Aubri made her way to the lobby in a daze. The Earth was waiting for her. She smiled. The man in the lobby was one of the ones from the coffeehouse. She approached him. Holding her arms out, she said, "Now, please?"

He stood, walking over with a smile. "What did you want?" he asked, gently embrasing her.

"Make it go away," she requested, leaning against him. He was warm and smelled of earth. It was safe in his arms. It wouldn't hurt her here.

He nodded. "I have to tell my sibs that I'm leaving, is that okay?"

She nodded, snuggling against his chest.

He gently picked her up and walked back to the coffee shop and blushed lightly when his siblings gave him a standing ovation.

"I'm taking her to the house, you guys'll be fine taking a taxi back, right?"

Astor nodded. "Avi and I are going shopping soon anyway." He smiled. "Congraduations."

Damek smiled, again blushing very slightly.

He carried Aubri out to his car and gently set her down on her feet and opened the passanger side door for her.

Aubri sat and slid aside for him, resting against his side when he was seated too. She didn't feel as strongly with him there.

He smiled. "You have it rough, don't you..." he said in a kind voice.

"You're warm," she said tiredly.

He gave a soft laugh. "I'm Damek. What's your name?" he asked.

"Aubri. Mom called me Anna before she died. Gran called me Bri, but she fell down the stairs. It all happened twice 'cause it was in my head first." She wrapped her arm through his. "Make it go away?"

"I'll try. We're going to Aunt Donna's house. It's out at the edge of the town and it probally empty right now, so that should help, right?"

She nodded. "People too complicated.... like birds better. Trees...." She closed her eyes. "Like you...."

He smiled. "Thank you. I think I like you as well and I hope I can help," he said in a warm voice.

"So you'll sleep with me?"

He gave another small laugh. "More then happy to," he smiled.

Damek turned the car up a long unpaved driveway. A strage metal crest, looking like that of two people twined together was displauyed on a stone post that they passed, along with two smaller crests, one of a vine and one of a star.

The house at the end of the drive was at least 3 stories high and very cosy looking. The front porch almost resembled a garden, with potted plants and crawler vines decorating it. Large gardens took up most of the lawn and a feild of grain could be seen in the back.

Damek smiled, pulling the car to a stop and getting out, moving to the passanger side to open Abri's door. "We're here."

Aubri slid against him, leaning her head on his chest while looking around. "Rabbits get into everything," she said softly.

Damek gave a small quiet laugh. "We don't mind. As long as they stay away from Aunt Donna's flowers and leave us something to sample, they're more then welcome." He looked at her a moment. "Do you like it?"

"It's quiet." She buried her face against him. "It smells like you."

He chuckled softly. "It should. I've live here for the past 3 turns." He paused. "That's 15 years." He smiled. "Shall we go inside?"

She nodded, tucking her arm into his and leaning against it more heavily than she wanted. Deserted the place was, but the echoes of people who weren't there yet were strong.

"Do you want to be carried?" he asked, voice touched slightly with consern.

She smiled up at him and wrapped her arms around his neck.

He smiled back, gently lifting her into his arms before heading up the stairs to the house.
 
Damek gently traced a line down Abri's side, kissing her gently. "Feeling better?" he asked with a small smile.

She sighed, arms wrapping around him. "Blessed oblivian," she murmured.

He smiled. "So, may I ask...?"

"I was on a bus for five days. It was too long, and then it was too much. I should have looked for someone more experienced," she said, trailing her hands down his chest.

"What do you need the sex for? Does it just calm you or is it something more?"

"It makes the visions go away," she said softly. "It makes my skin tight enough."

"Visions?" he repeated as a question. "You don't have to tell if you don't want to."

She looked away. "I see things before they happen... like when Daddy killed Mom. And I know about people. I know you can help me, so I'm telling you. And I knew she wouldn't hurt me." She pulled him until she was resting against him. "You can help me, right?"

