Thought you Could get Away? (Gabriel)

[Eva Fortescue]

“Tell me Frederick, why is it that I left you in command,” Eva said, her eyes focused on the road before her. Her voice was stern with that always present sinister tone to it. Eva shook her head in disappointment when she heard Frederick fumble for his words. Men these days, so unreliable. Hazel eyes set in a deadly glare on the road before her, she revved the engine of her silver, recently modelled Corvette. Eva had a very heavy foot when it came to driving, so naturally she pissed off a lot of people with her recklessness.

“I’ve only been gone for one day and you’re already calling me? Shame.”
“But Eva the--”
“Shut your mouth. I want that deal to made by tomorrow morning. There will be no exceptions. Do not call me again.”

A hand left the steering wheel to turn off the small ear piece in her ear. It seemed like she always wore it. Calls never stopped coming either. It was ridiculous. Running a red light shamelessly, Eva turned the stereo system back on and blasted music, while at the same time turning on the car’s inbuilt GPS system. She had been doing some research, just like a good girl should. Her destination was the Seran Mansion.

With her driving it didn’t take her long to reach the luxurious estate. By that time she had turned down her music and approached the place slowly. In fact, she parked far away from the entrance and decided to proceed the rest of the way on foot. This was Gabriel’s mansion, it was bound to have some sort of security device. Nothing Eva couldn’t maneuver around. Speed and stealth were one of her greatest asset. The fact proved true as she successfully entered the kitchen window and was casually brushing herself off.

Eva wore her usual attire; a black form fitting suit, with a black tie and heels. White leather, half cut gloves adorned her hand. Her auburn hair fell loosely down her back. Taking a quick look around, she walked over to a set of kitchen knives. They were very shiny…and sharp. Taking one out, she held it in both hands delicately, the tip of her finger at its point. Eva could see her reflection in the metal, as well as everything behind her.

[Gabriel Seran]

Back from school it would seem, Gabriel Seran chose to walk this fine afternoon enjoying the luxury of having some freash air and time alone. The peace gave him time to think, of course there were some troublesome events to be planned out. Matrim was insane dispite Gabriel having took a bullet for him, Gabriel's Black Knights were still about but they were disorganized much like the remnants of the Militia had been after moving here. IT wouldn't take long to gather their forces together once more. He still had that itching sense of betrayal from Sara that irked him so, he'd have vengeance in time. A small grin enveloped his features as he turned the corner entering his gate.

On his way to the estate he passed by the garden as the scent of lavender seemed to catch his body. He'd always enjoyed the flower due to its evervescent feel it seemed to surround his sences in. A small noiseless click of the door and he entered the main hall. He hadn't been expecting company and let himself into the kitchen in a calm stride.

His eyes traveled up the back of his visiter. Searching to watch from the flank of her heels toher backside all the way up to her aubern hair. It all took place in a rather slow and enjoyable glimpse. He knew who it was and didn't necesarrily need a second guess at it dispite his pleased surprise he would still give her a reluctant admittance.

"It seems you never cease to impress ma belle." He said in a calm voice.

[Eva Fortescue]

Mild footsteps echoed in the hall outside the kitchen door. Her hand instinctively slid down the length of the knife, ready to throw it. This was nothing more than precaution. There could have been armed men behind that door and Eva was always prepared. Back still to the entrance way, she kept her hard eyes on the reflective surface of the knife and watched a person enter.

The first thing she noticed was the smell of lavender. The aroma filled her lungs pleasantly. Ah yes, she did love the smell of lavender. Looking into the knife she realized whom the person was. A warm, joyous feeling welled up in the center of her chest. It had been a long time since she had seen Gabriel. Flipping the knife once, she placed it in its rightful spot and turned around to face him.

“Pardon my intrusion my Lord Gabriel, but I just thought it was time to check up on you,” she replied, in a softer tone than her usual. “You’ve been gone for such a long time now, the boys hardly remember your face.”

Eva would put an arm to her chest and give him a small bow, then straightened herself.

“I have missed you.”

[Gabriel Seran]

Gabriel's emerald eye traced Eva respectively as she performed the normal curtesies of the court he'd established back home. Though sometimes with her Gabriel grew bored of it. Eva performed it without hesitating as if she so devoutly believed in the hierarchy created. Gabriel gave a fair grin feeling a bit warm at the sight of her.

“I have missed you.”

He grinned wider at that before establishing a neutral tone to his figure approaching her slowly though without fear of intrusion. The two had been close since an early age there was no space between them, even if he was the one being waited on which had been a burden as of late.

"hmm so Eva, seems as though I've missed you as well." He gave a faltering grin before looking past her trying not to make much of it at all.

Gabriel turned about in the kitchen towards Marcus who was following at his tail. He turned about to face Eva again respectably bowing towards her.

"So what can you tell me of your flight? Was the service up to your fine standards?"

[Eva Fortescue]

Her hazel eyes traced his every movement. In a way she was in mild shock at seeing him again. She noticed that he had changed since their last encounter; Gabriel seemed a lot more muscular in the upper body. Upon realizing what she was thinking, Eva struggled not to show any emotion as he approached her so casually. She had no problem with this, only the fact that the moment felt so surreal. Yet it was a good feeling that only Gabriel could bestow upon her.

Eva found her lips curving into a small grin as well. Her facial features softened immensely and for the very first time in a long time, she actually looked happy.

“I’m glad that I can be a person that can stay in your mind long enough to miss,” she said sincerely, her line of vision leaving Gabriel’s handsome face to the man walking behind him. An older fellow. She’d made note of him.

“My flight ran smoothly and the service was exceptional as always, though I must say, I never expected it to be so hot here,” she said, taking off her gloves to show her delicate fingers. She placed them on the counter and loosened her tie in the same fashion. The cool air felt good on her neck.

“A question. When were you planning on returning?”

[Gabriel Seran]

In his mind he grew irritated in the fashion of how she would address him like that, over and over always the master but never anything that would amount to being more so of much else. Though he kept a cool facade trying not to reveal any emotions he didn't want let loose for the fact that they may not be recognized. Dispite her absolute loyalty he didn't think of using her to that extent in fact even thinking that made him want to inflict harm unto himself.

Returning? He hadn't thought on the matter, was that what she really wanted? was the work he'd left her with too much of a burden. It vexxed him to think in such a way. Though above all he had responsibilities here. He owed it to Olivia to make this place better.

Gabriel turned his back on Eva looking sullen, "I don't plan on returning, not yet at least..."

"There are some things I must tend to while I'm here and I'd ask that you stay here... wouldn't want to cause you unnessesary worry." He turned back giving her the glimpse of a fake smile, one she'd most easily be able to pick out with their extensive time with one another.

[Eva Fortescue]

In her years of knowing Gabriel she knew that at that moment, he wasn’t too impressed with her. Immediately her mind began to turn, thinking of anything she could have done wrong to upset him so. She always made sure that all her orders were fulfilled to above excellence. Which lead her the only thing she could think of at the moment; she was here. Perhaps he didn’t like the fact that she left her post in France to come and check up on him. Immediately she regretted her decision.

A fake smile. It hurt her to see how disappointed he appeared to be with her. His opinion of her was the most important than anything else. It occurred to her then that asking him when he was going to return was actually quite offensive, or so she thought. Her duties back home were an easy task for her and she didn’t want to give him the assumption that she grew tired of it, or couldn’t handle it.

“I understand,” she said, back to that business tone of voice. “I apologize for the sudden appearance. Sorry to have bothered you. I will take my leave in the morning and continue my duties whole heartedly. If you‘ll excuse me…”

Tilting her head in the form of a bow. Eva was going to retire for the night. The tension in the room was overbearing. Also, knowing that Gabriel was angry with her made her feel terrible. She almost wanted to punish herself for not being the perfect little servant. A sadness welled up inside her.

[Gabriel Seran]

Gabriel sensed the feeling of hurt in her voice as his back was turned. He had never intended to hurt her quite like that, this was supposed to be his own burden that was why he hadn't gotten her involved with any of it but still Eva had known him for so long was it like him to keep such secrets. Yes, even though secrets had killed him once before, had killed Olivia, he was sworn to secrets they were what made him. And destroyed him, but with destruction came creation.

As she turned to make an exit Gabriel followed a short while after giving Eva the time to think to herself maybe not appear to desperate to have her stay himself. It felt foolish to be chasing after her like this.

"Eva...I." Gabriel started leaning in the door watching her from the edge of the doorway admirably. He was always one to be good with words but he seemed a bit held back at the moment, a bit unsure of himself or if his feelings would betray him.

"I'd like for you to stay...." Gabriel stated in a low murmer not quite acknowledging much else as his eyes where dead set on her. If Eva was to turn around his eyes would lock with hers unafraid.

"You are essential to my well being as well." He finished quickly defending his position

[Eva Fortescue]

This wasn’t the reunion she was expecting. Shaking her head, she convinced herself that this was the way that Gabriel wanted it, so therefore she’d quit feeling this way and continue serving him. He was the master and she was the associate, it was how things worked. The feeling that it left in the pit of her stomach shocked her. She forgot was it was like to be near him again.

‘It wasn’t long, but it was worth the trip.’

Inserting her Bluetooth earphone in her left ear, she dialled Frederick’s number. After the third ring he picked up. He answered with that authoritative voice that all the mafia members answered her with. It was strange that she was taking notice of it now.

“Afternoon Frederick. About the delivery plans, cancel them. I’ll be there late afternoon tomorrow to take care of it myself. As for the…one second.”

Placing her hand over the receiving end, she turned around and was surprised to see Gabriel standing against the doorway. Their eyes held each others intensely. