A Ghastly Inheritance (M) (RoseTyler and Raezela)

[RoseTyler]

((Rated M for horror, possible violence, and possible adult themes))

Christina and Bryan sat on the front porch of the old manor, a game of rummy spread out between them. The two of them had shown up two weeks ago to work on the house, patching up the older bits after their grandfather passed away a week beforehand. The house was actually willed to their older brother, Adam, but he had been too busy to do anything with the house, and offered it to Bryan or Christina. After much discussion, the two of them decided to move in together.

It would have been a great time, they got along phenomenally well, but things kept happening. Despite Bryan's insistence that she was just imagining things, Christina knew he had no real explanation either. That was why she went behind his back and did some research, coming up with Rachael Smith and Jeremy Holloway. Christy only gave him a day's notice before telling him of the paranormal investigators, and they already had their argument over it. It didn't phase Christy, though, as they were coming and there was nothing Bryan could do about it.

And so here they were, waiting for the arrival of the investigators and playing rummy. Christy was winning, and she took it as a sign that the world was on her side. Bryan wasn't amused.

[Rae]

"Everything packed?" Rae asked, still sucking on her tootsie pop, her slender body resting against the side of the car. She wasn't on the greatest of moods, it was over cast today, no sun, dry air, she hated days like this.

"Yeah," Jeremy called out after a while, sighing as he slammed the trunk, having packed the last of their bags and equipment. He popped his knuckles, glancing at his reflection in the Tundras mirror, running a hand through his hair to give it a little bit of a side sweep. He then made his way to the drivers side and slipped in the seat, waiting on Rae, who very slowly made her way in the car.

She had that lost and longing look in her eyes today, one that mirrored the same dull and sadness the sky did. He worried about her sometimes, and at times he thought the job might affect her. She never talked about a love life or family, he didn't have a clue if that could be it. She was a reserved little thing, sweet as candy, but there was more her, he just knew it. But he knew saying anything would just put more distance between them. And that was bad since they were partners in this job.

"You okay?"

"Yeah, weather's just bad," She said, " Lets get going, hmm?"

"Right..."

--

Two hours had passed and they'd made it half way down a basically deserted road, one that was lovely regarding foliage and fresh air, but emitted an eerieness the farther they got from civilization. Wasn't a very inviting area, and as they pulled up to the address, it didn't seem any more inviting, it was rather... dead.

"We're here," Jeremy said softly, his hand grazing her knee, "Cheer up, eh?"

"I'm fine," She forced a smile and slipped out of the car. He watched as she tugged at the hem of her white tank top, and then leaned against her door, waiting for him to get out and grab the equipment, and accompany her up there. He was always with her on these jobs, she was a great investigator, but absolutely refused to be alone, which he couldn't understand, but didn't dare question. Seemed like a touchy subject with her where as he felt totally comfortable. His uncle did this kind of stuff, and his aunt was a medium. His parents hated everything paranormal and were ashamed he'd chosen this over mathematics or literature, but it all bored him to tears.

"...Why am I thinking about all this?"

He shook his head, turned off the car and slipped out of the drivers seat. He made his way to the trunk, grabbed the necessities, and then headed to the patio of the house with Rae.

[RoseTyler]

Christina had been busy shuffling the cards after beating Bryan's score by leaps and bounds when she heard the car coming up the road. She set the cards down and made sure she looked presentable. She picked dressy casual for the day, a pair of good jeans and a sleeveless brown shirt that draped nicely over her figure, with a pair boots to match. Her hair rolled over her shoulders in soft waves.

"You look fine, Christy." Bryan's exasperated voice came from right over her shoulder, causing her to jump and spin around with a small squeek. She hit him as he started laughing.

"You are such a jerk. Don't you ever grow up?" He knew she had been jumpy all week, and had been harassing her relentlessly. "And I wish I could say you look fine, but you look like you just got out of bed. Couldn't you at least try to brush your hair?!"

Bryan was wearing a pair of old jeans, working boots, and a plain black t-shirt. His dark hair, so similar in color to hers, stood out in practically every direction possible. Instead of brushing it, though, he just ran a hand through it, so it was at least brushed back from his face, no longer in his eyes. "Happy now, Mom?" He said, mocking her.

She pushed him just as the car was coming into view. "Okay, behave yourself!"

"Yes Ma'am." He snapped to attention, and she just rolled her eyes at him.

Bryan had been making it his job to be the comedic relief, Christy was so stressed out all the time any more. He figured if he pissed her off, then she would still be focused on him rather than... Whatever the hell was going on. He still wasn't going to agree to the whole ghost thing, but if she wanted to waste their time with ghost hunters, so be it.

And so they stood, watching the two "investigators" approach. He could practically feel the nervous energy coming off of Christy, and as such he decided to make a comment under his breath. "And the ghost busters approach."

She turned and narrowed her eyes on him. "Behave." Then she was all smiles as she stepped off the porch and approached the man and woman.

They were both surprisingly attractive, he noted as he approached, being polite and smiling. Well, he figured the guy was attractive, but the girl definitely was.

Christy began the introductions. "Hello! You must be the paranormal investigators."

No, they were milkmen. He mentally rolled his eyes.

"I am Christina Thompson, you can call me Christy, and this is my brother Bryan."

He nodded to them, still smiling. "I hope your drive went well."

[Rae]

Rae slipped her hand in her pocket, the other one giving a quick, shy wave that matched her smile. She wasn't ever one for introductions, but the more calls they got, the more she had to work on her charisma. She'd been charismatic at one point, but that's was such a long time ago...

She mentally shook her head and snapped back to reality, looking to both of them with a reassuring sort of expression, "Drive was nice, long, but nice."

Your name, helloooooooo.

"O-oh, um, call me Rae, and um, this is Jeremy," She gestured to the air beside her, not realizing till seconds later he'd gone back to the car for something. She awkwardly moved her hands in his direction, "That's... Jeremy."

"Nice to meet you!" He called out, his voice muffled by an eerie, strong gust of dry wind that blew over the four of them and the trees surrounding the area. It was nothing short of a creepy setting, and the weather just added to it. Rae had yet to get a really feel to the house, but just the outside gave her chills.

"So," She started, a bit awkwardly, "Wanna tell me about your new 'room mates'?"

She often tried to make it a light hearted matter. But in reality it was very serious, the other side, or whatever people called it, was nothing to joke about..

[RoseTyler]

Christy felt a shiver go through her when the wind blew through the trees, the rustling leaves giving off an eerie sound. That place was really starting to get to her, everything sounding like the whispers of lost spirits. She wrapped her arms around herself unconsciously, not noticing the worried glance from Bryan.

"Well..' She grew more anxious. She was raised not to believe in ghosts as well, but she had more of an open mind. It still felt... wrong, to admit that there might be something... paranormal going on in the house. She glanced back at the large building, unsure if being inside would be more or less unsettling than being out in the whispering winds. "Would you like to come inside to talk about it?" She glanced back at their car, thinking that she had no idea what stuff they had. "Do you need help carrying things at all?"

[Rae]

Rae nodded, looking back at Jeremy, "You need help JJ?"

"Yeah, a little, what'd you out in your suitcase? Bricks?"

"No..." She rolled her eyes and looked to Bryan, a sweet smile gracing her face, "Mind helping him?"

She then gestured for Christy to lead the way into the house, rubbing her forearms as the air started to bare an unpleasant chill. She didn't like the feeling, yet at the same time she was familiar with it. There was definitely something up, she could tell just by the way these two looked so unnerved. "It'll be okay we'll get it sorted out. Worse scenario we'll get a priest to clean up the place, okay?"

She patted Christy on the back and followed her inside, glancing quickly over her shoulder to make sure Jeremy was alright. She had soft spot for him though she doubted he knew it. He was a cutie and a sweetheart, and made a great partner due to his empathetic nature that mixed well with hers. They'd worked together for a long time... two years now. But things never went much further than the occasional coffee outing, or a late night movie. No romance, no lust, it was all refreshingly innocent.

[RoseTyler]

Bryan silently watched the exchange between the two women. Christy was obviously not comfortable, but he seemed to get a sense of unease from the other woman - Rae - as well. He couldn't keep himself from laughing at Jeremy's comment, but he tried to disguise it as a cough.

Christy wasn't fooled. She narrowed her eyes at him, and he could practically hear her telling him to behave. Well, he was, dangit, it was the other guy who said it... He stayed silent, though. Then, when Rae turned a smile on him, it felt like he was hit with a ton of bricks. It was a moment before he registered her words. "Okay, I'll meet you guys inside." He squeezed Christy's shoulder in a reassuring gesture before heading over to the car.

"Don't break anything!" Christy's voice came through the wind.

He rolled his eyes before he turned around. "Yes ma'am!" He shook his head as he walked over to the guy, Jeremy. He extended a hand, an amused smile lighting his face. "I want to congratulate you on your courage to say what every guy who has carried a woman's luggage has thought."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Christy led the way into the house, trying to ignore the chill in the air. "Well, no matter what, I just want to know I'm not going crazy." She laughed humorlessly. She brought them into the main parlor where a sofa was sitting facing the fireplace with two chairs flanking it. Otherwise, the room was barren.

She gestured to the chairs, "You can sit down. Even if I put on a fire, the place would be chilly, so that's up to you." She glanced around the room, not for the first time shocked that her grandfather lived in this. "It was like this when we got here, practically empty except these old things." She patted one of the chairs before sitting down in it.

She looked down at her hands as she was silent for a moment. "So... I don't know where to even start...."

[Rae]

Jeremy smirked, handing him one of Raes three bags, "Thanks... I like to tease her-- Just not too much, when she cries its absolutely heart breaking."

And that it was. He didn't like to think about it, it was as bad as kicking puppies. He lugged her suitcase over his shoulder, feeling the strain in his muscles although he kept that to himself. He knew Rae would try and do it all out of kindness, and every time she injures that delicate little figure of hers.

"So, you worried about this place? You guys aren't actually living here, are you?" He asked, in disbelief. He groaned as he grabbed the last of their equipment and slammed the trunk shut. "You're sister seems... nice, you two living together? She is your sister, right?"

--

"Anywhere you'd like to. Or you can leave it all a mystery," She joked, reluctantly sitting in one of the chairs. She didn't like used furniture especially if the owner was deceased... always left weird energy to objects.

"Is it hard to sleep here?" She asked, "Do you find the chills to be consistent or is the house in bad shape?"

[RoseTyler]

Bryan raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, I think that's pretty consistent with most women, though. I tend to use frightening more often than heartbreaking, though." He tried to keep the conversation light. He was a lot better at that than all the heartbreaking talk. He tried his best to get rid of sadness, not bring it up.

He took the bag, not commenting on the weight either. It didn't really phase him, he had to deal with Christy's stuff when she showed up, so he was used to it.

He shrugged. "I'm not that worried. Not as much as Christy. I just want to get the place fixed up and on the market. It does give you the creeps. And yeah, we are living here." He let out a dry laugh. "If you think this place is creepy now, just wait until it's nighttime." Then he glanced sideways at him as they began their trek to the house. If he made some comment to this guy and Christy found out, he'd be dead meat. So he kept his extra thoughts to himself when he spoke. "Yeah, she's my sister." If a threat was heard in his words, then he couldn't complain. He didn't actually say anything.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Christy sighed, leaning back in the chair and pulling her knees up and wrapping her arms around them. "Sleeping is definitely not pleasant. Probably because, for me at least, it just doesn't happen." She smiled a little, "Thank god for makeup, right?" She glanced back at the doorway, checking to make sure Bryan wasn't there yet. "Bryan doesn't know how bad it is for me, and I don't want him to know. See, he doesn't believe in this stuff, he just keeps telling himself it's just weird. Part of his imagination or forgetfulness when something goes missing. It at least helps him sleep at night. Me? I've only gotten a few hours of sleep the past couple nights combined. Luckily, though, I am used to this from college." She smiled slightly again.

She paused for a moment when she heard voiced coming from the doors. Bryan and Jeremy were almost inside. "Anyways, most of the times it's just like creaking all over the house. Doors slamming. Breathing." She shuddered. The past two nights she swore she heard someone breathing in her room. "I mean, a lot of it could be construed as just an old house being an old house, but... Well, you're here, doesn't this place just feel wrong?"

[Rae]

Jeremy nodded, following Bryan to the house and keeping quiet till they got there. He didn't have much to say, which wasn't unusual, it was how he usually was. The quiet guy, or the ghost nerd. Either one.

He walked in just as Rae was starting to speak, a smile on his face at how professional she acted. She liked, no no, loved, to be respected, and made it a point that she was no matter who she as working with.

"Well, feelings can be deceiving, the house is without a doubt a creepy one... but we won't know any thing until we do some actual investigating... I can see what you mean though-- that's the usual haunted house symptoms," she tried to smile again, a reassuring and gentle one. When the boys came in she glanced over her shoulder, meaning to check on Jeremy but instead her ever wondering eyes jumped from her associate to... Bryans muscles. And yes, he did have them, and that feature of a man had undoubtedly always captured her attention.

Her distraction was brief however, and although for a moment she seemed to gaze at him she quickly caught herself and brought her attention back to Christy. She cleared her throat, a blush creeping into her face. "Well, if you don't mind, could we take a quick lunch break and then take a look around? Seems endless in here, we're sure to find some more things of interest..."

Jeremy dropped their bags and the equipment by the door, stretching and yawning lightly as he took in the atmosphere and then the room itself. Gloomy, dusty, and dull, for sure, not a place for anyone to be living in.

[RoseTyler]

Bryan set down his bag, and then glanced into the parlor. Christy was curled up on one of the chairs, and worry washed through him before he glanced to Rae. Who was already looking at him, much to his surprised. Or, well, his arms. He felt a surge of pure male pride before he made sure he wasn't grinning.

Christy, though, was staring at the empty fireplace and didn't notice the look. She shook herself out of her daze. "Um, yeah, go ahead, take as much time as you want." She then glanced over at Bryan and then Jeremy. She let her gaze rest on him, making herself smile. "Welcome." She was sure that Bryan hadn't welcomed the guy, so better late than never.

She then turned her gaze back to Rae. "We have some food in the kitchen, not much, I think we have some cereal, bread," She bit her lip, thinking, "We could send for pizza..." She gave Rae a look of apology. "We didn't stock up much. When we got here, we didn't expect it to be this... abandoned feeling." Then she let out a dry laugh. "Well, abandoned isn't quite the feeling here, is it?" She shook her head.

Bryan stood silent the entire time, unsure what to do, hesitant to say anything. He knew he was a skeptic, and he also knew that Christy believed they weren't alone here. So, he would let her play out whatever this was with respect.

[Rae]

Rae nodded, "Don't worry about it, we'll buy it," She looked to Jeremy who was already dialing pizza hut for them. "What do you want, Rae?"

"Um, hmm... I'll cave this time," She laughed lightly, although her stomach disagreed.

"Right, cause you need the diet, miss size two," He rolled his eyes, stretching again as he dialed the number. "Yeah, hi, um, I'll take two large cheese pizzas--" He placed his hand over the speaker, "You guys want anything specific?"

"Bread sticks!" Rae chimed in, "And seven up!"

"Alright," Jeremy chuckled, "And you two-"

'We're sorry. Your call has been disconnected. Please try again.'

"Wha...?"

Raes ears perked up. That incessant ringing again... Happened whenever there was energy around her... like a distant hum...

"Grab the evp," She said quickly. At times like these she knew She was being called by something, it sent chills up and down her spine but she couldn't help but give in and follow it. "The kitchen," She added, "Jeremy... In the kitchen."

"Alright, alright," He brushed past her chair and gently patted her head, carrying an evp with him as he headed into the kitchen, Rae following slowly behind him.

[RoseTyler]

More than a little curious how the whole ghost-hunting thing worked, Christy got up and followed them into the kitchen, making sure to be quiet. Not that quiet was possible in the old creaky house. She mentally sighed as she heard Bryan follow them as well.

Bryan leaned forward, whispering quietly in Christy's ear. "What just happened?"

She glanced back at him, shrugging. That's what she hoped to find out.

The kitchen was as old as the rest of the house, though it was obvious that someone had attempted to bring it into the electronic world a long time ago. There was an old fridge, a gas stove, a brand new toaster and microwave, and a sink. Otherwise, the room held many cabinets and a small counter island in the middle of the room with four stools surrounding it.

[Rae]

Several minutes passed once the four were in the kitchen, the minutes were seemingly quiet and eventless, but Jeremy's recorder was picking up quite a bit of barely audible hostility.

"Check the recorder," Rae said softly, leaning against the counter, her eyes closed and her ears 'open'. She folded her arms across her chest, and let her head tilt back a bit. She was simply relaxing her tense muscles, as well as trying to see if she cohld feel any energy around them. Course She didn't elaborate on this part to anyone, rarely did she explain her little ways to Jeremy. She'd kept the energy sensing part to herself, she didn't want anyone thinking she was crazy. She just.... happened to be related to a family of semi-Psychics, that's all.

"Rae?"

"Hmm?" She snapped out of her thoughts, noticing Jeremy's slightly annoyed expression. "What?"

"I've been calling you for like, two minutes," He rolled his eyes, "Check this out."

He played back the recorded time on the recorder, silence and static went on for the first few minutes and then in a deep, booming sort of voice they picked up-

"....Out! ....Get out of our land!"

Jeremy felt the hair on his neck stand up, and he played it over and over until Rae told him to stop, her eyes seemingly, and suddenly, sorrowful.

"Please," Rae sighed, "Do you know anything about this houses history? What it might have been built on, um... Who owned it before your grandfather, or did he build it? Um..."

Jeremy chimed in, "Did he have any interest in, like, rituals, or cultish activity? Sacrifices, weird dances, sudden--"

"Jeremy!" She rolled her eyes. He listed those things like they were casual. To them, they were, but to these guys, it could be offensive.

"Sorry," He smiled sheepishly, running a hand through his hair as he snuck a glance at Christy. Focus Jeremy, focus!

[RoseTyler]

Christy and Bryan stood silent through this. While Christy felt a chill run up her spine, Bryan still doubted. This kind of thing just didn't happen.

Christy wrapped her arms around herself to ward of the chill she felt. That voice... She glanced up at Jeremy and Rae when they directed questions at them. Her eyes stuck to Jeremy a moment longer than necessary. Her eyes just felt drawn to him for some reason. But, her eyes were drawn away when she thought back to what she knew of the house.

She was shaking her head when Bryan responded. "While we did inherit the house, we did not know our grandfather too well. The only reason he gave it to our brother was because he was his first closest relative." Their parents died in a car accident a few years ago, which is what caused their grandfather to will it to them. "Essentially, it's safe to say we don't know anything of this place." He smiled slightly, trying to keep things light.

His gaze was turned to Rae, curious what that look was that was on her face. She seemed dazed, not really there. It was bizarre...

[Rae]

Jeremy inched towards Christy and put a comforting hand on her waist, careful to keep it appropriate, not knowing how Bryan would react. Christy looked scared, to say the least. Poor thing. She was still cute, though. He smiled and looked to Bryan, "Looks like we've got a bit of researching to do, then?"

"We do," Rae said sharply, "They don't have to do anything."

"Thought they might want to..." Jeremy said, making a face at her.

Him and his boyish nature, She rolled her eyes and made a face back. Although in the back of her mind the voice echoed... there was a pleading feeling to it, as if the land was... sacred, or something. She prayed it wasn't a burial ground-- worst scenario, it was an Indian burial ground. That would be the absolute worst truth, above all else.

Rae rubbed her temples, she really hoped it wasn't!

"Lets try for that pizza again, hmm?" She started back towards the living room, her fingers lightly grazing Bryans forearm. What was meant to be a comforting act was probably more flirtatious in his eyes. Rae had a knack for turning on the boys with little to no effort or interest. However, Bryan was interesting...

Really? You're on a job, knock it off! Focus! Indians, remember? ....Oh, but he has that hair that looks so fun to run your fingers through...

She hid her face with her hands as she blushed, taking out her cell phone to see if it worked better.

[RoseTyler]

Christy had been standing there, her mind replaying the voice, and so she hadn't been paying attention to her surroundings. When a hand came to a rest on her waist, she was instantly pulled back into the here and now. Her eyes flashed up at Jeremy, and something about him just made her want to lean into his embrace. His hand was warm, and she felt that warmth radiate through her. Her heart rate increased, though she blamed that on the creepiness of the house rather than a single touch of Jeremy's hand.

She registered what he said, then the banter between Jeremy and Rae caused her to smile. It was almost like her and Bryan. When Rae walked off, Christy looked up at Jeremy again. "I mean, if I wouldn't be in the way or anything, I wouldn't mind helping do some research.."

Bryan, on the other hand, was dealing with the tingling sensation in his arm where Rae touched him, along with giving Jeremy a warning glare. He didn't much like the idea of anyone messing with Christy when she was in such a distressed state. Well, he didn't like anyone messing with Christy at all. He also knew that Christy would kick his butt if she knew he was glaring at Jeremy right then. So, narrowing his eyes slightly, he turned and left, following Rae through the house.

He waited until she finished her call before making his presence known. "So what got you started in this, uh, line of work?" He was genuinely curious, as there could be an interesting reason behind it. He would guess that for someone to pursue it as a job, there would have to me more than curiosity motivating the person.

[Rae]

Jeremy smiled, patting her back, "Your not in the way," He leaned close to her ear, grinning, "Don't tell Rae I said this, but I think we can use all the help when can get. She's a little side tracted lately... Not sure why though."

He grabbed the recorder off the counter, keeping Bryans glare in mind and chuckling inwardly. Jeremy was as nice a guy as they come, he didn't mean her any harm. She seemed like a sweet girl, he was just... being a gentlemen is all. He stepped towards where the kitchen turned into the living room, but paused, and turned to Christy, "You gunna be okay?"

-

Rae clicked the phone off just as Bryan came in. "Pizzas on its way," She smiled, taking in his question and deciding to sit down for this one. She gestured for him to take a seat on the chair beside her; she swung her long, toned legs over the arm of one side and turned, her chin resting on her arms that were resting on the other arm of the chair.

"I never liked any job offered to me," She said with complete honesty, "Banks, Cooking, fitness, singing, teaching- forget it. Over done over used, boring..." She drawled out, stretching arms up towards the ceiling. "And then... Well, I knew I loved investigating things... I'm a curious little brat, as Jeremy says," She said with a gentle smile sent Bryans way, "And then when the words paranormal came up some thing just... clicked. I always watched Ghost adventures and whatever else, but the science and concept behind it all is really addicting... might clash with my faith from time to time but I work around it." She smiled again.

Rae always lit up when she was the center of someone's attention... even if it was just for a brief moment, she loved it. She liked conversation too, but despite her pretty looks and sweetness, she had a very small, nearly non existent social life...

[RoseTyler]

Jeremy made her smile a little at his comment. "Don't worry, your secret is safe with me." Amusement lit her eyes as she made herself stop thinking about the voice from the recording.

She studied him as he began to leave, focusing on the tangible person in front of her. He seemed to be very kind and emotionally aware of the people around him. It wasn't something that many guys had, from her experience. When he turned back to her, she was surprised and touched by his concern. "I'll be fine." She gave him that small smile again as she shrugged her shoulders. "What choice do I have?"

