Dreogan had graciously offered to help her move the accumulation of things that had been brought for her from Tulojow’s back to her own home (It was more like he assumed the role of help once she said she wanted to leave that day and Akiva did not fight him).  There was no way Akiva could express enough gratitude for what Tulojow had done for her, putting up with having her around for so long and then went to work all day to come home, probably after quite the days to help take care of her.  Of course, Akiva had to admit, she had been helping out more lately, as her strength was almost fully returned, and she could actually do things without getting tired within three minutes of starting.  She had come a long way from that chilling discovery, but there was still plenty of room to continue on. 

What she really wanted was the normalcy of her life back.  She hadn’t been to work in over a month and though she enjoyed not having to work, so to speak, as her superiors understood what had happened and did not press the issue (she had received three letters about taking another few weeks off, just in case – elderly women always wanted to be that much more sure), but Akiva was positive it was time to get back into the swing of th8ings, even if they weren’t going to let her do anything except sit behind the circulation desk. That was better than sitting around all day.

So, she was going to return to her apartment this very day and enjoy a weekend getting reacquainted with it and her pets (she also had not seen them in ages – staying with her parents), to reestablish that sense of familiarity and ease into her life.  She had been sorrowful in saying goodbye to Tulo, but she needed to be independent again.  She wanted to have that space that was her own and that she had worked hard for – not everyone could afford to live by themselves, nor could they say they were fully functioning to be able to do so, and it was important to be able to reassert that level of capability. 

So, returning home was very important to Akiva and she was excited to be getting back.  Because of her lack of a wand, she was unable to travel by herself and smiled as she took Dreogan’s hand in one hand and a small bag in the other.  It had taken quite the discussion to even get him to allow her to take a bag, having something of a one-sided pillow fight (as that was the only thing he intended on letting her take), but she had clearly won out on the carry-on with her toothbrush and other toiletries in it.  When everything was finally accumulated into a manageable delivery system, Akiva gave him a smile and nod,  ready to go. 

“All set,” she squeezed his hand, feeling the excitement bubbling in her stomach and making her heart speed up just a little faster.  She was really going home.

Five minutes, ten rejoinders, and one thrown pillow later, Akiva stood there with a small bag -- very small. And Dreogan didn't very much like how this was going, but he had to let her win this one, after all.  But he was not here to help her move her things. He was here to move her things.

Words -- though likely a well thought-out and strategically inconspicuous gift -- could never say enough for the gratitude Dree felt for Tulo who, once again, had helped him in a time of need in housing Kiva and, of course, giving words of wisdom. Dree could, certainly, try to repay in kind with words of his own but could not -- certainly would not -- invite Tulo to stay with him for a month. That would not be pleasant for either of them.

For now, he would think on what kind gesture he could offer her. Dreogan closed the door behind them, stooping down a moment to sling her tote across his back. He cast, habitually, a spell and heard the door click; it glowed a moment, then went dark. Locked and shut.

As Kiva took his hand, Dreogan lightly ran his fingers over and around hers, playing with them a little, a smile on his face. "Alright," he said, shifting a box of things on his hip slightly as they set off for the horseless carriages that would take them back to Hogsmeade. He didn't like them; he had never been fond of magical creatures -- least of all Thestrals -- and averted his gaze as he, still holding Kiva's hand, helped her into the carriage before climbing in himself. The day was perfect outside -- the heat of summer finally beginning to subside. A light breeze rustled the leaves overhead, and golden light streamed through branches. The carriage began to move and Dreogan shifted slightly to resituate himself to the rocking motion.

"Your parents and I got Gordon and Lady all set up this morning," he told her, wrapping his arm around her. "And I bet," he added with a smile, "that Gordon has already found the most comfortable seat; we'll kick him out of it when we get there." Today was going to be low-key. Restful and peaceful.

