Rion: *appears in the library, right in the middle of loading up his beeject*

Kenshin: *fades into existance outside near the lake, blinking in surprise, an empty bucket in one hand* Oro?

Marron: *stretches slowly, making a sleepy sigh as he snuggles better into the nearby warmth*

Soma: *wraps his arms reflexively around the person snuggling closer, burying his face in the raven-colored hair*

Rion; *blinks as he senses the sudden scenery change and looks around* What the hell? Where am I? *keeps the beeject in hand, but doesn't use it just yet, choosing instead to cautiously move about the library*

Kenshin: *upon realizing where he's ended up, finds the path back to the Inne and walks along leisurely, listening to the birds and sighing happily at the warm sun*

Marron: *purrs softly, relaxing and nuzzling Soma sleepily*

Soma: *sighs softly and hugs Marron close*

Rion: *peeks out into the hall and recognition kicks in* Oh....here again. *puts up the beeject for the moment and starts off down the hall to the meditation room*

Kenshin: *stops along the way, finding a place along the path to sit and just enjoy the surroundings, finding them both peaceful and cheering* [I wonder who else is here today...]

Marron: *wakes a little, inhaling deeply and sighing softly, something inherently familiar and comforable about the scent*

Soma: *yawns softly as he starts to wake, smiling to himself as he finds the scents and the scene somehow familiar*

Rion: *finds the mediation room and peeks in, a bit disappointed the samarai isn't within* Kenshin?

Kenshin: *glances at the bucket sitting next to him and frowns just a moment* [I hope not too much time has passed when I return home....Kaoru-dono will be most cross with this one...]

Marron: *still not terrible coherent, nuzzles the pale chest he's resting against and gives it a soft kiss* ..mmm...

Rion: *sighs and closes the door, before setting off down the hall, looking for something, or someone to occupy his time*

Soma: *runs a hand into Marron's hair reflexively* ...hnn....

Kenshin: *smiles to himself and stands again, retrieving the bucket and heading down the path again*

Marron: *purrs, relaxing into the familiar gesture murmuring*...love...

Soma: *wakes a little more at that, looking down at Marron and smiling a bit* [He must be dreaming of his lover...] *coherency takes a little more solid hold and he blinks* [Waitasec....was that *him* just now...?]

Rion: *finds his way to the kitchen and starts rummaging in the freezer, thinking of getting a popscicle and heading outside*

Kenshin: *gets within sight of the Inne, and veers off, deciding to take a walk through the Garden first* [No real hurry, after all....]

Marron: *curls in against Soma's chest again with a happy sigh*

Soma: *can't help but smile at that* [Ahh, it's harmless.....at least he's resting well....] *keeps fingercombing the hair*

Rion: *settles on a grape twin pop and is pulling it out when he sees a hint of red from the corner of his eye and turns toward it* What? *peers harder*

Kenshin: *meanders through the garden at an unhurried pace, humming quietly to himself*

Marron: *purrs louder, arms wrapping tight around Soma's waist*

Soma: *exhales a contented breath, and holds Marron tight against him, somewhat surprised that he's so comfortable with someone he barely knows*

Rion: *smiles, that particular shade of red unmistakeable in his mind and runs outside with his treat to chase the samarai down*

Marron: *makes a sleepy mew, nuzzling Soma again waking up a little more*

Kenshin: *hears footsteps behind him and spins, hand dropping to his sword reflexively, but relaxes when he sees who's pursuing him*

Soma: *smiles* Are you awake? *whispered*

Robinton: *fades into the Sun Room, seated on one of the couches, appearing to have been lost in thought before his displacement*

Shane: *is dropped into the Sun Room, landing with a dull thud on the floor* Fuck!

Marron: Nnn-uh... *nuzzles closer* ...wanna sleep more, my angel...

Soma: *swallows, but whispers softly* Then sleep....I'm not going anywhere....

Rion: *shakes his head as he approaches Kenshin* I'd think you know my tread by now. *smiles at Kenshin* Hi.

Robinton: *turns towards the source of the curse, and rises to help Shane to his feet* Are you alright?

Kenshin: In time....but this one has come to exercise extreme caution in most instances... *releases the sword and smile a bit* Hello.

