaking. Let's get you changed into your softer things and get you so you can rest."

She turned her head to look at Damien a bit surprised at what he'd said. "You really feel that way.. that is what you want?" She swallowed, not able to do more than gaze at him in shock.

Gerry chuckled from the kitchen and called back. "You know how hard it was to find soup in this house? Just heating it up and making a couple sandwiches.. I'll be right there."

It took a moment for the rest of what Damien said to register and she shook her head. "I'm just not hungry.." She cast a glance at the clothes Ger had brought out, but didn't have the 'energy' to move to get them or change into them.

He patted her hand and leaned to kiss her gently. "I heard you, but I'm going to try to force some into you. Let's go, up you go," he said, reaching for the pile to hand her and help her to stand. "You get those, I've got you. Gerry, I'm taking her in to lie down. There's a folding tray behind the dining table."

"Okay.. I'll get it.." He called out, the sound of him shuffling around and dishes clanking lightly could be heard as he got things ready.

Terra shook her head in protest, starting to sink back down to the couch rather than stand. "Can't go lay down... I don't have time.. too much to do.."

"Ehht... no. You're doing nothing. You're under the weather and if I need to get my toys out of the closet to restrain you, don't think I won't," he grinned, teasing, but only partly. "You are going to make yourself well and healthy. And then we're going to see about your girl getting to come home. "

"Our girl." She whispered, still shaking her head at his insistance that she do nothing. "But nothing is ready.. I don't have anything for her.. nothing.. not one outfit, not one diaper.. no crib.. no carseat.. there's a list somewhere - pages of all the crap you have to have for babies.. I don't have one single thing on it!... I don't even have a room for her! I have to clear out one of the spare bedrooms.. and I hadn't even done that.. I didn't do anything I was supposed to do.. I was too busy f*cking up at trying to get her a family."

"I seem to have the numbers from a dozen mothers at the ready to help and rescue, hon. Don't worry. I said I'll help and I'm helping, but you're not doing her or yourself any favors by not resting. Handcuffs... blue chrome, black police-issue or leopard velvet.. your choice."

"You are not calling any of them!" A bit of a clipped tone showed in her voice. "I don't need the whole town talking about what a terrible mother I am.. or a bunch of your girlfriends feeling sorry for me cause I'm so pathetic I couldn't even get anything for my kid.. no.. absolutely not.."

"They're not my girlfriends and they can certainly answer questi.. fine. Let me call Brie, then and have her do the calling. With her and Donnie back together, none will be the wiser that she's not shopping for herself, alright?"

"No." She didn't go into a tirade or call him a string of names as she normally would have, but simply said no. "I said I didn't want a bunch of strangers involved."

He nodded and conceded without much fuss. "Then I'll simply call her to ask about shops. My sister should know that she's an aunt, Ter. She doesn't have to say a word beyond her own knowledge. After you rest some, we'll get what you need and Gerry and I can fix up a space here. We'll make it work."

"Of course you can tell your sister if you want to, about.. our daughter." She took a deep breath after saying it out loud and looked up at him. "Please.. I've got enough to handle with looking at myself in the mirror and knowing how terrible I am with this and with Ger and you knowing.. I don't need anyone else to know... or make me feel worse about this."

[Lovely]

He wanted to tell her that the only one making her feel that way was herself. Before she'd pushed him and he'd moved away, but now Damien refused to leave or be pushed away. He simply nodded and offered his arms to carry her to her room. "Tonight... rest. Tomorrow... we build you family back to where it belongs."

Gerry came from the kitchen holding the tray of sandwiches and three steaming bowls of soup as well as drinks for them all. He'd grabbed the larger serving tray and his arms bulged with the weight of all he'd loaded onto it. He planned to go back for the small folding tray to serve Terra on after. "So where is this chuck wagon heading?" He asked not sure if he should set up in there or head to Terra's room with the tray.

Damien looked at her and again offered two strong arms to carry her while Ger held the rest. "Your chariot, mademoiselle," he winked. "Don't think I'm above turning you over my shoulder ... and maybe my knee if don't do this."

"You two.." She sort of smiled and shook her head, turning back to Damien and accepting his offer and leaning into him gently. "What would I do without you both?" She whispered, softly, her arms loosely wrapping around his shoulders.