When the lock turned, glowing with warmth and then dying down again, it was hard to believe that she had been at Tulo’s for a month – and that time was over.  She adjust the bag in her hand, looking down to see the bandage cover she had made.  Taking an old, blue shirt, she ripped the sleeve (it didn’t fit anymore) and made something of a fabric bracelet.  It covered the unsightly white thing and she didn’t have to think about it if she didn’t see it.  The only thing concerning her hands that she wanted to spare a thought for were when she was doing something pleasant. 

The warmth of their connected hands immediately rushed to Akiva’s cheeks, reddening them just slightly.  Though they had been spending time together, it was always in Tulojow’s home, and though sometimes it was alone, it wasn’t truly alone in a completely comfortable setting.  She was looking forward to that security and comfort in her own home. 

“Are you sure you don’t want me to take anything else?” she asked, looking at him readjust the box.  She had tried, desperately, to let him let her do something, but he didn’t want her to – he wanted her to take as little as possible, hence the comparatively tiny bag in her hand and his box.  She would have enjoyed helping out more, but he was insistent.  He meant well though, and she appreciated it more than she let show.  It would get back to him eventually.  And he wasn’t going to let her take anything else, typical. 

Climbing into the carriage, the same they had from Hogwarts, Akiva had a huge rush back to some fond and not-so-fond memories.  Thankfully, she was accompanied on this ride, and could focus elsewhere than her unfinished education and the rides she did not get to have that final year.  With a sigh, the woman placed the bag on the floor, sinking into the comfortable bench of the carriage, and then moving to contour herself against Dreogan’s side.  She could definitely get used to this. 

Laying her head against his shoulder, Akiva let herself smile in the most relaxed manner she had for weeks. All of the relief and excitement she was feeling was finally manifesting itself in her behavior.  When the carriage started to move, Akiva jolted, but readjusted with the motion, remembering this all too well.  The added bonus was that she was with Dreogan and in a far more comfortable position than she had been back when she was fifteen years old.  Glancing up, she almost squeaked with excitement. 

“They’re home?!” she was so much more eager to get there.  She didn’t want him to think that she was more excited to see them than him, but really, he had stopped by – her pets were not in her life for quite some time!  Looking at him she smiled playfully, patting her hand on his leg.  “the most comfortable seat will be on my lap and I’m fairly sure he’s going to win in that fight,” she teased, leaning up to give him a pleasant kiss on the cheek.  “We’ll see how he feels about it – and then maybe we can take Lady for a walk…?” she would love to go to the park once she thought about it - the perfect opportunity to get used to her neighborhood again, she'd need to. 

"...And then we can get take-out," she could hardly contain her excitement - and desperately wished they were home already so they could commence the plans she was already drawing up in her mind.  Going home was getting more appealing by the moment.

“Are you sure you don’t want me to take anything else?”

Dreogan glanced down at her beneath lowered brows, giving her the time needed to consider if she truly meant to ask that question; they'd talked about this to the point of exhaustion. Well, Dree was exhausted. When she did not press, he smiled and lifted his chin a bit. Victory.

As she settled against him, resting her head on his shoulder, Dreogan could not help but puff his chest out -- just slightly. He never felt so strong or protective as when Akiva was like this: relaxed and happy. He defied anyone to give him a reason to stop smiling; he didn't think it was possible in this moment. There had been too much pain, frustration, sorrow, anxiety -- all he wanted now was happiness for a time. He didn't seem to be alone.

"They're home?!" Akiva gushed exuberantly.

He let out a great laugh at her excitement. "Yes. They're home; took them there myself. You can probably find some Gordon and Lady hairs on me as proof."

Between walks, takeaway -- perhaps get a Chinese; he didn't want Gil's or his questions tonight -- and moving in, it seemed that they had the night planned; he had had similar plans to Kiva's own. But this did not surprise him. They'd had many nights like this; but never in the same situation. This, well, it would always be different now, he acknowledged.

"And perhaps some Monty Pyton? Hmm?" he suggested. They cleared the forest and approached the outskirts of Hogsmeade, sleepy now without Festivals, the summer months, or student visits. The Thestrals slowed their progress as they arrived at the deserted train station. Dreogan had never seen the red Hogwarts Express and certainly didn't now, but knew that these Thestrals were likely creatures of habit. He rose to his feet, picking up bag and box once more and giving Akiva's hand a squeeze. No need to climb down -- they'd just side along from here. "You ready?" he asked.

