World Refugees Final Mix

"That didn't stop you before, love," he teased Aria, the glow in his eyes growing brighter. He absently reached out, brushing his hand across her wrist. A few more people passing on the stairs stopped and turned, some blushing and others shifting almost uncomfortably. But all turned to look at him, even if he didn't notice it.

"So she hasn't changed much in the past few decades," he mused. "A shame. I really thought..." He trailed off, shaking his head with a rueful smile.

He stepped away from the railing then. "I suppose you couldn't tell me where I could find my beloved sister and her... new companion? I must admit, that must have been very interesting between the three of you."

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Pancake wigged out of Aria's arms when he reached out. "Um," She stammered. "Pancake isn't usually afraid of people. It got me curious." She blushed a bit and became silent again.

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Song's smile faltered when the demon touched Aria, and she shot him a brief but sharp glare. It was funny, really, how eager she was to interact with a dangerous entity while at the same time wanting him to have nothing to do with her friends, for their own safety.

She was, however, surprised and intrigued by his confirmation that her Lilith was this sister he spoke of.

As to that final comment of his... if he were anyone else, she might have allowed herself to be flustered, even babble embarrassingly, but knowing what she did about him, she simply could not allow herself to give him that satisfaction.

So she just smirked again and tossed her head, sending her hair flashing out over her shoulder in an all too feminine gesture.

"Hmm... While things are always interesting when the three of us are involved, I'm afraid it's never been the way you imagine. Lilith and I are still working on hugs, and while I'd be honored to gain more of her trust - and perhaps something that rhymes with it - I fear it may take a while."

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"The creature really shouldn't have anything to be afraid of," the man said cheerfully. "I don't mean any harm."

He turned back to Song. "And you know where I could find her?"

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"She's been a bit jumpy lately. She'll probably get over it." Aria took a quick look around to see if the dream hare was still in the area. She spotted the critter a short distance away being cute at a couple kids with snacks. Yup, she'd get over it.

Aria turned her attention back to the conversation though she still didn't have anything to add about Lilith.

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Huh. He could be all seductive to Aria but he didn't so much as smile when she tried to flirt and tease. Song was almost jealous for a moment, irrationally.
Though if he was just being decent because she was attached to another of his kind, she supposed she should be impressed by his restraint.

"Lilith left a month ago, with Josiah. They'll be back, but I have no idea when."

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"And what about you? Will you get over it?" he asked, leaning forward just slightly.

A month, though. He looked thoughtful for a moment and then flashed a smile at Song. "That long? Now I'm really going to have to find something to occupy my time. I really don't feel like chasing the poor girl halfway across the universe again."

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"Um..." Aria resisted the urge to take a step back. Not out of any fear but, she wasn't used to being flirted with by strangers. "I guess..." As long you don't give me a reason to want to shove a tiki torch up your...

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Song pursed her lips, again shifting her gaze between Aria and the demon.

She proceeded in a softly cautious tone. "Well, sir, as much as I would like to invite you to stay, I'm afraid I don't have the right. Your nature may be no fault of your own, but I can't put the women of my city in danger."

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"Wonderful!" he enthused, straightening up and crossing his arms. "I can't leave a lady such as yourself so uncomfortable. It would really break my heart."

He sighed melodramatically. "Whatever will I do, now that I've been tossed to the wayside?"

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Aria really didn't have anything to say to that... that wasn't sarcastic anyway. She didn't know what to think about the idea of him hanging around however long it took for Josiah and Lilith to return.

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Song rolled her eyes. The cheerful, innocent act was cute and all, but she didn't trust him one bit.

Still, she tried to keep up her own friendly act. Her curiosity was far from satisfied

"Well, you needn't leave immediately. Perhaps you could give us your name and then we can share stories of our mutual friend. She may have changed more than you expect."

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He smirked, leaning back against the railing again as his eyes narrowed. "My name is James. And you really should tell me how my beloved sister managed to get along so well considering your protectiveness of this city."

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Now that was something Aria didn't even want to begin to try explaining. Yay for more uncomfortable silence?

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Song, on the other hand, picked up the story easily.

"Lilith is currently sharing the soul of a human, revoking her need to feed on others. She has also managed to free herself from that book, you might be pleased to know."

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"Really," James murmured, and his act seemed to dissipate. He frowned, not meeting either of their eyes. "So it did end up that way..." He was quiet for a few moments more before shaking his head, clearing his thoughts.

"Well, good for her," he said brightly. "I always hoped as much. I really am going to have to hear the whole story one day."

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"So you knew that was a possibility?"Aria couldn't help but ask.

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Now that was an interesting response.
She'd honestly been skeptical about his relationship with Lilith, based solely on the fact that Lilith didn't seem to like having friends. However, she thought she saw genuine care in his subdued reaction, and that intrigued her more than anything else about this James fellow.

Hearing Aria's question, she tapped a finger to her lips thoughtfully and just listened.

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He laughed quietly, slipping his sunglasses back on. "Call it a gift. I've always tried to look out for her."

The strange aura in the air surrounding the area seemed to diminish a little bit, and instead of nearly everyone turning to look at him as they passed, only a few continued to do so.

"But I digress - you don't want to hear my dull story." He straightened his coat and then nodded at both of them. "If you'll excuse me, ladies. Most likely I'll see both of you around in the near future."

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Aria didn't feel the need to say anything else.

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So he was staying, whether or not Song wanted him to. Oh well. At least she might have the chance to learn more about Lilith through him.

"On the contrary, I hope we can trade these stories soon. It was a pleasure meeting you, James." As she was wearing a skirt today, she gave a small curtsy.
"With any luck, the other two won't keep us waiting long."

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