She contemplated staying in the kitchen and sitting down, but when she just heard that voice from there? She walked over to follow Jeremy out to the living room.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bryan sat down in the chair she gestured to, leaning back comfortably. While the place did leave him uneasy a lot of the time, he put all his effort into making it seem he was comfortable as a form of denial.

He was surprised, for some reason, when she began a rather long explanation. He had been expecting a short response, but was pleased that she kept talking. His eyebrows raised at the "curious brat" comment, amusement lighting his eyes. "I suppose I should be worried Christy will start up as a paranormal investigator, then, as "curious little brat" can definitely be applied to her at times as well." He grinned. "So, I wasn't exactly involved in the decision to contact you guys," he rolled his eyes in annoyance, "Where did you two come from?"

[Rae]

"Oh, are we a bother?" She asked with a playful look, "Dont worry about your sister, she looked scared to death when that voice came through.... Doubt she'll choose this line of profession.... Anyways, we were in Tacoma, kinda far from here. Washington's got haunted places everywhere, just gotta know where to find them. We got an email from you sister expressing her concern... So we figured, it's in the area, why not?"

She stretched and watched him with soft eyes, "Are you concerned with this place at all? You seem like a skeptic..." She grinned a bit, "What're your thoughts?"

Jeremy walked in with Christy, smiling to her to acknowledge her words. He looked to Rae, who, to his amusement, was semi flirting with her new client. It was a rare, never before seen sight and he simply had to watch, although he couldn't let her know He was watching. He folded his arms over his chest and leaned against the living room wall, cocking his head to the side as he sent a playful look to Christy and then looked back to Rae.

[RoseTyler]

Bryan grinned, shrugging his shoulders. "I wouldn't say a bother. It's not like we would have gotten much stuff around here done anyways. And, I wont bother trying to tell you I'm not a skeptic. It's just how we were raised, though obviously Christy got the open-minded genes."

Then he thought for a minute, considering his answer. "I will admit that weird crap does tend to happen around here, but I refuse to jump to ghosts as an answer, no offense." His mouth quirked up in a half smile. "There is a reason Christy didn't consult me on this whole deal."

When Christy entered with Jeremy, her heart was fluttering in her chest a little. His smile had an effect on her that she couldn't quite recall having before. Yet, he seemed to not be phased by her at all. of course not, she told herself, you're just the client. It would be wrong or something... She looked away from him, her mind bouncing back and forth between Jeremy and that voice. Shaking her head at herself, she decided to put more space between herself and the kitchen, and herself and Jeremy. Silently she stepped over to sit down on the sofa, pulling her legs up on the couch with her and wrapping her arms around her knees.

[Rae]

Rae nodded, "I get it..." She'd lost interest in the conversation at the feeling of a tugging on her hair. She shivered as a chill came over her, but just as she was going to say something there was a knock at the door.

"I'll get it, if that's okay," Jeremy said with his usual smile, heading to the front door and greeting the pizza guy, which they'd all forgotten about. He reached in his wallet, slipped him a twenty, and took the over sized box, liter of seven up and- "Churros, Rae? Someone's cheating big time." He laughed and waited for her response but she only looked at him, her lips a thin line as of she could only speak through her eyes, not with her mouth.

Jeremy arched a brow and stepped back into the kitchen, setting down and opening the box, uncapping the seven up and laying down the package of mini churros. "It's up for grabs, have as much as you want," He called out, wrapping a napkin around a slice and then turning to head back into the living room. But when he returned, Rae was heading up the stairs, cautiously, and silently.

[RoseTyler]

Bryan saw the shift in Rae's demeanor as her concentration shifted. He was trying to figure out what he said wrong when the pizza showed up and Jeremy set out to get it. He would have said something had she not stood up. Instead, both he and Christy watched her with confusion as she silently began to head up the stairs.

When Jeremy came back in, Bryan glanced from Jeremy to Rae and back again. "Does this happen often?" He spoke quietly to Jeremy.

Christy, on the other hand, quickly grew concerned. Rae seemed a little lost, alone at times, and so Christy really didn't think it was a good idea that Rae walk around a haunted house on her own. With barely a glance in Jeremy's direction, she pushed from the couch and silently followed Rae. If anything happened, Rae wouldn't be on her own.

[Rae]

"O-occasionally," He stuttered, worried himself.

He watched her disappear to the second floor and then his gaze moved to Christy, she seemed either curious or concerned but either way she was going to regret going up there-- If she couldn't handle the voice, she'd flip if anything else happened. He gently grabbed Christys arm, "Don't go up there, Christy.. I don't want you to get hurt, okay?"

--

...Rae...

She hated hearing her name called, and it was so muffled, so raspy... but not exactly scary, she'd heard this voice for years, but other than her name, she never really made anything out. She always wondered... why her? Why did she have to be the one to suffer from sleepless nights, filled with inaudible chatter?

"What?" She whispered, although she never, ever got a response.

There was a hallway, and as she started down it, her thoughts of downstairs completely disappeared. Their conversation, their faces... it was almost like she was... lost?

She continued walking until one room drew her near it, and she let the door fling open, and she stepped in. Her footsteps were silent on the old carpeting, her fingers twitched a bit as the sudden chill in the room got to her bones. The room was dark, with only one window and slightly opened blinds. The closet was small, off to the side and half open. She observed the room... it was so unnerving...

SLAM!

She gasped, and whipped around to see the door closed and the last bit of light from the hall way was gone. She felt a fear coarse through her and suddenly her awareness came back to her. She took in a shaky breath and reached to jiggle the door knob. She didn't remember it having a lock. How could it not turn? Why wouldn't it turn?!

"Bryan!" She yelled, and then blinked. She meant Jeremy... Why'd she say Bryan? ...She didn't even know him. Maybe cause he could bust in faster than Jeremy? ...Why'd She call him?!

She juggled the knob again and then started pounding on the door, "Guys! Please get me out of here!"

...Get out!... Get out!

[RoseTyler]

Christy let Jeremy pull her to a stop, glancing confusedly at him before looking back to see Rae turn a corner. Worried and slightly annoyed, she turned back to Jeremy. "While I appreciate your concern, I would like to remind you that I've been living here for two weeks now. Whatever it is that is in this house has had plenty of time to hurt me, and hasn't. You guys, on the other hand, don't know the house at all, and I wouldn't forgive myself for getting either one of you hurt when you guys are here to help." She pulled back from his grasp, her fiery nature coming to the forefront for the first time since she met them.

Bryan, for his part, stood back and watched with concerned amusement. He knew Christy could hold her own, but it was always fun to watch. Especially when a guy was on the receiving end. Especially a guy that wasn't him.

Then Bryan heard a door slam and his name. "Shit!" He jumped up and raced up the stairs, hearing footsteps behind him but not seeing who was following. He followed the sound of the pounding and reached the door. "Rae!" He reached down and tried to turn the nob and open the door, but the thing wouldn't budge. He would have to open it another way. "Rae, step back!" Then he himself stepped back before ramming into the door.

[Rae]

...Get out...

Rae couldn't hear the voices coming her way, the persistent taunts and threats. She was focused on the door, praying they could hear her shouting. She turned at the sound of rustling blinds but when she looked, they were still. She'd managed to shush herself, the thoughts of being professional and being safe clashing in her mind. Her heart pounded in her chest and the minute She heard Bryans voice she begged him to help her out.

The blinds rustled again but she didn't dare look over her shoulder. She did as Bryan instructed and moved away from the door, gasping as she heard him ram into it.

-

Jeremy retracted his hand with a wince and watched the girl blow him off and head half way up the stairs. He did it for the clients safety, they weren't supposed to get involved..

"Christy..." He cleared his throat, getting ready to explain but the slam caught him off guard and his head jerked upwards towards the stair cases top, his chest tightening as Rae rarely yelled, was She being hurt? He started towards the stairs but stopped abruptly when he heard her yell for Bryan.

What's that all about? He asked himself, peeking up the stairs and deciding to follow behind Bryan.

[RoseTyler]

With the first ram, Bryan felt the door give slightly, but not open. The second time he pulled back and rammed into the door, it opened. He immediately went to Rae, ignoring the ache in his shoulder. His hands came up to rest on her upper arms. "What happened, are you okay?" He visually inspected her, trying to figure out what went on.

Christy had stood to the side as Bryan ran past her, following close behind him. She didn't try to help with the door because Bryan was much stronger than she was, and she'd probably just get in the way. Her heart was racing, scared for Rae as she waited.

Then Bryan got into the room, and Christy followed him in, her eyes searching the room for any sign of.... something. Finding nothing, her gaze landed on Bryan and Rae. She was surprised to see him go directly to her side, but was too concerned to think of it any further. Instead, she cast wide eyes over to Jeremy. What had happened?

[Rae]

Rae shook her head, "I... I guess I got a little distracted," She said with an uneasy smile, shyly avoiding his gaze. She felt so stupid- of course you don't go upstairs when you hear voices! ...However, that was, inevitably, her job. She didn't know if he could feel her trembling, or hear her thumping heart beat. It seemed to be beating in her throat..

"I... The door slammed and I.... Well, I... Froze up, and... Thank you..." She said, letting out a shaky breath and then finally her eyes slowly rose up to meet his. They were really clear, and pretty... He had long eye lashes, too, which made his eyes look brighter...

--

Jeremy waited in the hallway. He didn't know what to do... how strange was it, this ordeal.. Rae usually wasn't so easily distracted, She looked almost high the way she was mindlessly following whatever was luring her up here. It bothered him... He wondered how she felt. He peeked his head in the room and looked at Christy, and then his eyes landed on Rae and Bryan.

Why did she call him? It was... weird. She always called for Jeremy when she was worried...

[RoseTyler]

When Christy heard Rae speak, seemingly okay, she decided to give the two of them space. It was awkward standing there, the two of them apparently in their own world. She stepped out into the hallways, glancing up at Jeremy through her eyelashes. "Sorry for yelling at you." She murmured, her heart still racing from the adrenalin. Then she glanced back in the room. She needed to do something... "I'm going to go.. get some firewood for the fireplace," She decided.

Without another word, she turned an escaped. She needed to get out of the house for a minute. It was something she did quite often the past two weeks, letting herself try to breathe a little easier, the indoors just felt so suffocating at times. As soon as she got outside, she leaned against the house and closed her eyes for a minute.

~~~

Concern stayed in his eyes as he smiled at her. "You are very welcome." He still felt the trembling in her arms, but he didn't know what else he should do. He seemed to be captivated by her eyes as he stood there, unable to break contact. He cleared his throat before speaking. "You sure you are okay?" His mind was telling his body to step back, but he seemed to be slightly frozen in place, staring into her eyes.

[Rae]

Jeremy tried to offer the poor girl a smile but she'd apologized for early and then hurt is off, some thing bout firewood? He went to sag she shouldn't go alone but after what she said earlier... He didn't want to piss her off twice. He decided Bryan was taking care of things and rolled up his napkin in his hand, heading back down the stairs and into the kitchen to toss it.

He headed to the sink and started to wash his hands next, cursing as the water was ridiculously hot and burned his hand. He rubbed it and glared at the faucet, nothing thinking of it as anymore than bad luck-- until the knob for cold water turned, and the hot knob turned itself off.

"...Thanks?"

-

Rae blinked, her lips slightly parted and her once frazzled mind gradually relaxing into a calm state. He was captivating up close... did others think this or was it just her? It still bewildered her that she called for him, but... She was glad she did. She ... comforted, now. An odd comfort that she kind of think had been the reason she was so out of it this month... loneliness, was it?

"Y-yeah... I'm fine..."

Her cheeks had a light tint of pink on then. She cursed the blush but couldn't fight it. Even in a dark room his features were.... handsome.

[RoseTyler]

After Christy got her heart rate back to normal, relaxing just a little, she pushed away and traveled to the side of the house where the firewood laid. She felt the creepy sense that she was being watched, but tried to ignore it. She grabbed a few pieces of wood and went inside with it. Kneeling down, she began setting up the fireplace, struggling not to think about anything.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Bryan's eyes flashed to Rae's parted lips for a moment before returning to her eyes. The idea of tasting those lips flashing across his mind, but he restrained himself, and with the last bit of control he had he stepped back. He couldn't stop himself from appreciating the blush the crept up her face, the beauty of her eyes...

Pulling himself together, he smiled. "So... dinner?" distraction was probably the best thing right then. Otherwise... well, he only had so much self control.

[Rae]

Jeremy peeked around the corner as Christy came in, wondering if he should bother her or not. He didn't want to annoy her... it bothered him she was so distraught with all this, although, most all of their clients are. However, none of their clients looked like her...

"Need any help? Not that I think you do, just.. Offering."

Nice, you idiot.

He came into he living room and although it was tempting to comfort her he kept distance between them, just a little, though. He watched start the fire, wondering what was going on in her mind. And then his thoughts, and eyes, drifted to the upstairs area, wondering what happened to Rae and Bryan. They seemed awful close all the sudden. He rolled his eyes, Rae was a strange one; supposedly can't stand most guys but screams for a stranger when a door slams on her.

--

Rae blinked again, once more coming back to reality. She felt the chill leave her when he'd neared her. But when stepped away it kind of came back. She shivered.

"Right, pizza," She said, a bit shakily, "T-Thanks again, Bryan."

She started to walk forwards and she paused, taking in the room one more time. Honestly... She didn't remember coming in here very well, even. She glanced at the blinds, and then her eyes flickered from Bryan to the door. She gently, merely for second touched his arm and somewhat motioned for him to come with her. She didn't want anyone else getting stuck in there...

[RoseTyler]

Christy glanced over at him when he spoke. "Nah, I'm almost finished, thanks for the offer though." She smiled at him before turning back and setting the last log down. Her mind wandered when she worked on getting the fire to light. Jeremy seemed so hesitant now, she felt bad.

After the fire got going, she got up and sat down on the couch facing the fire. She glanced at him again, "You can sit down, you know." She tried for a smile before looking back at the fire. She swallowed once, trying to figure out how to make him feel at ease again. "And, really, sorry for earlier. I didn't mean to scare you, I just... It's been a long couple weeks, you know?" She didn't take her eyes off the fire. "I haven't had a full night's sleep since..." She rubbed a hand over her face, thinking. "Oh... nine days? I'm a little bit on edge, I guess... So, yeah, sorry." She stayed looking at the fire, not sure she wanted to see pity in his eyes. That's not what she wanted to see...

Once again, she pulled her feet up on the couch and wrapped her arms around her knees.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"No thanks necessary," Bryan smiled at her, "It's not every day a person can claim the title of "knight in shining armor"." He grinned, trying to lighten the mood, and hopefully make her laugh.

At her insistence that he come with her, he gently laid a hand on the small of her back, gesturing out the room. "After you, my lady." A sparkle lit his eyes. There was no way he was going to let her go after him as she had been stuck in the room, plus it let him keep up the "knight in shining armor" routine.

[Rae]

Jeremy nodded, "Hey, I understand, not your fault. I just have to think about the clients safety, specially when we've got it a cute one," He said with a smile, taking a seat beside although, still, keeping a good two inches between them. He folded his arms behind his head, "No sleep, mmm? That's not good.."

Way to state the obvious!

"Well, we'll be able to clear this up soon. Push comes to shove we'll get a priest," He said, gently rubbing her backside for comfort. He felt bad for her, his face and eyes mirrored that, but he also was, now, more motivated than ever to get this solved. "Don't worry, Christy," He said softly, "Please?"

-

"Knight in shining armour? Always wanted one of those," She giggled, trying to let herself actually focus on him instead of that room, and the creaking of the wood in the hallway as she stepped out, "Why thank you..." She tried to hide the continuing blush and continued towards the stair case. He was a charmer, for sure, whether he tried to be or not... She liked that about him. Not everyday you get a knight. Right?

[RoseTyler]

Christy almost sighed at his comment about the "client's" safety. Irrationally, she wished that wasn't the reason...But a small smile appeared on her face when he called her cute.

Her eyes fell closed when he began to rub her back, his hand sending warmth through her while at the same time getting her to relax slightly. She felt her muscles loose their tenseness, her thoughts slowing down as well. She nodded slightly when he said not to worry, as she wasn't thinking much of anything right then. Her lack of sleep caught up with her, and before she knew it she was unconscious and leaning on him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bryan grinned, and felt like the smile was going to stay on his face for some time. It always felt good to be successful in his efforts, and he was pretty sure the smile and blush he was getting from Rae was proof of such. He kept his hand on the small of her back as they began down the stairs, more for him than for her, he thought.

Then, when he got to the bottom of the steps, he froze. The first shock was seeing his sister asleep on the couch in the middle of the day. The second shock was seeing her asleep against Jeremy. His jaw might have possibly dropped, though he'd never admit that. Christy hadn't had a boyfriend since highschool, and that was two and a half years ago. She didn't warm up to guys fast at all, and now she was asleep against some random guy they just met.

He didn't see the parallels between himself and Jeremy, as he took his brother role seriously. The only thing that stopped him from lecturing this Jeremy guy was the fact that Christy was asleep. He knew she hadn't been sleeping well, and the fact that she was getting any rest at all was good. So, instead of saying anything, he just narrowed his eyes and grit his teeth.

[Rae]

Jeremy hadn't noticed she'd fallen asleep until he felt something heavy against his chest. His eyes widened and he looked down, finding the unexpected beauty using him as some thing to lean on. He pulled her just a little closer for her necks sake and leaned back into the couch a bit. He couldn't move, he didn't want to wake her... This didn't look good. What would Bryan do? ...And why did that though make Jeremy want to grin?

"Poor girl," He muttered slightly, focused on her, and lacking much of a sixth sense, which meant he didn't notice Bryan standing there, just a few feet away. He sighed And pulled his phone out from his pocket, deciding to just Youtube his way through the night.

-

When Rae came to the end of the stairs both of her eyes widened. "What's he up to?" She asked, hands on her hips and her eyes narrowed. She rolled her eyes and quickly lost interest. But when she noticed how tense Bryan was She felt worried. "You okay?" She asked, not quite sure what was upsetting him. Was it Christy and Jeremy being so close? She would hate to think Bryan thought of Jeremy as a threat.

She tried to change the subject, "Wanna... Split a churro with me? They're addictive," She said, heading into the kitchen regardless of his answer.

[RoseTyler]

Bryan ran a frustrated hand through his hair. There was nothing he could do while she was asleep on the man. After another glare at a very oblivious Jeremy, he followed Rae into the kitchen. He tried to get his mind off of that image of Christy and Jeremy and instead focus on Rae.

"I've never actually had a churro. What is it?"

[Rae]

Rae was busy licking the churros cinnamon off when he came it, sporting him a sugary smile whilst handing one to him. "I... don't know. It's breaded kind of, and covered in sugar and cinnamon... And it's crunchy but soft in the middle... And really sweet. Like me!"

She bared a naughty grin and continued licking it. She hopped up and perched herself on the counter, her long legs swinging back and forth just a little. Her mood had changed since earlier. Whoever, she didn't forget the events that took place before hand, she just tried to.

"You'll like it," She said softly, yawning lightly. She wished she had someone to cuddle up to... Christy was a lucky girl. Then again, Rae wouldn't like sleeping with Jeremy. She shuddered at the thought; he was too boyish for her.

[RoseTyler]

He couldn't stop himself. "You're crunchy but soft in the middle?" He gave her a wicked smile while grabbing one and trying it. Definitely good. He hopped up on the counted beside her as he finished the churro. Sweet was right. Delicious. He hoped there weren't many of them, because he'd possibly end up making himself sick, he thought with a inward chuckle.

"If you taste as good as those do, then we are going to have a problem." He commented, acting as if the comment was entirely innocent. He did, though, slide his eyes towards her, judging her reaction while trying to keep a grin off his face.

[Rae]

Rae's eyes widened and she tried to fight the smile on her face. She nudged him, "You'll have to find out for yourself."

She blushed at her own comment too, continuing to lick the churro in an attempt to take the focus off her flushed face. She always blushed when she attempted to be flirty, she found it dorky most of the time.

[RoseTyler]

A grin spread across his face, not expecting her response. He had half a mind to find out right then and there, but even he knew that that would be a tad bit hypocritical. So, instead, he leaned over to whisper in her ear. "Don't think I won't." Then he jumped off the counter and sauntered out into the living room. He hoped she had the same desire burning through her veins that he did, as he really didn't want to be the only one suffering right then.

He paused upon entering the living room, once again surprised to see Christy asleep against Jeremy. He was glad she generally slept through anything, once she got asleep that was. He chose the chair closest to Jeremy and sat down. When he spoke, his voice was low, quiet. "So, what got you started in the ghost hunting stuff?" This time was as good as any to begin the interrogation.

[Rae]

Elizabeth hadn't ever really felt butterflies in her stomach before; but this time she was sure she did. Along her cheeks and jaw line heat rose to the surface and she waited for him to do something, his breath warm on her cheek. But when she tried to look at him he was leaving, heading into the living room and disappearing from her sight.

That was... Disappointing.

She sighed. What a tease! She slipped off the counter and grabbed the leftovers, shoving them into a spare space in the refrigerator and sighing as she leaned against the door of it. What a day, what a day... From a near heart attack to a man that made her heart nearly stop.... In less then twenty four hours, it was safe for her to say she'd had her heart snatched up by a total stranger. He made heart flutter... She closed her eyes a recalled both of their little moments before she snapped herself out of it. Surely he wasn't taking all this so seriously... She couldn't let herself fall this quickly, again, it was just... asking for trouble!

"Sleep, that's all I need," She said aloud, deciding to head into the living room after she finished cleaning the kitchen.

-

Jeremy was startled by Bryans arrival, but he calmed his face, and gave him a smile that he hoped showed friendliness.

"Uncle and aunt are both caught up in it. I was a, believe it or not," he said with sarcasm, "Science nerd. And electromagnetics interest me to no end and... Yeah. They both mixed, and here I am... expected to be a scientist or a doctor and instead I'm hunting ghosts with a beauty of a girl who's as fickle as a cat."

[RoseTyler]

Bryan's eyebrow rose at that. He would have to ask Jeremy to further explain that one sometime. "Well, with ghost hunting I'm sure you meet.." His eyes flashed to Christy, curled up against his side, "interesting people." Then he sat back, curiosity beating out patience. "And okay, you've got to explain the "fickle as a cat" comment."

[Rae]

"Explain? Why?" He asked, slightly grinning. "Well.. Rae's... different. And a cat describes her best, I'd say. She's a picky girl, her minds always changing yet she's dedicated to what she loves.. and she's always thinking, about anything and everything. Even if she thinks I don't notice that, I do," He said with a whisper, careful not to wake Christy. He rubbed her arm gently as he thought, not realizing that she herself was a bit of a comfort to him, too.

"She's easily attached to people who give her attention, much like a cat. And... She..." He shrugged, "I could be wrong, but thats how I view her. Always going, if she gets too much time on her hands it depresses her, which is why we take so many jobs..."

Rae was softly humming to herself in the kitchen, finishing up and not knowing they were talking about her at all. She was sleepy, pushing her limits as she always did. But she didn't want to sleep... it'd be a miserable night like always.

"She's a bit odd but, Once your lucky enough to get to know her she's... loveable. And you kind of want to keep her."

[RoseTyler]

"Interesting.." He murmured, momentarily lost in thought. Then his watch caught his eye, and realizing the time he also realized they didn't know where they were sleeping. "Crap." He muttered. He hated navigating the house at night. He stood, and glancing at Christy, decided he would take Rae to her room first before telling Jeremy where he was. "I'm going to show Rae where she's sleeping, then I'll be back to show you to your room." He went to leave, but paused, glancing back with a warning in his eyes. "Just remember that you are under the same roof as her brother." Then he was in the kitchen.

He watched her for a moment, his eyes darkening, before making her aware of his presence. "Hey. It's pretty late, I thought I'd show you to your room?"

[Rae]

Rae jumped a bit, looking to him with eyes that soon softened. "Right..." She mumbled, wiping her hands with the dish towel and then making her at towards, awkwardly leaving some distance. "Upstairs, I'm assuming?" She gulped audibly, very, very reluctant to sleep up there by herself. But she couldn't show any more fear than she had. Was she forgetting this was a job? Not a sleepover!

-

Jeremy remained quiet, slowly and gently moving Christy to a better position that didn't include him. He draped a little blanket from the couch over her and after a moment of stroking her hair, he rose up to his feet and stretched, awaiting 'orders'. He wondered if he cared at all why he said about Rae
It was true... She was strange. But sweet, for sure.

[RoseTyler]

Bryan recognized that something in the way Rae was acting was off. His eyes narrowed slightly on her face, trying to decipher what was wrong. "No, I thought I'd let you sleep outside for the night." He gave her a half smile to let her know he was joking. "What's wrong?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Christy, normally such a deep sleeper, begin to shift as she no longer felt the warmth from Jeremy's touch. Moments later, she opened bleary eyes and tried to remember what was going on. A chill ran up her spine, and she pulled the blanket around her shoulders tighter. She ran a hand over her eyes as she sat up on the couch, looking around. When she realized it was dark out and Jeremy was no longer sitting beside her on the couch, she connected the dots. "Did I fall asleep?" Her voice was slightly husky from her sleep.

[Rae]

Rae shook her head, her cheeks lightly dusted with pink, "I... I just have a... Um..."

She leaned against the counter, twisting her hair on her finger, "I can't sleep alone, that's what's wrong... I dont expect you to fix that," She said, returning the smile, "Just... after today I'll probably be up all night..."

She felt ridiculous telling him this. "I know I don't sound professional... I..." She rubbed her temples, frustrated.

-

"Yes you did, cutie," He smiled, patting her head, "And a deep one too.... Sorry I had to resign from being your personal pillow, but I didn't want your brother to murder me." He grinned, smiling his usual smile at her.

[RoseTyler]

Bryan's eyebrows raised, not expecting that. "Oh, well, you could stay with me if you wanted to." He shrugged his shoulders, speaking before his brain caught up. Then he was mentally swearing up a storm. He couldn't sleep with her? Was he trying to kill himself? He would, definitely, if that's what she needed, but damn would it be one hell of a night.

He smiled. "Don't worry about the professional aspect of it, I mean, it's no worse than Jeremy cuddling up with my sister on the couch." His eyes looked slightly bemused at the thought. "Really, it's no problem." Why was he insisting? Did he have no self preservation? Crap crap crap.

~~~~~~~~~~~

She blushed, not realizing she had fallen asleep on him. "I'm the one that's sorry. I don't normally do that... And you can ignore my brother." She rolled her eyes and yawned. "I suppose you need to be getting to sleep then." She had no doubts that she wouldn't be falling back asleep. She felt exhausted, but the chill stayed almost in her bones. "I can show you to your room, if you'd like." She stood, brushing her hair back from her face as she looked up at him, feeling her heart flutter a little when she met his eyes.

[Rae]

Rae arched a brow. She didn't expect such a willing answer. "O- Oh, um... are you sure?" Almost instantly she felt a wave of relief wash over her. Just to know she'd get a good night's sleep, she relaxed, and with relaxing came the sudden sleepiness that hit her hard. She stretched her arms up and yawning lightly, bringing her hands back down she rubbed her eyes, stepping forward and brushing past him. She hoped she didn't bother him like Jeremy did... No worse? Did that mean just as bad? "I won't bother you, I promise..."

-

"Don't worry about it," He smiled. "If you'd like to, that'd be great, I'm pretty exhausted..." He yawned, covering his mouth and then stretching both slightly muscled arms in the air. He wasn't big like Bryan was, but he was an attractive tone, at least.

[RoseTyler]

He closed his eyes as she brushed by him, feeling her touch resonate inside of him. He was so screwed. He turned to see her walk out of the kitchen, and he couldn't help but admire her shape. It was going to be a long night. He followed her out to the living room, taking a detour to grab her bags.

Then he noticed Jeremy and Christy both standing. He inwardly groaned. He had hoped Christy would stay asleep... "Hey.. I hoped you'd get some more sleep, Christy."

Christy, who had been busy admiring Jeremy's rather attractive form, turned to look at Bryan. "I would still be asleep if you hadn't scared him into moving." She gestured to Jeremy while subtly reprimanding Bryan for his overprotective tendencies. She then walked over to help carry bags. "I'll take Jeremy to the guest bedroom on the left," She told Bryan, ignoring his sharp look. It was the bedroom closer to hers than his.

"I don't think Jeremy needs you to carry his bags." He muttered as he cast a pointed look at Jeremy. Then he started up the steps, gesturing for Rae to follow.

[Rae]

Jeremy rolled his eyes and grabbed both his belongings, hoisting one up on his shoulder and gripping the other one firmly. "Thanks Christy, but he's right, I can get them," He decided it was a bad idea to make enemies with the clients, so he obeyed Bryans looks and decided it wasn't in anyone's best interest he take interest in Christy. Or... was it?

He smiled and gestured for Rae to go first, who was uneasy from the tension and hurried to follow behind Bryan. She cursed mentally as she walked behind him, trying not to observe his entire backside and, instead, she focused on the stairs.

Jeremy let Christy go in front of him and walked slowly behind her, the luggage being a bit more than he'd expected. He grunted a bit as he hoisted the other on his shoulder, both of which weren't very comfortable. Couldn't show weakness now though, could he?

[RoseTyler]

Bryan took a right at the top of the stairs, leading Rae into the room he had taken over. It was fairly sparse, not much in there. The bed was large, a queen size, there was a wardrobe and a connected bathroom. "Welcome to my room." He said, opening the door to let her enter first.

Christy was getting irritated with her brother. He was being no better than Jeremy - actually, he was being worse! She could take care of herself. Even if she had a slightly bad track record - okay, a really bad track record - she's had years to build up a spine, and Bryan knew it, too. She wasn't going to cut him any slack.

She stopped before going up the stairs, though, and turned to Jeremy. "Just give me one of the bags." She held out a hand, waiting expectantly. She wasn't going to let him take them both up, and that was obvious in her eyes.

[Rae]

Rae was quick to find clothes in her bags to change into, and just as he introduced her his room, she offered a quick smile and snuck into the bathroom; moments later she walked out, her skin finally able to breath as she wore simply a little pink, thigh length night gown, and had combed her hair back out of her face a bit. She loved to change into her night gowns and slip under the covers, it was the most comfortable part of the day. And knowing that she wouldn't be alone added to her sudden joy.

She plopped down on the been and then looked up at him with big, Brown eyes, "Can I sleep on the left side?" She asked as it was, indeed, her side.

-

"Christy..." He sighed, looking at her with a mix of adoration and exhaustion. He looked down and chuckled before offering her the lighter one, although he wouldn't let her know it was. "Thank you," He said, honestly feeling a bit more physical relief, but really just trying to make her feel useful. He chuckled again and followed her up the stairs and into the hall, wondering where he'd be staying. Guest room... What was it like?

[RoseTyler]

Bryan almost groaned when she stepped out of the bathroom in that nightgown. It was going to be a very uncomfortable night. He hardly even heard what she said through the blood pounding in his ears... to say the least. He nodded at her, running a hand through his hair before stepping into the bathroom himself.

He changed into a pair of baggy sleep pants. Hopefully baggy enough to disguise his.. problem. He ran a hand through his hair again before stepping back into his room. "You good?" He asked, preparing to turn off the lights.

~~~~~~~~

She took it, glad he hadn't really argued. Heaving it up the steps, she thought through her decision to put him in the guest room. Normally, that would be fine, but since she wasn't sleeping... Once they reached the top of the steps, she paused. "You know, if you wanted you could take the room I've been using. It's got a bigger bed and just feels a bit homier, if you know what I mean. I wont be sleeping, so it's not like you will be stealing it from me." She smiled at him, conveying her honesty.

[Rae]

Rae hadn't taken notice to anything that might be up with him, her eyes had begun to glaze over, she was so very, very sleepy. She nodded with a soft smile, "Very," And then She laid back against two pillows, taking in a deep breath and embracing his scent that was enveloped in the pillows themselves.

When she noticed he was turning off the lights she frowned a bit but nodded, keeping her phone close to her as a light source. At least she wasnt alone...

--

"And where will you go?" He asked with a forced smile, the weight of the bag weighing on him heavily to the point where finally, he just had to drop it. He rolled his shoulder and winced, "God, what'd I pack?"

He chuckled a bit and shook his head, "I'd be a real jerk if I said yes, Christy, I can't... I can't just take your room."

[RoseTyler]

Bryan slid into bed, careful not to touch her as he rolled on his side in a position most comfortable for him. Of course, that particular way resulted in him facing Rae, but he tried to ignore that fact as he let his eyes close. He felt hypersensitive to everything around him, and doubted he'd be able to get to sleep, but he would try.

~~~~~~~~~~~

"I'll just hang out in front of the fire like I usually do. I'll grab a change of clothes first so that Bryan thinks I just got up before him, but otherwise it's no problem." She smiled before sympathy shown in her eyes from seeing him wince. Then she laughed at his comment, glancing down as her hair fell forward.

When she looked back up with him, a smile was in her eyes. "And really, you are so far from a jerk it isn't even funny. Just take the room, the bed's nice. I insist." She smiled at him, hoping he'd accept the offer. There was no reason for him to stay in the guest room when hers just sat there empty.

[Rae]

Raes big, sleepy eyes watched him, she slowly slipped the covers up to her chin and snuggled into them. "...Good night," She said softly as she could, hoping she wouldn't disturb him. He looked a little troubled, was it her? Couldn't be... She didn't do anything. Did she?

She blinked and closed her eyes, trying to calm her mind and relax but it was hard, when you're in a strangers bed-- well he wasn't technically a stranger any more... Just an acquaintance, really. She rolled her eyes.

Stop thinking and sleep!

-

He was extremely reluctant but the smile in her lovely eyes made his heart skip a beat, and he couldn't help but nod and pick both bags back up, a sudden strength found in him somewhere. "Where's this room then?" He asked, trying to smile although he was amazed, he'd never felt that flutter inside before. It bothered him. Was this a little more than attraction? "And thank you, Christy, I..."

He stopped himself before he sounded any more stupid. What would he say? 'You can sleep with me if you like!' Yeah, right, good one. Instead he kept his mouth shut, and smiled like usual.

[RoseTyler]

Bryan could practically hear her thinking. Even in the dark, he sensed how tense she was. He sighed inwardly. He could care less if he made himself uncomfortable, but the whole point of this was to make her comfortable. "Goodnight Rae. And stop thinking so loud, you are making me more tired than I already am." He hoped that did the trick.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

She gave him an even bigger smile, glad he finally accepted her room. Happy enough that he accepted her offer, she didn't argue with him about the bags. She led him to the end of the hallway, her room on the left. "Through here." She opened the door, stepping through before him as she assumed he'd insist anyways.

Her room was very similar to Bryan's, but it had a more lived in feeling. She had two pictures sitting on the bedside table, one of them containing herself, Bryan, and Adam, and the other containing a couple - their parents. On top of the chest of drawers there was a third picture, this one of a younger Adam, Bryan, and Christy, and it included their parents. Next to the picture there was a vase of flowers and a new looking jewelry box.

Christy gestured to her room, "Make yourself at home." She smiled before walking over to her chest of drawers and pulling out a couple garments of clothing. She paused before leaving. "You good?"

[Rae]

"Yeah. I'm Good, thanks, Christy," Jeremy winked at her and then dropped his bags again, taking in the room a bit. He wondered why it was empty, then again, they'd only just moved in. Right? The room... He expected it to be full of a mix of girlish tomboy things, like... a PlayStation, and a vanity, stuffed animals, full closet, magazines of different genres.. but no, it was basically empty.

He picked out a pair of shorts to slip on and waited till she left to strip down and get under the covers. His body was exhausted. He'd turned on his stomach and was staring at the pictures of the her, Bryan and another guy, and two older people he assumed to be their parent's. They never mentioned them... Where were they?

His thoughts went back and forth, unsettled like the houses atmosphere, until finally, he fell asleep. And it was a deep one, too.

[RoseTyler]

When Christy left, she felt happier than she'd felt in a long time. Something about Jeremy just made her feel giddy on the inside. She went downstairs, ending up on the couch in front of the fireplace again. She stretched out on it, letting her mind wander a bit as she wondered what to do the rest of the night. A yawn escaped her as she sat there.

Somehow, she was able to let her mind relax enough to the point where the house didn't bother her. That was what always kept her up, but she was too focused on thoughts of Jeremy to notice the creepy feeling of the house.

Her eyes fell closed as she, for the first time in too many days, fell into a relaxed sleep.

[Rae]

(The next morning I guess?)

...I don't want to get up... Whys it so cold?...It's freeeeezing..

Rae shifted in her sleep, bumping against something warm. She was so icy cold, was this how it was every morning? She tried not to let her thoughts wander too much, in fear of fully waking herself up. She pressed further into this warmth, tugging on the comforter and bringing it up just shy of her eyes. It was something so strong and oddly cuddly...

There we go, much better...

--

"Fuck!"

Jeremy sat up abruptly, gasping. What the hell was that? The tugging on his ankles? What the Fuck?

"Damn..." He pushed off all the covers, clenching his fists, and getting his teeth. He hated rude awakenings... "Just... Damn it..."

[RoseTyler]

Bryan shifted in his sleep as Rae pressed against him. The warmth from her body was rather appealing compared to the chill he normally dealt with in the morning. His arm came around her, pulling her closer to him as he fell back into unconsciousness.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Christy woke up, surprised to see a tad bit of light coming through the curtains. She slept through the night! Instantly she was wide awake and happy. And cold. The fire was dead, and she just had the measly blanket for warmth.

She wasn't letting the cold put a dent in her mood, though. She jumped off the couch with a grin and made her way to the bathroom to change into her new set of clothes. She was just wearing a comfortable pair of jeans and a fitted t-shirt with some tennis shoes. She was still cold, but she was dressed.

Seeing that it was starting to get light out, she decided she would begin cooking breakfast for the four of them. As they didn't have much in the house, she just had sausage, eggs and toast. She began the process of cooking as she hummed to herself, keeping moving to ward off the chill.

[Rae]

Rae was in one of those lovely, deep morning sleeps, feeling so safe and warm for the first time ever and although she didn't know why, she wasn't about to question it and ruin it. She appreciated it greatly, and proceeded to sleep, not knowing of her true position and what was such a comfort.

-

Jeremy had changed into a tank top and jeans, it was chilly, but the way the morning had gone kept his blood pumping, the very thought scaring him over and over again. He'd never, ever, as a paranormal investigator, had something like that happen to him. His heart wouldn't quite settle down so he decided to just get out of the room, leaving the unseen darker forces to chuckle at his reaction.

He trotted down he stairs, running a hand through his combed back hair. He'd cleaned up earlier, and looked much more presentable than he did first thing in the morning-- after a demon attack.

"What the hell was that anyways?" He asked out loud, coming through the living room and then pausing as he heard something in the kitchen. He peeked around the corner, clearing his throat, "...Christy?"

[RoseTyler]

Christy turned at the sound of her name. Seeing it was Jeremy, a grin split her face. "Hey! I was just working on breakfast. You want something?" She was happy. She knew she was a bit obviously so, but she wasn't going to change.

As she felt the cold make her shiver again, she cast apologetic eyes to Jeremy. "Sorry about the chill. It tends to be like this a lot of the time. I think I might head upstairs and grab a jacket..." She thought out loud, not exactly enjoying the cool air.

[Rae]

"Huh? Um, no, I... lost my appetite this morning." He smiled, "I'm sure it'll taste great, though."

He walked over to her and lightly placed his hands on her forearms, "Man, you are cold. I'll go get you one my jackets, alright?"

He turned back around and started to head upstairs.

[RoseTyler]

She couldn't stop smiling. "Breakfast is hard to screw up, in my opinion." She, on the other hand, was definitely hungry. She skipped out on the pizza the night before, so her stomach was complaining.

When his hands came down on her forearms, a shiver completely unrelated to the cold went through her. Warmth spread through her arms at his touch. Her smile stayed on her face as she felt suddenly shy. She looked up at him through her lashes, shrugging her shoulders. "You don't need to. You could just stay down here and keep me company."

[Rae]

Jeremy gave her a crooked smile and faced her again, "Oh, alright then."

He headed over to where she was and sat himself on the counter beside her, elbows on his knees, eyes settled on the back of her as she cooked whatever was in the skillet. His eyes showed amusement and he tried to think of what to say, how to strike up a conversation. He needed to get his mind off this morning.

"So... You cook often?"

[RoseTyler]

When he gave her that crooked smile, her thoughts scattered everywhere. Glancing down to focus herself, she smiled when he sat beside her.

His question made her laugh, of all the things to say... She looked up at him with amusement in her eyes. "Well when you grow up with two brothers who have better things to do than waste their time cooking, you learn a few things." She looked back down, "I cook whenever I'm home or with the guys. I had a nice break from it when at college, but I have retained my knack for it."

She looked back up at him, her eyes still bright with happiness. "So, are you a morning person then?"

[Rae]

"College... Those were crazy day's... Well, I studied at a paranormal institute... where I met Rae, actually... the cute, overly worried girl in the seat next to me." He laughed a bit, a fondness for her showing through. She was like the sibling he'd never had, really. And at times like an older sibling, or even a mother, although she'd be grossed out if she said that.

"...Um, yes and no. I prefer waking up naturally, this morning I had a..." He widened his eyes a bit, should he say it? No, I won't ruin her mood. She's cute when she's happy. "Nightmare, stayed up too late. Playing on phone before bed is bad, too.."

He kind of rambled off trying to change the subject. He took a bit of the food she was making and popped it in his mouth.

[RoseTyler]

"I miss college.." She murmured, her thoughts on what he said. So she wasn't the only one he called cute. That's just who he was. She was making something out of nothing. Just because he made her feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside didn't mean she made him feel that way.

She pulled her thoughts away from that, trying to stay happy and lighthearted. She cast sympathetic eyes to him. "I'm sorry. This house tends to have that effect on, well, everyone." She finished up the sausage, smiling when he stole one, and plopped it on a plate before following suit with her scrambled eggs. She plopped some bread in the toaster before leaning against the counter beside him.

"Normally the smell of food wakes Bryan up by now..."

[Rae]

"Same for Rae. She might not look it, but she's an eater. For such a tiny thing she just put it all away," He chuckled, "Do you know where she slept last night? I guess it's none of my business, but since she slept alone, I doubt she got any sleep. She's got sleeping issues, not... that I would know, She just tells me inadvertently."

He blushed a bit, not wanting her to get the wrong idea. Did he bring Rae up too much?

"She's a strange one, like... an older sister I didn't know I wanted. I'm an only child, she's as close to a sibling as I can get. A bit distant but she tells me things anyways, we'll always have that weird relationship. Her and Bryan on the other hand... I sense sparks."

He made a hand gesture like there was an explosion, rolling his eyes at the thought. "Ah, anyways, why am I going on about that? Looks good," He said, leaning over and stealing a piece of toast once it finished, "Hope you don't mind I'm stealing your food, Rae can't cook but you're pretty good," He winked and grinned at her.

[RoseTyler]

Christy was only slightly relieved at the sibling comment. At least he didn't think of Rae as anything more. Of course, that didn't mean he thought anything of Christy, but she'd accept that small relief. "Well, if you ever want an older brother, you are welcome to either or both of mine." She rolled her eyes. "They've been driving me crazy ever since high school." A blush crept up her cheeks then, accidentally saying more than she intended.

She went with the change of topic, though. "Yeah, I agree, she and Bryan do seem to have some sparks going on between them." She smiled slightly, jealous though not admitting that even to herself.

She grinned back at him, her heart fluttering in her chest at his compliment. "Thank you, and you are welcome to all you can eat. It's first come first serve in my kitchen." She laughed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

The smell of food was beginning to get to Bryan, though, and he shifted slightly as he was still mostly unconscious, holding the warmth closer to him.

Then he realized that there was something off... warmth? Wait, what? His eyes flung open to find a cute brown haired girl in a pink nightgown curled up against him. He stilled, not wanting to wake her up even as his body filled with warmth.

[Rae]

Jeremy laughed out loud at her kitchen comment, she was too cute. He watched with amused eyes as she served up the food, wondering about her brother, and also about that little not so happy look that appeared on her face when he brought up Rae.

Mental note, don't talk about other women, to other women.

He smiled and thanked her for the food, whipping up his own plate but then returning to his spot on the counter. "Thanks, love," He threw the nickname out there before his mind caught up with him. Did women even like that cliche stuff any more? Where the hell did he get that one?

--

Rae stirred as he did, her stomachs audible growls causing her to blink a bit, and shift. What a cozy morning it'd been... She was thankful, not every day she could just lay in bed comfortable. She'd hoped she wasn't bothering Bryan, although she'd tried very hard to stay on her side of the bed so being there shouldn't be a problem. Of course she'd... wanted to be closer but that was out of the question...

She yawned lightly, tilting her head up a bit to adjust her neck and that's when she noticed the movement of whatever was before her. Ghost thing? She didnt feel scared...

She opened her eyes and looked up more to see Bryan, face blushing and eyes wide, and... She assumed he was her source of warmth, the whole time...

"...M...Morning," She said, not sure what she should do. No, She didn't want to move at all, but some thing told her she should..

[RoseTyler]

Christy grinned, proud of herself for making Jeremy laugh. Then she blushed, pleasure washing through her at his endearment. Oh, if only he meant that in a literal sense... Ugh. Why did she have such a crush on this guy when she'd only known him for one day? He was just too sweet, that's the problem. Sweet and kind.

She served herself a plate before hopping up on the counter beside him, starting in on her food. The smells in the kitchen had her stomach rumbling.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bryan's original discomfort changed into amusement as he saw the shock in her eyes. A grin spread across his face. "Good morning, Sleeping Beauty." His eyes twinkled with laughter as he watched her decide what to do.

While he knew they weren't going to stay there all day, was also more than comfortable in the position he was in right then. Especially knowing that he hadn't been the only one disconcerted to find himself cuddling up with a mere stranger.

[Rae]

Jeremy and Christy ate in silence for a while, he wasn't sure what to do. She didn't seem upset by his words which relieved him. He nudged her here and there just to get her to blush, and to see her smile. He finished his plate but he didn't really want to move. He set it down beside him and popped his knuckles, thinking of what to say.

Just as he opened his mouth to say something his plate flew out from beside him and rolled on the floor, coming to a slow and creepy stop. He tensed, not wanting her to be scared, "Eheh.. Sorry, I... I dropped it."

-

Rae couldn't help but smile up at him, her skin glowing and her eyes oddly bright and sparkly as we're his. They were sleepy though, as was her smile. She didn't feel any anger from him so she simply snuggled a bit closer and ignored however he might react, "Just five more minutes..."

[RoseTyler]

Christy was grinning, feeling warmth wash through her whenever he bumped against her. Her heart was racing in her chest, and for the first time in two weeks it wasn't from fear. Perhaps he does like me? Oh, who am I kidding, we just met...

Then she froze when the plate fell to the floor, her smile gone. Feeling him tense beside her, her body reacted similarly. Her eyes looked up at him, her expression unreadable. "Maybe I'd believe you if I didn't see you set your plate down." She looked back down at the plate that was now sitting stationary. "I really don't like this house," She muttered.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bryan grinned as she snuggled closer against him. How in the world did this happen? He just met the woman and now they were sleeping - albeit in a completely innocent manner - together. He let his eyes fall closed as well, comfortable enough to follow suit for another five minutes.

[Rae]

Jeremy reached down and picked it up, looking to her with a grin, "Awh, come on Christy, don't worry about it. If anything happens I'll be here, alright?" He wasn't sure how reassuring he'd be, but he tried his best. He sat his plate in the sink, and walked over to her, gently placing both of his hands over hers, "Just relax, okay?"

-

Rae was awake now, there was no doubt about that. She could feel the warmth emanating from him,which made her grow warmer than before. She knew She couldn't lay there all day with him... but... it was just so weird and wonderful at the same time.

Eventually she groaned and sat up, stretching her long torso and her arms, hearing the usual pop in her left shoulder. She ran a hand through her hair and tried to tame it a bit, and then glanced down at him with a mischievous smile, "Sorry... I guess I cuddle unconsciously. It's your fault, you know."

[RoseTyler]

Christy looked up at him with a smile, butterflies fluttering in her stomach when his hands touched hers. Could a person be relaxed and hyper-alert at the same time? Well, either way, she was. She felt his touch down to her toes, yet she wasn't the least bit worried about that plate.

It was weird. Ever since that time in high school, the touch of a guy other than her brothers would always make her skin crawl, but with Jeremy isn't wasn't like that at all. She just felt warm.

"Yes sir." She gave him a smile as her muscles lost their tenseness.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bryan watched her stretch, admiring the way she moved. Then his eyebrows raised a her accusation. "My fault? I hardly think your actions are any fault of mine." He laughed, sitting up as well, the blanket falling to reveal a chest as muscled as his arms. He stretched, a large yawn escaping as he ran a hand through his thoroughly tussled hair.

[Rae]

Jeremy grinned and pulled her off the counter, "Let's find some thing to do, that's not in the kitchen," He laughed lightly, offering her a friendly smile. He decided to try and find a way to entertain the two of them until the other two came down. If they ever did, that is. He almost wanted to go find Rae but he couldn't bring himself to leave Christy by herself.

"We'll... watch a funny video or... You can watch our documentary on my laptop?"

--

Rae stuck her tongue out at him, "You can't blame me, because I'm me. And I am always right."

She smiled and waited for his response, enjoying the teasing, but her eyes grew wide at his muscles and out of embarrassment of her blushing she had to look away. It started with his warm skin, then his tousled hair, and now he's totally fit? ...Fit was an understatement.... He had a freaking six pack hidden under there... She felt tingles all over and her stomach was so light... Muscles were her favorite thing to stare at on a guy, not the ugly body builder muscles but his were perfectly proportioned...

[RoseTyler]

Christy grinned as she followed Jeremy out of the room. "You have a documentary? Really?" Interest flared in her eyes, surprised to hear that. "I totally choose that." Maybe she'd get to cuddle against him when she was conscious this time... She blushed even thinking that, almost laughing at herself.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Oh, you're always right, really?" He laughed. "For some odd, unknown reason, I happen to doubt you." He didn't even notice her blush as he stood up from the bed, walking over to pick out some clothes. "I guess I will make it my job to prove you wrong, then." He looked over his shoulder and grinned at her before stepping into the bathroom and changing into an outfit similar to what he had been wearing the day before.

He stepped out, "Bathroom's all yours. I'm going to head down and see what Christy made for breakfast, you want me to get you a plate?"

[Rae]

. Jeremy set up his laptop quickly, taking a seat on the couch and patting the space beside him for her. He hoped she'd find it semi impressive they had a documentary, and in his opinion it was a really good one. They had moments from their best jobs, as well as recordings of their own off duty finds. It was kinda creepy, but he figured she'd feel better watching it if he was there. Maybe he was just thinking stuff up now...

--

Rae smiled and watched him disappear in the restroom, only to come out like a minute later. She stretched her limbs and stood up, pulling down her gown as she did. "I don't eat breakfast," She said softly, "But thank you, I'll see you in a bit."

She headed into the bathroom and took a good twenty minutes to get ready, which wasn't like her at all. But... She wanted to look nice, today... She'd like their playful teasing and he matched her ideal guy perfectly... It as very, very unprofessional to like a client but... none of their clients ever looked like him before.... Not even close!

She pulled her hair into a high ponytail, combing it till every knot was gone. She then lightly put make up on, mascara, and lip gloss really, he'd already seen her without make up and he didn't seem to look at her any differently. She smiled as she replayed the morning over and over, until she'd finished prepping herself, change into high waisted shorts and a white sweater crop top, and then headed downstairs.

[RoseTyler]

Christy sat on the couch beside him, curling her legs below her as she made herself comfortable. She felt very content to be spending time with him just watching something on his computer, plus it was his documentary.

Of course, Bryan chose that moment to come down the stairs. When he saw them on the couch together again, he scowled.

She smiled sweetly at him. "Breakfast is in the kitchen." Her eyes were daring him to say something.

Apparently coming up with a sense of self preservation he didn't say anything, just walked into the kitchen and got breakfast while waiting for Rae. He wondered what was going to go on that day...

[Rae]

Rae came down the stairs with her mind on Bryan and Bryan only. She couldn't help it, there wasn't anything else for her to think about, the real investigation did start till tonight when they'd do more recordings and so far none of the spirits were acting up. She was in a very, very good mood.

She passed the couch and just barely glanced at the two, "Whatre you watching?"

"Documentary..." He said, his eyes still on the screen.

"On?"

"It's ours," He said with a laugh, pulling up the two hour long video and then finally his eyes rose to meet here-- Only her legs caught his attention first. Why'd she choose to wear high waisted shorts when there was a lingering, morning chill in the air? Then again, Rae was odd, she sometimes didn't get cold at all, and sometimes She just absolutely froze.

She wouldn't be wearing those to impress anyone, would she?

He inwardly smirked and his eyes met the screen again, flickering to Christy, and then back at the screen. He clicked play, and turned volume up.

Rae felt a bit ignored and made a face at the two of them before she headed into the kitchen, her sleeves which were a bit too long and nearly covered her hands, she pressed to her cheeks, which were flushing. She greeted him with a smile and perched herself on the counter as usual, right after grabbing herself a drink of seven up.

[RoseTyler]

When Christy saw Rae, she smiled. From the outfit and the makeup, Christy saw the signs of wanting to impress someone, and since she wasn't paying too much attention to Jeremy, she assumed it was her brother. Then her attention was drawn back to the screen when he started it up, and her attention was focused as she unconsciously leaned up against Jeremy.

Bryan, on the other hand, had his thoughts going down a little more of a grim path. He didn't even notice it when Rae entered the kitchen at first. When he did, he gave her a little smile. He leaned against the counter, thinking for a minute.

"Okay... I know this is hypocritical and probably rude, but since you've apparently worked with Jeremy for a while, is he a good guy?"

[Rae]

He's still thinking about Jeremy?

"I trust him, and that's a lot coming from me, I think," She said, sipping on her drink. She eyed him, and then rolled her eyes, "Look..."

She slid off the counter and stepped very close to him, making sure Jeremy wouldn't hear her talking about him. "Jeremys.. he's harmless, really, he couldn't do anything even if he wanted too. He's kind of a tall, nerdy teddy bear. You know? And he won't try anything on your sister, I really don't think he'd do that knowing you don't approve, and when we're guests here in your house... I wouldn't worry to much about it. I mean, I'm saying that as your friend, not just his.."

-

Jeremy on the other hand was just being his cute nerdy self. He'd wrapped his arm around her waist and leaned back, and then every time something paranormal came up he'd pause and explain the significance and the reason they debunked it or classified it as paranormal. He liked explaining to her and feeling, for once, important, as usually he was biiiit to passive and did quite get the spot light he sometimes wished he had.

[RoseTyler]

Bryan nodded before beginning to pace the kitchen. "Okay.." He didn't want her to think he was an unreasonably overprotective jerk, but he knew Christy was going to kill him for explaining his actions. He ran a hand through his hair, looking at Rae.

"It's just..." His eyes traced to the doorway through which the living room laid. "And if Christy finds out I told you, I'm adding another ghost to this place." He meant it as a joke, but he couldn't pull off a smile. He closed his eyes, running a hand through his hair again. "When Christy was in high school, she got involved with a guy who was really kind to her during her junior year. That's when our parent got into the car accident, and she took it hard. Hell, we all did. It was hardest for her though, because even though she was the youngest, she was trying to take care of my brother and I.

"Adam and I didn't notice anything, somehow, and we still kick ourselves for it, but apparently her mood shift shifted his mood. Instead of being there for her, he thought she should just get over it. It was a year later when Adam and I heard his car come up the drive. Apparently they were fighting, and Adam saw him yank her out of the car. The b-" He cleared his throat, stopping himself, "Idiot slapped her in front of our house. It bruised the next day. She hasn't been with anyone since, and sure, Jeremy seems like a cool guy, but so did that kid, you know?"

[Rae]

Rae nodded, listening to him intently. "But that was high scbool. No one should date in high school, everyone's immature then."

She fidgeted with her sleeves, "Jeremy's... Well he's... He's just not gonna do that," her eyes moved from Bryan to the floor, "There's a lot of bad people out there and Jeremy just isn't one of them... And he never will be, cause he just doesn't have it in him. He doesn't date, really, he's kind of... in the back and teased for being nerdy... really I think he just loves the fact your sister actually likes him as a person, like, a genuine interest. He's not used to that... He likes the attention."

She smiled at the thought, he really was a doll. Even though she'd never tend him those words exactly, She did adorn him... He as like... a puppy. That's it, a puppy.

"Quit worrying would you?" She said suddenly, "And if you're really upset, just pull him aside and have one of those brotalks that guys have... he's a mature guy, he'll hear what you have to say."

[RoseTyler]

He raised an eyebrow. "Christy would kill me." He tried to lighten up some. "As it is, she is going to kick my butt for telling you... if she finds out. Which she wont." He gave her a warning look. Then he sighed and looked back towards the living room. "Well... if I get any hint that he will hurt her, I'll try to give him the opportunity to leave before I do anything." He muttered more to himself than to her.

He shook his head, shifting his focus. "Anyways. What is on the agenda today when it comes to ghost hunting?"

[Rae]

Rae sighed, she was tired of hearing about it. Like, she understood, but really... He wasn't acting like he did this morning and last night. Now he was worrying like she usually did, and two worried people weren't any fun! ... She put her cup in the sink and took her gaze off him. She was Gunna have to focus on work, she assumed.

"We'll be investigating just the house tonight, hopefully when Jeremy decides to turn of their movies we can research a bit on the house, see what's up, find something."

"Whatever!"

She heard him shout from the living room, causing her to stick her tongue out although he was so focused on the screen and Christy he didn't see her. She sighed, even the nerdy teddy bear wasn't interested in her today. Rae couldn't help it, attention was all the girl wanted. It was what made her feel special! She folded her arms and decided to go look through their bags of equipment which she'd stored in Bryans room also, assuming he'd probably be watching the two of them all day.

The brunette was distracted by human emotions, and was completely unaware of what was lingering in that very bedroom, waiting for her to come in by herself.

[RoseTyler]

Bryan sighed when she left. Great. Now he made her upset. He immediately began preparing an apology as he waited a minute. He figured he'd give her a head start so that she could cool off a minute, and then he followed her up the stairs.

Christy, who had been fascinated by Jeremy's stories and the documentary, didn't think much of anything when Rae went upstairs. When Bryan soon followed after her, her eyebrows raised. She whispered over to Jeremy, "Definitely sparks." Amusement lit her eyes.

[Rae]

Rae headed up the stairs, more like stomped up the stairs, and the entered his room, leaving the door a crack open and plopping down angrily on the floor. ...Did he even notice she was upset? Probably not. It was all about Jeremy and Christy... why couldnt she be the center of attention for a minute?

She knew She was thinking selfishly but an odd feeling told her to no along with it and she did, and soon she was just angrily going through items in her bag, tossing recorders, cameras and emf detectors to the side, not really paying attention. She tossed out one of the little white circular devices they'd recently gotten, when energy passed by it, they went off with a loud, annoying beeping noise.

She tossed it to the side, not paying attention to where it landed, which was just in front of the bed.

-

Jeremy watched the two head up but kept his mouth shut, but when Bryan had gone up the stairs he couldn't help but laugh. "Ohhh, someone's in trouble."

[RoseTyler]

Bryan approached the open door, looking at the mess around his room. Okay, he thought this might be a bit extreme, this couldn't just be him. Warily, he stepped up to the door, knocking slightly.

"Rae? Are you okay?" He was prepping himself for a fight, something about the situation just felt off.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Christy giggled against his side, thoroughly amused. "I think you're right." Her eyes were laughing as she watched him go upstairs.

[Rae]

"No," She said sharply, her eyes widening a bit at the harshness in her tone. She looked up at him and felt so perplexed... so angry but even she knew it wasn't that big of a deal, she wasn't so upset she'd actually be mean to him. She winced as the feeling became stronger and stronger and her eyes narrowed into a glare, and settled on the empty bag in front of her. Her words were coming out despite the unwillingness of her mind and body. It was like she couldn't... couldn't stop herself.

"Why does always have to be about Jeremy and Christy? Why aren't I important?" She grumbled, and just as she started to clench her fists, this odd anger looming over her, she glanced down at the emf detector, the dial started to raise up a little bit; going from a 0.0 to a 0.6 in a second. She felt her heart beat speed up, as the temperature in the room gradually dropped.

-

He turned the sound up more as they came to his favorite scene. In this one, his camera had caught an orb go by, only this time it flew around and around Rae, as if trying to get her attention. She couldn't see it but makes a comment about feeling dizzy, and then he watches as the orb flies away from he and she starts to feel better. "Poor Rae," He chuckled, although he'd soon find out her being bothered by these things was no laughing matter.

[RoseTyler]

Bryan's eyes widened. Woah. He did not expect that. Angry female: the irrational just got more so. He slowly stepped into the room, trying to decide whether or not to approach her. The chill in the room was rather unexpected, and it left him slightly confused as he tried to reason with the woman. "Rae, I am sorry I gave you that impression, but she's my sister, and she is important. I wasn't focused on her enough at one point, and it resulted in her getting hurt. I'm not going to let that happen again..." He tried to reason with her.

"Just because I am, though, doesn't mean I'm not interested in getting to know you..." He was pretty confident that if she decided to try to harm him, he could handle her pretty easily. He was pretty strong, after all. He still felt weary, though, as he stepped closer to her.

~~~~~~~~~~

"Wow.." Christy leaned forward to get a better look at the screen. "So, when you like, get a random weird feeling, that could be one of those orb things?" She glanced back at him, curiosity plain in her eyes. It was all very fascinating to her. At least now that she wasn't actually involved with it.

[Rae]

...Are you angry?

"No..." She blinked, her voice so quiet and fearful. "I... I know, Bryan... I... I didn't mean it..."

Yes you did!

Rae glanced up at him with wide eyes. Where was the voice coming from? It was never so loud and clear...

BEEEEEEEEEEEP

She jerked when the detector went off, gasping and feeling the sudden pressure back off of her although it was still there, according to the detector. She gasped and tried to get to her feet, stumbling back and hitting the side of her head on the corner of the dresser. She wasn't ever so clumsy, but she couldn't get her balance. She clenched her fists and tried to sit back up but she couldn't, and now..

...What was this feeling? ...ls that blood?

-

Jeremy smiled, "Yeah, they're energy, like us, and when the two collide--" He nearly flipped his laptop upside down when he heard the detector go off, and then after that came a loud thud.

"Damn it," He set the computer down, and rose up to his feet. He didn't know if it was an accident or not. "Rae?!" He called up, expecting an answer but instead getting silence. "...Bryan?"

What.. we're they doing up there?

[RoseTyler]

"Shit!" Bryan was at her side in a moment, searching to see if she had hurt herself. " You okay?" His hand came back from her head sticky with blood. He swore again, then at Jeremy's call, he shouted "Get up here!" He put pressure on the wound on her head, holding her still. "Don't move, okay?" He spoke calmly to her before yelling out into the hall again. "Hurry up!"

~~~~~~~~~~~

Christy felt dread crawl up her spine when she heard the loud beeping noise and the thud. Then, when her brother called down and she heard the panic in his voice, fear washed through her. She raced up the stairs and paused outside of his door, quickly taking in the scene before her. Equipment laid strewn about the floor, and Rae laid prone on the ground with Bryan hovering over her head, blood on one of his hands.

Her eyes widened, "What happened???" Shock sounded in her voice as she ran to Rae's side.

[Rae]

Rae kept her eyes closed, cowering into Bryans chest as she started to feel very, very dizzy. The anger had disappeared and now she just felt drained... She whimpered as her head throbbed, and clutched his shirt, although her hands felt weak..

"I... I'm sorry Bryan..." She said sadly, "I didn't mean to..."

Jeremy was quick to head up the stairs, and grabbed the first aid kit from him suitcase, a small one He always kept for moments like these. Whatever happened was very, very bad. And as he stepped in the room to see Rae curled up on the floor, and blood on Bryans hand, he felt his chest tightened and he felt worry and guilt surge through him at once...

He knelt down and grabbed the gauze in the kit, and waited for Bryan to let Jeremy near her, if he would. He seemed very.. protective of her. "Do you want to do it... or should I? I... You don't have to. It's my responsibility to..."

He sighed And got up to reset the device, his ears relieved when the beeping stopped but the chill in the room evident.

[RoseTyler]

Bryan felt his heart constrict when she whimpered. "Shhhh" He murmured at her apology. "It's okay. I've already forgotten it happened." He wanted to make her feel better, but he didn't know how. Well... "Though," He leaned forward a bit to whisper in her ear. "I think I won our "always right" argument." He pulled back, smiling a little, hoping to see the same on her face.

When Jeremy came in with a medical kit, Bryan was relieved. He didn't know what he was doing, so he easily gave Jeremy room to work.

Christy felt at a loss. Really rather useless. Her eyes traced around the room, feeling uneasy. Not sure what to do, she just put a hand on Bryan's shoulder, trying to comfort her brother while Jeremy did what he could.

[Rae]

Rae tried to smile and actually laughed a little, "Not even... You wish..."

Laughing made her head hurt, though, so she simply sat there, fighting the tears that sat mockingly on the edges of her eyes. She grumbled as Jeremy took over and wrapped the gauze around her head, jus t before that he'd put two piece of cotton behind the gash, praying it'd work. He didn't think it was so bad She needed special treatment, it wouldn't kill her, he decided.

He looked at her sympathetically and kissed her cheek, knowing it wouldn't have much affect on her and surprised when she looked up at him and smiled, "Go away, weirdo..."

He chuckled, and nodded, rubbing her shoulder for a moment. "Sorry I couldn't keep an eye on you, Rae, I-"

"-I know," She said, her smiling fading but only due to her head ache. She attempted to get up but she couldn't, she whimpered, feeling just flat out weird... Her eyes settled on Bryans again, an obvious apology resting in them. She still felt guilty..

[RoseTyler]

Bryan smiled at her when she laughed, feeling accomplished. He still felt back when he saw the pain flash though her eyes, but still. Once Jeremy finished putting the gauze around her, he decided that getting her out of the room was a good idea.

"Here-" He reached beneath her, pulling her into his arms. "I'm going to take her downstairs and put her on the couch." Then he was out of the room, not waiting for their response. He lifted her without a problem, having carried heavier things quite often.

"I do definitely think I won our argument." He said as he started down the stairs, looking at her with concern in his eyes, but still trying to distract her. "Though, if you accept that I am right, then I will admit you are right." He grinned at her, his smile not quite reaching his eyes. He set her down on the couch, careful not to move her head.

~~~~~~~~~~

Christy watched her brother leave before looking around the room again and landing her eyes on Jeremy. She knew she was the reason why he didn't keep an eye on Rae, and she felt terrible about that. Now she was injured and Jeremy feeling guilty. "Sorry..." Her voice was soft when she spoke. Then she began picking up items that had been thrown around the room.

[Rae]

Rae blinked, a couple tears streaming down her face. She took in a long, deep breath, her eyes glazed with tears as she looked at him. "I'll never cave, sweetie, even in this state," She said with a half smile, finding his presence comforting despite her pains.

"Oh, my head..." She put her hand on her forehead and sighed, "Ow, ow ow..."

--

"Hey, it's alright, not your fault Chirsty," He said, "My apology was... kind of lame. Honestly I just didn't think about her at all today, I was distracted," He grinned, "As bad as it sounds I didn't mind it so much-- Though of course I want her to feel better. Something tells me your brothers all over that though."

"Don't worry, I don't blame you," He said, although he glanced at the detector and sighed...

Something messed with Rae. I never asked why they came up here... But something was messing with her. She had the lost look again...

[RoseTyler]

Worry lined his eyes, but he tried to smile. "Here, let me kiss your booboo." He then leaned down and kissed her forehead before stepping away. "I'll get you some aspirin and be right back with water."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Christy smiled slightly at him. "Well, it's not like the day's been that long yet. It's been, what, four hours since we got up? And yeah," She rolled her eyes, "She's stuck with my brother's overprotective tendencies now too." She glanced at Jeremy, amusement and apology in her eyes. "Sorry, looks like you will have to deal with my brother with both of us for now." Until you leave... She didn't know why that thought hurt so much... She knew he had to leave, he was only hired for the job, but...

She got back to work cleaning up the room.

[Rae]

Rae winced as his lips touched her skin, but she liked the feel, if only he'd stay a moment longer...

"Thank you," She responded as he went in there. She didn't like pills... but she knew she'd need it, actually She needed it now badly. She groaned as the pain increased when she attempted to move her neck, causing her to whimper.

-

"True, that's okay though, least he cares..." He grabbed the last item on the floor, rolling his eyes, "little Rae sure did leave a mess. Silly thing..."

He looked to Christy and smiled, "All done now. What would you like to do?"

[RoseTyler]

Bryan winced when he heard her. He was then back at her side with water and medicine. "I thought I told you not to move?" He then put his hand under her neck, slowly tilting her head up some so that she could take the medicine. Afterwards, he set the glass of water down and gently laid her head back down. "What can I do?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A small smile appeared on her face. "I don't think Rae would appreciate being called little." She laughed.

"Um... I could give you a tour of the house, I guess? Our couch was probably taken over, so.." She shrugged her shoulders.

[Rae]

Rae frowned, "I can move if I want to..." She furrowed her brow and sighed, laying there with a sullen look. "Just sit with me," She Saud quietly, she really want to be alone again. "Unless you don't want to."

-

"Tour of the house hmm? Alright, if you feel like it," He smiled held out his hand to her to help her off the floor. Once she was on her feet, he reluctantly shoved his hands in his pockets. "Where to first, miss?"

[RoseTyler]

Bryan sat down near her head, leaning against the couch. "So..." He turned to face her, "what is your favorite color?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Christy stood up, appreciating Jeremy's help. "Well, I guess we will start here." She gestured to the room, "This is Bryan's room..." Then she realized something. "Wait. This is Bryan's room. Why is Rae's things..." Her voice trailed off, confusion on her face before realization dawned. "Um. Well then. Yeah." She glanced away, embarrassed for some reason.

[Rae]

Rae was quiet for a minute, "Um... I like pastels. Blush, ivory, vanilla, beige, powder blue, lilac..." She looked up at him with those big eyes of hers, "Yours?"

-

Jeremy felt his face heat up too, "So thats where she slept last night... it... it must be different and we're just... thinking stuff up..."

Don't try to wave it off! He slept with Rae! ...Orrrr, Rae slept with him.

"No, no, no, Raes got too many standards, she..."

He couldn't help but grin at the situation, he had something over her, now. "She did... That little brat...!"

[RoseTyler]

Bryan raised his eyebrows, surprised. He had expected bold colors for some reason. "Me? My favorite is red." He was silent for a moment, thinking about what to say. "Do you have family?"