Reaching across his chest, Akiva plucked a short, orange hair off of the fabric by his collar.  Chuckling softly, she grabbed several, holding them up and then rubbing her fingers together so they would fall to the floor.  “Thank you,” she smiled up at him, tilting her chin up to get a glimpse at his face again.  He was quite proud of himself, that laugh and smile told her more than his words could have. 

She was proud of him too, truth be told.  Gordon, especially, did not take to many people and though she was sure her parents had given him a hand, it was exceptionally thoughtful of him to go there and do that for her.  It was sweet and she really enjoyed that he went out of his way with so much work of his own, to do things for her. 

Sometimes, she fell into the habit of comparing Dreogan to George, and was always coming up with a smile and wonderful result.  George had never been very self-centered, he didn’t think much about the burdens on her or her family or what was going on in their lives, of course, he hadn’t exactly been as established as Dreogan was – always thinking about his next conquest in the professional world.  She thought this was much more suited to what she needed, and if it wouldn’t involve too much dredging up past issues, she would have let him know – probably a conversation for later, if they ever had it. 

If there was anything else that could have endeared him to her at the moment, it was the additional suggestion of a marathon of Monty Python.  Something funny, lighthearted, and ridiculous to just relax to and enjoy was just what the doctor would have ordered.  “Sounds perfect,” she sighed, happily giving his knee another squeeze.  She realized how dependent on she was on physical contact now, after having been starved of that for how long she was gone – she just knew she had been lonelier than she had ever been in her life, so she had a tendency to want to latch onto those that she could count on – at the moment that was Dreogan. 

When the carriage halted, Akiva sighed, happy to get out and be even closer than she was before.  Grabbing his hand and giving a hopeful squeeze back, she was so ready.  “Absolutely,” she chirped with a bubbliness that hadn’t been present for some weeks.  She grabbed her small bag (she wasn’t going to let that be taken from her) and gave him another squeeze.  She popped up from the seat, standing next to Dreogan and let out a deep breath – preparing herself for the side-long apparation.  She was stronger now, at least in terms of being able handle apparation, and she’d get over it if it got her home any quicker. 

"You're welcome. I will need to make an apology to Tabitha at some point," he lamented. Tabitha was a vastly jealous creature. "I don't know what she would do to Gordon if they ever did meet. She'll be curious about the Other Cat." He chuckled.

Akiva was the happiest she had been in about a month, and Dreogan found his spirits rising as a result. Just looking at her made him -- well, he wanted to kiss her. And so, as they rose, about to Disapparate, he did. Pulling away, he gave a lopsided smile and a crack like a car's backfiring echoed through Hogsmeade.

They Apparated a short distance from Mermaid Court. Dreogan checked to make sure he had everything with him -- and Kiva, too. He'd never let go of her hand, though, so that was never a doubt in his mind.

While she was away, the Katzes had had the locks and keys changed. Dreogan had set up some new warding and protective spells and was planning to, when he got a chance, set up a Peeping Tom to replace her Muggle peep-hole -- which did next to nothing, in his mind. Dreogan now pulled out one of the two new keys (one for the Katzes, one for her), and handed it to her ceremoniously. "Your keys." He wanted her to be the one to open the door.

Once she had, Dreogan set down his box on the right side of the door and looked about. It still smelled of cleaning, mixed with the ever-present smell of spices from her kitchen. Dreogan did not say anything, but walked into the place with a broad smile. It looked cleaner than he had seen it this morning; which was not saying much, perhaps, but he had been proud of his work.

It was not all he was proud of, however. "Here," he said, "I'll take your bag and things upstairs," here his eyes gleamed challengingly, "and you can go feed Gordon and Lady." He nodded to the kitchen, where he knew very well, on the counter, there was a box waiting for her, wrapped in red ribbon.