"I can try." He put his arms around her, holding her close. "I can call one of the Aunts from the Sight Circle, I'm sure someone will know how to help."

"And you'll make it go away?" she asked, resting herhead on his shoulder and closing her eyes.

"Whenever you need," he smiled. "Did you want to stay with us for a while?"

She nodded tiredly. "Take care of me," she whispered before falling into sleep.
 
Aubri stretched as she woke, luxuriating in the comfort and warmth of Damek's bed. There was a buzz in the back of her head, but she could ignore it. She opened her eyes to take in the room.

"'Morning." He smiled at her. "Do you like pancakes, french toast or waffles?"

She smiled, reaching out to kiss him. "Mmm... I haven't had pancakes in ages."

He leaned forward and indulged her lips. "Then shall I make you some?"

"You cook too? Heaven."

He gave a small chuckle. "It's not gourmet, but, yes, I cook." He offered her his hand to help her up.

She rose and looked down at herself. "I should get my clothes," she said, amusement in her voice.

He smiled. "If you want something fresh to wear...." He handed her a small stack of clothing. "It might be a bit loose," he appologized.

She smiled teasingly. "Yours?"

He blushed very lightly. "The shirt is. The pants are from Aunt Donna's closet of things she doesn't fit into anymore." He smiled.

"I just got here and I'm already wearing your clothes," she continued her light teasing with a smile. She hugged the clothes to her. "I don't suppose there's any point to asking you to turn around, so I won't." She pulled the clothes on and stood a moment, near hugging herself while stroking the sleeves of the shirt. "It's like you're holding me," she said softly, smile turning wistful.

He again blushed lightly, smiling. "Did you wish to eat now or later?"

"Now would be good. And then maybe we can go get my things? They're still in town." She smiled at him with utter contentment.

He nodded. "This way, m'lady..." He gave a small bow, holding the door for her.

She exited the room and waited for him, threading her arm through his as they went to the kitchen.
 
"So, I went through the house and find the room that I think you'd do best it," Damok said as he brought over the plate of pancakes. "Did you want any syrup or jam with these? Aunt Donna and Aunt Mayberry makes them, a lot from the fruit we grow. They're very good."

"If you have strawberry, I'll take some of that. Where's the room? Is it near you?"

He nodded, retriving the jar. "It's on the third floor, above and a few rooms left of my room. Most of that floor's empty guest or storage room." He paused. "Syrup or jam?"

"Either." She frowned. "So... a lot of people through?" She looked thoughtful, then shrugged. "If you say it's good I'll trust you." She gave him a dazling smile.

He smiled back and brought over the syrup. "Mostly Green Thumbs, but yeah, we get a few. "Hoshi, Aunt Donna and I are the most permant residents. Astor and Avi come around alot and sometimes a random Aunt or Cousin comes to stay a while. Sometimes and Uncle, but not often."

"You have a large family, don't you. Let's see...." She closed her eyes. "Astor and Avi are important... they were at the coffeehouse." She opened her eyes. "Sometimes it's helpful," she said with a slightly self-conscious smile.

He grinned. "Yeah, the Family is very large. Astor and Avi are my siblings, as is Hoshi, you'll get to meet her later. Astor was the one in silver and Avi was in gold."

Aubri smiled. "I hope they like me. I'd hate to be somewhere I wasn't wanted."

He reached out and gently touched her face. "I want you here," he said, voice soft and serious, eyes warm and strong. He smiled. "And becides, Astor and Avi are easy to get along with, Hoshi won't mind, and Aunt Donna likes having guests."

Her expression gentled. She rested her hand on top of his. "Thank you."

He smiled again, expresion soft a moment. "You should eat before the pancakes get cold."

Aubri smiled at him and began eating slowly, savoring the homemade food.
 
Aubri opened the locker in the bus station and pulled out her bags. She replaced the wallet in the smaller bag and slung it over her shoulder while she picked up the other. "It gets cold here, so I'll need to get warmer clothes soon," she told Damek. "I don't think you want me wearing your clothes all the time." She smiled, touching the shirt she still wore.