~~~~~~~~~~

Jeremy's reaction was the best, she couldn't help but laugh. "Well, either way, nothing could have happened... Even Bryan holds himself to higher standards than to... well... do anything." Her face was bright crimson by then, and she decided to just leave the room.

Trying to fight her blush, she couldn't look at Jeremy as she went next door. "So, in here's a study..." She opened the door to reveal a room as old looking as the outside of the house. There were two large bookshelves parallel from each other full of old looking books. A desk stood in the center of the room facing the door while the windows sat behind it.

[Rae]

Rae frowned, "Yes, but I don't speak with anyone but my mom and younger sister. The rest of them are crazy."

She poked at his arm as she thought, the pain gradually lightening up. Her eyes traveled up and down his body, she was thinking, and observing. He was so.. strong, he just put that kind of energy out there. She liked it.

"..What about you?"

--

Jeremy chuckled as her left the room. It just... amused him, all of it.

"Study? This'll be Raes favorite room-- She always wanted one, so she's told me," He said softly, "Cozy, in a creepy house make the best of it kind of way."

He patted her back, "What's your favorite room of the house?"

[RoseTyler]

Bryan laughed, amused. "Define crazy." When she poked him, he cast a confused look towards her, as if saying what was that for?

"Oh, family, it's just my brother and sister now. We're pretty close, as you can probably guess. Adam would have been here had he not been busy with his job." He rolled his eyes.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Her eyes lit at the thought. "Oh.. Well, in a curiosity-killed-the-cat type of way, the attic. It's probably the creepiest room of the house, but it just has so much in it. I just want to sit up there and ruffle through everything to see what is up there, except it is really ominous feeling. You want to see it?" She looked at him, excited at going up there with another person rather than by herself.

[Rae]

"The kind of crazy that makes you feel crazy." She said with a bit of a laugh. And although she was tempted to ask about his parents, she decided he didn't mention them for a reason, and so she didn't pry. She didn't want to upset him any more than she had. "I... don't think he'd like to deal with all the trouble I've caused," She said with a bitter laugh, still feel guilty as if all the houses troubles were suddenly her doing.

She continued to poke at him out of boredom, her face flushed from the random dizzy spells that happened from time to time.

-

"Attic? ...Sure," He smiled and let her lead the way. Although he didn't think the attic was a safe place exactly, he realized none of the house really was. So he dealt with it, and walked with her to where they were heading, a gentle hand placed lightly on her back.

[RoseTyler]

Bryan gave her an incredulous look. "What? You caused it?" His eyes widened, mock shock on his face. "Holy crap, you've got some serious superpowers, my dear." He started to laugh. Then at some point in her poking, he reached up and grabbed her hand and held it still, resting on the couch.

~~~~~~~~~

She brought them to right near her bedroom before reaching up and grabbing a piece of rope that had been draped to a hook near the ceiling. She pulled the rope, stairs unfolding out before them. She glanced back at Jeremy, an excited smile on her face. She might actually stay up there long enough to actually look through some things now that Jeremy was there.

She took the first step onto the stairs, hesitated a moment just to double check that it was sturdy, and then took a second step. That is when she felt something tug her hair backwards, her heart jumping into her throat as she lost her balance...

[Rae]

"I..."

He made her feel silly, right then. She narrowed her eyes and looked away, trying to think of a come back but instead all the thinking caused a sharp pain to surge through her head which made her gasp, and wince. "Oi... No more thinking... You're right--" She paused, glancing up at him, "N-No, I didn't say that!"

-

"Gotcha!"

Not this time, bastards.

He caught her easily, her weight light as he expected. "You okay?" He asked, "Quite a fall you took there, little miss."

[RoseTyler]

Bryan looked at her, a boisterous laugh escaping his throat. "Oh, you so said that." He looked at her, his eyes softening as he shifted to brush her hair back from her face. "Get some rest, okay? I'll stay here, just relax."

~~~~~~~~~

Christy's heart was racing, fear sending shivers down her spine. "I... That..." She reached up, rubbing her head where her hair was pulled. "What was that?"

Then she realized she was in Jeremy's arms, and the cold she had been feeling was battled back by the warmth that spread through her from Jeremy's touch.

[Rae]

"Mmm..." She wasn't sleepy, she didn't want to sleep. She gazed at him for a few moments, his touch reminding her of the comfort she felt this morning. If only he had any inkling of a feeling like the ones she felt, but he didn't, thread just here out of obligation.

Everyone always is.

"You don't have to stay, and I mean that," She said, pulling her thin blanket up to her chin. No, She didn't want to be alone, but she didn't want him here out of guilt either. Or... was She thinking too much again?

--

"Maybe... we should try again later, Christy," He said, gently setting her down but keeping his arms around her waist, so she wouldn't stumble. "Why don't we go watch a funny movie, hmm?"

[RoseTyler]

"Well I appreciate your offer, but you'd have to beat me with a stick to make me go away. And you are obviously not in the physical state to do that, so I guess you are stuck with me." He grinned at her before leaning back against the couch.

~~~~~

Christy let herself lean into him, warmed by his touch. Her stomach was full of butterflies, and she wished she wasn't the only one affected by their touch. She tried to act normal, though. "Hmm... Haunted attic or funny video. Such a hard decision..." She smiled up at him, feeling shy again. She really didn't want to leave his arms.

She looked back up the stairs to the attic. "It really is a cool creepy room..." She turned her eyes to him, insisting she wasn't completely insane for wanting to go up there.

[Rae]

"Oh..."

Rae yawned, her mind gradually going blank. She closed her eyes and tried to allow herself to relax, she figured he wanted her to go to sleep for whatever reason, so she shouldn't try to do anything else. She pulled the blanket over her more and sighed, defeated by the irony the day brought on. She wondered how things would be tomorrow...

-

"Christy," He drawled out her name, "I... I don't want you to get hurt- why don't we wait till Bryan and Rae can go with us?" He tucked back a piece of her hair behind her ear, gently.

[RoseTyler]

Bryan relaxed, feeling better that she was finally settling down. He didn't want her to hurt herself further... He pulled out his phone and began checking his email as he sat there.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Christy couldn't help it. Between his words and the touch of his hand, her eyes fluttered closed for a moment. For that moment, she wished he'd kiss her, even though, logically, that was ridiculous. She had just met him... But her entire being responded to his touch, even the lightest of ones...

She nodded, acquiescing. "Alright." She looked up at him then, smiling slightly.

[Rae]

Rae laid there unhappily for a while before finally she managed to fall into her usual restless sleeps, uncomfortable and just plain unhappy.

-

He chuckled and leaned forward, placing the lightest of a kiss on her temple. Mmm.. He might have passed limits doing that but he didn't really care, her skin was warm and soft and he loved seeing her face brighten up.

[RoseTyler]

Bryan shifted as he sat there, his arm coming up on the couch. Absentmindedly, he began stroking the top of her hand with his thumb while focusing on his phone.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A blush heated her cheeks as warmth spread everywhere from the touch of his lips. She really could have stayed like that forever, but she knew that he'd probably come to his senses and realize that a sweet guy like him could get a lot better than her. Still, she appreciated it while she had it.

She didn't want to break the spell. She wanted to wrap her arms around him and never let go... But she knew he probably wouldn't respond well to that. Plus, the thought was crazy. She just. met. him. She had to keep telling herself that...

But she hadn't even kissed a guy since high school, no one, literally no one, had ever made her feel like this. She felt like she was floating, she was so happy. Still, she knew that nothing could happen... Well, she tried to tell herself that. When he pulled away, she looked up at him with a shy smile. "So... funny movie?"

[Rae]

He grinned, "Yeah, sure," He turned to face the end of the hall, "where would you like to set up the theatre?" He asked, grinning. He was quite fond of her, she didn't feel much like a client anymore. More like a friend-- that he just happened to be attracted to.

He kept his arm around her and let her make the decision, he'd figured out quickly she liked to do that.

-

Rae..

She shifted in her slip, wanting to turn on her side but she couldn't due to the pain. Unconsciously she whimpered, a sad little noise escaping her slightly full, pink lips. What a miserable sleep..

[RoseTyler]

"Hmm.." She discovered she found it hard to think when he had his arm around her. "Well, as Bryan and Rae have the downstairs, you just want to set up in my room?" She shrugged her shoulders.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When he heard her whimper even in her sleep, his eyes darkened with concern. He shifted, standing up before leaning over her and rubbing her arms gently. "Hey, it's okay.." He hoped he would somehow calm her rather than make it worse. He was so worried..

[Rae]

Jeremy didn't like her room, be purposely hadn't been in there day. But like any idiot who's blinded by attraction to the opposite sex, he said yes, and headed downstairs to grab his laptop, curiously glancing at the two, not sure what was up with Rae. He didn't ask though, it seemed like Bryan had it under control. He grabbed his computer and headed back upstairs, glancing over his shoulder at Rae once more before disappearing upstairs.

-

Rae felt movement and shifted again. She felt warmth but she yet again couldn't figure out where it was coming from. But whatever was near her now had sent the voice away, and now she couldn't hear it anymore. She seemed to quiet down but longed for the warmth to envelope her although it would, and although she was no longer verbally tormented, the loneliness settled in.

[RoseTyler]

Christy hopped onto her bed, folding her legs beneath her as she usually did. She leaned her head back against the headrest, yawning a little as her eyes fell closed. It had been a weird day. A really weird day. Her mind drifted, thinking about the house, what was going on... and she didn't feel the three small scratches that appeared on her arm.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Since she appeared to calm down by his touch, he was hesitant to even go so far as to sit beside the couch again. With a quick mental debate, he lifted her back up slightly and sat on the couch, cradling her head in his lap, gently stroking her hair.

[Rae]

"I'm back," Jeremy said, peeking his head through the door and smiling, holding his laptop up, "time for a good movie, Mmm?"

He waltzed over to the side of the bed she wasn't on and plopped down on top of it, resting the laptop on his lap and proceeding to bring up YouTube. "Preferences, my dear?"

[RoseTyler]

Christy grinned at him. She felt lucky, he was such a kind, nice, sweet guy... And he was spending time with her. Whether or not it was complacent, she wasn't entirely sure on his side of things, but she was happy. And, he called her my dear... She was totally smitten with him.

"Oh, no. Funny movie was your idea, you choose." She elbowed him as she spoke, emphasizing "you". She laughed, feeling very lighthearted despite the disturbing encounter outside the room.

[Rae]

"I'm a terrible decision maker," He said with a playful pout, nudging her back as he clicked around. He didn't know what she'd like, or much about her at all really. She'd need a comedy was all he knew, to keep things light hearted and pleasant. He didn't take notice to her newly acquired semi wound.

"Well, there's... romantic comedy, dramatic comedy..." He glanced at her, a crooked smile on his face, "Come on, I need a little hep, at least..."

[RoseTyler]

She laughed at him. "Okay, fine. I'll choose romantic comedy, cause I'm a sucker for romance. Sue me." She was so used to her brothers harassing her about always watching romance movies that she just assumed that's what she'd get from Jeremy.

"I picked the genre, now you are stuck with picking the actual movie. It's all up to you now." She grinned at him.

[Rae]

"Brat," He teased, and scrolled through the movies. "Um... Just go with it is Raes favorite movie. Hmm..." He kept going, not sure what to pick. "Oh, geez.. Um, you've got mail? …That's an old one. Um.."

[RoseTyler]

She elbowed him again playfully. "What do you want to watch?" Laughter lit her eyes as she watched him struggle to pick a movie. This was going to be more entertaining than the actual movie. A grin split her face at that thought.

[Rae]

"Ugh..."

After several minutes he'd chosen Valentine's day, and it was a totally random he literally just closed his eyes and clicked sort of thing. He didnt care much for it, just by the cover. But he did hope it'd ease Christy and get her to relax like she had the night before. He slipped his arm around her waist and pulled her into his chest, gently, in a way that she could easily pull away If she wanted to. Although.. He hoped she didn't want to.

-

"Bryan..?"

She suddenly woke up, her eyes half lidded and her heart beat speeding up. "Bryan did you leave?" She called out. Not aware she was in his lap. She'd had a momentary feeling of fear and much like last night she called for him first.

[RoseTyler]

She didn't really care what movie was put on the screen, not when she had his arm round her. When he pulled her even closer, she felt even more warmth spread through her. A stupid happy smile was plastered on her face as she curled up against him. Oh, she would never be able to get enough of this. Too bad it was limited... But she wasn't thinking of that. All she wanted to think about was his arm.

Well... Not all she wanted to think about... But that was entirely wrong... or was it?

~~~~~~~~~~~

Bryan felt her shift, her eyes opening. He saw the fear in them and his worry ratcheted up. "Hey, I'm right here." He ran a hand over her shoulder, trying to comfort her. "I didn't leave."

[Rae]

Jeremy kept his snug and warm in his hold as the movie began, eventually letting his fingers trail along her forearm or her waist, but not in a pervert way, more as a comforting gesture. He enjoyed the company-- he didn't want her to know, but he'd never had a girl this close before. He'd never kissed anyone, either, he really doubted second grade counted. And that was forced, not to mention.

But like any guy he tried to be cool and easy going, despite the unexpected increase in his heart beat speed.

-

"Oh..." She glanced up and saw his pretty eyes and knew it was true, he was still here. However their positions were different and although she didn't mind it, she was surprised to see where he'd situated her. Right in is lap...?

"Sorry I.." She took in a deep breath, "I got scared..."

[RoseTyler]

Christy had no idea what was going on in the movie. All she could focus on was his hand trailing over her, leaving goosebumps in its wake. She struggled to suppress the shivers that wanted to move through her, unsure how he'd respond to that. She didn't want him to stop...

Her heart was beating hard and fast, and she fought to keep her breathing even. It might be a bit obvious that she's had no kind experience if she showed how much he affected her. She couldn't stop herself, though, from letting her eyes fall closed as she leaned back into him.

Oh, how she wanted more...

Wait.

Did she really just think that?

~~~~~~~~~

"Yeah.." His eyes were soft with concern as he looked at her. "You weren't comfortable even with me just on the floor, so I changed position a bit." He explained their situation. "It seemed to work. You were sleeping calmly until a moment ago..." His brow was furrowed in concern. "You okay?"

[Rae]

Jeremy continued to stroke her skin, noticed her relaxing body against his and feeling victorious for getting her in a calm state yet again. He just wanted her to be safe and relaxed, that was all.

"This movies stupid," he randomly snorted, rolling his eyes at its cliche nature. He tilted his head and let it lightly rest on hers, oddly catching the scent of her hair, a sweet and innocent scent that matched her personality remarkably.

He kept his hand where it was and continued to trace shapes along her skin, wondering if it annoyed her or not. He'd seen it done by his parents and movies. It seemed to work but he was too much of a dork to know!

-

"Yeah I... I'm sorry I just.. Got scared.." She turned her head a bit, damn it hurt, but it could be worse, she supposed. She groaned as she tried to get more comfortable, her eyes heavy as she glanced at him and then her eyes settled on his fingers still in her hair. She liked the stroking...

[RoseTyler]

"Mmm..." She made a noncommittal sound to his comment, not really knowing one way or the other. She let out a slow breath when his head rested on top of hers, her heart fluttering in her chest. This time, when his hands started tracing patterns on her skin, she couldn't suppress the shiver that ran through her body. Her breath caught, not expecting the onslaught of sensations she got just from the simple tough of his fingers.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bryan grabbed a pillow as she shifted to put it under her head. Perhaps that would give her more comfort. He leaned down and kissed her on the forehead again. "Stop being sorry for something that's not your fault." He murmured as he returned to stroking her hair.

[Rae]

Jeremy felt her shiver in his hold and chuckled, "Are you cold?"

He hadn't a single clue what effects his touch had on her, honestly if he'd known he'd probably tone it down for her sake. He pulled up the blankets and wrapped it around hee and himself, letting his arm rest on her waist, ceasing the skin stroking for a while, and instead his hand just barely rested on hers.

-

Rae grumbled something in response and felt her eyes closing as he kissed her forehead. Moments later she was asleep again, only this time it was more peaceful being that she had all of his attention on her for the time being.

[RoseTyler]

Cold... Christy was so far from being cold, it wasn't even funny. Even so, she didn't complain when he wrapped the blankets around them, even though she missed his touch immediately. When his hand came back down on her waist, warmth entirely unrelated to the blanket tingled through her. It was very, very nice. She really didn't think she'd ever want to leave his arms.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bryan was glad she fell back asleep, rest was probably the best thing for her. She seemed more relaxed than before, so it allowed him to relax a bit. He continued to run his hand through her hair as he fooled around on his phone.

[Rae]

Jeremy smirked as the movie had ended, "That was ridiculous.. although, has it really been almost two hours since we started it up? That's crazy, now it's..." He checked on the time, "Twelve o'clock exactly. Should probably get lunch going in an hour or two. Guess Rae can't eat, she'll be a grumpy little thing if we woke her up now..."

He leaned back further and sighed, "What a day, what a--"

Wha... What's on my ankle?

He tensed up just a little but quickly tried to relax so he wouldn't make her feel uneasy. He moved his legs so they were more against hers, hoping it was just a bug and now it'd crawl off. But whatever it was, and he believed he unfortunately knew what it was, had a firm grip on his ankles. However just as he was about to act out, the feeling left, and he realized it was gone, whatever it was.

[RoseTyler]

Christy giggled at his choice of description of the movie. She barely even paid attention to it. She was just sad that it was over, Jeremy would probably want to leave then... She sighed.

Then she felt him tense up as he stopped in the middle of his sentence. She turned her head to look up at him, concern in her eyes. "What is it?"

[Rae]

"Nothing," He smiled, unconsciously pressing a light kiss to the top of her head, and proceeding to blush like a dork afterwards. He cleared his throat and began typing on the computer with his free hand, "Wanna watch another one?"

He blinked as he noticed the rooms eerie atmosphere shift, it was more bearable than before. Why had it left suddenly? And if it were near, the computer would have been drained of its energy, he'd think...

Let it go! Just focus on Christy!

Inwardly he sighed And focused on her again, his fingers running along her arm and grazing over the scratches, unaware they were there.

The entity he'd felt in the room was merely messing with them. It was intelligent as they'd soon find out. It swiftly moved downstairs in all of its transparent creepiness and feasted its eyes on the most fun to mess with being that'd ever come into the house. Little Rae, so she'd been called. It swerved closer and stood behind Bryan, creating the chill in the room as it was the signature mark something was here.

[RoseTyler]

A smile formed on Christy's face at the touch of his lips, warmth spreading everywhere. She was surprised she wasn't burning up from it. If they watched another one, then she got to stay in his arms longer... It was an easy decision. "Sure." She smiled up at him.

She was more than happy to sit there and let Jeremy run his hand over her arm, and would have stayed like that forever, but the warmth turned to a different kind of burn at one point. Her eyes automatically glanced down at her arm, confused, and froze when she saw the three small marks there.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bryan felt the cold crawl up his spine, unease settling in the room. Of their own accord, his eyes traced around the room, for some reason feeling as though something were there. Unconsciously, his other hand came to rest on her shoulder, for some reason feeling that he needed to protect her from something.

[Rae]

Jeremy felt her look down at her arm. He thought he'd bothered her and moved his fingers but when he looked down at her arm he noticed the same thing she had. "Damn," He said quietly, lifting her arm to inspect it and reaching beside the bed on the floor for the first aid kit. Whatever was in here was evil, end of story.

He pulled up her arm and kissed it lightly. "Kisses help everything, mom says," He gave her a goofy smile, and then pulled out a clear bottle with alcohol in it, the kind the doctors used before they gave you a shot.

"Hold still now," He whispered, pulling her even closer as he dabbed the liquid on the scratches.

-

Rae stirred uncomfortably, trying to turn but oh how it hurt to do so... She pulled the blanket over her more and her eyes opened just a little, her hearing suddenly enhanced as she heard the energy moving about in the room. She couldn't explain it but she knew She could hear it, and it was bad.

"Bryan..." She breathed, "Is someone down here?"

Bryan...

[RoseTyler]

Uneasy with the concept that something marked her, she still blushed when he kissed her arm. Her heart melted despite the creepy happenings of the house. "I don't think I'd argue with your mom." She said with a small smile.

The alcohol stung a little on the cuts, but it was nothing she couldn't handle. Instead, her mind was focused on this whole kissing idea. She wouldn't mind getting hurt more if she got a kiss whenever it happened...

What the hell, Christy! What has gotten into you???

She blushed again before turning to look at him. "Thanks," She said with a smile.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bryan was annoyed that whatever this feeling was woke Rae up. He was a skeptic, that was ingrained in him, but damn did he want whatever was going on to go away. If it was physical, then he could probably beat the living crap out of it, but whatever this was? It was too weird.

"I... I'm not sure...." It took a lot for him to say that. There was nothing physical, nothing visible down there, but... It sure felt like they weren't alone.

[Rae]

Jeremy smiled and placed his hand over the scratches, "Let's find something else to watch," He scrolled down until he found some other silly romance movie and turned it on randomly. His thoughts were really focus on Christy and although he was glad he could distract her, he was worried about things wanting to bother her. She was a sweet heart. He didn't like seeing her hurt.

He pressed one last kiss to her head before he figured he'd be pushing it, and clicked play, tightening his grip around her.

-

Rae attempted to sit up and managed to, but only a little, her eyes searching for the source whilst fighting against the throb in her head. She didn't want Bryan to be worried about her, she hated being troublesome to a person. She turned her head slightly and looked at Bryan, eyes widened as the light from the hall way, near the first step, outlined a shadow, which seemed to linger there and then disappear.

[RoseTyler]

The scratches stayed in the back of Christy's mind, but she was otherwise entirely happy to stay snuggled in Jeremy's arms. She was really happy to be there. She smiled as she let him hold her tight against him, feeling all warm and fuzzy on the inside.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Bryan helped her sit up some, concern showing in his eyes. When hers widened, looking at something behind him, he immediately turned to look at what caused that reaction. Seeing nothing, he looked back at her. "What is it?"

[Rae]

"This movies lame too... I think you should be choosing them, not me," he stifled a laugh and let it continue though, moving his hand up to run his fingers through her long, knotless hair. It was smooth and he couldn't help but to keel stroking it, wanting to keep her calm and comfy.

-

"It... was nothing, trick of the light I'm sure..." She moved a bit and although she was still in his lap she rested her head against his chest, messing with her over sized sleeves and trying to ignore the chill that seemed to come and go. It was taunting and made her feel kind of crazy, she just wanted to rest...

[RoseTyler]

Christy laughed softly. "Well... I have to admit that I'm not paying much attention to it." Her face burned when she admitted that, worried that she might have been too forward. But really though, she couldn't focus on anything besides what he was doing.

Comfy she was. Calm? Not so much. Her heart was racing in her chest and she just felt warm all over. She wondered if he had any idea of the affect he was having on her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bryan turned back to her, worried. This house was just freaking strange. He did, though, wrap his arms around her, hoping to ward off the chill for her that was in the room.

[Rae]

"Whys that?" He asked, glancing down at her with curious eyes. He hoped she wasn't focusing on the scratches or anything bad the house had to offer, he was trying to make her feel better. His fingers ran through her hair gently and he thought about how it felt to have someone so close to him. Although he'd brought her close to him to be a sort of protection, he didn't really think it'd end up effecting him. He liked her against him, he liked the warmth emanating from her and the positive energy she seemed to give off. She was delicate, he respected that, he just hoped she trusted him.

But if their job ended very soon it... wouldn't matter very much.

-

Rae was quiet and listened to the odd creaks and groans of the old house, her fingers lightly poking at his as he'd wrapped his arms around her. She always poked at people, to see their reactions and if she could get away with it. It was kind of a tactic, somewhat of a comfort.

[RoseTyler]

Well... that answers that question. He has no idea the effect he is having on me...

She bit her lip, trying to figure out what to say. She didn't want him to stop, and she worried if she said the wrong thing, he would. "It's just.. nice. Sitting here, with you..." She left out the bit that his touch was making her heart race. That she was entirely unused to these feelings she was having.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bryan tried to sit still, trying not to move her and hurt her further. He failed once she began poking at him again. A soft laugh rumbled through his chest. "What is it with you and poking me?" He looked down at her, laughter in his eyes.

[Rae]

Jeremy smiled, not quite sure how to take that. "Ah," He nodded, his fingers pausing for a few moments before rested his hand on her waist and settled it there. His words confided she was comfortable, whether or not she was more than comfortable though was another question that'd sit on his mind.

He clicked out of the movie and decided to bring up some funny videos, his mind of entertaining her since he had no clue she wanted his undivided attention, not youtube.

"I like sitting here with you, too," He said softly, after a few moments of silence, "You're a sweet girl, Christy."

-

"Well?" She looked at him innocently, "What else am I supposed to do? I can't really move and I can't really sleep... So, that means, I have to poke you. Duh."

She rolled her eyes at him, although it was all in playful manner.

[RoseTyler]

Christy couldn't fight back the disappointment when he just rested his hand on her waist. So much for more... She still felt warm and cozy because she was still in his arms. So at least there was that.

Then he made the sweet girl comment. That made her worry... Was that a good thing or a bad thing? Did that mean he viewed her as a girl rather than a woman? Or was that just how he thought of women? Was she getting the completely wrong idea?

Ugh. She was thinking too much.

But she really really hoped a "sweet girl" wasn't all he saw...