His eyes fluttered closed and he curled around her, standing with her a moment before leaning to lift her knees over his arm. "After you, Gerry, she's an ounce if that lot's a pound," he said, nodding for Ger to move ahead of them with the tray that was certainly heavier than she seemed. "I refuse to answer that on the grounds that you'll kick me," he teased, bouncing her gently once for good measure and following to set her on her bed.

Gerry nodded. "Yeah.. I think she's lost some weight.." He murmured softly, concerned but pleased to see the way Damien smiled and scooped her up.

"I can't kick you like this.." She sighed with her head on his shoulder, she hardly slept for weeks and for the first time in a long time she felt 'secure enough' to feel like she could drift off.

He kicked the door gently to close off some of the extra light from the hall as he carried her and set her gently to her pillows. "Would you like some help with those?" He asked honestly, nodding the wad of soft clothing she held.

She looked down at her hand and nodded her head, she nearly forgotten all about them. "I guess I can let you help me." Terra gazed up at him and couldn't help but wonder what he was thinking.

He busied himself with balancing the large tray on the edge of her dresser and moving some of her bottles aside so he could slide it fully onto the top. He glanced to Terra and Dam now and then, his fond smile staying perma bound on his face. He left the room for a moment to fetch the folding tray and then returned, closing the door softly behind him.

He smiled gently, broader still as he watched Gerry run in and out to help get her set up. Damien slid her shoes from her feet and set them under the bed then motioned for her to sit up like a too-tired child who didn't want to go to bed... like she was, he mused. He hinted at taking her blouse from her, but his expression wasn't one of usual playful and wolfish demeanor, but rather fatherly and gentle.

She pouted at him and watched his expression. "Am I that bad?" She murmured, staying back on the pillows.

Damien watched her eyes as they looked him over. This was as far from any act he'd ever played and it was more foreign to him than any new part he'd ever read for. Being himself felt strange and ungainly like a sweater two-sizes too large, swallowing and obscuring him. He shook his head gently, "No. You're not bad at all. But you are exhausted and much as may like to, I'm not going to take advantage. Sit up for me a moment, please."

Gerry let the food sit for a bit and crawled up from the end of the bed to lay on the pillows next to her. He kissed her shoulder and gave her a smile, glancing to Damien with one just as warm. "Now behave or he'll strip you and I'll spank your bare bottom missy." He teased her then realized what that thought did to him and he chuckled. "Come on Ter.. let us take care of you... promise we wont hurt you." He added more softly, reaching to lace his fingers with hers for a moment.

She looked from one to the other, so taken aback at how caring they both were acting. Each one being warm and affectionate, her head swam with the 'overload' of niceness and she kept looking between the two, feeling like there was something 'more' she was missing. "Are you two planning to off me or something?" She shook her head, sitting up for Damien to help her take her top off.

He couldn't help but chuckle, first at Gerry for his comment which, albeit teasing, was likely true. He was being caring, but he doubted his ability to remain thoroughly patient in the matter of clothes. He chuckled more as Terra looked so lost and sounded moreso as she questioned their motives. He winked at her and smiled at him, "Shh, you told her didn't you."

"Nope." Gerry replied with a playful smile that lit up his eyes. "Did you bring the handcuffs? You know we're going to have to tie her down.. she's ornery.." He kissed her shoulder again, chuckling and sliding his hand tenderly down over her leg as he moved to grasp the hem of her shirt. "Arms up Terra.. you're out numbered.. and you know you can't resist us."

She was flustered.. she was shocked that she was flustered, but that didn't change the fact that she was. Her head turned to Gerry with wide eyes as he teased her and then back to Damien, as if to plead for rescue or to see if he was going to start next. She was certainly no longer in control in her home or her bedroom it seemed, with these two around. Were they 'teaming up' on her.. the two of them teasing, caring, affectionate, and trying to make her squirm? Or maybe they were just trying to drive her crazy..crazier. She swallowed and slowly lifted her arms. "Don't get used to this.. I won't always do what the two of you want.."

[[continued at our sister site due to content]]

[Lovely]

January 22, 2009
evening
Terra & Damien's house

"So we should probably name 'baby girl' Pazore.."

