Simon was put on administrative leave, and so was Miela. Given her troubles, and being relatively new to this station. Lieutenant Baksin figured it'd be for the best, given the circumstances.

After a day had passed, Miela went to the address she had found in the journal. She wasn't aware that it was Simon's apartment, after-all Simon had never listed it as his place of residency. He was thought to live in an apartment on the opposite side of town. That aside, she hadn't been busy and wondered often about the journal.

She waited outside for a while, assessing the somewhat lively neighborhood. It was modest, albeit a bit run down. When she saw the address, she had waited a while, in hopes of gaining information on those who resided within. As life continued around her, the apartment in question, remained dead. No on entered nor did they exit. After a while, she had decided to cross the street and enter.

As Miela approached Simon's building, she had unknowingly caught the attention of an unexpected observer. Unbeknownst to her, this observer, silently followed behind her, moving with a predatory grace. With keen eyes fixed on Miela, it trailed closely behind as Miela made her way inside.

She walked through the small reception area, seeing no one. Following this, she bypassed the stairs and headed straight for the first apartment door, Simon's door. Just as soon as she lifted her hand to knock, the watcher intercepted her.

"Friend of Simon, are you?" Inquired the stranger, their tone mixed with curiosity and agitation.

Startled, Miela turned to face the stranger. An enigmatic short-eared owl stood before her, exuding an effortless elegance, her attire, a concoction of a posh yet slightly casual style. She wore a black form-fitted dress, topped with an unbuttoned cardigan which provided a fine emphasis on her lustrous, mottled feathers.

Each, a mosaic of white, rich browns, and creams, creates a mesmerizing pattern, complemented by the dark dress.

Her wings, they told a different story. The left one, nestling a pocket book, appeared crooked, as if it bore the memory of an old injury. While still beautiful, the feathers were sparse and uneven in places. Her right wing, in which she carried a bag of groceries carried a similar tale.

Despite that and many other flaws, Miela couldn't help but be drawn into the owls gaze. It's golden eclipse-like eyes never broke eye contact. At the mention of Simon, Miela at first assumed that it may have been a different Simon. As she thought on it, she corrected herself, before replying.

Wait... The journal is Jason's. It's got-ta be our Simon.

"Y-you could say that, ho-how about you?"

The owl simply titled it's head and ran her eyes up and down Miela's figure, assessing her with a calculated gaze, before answering, "I know Simon, yes..."

"You never gave me your name, care, to?" Asked the owl, whilst walking closer.

Miela couldn't help but notice her own unease, something about the way she spoke, and of Simon, she couldn't help but find her eerily, odd. Thinking more on it, Jacob popped into her mind, he was odd too, in a funny way.

She ended up dismissing any building concerns and answered none the less.

"It's Miela, Miela Bennet, what's yours?" She asked politely.

Straightening her head, she replied, "Me... I am Eris, Eris Delaneigh."

Following this, Eris concluded, "Take, care..." Before walking up the stairs.

Turning back to the door, Miela knocked hard, twice. The door opened, Simon had glanced around. He was wearing a robe, it was clear he hadn't any plans for today. With Miela being no taller than his knee, he inadvertently ignored Miela.

Immediately realizing the issue, Miela interrupted, "Simon."

Glancing down, Simon stepped back into his apartment and grabbed his half-full trash bag and tied it before heading out of the apartment. Miela stood there, a bit dumbfounded. Taking out the trash, Simon casually glanced around, looking for any tails. Anyone who could've followed her.

On his way back in, he ushered Miela into his apartment. She walked in pass the kitchen and entered the living room. It was modestly furnished, it contained a pair of soft black and grey sofas sitting against the wall.

A black wooden coffee table adorning a plain white vase containing purple and white orchids, with newspaper cluttering about occupied the center of the room. A large fluffy white carpet lay atop the wooden floor.