Akiva giggled at his joke, remembering a side comment made during her stay at Tulo’s by Adon one evening – something about him being more in love with the cat than anything else.  It had been amusing, though Dree did not seem to particularly care for it.  That evening, she had tried not to laugh too much, unfortunately, it had failed.

Before she could comment, she was greeted with the most pleasant surprise to date – a playful, inviting kiss that could have lasted for several more seconds in her opinion.  She returned his goofy smile, gripping tighter on his hand and the bag.  She was ready to go and took in a deep breath, readying herself for the disapparating.  She didn’t like it, but she would deal with it. 

The trip was, mercifully, short, and though her stomach turned just a little when they landed near the street, she was so glad to recognize the area she was in.  She felt at home already and the emotion might have gotten to her if she was not so eager to return home.  She was so happy she actually led the way back to the flat, pulling him along (probably not that comfortable for him toting a bag and a box), but she couldn’t help it!  Glancing back, she urged him to hurry up and the burst of energy wasn’t going to last forever, so she wanted to take advantage of it now.

In front of the door, she was handed a set of keys.  One for herself and one for her parents (they always had a key for her place, just in case), and she was allowed to open the door.  She plucked them from his fingers with excitement and leaned upward to give him a small peck on the lips.  Fumbling for a moment, she was actually nervous she couldn’t unlock the door – especially hearing Lady’s anxious scratching on the backside, but finally, she was able to push the door open and lean down almost immediately.  She tossed the bag inside and then got down to her knees, ruffling her dog’s ears and just showering love on her owner whom she hadn’t seen for ages 

Akiva couldn’t be anything but happy, and cuddling her pet (Gordon only slowly waddled over, licking his jaws and padding over to see the woman he actually missed), and she scratched the cat behind his ears.  Seeing them was almost as good as being reunited with her family members.  She sniffed back some of her emotion and looked up at Dree when he began to speak.  Gordon was rubbing against her more than usual, indication he was hungry, and he had a peculiar look on his face.  Not until she stood up did she realize that the apartment was spotless. 

Looking around, she blinked, it really was clean.  She wondered if her mum had done it – particularly using the softer cleaners rather than the hard ones to not overwhelm herself and her pets.  It was amazing.  She had been worried about having to do this herself, it was such a burden lifted off of her shoulders.  “…Alright…?” she said in a tone that was all too suspicious.  She had intended on feeding them anyway, but that was just a little too pointed.  Whatever the case, maybe he had something made for her – she could only imagine what he had done in the kitchen. 

Akiva entered, the familiar scent of cinnamon greeting her, and she sighed.  It was wonderful to be back in her own kitchen with her own accumulated things.  She looked around to reacquaint herself when she saw something on the counter – a box with red ribbon.  This was what he wanted her to go in the kitchen for!  Gasping, Akiva looked toward the stairs.  “Dreogan!” she called after him, “this better not be too much!” forever the girl to not want to accept a gift, she moved directly to it despite herself.  Plucking at the ribbon, it fell to the counter and she cautiously lifted the lid of the box off. 

Peering inside, she dropped the lid on the counter and her hands flew to her face.  She was absolutely shocked.  The tears of the overwhelming return to her home, seeing it clean, getting her new keys, the smell of her own home, her pets – and these bracelets – things he thought about when she was just using bandages to cover up her unsightly scarring – she felt the tears rolling down her eyes.  Taking them out, one by one, she was speechless.  This was the nicest thing she could have thought of.  She hardly noticed Gordon rubbing around her ankles-  she was beside herself.  With her left hand, she wiped a tear off her cheek, picking up the pink bangle with the other hand.  She still couldn't believe it.

Dreogan deposited the bags and box atop her bed -- they'd get to them later. As she called up to him, he smiled, trying to imagine her response, but glad, for one, that he was not there to see it. There was a certain sort of awkwardness--selfishness--in standing there, watching a person open a present, waiting for their reaction and the expected praise.

When he heard nothing -- not a called up thank you, question, or chastisement -- he grew slightly concerned. Perhaps she did not like it? . . . Perhaps she had collapsed.

Dreogan took the steps two, then three at a time -- nearly tripping over himself in the process. As he entered the kitchen, he saw Kiva, her back turned to him but very much upright. Her hand wiped her cheek and he moved forward quietly with a soft smile. "Hey," he nearly whispered as he came up behind her, leaning and slouching a bit so that he could rest his cheek against hers.

"So the women at the stores said that bangles are the newest trend. Every girl's got to have them. . ." Dreogan had spent the past week at Selfridges, H&M, Debenhams, Printemps, Top Shop, Urban Outfitters-- all the shops he could come across on High Street Kensington. The sales associates had come to know him last week with his perpetual visits and soliciting advice. They had been happy to help; particularly when he described the desire to buy his girlfriend as many nice things as possible: romance and commission; every shop girl's dream.

"I thought you'd like several. We can take back whatever you don't like, though." He thought she deserved them all. Some had certainly been more expensive than others -- Dree had liked them all equally. Except the elephant one. That had been his favourite. Price was easily justified, however. He'd not spent more than he would have on two week's food; even more easily justifiable when he considered how little he'd eaten in the past month. Even if they had cost more, it'd be worth it for her to feel excited about the thought of wearing them, rather than the dread of her own scars.

Picking up a teal one, he said "I thought this one would go with your, ah," he motioned to his earlobe, "those globe earrings you wear."

The bracelets were more than she could have asked for.  Akiva didn’t even know what to say.  His approach from behind basically went unnoticed as she continued to look over the gifts.  They were so beautiful and she glanced at Dreogan, unsure of what he was thinking.  “You shouldn’t have,” was all she could muster, leaning against him.  She loved the presents and was just in complete surprise over the thoughtfulness of the whole thing.

He figured out where her insecurities would be and then did something sweet to alleviate that problem.  It was touching in so many different ways, and incredibly romantic.  Reaching back, she gently took his hands by the wrists and wrapped them around her torso, bringing him closer on the process.  She was so content and she shook her head, especially when he said that he would take back anything she did not like. There wasn’t a single gift here that she didn’t appreciate – it was truly touching. 

“They’re wonderful, Dree, really,” she turned her head to place a quick kiss on his cheek before unwrapping the blue fabric from over the white bandage.  She was still taking care of the slow healing wound (almost completely healed over and more revealing as a symbol now that it wasn’t burning and sore), and now she could wear something other than a bandage – and there were ten of them!  She would wear one every day, she thought, as she slid the white elephant bangle on over the bandage.  She held out her hand and admired the decoration, admiring it before glancing down.

He had lifted up the teal bangle and she giggled softly taking it from his hands, “Accessorizing for me?” she asked in a teasing voice, placing it back on the counter after she examined it.  Turning around, she lifted her arms to snake about his neck, her face just beaming with a happy light.  “Thank you,” using the strategic placement of her arms, she was able to pull him down just a bit to give him a well-deserved and very sorely needed kiss.  Since they weren’t at Tulo’s anymore, she didn’t have to worry about suddenly being walked in or anything of the like. 

Withdrawing after a few wonderful moments, Akiva sighed and gave him another quick peck.  “Thank you so much,” she couldn’t even express her gratitude in another way at the moment.  “They’re all beautiful, Dree,” she continued.  “I should hit you for spending anything though,” she tried not to smile, but was foiled again as she met his gaze.  One more kiss, she thought as she pressed her lips against his.  “Did your mum help you?” she teased, "because if so, she's got fabulous taste.  I love them, really."

As she slipped the elephant bangle onto her wrist, Dreogan grinned quite broadly. He hadn't felt this proud of himself since, well, since he had managed to put the GPS back in good order and actually convinced the sales associate that it was in fit condition to be returned.

But this -- this had a better reward than a refund. And he'd be hexed twice over if the man across the counter had done so much as try a kiss.

But, as it was, Dreogan had no complaints. "Accessorizing for me?" she teased.  The mischievous smirk that made her cheeks blush and her eyes sparkle was perhaps Dreogan's favourite expression of hers and he could not help leaning in closely, smirking back. She didn't really expect a retort for that, did she? He was having trouble putting words together right as he reached up to brush her hair back from her shoulder and -- well, and then they kissed and Dreogan found it very easy to give a response to that.

At the continued compliments, Dreogan only smiled into the kisses. Then she said the one word he didn't want to hear in a moment like this: mum. Scrunching up his nose, Dreogan pulled away, making a show of frowning his disgust. "My mum," he said pointedly as he grabbed her around the middle and twirled her around in a half-circle for emphasis, "didn't have anything to do with this."

He intertwined his fingers with hers, careful of her wrist, which was still tender and leaned in once more, lips brushing against her temple as he said in a hushed tone, "I guess we better walk Lady. . ." The sooner they walked the dog, the sooner they got back and ate. Which meant that they would then watch Monty Python. Which meant . . . they might not watch much Monty Python. . .

How she had missed this part of being someone’s girlfriend!  When she had broken up with George, she had been too hurt to even care about that, and then she just got used to being single, never really worrying about having a close emotional and physical connection with anyone.  Having Dreogan was not only fulfilling the need for another emotional connection in the world, but with his fingers brushing her shoulder and lips against her own, she couldn’t help but smile. 

A pleased, little hum rolled in her throat as she let her fingers play with the hair on the back of his neck, just a little.  She liked playing with his hair.  She liked everything about him, she happily reminded herself.  Sometimes she wondered if she was just overwhelmed with excitement – but then she remembered she felt this way most of the time, presents or not.  Those were just a bonus, the real prize was having someone who thought of something like that. 

It was almost disappointing when they pulled apart – she faltered for a moment, but the smile flourished again.  She could not help but let a burst of laughter bubble from her chest and pop out.  He made the most ridiculous face she had ever seen. She couldn’t help but laugh and follow his lead, twirling as he led her, and squeezing his hand with hers.  She laughed softly and leaned against him, nodding at his suggestion.  “Good idea, as always,” she turned, gave him a quick peck on the cheek before dancing just out of his reach, a glance over her shoulder with a playful smile and then ducking into the living room again.

It made her feel giddy and playful, all of the emotions from coming home, seeing her pets, how sweet he was, the gifts – the kissing, all of it together produced a rather wonderful effect on her mood.  After putting on her light, plaid jacket, she didn’t even hesitate to grab Lady’s leash from its spot and the dog immediately clamored around the corner, jumping on her shins.  “That’s my girl,” she laughed and clipped the pink leash on the collar. She was almost ready – she slipped her flats back on from their spot by the door (force of habit) and put her hand on the door knob. 

“Are you coming, Dree?” she called, giggling, “I would hate to have to walk by myself on a beautiful day!”

"Good idea as always," she said with a playful smile as she pulled away.

Bad idea, Dreogan, he told himself as their contact was broken and she left the room. He smiled with a light sigh and shook his head as she asked if he was coming. As though he wouldn't. Because she could not see this response, he responded, "I dunno. I thought I might need to reorganise my socks. . ." He sauntered in to the front room, slipping on his birkenstocks and looked up at her, making a show of evaluating the various pros and cons in his head of such a situation.

"But I might be persuaded. . ." He smirked and looked down at Lady. Currently, he was persuading himself. There was no way he wanted to go home just now, and he knew she knew it. Once more taking her hand he waited for her to open the door, reaching out to hold it open for her as she passed through. On the other side, he waited for her to lock up.

The sun was shining and Dreogan took a moment to look up at the sky, enjoying the last breaths of summer before the chill settled in. Walking dogs would be much less pleasant then. Not that he particularly ever really cared for dogs. As he returned his gaze to the street, he noted a blur of grey -- a grey cat -- flash across in the distance. He smiled as he heard children's laughter and turned back to Akiva. "Ready?"