He grinned. "Well, if you'd like, Astor and Avi were going to go shopping with Hoshi after she showed up, so we can probally find them and get you some things. Would you like to?"

"I'd like that," she said with a smile.

"All right, let's get your stuff in the car and I'll locate them." He took the larger bag from her with a smile and headed back for the car.
Once they were back in the car he closed his eyes a moment in consentration. He gave a small chuckle. "Figures," he smiled, opening his eyes. "They're at the mall in the flashy store they love so much." He shook his head slightly before starting the car.

"Oh, flashy. Is there a Hot Topic here?"

He nodded. "You shop there?"

"Not often, but they have good stuff for what I do. So many people like the look, andI fit in most of it." She smiled.

He nodded, smiling. "Avi and Astor will love you..." He grinned. "They'll have a new shopping mate."

She chuckled. "I doubt I'll shock you, but I'd like to think I can at least make you melt. Just a little." She looked at him. "What's your favorite colour?" she asked with a smile.

He gave a small grin, blinking a few times as if to clear them. "Green," he finaly stated. "You're a good flirt..."

"I should be. I've had enough practice." She ran a hand through her hair. "I'll have to see if I can find the right shade of green. Maybe something dark," she mused.

His smile was vaugly goofy a moment and he cleared his throat, turning his attention back to the road.
 
Aubri paused, seeing a store. "I'm going in there for a bit," she said, touching Damek's arm. She entered and started looking at the racks of lingerie, then looked out at him, shook her head, and moved to another rack a bit farther in. She smiled a bit, pulling a few things off the rack. She approached the entry. "I'm going to try a few things on, ok? Wait for me?" Without waiting for an answer, she turned to go to the fitting room.

Damek blinked, then exhaled loud and long. He crackled his knuckles and fiddled with his fingers. 'You've seen her naked, why are you getting like this over underwear?'

"Yo, Damek!"

Damek turned to see Astor and Avi nearly skipping towards him, Hoshi following at a more sedate pace, smiling.

"Wha'cha doing here?" Avi asked.

Damek's cheeks pinked slightly.

Hoshi laughed quietly. "Avi, did you say before he brought a girl home? It should be obvious." The black haired girl winked at Damek.

"I'm done. Do you want to see what I got?" Aubri said, exiting the store with a bag. She noticed the others around him. "Maybe later," she decided with a smile and a look that would have melted stone.

There was a round of aplause from Astor and Avi and Damek smiled, looking down, blushing lightly once more.
Hoshi smiled. "So, going to introduce us?"
Damek nodded quickly, swollowing to try and pull himself back together. "Hoshi, Astor, Avi, this is Aubri. Aubri, these are my siblings, Avi, Astor and Hoshi," he introduced.

Aubri toned down her smile as she turned to the others. She held out a hand. "It's a pleasure," she said, voice gentle. "I hope we'll get along."

Astor shook her hand and lifted it to his lips, kissing the back of it. "You going to be staying with us?" he said, giggling slightly at the end.

"Damek said I could," she said, blushing as she looked at the man, "but I don't want to put anyone out."

Astor giggled again and Avi joined him before shaking Aubri's hand. "Don't worry about it, as long as you can handle flirting from the rest of us, you'll be fine." She winked coyly.

Aubri's smile deepend to be almost a smirk and she slid her arms across the other woman's shoulders. "So the rest of you might want me... here... too?"

Avi and Astor giggled simoltaniously. "Of couse," Avi smiled invitingly.

Aubri leaned forward and brushed a kiss over Avi's lips, then retreated to Damek, taking his hand. "Thank you," she said with a smile.

"Ah! Dear sister, such lips to have graced your own before mine!" Astor placed a hand over his heart in a dramatic gesture. "Your luck runs deeper then my own!"
Hoshi chucked. "Don't mind the drama twins," she smiled.

Aubri put a hand to her lips, hiding a smile. "Really, I think we've created enough excitement for the mall for one day. Perhaps later we could get to know one another better." Her smiled bordered a smirk.

"Ah!" Astor pressed both hands over his heart in a near swooning action. "If only this humble heart would be graced in such a way!"

Aubri laughed softly and leaned against Damek's shoulder. "Later. Damek says there's a Hot Topic...?"

Astor and Avi squealed happily, grabbed Aubri's hands and nearly dragged her down the hall to the store.

Aubri laughed, scrambling to keep up. "Don't make me drop my bag!"
 
"So," Astor giggled as they spilled into the store. "What's your colour?"

Aubri glanced back at Damek. "Green if I can find the right shade," she said with a grin.

Avi laughed, clapping her hands.

Astor giggled. "But is that a YOU colour?" he smiled.

"If I can find the right shade," she restated. "It would look good with my hair."

The siblings nodded.

Astor poked through one of the racks and pulled out a dark green shear shirt that matched his and Avi's. He held it up to her and grinned. "What do you think, Avi? Good match?"

The girl mused a moment, the nodded.

Aubri smiled. "Trying to make me match? Are you going to put me in things he wouldn't wear?"

The pair giggled. "Of couse!" Avi grinned. "It's more fun that way."

Aubri laughed. "All right, then. As long as I have some say in what I try on." She wandered a bit farther, looking at the velvet dresses along one wall.

"Ooo..." The pair clustered over. "Good taste." Avi beconed one of the sales people over.

Aubri shook her head, smiling. "That one," she told the salesgirl, pointing to a dark green one that laced up the front.

Astor and Avi applauded happily, Avi nearly jumping up and down as the dress was lowered. "Try it on! Tryit on!"

"I wasn't planning on having them take it down for no reason!" Aubri protested. She thanked the girl and took the dress to the back. After lacing it and twirling to feel the skirt swish, she looked at herself critically in the mirror. After a moment she nodded approval. "Get Damek," she called out. "I want opinions."

A short while later there was a knock on the side of the changing room entrance. "You wanted me to see...?" Damek's voice asked.

Aubri smoothed her hair and the dress one last time before opening the door and stepping out. She smiled deeply at Damek.

He stared in near shock a moment before catching himself. He tried to cover with a small cough and shook his head slightly, takign a deep breath. "Wow."

Aubri looked pleased and took a step closer. "It's soft," she said quietly. "Want to see how soft it is?" Her eyes sparkled.

Damek smiled and gently stoked the shoulder of the dress. "It's nice..." he said softly, eyes warm. "Are you going to get it?"

"I think so." She lowered her voice so only he could hear. "It will go nicely with my earlier purchase."

His eyes went wide and he blinked quickly before clearing his throat and give another smile.
 
"I'm going to get changed now." She rose slightly to kiss him and reentered the changing room. She stroked the velvet dress softly as she hung it up, knowing that she wouldn't have much money left after this, but knowing that she would find some way to pay for whatever she needed. Damek's eyes were enough to convince her to buy the dress.

She was met with applause as she exited.

"I haven't seen him get that flustered since school!" Avi giggled. "Congrats!" She took the dress from Aubri gently. "Anything else you want to get? This is fun!"

"Mmm, and which do you like better? The shopping or the flustering Damek?" Aubri smiled at her. She turned to the store, planting her hands on her hips. "What else is here?" she said, walking determinedly to another wall of clothes. She made a face. "Maybe I should go look for something more practical...."

"Why? Impractical is more fun and has better results." Astor winked.

"Yes, but all the clothes I have are for Arizona and it gets colder here. Especially when you have limited funds." She smiled, eyes straying to Damek's form outside the store again. "I'm sure I can get whatever results I want."

The sibs made dismissive gestures. "Money doesn't matter, get what you want."

"You're serious?" Aubri said disbelievingly, looking at them.

Astor nodded.

"Trust me, even if we cared about cash, seeing Damek like this is more then worth it," Avi grinned.

Aubri smiled, almost blushing. "I really like him," she said softly.

The siblings smiled. "So you'll be staying a while then, eh?" Avi winked.

"I'd like to. He said he'd take care of me. So... it's only fair that I take care of him too, right?" She smiled wickedly.

Astor giggled. "We like you..." He turned to his sister. "Next reunion?" he winked.

Avi grinned and nodded giving him a high five.

"Reunion?" Aubri asked curiously.

"Family reunion. One of the big ones is coming up this year." Hoshi spoke up, having just walked over. "If you'd like I'll explaine it to you later, less cryticaly then the twins here," she smiled knowningly at her siblings.

Aubri smiled at her. "Thank you." She turned. "Now...." She punched a hand into the air. "Shopping!"

Astor and Avi cheered.
 
The next day was Eliza's day off from work. It was a well deserved day off and she decided to make the most of it and go shopping.

She quickly tied her long brown hair back away from her face, then grabbing her jacket and purse, she quickly drove to the mall and parked in front of one of the entrances. Walking in, she wasn't sure what she wanted to get, just that she needed to get out and be around people. She was tired of spending her days off alone in her apartment.

The mall was particularly crowded for the middle of the week. Eliza strode into a clothing store and began looking through the racks. Not finding anything too interesting, she left the store.

Eliza walked around the mall a bit more going from one store to another, lost in her own thoughts. She then wandered into Hot Topic, just for a look around. Eliza typically didnt' buy anything there, but it was fun just to look.
 
While searching through one of the racks, Eliza saw a dress that caught her eye. She pulled it off the rack and decided it'd be fun to try it on. As she moved towards the back of the store, she heard a somewhat familar voice.

Seeing his face, she realized it was the boy from the coffee shop that was flirting with her earlier.

Smiling, she approached the group. "You know," she said, interupting their conversation. "You left before I could give you my number.." She smirked at the boy, draping the dress over her arm.
 
Astor turned and blinked at her. "Ah! My lady, do forgive the rudeness of this human person your presence does so grace the presence of." He gave a full bow.
 
Eliza laughed. "I'm not even sure that makes any sense! Anyway, kind sir, we haven't even been formally introduced." She extended her hand. "Eliza Sanders.. and you are...?"
 
"Astor. Astor Windstar Silvermoon." He bowed again, taking her hand and lightly kissing the back of it.

Avi giggled.
 
"Well, Mr. Astor Windstar Silvermoon.. you certainly have a way of charming the ladies, don't you.." Eliza commented, after he kissed her hand. "Aren't you forgetting something though.." she motioned towards the rest of the group.
 
"Oh Eliza, my darling, surely you haven't forgotten me already?" Aubri said with a flirtatious smile, draping three shirts over her arm. She held out a fourth, black velvet with sheer sleeves. "What do you think?" she asked.
 
Eliza turned to the girl questionably. "I'm sorry, I dont' believe we have been introduced.." Then she added, "I remember you from the coffee shop also, but as far as a name..." She looked at the blouse that the other girl held up. "Ohh! Where did you get that from! I like!" she exclaimed, as she touched one of the sheer sleeves in her hand.

Astor giggled. "Do, Lady, just call this humble man but his given name. Astor will serve as well and save your pretty lips such a lengthy introduction." He smiled and gestured to his colleges. "And speaking of introductions, allow me to present my sister, Ravija Sunstar Yoko."

"Avi," the girl smiled, curtsying.

"My brother, Damek Earthstar Delano,"

Damek smiled.

"And my younger sister, Hoshi Heavenstar Tenkou."

Hoshi shook her head slightly, smiling. "You grace me with redundancy, dear brother."

Astor giggled.
 
When Astor finished introducing his siblings, Eliza said, "For siblings, you all have such different, yet interesting names.." she smiled.
 
Aubri smiled. "Ah, my dear companion. We parted ways shortly after leaving." She pointed at the rack against the wall. "They're a bit expensive, but...." She looked at Damek. "...I can think of reasons to get them."

"You still haven't told me your name, you know.." Eliza commented.
Damek smiled warmly at Aubri in return, eyes tinged slightly with the antisipation of fun to come.

Astor giggled. "We are a unique family," he winked.

"Aubri, my dear Eliza," Aubri said, eyes not leaving Damek's. "And you still haven't told me if you think I should try it on."

"Oh! By all means.. please. Don't let me stop you.." Eliza said, clearing the way to the fitting room.

Aubri brushed passed Damek on the way in. "Stay close," she said softly, smiling.

He smiled. "I will, don't worry..."

"Oh, which reminds me why I came over here.." She removed the dress she was carrying from over her arm and held it up. "I was on ~my~ way to try this on..."

Astor giggled slightly. "I am sure it will look lovey, but not so much to outshine my lady's natural beauty."

"You say that to everyone!" Aubri called jokingly from inside the dressing room.

Eliza blushed, as she walked past him to the fitting room.

"That's because it's true!" Astor called back happily.

Eliza laughed from inside the dressing room.

"Hey, Aubri? You ready? We can give these guys a real fashion show here!" Eliza yelled over to her, a bit excited.
 
Hoshi began idly looking through the selection of black t-shirts, examining one with a glow in the dark pattern. She smiled and gave a small laugh. "Avi, look!" She displayed the shirt. "It's Einsteine's face made up by constalations."

Avi grinned. "Made for you, eh?" she winked.

Aubri laughed. "Must I stand up to the competition? I'm ready whenever you are, Eliza, my pet."

"Alright, ready or not, gentlemen.. here we come!" Eliza called, as she softly stepped out of the dressing room in the dress.

Aubri followed the girl's lead, stepping up to Damek in the green shirt Astor had pulled out earlier. "What do you thikn, gentlemen and ladies?" she asked quietly.

Eliza whirled around to show off the dress. It was long, and red with a black velvet outline.. low cut in the front

Astor applauded. "Wonderful, my ladies!" he smiled. "Aubri, you must get the shirt! We can all match!" he giggled. "Now, if we could only get dear Damek into a brown one..." He turned to Eliza. "Ah, if I could take my Lady to a grand ball fair enough to desplay such beauty..." he smiled.

Avi giggled. "Astor, dear, you are most incorigable!"

Eliza blushed again. "That's very kind of you, Astor.. but they won't be any need for that.. for I am not buying this dress. I just wanted to try it on, for fun."

"Oh, but why, dear lady?" Astor pouted.

"I have no need for a dress like this!" Eliza exclaimed. "I work 6 days a week.. and haven't got much of a life, I must admit.."

Aubri smiled at Damek before turning and posing for everyone else. "Oh but Eliza," she said, draping an arm around the girl's shoulders, "That isn't the point! What if you have a need and not the dress?" She patted the girl's cheek. "I have other shirts to show off-- I mean try on."

"I can't.. sorry to disappoint you all.." Eliza left to take off the dress.

"My lady, do pause to explane to this humble soul your reasons for not gracing this world with this enchanting apparel?" Astor asked.

Eliza giggled. "I have no reason to buy such an exotic dress like this one." she pointed out. "When would I ~ever~ wear such a dress? I haven't had a date since--" She stopped and caught herself before she said it. "Since I was 15!" she quickly changed her thoughts.

Astor pouted. "Is persute of perfect beauty not reason enough?"
 
"No," Eliza answered, simply. "To me, it's not enough reason.."
"Now, if you'll excuse me... I'll go change now.."

Astor sighed dejectedly.

Aubri wrapped her arms around Eliza from behind, the loose red sleeves falling over the front of the girl's dress. "But dear, however will you go anywhere with that type of idea? You have to treat yourself the best if you want something."

