Undergrowth (Log 06)

**FrankenSoul**

There she was. He smiled towards her, and if one didn't know better, they might say he looked drowsey. The setting was warm, he knew that much. The small lantern that had been lighting the room was just bright enough to resemble the orange colors of a fireplace. He paused a moment at that thought but shrugged it off. His smile lingered. Well, no sense for her to be cold while she was down here with him.

The blankets, which had been somewhat pushed to the side, slid from the bed and plopped onto their shoulders. Shrugging his shoulders and moving closer to Ciya, he wrapped it around them and tucked it under their legs with a beam. There. A blanket cacoon, nestling them against each other. He moved to learn his head against the top of her own, his cheek squishing as he did so. His arms were still free of the blankets, so he moved the booklet in front of her and began to write.

'Comfortable enough?'

**PhoenixAshes**

 Oh, yes, this was so important. She giggled at the plop of his cheek on top of her head, and in return looped her arm loosely around his closest one, snuggling against him and into the blankets. Thankfully these were dry still. "Yes, now I am."

**FrankenSoul**

"Heeeee," He made the noise from deep in his throat, cheeks beginning to look as if they would become stuck due to his constant smiles. Good. He huffed lowly, allowing his breath to completely filter out from his lungs. Of course. Now that he had his "voice," what would he say with it? He wasn't sure what to say. Or, better yet, how to say it.

Squinting in concentration, he paused with his pencil to the paper. Should he even speak? Why ask and question when it could ruin everything? Then again... Maybe it wouldn't. Maybe it would make it better.
His writing was slow and neat, the letters close to one another as if even they wished to hide rather then to be expressed.

'Ciya... Have you ever been this close to anyone before? Like this?'

The writing wasn't meant to portray jealousy or fear. Instead, he was curious. And it would help lead him into what else he wished to say.

**PhoenixAshes**

The neatness of his lettering surprised her a bit. She'd become used to his quick scrawling of excitement or questioning, not that those weren't also neat, but the way this was written seemed methodical, concentrated with purpose. Her arm shifted around his, her index finger tapping in thought. Why this all of the sudden? "Well, no. Not exactly like this." She replied. "I mean it's different with you." Her hold tightened slightly. "I've cared deeply before for my family and Viv, but with you it's not exactly like that--does that make sense?"

**FrankenSoul**

"Mhm," He hummed in reply, moving his face around but still having his cheek squished against her in an almost comical way. That made sense. He wondered as she might have more experience in such things. More than he would.

He felt the pressure of her hold on him, and her works sunk into his mind. They had virtually just admitted their emotions just now. But still not quite. Like dancing on the edge of a knife. He understood what she meant, as he was experiencing the same thing.

His hand continued to move across the paper, one careful line under another.

'I don't think I have either. Or, if I have, I can't remember them clearly. I just wanted to say something before I can't. Before something happens.'

His hand slipped from the page for a moment, and it surprised even him. Why had it suddenly begun to tremble so? ...Fear? Or something else? A clicking sound indicated he had grit his teeth hard, staring at the paper and his hand. It WOULD write what he wanted to say.

'Because I don't ever want you to get hurt. I never want you to be unhappy. I want to protect you forever and keep you safe. And that's why I've been thinking. And I... I want to say that it's because I- " His hand fought him harshly. No. No, it WOULD write this and it would do it in the most beautiful handwriting he could manage.

His breathing had, without his knowledge, stopped as he leaned away from her slightly and found his eyes searching her face and trying to predict what would happen. The warmth in his chest had also stopped, waiting and watching with him as the unsaid and undefined was finally uttered.

'I love you.'

**PhoenixAshes**

His nuzzling, or more accurately bunting, since this action reminded her vaguely of a cat, earned a smile from her. However, it faded quite fast as she felt tension beneath her hand. "Franky?" Her gaze tore away from the words he was writing as he was slipping from her hold. Her honeyed gaze flicked nervously from him to the words. He was writing preemptively; the mentions of "before something" and what he didn't want clued in on that. Yet, the confliction between that and his sentiment of protecting her was disorienting. Because you what, Franky? She wondered at the last pause. Then each letter came in perfect compliment to the last.

The pixie-girl was still as stone outwardly but she felt as if a hummingbird had replaced her heart.

He--

Slowly her face turned to his also very still visage.

**FrankenSoul**

Oh no. He had ruined everything hadn't he? His breathing continued to be held as he watched her, waiting, pressing his lips hard against each other. No, no, no. He had taken the unnamed bliss and named it. Now it was real and held weight and could act as a burden. A painful, painful burden.

One she might want to carry. Why did he have to express that? Why did he have to change that? His thoughts moved to the darkest corners of fear, fear of rejection. Or... Or maybe it wasn't rejection. She hadn't said anything. Hadn't at once pushed him away. So perhaps, then...

His booklet thud to the ground as he dropped it. It wasn't important. Carefully, each movement deliberate and ready to withdraw if it was wished, his hands moved to touch either side of her face. His thumbs ran across her cheeks once again as he tilted her head upwards. His own tilted slightly to the side, eyes becoming more closed than they were a few moments ago. He felt as if they were facing each other's souls, without armor or shield.

He began to move. Closer and closer his face came and tilted, his breath returning but remaining slow as if he were trying to steady himself. His stitched lips, which would surely be a slight problem to his current action, moved closer to her. Once again he waited and watched for her reactions. His intentions, once again, were clear without words.

And yet once again he was shivering as the dreaded area moved closer to touch her lips. But he would endure it. For, what could he fear if he were to allow someone he cared about so deeply to express themselves with him?

**PhoenixAshes**

Where was her voice? Her lips had parted slightly as she searched for a syllable to utter, a sign of how she felt about this, some signal he could take. Something, anything to quell that fear she could see in his eyes. Nothing, nothing was coming and she so desperately wanted it to. There was a pressure bubbled in her chest and no way to let it out.

Maybe there was another way. As she made up her mind to try and cross the distance he had made in his writing contemplation, she moved directly into his cautious reach for her. Immediately the caressing contact drew a sigh, easing the build. Not completely, but enough. Enough to realize his intentions and hers, and suddenly she was completely vulnerable--yet, he was the one shaking.

One of her hands came to his chest, the push light enough not to move him too far but just heavy enough to stop him before they completely met. What had been her elusive voice came in a whisper now. "Franky, you don't have to." Ciya wanted to cringe at how quivery she sounded. It was hard not to be. The gesture alone here was incredibly moving. "If it's too much I won't let you because" She smiled, feeling the words there. " I love you too."

**FrankenSoul**

Oh gods.

The warmth of his chest spread forth across every cell of his body, and he swore for a moment he could feel her real warmth as they held each other so close, both of them scared and yet filled with an emotion that trumped any previous thoughts of happiness.