Asides from some plants placed in the corner throughout the room, a big aquarium filled with a sorority of betta fish sat near his window. All sporting a unique set of colors in a well furnished environment. Bookshelves surrounded the aquarium, which were filled with a variety of books. Majority of which were about repairing and maintaining things that an apartment would contain. After glancing around, Miela climbed onto the couch and sat there.

Breaking the Silence, Simon glanced over the counter and asked, "Apple tea?"

Miela nodded, her voice slightly shaky, "S-sure."

Bringing over the tea, he handed her a cup and settled across from her. She accepted the cup and placed it in her lap. Peering into the warm brew, the sweet aroma of apple and honey teased her.

This cup is nearly a third of my height and the rim is too wide. How am I even supposed to drink this without making a mess...

Miela looked at Simon with a bit of envy. He took a lime and squeezed it into the tea before sipping it. Following this, he asked, "How did you find my real, address?"

"Oh-I... when we were at... Jason's, I found a journal with your address listed, I didn't realize that it was yours..." Replied Miela.

A journal with my address...

With his interest piqued, he leans forward, asking, "What else did the the journal entail?"

"A list of instructions... so to speak."

Glancing back at her tea, she said, "I've been meaning to ask" Looking back at Simon, she continues, "You mentioned a van back at the office, and then you-you just grabbed me!"

She pauses after finishing that sentence, feeling a bit odd about how that situation played out. She was unable to articulate her feelings.

"And then we rushed off to Jason's and... What happened on that night?"

Amidst sipping some tea, he looked at her and then placed his cup down.

He walked to the kitchen whilst replying, "Jason and I were following up on our last case, an anonymous caller gave us some info, claimed they saw a white rabbit with black and brown spots shoot our victim. We knew of a rabbit who'd fit that description, His name was Toby. We figured we'd pay him a visit. We pulled up and saw him walking out of his apartment."

Simon opens a drawer and grabs a plastic straw along with bringing the kettle to refill his own cup.

"As soon as I stepped out of the car, he ran, and so, I chased him. Jason ended up following us with his car for a bit. Toby had tried to lose me by ducking through some alleys. Ended up corning him, it was there. The moment he chose to speak."

Returning to the living room, he passed Miela a straw and settled once more, pouring himself another cup of tea. She accepted the straw and continued to listen.

"He confessed to it, also said that he was sorry and didn't have a choice in the matter."

Placing the kettle down on the table, he fixed Miela with a serious glare.

"He said going to the police, was never an option... There's more to this than meets the eye."

Flicking the straw out of her mouth, she promptly asked, "I think I'm getting it, could you elaborate?"

Her mind raced with the implications of Jason's journal...

Simon continued, "He said 'Everyone knows the badges work with them', I knew there were a few crooked cops, just not to the extent that it'd lead people to opt out of calling us... Me and Jason realized that... He was retiring to avoid having dealing with it. That's what he told me..."

Glancing into his cup, he went on to add, "Jason lied... I think he hid more than he initially let on... He outright said he wasn't interested in dealing with it... I've been given it some thought. He was killed, and if I'm not next, then I'm right. If not... well, I suppose time will tell..."

The gravity of the situation dragged Miela. Faced with some of the facts, everything began to click. Each piece connected furthered her, already building anxiety.

Her breathing began to grow rapid and shallow. She felt her hands tremble, her eyes darted around the room. The fur on her body began to prick up. Simon picked up on her distress and interrupted her spiraling thoughts.

"Miela it's okay, I get that this is a lot. Try to set it aside and look at where you are now. You, are, fine. You're going to be fine." He reassured her.

Taking deep breaths, She nodded and listened to his words as she gradually calmed down.

Getting up, Simon walked toward his phone on the kitchen counter and said, "I'm going to call my tenants and inform them of the situation."

"A-alright, right" replied Miela.

Following this, Simon called all three of his tenants and asked if they could come to his room. One of the three didn't reply, he figured they might not have been home. Afterward, he propped his door open with a dining chair and walked behind the stairs. Crouching, he tapped the little makeshift door and said, "Jacob, you there? Got something I need to tell you."

While he waited for a reply, he thought to himself.

After what happened to Jason... I need everyone to be aware if there going to continue living here. I'm not too sure if Miela was followed, I don't think so but I need to be safe...

Opening the small door, Jacob pops out in the nude, with a pillow in hand and a pointed night cap before exclaiming, "Simons, I knows thatchu! Simon you won't believe what happens!! I gots a job mane!"

"Jacob, I got something to tell you-"

"No, waits-You not forcin me leave?! I jus gots my job mane! That's-"

"No, that's not it Jacob. You can stay, I just need to talk to everybody... Listen Jacob, it's, it's an emergency..."

"Emergency huh, I'll head on ova. Give me a sec to get my slippas." Following this Jacob walks back in and comes out with a pair of gator slippers, still nude, with his pillow in hand and a blanket.

Simon lets out a brief sigh.

With the pair walking around the stairs and back to Simon's room Simon preps some more tea and tells Jacob to wait on the couch. Four more tenants arrive, each of them greet one another at the door before entering.

"Simon?" Asked the owl, her head twitching and glancing into the door.

"Come in, I apologize for disturbing you all-but this is... urgent."

They all notice the pause...

"Urgent, how?" Inquired Eris.

"I'll explain everything in a moment." Replied Simon.

Of the two, a couple glared at Simon. A pair of hyenas. They were in their nightwear and one was visibly annoyed. Simon looked at the couple, and said, "I again apologize. Come on in and have a seat."

"This betta be important Simon..." Said one.

"Kazara, calm yourself, surely it is." Replied the other.

"Alright Rufus, I was just lettin-em know is all..." Replied Kazara.

"Letting him know what exactly?" Asked Rufus.

"I wanted to take a nap-" Replied Kazara.

The pair continued to bicker as they walked to the couch.

With the pair of Hyenas and Eris here. Simon grabbed his keys and said, "I'll be back, I'm going to get Tien and Koko." Walking out of the room, he quickly paced up the stairs. Eyes unwavering, Eris went on to watch him as he ran up the stares. With him out of sight, she walked in and quietly made her way to the couch and sat next to Kaz.

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"Now he's holdin us up-" Exclaimed Kazara.

"Kazara, if we all need to be here, clearly it's important. Look, he even brought Jacob! And another..." Replied Rufus.

Rufus glanced at Miela, correcting himself, he continued, "Pardon me, I'm Rufus. This's Kazara-"

"How ya doin..." Replied Kazara, her tone illuminating her disinterest.

"Don't mind her, she's grumpy right now. So, who are you?" Asked Rufus.

Miela with the cup, still in hand, introduced herself.

At the third floor, Simon knocked on the door and got no response. Normally he just leave and wait till they'd return but today, recent events demanded otherwise. He took his key ring and unlocked the door, when he entered. He saw the apartment, it was still lived in. On the dining table, laid a note pinned under a cup. Simon walked over, and skimmed through it.

It read. Heylo Simon, we're out on a trip visiting family. We'll be back in three-ish months. So around April, maybe mid April. We left the money for the months rent in the fridge. Misses insisted I hide it in case something happened... Doesn't make much sense since this note tells of it's whereabouts... Anyway, see ya then. Signed Tien Lizhou.

"Three months, doesn't look like I'll be seeing those two for a while." Simon muttered to himself. After this, he exited the apartment, locked the door and made his way back to the first floor.

"Miela, planning on renting the second room on the third floor?" Inquired Rufus.

Eris watched Miela with a slight frown. To the untrained eye, one would never be able to tell.

"No, I'm just Simon's partner." Replied Miela.

"What!?! His partner, you and him!?!" Exclaimed Rufus.

"You... Partners?" Inquired Eris.

Kazara's mouth dropped for a moment, before muttering her thoughts aloud, "I mean, It's not unheard of... But a wolf and a opossum? That's some kinky stuff..."

Eris's eye twitched as she maintained her piercing stare at Miela. Kazara and Rufus hardly noticed, on the other hand, Miela couldn't help but avert her eyes from Eris's piercing stare.

"NO-NO! We're detectives, I'm his partner at work. Simon and I, we're not a thing." She clarified, nearly knocking the cup in her lap over.

Upon hearing this Eris glanced at the floor before, truly, settling in. It was as if her worries had vanished.

"Not a thing... and she's blushing, she's too cute!!" Replied Rufus.

"Rufus..." Replied Kazara, her tone firm.

"So if not to rent the room, with you being his partner at work, here no less. Stands to reason, that, that's why were here-"

After entering the room he grabbed the dining chair and closed the door.

Simon interrupts and says, "I'm going to try to keep this brief"

looking around, he spots Jacob beside Miela. He's laying there beside her asleep with his pillow, blanket, gator slippers, and a slumped night cap resting on his head.

"Wake him, gently, he needs to hear this too."

Kazara grins widely and picks up a squeezed lime and tosses it at Jacob.

"Wha-whada whada hell mane, whada hell wa-dat!!" Drowsy, he looked over at the lime and continued, "You gossa problem mane? Wait, thasa lime. Who tossin limes mane?"

Kazara's guttural chuckle grew into a chorus of high-pitched whoops and lows. Rufus also started too, but his laugh.

Placing the chair down, Simon said, "Jacob, I need you up to hear this next part. It's really important."

"Alright mane." Replied Jacob, snuggling back into his thick blanket.

With her laugh ending, she asked, "The pandas not comin?"

"Out on a family trip, left a note saying so." Replied Simon.

He continued, "Look, somethings happened at work. I'm not gonna leave out any details so this'll take a while."

He paused for a moment, waiting to see if anyone had any interjections or questions.

"Go on Simon, we're all ears." Said Kazara.

The rest stared at Simon. Following this, he went on to explain everything since the night of Toby's death.

"I'm not too sure on why Jason was targeted... and I suspect I am too. I've not listed this address as my residence, I'm thought to live quite a ways across town. Still, I'm not sure if anyone's aware of my actual home. Given what's happened to Jason... If any are staying I wanted you be aware. That aside, I've also withdrawn some money from the bank, eight-ish thousand to be exact. If you don't want to stay, I'll impart a thousand to you. It should be more than enough to find someplace elsewhere and then some."

"Simon, you'd do that-" Replied Rufus before going on to mutter, "why am I even asking. That's, you..."

Kazara turned to face Rufus and placed her hand on his lap. She didn't have too much of an opinion on most things. She hardly cared... She was a tough hyena, but this, this is beyond that. Everyone, both predators and prey know of the 'butchers'. No one wants to get involved with it. A deadly enigma, a true boogeyman everyone desperately avoids. It moves fast and ruthlessly. Every one there, knew staying wasn't a risk, it was a guarantee. The only saving grace being, time.

With all that in mind, she knew, she'd follow Rufus anywhere.

"That was-well shit... Rufus?" Asked Kazara, her voice laced with fear.

"That is some serious shit..." Replied Rufus, his playful demeanor vanished.

They looked at one another and simultaneously replied, "What do you want to do?"

Following this, they paused, locked in each others eyes.

Rufus looked down, his mind raced. Simon was more than just, a landlord. He was more of a friend. He felt, ashamed. He wanted to take the offer, for his own sake, but most importantly, for Kazara. He didn't want to lose her like Simon did with Jason. He couldn't stomach the idea of coming home and finding her like that... He'd never forgive himself. He was conflicted.