It was not long before they had made it to a nearby park several blocks west.  Several kids were at play with their mothers -- potentially nannies; this was a nicer part of town -- and Dreogan surveyed the area, stopping before they reached the play equipment. No one had brought their dogs. It looked like they had the stretch of grass to themselves. Dreogan, knowing the drill -- or at least assuming he did -- crouched down to unclip the leash from Lady so she might run about the green. When he straightened, his eyes locked with a set of green, feline eyes watching from atop the children's slide. A grey cat. His grey cat.

Tabitha.

He smirked and looked back at Akiva. This didn't surprise him. "Looks like we're being followed." He nodded to the slide and returned his gaze there himself, only to notice that Tabitha was now gone. Frowning, he looked back to her. "Well, she was here. . ."

When Dreogan responded to her, Akiva actually stopped in her motions for a moment.  She hadn’t expected any sort of disagreement to her proposal and looked up and toward the kitchen with confusion.  Her brown eyes were wide with confusion and her lips parted, unsure of what to say – and then, as though a little light bulb blinked on over her head, she realized that he was kidding, the socks thing didn’t hurt in helping her figure out what he meant.  Still in her crouch, she giggled and rubbed Lady’s head before she stood up, straightening her clothes as she did.  “Mmmm…. Socks, very tempting,” she smiled, turning toward the door again.

She peered over her shoulder when he continued and gave him a playful little smile.  Blowing a bit of hair out of her face, the grin widened as he took to her side and Lady squirmed around, under her feet (She had to lift her own so that she could ensure no falling), and let him open the door.  As she passed in front of him, she gave him the slightest kiss and exited, giggling as she locked the door.  She would have activated more advanced protection – but she still didn’t have a wand. 

It was going to be necessary to get a new one and soon – she wanted to be able to have that.  She didn’t have a way to protect herself when she was by herself.  Thankfully, she was with Dreogan and took his hand, partially to reassure herself and partially just to walk like that.  She enjoyed it as Lady walked on the outside with them, happily panting away as they made their way through the park. 

She was so engrossed with watching the other people in the park, the parents with their children, two elderly people on a bench together, a group of young men with baggy clothes and skateboards; it was quite the lively day.  The last moments of the season were being enjoyed by everyone and she sighed happily, glad the sun was out and her home coming wasn’t on a day she could not enjoy it.  As she watched a dutiful parent push both of her children on the swings, Akiva thought she saw something far larger than a squirrel dart across the way, but when she actually went to look – it was gone.

She glanced at Dree to see if he noticed, but said nothing – maybe she was seeing things.  She had a tendency to attribute sudden moments to things she couldn’t explain now, mostly paranoia.  She didn’t want to seem crazy.  She shook her head and gave his hand another squeeze, glad when they finally reached the green.  Lady launched as quickly as she could after some pigeons (thankfully Akiva had a bag of treats in her coat pocket), and she rolled up the leash, keeping an eye on her pet as she did.

When he indicated that they were being followed, Akiva’s heart automatically skipped a beat.  She nervously looked around for a suspicious figure, someone that would immediately jump start her memory – then maybe she would be free of this lingering sensation of the unknown that hung over her all the time.  She was about to question when she saw it – a grey cat – his grey cat – sitting atop the slide, unperturbed by the playing children and starring at them.  She looked at Dree, as if to confirm what she saw was legitimate, but when she looked back, the cat was gone.

Maybe they were both crazy. 

Clearing her throat, Akiva rocked on her heels before she dropped into the grass.  “You had me worried for a second,” she chuckled nervously, rubbing her hands together – a common habit when she was anxious, or coming out of some anxiety.  Patting the grass next to her, she smiled up at him.  “Do you happen to know why your cat is at the park?”

 As Akiva squeezed his hand tightly at his pronouncement, Dreogan squeezed back, his thumb rubbing the top of her hand in a motion meant to be comforting. "Sorry," he whispered, knowing he'd frightened her with his choice of words. "Tabitha. . ." he explained, but didn't need to. It appeared she had seen her, too.