"I think so... what would you think of Gaia?"

"and do you really want her to have my ex-husband's last name?"

"sounds like Gee ah?"

"guy-a"

"I like it."

"earth goddess. terra, terrana... kinda fits.."

nods.. "..now back to the other question.."

"grrrr... not in my lifetime... will my daughter have anyone else's name... even when she's married..."

"well it is my current last name.."

He chuckled. "And if you changed it, would you want it to be Woodsen or Steele?"

Arches an eyebrow at him and then shrugs. "Whichever one you're going by that week?"

He sighed. "Terrana, they're legally both me, but for your career and her sanity, I want you both to make a sound decision."

"And legally I could also use both.. Terra Steele sounds quite nice for a stage name.. but I think the PTA might appreciate Terrana Woodsen... that is.. if you think that would be a sound decision."

"It's a fine decision," he smiled and reached out with a warm arm. "Already thinking of the PTA... Misses Woodsen? I don't think they'll even know what hit them."

"I need to run some kind of interference. I do expect this child of -yours- to be a hellion.. she has your genes." She teased him with a slight smile and he might even see the blush beneath her complextion at his mention of 'misses'.. it had been a long time since she'd considered such a thing. Mr Pazore had 'burned' her on love, keeping her single for eight years after he left, she'd only been 18 when she'd married him.

"Hmm.... I don't think those are the 'jeans' that made us so fortunate to have her in the first place since I had you out of yours. She's -ours-... definitely ours and already unruly like her mother. Keep her away from sharp objects until she's at least twelve."

"Aww I might actually have to be offended at that.. " She 'glared' at him a little, reaching around him to grab her drink off the end table and nipping at his ear as she passed.

"Alright. Then not a day before she's ten and that's my final offer," he chuckled, dodging away to hopefully keep his ear intact. His shoulder curled up to rub at it, but he still reached to keep her close by. "And it was only because you had my jeans in the corner before I'd barely said 'welcome home'," he muttered, grinning devlishly and ready to give her the same sort of welcome.

"Darling.." She cooed as she snuggled in closer to him, teasing and affectionate. "You know she's going to be a terror.. only child.. two wild parents.. daddy's little princess.. We'll be lucky if we can keep her out of anything."

"So who's going to be the first to encourage her to be a beautiful starlet... like her father?" he teased.

"I'm not encouraging her to be like you.. " She giggled, leaning into softly nibble at his lips. "You're terrible.. very naughty.. I can only imagine how charming she'll be naturally."

"Well I'm not going to encourage her to be like you...," he murmured sweetly, teasing each 'insult' with kisses in return. "Clever, dangerous, quick... voracious..." he stopped there to indulge his own untamable appetite for her taste.

How many women wished they were or fantisized about being where she was right at this moment? Countless wanted to be admired by and wrapped up in the arms of Damien Steele. She knew his 'insults' were honestly spoken and she knew she had more than just a fantasy -she had the man, his attentions and his heart -at least she liked to think she did.

He growled with delight as she wilted tenderly in his embrace, enjoying so much more for the moment that they weren't clawing and scratching other than to hold onto each other more closely. There was no game, no stage, no conquest, just them.

There was something about being in his arms that she couldn't compare to anything else she'd ever felt -and for such a 'jaded' woman that said alot. She'd been in his arms in a number of scenes they shared and even then to her it had felt different than her scenes with others.. the only one close to that was Dick but it was never the same. Damien was a few years older than she was -not alot but enough to make him an admired older man -someone she'd longed for but never imagined she'd actually be with. There were no cameras, no directors.. only the two of them -passion and tenderness guiding their affections. She was holding on to him because she wanted, not because it looked good to someone else. It felt nice to not be fighting with him -but then her lashing out had been her way of trying to protect herself from getting hurt or hurt worse upon realizing she'd fallen for him and then once she'd found out about the baby, she had even more reason to 'claw his eyes out'. It seemed despite her own path of self destruction, things had worked out they way they should. She smiled to herself as she sank into a deeper kiss.

"I hope you're timing this... in case it doesn't last, but I intend not to stop... ever," he warned, stealing his kiss away to trapse lightly down her neck, starting the chills he intended to keep going longer than most of their 'features' ever had.