Simon looking at the two of them both, interrupted with a firm and reassuring tone, "Don't hesitate, you know the risk and I'm giving you an opportunity. One I'd prefer you to take! Jason, was my best friend and he was taken. Odds say I'll face the same fate. I don't want to take any of you with me."

He continued, "My offer extends to all of you, including you Miela." He had realized Miela sat there holding the cup, unable to really move it. He took it and placed on the coffee table.

A moment later, Rufus glanced at Simon struggling to maintain his gaze. The internal shame and guilt ate at his core. He opened his mouth to speak, but nothing came out. Kazara gently rubbed his thigh and laid her head on his shoulder. He swallowed air before saying, "Simon... I can't stay-I I want to but I can't-"

"It's okay, there's no shame in it. I would do the same." Simon responded, hoping to reassure Rufus.

Hearing those words lifted some of the weight.

Simon opened the drawer of the end table and pulled out a packaged box.

"There's a little over a thousand in there. You should leave now." Asserted Simon, whilst handing it over to Rufus.

Taking the box, he looked back up at Simon and hugged him. After this, he took Kazara's hand and went upstairs to pack what they felt they'd need.

With Rufus and Kazara gone, he turned his attention to the three left in his living room. Eris, Jacob, and Miela.

Jacob had went on to say, "I'ma stay. I got me a nice little spot unda the stairs. I mean, I just finished renovatin! Built me a bedroom, bathroom and a kitchen." Hopping off the couch, he walked out.

"I'ma head to bed now, aint no fool finna kick me out my house!! I just got a job too! Aint goin ruin my day, mmnt mmnt. Let-em come, I gotta surprise for-em! Goodnight everybody..." Said Jacob.

They all watched as the small nude chinchilla just waddled out of the room mumbling to himself.

After drinking the apple tea, Miela used this as an excuse to use the bathroom. She slid off the couch and asked, "Simon, c-can I use your bathroom?"

"Sure" Replied Simon. Getting up, he walked toward the bathroom door to open it. It was positioned, just next to his bedroom door.

Even amidst everything, Simon remained mindful of Miela's height. After opening the door, he checked his hallway closet.

Hmm, I could've swore I had it in here...

Grabbing a stepping stool built to cater to smaller creatures he placed it in the bathroom. It unfolded into a modest set of adjustable stairs. With that, Miela entered the bathroom, thanked Simon and closed the door.

Afterward, Simon grabbed a second box and motioned toward Eris.

Keen on Simon's intent, Eris gently asserted, "Simon, I don't intend to leave."

Simon was a bit bewildered at the remark. Setting the box aside, he sat down and wondered, why.

Curious, Simon inquired, "Eris, why do you want to stay?"

Eris looked into Simon's eyes, and thought to herself.

Curious, I'd be too. It is, bizarre... Crazy even. After all this time... I've dug myself into a hole and cemented the ceiling. I don't feel anything in the way of fear. I don't at all, though I should. I'm too fixed on him... A deluded romanticizing fool, I am. And even with this realization, the circumstances we find ourselves in... I-I'd be amiss to pass on such... I love it...

Well aware of her euphoric state. She shifts her attention back to Simon's question in an effort to maintain her composure.

I feel as though, the why, of my choice is obvious. Although, the absurdity of it...

Eris wasn't sure on how she wanted to answer. On one hand, given everything that happened so far: being told of the looming danger, Simon's impending dance with it, a part of her felt as though, throwing herself into that mix would be perfect.

Well aware of the severity her own obsession, well aware of that fact that for most part, she accepted it. She struggled.

She scooted toward Simon, leaving her sitting on edge of the sofa.

With her eyes locked and voice slightly stammering, fighting to hide the excitement, she asked, "Really wish to know, why, do you, Simon?"

Simon found her behavior a bit odd, but never the less, replied "Yes..."

The long pause, moving closer toward him, an underlying eagerness behind fixed eyes, and the entirety of her body facing him.

Eris simply said, "You."

Just prior to utterance of that word, Simon realized albeit, not to the extent of how deep her obsession ran. Figuring it was no more than a small desire.

The two had very differing perspectives on what was at hand. With Simon underestimating Eris, and Eris, vice versa.

Simon picked up the box and walked over to Eris. He reached for her feathered hand to which she happily obliged.

"Eris, staying for me is foolish. You know that... and you ought to know that I refuse for you to risk your life for me over a bit of admiration."

Upon placing the box in her hand and walking her over to his apartment's exit, he said, "Take this, and leave."

Eris wasn't having any of it, she simply grabbed the box and placed it behind her on the counter. He wasn't clued in on how much she wanted him, Eris knew that, and she sought to let him know.

With Simon's back being only a few inches from the fridge, she closed the gap between them. So close that he backed into the fridge.

As she neared, she said, "My admiration... Let me show you..."

Just as soon as Simon's mouth parted to speak, she placed a finger on his lips.

Following this, she gently loosened his robe by pulling on his belt, exposing his chest lined with thick fur and slightly pressed her body against his. With a satisfied smile playing on her beak, she leaned in close. Her warm breath sending shivers through Simon.

Then, with a tender touch, she ran her beak lightly through his fur. Smoothing it down as if to gently preen him, all before trailing feather-light kisses along his jawline.

With his body feeding into her seductive touch, subconsciously knowing that another, craves for it... Simon's breath quickened as Eris pressed closer, her body brushing against him with deliberate intent. She could feel his growing arousal through the fabric of his robe.

With a devilish glint in her eyes, she leaned in closer and gently positioned it between her thighs. As she squeezed and rubbed against him, she pushed in closer and whispered huskily, "I want, you too..."

As she slowly grinded against him, she continued, before pecking his necks with gentle kisses, "Take me, Simon... You can give in."

In response, Simon's jaw tightened. He firmly yet gently grabbed her shoulders, and created a small but necessary distance between them.

Simon's grip remained steady, his voice calm but authoritative. "Eris, Enough..."

For a moment, she faltered, vulnerability flickering in her eyes. Stepping back, she attempted to feign a smile.

A solitary tear, betrayed her. The façade she desperately clung to collapsed before her, consumed by hurt. With swift steps, she retreated to her room on the second floor.

...A few moments prior.

Miela entered the bathroom, seeking a moment of solitude. The familiar sight of essential amenities greeted her. A shower dawning grey curtains, partially opened. A large mirror sat atop the sink built into a cupboard, crowned with everyday items. The toilet adorned a soft plushy mat. While inviting, her purpose here was more about gathering her thoughts and assessing the situation rather than any physical need.

Prior to meeting Simon, she was alone, lacking any notable relationships.

In time, she grew to find comfort in isolation. Not having to tend to the needs of others, not having to care, it was freeing.

Miela walked passed the stepping stool and sat on the floor. Taking a deep breath, she drifted into thought, accompanied only by the light's subtle hum. She thought long, and hard. Navigating through every detail meticulously, she found herself realizing that every road forward was shrouded in uncertainty.

Slumping over, she laid her arms on her knees and tucked her head.

This, this isn't fair. I worked so hard to get here, and now...

Toiling with the silver locket around her neck, she popped it open and glanced at the picture. Met with a smile, she couldn't help but mirror it.

I can't give up...

Looking up, she popped the locket closed and stood.

I'll find a way, it's all I can do now... All any of us can do...

After a moment of reprieve, she flushed the toilet to maintain the pretense of her visit and exited the bathroom.

...In the present moment.

Simon glanced at the ground and slid his hands in the robe's pocket.

Eris...

Walking over to the box she had placed on the counter, he picked it up and stared at it.

After all she had been told, she stayed. After underestimating... her, she acted. After all this time... I can't rid myself of Eris without hurting her...