Shane: *sighs* Nothing bruised by my pride....

Rion: *holds up his popscicle* Share? It's grape.

Marron: *purrs softly and hugs tightly* Too kind to me....

Robinton: *smiles a bit as he offers a hand to get Shane off the floor* Good to hear.

Kenshin: *shakes his head* Thank you but no.

Soma: *smiles a little, responds by running his hand gently through Marron's hair again*

Shane: *Takes the hand and hauls himself to his feet, running his hands through his hair, wincing when he hits a snag* Damnit.... *finally ties it back as it is and shakes his head* How are you, Rob?

Rion: *shrugs* Suit yourself. *break the popscicle in half and tears the wrapper off his icy treat before sucking roughly half of it into his mouth* /By the way, what are you up to out here? You're usually in meditation./

Marron: *purrs and lays a soft kiss over Soma's heart not awake enough to think about the action* Thank you.

Kenshin: This one was brought in near the lake, and decided to take a walk...

Robinton: *chuckles softly, though there is no amusement in the sound* I can give two answers to that question, Shane... the one you want to hear, and the truth.

Soma: *softly* Of course....

Shane: *expression becomes serious* I've had enough bullshit shoved down my throat to cause diseases in a small nation this last week, Rob....so why don't we stick to teh truth.

Marron: *blinks his eyes open and give a soft squeak*

Rion: *still sucking on his popscile, quite hungrily in fact* /Oh. Do you mind company? I haven't really explored the grounds and it might be more enjoyable with company/

Soma: *blinks and looks down* Are you all right?

Kenshin: This one doesn't mind at all. *turns his attention away from Rion and his snack and begins to walk*

Marron: *smiles sweetly but looks slightly nervous* I'm fine...

Robinton: *sighs softly* In a word, terrible... I'm unable to sleep, I've no appetite, and I can't concentrate on the simplest of things.. *reaches up, running a hand through his hair and takes a seat on the couch once more*

Rion: *falls into step behind Kenshin as he finishes off the first popsicle* Sure you don't want one?

Soma: *smiles a little* Are you sure? You look a little stricken....

Shane: What's up?

Kenshin: *nods* Yes.

Rion: *smiles* /Good/ *starts on the second popscicle* /So do you know where the hell we're going?/

Kenshin: Does it make a difference? *curiously*

Marron: *shakes his head* No it's just... I thought... it's silly.

Soma: Tell me anyway?

Rion: /Only if you don't mind getting lost/ *smiles* /After all, I can fly back to the Inne if the need arises/

Marron: *ducks his head back against Soma's chest* It felt like I was with... him... everything felt so familiar... it's silly, I'm sorry.

Robinton: *softly* I daresay you already know the answer to that question....

Shane: It's what happened with Rupert, wasn't it?

Kenshin: *shakes his head* We won't become lost.

Soma: *Smiles a little* Would it still seem silly if....if I told you that I felt the same?

Rion: /Cool. That's all I need to know/ *tilts his head and gazes at Kenshin for a while*

Marron: *voice slightly muffled, not looking up* Truly? I'm not being that silly?

Soma: *softly* Not at all.

Kenshin: *keeps his attention on their path and smiles a bit to himself as he listens the birds singing and loses himself in music and sunshine*

Marron: *shifts a little not really moving away from the blonde* Is that a good thing then?

Robinton: *closes his eyes tightly, still keeping his voice low* What have I done, Shane?

Soma: That we both feel so familiar to one another?

Rion: /What were you going to do after your walk?/ *starts sucking popscilce juice off his fingers*

Shane: Why don't you start by telling me just what the hell happened, Rob? Rupert was rather upset and I didn't question him too much.

Kenshin: This one had not yet decided.

Marron: *nods* Yes... that...

Soma: It's odd, certainly...but I don't think it's bad.

Rion: *chuckles* /How about skinny dipping?/

Kenshin: *Raises an eyebrow, but doesn't reply*

Marron: That's good, I kinda like it.

Soma: *smiles a little* I do, too....

Rion: *sucking on the stick* No?

Kenshin: This one would rather not.

Marron: *hugs Soma* Thank you so much for staying.

Soma: *hugs Marron back* It's no trouble. Did you sleep well, then?

Robinton: *sighs softly, not sure how to begin* It's... Vanyel. I spent the night with him... Rupert and I met in the kitchen the next morning, and he inquired where I'd been, as I'd not joined you both in our... your room...

Shane: *nods, listening carefully* Go on.

Marron: *brightly* Yes. I even had lovely happy dreams... *blushes a little at recalling some of the better dreams*

Soma: *smiles* Some very lovely ones, judging by that blush....did you see your Beloved in your dreams?

Marron: *frustrated sigh* Yes and no...

Soma: *tilts his head to the side slightly* I don't understand.

Rion: Too bad, nice day, and you've such a lovely body.

Marron: I still couldn't really see his face... I could feel his touch, taste his kisses, but everything seemed so hazy.

Robinton: *nods* I told him, of course.. and he asked me if it made me happy.*smiles a little, the expression wistful* I could not lie to him.. *pauses and inhales a breath* The look he gave me nearly tore my heart in two..

Kenshin: *raises an eyebrow* Less pleasing to the eye uncovered.

Soma: *softly* I'm sorry...I hope you found some peace in those dreams anyway.

Rion: Not to me, I think you're lovely.

Shane: *Sighs softly* I see...That explains a lot... *looks up at Rob, and catches the Harper's gaze with his own* You really love this guy? Vanyel, I mean.

Kenshin: *says nothing, but continues walking*

Marron: *smile returns to his face* Yes, I did... I felt so loved, Soma. I was in heaven.

Rion: *comes up beside Kenshin* Still shy are we?

Soma: Then I'm glad.

Kenshin: Perhaps. This one thinks you may be a bit mistaken. He has seen his own form since his woundings...

Marron: *hugs Soma again* What about you? Did you sleep okay?

Soma: *nods* Yes...My dreams were odd, but not bad, really.

Robinton: I do... scorch it all, Shane, I love him dearly... but trading one for the other was something I was unprepared to do. *raises a hand, pinching the bridge of his nose*

Marron: *curious* What do you mean odd?

Shane: For starters, Rob, calm down. You're not doing yourself or anyone else any good like this. Does Vanyel know about what happened yet?

Soma: They were just strange and disjointed.

Rion: The scars don't matter to me, Kenshin. I still find you beautiful.

Kenshin: They matter to this one. *Softly*

Rion: Why? I thought samarai were supposed to get stronger with every wound they live through

Robinton: *gives a slight nod* Perhaps not as well as he should, but he knows...

Kenshin: *frowns* This was not a typical battle, that it was not....This one should not have survived.

Shane: What do you mean 'not as well as he should' ?

Marron: Would telling me about them help at all?

Rion: But you did, Kenshin. That's what matters

Soma: *Shakes his head* Not really. They just involved the Castle, and wierd robed figures. I was there, but it's like I wasn't there....it was just wierd.

Robinton: *shakes his head and waves his hand to dismiss it* Forgive me.. my mind's been a bit scattered lately...

Marron: Oh... but they weren't bad dreams?

Soma: *shakes head* No...at least, I don't think so.

Kenshin: Perhaps....

Shane: So humor me. How much *does* Vanyel know?

Marron: You don't think so? Are you certain they're okay then, Soma?

Rion: Trust me, Kenshin. If you survied it, you deserve your chance at life.

Soma: *Blinks* What do you mean?

Kenshin: *sigh softly* This one supposes there is some truth to that.

Marron: I don't know... I just felt the need to make sure is all. I worry easily... *shrugs*

Rion: And you can't enjoy that life if you doubt your own self worth or beauty

Soma: *Smiles* Hey, they're just dreams....I'm sure it's nothing to worry about.

Kenshin: This one has found a niche for himself in his life....it makes him happy...

Rion: Ahh, nice. And where might that be?

Robinton: He knows Rupert and I spoke, and it concerned him, that we were both visibly upset by it, and that I stand by my decision, that I love him, but... I keep having the feeling that it isn't enough, Shane...

Kenshin: *Softly* This one works for Kaoru-dono at her Dojo. She has been very busy with her students, and so this one takes care of mundane details...

Shane: What do you mean?

Marron: *nods and hugs Soma tightly* Okay... if you think so, I'm sure you're right.

Rion: Oh...you have someone.

Kenshin: *tilts his head to the side slightly* Have... *chuckles very softly and shakes his head* Oh, no no. You've misunderstood. This one is merely an assistant. Nothing more.

Soma: *smiles and hugs Marron back just as tightly*

Rion: She's...not your lover?

Kenshin: *Shakes his head* No.

Robinton: *shrugs* If I were in his place, seeing my lover as I am now... the words I have given him would hold little meaning. Look at me, Shane, I'm a sharding *wreck*... how can I tell him I regret nothing while I pine for what I have lost?

Rion: Do you have a lover?

Shane: I don't think you've lost him completely, Rob. I really don't. If you and Rupert are *really* this upset about it, and believe me, you *are* then I think you need to build your friendship back up.

Kenshin: *shakes his head again* No.

Rion: Want one?

Kenshin: *Blinks*

Marron: *sighs happily, reassured by the reaction*

Soma: This is comfortable....I like it.

Rion: *chuckles* No? Then how about a nice thrill?

Kenshin: *blinks again and blushes*

Rion: *purrs* You're even more beautiful when flushed. Just makes a guy want to kiss you.

Kenshin: *drops his eyes shyly* You are too kind....

Marron: *nods, settling more comfortably against Soma* I like it very much too. I very much enjoy the company.

Soma: *pulls the blankets a little more securely around them and exhales a soft, happy sigh*

Robinton: *smiles sadly* It sounds so simple, but something is telling me that it may not be so...

Shane: I never said it was going to be easy. *sternly* But if you still have any feelings for Rupert, even as a friend, you *will* try. For your sake and his.

Rion: No, I'm an evil little son of a bitch, but I'd still like to put a nice smile on your face.

Kenshin: *chuckles very softly*

Marron: *makes a soft sound, unconsciously smoothing a hand down Soma's back*

Soma: *shivers at the touch, a purr rumbling in his throat*

Robinton: *blinks, having never heard that tone from his friend before* That fact goes without saying, Shane...

Shane: Good, then at the risk of sounding like a cold bastard, you need to snap the fuck out of it and do some serious ass-kissing to your lover. I've been talking with Vanyel. Did you know he was Empathic?

Rion: *smiles and laughs himself* Well, not quite the method I had in mind, but a smile is a smile.

Marron: *blushes at hearing that sound something about it striking a warmth inside him*

Kenshin: *finds a pleasant spot to stop for a bit, setting the little bucket down and seating himself on hte sun-warmed grass*

Soma: *nuzzles Marron's hair gently*

Robinton: I.. yes.. I knew that, of course I did. When did you speak with Vanyel?

Marron: *purrs and hugs Soma tightly again*

Shane: I've spoken with him several times since I first arrived here. He has an amazing number of special abilities. I've never seen so many in one person... *catches himself* But I'm digressing.

Soma: *softly* So what do you think about this? About how familiar we feel to one another?

Robinton: Yes, you are. What did you and he speak about... concerning all of this?

Shane: *smiles a little* He's as distraught as the two of you are. And he was nearly in tears when he told me he didn't want to come between the three of us. He's terrified, you know.

Marron: *whispers* It feels nice... I feel safe and happy. It seems right somehow... but I don't know why....

Soma: *grins* Yeah...that about sums it up nicely...

Robinton: *nods, turning his gaze from Shane's, his voice soft* I know it.

Marron: *shyly looks up* Is it right somehow then?

Shane: So like I said, concentrate on him first. I'll do what I can for Rupert when I see him. *smiles a little* I didn't reunite with you hard-headed pains in my ass just to lose you again.

Rion: *looks down at Kenshin and tilts his head* Why are you carrying a bucket by the way?

Soma: *softly* I think so. I...think we'd know if it weren't.

Kenshin: This one was interrupted on his trip to the market to buy tofu.

Rion: You need a bucket for tofu?

Kenshin: *nods* It has to be kept moist somehow, that it does.

Rion: I don't think your tofu is like our tofu.

Kenshin: Perhaps not. What's yours like?

Marron: *murmurs*... I could always feel his touch... the memory of kisses... *rakes his gaze over Soma's face as if trying to remember anything that could help*

Robinton: *chuckles softly* Normally one chooses to rid themselves of such aggrivations. It's times such as this when I wonder why you would have it otherwise...

Rion: Sterile...cold...industrial...all in all unpleasant, but then again, we are at war.

Shane: *Smiles, the expression pained* Because I'm going to need all the friends I can get, Rob. And I've had you guys the longest.

Kenshin: *nods silently*

Soma: *nods* My dreams of my lover are the same way...I'd never forget that kiss....

Marron: *softly* Tell me?....

Rion: And yours?

Soma: *gets a wistful little smile* I'm not even sure I can find the words to describe it...it was like he was opening his soul to me with that kiss....and it always tasted just faintly sweet, although I couldn't equate it to anything I've ever eaten...

Kenshin: Just to clarify, are we speaking of worlds or tofu?

Marron: *smiles a little himself* Sounds absolutely beautiful.

Rion: Both.

Soma: *nods* It was...he was....I remember that he was the most beautiful man I'd ever seen....

Kenshin: *taps his lips* Tokyo's been peaceful...there's much greenery and life...It's...much more peaceful now in the Meiji Era.

Robinton: *reaches out, sliding a gentle touch down Shane's cheek at that pained smile* And you'll not be losing us anytime soon, aggrivations that we are... but, what's happened?

Shane: *quietly* The Bureau wants me back, Rob. *Closes his eyes at the touch*

Marron: *laughs softly* He must have looked a lot like you then.

Soma: *shakes his head* No...at least, I don't think so...

Robinton: *frowns a little* And you're thinking of going back to it, then...

Shane: *shakes his head* I'm not sure I want to...but they don't sound like they're going to be giving me much choice.

Rion: It must be lovely. *smiles wistfully* I haven't seen a tree in six years, and the last one's I saw weren't very healthy.

Kenshin: *softly* There are trees all around here...this one's home looks...somewhat like this...more cherry trees, though...

Marron: Well, I think you're very attractive... like one of the marble angels that decorate fancy buildings... very lovely.

Soma: *Blushes brightly* T-thank you....

Marron: *smiles at the blush* It's just something I thought is all...

Robinton: *sighs and nods slowly* I can't imagine there's anything you can do to convince them otherwise, is there?

Shane: *shakes head* I doubt it....

Soma: *Smiles* You're far more attractive than I am, Marron.

Rion: *smiles and looks around at all the lovely plants and trees* It is nice. *kneels to pluck a nearby flower, a bit alarmed when it rings like a bell*

Kenshin: *Blinks* Goodnes...

Marron: *becomes a bit flustered in turn* I am not... *frowns a little* I don't think so anyway.

Soma: I think so.

Marron: *softly, angrily almost* I look like a china doll... Gateau is always going on about how beautiful and delicate I look... I hate it.

Rion: *hestitantly pokes at the slender blue flower, which once again rings like a bell* Uhhhh

Soma: *blinks in surprise* I-I'm sorry...I didn't mean to upset you... *smiles* I think you're beautiful, but you're not delicate....

Kenshin: *sets down his bucket and reaches out to touch the flower with a gentle touch, smiling* What a curious thing....

Robinton: *softly, letting one hand move down to cover Shane's* Is there a possibility of anything good coming from this?

Shane: I doubt it....but I really don't know, Rob.

Marron: *looks a little lost* I hate it... I look like some doll that could be shattered from one rough shake... Father says I look just like my mother.

Rion: *suddenly laughs*

Kenshin: *blinks, looking at Rion curiously*

Robinton: How long do you have before they make up your mind for you? *gives his friend's hand a soft squeeze*

Soma: *hugs Marron close and nuzzles his hair* You don't look like a doll, Marron. You're very graceful, and beautiful, and regal beyond imagining....but you're not delicate.

Shane: Could be a week or two. Could be tomorrow. I really don't know.

Marron: *relaxes at being held* I still hate it... I don't see how anyone can see anything different.

Rion: Bluebell.

Kenshin: *blinks*

Rion: *points to the flower* Blue...bell...get it?

Soma: *Softly* Maybe because I hear a lot of the same, I can see the strength.

Kenshin: *shakes his head, but smiles anyway*

Rion: *plops down next to Kenshin* There used to be a flower in my world called a bluebell, but it didn't actually ring like a bell

Kenshin: Ahhh. *chuckles softly* How very clever.

Rion: I wonder what else they have here? *looks around for any other potentially interesting plants*

Kenshin: *smiles* This one is not sure.

Marron: *smiles a little* You don't look like a doll, you don't look weak at all... *runs a hand over Soma's chest* You radiate a quiet sort of strength...

Soma: *smiles and nods* You radiate much the same. *shivers at the touch*

Robinton: *sighs* I'm sorry, Shane... there's very little I can say or do... I pray that whatever happens, it benefits you somehow... being in a place like this is a blessing, though the reasons we are here, as always, are not...

Shane: *Smiles* Hey, I'll survive. I have this long. But in the meantime, just remember what I told you, okay?

Rion: *starts looking around, and happens to catch sight of another flower, one that looks almost like a slender little shoe* Heh, what do you want to bet that one is a 'lady slipper'? *points it out*

Robinton: *smiles back* I will, Shane... I appreciate this, you know.

Kenshin: Seems likely. *smiles a little, pleased to find that more than one thing can capture Rion's attention*

Shane: *grins* Hey, don't mention it. I love Rupert very much, but you're still my friend.

Marron: *frowns in thought and repeats the gesture, something nagging in the back of his mind*

Soma: *swallows and shivers again*

Rion: *rolls to his belly and crawls around looking at the various flowers, mundane and fantastic, finally happening upon a cocoa nut tree, from which he calls down one of the chocolately looking fruits, giving it a small shake*

Kenshin: *sits quietly, watching Rion with a smile on his face, finding great delight in the blonde's curiousity*

Robinton: *gives a soft sigh* I had almost thought you and he would... have similar reactions to this. *chuckles* Instead, you are the voice of reason.

Shane: *chuckles* Scary as hell, ain't it? Kinda like Lance sounding reasonable or something.

Rion: *brings the brown sphere over and holds it out to Kenshin* Ummm...could you? *makes a poking motion*

Kenshin: *Raises an eyebrow* Hmm?

Marron: *frowns looking at Soma's chest and traces the contours of the muscles*

Rion: Could you open it? I havne't tasted coconut milk in ages.

Robinton: *laughs* Or Childman and I ever agreeing on a subject.... *expression turns a bit thoughtful* ... I wonder what became of him...

Soma: *moans very softly at the touch, then swallows and murmurs* Is...something wrong?

Kenshin: How do you open one? *looks at it curiously*

Rion: You give it a good whack with the back of a knife. I'm scared if I do it I'll shatter it. My power control isn't so hot at delicate work.

Kenshin: Well, all right....set it down somewhere first. This one doesn't wish to injure you.

Shane: *shakes his head* I don't know, really....hope he's okay, wherever he is....

Rion: *looks around, then sets it on an old stump* There. *steps back*

Kenshin: Now, if you'd be so kind as to hold it still?

Rion: *uses his powers to steady the cocoa nut* Got it.

Marron: *looks up innocently* No nothing 'wrong' exactly... just it's something... *presses his hand over Soma's heartbeat, frowning in thought again*

Soma: *brings his hand to rest over the one on his chest, smiling a little* What?

Robinton: *nods, smiling a bit* As do I... as aggrivating as that man was, he was still a good friend.

Shane: *Smiles a little* I didn't have as much exposure to him as the rest of you did....

Marron: *looks up expression easing up a little* It just feels...

Soma: *raises an eyebrow, waiting quietly for Marron to finish his thought*

Robinton: As I recall, you had precious little exposure to Rupert and I as well...

Shane: *nods* Very true. Quite a bit to Alinor, mostly to Edwin and Lance.

Marron: *blushes* I've done this before... this feels so familiar...

Soma: *the quizzical look dissolves into a smile* It...does, doesn't it? *Softly*

Marron: *nods* I like the way this feels... warm and something more...

Robinton: *chuckles* We had our little niches, I suppose.... though the perpetual tagalong role suited me less than I let on.

Soma: *softly* Familiar....and safe....

Shane: *chuckles* Would you believe I always felt the same way? Like I was just a tagalong, I mean...I spent so much time alone when Lance and Edwin would disappear and Alinor was off doing whatever it was he used to do.

Marron: *presses his hand more firmly over Soma's heart* ...yes, very much something more...

Soma: *softly* ...it's a stretch...but I wonder...if somehow.... *lets his fingers ghost over the stone in the ring* ...this ring is from my world, Marron...it has to be....

Robinton: *frowns a little, puzzled* You know, I'd always thought you'd dissapeared *with* Alinor most of the time.

Shane: At first, I usually did. But you know what a roving eye he had....he never did settle with anyone very long. *shrugs*

Marron: *nods, heartbeat picking up a pace* You said something about that before.

Soma: ....I wonder..... *brushes his fingers over the stone again*

Marron: *softly, hesitantly* Wonder what?

Robinton: *nods* I recall... all too well, actually.

Shane: So...yeah.

Robinton: *softly* if only I'd known, back then, that I was not the only one all by my lonesome some of those nights...

Shane: *smiles a bit* Yeah.... *chuckles* But hey, everything happens for a reason, right? *smiles* Now...maybe you should see if your lover is here. I think you owe him an apology and some loving attention.

Soma: ...As familiar as all this is...that ring almost proves it...Do you suppose we...maybe...were dreaming...about each other?

Robinton: *smiles gently* I think that's a wonderful idea... what of you, though?

Shane: *smiles back* I think I'm going to go have a stiff drink and go back to considering my options...and then I'm going to go sleep...I only really sleep here anymore.

Marron: *hand goes up to toy with Soma's pendant* Maybe... I think... I'd like to know if it's true or not.

Soma: *softly* There....I think there may be a way....

Marron: *shyly* W-what?

Soma: *hooks a gentle finger under Marron's chin and tilts it up until he can gaze into the raven-haired young man's eyes* You said you could remember your lover's kiss in every detail, didn't you? *whispered*

Robinton: *nods* Then I pray you sleep well... *leans in, pressing a soft kiss to Shane's cheek* Thank you again, my friend. *slowly releases Shane's hand to rise to his feet, heading for the door into the hallway*

Shane: *stands and catches Rob's hand before he gets to the door* Just don't forget we *are* friends, Rob.... *presses a gentle kiss to Rob's cheek* We'll always be friends.... *heads off for his room*

Marron: *softly yet firmly* Yes... it fills my dreams...

Soma: *softly* Then I want you to trust me for just a minute or two.....do you trust me?

Marron: Of course I trust you. *smiles sweetly*

Soma: *smiles* Good. *his heart in his throat, leans forward enough to press his lips to Marron's gently*

Robinton: I know... *smiles as he watches his friend head off, then starts for the stairs himself, hoping on the slim chance that Vanyel can be found in his room*

Marron: *makes an incredibly soft sound, unconsciously shifting towards the blonde*

Vanyel: *is sitting in his normal chair, playing a soft tune on his lute*

Soma: *moans softly, pressing a little closer himself, letting the kiss become more firm*

Marron: *shyly responds to the kiss, hand sliding back down to cover Soma's heart*

Soma: *brings his hand to cover Marron's, parting his lips and touching the tip of his tongue to Marron's lips softly*

Marron: *gasps at the gentle touch lips parting instinctively*

Soma: *lets a purr rumble in his throat as he deepens the kiss, exploring it slowly, tears streaming down his cheeks at the familiarity of it all*

Robinton: *stops in front of the Bouncer's door, rapping gently* {Please be here, sweetling, I've no mind to roam these grounds for hours looking for you..}

Vanyel: *calls out quietly* It's open.

Marron: *moans deeply, trembling in Soma's arms as he slowly caresses the warm tongue with his own*

Soma: *moans softly, relaxing completely against Marron for a few moments before pulling the other man into a tight embrace*

Robinton: *gives a soft, relieved sigh at the sound of that voice and enters, letting the door close behind him softly* I'm glad to find you here, dear one...

Marron: *trembles still clinging desperately to the blonde, a hungry little sound bleeding into Soma's mouth*

Vanyel: *looks up and smiles a bit* I've been here all day....

Soma: *moans again and breaks the kiss gently, touching Marron's cheek*

Marron: *pants quietly, searching his companion's face* Soma? *voice terribly soft and shy*

Soma: *smiles* Yes?

Robinton: *smiles softly* I would have sought you out as soon as I'd arrived, but I needed something important drilled into my head... *approaches and slowly drops to his knees, gently taking one of Van's hands in his own*

Vanyel: *blinks as his hand is pulled away from the lute, his expression quizzical*

Marron: *tone hesitant* Was it right? {It felt so right...}

Soma: *smiles, and wipes away a few of his own tears* It was right...oh, god, love.... *hugs Marron to him again*

Marron: *wraps his arms around Soma's neck, sobbing softly* Soma-love... I've missed you... I've missed you so much.

Soma: *sobbing just as softly, holds Marron close* I've missed you, too.....it's been a living hell without you....

Marron: *hides his face against Soma's chest* I...can't believe it... I have you again... I was so afraid... *slender frame is slowly wracked by the sobs*

Soma: *runs his hand soothingly through Marron's hair, his own tears stealing away his voice*

Marron: *tilts his head into the touch, arms tightening around his lover*

Soma: *Smiles* I'd hardly dared to hope...and yet....I wanted so badly...I'm glad I was right....

Marron: *laughs a little moving to brush his tears away* That sound like gibberish, my angel... wanted what?

Soma: *gives a soft laugh* It *was* gibberish, beloved one.... *instead of actually trying to speak, leans in and presses his lips to Marron's again*

Marron: *eagerly presses into the kiss, having missed Soma's kiss too much to try to make sense of gibberish*

Soma: *moans and immediately deepens that kiss, needing to savor that famililar taste*

Marron: *parts his lips with a needy mewl, all but begging the blonde for more*

Robinton: *brings that hand to his lips a moment* I beg of you to forgive me... I've been impossible the last while... not only that, but I've been acting as if my world has been destroyed. I *love* you, Vanyel, I desire nothing else in this world but you. Rupert and Shane, they will always be dear to me, but *you* and you alone now hold my heart...

Soma: *groans and lets his tongue brush along Marron's*

Vanyel: *tears come to the grey eyes and he stands, pulling Rob gently to his feet and embracing the Harper tightly*

Marron: *mewls again, teasing his tongue along Soma's enjoying the warm feeling*

Soma: *purrs, twining his tongue with his lover's*

Marron: *can't help the happy tears that begin again, not wanting the kiss to end as he threads his hands into the silky blonde hair, holding their lips firmly together*

Robinton: *wraps his own arms around the younger man, closing his eyes and whispers* Please forgive me... for being so blind, love...

Soma: *purrs, running his hands into Marron's hair, pressing as close to the other man as he's able.*

Vanyel: Of course you're forgiven, ashke... I only feared I would come between you and your friends....You were all so unhappy, and I knew I was at the source of it....

Marron: *moans and unconsciously arches into the warm body next to him*

Soma: *purrs low and breaks the kiss again to whisper* What say we stay in bed all day and get reacquianted....?

Robinton: Only because we placed you there... this was never your fault, Vanyel... *presses his lips to the Herald's temple*

Marron: *blushes brightly, but purrs seductively* I would love that, my angel.

Vanyel: *smiles at the kiss* I'm...grateful for that....

Soma: *purrs and pulls the blankets tightly around them both* Good....

Robinton: And I am grateful that you would forgive me so easily, dear heart... *reaches up, gently threading a hand through the silvered hair*

Vanyel: *closes his eyes at the touch* Forgiveness is an easy thing, when it's the one you love.

Robinton: *gives a gentle smile and leans in, touching his lips to Van's* {And I am so lucky to be that one, sweetling...}

Vanyel: *returns the kiss gently* /As I am lucky to have you as my own..../ *pulls Rob gently over to the chair he was sitting in before, and lowering the Harper into it before sitting with him, cuddling close*

Robinton: *lets his arms encircle Van's waist, and sighs contentedly, a gentle smile on his lips* Now, perhaps, we can enjoy the little time we spend together...

Vanyel: *Softly* I'd like that.