She stepped out from behind the girl, moving to comfort Astor while showing off the deep red of the form-fitting shirt.

"But there isn't anything I want, Aubri. That's what I'm trying to explain to you guys..." Eliza said to Aubri, as she walked over to comfort Astor. "I have no reason to buy the dress, therefore, I'm not going to... now, if you'll excuse me, I must go change now.." Eliza quickly turned around and stepped into the fitting room.

"You must want SOMETHING," Aubri called after her. "Everyone wants something. I know I do." She turned to look at Damek.

Damek smiled and gave a small covert wink.

Astor sighed. "She would have been so pretty...." he said, voice mildly depressed and deflated.

Avi put an arm around him. "It's okay, there'll be others," she smiled.

Eliza changed out of the dress and into her clothes. Stepping out of the changing room, she said to Aubri, "No, there isn't anything I want in life... I've had a taste of it, and I dont' want it.." she told her.

Aubri looked her over as she approached the changing room again. "You can't be more than twenty, at most! How much of life can you have seen?" She looked over at Damek. "If I had given up on everything at your age I wouldn't be here now." She patted the girl on the head and reentered her changing stall.

"I'm 19." Eliza answered, softly. She lowered her head some. "And trust me.. I've seen enough of life in the last few years..."

"But no matter what the sights you have seen there is not one that would take the place of forever searching for one that is more breathtaking! Why do you forsake beauty for the dullness of mundaine extance?" Astor asked, hand over his heart.

"I've stopped searching for the 3 years ago.." Eliza answered, looking away. "Excuse me, I have to go replace this dress..." she walked away, back to the rack where she found the dress.

Aubri exited the changing room in the black velvet. "I didn't like the other one," she said before going and stroking Astor's face. "I know I'm a poor substitute, but perhaps I can offer some comfort to your aching heart," she said with a smile before kissing him.

Astor nealy beemed. "Ah, my lady! Your kindness to this poor soul makes you more radiant then the stars!" He gave a small giggle and stuck his tounge out at Avi.
 
Eliza returned to the back of the store, having returned the dress to it's former location. "I'm sorry to disappoint you Astor," Eliza appologized, seeing Aubri kissing him. "But there are somethings in life I just don't want... if you knew more about me, you'd understand.."

Aubri turned. "What do you think?" she asked, posing.

"Looks great!" Eliza smiled. "Are you going to get it?"

"Maybe." She turned to the rest of her group. "Do I hear any statements of my beauty?" she asked, hands on her hips.

Astor fell to one knee, hand over his heart. "Ah, my lady, you are like a goddess from above, gracing us poor souls with your endless etnernal beauty." He smiled. "It looks wonderous on you."

Damek gave a small laugh, covering his lips with his hand and Avi giggled.

Hoshi chuckled. "I swear, he gets worse every time he opens his mouth...."

Astor pouted. "I speak naught but truths!"

Eliza giggled at the display Astor dramitically put on.

"Where does he get it from?" Eliza asked Hoshi.

Hoshi shrugged. "It's just how he is," she smiled.

Eliza smiled at Astor. She liked him, but she knew she could never get close to him.

Aubri smiled and patted Astor in the head. "Very good. You may rise." She turned to Damek.

Astor smiled and rose.

"Is anyone else hungry?" Eliza asked.

Damek looked as if he was doing breathing exersizes. He smiled at Aubri, very thankful he was wearing loose pants.
 
Hoshi looked at her siblings. "They'll be shopping a while. Wanna go to the food court and get chinese or something?"

"Yeah, I'm starved!" Eliza admitted.

"I'll catch up with you all later," Hoshi smiled at her siblings. "I'll just follow the hormone trail..." she winked at her brother.

Damek grinned and went back to his controlled breathing.

Hoshi brough her tshirt to the counter and paid by credit card. "Shall we go then?"

Eliza giggled, as she walked out of the store. "Yes," she answered Hoshi, "Let's"