~~~~~~~~~~

Bryan laughed again. He could think of other things... but he was keeping that bit to himself.

"Well... do you want to play a game of cards or something?" He was trying to come up with something she wanted to do that wouldn't risk causing her pain.

[Rae]

Jeremy felt like she didn't like his answer, so he stopped typing and wrapped both arms around her waist, squeezing tightly yet gentle to not hurt her. "That a good thing," He whispered, chuckling as he figured she was acting like Rae, over thinking things that didn't need to be analyzed so much.

-

"Cards.. What kind of cards?" She asked, her fingers trailing along from his wrist to his elbow and back. She liked feeling his muscles, she hoped he didn't mind her touch. Though he could just simply tell her to stop. And if he was lucky, she'd listen.

[RoseTyler]

Christy felt positively giddy when he wrapped both of his arms around her, his words reassuring her that she was, in fact, thinking too much. "Good.." She murmured, feeling as if she could fall asleep right there in his arms. Then, completely without thinking, she put her arms over his, holding them there as she tried to adapt to the feeling going through her. She really could stay like that all day.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Bryan thought for a moment, struggling to keep his mind on PG subjects while she ran her hand over his arm. His muscles automatically flexed under her hands, though. "Well, I just have a set of playing cards, so the only games I know are War or Rummy... Or Go Fish if you'd prefer." He turned his amused eyes on her with a smile.

[Rae]

Was she really warming up to him so quickly? Maybe She really did like him more than he knew. She'd practically melted in his hold being that this is the farthest he'd ever gone with a girl, really, he just... didn't know what to do. What were his limits? Whatever Bryan won't murder me over, He figured. And that was basically everything. So, he just sat there, ignoring his lap top and letting his arms sit lightly around her, his fingers grazing her sides.

He took in a deep breath and yet again rested his head against hers. He figured if she wanted anything to happen, she'd let him know through hints. Otherwise they'd just stay this way, and he found he was okay with that.

-

"Mm..." She looked up at him, "Go fish can get tedious but I don't know how to play the other games..." She made a pouty face and softened her eyes, "Looks like you're gunna have to teach me, if you can, that is."

[RoseTyler]

Christy's eyes fell closed, a smile crossing her face as his head rested against hers. Could this really be happening? Any thoughts of hauntings or the like were completely gone. All that mattered were the little shivers going through her body from his soft touch. Without thinking, her fingers began running over his arms as he was doing to her.

~~~~~~~~~~

Okay. He couldn't help himself. A wicked grin crossed his face, "Oh, trust me, I can teach you plenty of things." His eyes were laughing as he continued, "But rummy is fairly simple. The cards are still sitting on the front porch, so if you want we can play out there or I can bring them in here?" He was hesitant to leave her for any amount of time, but whatever she preferred he would go with.

[Rae]

Jeremy felt her fingers along his skin and for the first time, he shivered. Her skin was smooth and every spot she caressed left tingles. He took in another deep breath and inhaled her scent, shifting and leaning back more into the pillows, her body still against his chest. He held he And let her tight and let her do as she pleased, his eyes closing lightly as he embraced her very being. He felt... strange. To be so close with someone. He'd never be this way with Rae, he didn't feel comfortable, or with anyone else for that matter. But Christy...

-

"Oh. Can you?" She mirrored his grin and rolled her eyes, sitting up all on her own and trying to give him a bit of room. Must have been awkward to have a stranger sleeping on top of him. She couldn't pretend she had special perks or anything.

"If you want to go get them you can. I... think I need to stay propped up on the couch," She said, her hand rubbing her head. She then realized how stupid she must have looked with a long, thick ace bandage wrapped around her head. She frowned.

[RoseTyler]

She leaned back with him, completely at ease. She couldn't stop herself from wondering what it'd be like to kiss him, if this feeling would be any different then. For now, though, she was completely happy with the feeling of his hands gently running over her waist, her hands tracing over his forearms. She wondered if she would ever become desensitized to the feelings he gave her... and figured there was only one way to find out, though she highly doubted it.

~~~~~~~~~~

Bryan smiled at her, amused. He then stood, leaning over to kiss her forehead before quickly going out to get the cards. He hurried, not wanting to leave her alone for any longer than strictly necessary. When he returned, he began the lesson in Rummy.

[Rae]

Jeremy hadn't even noticed it but he'd fallen asleep! The hours passed and the day had gone from morning to sunset. She'd been so warm and comfortable with Christy, his thoughts going from a kiss to the feeling of her fingers on his forearms. He just found himself kind of addicted to her in that moment, and it'd relaxed him so much he fell asleep.

When about seven o'clock came around he'd opened his eyes, checking the time on his lap top and finding it hard to believe he had slept so long. But he felt... great.

-

"I win!"

Rae had caught on a bit slowly she was ashamed to say, and although he'd beat her with a grin several times she made sure to rub it in his face with her sweet little winning smile that she'd in fact won this silly little card game. It was late, very late, they'd played for such a long time, snacking on this, talking about that, slowly but surely getting to know eachother. She was starting to like him more and more with every fact she learned about him, and made it a point to memorize these things.

[RoseTyler]

At some point in the afternoon, relaxing in Jeremy's arms turning into sleeping in them. It was the second time in as many days that that had happened. Her sleep was a happy, dreamless daze. Warmth enveloped her, and she hardly woke up when she felt him shift, she was so comfortable.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

"It's about time!" He teased with a grin. Then he raised an eyebrow, "So, what's your prize? I figure I owe you something, as I beat you... How many times?" Amusement lit is eyes as he tried not to burst out laughing.

[Rae]

Jeremy observed Christy, glad to know she was getting some rest. She was a real doll when she slept, peaceful, quiet, and baring a faint blush on her fair skinned cheeks. He was growing oddly fond of her... it almost felt like theyd known eachother longer than merely three days.

"Christy..." He whispered, pressing his lips softly to her cheek, "Christy, love. Are you hungry? We've been asleep a long time..."

-

"A prize?" She arched a brow, eyeing him with a playfulness much like his. "Well... What're my options? Or... more so... What are my limits?" Her cheeks grew slightly red but she held her gaze with him, her head resting against the couch, propped up with a pillow. She had slowly been able to move a bit more without too much pain. But she would have to take an aspirin soon.

[RoseTyler]

She began to wake up as he said her name, shifting slightly. She woke up more so when she felt his lips against her cheek, then when he said that word, that endearment, she felt pure pleasure warmed through her. She snuggled more into him, not really wanting to wake up, but wanting to hear that again.

"Mmm.." He called her love...

Hungry? Hungry for what, exactly? She felt a blush creep up her cheeks just at thinking that. "I think I am more than happy to stay right here, actually." She was obviously still partly asleep. She would never have said that had her brain been fully functional.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Bryan smirked at her, amused by her response. "Is that a challenge? Why, I couldn't put limits on a prize for an invalid." He was obviously trying not to laugh, but his eyes were smoldering as he waited for a reply.

[Rae]

Jeremy grinned as she responded, her words cute and oddly enough exactly what he wanted to hear. He stroked her cheek with his thumb and debated on whether or not they should stay like this. But if it's what she said... then he figured he shouldn't argue. Her brother would have to be happy she was so well rested.

"Alright," he whispered, his other hand holding her body to his. "Just rest then, love."

-

"...Invalid?" She arched a brow, rolling her eyes. "Not even."

She made a face as if she were bored, tugging on a long strand of her hair and faking a yawn, the lower part of her torso exposed under her crop top as her arm rose. She was a very skinny girl but actually did have nicely toned abs.

"You probably couldn't satisfy me with any prize anyways..." She leaned back, waiting for his response.

[RoseTyler]

She couldn't stop smiling, every touch leaving her body burning. Then he said it again, and her smile grew a little bit wider. Her eyes never opened as she curled up against him. She was almost too happy, and her body was beginning to become insistent with wanting more. She wondered what Jeremy would think if he knew what she was thinking... what she wished would happen...

~~~~~~~~~

Bryan knew she was taunting him. Even knowing that, though, he couldn't stop the burning that was sitting deep in his gut. His eyes were dark as he watched her.

"Oh, really? You think so, do you?" He arched his own brow, crossing his arms and leaning back. If she wanted to taunt him, well, she wasn't going to get anything without asking then. "I guess no prize is necessary, then, huh?"

[Rae]

Jeremy yawned, stretching his arms a bit and then wrapping them back around her. He rolled his shoulders, stretched his legs, the usual motions first thing after a long nap. He tried not to move too much for her sake, but after a while of sitting there he became dreadfully bored.

"Huh," He stated randomly. "Wonder if little Christy is ticklish."

-

Rae frowned. That wasn't what she wanted to hear. She wanted him to cave!

"Guess not, I mean," She snorted, her eyes narrowing at him, "What could you possibly give me?"

[RoseTyler]

That brought Christy fully conscious real fast. Her eyes popped open, widening as the threat took hold. Then she pulled away, narrowing her eyes at him. "Don't even think about it, buddy." She warned.

~~~~~~~~~~

He nodded, as if considering her words. He then stretched, folding his arms behind his head. "True. Guess this is going to be one easy prize to pay up." His eyes laughed at her.

[Rae]

Jeremy was surprised that she moved so fast, and he nodded, "Just curious, no need to get so upset.. unless you're really ticklish." He flashed her a pearly white grin, amusement clear in his eyes.

-

She looked at him, perplexed. Was he really not going to cave? He didn't seem like he would.

...Now she was curious. Did he have a real prize for her or was he just taunting her like she was him? She frowned, had he really won again?

[RoseTyler]

Christy's heart sped up at his smile, but she wasn't going to succumb to it. "I am ticklish, and I will injure you if you try to tickle me." She warned him again, but her eyes held a hint of amusement this time.

~~~~~~~~~~~

He watched with amusement at Rae's multitude of expressions. He stayed right where he was, though, looking absolutely relaxed. He didn't feel relaxed, but he wasn't going to let her know that. He just sat there and smirked at there, his eye dark and amused.

[Rae]

"Injure me? After all I've done for you?" He smirked, rising from his spot, leaning towards her a bit, "That's not nice, Christy. I'm merely curious," He moved forward a little bit more, his words teasing and his intentions playful.

-

"Oh..." She sighed and then her eyes settled on his, "You're not winning, you know," She laid down on her backside, her head on the seat of the couch. She watched him carefully, wondering just what he was thinking.

[RoseTyler]

Christy's eyes were laughing even while she narrowed them on him. She refused to back away even as her heart was pounding in her chest. "I'm warning you, you don't want to do this." She was trying not to laugh even before he got to her. "Whatever happens to you is of your own doing, not mine." She tried really hard to keep a straight face as he approached her. She couldn't deny her racing heart though, not when he looked like that.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

He raised an eyebrow, flexing his arms as he rested them on the arms of the chair. He grinned at her. "Oh, I think you are wrong. Again." Then he looked like he was contemplating something. "Well. I guess as you have been injured, I shouldn't try to teach you anything more..." His eyes were amused as he stretched his legs out in front of him, looking the epitome of relaxed.

[Rae]

Without even the slightest hesitation Jeremy had moved swiftly and managed to pin her underneath him, a devilish grin on his face as he felt her pulse through her wrist. He gave her a victorious look and then slowly his right hand made its way to her sides. He'd figure it out, how ticklish she was. He wanted to see her laugh some more, really.

-

"I..." She made a face much like an displeased princess would. "I'm not that injured..."

[RoseTyler]

She squealed as he pinned her, laughing before he even began tickling. She struggled against him, laughing as she tried to get him off her. She, of course, failed miserably. "Stop it, you jerk!" She cried between bouts of laughter. She tried to buck him off of her, but he was definitely stronger than she was. laughing, she ended up trying to curl up to block his hands.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Oh, but I could hardly take that risk, now could I?" He smiled at her, obviously smug.

[Rae]

Jeremy smirked, leaning down and smiling at her. "Make me."

He the proceeded to tickle her, quickly yet as gentle as he could, knowing that sometimes when people tried to tickle you it hurt or was extremely awkward. He messed with her for a while, occasionally letting her breathe or stopping because he himself was laughing too hard.

-

"Well..." She looked at him, frowning, "Ugh, you're no fun Bryan." She stuck her tongue out at him and proceeded to mess with her hair, "letting me be bored and prizeless..."

[RoseTyler]

Through bouts of laughter, she finally got words out. "I can't!" She was completely helpless, laughing as tears rolled down her cheeks. She put her hands on his shoulders, trying to push him off, but getting nowhere. Despite getting nowhere with that, she kept her hands there, weakly holding onto him as she continued to laugh underneath him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Trust me, Rae." His eyes bored into hers, "I'm a lot of fun." He let those words hang in the air has he waited for her response.

[Rae]

Jeremy finally over his hands to the bed on either side of her, flashing his biggest grin yet and leaning down to press a kiss to her forehead. "You're ticklish, and I win," He let his eyes meet hers for a while, his face as equally flushed as hers was. He liked the closeness though, he sensed trust which he appreciated.

-

"Nope! You're no fun," she returned his gaze with one of her own, not breaking the eye contact and baring a malicious smile. She could go on for hours but she got the sense that he could, too.

[RoseTyler]

Christy was stuck laughing for a little bit even after he stopped, getting it out of her system. When she finally calmed down, laughter still twinkled in her eyes as she stared up at him. Her smile stayed on her face as... feelings moved through her. Whatever it was, she had never felt it before... And it felt as though she were glowing as she stared into Jeremy's eyes, her heart racing in her chest.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Stubborn meets stubborner....

He shrugged his shoulders, his eyes never leaving hers. "I guess you will never find out, will you?" He raised an eyebrow, baiting her.

[Rae]

Jeremy smiled at her before he felt a bit shy and pulled back a little, although he was still hovering over her. It was almost like her just made life worth while for her, he was surprised- happy- but surprised. He'd never had anyone acknowledge him so much. She was like a... best friend and a girl friend and a first love all at the same--

Girlfriend and a first love? Snap /out/ of it, Jeremy!

But he couldn't. She was captivating.

-

"Find out..." She repeated, "And how, dear Bryan, does one find out?" She was close to giving up now. She just wanted to know what in the wooorld he was up to! ...He was obviously keeping something from her. But what? What was this prize, this something to find out??

[RoseTyler]

When he pulled away slightly, a battle began inside of her. He pulled back, so he must not want.... more. But... there was something in his eyes. With all the feelings in her body, she just needed...

Going purely on impulse, not thinking at all, the hands that had rested on his shoulders wrapped around his neck, and she just did it. She leaned forward and pressed her lips to his.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Well..." He got up from his chair, stretching out his muscles as if he were stiff from sitting for so long. "It's quite simple, really." He walked over and sat beside her on the couch, leaving space between the two of them as he made himself comfortable. "You just have to ask."

[Rae]

....What?

He was shocked, to say the least. He couldn't move, he wouldn't dare pull away, he couldn't do what he wanted to do... to wrap her up in his arms and kiss her back even deeper. He closed his eyes, for one, and although he just didn't think it was a good idea, he knew it was what he wanted, too. Even though... he'd never done it, before, really; but he just decided to wing it, and pulled her into his chest, embarrassed to have her feel his heart beating so quickly, surprised when he realized hers was too.

-

"...Ask?"

This is the part where he wins, again!

She sighed, "You win... How are you fun?" She pursed her lips, waiting for his response, wondering if she asked the right question.

[RoseTyler]

Christy was relieved when Jeremy finally responded. She had never, never, done anything so brazen before. At first she thought she did the wrong thing, but when he pulled her closer warmth once more burned through her. She wrapped her arms tighter around him, not wanting to stop.

~~~~~~

Bryan grinned, feeling thoroughly accomplished. He really did enjoy winning. "That depends," His eyes glinted with amusement and something more. "What do you want your prize to be?"

[Rae]

Jeremy pulled away to breath for a second but the dreamy look on her face brought him in for another, and another, and one more... She felt so good against him, but it wasn't exactly lustful for him, it was just... a sweet moment. He couldn't keep his lips off hers and wouldn't unless she told him too, but his hands stayed respectfully behind her back, besides, he was blushing too hard to even consider taking things forward.

-

"I don't know, something... special..." She gave him an innocent look.

[RoseTyler]

Christy felt like she was floating on top of the world. The feel of his lips on hers, knowing that he returned his lips to hers of his own will, it was more than she could have ever dreamed of. Really, nothing else mattered then. Nothing at all. She felt as though the world could be falling apart and she wouldn't have even noticed it. This kiss, kisses, it was nothing like what had happened back in high school. This was just... more.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bryan leaned forward, resting his elbow on his knee, his chin in his hand as he studied her as if he were thinking. "Hmm.. How special are we talking about, here?" His dark eyes twinkled with amusement.

[Rae]

Jeremy had continued for a good three minutes before he had to pull away and let his beating heart calm down. That and his face literally felt like it was on fire...

"I..." He laughed, licking his bottom lip. The taste of her was so wonderful... She was sweet and warm, Just the perfect thing to cuddle. And he loved the way she was looking at him. He went in for another kiss but this one was much gentler an only lasted about a second or two, a sort of twinkle in his eyes as they settles on hers, his forehead pressed against hers. "I can't believe you did that," But his words were nice and content, he didn't meant it meanly.

--

Rae placed her hands over her cheeks to hide her blush, why was he looking at her like that?

Special like... Oh... I don't know... Something I'll remember."

[RoseTyler]

Christy felt warm all over, a not unpleasant feeling. She was more than a little dazed, her heart still pounding in her chest. Then, at his words, she let out a small giggle, her blush intensifying. "I can't believe it either!" She smiled at him, her heart full. But oh, was she glad she did. She wasn't sure she would be able to let go of him, though. He just felt so warm and cozy and perfect.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

He leaned forward a little bit before pausing. "Something special like... this?" He reached up and began kneading her shoulders, massaging her slowly. After a moment he leaned closer, "Or perhaps..." His hands came up to gently cradle her head as he leaned in, capturing her lips with his.

[Rae]

Jeremy chuckled, she was too cute. He caressed her cheek with his fingers and stayed there as long as she held him. He had the feeling she went planning to let go anytime soon but honestly? He was totally okay with that. He was more than happy nothing and no one was bothering them. He stayed in his position, staring at her adoringly.

-

Rae didn't expect him to do what he did. She was still processing things even seconds after he'd kissed her. Her eyes were wide, her heart was pumping fast, and blood rose to her cheeks, jaw line and every other part of her body, tingling, sizzling... He was kissing her. She hadn't been kissed since freshman year! ....She didn't know what to do.

Okay sooo... maybe he really is fun...

After a moment of hesitating she let her eyes close, and gently yet playfully bit his bottom lip. He was yummy.

[RoseTyler]

Christy's eyes closed at the touch of his fingers, his touch leaving a tingling path in its wake. She absentmindedly began playing with his hair as she held on to him, happier than she'd ever been before.

She would have stayed like that for hours. She really would have. But a low rumble coming from her stomach sort of put a dent in her plan.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

He grinned against her lips, gently nibbling on her lower lip in retaliation.

He wouldn't deny he knew what he was doing. It was weird though, he had never done anything so... rash, so fast paced before. There was something about Rae that just called to him, it was hard to resist. Which was probably why he was kissing her right then.

[Rae]

Jeremy took in a deep breath and sat back, pulling her up so she was sitting up beside him. "I thought you said you weren't hungry?" He said with a teasing smile, his fingers grazing hers. "We should probably go get you some thing to eat... fridge looked pretty empty, maybe should order something again?"

He leaned forward, cupping her cheek in his hand and kissing her once more. He couldn't help it, and he knew, now, that's all that she wanted.

-

Rae let out a content and dreamy sigh as he bit her back, her body feeling as if it'd melt right there underneath him. Her finger nails grazed up along his muscles, and then his neck, and then lightly started to run through his hair, which she'd wanted to do this morning. She left feather soft touches and mentally begged him to keep himself right here and just like this. It was the kiss she'd always wanted, the perfect one, the one she'd wished would have been her first.

[RoseTyler]

Christy pouted a little when they sat up. "I wasn't.." She couldn't say she wasn't hungry then, though, as her stomach did feel rather empty. She didn't realize she was hungry earlier, and she was quite glad about that.

Her eyes fluttered close when he leaned in to kiss her. Oh,there was no way she'd get enough of that. He just made her feel...Loved. You were going to say loved. Cared for. She felt cared for. When he pulled back, she looked up at him through her lashes, color resting high on her cheekbones. Any thoughts she had about food were suddenly gone, lost in the warmth of his lips.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Rae's response spurred him on, but he was still careful not to hurt her. While keeping the kiss gentle, he moved hhis hands over her neck and shoulders, lightly brushing over her arms before returning. He liked the little sigh he got from her, and he fully intended to get another.

[Rae]

He pulled back quickly as he felt something vibrate, his wide as he felt around his hips and then realized it was his phone. "Oh," He laughed a bit, and pulled it out. It was a text from his dad, which he didn't read, ignored, and he happily shoved back in his pocket. He lingered there for a another couple of minutes. He smiled at her. He felt a little dazed, he did and didn't want to go get food.

"Anything in particular you'd like to eat?" He asked randomly, trying to get himself to wake up a little.

-

"Bryan..." She found herself indulging in every second, his body was so muscular and... hot against hers. Her breathing was very calm and slow, she was just... melting.

[RoseTyler]

Food? How could she possibly think about food? "Umm..." She tried to think of something, she really did, but after a minute gave up. She shook her head, "nope, no idea." A blush heated her cheeks as she looked at him. How come she was barely able to form a full thought when he seemed to be functioning for the most part fairly well?

~~~~~~~~

Bryan had only intended to give her one kiss, but now that he started he seemed unable to stop. He had to remind himself that she was in fact hurt, and that somehow got him to keep the kiss light, gentle as he heard his name escape her.

After a couple minutes, though, he pulled back, his eyes blazing as he looked at her.

[Rae]

Jeremy chuckled, "Alright, I'll think of something."

He scrolled through his options on his laptop and sighed, he wasn't super hungry either, but he heard stomach growl, why wasn't She saying anything?

His arm slid around her waist and pulled her against him whilst he used his free hand to type, "Chinese sounds good. Though Raes gunna hate it. That Okay?"

-

Her eyes met his but instead of blazing they were narrowed and dreamy. She brought her hands back to her chest and she kept her gaze locked with his, breathing gently, still feeling warm and tingly all over. She couldn't really find the words to speak and she found them both in a silence that, instead of awkward, was oddly lovely.

[RoseTyler]

She really really like the feel of his arm around her. A lot. She rested her hand over top of his, happy to be in the position they were in. "Chinese sounds good to me too." She watched him as he was studying the computer, admiring the shape of his face. He was so cute...

~~~~~~~~~~~~

A small smile came over Bryan's face as he watched her. He moved a hand up to cradle her cheek, gently stroking the skin there. He was so quickly becoming fond of this woman before him... It was so strange. He wasn't sure what to think of it. He sure knew what to feel about it, but think? Well, he obviously wasn't doing much of that anyways.

[Rae]

"Alrighty," He looked up a number for a near by Chinese food restaurant, and after leaning over and kissing her cheek, he rose to his feet, and started towards the door. He opened it and poked his head out. It was quiet... oddly quiet. Where was Rae and Bryan?

"Let's go check on the other two, hmm? We'll see what they want before I make the order."

He held out his hand, although he knew he'd have to let go when they reached downstairs. "Come on, Christy."

-

"I like that prize..." She said with a grin, letting him know he'd won that round. He wasn't just cute he was... Just absolutely handsome. How in the world this man was single she hadn't a clue, but she assumed it was true, all the attractive guys live in the middle of freaking no where.

She sat there quietly and although she wanted more she wouldn't ask. She bit on her bottom lip and with a flushed face recalled him biting on it just moments ago. "Do I taste sweet like I said?" She asked, recalling their conversation in the kitchen.

[RoseTyler]

Smiling, feeling slightly giddy, Christy hopped off the bed. She grabbed his hand and prepared to head downstairs. And face her brother. She knew she was going to have to talk to Bryan at some point... She was pretty sure he had Jeremy scared to even touch her when he was around.

She smiled up at Jeremy before beginning the journey downstairs.

~~~~~~~~~~

Bryan grinned. "I have to say that I enjoyed giving that prize." Amusement lit his eyes. He really enjoyed her company, she surprised him and entertained him constantly. She was strong yet vulnerable, and he found it incredibly endearing.

Then he laughed. "I will have to agree with that. You put churros to shame, and that's saying something." His eyes sparkled with his laughter.

[Rae]

Rae giggled and stroked her hair, her eyes cast down as her blush deepened, due to his gaze. She tugged on his shirt and brought him closer, wanting just one more taste, one more kiss. She smiled and pressed her lips against his, hoping he wouldn't be mad by her gesture. It'd only last for a second... it was so light he probably wouldn't even feel it... She just wanted a taste-

"Christy...!"

Rae froze when she heard Jeremys voice, an odd almost giggle escaping his lips which made her moment with Bryan suddenly a lot less romantic. She lightly pushed Bryan back, not wanting to cause trouble. "Sorry," She said suddenly, and sighed sadly when Christy and Jeremy came waltzing down the stairs, giddy and giggling.

[RoseTyler]

Christy tried to keep a straight face when she saw Bryan and Rae on the couch, obviously - looking at Bryan's hair - having been up to some... well, similar activities that she and Jeremy had been up to. She grinned.

Bryan looked thoroughly uncomfortable as he backed away from Rae. He changed his focus from the woman beside him to his sister and Jeremy, and his gaze narrowed at the two of them. Something was off... He cleared his throat before speaking "So what have you two been up to?"

[Rae]

Rae felt extremely uncomfortable and scooted further away from Bryan. She felt like a deer in the headlights, and honestly wasn't happy they'd come down of all times right now. She glanced at him and sighed, and then although it hurt She pushed herself off the couch, despite her dizziness, and headed towards the restroom, not topping to acknowledge either of them.

"Youtube, and I thought I'd order Chinese food, you want something?" Jeremy asked, offering a slight smile. And I just... fell for your sister, but I'll... leave that part out..

-

Rae closed the bathroom door behind her and side. Oh... He was perfect. But as long as this thing between him and Jeremy continued she'd never get anywhere with him. She sighed.

[RoseTyler]

Bryan watch Rae leave with concern. He worried that she was okay, and prepared himself to jump up if it looked like she'd loose her balance. He heard Jeremy's words, but he just took it at face value while his attention was otherwise focused. "Oh, Rae and I have been munch on" eachother "leftover pizza through the evening, so I'm not hungry actually."

Christy was shocked when he let Jeremy go without an inquisition. Her eyes trailed to the bathroom doors. She much really have him wrapped around her finger to get him distracted from the giving Jeremy the third degree. Her eyebrows rose as she turned to Jeremy. "Looks like it's just you and me, then."

[Rae]

Rae combed her hair with what she assumed was Bryans brush, something she liked to do to relax herself. She yawned lightly, noting that she was getting tired again. She stretched her arms up, high and long like she always did, taking on a deep breath and letting the blood flow through her. And at that moment, a wave of dizziness struck her and she hit the ground, hard, the back of her head slamming against the tile. It didn't bleed, this time, but it hurt, like hell. She gasped and froze, oh... it hurt so badly..

- (Theres a bathroom downstairs near the living room, is that okay, so he heard her fall? That'll give him a reason to stay with her, and then Jeremy reluctantly decides to do the evp with Christy...?)

Jeremy took Christy into the kitchen, chuckling at her comment and leaning against the counter once they were in there. He folded his arms over his chest, a notification on his phone from their boss popping up.

How's that investigation going?

He replied wearily:

Very active.. doing an evp tonight!

Sleeping with the client, forgot to add that one. although it was all fresh and innocent it still wasn't allowed, he chuckled and cringed at the thought of his boss finding out.

"So..." He dialed up the number for the Chinese place, flinching as he heard a light thud coming from somewhere. "..What was that?"

[RoseTyler]

Vaguely, Bryan noticed Jeremy and Christy walk into the kitchen, but he was still worried about Rae. When he heard the thump, his heart practically stopped. He was at the door to the bathroom in a moment. "Rae? Rae are you alright?" He didn't want to barge in if he was just hearing things or making something out of nothing, but... Still.

~~~~~~~((Sounds good))~~~~~~~~((I have such a crush on Jeremy))~~~~~~

Christy followed him into the kitchen, leaning against the counter beside him. She gave him a curious look when he showed the two conflicting emotions.

Then she, too, heard the thump. "I... Don't know." Curious, she pushed away from the counter and went towards the sound, surprised to see Bryan standing by the bathroom.

[Rae]

"No..." She rolled on her side, sniffling, her skull aching, "I hit by head... on the floor..." She whimpered, "I don't know why I got up... Ow ow ow...."

Jeremy came around the corner as well, "What happened?" He felt awful, had she gotten hurt again?

(Lol!)

[RoseTyler]

Bryan pushed through the door at her words. Seeing her on the floor, he felt his heart skipped a beat. He knelt down beside her. "What? One knock on the head wasn't enough for you?" He gently felt at the back of her head to make sure there was no more blood, and was relieved only to find a rather large bump. "Idiot." He muttered, hoping she'd get mad at him and then not notice the pain as much.

Christy stood back, watching her brother attend to Rae. She felt bad for Rae, hitting her head twice in one day. It made her wince just thinking about it.

[Rae]

"I am not you jerk!" She made an angry face at him yet expectantly held her arms out for him to take her back to the couch. "I'm sorry... I just didn't want you to be uncomfortable..."

She knew that he wouldn't like that answer. But she was being honest at least.

Jeremy peeked in the bath room and smirked, "Little brat..."

[RoseTyler]

He rolled his eyes at her as he picked her up. "Definitely an idiot." Then when Jeremy made that comment, he couldn't help but grin at him. "See? we are in agreement." He set her down on the couch and narrowed his eyes on her. "Now, you are stuck there fore the rest of the night." His expression brokered no argument.

Christy watched them with concern and amusement. She worried for Rae, but it was nice to see Bryan going all overprotective over someone else for once. Christy then reached over and grabbed Jeremy's hand, dragging him out of the room to give Bryan and Rae some space. She saw an argument coming, and she didn't much want to be in the room right then.

[Rae]

Rae gave him a not so nice scowl, "Quit calling me that! I was just... Ugh, whatever."

She rolled her eyes and turned away from him, rubbing her head which was still covered by the bandage.

"Hey, Bryan," Jeremy called out, "Might be time to change Raes ace bandage. You wanna do it or does she gross you out too much?"

"Jeremy!" She frowned And folded her arms over her chest, why were they both suddenly teasing her? It wasn't nice!

The male whipped out his phone, blue eyes scanning the phones screen.

Good, Good.. get it all on camera, save the recordings... How's Rae?

Jeremy responded with:

Rae managed to 'fall' by some thing 'unexplainable' and hurt her head, I figure I'll let the clients pitch in?

He waited about five minutes, and in that time he'd snuck a secretive kiss with Christy in the kitchen, smiling and taking in her beautiful face as he waited for his bosses answer.

Hurt her head? Tell her to call me. Ok. Just make them sign papers.

Jeremy rolled his eyes. Wishing she could respond with, 'She's taken by Bryan, no need to keep trying to win her over, boss.'

"Hey Christy... You wanna do an evp tonight?"

[RoseTyler]

Bryan let out a laugh at Jeremy's and his tag teaming. Rae's face was priceless. "I think I can manage Miss Gross." His eyes were laughing at her before he jogged upstairs to find the first aid kit. He checked his room first, then went to the guest room across the hall from Christy's room. He was quite surprised to find the room empty. It was obvious that Jeremy did not sleep in that room last night.

Narrowing his eyes, he walked over to Christy's room. Jeremy's things were in it. Had someone else been there, they probably would have laughed at his face. He ran a hand over his face, trying to gather his thoughts. Jeremy slept in Christy's room... It's not like he didn't sleep with Rae, so he had no room to judge, but... He knew how his morning ended up. He gritted his teeth at the thought of that. When he saw the bed, the ruffled sheets, he closed his eyes, rubbing at his temple. Nothing happened.. He tried to tell himself that. They watched youtube. That's all. He walked over to the first aid and tried not to want to go slam it over Jeremy's head.

Logically, Jeremy seemed like a really good guy. But... He walked downstairs and straight over to Rae, keeping himself from having a talk with the other guy in the house. He gave Rae a small smile, his lighthearted mood no longer quite so light. "Sit still, okay?"

~~~~~~~~

Christy felt on cloud nine when he kissed her again. She really wouldn't get enough of that, she knew.

When he offered the chance at doing an EVP, her eyes lit up with excitement before growing wary. With everything that had happened so far in the house... But she was so curious. She couldn't stop a grin from forming on her face. "I'd definitely be interested in doing an EVP."

[Rae]

Rae noticed his change in mood when he came back down, and she began wondering if she'd been the one to upset him. When he said sit still she was stone still, and didn't speak, or make a face or comment, she figured maybe she'd gone too far with her... whatever her personality was like. She kept her eyes focused on her hands as he adjusted bandage, a quiet, "Thank you," Was all she could muster.

Her eyes eventually rose up when Jeremy came in. She watched him clear his throat, and look very unsure, "Hey Bryan, I was um... thinking. Since Raes out tonight, maybe you, me and Christy can do the evp?"

"What?" Raes eyes widened, "No no no, that's my job."

"Well you can't do your job right now, can you?"

"I can!"

"No," Jeremy rolled his eyes, "Just stop. Would you?"

She was taken aback by his tone and immediately her lips were sealed. He's.. never told her to stop.

"But..."

He rolled his eyes, "You're not doing it. Boss said so."

"You talked with Erik without me-"

"I can and I have," He sat on the chair across from Bryan. Raes face was filled with shock and confusion. Why was he suddenly so.. so... strict was it? Not quite as friendly? ...She pouted, and her face fell, and she refused to look at either of them. Stupid jerks..

[RoseTyler]

Bryan though about Jeremy's question for a minute, not looking at the man. He then glanced over at Christy, who was now standing between Jeremy's chair and Rae. He knew he couldn't leave Rae on her own, but did he want Christy doing whatever this EVP thing was? He drummed his fingers on his thigh. That just brought back all the thoughts about Jeremy in Christy's bed...

He came to a decision. "Can I talk to you about whatever this EVP thing is? Where we wont be getting the death glare from Rae?"

Christy suspected something was up immediately. It's possible that Bryan was just being safe than sorry, he didn't know anything about anything when it came to paranormal things, but...

Bryan glanced at Christy then, all innocence in his expression. "Can you stay with Rae, make sure she doesn't do anything stupid? Please?"

Christy narrowed her eyes on him. If he did anything... She'd kill him. That's just that. She would kill him. "Fine.." A warning was in her tone.

[Rae]

Rae sighed, she wasn't trying to glare... She watched Jeremy nod and walk outside on the patio with Bryan. So it was all her fault there was all this tension? Had her last kiss with him upset him? ...She wouldn't do that again, for sure. She sighed And turned so she wasn't facing Christy but the couch instead. She gave up for the day.

-

"Sure," Jeremy nodded, knowing it was probably more than that. He didn't think much about it though. Whatever he asked he'd just tell him the truth.. seemed fair. He patted Raes head as he left, mentioning to her she shouldn't worry so much and knowing all he got was a grumbled remark.

He stepped outside on the patio and waited for Bryan, his hands in his pockets and Christy still on his heart.

[RoseTyler]

Christy sat down in a chair and faced Rae, concern on her face. "Are you okay?" She still worried about what her brother was doing, but right now he wasn't the present concern.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Bryan followed Jeremy outside, his own hands in his pockets to make sure he didn't do anything stupid. Once he was out there, he faced Jeremy. "I think the best way to start this conversation is to ask if anything happened last night?" His voice was calm, eyes unreadable as he waited for an answer.

[Rae]

Rae was reluctant to answer. She sighed and very wearily stated that she was fine. "Tired," She said softly, making it seem as though she was.

-

"Between me and Christy? No," He said, rolling his bad shoulder around a bit. He shouldn't have laid on it so long.. "I slept in her room last night but only because she practically threw it at me, She came and sat down here and told me she actually slept really good."

He looked to Bryan with an honest smile, "We just enjoy being around each other... Even Rae and I don't get along well like she and j do. It's.. refreshing. ...She slept today, next to me, when we were youtubing. Five hours."

A little too honest? Maybe. But it was nice to be able to say be had some genuine friendship. A little more than friendship, actually.. He smiled inwardly and continued to look to Bryan, waiting for his response.

[RoseTyler]

Christy didn't entirely believe her, but if she wanted to stay silent, then she couldn't stop her. Instead, she sighed and curled up on the couch, wishing for Jeremy's arms...

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bryan was silent for a moment, gauging Jeremy's honesty, and his own reaction. He knew he couldn't do anything about Jeremy's and Christy's relationship, and they both did seem to care about each other. He hadn't seen Christy so happy in ages.

He studied Jeremy for another minute, deciding what to do. He ended up sighing. "I'm assuming Christy hasn't told you about her high school experience, but I swear, if you put a mark on her, I'm going to kick your ass, got it?" His tone didn't hold a threat, but a promise. There was no joke in his eyes as he stared at Jeremy.

[Rae]

"No... No, she didn't, I think she mentioned she never dated or something..." He narrowed his eyes as he tried to recall some thing, it be figured he'd just never been told it. "She can tell me when she's ready," He sighed, "And I'll hold you to that then. Rae would probably join in that," He said with a light laugh, although he knew Bryan was serious. "She's safe, I promise."

Jeremy felt weird not ensuring anything for Rae. But he wasn't her brother or even a best friend so.. He just hoped for the best, not knowing if Bryan would toss her aside, if things were serious or not. He couldn't say he'd kick ass for her cause in reality, he didn't think he would. He'd help her out but.. She wasn't Christy. And then he felt bad for that, too. She wasn't Christy to either of them. He wondered if she knew that?

"Anything else?" He asked genuinely, looking off as he saw a little white car with an Asian man driving up in it. "Ah, Chinese foods here." He slipped his wallet out of his pocket and waited for the little man to come up and deliver their big bag of yummy food.

[RoseTyler]

Bryan waited until the delivery man left before speaking. "Well, back to the subject at hand, I guess. I don't want to leave Rae alone. Whatever is going on in this house, she seems to be pretty sensitive to it. If I stay with her, this EVP thing, is Christy going to be okay doing it?"

[Rae]

"She'll be fine. We don't provoke like in those stupid ghost shows, we just ask questions, see what we can get. Christy I'd... also a bit sensitive, I think, so... well. If anything happens we have a priest on Raes speed dial, a good friend, who can come cleanse the house.. Okay?"

[RoseTyler]

Bryan was silent a moment as he considered Jeremy's words. Then he rubbed a hand over his face, this was all just too... weird. "Okay... For Christy's sake, I'm going to trust you. Just... be careful." He sighed before returning indoors.

He gave Christy a small smile before looking at Rae. An eyebrow raised as he studied her. "If I didn't know better, I'd say you were pouting." Amusement laced his voice, pretty confident he'd get a rise out of her for that one.

Then he turned to Christy. "I'm going to stay with Rae tonight, just to make sure nothing happens while you two are doing whatever it is you do. Be careful, okay?"

Christy was shocked. She half expected Bryan to have her stay with Rae while he worked with Jeremy. So at his offer, she nodded, smiling when she glanced at Jeremy. Whatever he said apparently worked, because Bryan wasn't giving them grief. She was happy.

[Rae]

Rae scoffed but kept quiet, if he wanted to tease her then he'd best prepare for the silent treatment. And a big dose of it, too. She pulled the blanket over her head and ignored him, but yes, She was indeed pouting.

Jeremy stepped in, missing Bryans words as his boss had called him the second Bryan left. "Yeah, Yeah she's right here..." He rolled his eyes, covering the speaker as he looked down at the angry bundle of blankets on the bed. "Hey stubborn, your boyfriends calling-"

"Shut up!" She angrily appeared from beneath the blanket and fixed her hair before answering with a soft, "Hello?"

"Hello?" Jeremy mocked her voice, earning a pillow to the back of the head. "Ow..." He rubbed it as he looked to Christy, "Where would you like to do this evp? Down here? Seems a little safer than upstairs..."

[RoseTyler]

Wait... Boyfriend? What? Bryan's incredulous gaze flashed from Jeremy to Rae. She didn't mention any boyfriend. She sure didn't act as though she had a boyfriend. He wasn't into the whole cheating thing, and was shocked to find that Rae was. He watched her closely, trying to figure out what the hell was going on.

Christy, on the other hand, was completely oblivious to Bryan's mood shift. She laughed at the pillow thrown at the back of Jeremy's head, sensing the teasing note in his boyfriend comment. Heck, her brothers teased her about having a boyfriend whenever she talked to a guy on the phone, so she didn't take it seriously.

The EVP thing, though... "Well... Upstairs is where things have been going on. Shouldn't we go where the activity is?"

[Rae]

"No... No it was just an accident-- Erik, seriously. I'm fine." She rolled her eyes, tugging at her sleeves as she tried to think of a reason to hang up.

Jeremy smirked, "He's such a creeper," he laughed and then looked to Christy, "Sure I was just... thinking about safety. But I guess no matter where you go its risky..."

Oh shut up.

He rolled his eyes at himself and held out his hand to her, smiling bashfully as he wanted to take her to her room so he could get his things. But her smile made his cheeks rosy, he couldn't deny it. He looked away a bit but he always ended up focusing on her again.

"No! I don't want workers comp... Ugh, look I have to go, Jeremy needs his phone back. ...Yeah, okay... bye."

She angrily tossed the phone at Jeremy who expected that motion and caught it with grace. "Come on. He's just trying to-" he got her glare and couldn't help but flash a cheesy smile, "I'm kidding, I'm kidding... Calm down Rae. I know he's a creeper."

"He is!" She frowned, "And I'm not interested."

Jeremy smiled at Christy, "I'll explain this one later. Shall we go?"

[RoseTyler]

Bryan looked back and forth between Rae and Jeremy, thoroughly confused. So, apparently not an actual boyfriend... Rae wasn't going to get the option of later, though. If she was taken, he sort of needed to know sooner rather than later.

Christy smiled at Jeremy as she jumped up from her chair. She grabbed his hand, more excited than nervous about the EVP. Plus, well, she might have been slightly distracted by the idea of being alone with Jeremy for a while. The concept was rather enticing.

"I'm definitely ready to try out my first EVP." She grinned up at him, completely ignoring the two other people in the room.

Bryan watched them with bemusement.

[Rae]

Jeremy smiled and nodded, keeping her hand in his as they headed up stairs. He made it into her room and opened his duffle bag, pulling out different necessary pieces of equipment, recorders, detectors and a static night vision camera. He wouldn't turn off every light for her sake, he'd keep the hallway one on although they never did that.

"Alright. Take this," He handed her a little black recorder, "First ones record, second ones play. Thirds one's eject, don't press that one," He laughed and kissed her cheek. "Just hold onto that, okay?"

-

"What?" She looked up. Cursing as she forgot to give him the silent treatment. But he looked confused and rather upset, what was wrong with him?

"What's with the long face?"

[RoseTyler]

Christy wasn't sure what had her giddy; the idea of doing an actual EVP or Jeremy kissing her on the cheek. It was all just very exciting.

"Record and play. Sounds simple enough." She grinned up at him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

He looked rather uncomfortable as he sat down. "I have to say that the boyfriend comment threw me for a loop. I got the impression, though, that whoever... he... is, is not actually your boyfriend?"

[Rae]

Jeremy smiled and grabbed what he needed, "Wanna do it in here, Then?"

-

Rae made a face, folding her arms, "Hell no! And he never will be. I have.. other interests..." She gave him a devious smile.

[RoseTyler]

"You're the expert, I'm just following orders." She smiled, a little bit of anxiety beginning to go through her. What was going to happen?