He gave a lopsided smile. "I'd imagine she's, well, following me, really. She's a top-notch tracker. I have a lot to learn from her," he responded easily as he sat down in the grass beside Kiva, leaning back on his hands behind him. "She's always done that; you know, I didn't buy her. I found her in Karnak. Egypt. She just followed me home one day. And then the next. And then the next." His face grew thoughtful a moment and he grinned. "I guess she found me, then. And it's true, you know, about what they say of feeding strays. Still, I couldn't have asked for a better cat." He chuckled. "Sometimes I wonder if she rather fancies me her human."

He chuckled deeply at this and looked at Kiva. "I'm sure -- if it's any consolation," he said, reading confusion in her face, "Tabitha will make a second appearance." Likely far from consoling. Dreogan didn't imagine that Tabitha would much care for Lady, the Other Pet. Or Gordon, the Other Cat. Or Kiva, the Other Woman. Still, as a cat, her methods of retribution were vastly limited and Dreogan could not help but smile at the thought. The would have to hide Kiva's shoes.

The sun was still warm and Dreogan could feel it on his hair; he scratched slightly at his shaggy curls to feel them hot to the touch. It was a lovely Indian summer they were experiencing; he only wished it could last. Lady yapped a short distance off and Dreogan craned his neck to make sure everything was alright. Tabitha was still nowhere in sight. Well, that was something, at least. The pigeons were not, either, having scarpered at Lady's outburst and quick chase.

"It's good to have you back," he said quietly, still looking out after Lady.

She had been skeptical to believe his brother’s teasing about the extent to which Dreogan cared for his cat, but she was just getting a glimpse of it.  She didn’t find anything particularly off putting or odd about it like Adon seemed to, it showed he had the capacity to consistently care for another living thing – always a plus in her book.  Animals were something akin to children, whether they were moody like Gordon, sly like Tabitha, or a bundle of energy and cuddles like Lady, they were things that had to be taken care of and watched over, clearly she appreciated the quality.

Leaning her head against his shoulder, Akiva smiled.  “You’ll have to tell more about your travels someday,” she smiled thoughtfully, contemplating just how many places he had already mentioned to her: Britain, Israel, Egypt, America, Jordan, she could only imagine how much longer that list could get. She knew his job now required extensive travelling and she had only been to France! It was both impressive and intriguing that he went all over the world. “You’re really a fascinating person, you know,” she stated simply, letting out a little sigh. 

Giggling softly she squeezed his hand, leaning close to his ear and lowering her voice so only he could hear, “As long as she’s not an animagus who fancies you her human.” After a brief chuckle, she brushed her lips against his the space right under his ear and returned to the position of having her temple against his shoulder, watching Lady as she chased a squirrel up into a tree.  That dog would never get bored of chasing much of anything – she really hoped Tabitha was smart enough to not get under Lady’s radar.  She was sure the dog wouldn’t do anything malicious, but she couldn’t imagine Tabitha would stand for being chased – and wouldn’t fight back.

She was just glad there was basically no chance of truth in her playful little statement.  As a cat, she couldn’t really assume the place that Akiva was filling, which was actually a comfort.  She had a suspicion that if he were forced to choose, his history with Tabitha might actually win out.  Thankfully, it didn’t appear he would have to. 

The silence between them for the moments that it was actually noticeable was not a bad thing.  The sun was warm, the grass was soft, and the light breeze was comfortable – nothing made the lack of words awkward or uncomfortable.  And as they both weren’t even looking at one another, she gave his hand another squeeze.  "It's good to have you back," he said quietly. 

She was quiet for a moment, trying to carefully pick what she was going to say. She appreciated the sentiment and felt it herself tenfold, but didn’t want to say anything hollow and not meaningful to ruin it.  Instead, she shifted on the grass, curling her legs up so that she was leaning against him more than before, putting their intertwined hands on her knee, rocking it back and forth.  “I remember worrying about you,” she said quietly, a detail she hadn’t bothered to tell Tamis or any of the other aurors, it didn’t matter in the long run what she felt during the experience, at least not to their investigation.

“I worried a lot, actually,” she said with a hesitant, dark chuckle that muted in a subtle, comfortable smile.  “But I’m not worried now.”