"Ohhh Mr Steele.." She giggled, closing her eyes to savour the sensations, her fingers curling lightly in his 'shaggy' locks.

[Lovely]

March 28, 2009
afternoon
Terra & Damien's house


Terra just plopped a darling little girl in his arms to keep him busy

a little tiny bub ... yup... that'd be her... swat... right on the lips. he just pulled terra back to keep those lips busy a moment before she runs off

laughs "oh now you remember me.."

"could never forget! silly woman... come here."

"nope!" *teases*

"or do I have to insist you make another of these for a matched set for you to believe me?"

jaw drops "yeah right.. like you want another one with me.."

"she's due for a nap soon." *grins* "I just want you, Terrana... I've taken chances all my life... I'm not afraid... unless you are?"

"Well of course I am silly.. terrified.. but willing to let you sweet talk me.."

"Alright, then just this darling courageous little bundle for now until I convince you not to be afraid. Now.. please... come here?"

Comes closer, biting her lower lip and eyeing him and thier girl shyly. "You really do.. want another?" Slides her leg over his and half comes into his lap. draping an arm over his shoulder.

He leans over their girl, kissing Terrana softly, giving her his answer in the shared moment. If it happened, he'd be as happy and comfortable as he was now, though he still had little clue on proper care and handling... of either of his girls.

She curled down and around him, her leg over his, half beside him half in his lap. Her arm curled around his shoulders and she rested her head down gently, her other arm curling with his to embrace their little girl. "Just promise you wont let them grow up to be as f*cked up as me.."

"I'm hoping they're the very image of your grace and diplomacy. How could I claim them as ours if they're not?" He teased. "Besides, it will give the school something to do. I'd be proud to have the daily call to hear all the rotten things they've done."

She laughed heartily, a sound that had only begun to be heard more and more since their family came together. She smiled and her eyes lit up with a genuine amusement and joy. "You're crazy.. must be why I love you so much.."

"We're both crazy and she's just beautiful. Did we bring home the right one?"

Strokes the silky locks that grew darker every day, like her mother's and smiles, touching a soft cheek. "I'm sure we did.." Their girl blinks sleepy but beautiful blue eyes, gazing up at her parents, content and safe. "She has your eyes, Daem.. definately.."

"Heaven help her boyfriends. Do you think she'll give them running start at least?"

"Not if she's anything like me.. or you.."

"She has my eyes... must mean she sees her targets like I do, hm?" He grinned and pulled her close again, keeping her in the kiss to taste the sweet wickedness in her smile. "Shall we put our sleepy wonder to her dreamland and go play in our own?"

"Those poor poor targets.." she murmured, letting her hand drift up to play with a few locks of his hair. "I think you could sweet talk me into that... need help getting her down?"

"No... may need some help with her mother though. And I'm certain her mother will have to find a way to help me," he grinned, hinting at his current state of sweet talk.

"grr.. maybe.. I'll think about it." She teased him, winking and then leaning to kiss their baby girl softly on her forehead. "Mommy loves you, baby.. sweet dreams.."

"No, your mother is no hurry to cause endless trouble for dada...," he cooed and scooped her into his arm to take to her crib. He kissed Terrana softly. "You.. go get ready for your bedtime story... I have a long one to tell you."

Terra laughed as she eased from the couch and scampered to their room to wait for him. "Well you know how I love your stories. " She called teasingly as she darted away. "Hurry dear.."

Damien shook his head and let her scurry, being quick, but not racing to set their girl to her pillows and bears. Misunderstandings aside had helped adorn the room with trinkets and girlish everything courtesy of Galen who understood only as much as he needed to to salvage their thinning friendship that needed forteifying. None wanted a repeat of any of the past year and he'd put best foot forward first in offering the baby a few special things. Most, Damien had stuffed in drawers out of sight, keeping the old rivalry somewhat fired as normal, but each had what they truly wanted and Damien was going to take his prize, his coveted, sweet, beloved Terrana, to the moon and stars and back again in any way he could. He had just never learned a way to say it properly until this tiny, yawning and peaceful wonder arrived. He leaned down to tuck her in gently and kiss her goodnight before slipping away to rock his other baby for a while.