Simon sighed deeply and placed the box down, he did care for those around him. Perhaps, a bit too much. He couldn't help but feel as though his actions brought him here. He knew of a bit of her past... and with those glimpses, he pieced the rest together.

Shortly after, Miela exited the bathroom. Upon seeing Simon alone in the kitchen and walked over.

Interrupting his thoughts, she asked, "So, Simon. Got any plans...? Any idea what we're gonna do?"

She added the we. She wasn't sure on how she'd go about navigating this mess alone. She felt as though she needed Simon. She was testing him, if he continued, with we in mind, then she'd know that he's there. If not, well, she didn't entertain that idea. She had hoped she wouldn't have to, given all his gestures up until this moment.

Placing the box down, Simon caught that.

We're... she said. We...

For a moment, his mind revolved around that word, we.

"We need to find out if Jason knew more, and if so, what... We can figure that out by swinging by my other address. See if I'm being targeted... If I am, it could their cleaning house... anyone close to Jason... If not, well, no. He had to have done something to set this off. Knowing if I'm a target gives us an idea of how grand whatever he did, is." Said Simon.

Simon went on to point out another option, "There's also the matter of that journal. Could you remind me where it is you found it again?"

"Oh-uh sure, it was under the bathroom sink, in the cupboards..."

"I see... I'm sure it was meant for Nyala. If we're to assume she didn't get caught or killed... and she hasn't arrived, she might've instead went to a hospital, her baby was due any-day now..."

Miela nodded, "I get it, which do we check first?" A feint smile crept across her lips. With plans underway, it seemed as though there was some hope to be had.

Simon glanced over and pointed at the box, "There's on more issue I need to sort out. Eris isn't leaving..."

Looking over at his apartment door, he continues, "At all. I asked why, and she simply said you. I shutdown her advances and then... she fled to her room. I didn't want her to stay given the nature of the situation at hand-"

Miela interrupted with an audible sigh.

"Simon, you offered everyone a choice, right?"

Returning his gaze to Miela, he paused. He did give everyone a choice.

"So if she stayed, given everything. That makes her apart of this team does it not? I mean, what the hell, isn't that what you would've done had everyone stayed? If not, it-it just doesn't make sense..."

Simon looked back over to the door, and didn't respond. He simply thought to himself.

How can someone be so wrong, and right at the same time... There's a chance for her to avoid this storm... and yet, she won't... I really wanted to deal with this alone. When you throw people into the mix, it complicates things. And now, I'm getting hit with a variety of variables... For her sake I have to make this work.

"I see... Give me a moment." Followed by this, Simon walks out of his apartment and seeks Eris.

As Simon eased up the stairs, he heard something. A distinct sound crippled his resolve. He froze for a moment before continuing. Eris was sitting in a chair just outside her apartment. The space was small and cozy, a mini sanctuary nestled right before where one would head to the third floor. Two chairs sat atop a rug, with a small end-table dividing the two.

Eris sat in the chair, facing the window just behind her. She stared out into the night, crying. As Simon neared, she knew he was approaching. She didn't look at him; she didn't want acknowledge him.

She was torn, she had shown her feelings, taken a chance, and Simon refused. Her thoughts spiraled ravenously. She blamed herself. She thought of her flawed appearance: the damaged, disheveled feathers lining her winged arms, the scar across her cheek. She hated herself.

When he got there, he extended his hand and gently said, "Eris."

Turning around, she glanced at him and his hand, her eyes darting between the two. When he inched it closer, she rested her hand in his. Simon Gently pulled her up out of the seat and into his embrace, he hugged her firmly and gently. Her eyes darted around, as if she couldn't believe it.

With a firm, yet gentle voice, Simon said, "Eris, I am sorry. I do not want to see you get hurt. I already lost Jason... I may not look it, but its hurts. I can't lose another."

Caressing her shoulders, he continued, "I know I'm not walking away from this... I know you'll follow me..."

She didn't reply, figuring words weren't needed, as he now understood.