She stopped him from connecting, her hand against his chest to halt his progress. His surprise was evident as his eyes widened a fraction, confused and hurt until she spoke further. She sounded weak and frail, her voice almost breaking. He wished to stroke her hair and hold her, comforting her and pushing away this sudden twister they found themselves in. The real storm had followed them inside, waiting for the right moment to be released. She loved him too. She... loved him too.
He had suspected it. He had almost known it. But to hear the words spill forth from her tongue, drenched the honesty of her emotions, he could barely stand it. He sniffed. Reluctantly, he stopped where he was. His hands slid down from her face and fell to the cloth of her shirt, which he grasped tightly. His face tilted forward until their foreheads touched. He sniffed again, and found a strange sensation in his eyes. Wetness as they shined and threatened to brim forth onto his cheeks, ready to burst. From what? Happiness that they had finally found the courage to share their souls? Or... sadness, that he couldn't physically tell her from his own mouth and touch her with his own lips? Most likely, both.

After speaking it, Ciya felt light. Light as when she called her wings to her and had her feet off the ground, but this surpassed that joy, this was as if she'd gone high enough to reach starlight and for a moment she could swear she saw such a feeling showing in Franky's expression as well. And then...the way he gripped and his head dropped to hers. Again she went still at this unexpected part of his reaction. "Franky, are you...?" His next sniff sounded and her chest squeezed. "Oh, Franky..." The hand that had stopped him before came up and pressed against his cheek for a comforting moment before she shifted the touch to the back of his head.

**FrankenSoul**

Once again for what felt like the fifth time that night, he found his body reacting outside of his control. He quivered as he was touched and loved. She brushed his cheek and he felt as if the tears would spill forth then. Barely, just barely, he held them back. He managed a weak chuckle, clutching at her and moving closer to her as she cradled his head.

He moved closer, turning and placing his face against the side of her neck and forcing his eyes closed. His back was silently rising and falling, too quickly to be fake breathing. Perhaps silent sobbing. In time, the motion began to slow and completely stop. The deathgrip upon her clothes began to loosen, his fingers unwinding from around the cloth. Instead, they moved to slide around her person and pull her closer to him and keep her there. His shield.

"Hmmmm."

The sound came from low in his chest. "Hmm hmmhm."

I'm sorry, he said. I'm sorry.

Withdrawing his wet face from Ciya, he moved one hand from around her to fumble and wipe at his eyes. He sniffed and once again chuckled weakly. He hadn't meant to ruin their big moment like that. As Slick had once told him, he was just a "big softy".

**PhoenixAshes**

She allowed him closer without worry or question, holding him wherever he decided to be. She brushed her fingers through his hair as she felt the way he shook, to sooth but not to deny what was going on. Even as he eased, he kept her near. Silently, she wondered how long it had been for him--truly how long, from even before he was as he is-- to have any feeling like they had.

His word-like sound brought her out of the thoughts, and as he wiped his tears an affectionately concerned look came across her face. "Don't be." His attempt to speak had been clear enough for her to understand. "Don't be sorry."

She took his face into her hands again, and leaned forward, her lips pressing gently against his cheek.

**FrankenSoul**

She understood him. Good. Good...

Don't be she said. He was glad he had met her. He wasn't sure anyone else would have handled him the way she had. With such tenderness and understanding. Would he have been able to trust anyone else the way he trusted her? When she took his face, for a split second his eyes widened. She leaned forward and he tensed, wondering if she wished to try what he had previously wished-- but no. Not lip-to-lip, but rather lip-to-cheek.

Ooooh gosh. The ghost of the sensation of blushing appeared, turning his cheeks a slightly darker grey as his stitches strained into a smile. He felt his anxiety melt away.

"Heeeeeh."

His eyes squinted in joy towards her. His fingers touched hers as he drew away a few moments later, lifting a finger to signal he needed a moment. Guh. Gosh. Pressing against his chest, he emptied his lungs out and couldn't stop the almost drunk chucking he gave. Oh gosh. His head was swimming. So much, all at once.
Okay. One thing at a time. His hand grabbed his booklet. He cast Ciya a smile, followed by the quick writing of, 'Sorry, sorry! I feel lightheaded! I'm not in a dream, am I?' He gave his best replication of a grin.

**PhoenixAshes**

The pixie felt him practically melt at her affectionate action. What made things all the more adorable was the way he reacted to it, causing a small giggle to come from her. Apparently that was exactly the thing for her to do.

Curiosity raised her eyebrows when he signaled for a moment and then reached for the booklet. Ah, there was his normal way of writing. The sentiment written made her giggle again. "I'm pretty sure it's not a dream. If it is I'm going to be really grumpy at whoever wakes us."

**FrankenSoul**

Wakes "us"? So even if it was a dream... at least they were sharing it. Moving against her under their blanket, he issued a breath out from his nose. There were butterflies in his stomach. He could fill his entire book with words to describe how he felt, and it still wouldn't be enough.

His thoughts had abandoned him, leaving a melted puddle in his skull to deal with it all. And he couldn't stop smiling. Pressing against her side, attempting to take things slow, he forced his hand to be steady as he cast her sideways glances of mirth.

'So... What do we do now? Do we get married? That's what people do after they tell each other that they love one another, right?' His stitches stretched again in a mild grin. It was hard to tell if he was actually teasing, or if he was embarrassed for not knowing this and was honestly asking her.

**PhoenixAshes**

Ciya happily settled against him again so she was near and able to read what he wrote next. Franky was so adorable in his reactions to a lot of things; the positive ones--like his giddy and mirthful looks he kept giving--were by far her favorite. The words were written and shown, earning at first a confused blink and then another giggle. "It might take a little time before that, Franky." The pixie replied, her tone still warm. She wasn't rejecting the idea. "Usually people take a while to know they're, um.." She paused looking for a good word ,or set of words to describe this. The fact that it was taking so long was making her question her own intelligence. "Domestically compatible?" That sounded correct but softly scientific and odd for the situation. "Does that make sense? "

**FrankenSoul**

Sometimes he was grateful that his mouth was bound. It made it far easier to tease and trick his friends. A glimpse of his very white teeth were shown again, only by the smallest of fractions, as she spoke. Moving his large hand over her own and squeezing, he nodded as his eyes squinted in silent laugher.

'I know, I know. I'm not entirely foolish in such matters. I was only joking. No, I had a tiny teacher who once told me about that ritual.' He paused in the midst of writing, hand tensing for a split second. He had almost completely forgotten such memories. He didn't touch on them often. Perhaps he was afraid of them. But with his favored, loving Ciya, why did he need to fear? Hmm... His brows came together in intense, brief thought.

The last thing he wanted to do was ruin the glow they had somehow captured in their small room, against all odds as if to spite the storm outside. But to confess love came danger. And he would risk ruining an evening if it meant keeping her safe.