~~~~~~~~~~~

Bryan grinned at her words, but still... "Who is "he"?"

[Rae]

"Pshh," He rolled his eyes, grinning at her. "Alright. In here it is," He got up and closed the door, turning off the bedroom light and leaving the hallway light on so just a little light seeped through the cracks.

"Alright, sit wherever you want, although I prefer its by me," He said, smiling through the darkness. He reached out and took her hand, pulling her towards the bed with him. He wanted to keep her safe, he'd promise Bryan- even if he didn't though he'd still want to.

"Would you like to ask the first question? Did you grandfather die here? Maybe you could ask him about that...?"

-

"He's our boss, Erik. He's five eleven, I'm almost taller than him. He's real, real thin, and kind of nerdy. But not attractive nerdy. Like... thick frames glasses, never gets a tan nerdy. It's gross. That and, he's asked me out more than once," She visibly shuddered, "And one time Jeremy did me a favor and asked him where he'd take me, and he said his place! And then, I lost all respect for him. That's who he is. Definitely not my type."

[RoseTyler]

As soon as the lights went out, the atmosphere of the room changed. Christy was instantly thankful for the light from the hallway. It felt as though something was staring at her, standing right behind her, waiting for her to turn around to attack.

She turned around. Nothing. A shiver ran up her spine. She stepped over to Jeremy, taking his hand and allowing him to pull her to the bed. Her eyes kept going back to the crack of light from the hallway, relieved for that little bit of comfort as the darkness seemed to become oppressingly cold.

She took a deep breath. "Okay." Keeping her hand in Jeremy's, she clicked record. She cleared her throat before speaking. "Is there anyone in the room with us?"

Silence.

A shiver ran up her spine.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bryan was silent, contemplating her words. Deciding this Erik guy was of no interest to Rae, he grew relaxed. A grin formed on his face. "Well at least I already have you at my place." His grin grew wider, mostly entertained now by her situation. Then his smile faded a little, thinking. "Have you ever told him to back off? Threatened sexual harassment?"

[Rae]

Jeremy chuckled a little, she seemed nervous. He pulled her into his chest and began stroking her hair for comfort. He kept it to his self the sudden oppression in the room. It was awful, felt just like back in October when him and Rae went and stayed the night in an abandoned penitentiary. Damn, that was a bad day.

"Are you angry?" He asked suddenly. His voice any out in the darkness and he kept his eyes focused on the darkness, he knew something had been practically waiting for them. "Or are you enjoying this?" He got that feeling they were laughing from whatever realm they were in.

He clicked off his recorder and replayed it, listening closely but getting nothing back. "Let's check yours."

-

"True," She said, baring a shy smile, "No... I mean, he's my boss I don't want to get fired... Well, he's more like a supervisor. But... still. Besides.... He knows where I live through files. I don't want him to like, come kill me or something. I know that's a little out there-- but so is he."

She sighed And propped herself up on the pillows, "Can't help it that I'm irresistible." She smiled and waited for his response to that.

[RoseTyler]

"Okay." She murmured, still feeling weird. She was glad to have Jeremy right next to her, though, stroking her hair. She clicked play.

Is there anyone in the room with us?

Silence stretched out until about two seconds before Jeremy spoke. It sounded an awful lot like " Toy"

Are you angry?

The silence this time was not broken.

Or are you enjoying this?

Not three seconds after he asked the question did an eerie voice come over the recording.

"Little Rae"

The chill in the room penetrated Christy to the bone. Goosebumps showed on her skin. That voice... She shivered.

Then the light in the hall went out.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bryan narrowed his eyes. "You are telling me that you have a creepy nerd who may or may not be tempted to kill you should you spurn his advances?" He was tense. The thought of that guy really rather got on his nerves. "Just tell him you have a hulk of a boyfriend who wont take shit from some creep who thinks he has it in him to get you to go out with him." His arms were folded over his chest as he said that, obviously annoyed.

A small smile curved his lips though at her comment. "This time, you might just be right."

[Rae]

Jeremy shuddered, that wasn't a nice voice, either.

"What's your obsession with Rae?" He asked, slightly annoyed. He forgot to turn on his recorder though and quickly started it up. He asked again, a little calmer, whilst continuing to stroke Christys hair. "Whyre you so keen on Rae?"

-

Rae hadn't a clue she was the center of their investigation upstairs. She turned her head to get a better look at him, and offered him an innocent look, "Boyfriend? Hmm, I like that one," She grinned at him. "Of course I'm right."

[RoseTyler]

Christy practically felt frozen even with Jeremy's hand stroking her hair. Almost immediately after Jeremy asked his question, she felt as though something was breathing against the back of her neck. She froze, becoming absolutely still. "Jeremy?" Her voice was barely above a whisper. She still felt his hand in her hair, but that was comforting. The feeling on the back of her neck, though... "Something-" Before she could finish her sentence, the feeling was gone. She shuddered, automatically looking behind her even though she couldn't see anything.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Amusement sparked in his eyes even as annoyance stayed in his posture. "Just tell the creep to back off, drop some hinds about professional distance or something."

[Rae]

Jeremy started to worry about Christys safety, "You want me to finish by myself? You can go- What?"

He turned his head, a distancet whisper catching him off guard. "...You can go downstairs, if you want, love." He turned towards the door, and then glanced to his left. "What's your problem?"

He looked to Christy before he played back his recorder, "You wanna stay or go?"

-

Rae sighed, "I... I've told him I'm happily single but he takes that as modesty when it's kind of true, or it was then, anyways. Just... don't worry about it. He's... Not important."

She rubbed her temples, annoyance from Eriks very existence evident on her face.

[RoseTyler]

Christy, despite the feeling in the room, was determined. She was scared, definitely scared, but she wasn't going to back out. "No, I'm fine, it's just..." She bit her lip. "I'm just imagining things." The hair on the back of her neck was still raised as she sat there, telling herself it was her imagination.

When Jeremy played his recording, almost immediately after he asked his question a long, low, growling laugh sounded. It lasted a full three seconds before fading.

Christy felt the blood drain from her face. That sound... It wasn't human. Then she began thinking. "Do you think... could that be what scratched me?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A slow smile formed on Bryan's face. "Or, you know, you can give me the phone sometime. I wouldn't mind talking with the "supervisor" of the people I have inadvertently hired?" The idea of Rae being harassed by some creep she had to deal with on a regular basis really bothered him.

[Rae]

Jeremy frowned, this wasn't looking very good. He got up from where he was sitting, and bent down for his night vision camera. He set it up just in front of the night stand, so it was shooting in the direction behind her bed and to her closet. "I think so," He said quietly. After hooking up the camera, he tosses out a little grey box, one with six bulbs at the top.

"When a spirit tries to communicate, we use these boxes to see their yes and no answers. If the bulbs light up that means yes, if they stay unlit that means no. I'd like to try and talk with it a bit more, I think it's been giving you a hard time and Rae being here somehow makes things worse, or more active. Are you sure you want to stay up here?"

-

Rae giggled and shook her head. "Don't worry Bryan, if he bothers me again I'll give you a call-" She was suddenly very quiet, thinking she'd heard something but ruling it out as nothing. "I.. Why don't you come sit next to me?"

[RoseTyler]

Before Christy had a chance to reply, the bulbs lit up. She stared at it for a minute, unsure what to think. Was it answering for itself or for her? She was going to say yes, at the time she was pretty sure. She didn't want to leave him. But now...

"Um... Maybe?" She tried to smile, but wasn't sure if she succeeded. She didn't want to leave him... She was sure on that. Plus... She was a little bit curios. Whatever was going on... Any skepticism she had was long gone. This was just plain creepy.

~~~~~~~~~~

He did as she asked, concern in his gaze. "Everything okay?"

[Rae]

Jeremy leaned forward and kissed her lips, "Why don't you go relax, sweetie."

He glanced down at the glowing light bulbs, arching a brow. "You want her to stay? Light it up all the way for yes."

The light bulbs went up half way and stayed like that for at least three seconds. "Is that a maybe?" They then lit up all the way. He was so confused... this felt like a twilight zone episode. He slipped his fingers into hers and leaned her against his chest to keep her as safe as he could, if anything's going to be scratching, it's going to be scratching him.

"Alright. Tell us about yourself, then. Is there one of you?"

It stayed blank.

"Three of you?"

It lit up completely.

"Ten of you?"

It lit up completely, sending a shiver down his spine.

"Are you good?"

It lit up, and suddenly he noticed the evil lingering feeling had vanished.

"Are there bad ones here too?"

It lit up completely.

"Why are you all still here?"

At this point he'd turned on his recorder. Although this creeped him out he also knew it was great for research, something good to bring back to the institution. He never knew if these spirits just messed with him or were truthful, but he couldn't stop now.

"Alright, see this?" He held up the recorder, "Talk into it. Answer my questions. I'd like help get rid of the bad. Are you a child?"

It stayed blank.

"A man?"

It lit up.

"Okay... God. What do I ask... help me out, Christy, ask something," He smiled, "I think we're safe right now."

-

Rae wearily moved until she was leaning against his chest, her body pressed up against his as her eyes scanned the room. "I... I just feel safer, like this..." She glanced up at him, her lips parted as if she was thinking. She had that lost look on her face again.

Little Rae..

She gulped, had she really just heard what she thought she did?

[RoseTyler]

Christy felt much safer wrapped in Jeremy's arms. She allowed herself to trust what the bulbs were saying, wanting to believe that the evil thing was gone.

She held tight to the arms surrounding her, and looked at the device. "Um.. Did you live in this house?" Stupid question. They are in the house so obviously-

Only one bulb lit up, but it stayed lit for several seconds.

She was confused. She glanced up at Jeremy. "Does that mean that only one of them lived here?"

The thing lit up completely, drawing her gaze. "Oh. Um." Only one person lived there... "Are you my Grandfather? Andrew Thompson?"

The bulbs seemed to hesitate before lighting.

Intrigued, she continued. "Why are you still in the house? Talk into the device that Jeremy is holding."

~~~~~~~~

Bryan wrapped his arms around Rae, sensing her unease. He pressed his lips to the top of her head as he tried to come up with some way to comfort her. "What is it, Rae?"

[Rae]

Jeremy was impressed and let Christy take control. He squeezed her playfully as he listened to her speak, his eyes widening as she got the response supposedly from her grandfather. "Interesting.." He mumbled, but that was all he said. He held out his recorder that had been going on a good three minutes now. They'd have a lot of tape to review.

"This, right here," he held it out with a still hand, "Answer her."

-

"I... It called me little Rae..."

She felt her chest tighten and her heart beat was very, very loud. She stilled in a scary way and listened for the voice that didn't come again. Her eyes trailed up and met his with fear in them, they beckoned him to comfort her.

[RoseTyler]

After another minute, they began playing the recording. Just over a minute after Christy asked her question, a male voice came through the quiet.

Get out...

The tone on the recording wasn't angry sounding, it was just more of a... warning. It felt rather ominous. After listening to the rest of the recording and hearing nothing more, Christy had him start recording again.

"Why do you want us to get out?"

After a couple minutes, and checking the recording, they found just silence. She glanced up at Jeremy. "Is he gone, then?"

~~~~~~~~~~~

Bryan tightened his hold around her. Whether or not she was hearing things, or if there was an actual... thing, in the house, she was obviously scared. "Well, then it can think of me as big Bryan." He pressed his lips to the top of her head again. "I wont let anything happen to you, okay?"

[Rae]

"I... I don't know. I just... wow," He was... amazed! Simply amazed.

He got up from the bed, and flicked on the light switch. He turned off the camera, and his recorder, and shoved both items back in his duffel bag. "You did great, Christy."

He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her up, "Let's go get a snack, mm? We totally left the Chinese food in the kitchen, I'll warm it up," He kissed her softly, an accomplished smile on his face.

-

"Big Bryan..." She giggled, and slowly returned her more relaxed state. It was weird going in and out like that, but when she did she knew things were moving about, trying to communicate with her or something. She tilted her head up and lightly pressed her lips to his cheek, wanting the same attention Jeremy gave Christy, the thought of them suddenly flashing through her mind; although she knew she wouldn't get it. He wasn't Jeremy, he was a little more refined. So she simply sat there, a sudden ache in the back of her head causing her to lean back against him and groan.

[RoseTyler]

Christy looked up at him with a smile. "So does that mean I have the workings for a career in ghost hunting, then?" As he pulled her up off the bed, she thought back to what just happened. "That was... interesting."

When he kissed her, a soft smile formed on her face, her eyes closing as she took comfort in his touch. "Mmm..." Instead of letting him go, though, she wrapped her arms around him for a minute, resting her head against his chest. She slowly relaxed her muscles as she held on to him. The whole situation was... intense.

After a minute, she took a deep breath and stepped back. "Okay," She looked shyly up at him, embarrassed at stopping his momentum for a bit. "We can go eat Chinese now."

~~~~~~

He was about to lean in and capture her lips again, the feeling of her lips against his cheek sparking a fire in him, but he paused when he heard her groan. Instead, he ran his hand over her arm, gently trying to comfort her. "What is it?"

[Rae]

Jeremy chuckled, his thumb brushing her cheek, "Its alright. And... Yeah, but, it's not the wisest career choice," He said, trying to change the subject of her working as a paranormal anything. Her brother would kill him. Plus, it really wasn't that great of a job..

-

"My head hurts," Rae looked up at him and pouted, her lips full as she did. Her eyes trailed from his eyes to his lips and then to his muscled arms and slowly made their way back up to his eyes, hers locking with his despite her cheeks turning a deep red.

"I need a distraction.." Her eyes had a begging, mischievous look to them, she wanted... him.

[RoseTyler]

She smiled, her eyes laughing at him. "Careful, you are starting to sound like my brother." She stuck her tongue out at him, rolling her eyes. "Since when has wisdom ever stopped anyone." She laughed.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Bryan almost groaned at the heated look Rae gave him. His voice was husky when he spoke. "I don't think that that's the distraction you need, Rae. Something like Aspirin would probably be a lot better for you." He had never had to use this much restraint before, but damn did she look enticing right then.

[Rae]

Jeremy winced, "Ouch, that was mean," He laughed and ran his fingers through her hair. "Actually... I've been meaning to ask you... any reason in particular he's so protective of you? I don't want to be nosy. But I would like to know a little more about my dream girl," He leaned in and kissed her nose.

-

Rae turned and wrapped her arms around his neck. Her chin rested on his chest and her eyes were level with his. "I don't want Aspirin," She said with a soft voice, "It doesn't taste good."

[RoseTyler]

She felt a blush heat her cheeks and pleasure shiver up her spine. Dream girl... She didn't mind being called that. Then she sighed, thinking about his question. "My brother said something, didn't he?" She knew Bryan had to have threatened Jeremy, that was just how he was, but she had hoped to skip over this whole high school detail. She knew she'd end up telling him eventually, that or he'd find out from one or both of her brothers, - wait. Both? She blushed. Did she really think he'd be around that long?

Can't hurt to hope.

She sighed, resignedly sitting back on the bed and leaning against the headrest. "Are you sure you want to hear that story?" She looked up at him, her gaze guarded.

~~~~~~~~~

Bryan let out a half-groan half-laugh. "Oh, I'm so going to hell." Then he leaned forward, passion igniting at the touch of her lips. He broke out of his restraint, and his hand came up to cradle the back of her neck as he deepened the kiss.

[Rae]

Jeremy nodded, and sat down beside her. He placed his hands in hers, and smiled, waiting for her to tell it. "Only if you want to," He smiled. "And yeah... but he didn't tell me much. Just that there was a past and then he left me clueless..."

-

"Mmm..." She tightened her grip around his neck, instantly flushed and filled with warmth. She knew he'd give in... He had to. Even he said she was irresistible!

[RoseTyler]

"Remind me to smack him when we go downstairs..." She murmured as she stared at their hands. Then she took a deep breath. "Okay..." She thought back to high school, something she tended to avoid whenever possible.

"So, near the beginning of junior year, a kid I had had a stupid crush on for years asked me out. I still don't know why... But anyways, the first year things were great. He was nice and kind and we had a lot of fun together. Heck, even my brothers liked him fine. My mom," her voice caught slightly, "Well, she supported me, but I knew she didn't like him." She laughed a little then. "And my dad, of course, he went along with whatever my mom did and felt. So he of course was polite to David when he was around, otherwise my parents just didn't really warm up to him."

Her grip tightened a little on his hands, still not looking up at him. "Then, part way through senior year, my parents got killed in a car accident." A tear escaped when she though how hard that time had been. "After that, everything changed. Adam was the oldest, so he took custody over me since I hadn't yet reached 18, and Bryan was helping keeping the house going and everything, but... Well, I tried to take on too much. I tried to hide my feelings from Bryan and Adam, and help take care of the house while working on school work, I didn't give myself time to mourn."

"Except when I was with David, because I thought he was supposed to be there for me." She laughed without humor. "He didn't want to listen to my problems, didn't want to take care of me when I was having a tough time, and he took it out on me. I was a stupid teenage girl who thought she was in love, so I believed whatever he said. I even hid the bruises whenever he grabbed me too tightly from my brothers." She didn't even notice she was crying as she kept going.

"So, on a night where I was missing my parents terribly, I went over to David's house to try to get comfort, and he got pissed. I had never seen him so angry. He didn't have time for my problems, whatever it was I should just get over it, my parents were dead so I should accept it and move on. He drove me back to the house, and once we got there, I tried to tell him I was sorry, but I just needed some comfort. We were standing right in front of the house, and I don't know what he was thinking, but he slapped me, hard." Even stationary, her hands were shaking slightly.

"I heard Adam before I saw him, and I thought he and Bryan were going to beat him to a bloody pulp then and there, but they just stood guard by me. David left saying he didn't want to waste any more time on me anyways, and that was the end of him. I got pretty bruised the next day, though, and had to convince Adam and Bryan not to go to David's house. They've been hypersensitive to any guys ever since. Understandably. Heck, I've been hypersensitive to any guys, but, well.." She shrugged her shoulders, still not looking up from their hands, "except you."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bryan kept one hand on the back of her neck while his other pulled her closer to him. Sweet was an understatement, he decided as he continued to taste her. He wasn't sure he would be able to stop, she was quite addicting, he was finding out.

[Rae]

"Christy..."

He pulled her close to him and kissed her tears before wiping them away, a part of him just aching for her. He tucked a piece of her hair behind her ear and smiled at her, "Well he wasn't the smartest guy in the world now was he? Look at what he's missing out on."

He hugged her tight and let her feel whatever she wanted to, "I'm sorry about that. And your parents.. I had no idea..." He knew he had problems but Christy's situation was just awful; no wonder Bryan was so uptight about everything, he was just trying to be the dad and big brother role.

"Glad I make the cut," He said with laugh, "That's... a first. Usually last place. It's refreshing."

-

She could hardly catch her breath, she didn't want any of this to stop, he was so warm and dreamy... She grazed his skin with her finger tips and felt every muscles she could reach. She was sure he could feel her heart beating so fast and so hard, he was igniting some thing in her... She sighed contently and bit his bottom lip like last time, only a little rougher.

[RoseTyler]

Jeremy's kindness brought another bout of tears to the surface. This, this was exactly what she had been looking for. The comfort that she never got during the time after she lost her parents, she finally found now in Jeremy's arms. She closed her eyes, holding holding onto him for all she was worth. She didn't even realize that she had felt like she was on her own until that moment. In that moment, she felt like a hole inside of her was filled.

She was shaking slightly as she held onto him, still struggling to hold back her tears as emotions filled her. Everything from those months of torture that she kept locked away, avoiding the very thought of it, it was all brought to the forefront by Jeremy's kindness. Wherever he came from, whatever happened, she knew he heart was lost to him.

"Thank you..." She murmured against his chest, her voice thick. She smiled a little at his words, but she still didn't pull back. "I'm glad you made the cut too."

~~~~~~~~~~~

Bryan groaned slightly at Rae's ministrations. The hand that had been on her back slowly trailed up her spine before returning to her lower back, his touch light as a feather, conflicting with the passion he put into their kiss. His fingers brushed the skin of her lower back where her sweater had ridden up slightly, and he too took her bottom lip between his teeth as he felt the softness of her skin.

[Rae]

Jeremy felt her trembling and knew all he needed to do right then was hold her. And so he did, his thoughts recalling everything she'd said and he wondered if she felt scared or alone due to all of these things she'd encountered. He kissed the top of her head and took in a deep breath, enticed by the scent of her in general and tightening his grip around her. He gently rubbed her back, patting it from time to time although mostly he just gently rubbed it.

"You can cry, Christy," He said gently, his free hand weaving through her hair as comfort. "Only if you want to. But I don't mind." He laughed lightly.

-

"Bryan.." She sighed his name softly, getting the same feeling from him she felt deep down inside somewhere. She didn't know if she'd let go of him anytime soon, she really didn't want to; in fact, she didn't think she would. Slowly she slipped her hands underneath his shirt, letting her finger tips graze over just his stomach although she wanted to feel more of his body underneath hers.