'I don't often tell people much about me. Mostly because I'm not sure of much myself. But if you're willing, I'd like to tell you some thing Ciya. And express some of my worried thoughts that have surely crossed Slick and Vivica's minds long before me.'

**PhoenixAshes**

At the realization he'd been teasing her, her elbow closest to him gently jabbed at his rib cage, but she kept her hand with his. A "tiny teacher"? Odd phrasing...did he mean it literally? Before she could ask the tension in his writing caught her attention.

There was the buzz of anxious patience in her again. It seemed to come up just as much as her smiles did with him. " I'm willing." She replied, turning her honey gaze up at his face.

**FrankenSoul**

He was half tempted to make yet another playful comment about how he would be unable to tell her anything while she looked at him with such beautiful eyes. He saw such compassion in them. But he stored the compliment for later. For now, he turned his gaze to his hand and tried to concentrate on what he was writing, before that odd fear and tension of his halted his progress.

'I've mentioned before why I disliked humans-' He paused before scratching out and rewording. '-why I have such a strong reaction to humans. There's a bit more to it than that. I can't remember much from when I first woke up, after the strange men had placed me through painful...experiments.' That seemed to be the only word he could describe the trials he had been put through. The details of the events were there, but suppressed, and he wouldn't probe at them tonight.

'I remember escaping, though for the life of me I don't remember how. There was a cave. A stone alter. Blurred colors, loud noises. It had stormed then too, now that I think on it. I ran as fast as I could. I didn't know where I was going, and I didn't care.'

His head had been empty of thoughts, save for the simple urge of an animal to escape death and pain. 'And I found myself in a cellar. I broke the chain keeping it closed easily and threw myself inside. I had been scared and alone. I must have truly looked like some sort of monster, with so many loose stitches, wild eyes, and barely a stitch of clothing on me.' The thought of that was still embarrassing to think about, now that he was sane and thankfully mostly clothed.

'I pressed myself into a dark corner and simply stayed still. You can imagine my confusion. I didn't know who I was, or even what I was. I just wanted to be safe. I'm... not sure how long I was there.' He frowned. His perception of time had been altered in the darkness of the underground. He paused, glancing at her and giving a sideways smile. 'Sorry. I'm rambling, and this must sound... dreary.'

**PhoenixAshes**

His story, what she had known of it and what he was telling now, set an empathetic pain somewhere in her. The thought of Franky in pain, alone, panicked was something that uneased her.
She was adapting to reading each word he finished and connecting it into the meaning of the rest. It was slower than actual speech but it functioned the same. That in combination with the controlled emotional reactions she was having made his pause and seemingly apologetic smile surprising. "Dreary?" The word left her lips before she realized it. It practically tore itself from her, demanding to be spoken with both inquiry and shocked. "Far from it."

**FrankenSoul**

Oh. Was he upsetting her? Inwardly, he grimaced. But of course this would upset her. That was one reason he didn't want to touch on these subjects. But the sympathy she held for him made the warmth in his chest flutter again, like the ghost of a heartbeat. She actually cared for him. And not simply him, and the things that would make her feel good. But the pain of the past, and the bad things too. Briefly, he squeezed her hand once again before turning back to his paper.

'I see. You're too kind. In any case, I wasn't alone for long. I made a friend. She had been sent by her father to fetch something and instead found me, barely alive and staring at her from a dark corner. She couldn't have been more than six years old. To this day, I'm surprised she didn't scream.'

The odd sound that was his chuckle reverted forth.
'She must have seen me as some sort of pet. And yes, she was a human child. I remember her fondly patting my head and quickly pulling it back as she made a disgusted face. My hair was dirty and slimy, and she didn't appreciate it. Still... She cared for me for a while. She brought me blankets, brushes, candles to force the dark away. I remember,' He stopped, having to laugh silently at a private film inside his own head. 'I remember one evening she tried to sneak her mothers expensive perfume to me because I smelled bad. All I heard the next day from their home was swearing as the mother tried to find it. You can bet that the girl returned it quickly!'

**PhoenixAshes**

Ah, "tiny teacher" made sense now. A child. Well, that could explain a few things. He may have picked up the way he showed emotions from her, maybe--or maybe that was all him. Ciya squeezed Franky's hand gently and felt some of the stitching there. Honestly, she was surprised the child hadn’t screamed either on first seeing him. It seemed so odd now, but the pixie was aware that she'd mistaken him for something dangerous simply because of his looks. The image must have been even worse in that state.

His recollection of the things the little one had brought, especially the perfume, made her smile. It was tentative however, as a question formed. "What happened then?"

**FrankenSoul**

It was good to remember such things. They made him smile and feel a ghost of warmth. Ciya seemed to enjoy them too as he tried to capture the humor of the situations. Even back then, he had realized how funny they were. That was how he had relearned how to laugh.

The pressure on his hand brought his attention directly back to her. He prepared for her question before she had uttered it. Of course. What next? Reluctantly, he turned back to his story. It would soon turn.

'Then she told me things. Many things. I've since had many others expand on that knowledge to teach and correct me. I still understood language at the very least. I welcomed it, and I listened to the sound of her family when she was not there. I remember one day, after she had brought a few books to show me, she had squinted at me and declared I was too quiet. And since I wouldn't tell her my name, she'd give me one. Thus I was deemed Franky.'

He hadn't protested. He couldn't, and he didn't see the harm of a name. Though, he wondered where it came from. Perhaps from one of her stories that she had brought with her that day. The smile upon his lips began to fade as he neared the turning point in his story.

'Alas... good times do not last. It was only a matter of time before her parents found me. She screamed and fought to defend me, tried to protect me. The male, her father, cursed me and her mother took her away. The last thing I saw from my little friend was the tears draining across her face. Her father brought weapons against me. And fire.'

A shudder ran down the length of his spine. Fire. The thing that could feast upon his dead flesh and throw what was left of his soul back to wherever it had come from. Recalling it all, it brought strange emotions. Briefly, he would feel the extend of the toll before becoming hollow to it, as if he were telling the tale of another. Perhaps it was how he coped.

'I ran. Her father, and others, came after me. I found myself cornered, unable to escape. There were weapons everywhere. A crowd filled with hate and fear, torches lighting the night and ready to destroy me for the crime of being alive. Humans. Vile, terrible beings who destroy all, consume all, want to be rid of what they don't understand-'

He stopped. His thoughts were running away again. With the maged that had prodded and tested him, and his only friend in the world being taken away by such monsters... It had been too much.

'Something snapped. I can't remember much. I choose not too. To this day, I can't look at human beings without the disgust for their kind throwing me into the panic that you've witnessed.'

He put his pencil down. Taking a long breath, he steadied himself and once again shoved the images he could recall away. He didn't wish to give himself nightmares, now that he had only just started to witness dreams again.

**PhoenixAshes**

So, that wasn't actually his name. Well, since he'd taken it, it was but legally it wasn't. He-- no, who he was before this might have been called something else. She found that bittersweet, a taste she was not completely used to.
It turned sour quick as he went on. No wonder. All he'd suffered an then to be set upon again...his hand was moving faster as the adjectives of what that mob had been came up. When he'd stopped writing, she shifted away from him for a moment, her hand leaving his. She'd maneuvered on to her knees so she could better lean close and hold him to her. For now, Ciya said nothing.

**FrankenSoul**

It was a strange feeling to open up as he did. He had told varied friends small parts of his story. They asked and he reluctantly was willing to trust them with the information. To give all of it to Ciya, suddenly and without her asking... It felt almost as if he were exposing his soul to her, without guard or safety. Such a good feeling, but also a very odd and uncomfortable one. He had done well to recall so much without pausing too long, barging ahead in his writing so he would not think and feel what he had felt so many times. Repeating it now, proudly his hands only trembled slightly and the feeling of sickness was only light. Surely later he would feel the "punishment" for digging up these memories, but for now he was glad to be in control.

Ciya released him, and for a moment he feared she was somehow repulsed by what she heard. At once, he wanted the touch of her hand to move back. The leave of touch was replaced with a warmer one, and he leaned against her now and allowed a deep sigh to move out from his nose.

With his free hand, he moved a cold and rough thumb against her arm. His eyes remained on his booklet, though his hand hovered above the pages. Compose the thoughts.

'Ciya, I don't mean to burden you with this knowledge. I just want you to make an...' He paused for a proper way to phrase it. '...an informed choice. When it comes to me. I've had very bad luck. And with me, things are always complicated. I want to stay with you, but I'm afraid. Do you understand why?'

He kept his eyes away from her, his shoulders tensing. Inside his disgustingly sewed mouth, his teeth grit against each other. He really wish he didn't have to say these things. But he cared for her too much to be reckless now, after they had made the leap to declare such profound emotions tonight.

**PhoenixAshes**

She stayed near until she felt him writing again. The pixie didn't completely let go, but simply shifted to read it again. 'Did she understand why'...the phrase made her sigh heavily. "I think so," she finally replied. With all he'd experienced and the still unanswered parts, his very existence still held a danger that he couldn't foresee. She knew he'd blame himself if those things, or even he, hurt her if something went wrong.

**FrankenSoul**

He had stopped writing again. His face turned away so, there were still a few indications of his mood. Such as how he pressed himself so close to her, and the low, anxious hum emitting forth from the base of his throat. Yes, so much could go wrong. He wanted nothing more than to shield her. But on the other hand, he wanted to be entirely selfish and remain with her forever. Could Vivica keep her disguise forever? Would Ciya move away with him? Could they ever find a future together? He desperately didn't want to think about it, but he just couldn't affort not to. He mirrored her sigh, eyes closing for a moment.

So many things to consider. So many emotions.

Finally, his hand wrote again.

'I'm willing to try.' He turned his head, finally smiling towards her and the tense lines around his eyes relaxing. 'I don't know what the future will hold. I only know that you've made me so very happy, and that... I love you. And I will try to protect that for as long as possible.'

His booklet closed with a crisp snap. That was all he had to say on the matter. He had told her of his undead past, of the problems that might lay ahead, and of his own doubts and fears. And he had made his own choice. He would try to remain happy and understand the warmth inside his chest, and in return fill her life with joy and love for as long as he could. That is, if she felt the same way and permitted him to do so.

**PhoenixAshes**

Her attention was full on him as she waited for words that would expand on his sound. This time it was her turn to hold her breath in fearful anticipation. A thought crossed her mind that was quite painful. He could decide against all of this, regardless of how he felt, to shield her as he wanted. The sigh worried her, its presence nearly proving to her that he might, he just might...then he wrote and her breath returned, first a relaxing exhale and then even and eased. Oh, that smile. She wanted that around for a long time.
She'd barely finished reading when he suddenly snapped the booklet shut, startling her slightly but the action held some finality to it. "I guess that's it then." She smiled, pleased at his answer. " I'm with you, in this and everything. "

**FrankenSoul**

He stared at her, lifting one of his brows and chuckled lowly under his breath. How ironic. He was the mute one, and yet sometimes he felt as if he were the one who spoke far too much. He wished she would tell him more about what was going on inside her own head... But he was content with her smile and reassurance.

He shifted his position, moving so that he could wrap his arms around her form and press his face against her shoulder. He hummed happily and noted somewhere in his head that the rain seemed to be slackening. He kept his position for only a moment before his hand gestured towards her bed, his smile crooked. She needed to get a good night's rest now. He had kept her up long enough with his sad tales and doubts.

**PhoenixAshes**

Her only thought of attempt to ask what the expression he gave her was all about was quieted quickly by the way he moved to hold her again and was eager to let him.

His motion not long after drew her out of her haze of enjoyment, attention returning to what he was trying to say with it. Confusion sat in her expression briefly, this version of his smile leading her to believe he meant something else. Rather sudden to ask if she wanted to--Oh! Wait no...That's not what he meant. That probably hadn't even crossed his mind. Ciya quickly went to hide her face against him, knowing that she'd soon flush in embarrassment for her own thoughts. "Mn-mm", she shook her head, denying the suggestion to go to sleep in that childish manner.

**FrankenSoul**

What was this now? She pressed herself against his bare torso, trying to hide for some reason. His smile returned once again, paired with his deep chuckling at her behavior. How adorable. His arms circled her again, a hand moving to her hair and tugging lightly at the strands.

"Mhm," he insisted as he somehow placed humor into the simple sound. She needed rest, and he would pick her up and bring her to bed soon enough. He would offer to lay next to her, but his britches were still wet and he didn't know how she'd feel with him being bare chested.

**PhoenixAshes**

He was laughing. Did she not keep her composure long enough? Did he see? The worry of it made her arms squeeze tighter. For as slim and frail she might appear there was a rather good grip.

From what she could tell his reply came with a bit of playfulness. Maybe he hadn't seen her blush? If not she was lucky. He must not have seen. She smiled, feeling as if she got away with something and unintentionally nodded due to her thoughts rather than in agreement with him.

**FrankenSoul**

There it was, the agreement. She reminded him of a cat somewhat, how she was moving her head against him so. Carefully, his hands gave small pats upon her back. He had been doing very well with containing his strength around her. He had noticed her own strong grip. Huh. How strong was she really? And with his fingers upon her back, he also wondered what her wings looked like up close. Things for another time...

With a grunt due to habit more than effort, he shifted and began to lift both himself and Ciya, holding her closely in his arms. He smirked down towards her, tempted to attempt rubbing noses but allowing it to pass. He spun once on his heel, making a soft, "Hee..." sound before moving and lowering her onto the bed. He wondered how soft it was. From the pressure it seemed soft enough to his touch. He hoped she was able to sleep well after all this. Grabbing the blanket they had used from the floor, he turned and offered it to her. He would most likely break out his strange notebook with the strange magic inside to study while she slept. It was a good way to pass the time while he waited for her, as he wasn't going to be able to turn his own mind off tonight,

**PhoenixAshes**

"Hm?" The surprise was clear from her when he shifted them to lift her easier. " Wait--no I--" It was pointless to argue with him, that much was clear. From all he said, and had proven by what he'd done, about protecting her included the smaller aspects of her well being, so it was likely he'd be stubborn on this. All of this was wiped quickly away when he spun.
Even when he'd gotten her onto the inviting softness, her hand still tried to stay with him for a bit longer, her finger tips just barely making contact. However, she couldn't quite refuse the blanket and received the offer. "You're not going to, are you?" The pixie asked.

**FrankenSoul**

The smile on his face wouldn't go away. This awful evening had turned into so much more. He was going to keep this memory forever, a bright beacon among his own stormy past. No matter what happened in the future, he would cherish this pulsing warmth that seemed to fill his entire being. As he looked upon her among the soft fabric, fresh and happy, she seemed to be glowing. Hue.

His knees moved to the floor as he kept his back straight, tall enough to easily move and take her hands over the side of the bed while keeping level with her face. At her question, his head tilted to the side as a questioning, "Hmm?" issued forth from his throat. Was he going to...? Going to what? Going to... oh it was much too soon for that!

**PhoenixAshes**

Ciya smiled sweetly when she realized the intentions behind his kneeling and happily accepted the hold he took of her hands. Well, even if he wasn't going lay beside her, this would suffice. The questioning tilt of his head suddenly brought into light how the phrasing of her question sounded and she blushed, the blood rising into her cheeks too quickly for her to hide. " I-I meant you're staying up." She rephrased, the words rushing. "Instead of sleeping like you had been?" Even in her embarrassment she didn't let go.

**FrankenSoul**

Look at that face. That adorable, blushing face. He just wanted to pinch and squish it, but his hands were occupied. He did his own version of a grin, stitches stretched as far as he could to show a glimspe of his too-white teeth. If he were embarrassed, he wasn't showing any signs of it right then. But ah, that's what she had meant. He supposed it was obvious now that he looked back at it.

"Mhmm," He answered sweetly, eyes softening as he gave her fingers a gentle squeeze. Sliding away one hand, he reached for the notebook that held the strange secrets and lifted it for her to see. He was going to flip through it tonight. He was far too wired and energetic to even think of resting, and he would only keep her damp or keep her awake if he tried laying beside her.

**PhoenixAshes**

The pixie watched him, reading his expressions as best he could as he gave his reply, only to sigh softly in a bit of dissapointment to hear that he'd be up. Then again, he didn't need sleep really. He just had been with her close by.

When he lifted the book she nodded in recognition and sqeezed the fingers of his hand that was still held. For a moment her honey eyes lingered on the cover. He had so many unanswered questions about that book. Secrets locked away by magic.

**FrankenSoul**

What was she...? His eyes slid to stare at the book too. Huh. Strange. For a moment, as she looked at it, he could swear he felt the book vibrate between his fingers... No, surely not. Tapping it against the side of his head, he made a strange expression as if to say, 'Gotta get it done'. He still hadn't tried the blood thing... He would try to cut his own hand and try it sometime. It might not react very well to his strange black blood, but he had to try it. Not tonight though. He would do it when they were back on the road and there was room to get Ciya away if something bad happened.

Taking one of her hands, he moved his face and shoulder to place it there and slide her fingers against the planes of his face, closing his eyes and breathing briefly. Allowing the moment to pass, he beamed at her before slowly turning and placing his bottom to the floor, but not without moving her hand into one of his own. Slowly, his blunt fingers began to work at the tendons and muscles of her hand. Lowly, he began to hum under his breath as he opened his notebook upon his knees and began to flip through it. The tune he uttered was a familiar one. He wasn't sure where the song came from, but it was a soothing one, slow and steady.

**PhoenixAshes**

The tap of it against his head made her giggle. When he did things like that it took any lingering seriousness out of any situation, even something as possibly dark as that book could be. "Alright, fine." She replied in faux defeat. "If you must."

Any lingering worries about it vanished as he brought his face closer and guiding her touch to bring him into her reach. Tenderly her thumb brushed across the form off his cheek, the affection very clear in her action. It was impossible to keep at least a little bit of disappointment from showing as he shifted away from her, the movement signaling to her that she should try to sleep. Reluctantly she settled in. Thankfully, he reached for her again and she wouldn't have to be without for a while. Slowly, through the way he played with her hand and his humming, she relaxed and eased enough for sleep to come to her. While the pixie was only just awake, holding to the last bits of consciousness she whispered softly, "Good night, Franky."

**FrankenSoul**

Goodnight Ciya, he answered in turn, if only mentally. Rest now, as she deserved. The slow, steady breaths she emitted was more than soothing as his eyes drifted across the pages of the notebook, idly flipping as he searched for something he had not seen before and continued to rub and hold Ciya's hand for the remainder of the night.

Steadily, the storm outside had begun to lessen. The pounding and beating of the rain slackened until it was only a mild drumming against the room of the inn. The sun greeted the day and placed it into a grey dawn, the dirt roads of the small town having long since turned to mud and the villagers very content with staying inside their warm and dry homes. The few animals that shared the town had been placed away and all waited for the complete stop to the water.

When the sun had began to lift its vivid form above the clouds and place a brighter but still dreamy hue upon them all, "Aunty" made her rounds. In front of the doors of her residents she placed small baskets with fresh fruits, bread, and cheese. A breakfast for the weary people who called this their temporary home. Pausing in front of a door that she knew belonged to the late night travelers, she quietly knocked and spoke in hushed tones.

Inside, Franky jumped slightly from the noise as he had been utterly absorbed in his book and his emotions. Of course, his search had again led to frustration. He simply wanted to know what secrets the book hid from him, to get the past done with so he could freely live his future. Sighing, he ran a hand through his hair and took a deep, calming breath as he tried not to think of the species that resided on the other side of the door and rather listened to her words.

"Excuse me. The bathing room is still open and free from others, but if you'd like to be there before anyone else, I would suggest doing so now. I'll be downstairs making a proper breakfast if you'd like that, or need any assistance."

With that, the woman withdrew from the door and the sounds of her light footsteps began to fade. Franky listened to them and allowed his mind to turn to new topics. Should he wake Ciya so she could have a fresh morning...? Hm. Perhaps. Moving to his knees and turning to face her, his cross expression faded into a smile at her peaceful expression. How loveable she appeared. His thumb moved to her face, gently moving across her cheek to mildly feel the soft texture.

Pausing only to briefly scribble into his booklet, he moved to sit on the side of her bed and gently began to shake her shoulder. "Hmmm," He hummed, trying to stir her so she might glimpse what he had said.

'The innkeeper offered you a hot bath before others wake up and a fresh breakfast. Want to go? If not, sorry and rest.'

**PhoenixAshes**

Ciya had slept soundly, and remained so through Aunty's entire adress. Through the night and small shiftings the shorter parts of her hair had flipped and stuck out in unflattering ways. Although, even in sleep she seemed to enjoy his affections, the touch stirring her only slightly.

The shaking was not so well recieved, but it did wake her. "Mmgh." In her close-eyed groggy state she'd assumed it was Vivica that was trying and not Franky. She was warm and comfortable and getting up didn't seem appealing. Why in the world would she be wo--The mental complaint stopped immediately after a rub away of the dried rheum from the inner corner of her eyes and the realization of where she actually was. It wasn't too hard to figure out, since Franky was the first thing she'd seen. "Hi..."Came the reply softly, her voice not yet prepared for average volume.

**FrankenSoul**

Oh he should have known this was the wrong thing to do. Inwardly, he scolded himself for waking her. He felt a faint throb of the heat in his chest as she greeted him and he uttered a low hum in response. She looked a little funny with her hair stuck like that. It made him want to play with it.

Lowering the booklet and placing it aside, he slid his arms around her form and placed his head against her, giving a low whine as he did so in apology. Rubbing his slightly spiky hair against her, he continued the noise on a low tune. Go back to sleep, he had made a mistake. He had just had a hard time picking out what she would want more, sleep or food and bath. It was hard to determine without having experienced the needs himself.

**PhoenixAshes**

"Was this all you wanted?" Even as softly as she was speaking the amusement was clear as she welcomed his embrace, matching it with a hold of her own. Now this she could get used to as a wake up call. The whine from him however made the sleepy smile fall away. "What's wrong?" She hadn't read what he'd written, her eyes and mind had not been nearly focused enough to even attempt it. That same fog made her worriedly jump to conclusions that weren't even close to the truth. He wasn't having second thoughts about trying to be with her, was he? The worry made her hold him tighter.

**FrankenSoul**

Damn his inability to speak. Just talking would make things so much easier. If anything, he swore one day he would learn the strange hand-speak if he could just find a teacher... It was good she at least found amusement in his actions, until her tone shifted and he saw her expression as he pulled back somewhat to look upon her face. Oops.

The worry in her face caused his hands to smooth her hair away as he smiled at her, trying to show it wasn't anything important. Sheepishly he moved to grab his booklet and show it to her, rubbing the back of his head and feeling his face heat at the misunderstanding so early in the morning. Gods what he would trade to be able to speak to her.

**PhoenixAshes**

Her honeyed gaze fixed on him when he moved away, praying his expression wasn't what she was anticipating it to be. It wasn't. He looked bashfully apologetic but in a way that wasn't remotely possible to cross the face of someone with doubt . The brush of his hands over her hair soothed her immediately, understanding starting to glimmer like the dawn when he moved to show her his words. "Oh!" Her voice had warmed enough now. "Now that makes more sense." She sat up, slowly but not in a way that showed ache or carefullness; it was simply the rise of a wakeful body. After the traveling and the storm, a bath would be fantastic. Ciya's smile returned along with another embrace of him. "Thank you." His reward for such a sweet getsure came as a peck on the cheek. "I'll do that."

**FrankenSoul**

There it went, understanding. Still, that was more complex then it needed to be. He waited to see still if his choice had been a bad one, wondering if she might be a little flustered he had woken her so but after a few moments it became apparent that he had picked the right option. Whew, that was a relief off his mind. Her embrace was welcome as he beamed and allowed a, "hueee" to escape his throat, rubbing her back with his hand briefly in the embrace. From surprise, his eyes widened and a squeak squeezed forth from his throat at the small kiss. He began making low rumbling sounds- giggles? - and moved to the back of the bed, covering his face with his hands and beaming wider still.

Aunty had left the same message for Vivica, knowing both parties would likely want some fresh water. The bathing room could be shared by two, and if they had issue with this she would serve breakfast to the one waiting while the other washed. She stood in the tavern area of the inn, and as promised had breakfast prepared and ready. Stoking a small fireplace and taking out her good food materials, she went to work and soon had eggs, sausage, and porridge hot and ready. Having rolled her sleeves up to complete the task, she grinned to herself and uttered a huff. She had even gone out and fetched fresh milk in the light morning rain. If that didn't make her customers happy, she didn't know what would!

**PhoenixAshes**

The pixie couldn't help but laugh at his reaction. "Is this how it's always going to be?" She asked in amused accusation. By all life, he was adorable. It'd be a shame to--ooohh, there was an idea.

Carefully she followed him in his retreat, and nestled up to him again, having to work her way under his arm so she could get close enough. When sucessfully there, she let her face rest against his neck. First it was simple, a light nuzzle with her nose just under his jaw. Now, if she could just get him to let his gaurd down a little bit more, the stage would be set for her plan.

Vivica, still in her nonglamour state, paused by the door of the other two briefly on her way back from the bathroom. She's been awake when Aunty had come by and took advantage of the option without much hesitation. The witch could hear something, talking or maybe laughing--both from Ciya, she guessed. With a bearly audiable chortle of her own, she continued on to her room, to dress and recast her elven-glamour spell before heading down to the glorious smell of whatever Aunty was cooking.

**FrankenSoul**

How it was going to be...? Was he going to hide and become embarrassed about such things? She could bet on it. He adored closeness and affection, but really wasn't too used to receiving it. When he was given it, he was simply too happy to react properly. Hopefully she would go and take her bath and he would- Wait what was she doing? She moved under his arm, and he blinked with wide eyes in her direction, questioning her but accepting her actions. Had she changed her mind and simply wanted to linger with him? Her further actions caused him to chuckle sheepishly, blinking rapidly a few times as he wondered at what she was doing. This was an odd way of showing affection, but, okay... He gave her form a light squeeze, making low noises deep in his throat. He felt as if she were going to bite him in this position!

**PhoenixAshes**

His squeeze was signal enough, and while it wasn't a bite, there was a chance he might react to it the same way. Ciya deemed this an out come she was willing to risk, since while his reactions to such things were fast and extreme by some sense, they were innocent and harmless. She'd have to be quick: three kisses, small and sweet, one closer to his jaw the other two starting just down his neck.

**FrankenSoul**

He squeezed very hard at the motions, feeling soft lips upon his skin. The high pitched sound was a sort of squeal of surprise, mild happiness, and embarrassment. And her mouth upon his jaw felt a bit too close to his own, sending a small tremor of discomfort that was easily hidden. He gulped, moving his hands to her arms and moving away somewhat to stare at her, huffing as he did so and playfully glaring at her through his mess of hair. His expression was both flustered and loveable, as if to say, 'W-What was that for??'

**PhoenixAshes**

She was smiling brightly even as he moved her away, looking quite like the mischevious child that she used to be. "I'm sorry, I had to!" The pixie didn't look sorry. In fact, she looked quite in her element. "It's just cute how you react." Her expression shifted, and her large honey colored eyes seemed to actually plead for forgiveness, "Don't be mad. I'm just trying to get you used to it." That smile of hers gave her away. "You're going to be getting plenty more of those eventually."

**FrankenSoul**

She seemed pleased, the little trouble maker! Franky made sure to continue making low huffing sounds, looking both quite offended and flattered as he rubbed his hands upon the areas she had touched, the skin of his face flushing a darker grey.

Wait, he's going to have to get used to it... Plenty more? Oh gods. He wasn't sure if his dead heart could keep up with such things. Cuddling and flattering was one thing, but to do such... intimate things? Oh gods. He blew a strand of hair from his face, slowly trying to shift his expression into a smile to reassure her. Pausing only to reach for his booklet, he gave a few useless breaths to calm his hand before scribbling something and turning it with a dawning look of his own mischievousness.

'Don't tell me you're going to be the lustful one.'

Oh yes he had noticed where her mind kept going. And now this? Tsk tsk.

**PhoenixAshes**

She watched him with a bit of glee lifting her heart. He was so adorably flustered! The fact that she was the cause of it was only that much more stratifying. Her expression lent to all of these thoughts, even as he wrote--that part added in curiosity.

As soon as she finished reading the words her mouth nearly dropped open. He was asking--the thought that he could was nearly flabbergasting. Then again he'd made a few funny but, almost, dirty comments before. Even in her shock, the pixie had just enough teasing mischief left in her to say, "And what if I am?"

**FrankenSoul**

Hah! Well, this was much more fun when he was dishing it out rather than taking it in! That was, until she replied with the worst words possible. He swallowed loudly, smile tilting somewhat until it became sheepish and almost... sad. Shaking his head somewhat as if to dismiss the topic due to some inner thought, he once again began to write.

'Go wash up and get your food before it gets cold, troublemaker.'

**PhoenixAshes**

Oh boy. She'd done it again! There was that look again, it was so cute. However, the new nervous and sad hint to it set a bit of worry into her. Before she could ask and he was writing again. "Alright, alright," Ciya laughed at his dismissal. " I'm going." As if for proof she headed to the edge of the bed.

**FrankenSoul**

Good girl. He moved his hand to pat her head a few times, then just to make sure began to nudge and push her off the bed. Get going now! If she kept this up, she'd be in competition with him for most-clinging. Moving to grab the notebook, he flipped open the too-familiar pages, flashed her a smile, and turned around to flop on the bed and begin reading again. If he didn't instigate her going, she never would. Plus, maybe she would get to talk to some people who were actually alive and human.

Downstairs, Aunty was glad to see Vivica and greeted her quietly and happily. Offering her the food, she remarked that the storm seemed to be letting up and surely the travelers could be on their way if they wished by that night or the next morning. Before then, the road would be far too muddy to move across without being sucked into impossible mud pits. Off to the side, Aunty murmured that when her husband returned he best not track in a pile of mud on her nice and clean floors.

**PhoenixAshes**

The pixie took the hint, unable to keep from smiling at this attempt to shoo her out. A quick gathering of another set of clothes and a towel and she was off, but not two steps from the door she turned back, and popped her head back in. "If there's room for two you should come with me." With some effort she was able to keep the humor out of her face.

Vivica gladly took up on the offer of food, just as she had with the idea of a bath. Everything looked and smelled so delicious it was impossible to say no. She commented so, as well as answering politely to the other small talk.

A the news of the state of the roads she frowned. Franky might not be too happy about that, she thought. He hadn't been keen on the town in the first place, let alone staying. Then again, being stuck could give Slick a chance to catch up. Slick--the witch hoped he was doing okay.

"You'll have to check his boots at the door." Vivica replied jokingly to Aunty.

Without looking at her, Franky grabbed one of the pillows and stuffed it over his face while groaning extremely loudly. Oh his GODS woman! She was hopeless! He was surely going to burst into flames if she kept going like this!

"Yes I will, but I'm willing to bet he'll barge in before I have a chance." She answered with a smile, leaning against the counter of the bar and breathing out a sigh. Moving to push a few strands from her face, her eyes softened as she asked, "So did you sleep well? And how about your friends? I do hope your cloaked friend is comfortable in the middle of a village like this. Do you think he'll need puzzles or books to keep his mind off it until you can leave...?"

**PhoenixAshes**

His reaction enticed a laugh from her. There was no way she could keep a strait face at that. "Okay, I get it." The pixie was smiling but shook her head. He probably needed to wash as much as she did, so technically her suggestion wasn't so far fetched. "That's a no."

"Your husband sound like an interesting man." The comment was given easily. However there were questions, first and foremost of where this said husband was. However there wasn't much of a chance to ask or to be polite about it. " I slept incredibly well." The report came warmly until the part about Ciya and Franky, which was accompanied by a shrug. "He's okay." She reassured. "He's got Ciya, plus he's good at entertaining himself from what I know."

**FrankenSoul**

"Mhmm," He answered lowly, his face remaining stuffed under a pillow so he could hide it. He wasn't trying to be rude, but there was no way he was going to be bare with her in a room! He needed to put on a shirt as it was, and surely his was dry after a night had passed. Plus he wasn't sure how his body would react to a soak... Come to think of it, he had never really taken a bath. Huh. Odd. Maybe he should try that sometime then. Just, not right now with her.

Sensing she had moved across a border, Aunty paused before bowing her head and giving an apologetic smile. "Forgive me, I didn't mean to intrude. It's just that..." Moving to take a mug and wipe it with a clean rag so that she could make the metal thing shine, she turned to look at her work with a nostalgic expression. "He reminds me of someone I knew a long time ago. Stitches, grey skin and all. This may sound strange but..."

The woman moved once again to tuck her hair behind an ear - a nervous habit she had picked up ages ago - as she looked up turned Vivica once again. "Is his name Franky?"

**PhoenixAshes**

The pixie giggled in her light way once more. "I'm going then. Behave while I'm gone."

The witch froze with her glass half way up to her lips. That was too close and came to easily to Aunty Anne to be a guess. "How did--" Her words seemed to thicken on her tongue, the many thoughts behind them becoming too big to speak and thereby silencing her.

**FrankenSoul**

Pft as if he could get in any trouble in here. Though, as he listened and heard the door close and heard her small footsteps as she retreated, he felt a tightening inside his chest. Panic. Breath Franky. Breath. You were safe. You were safe. Surrounded by a village of monsters, but this room was safe. And Ciya, outside, was safe too. Wasn't she? Oh gods what did they do to pixies? Pluck their wings? Did humans try to kill them for their parts? Oh god he needed to- He sat up straight in bed, looking at the door with wide eyes, the paranoia moving his bones without his mind being able to catch up. No. Stop right there. Forcing himself to hold still, he took a long and hard breath.

She was FINE. He was just allowing his colorful mind to make him fear. Grabbing a pillow and pressing his back against the wall, the pillow was squished hard as he closed his eyes and concentrated on simply breathing. Get control of yourself.

Oops! She startled the poor thing. She hadn't meant to do that, but she would admit the other woman's expression was priceless! She smiled and let out a mild laugh, moving to quickly cover her mouth as she did so as her eyes twinkled. "I'm sorry! I should explain, shouldn't I? I've met him before. A very long time ago, when I was just a little girl. I remember my encounter with him vividly. One doesn't forget someone like him, do they? The last I saw of him though..." Her hands moved down to the top of the counter, the merriment in her eyes toned down with a degree of sadness. "He was being cornered by this very village, chased by fire simply because he and I were friends. I was disgusted by the villagers then and I still am now. Treating him like some sort of monster, when in reality he was my best friend and wouldn't hurt a fly."

**PhoenixAshes**

"That explains so much." Vivica formed the words slowly as the information settled in. This village they mobbed him, chased and cornered him like an animal. No wonder that when he saw her without the spell he--hold on. Why was Aunty just mentioning this now? "Did the connection just come to you know or have you known since we came in here?"

**FrankenSoul**

Did it? She had always wondered if the incident had caused the poor man any trouble. She had seen him get away, barely, with his life and part of his body already set aflame. From what she had seen, his face had healed from it. Odd. She hadn't thought he would be able to heal. At the next question, the woman blinked. "Oh I... well I suspected it was him the moment I saw a glimpse of his face. But I wasn't entirely sure, as he didn't seem to react to me. That's why I asked you his name. And oh! Good morning!" She looked around Vivica, flashing a smile towards another who had joined them on the bottom floor. She was this one's friend, wasn't she?

**PhoenixAshes**

"He had a blindfold on--" The witch began to explain, but the greeting cut her off. Turning to look she smiled at her friend crossing into sight.

Ciya stopped in her path and smiled warmly. A quick detour wouldn't hinder her too much, would it? "Good morning!" Even as brightly as she spoke, there was a tad of embarrassment that she was technically still in pajama-like garments she brought her arm, with her clothes and towel draped over it, in-front of her as she crossed to the other two women.

**FrankenSoul**

Oh gosh Anne didn't mean to stop her from going and getting some hot water. Still, she smiled brightly at the other, glad to see she was feeling well this morning. Perhaps she would care to eat first? In any case, Anne leaned over the counter again and gave a broad and friendly grin.

"We were just discussing your friend and my old friend Franky. It seems he is the same one I knew as a child then. And that makes sense that he didn't react as he couldn't see me. Then again, I have changed a lot so he might not know me anyway," She laughed again, the sound lighthearted and good natured.

**PhoenixAshes**

Wait--what was this now? Old friend? Ciya stared in confusion at Aunty for a long moment. Was she confused? She knew Franky? The same Franky up stairs that flew into a terror in the presence of a human, the same Franky who'd shuddered at the idea of coming here? How could she---as a child?

In that pause the realization was as if someone had thrown a heavy bag at Ciya, knocking the wind from her. The pixie's slim hand came up her fingers pressing against her own lips for a moment, only moving them away slightly when she spoke. "You mean you're--?" A smile. Could she be? Could Aunty Anne really be? She did seem kind, having taken them in like this from the storm and everything.

**FrankenSoul**

Had... had she done something wrong again? She worried on it for a moment as Ciya stared at her as if she had grown another head. The look shifted and changed after a second, but she wasn't sure if it was a good change. Especially since she covered her mouth in what seemed to be shock or disgust.

"Honey are you-"

She stopped as Ciya spoke up, and thankfully, smiled. Whew. Anne's eyes squinted somewhat, her own smile tilted as she uttered another laugh. "Am I? I'm sorry, did I do something wrong? I was only wanting to ask. Like I was just talking to this woman here - Vivica, yes? - I knew him when I was young. He used to hide in my basement before he escaped from this place. I was so afraid and worried if he survived and was happy, but I'm glad to see he's in good hands."

**PhoenixAshes**

Vivica nodded quickly at Aunty's checking at her name, but her attention was on Ciya. The smaller woman seemed to become more shocked as the exchange went on. Suddenly the pixie smiled brightly the soft laugh not quite showing the happiness she must be feeling. The witch had seen this many times when her dear friend had gotten overwhelmed by something good, or sometimes bad but mostly good. "Ciya?" Were those tears in the pixie's eyes?

It was, it was her. The girl that had helped Franky was all grown up, right here. His 'tiny teacher' had yet again come to his aid. Before she really comprehended what she was doing Ciya had already gotten close enough to Aunty to hug her, a genuine squeeze of happiness and thankful warmth in it.

**FrankenSoul**

What was this now? The other had moved around the counter and before Anne knew it, she was being embraced. Not that she minded, as the woman was naturally motherly and warm. Her eyes did widen momentarily, before once again she laughed lowly and moved her arms to give the other a light squeeze and pat upon her back.

"Goodness! Is everything okay?"

**PhoenixAshes**

Ciya nodded before parting and laughed again softly, her face flushing as she realized what she'd done. "Yes, I'm fine. I'm sorry. I just--he told me about you!" Her expression seemed bright with " I didn't think I'd ever meet you! Or--" Suddenly her attention turned back to where she came from. "Franky..." Would he want to see her? He'd want to know wouldn't he? That his friend was here, alive and well, beautifully grown up and by odd circumstances had taken them in, just as she had before with him. Turning back, the pixie's heart felt suddenly heavier, like a pebble had been dropped into her pond of happiness. Even if Franky did want to see her, his response might be not what he wanted.

**FrankenSoul**

Wait he did what now? Told this one of her? Taking a moment, the woman soon smiled at the thought and knowledge that she truly hadn't been forgotten. And even remembered fondly. And this one here, Ciya, must care for him a great deal to react so strongly to kindness.

Now what was going on though? The pixie seemed suddenly sad, the emotion obvious in her posture and eyes. She turned away and looked back to where she had come from. "What is it?”

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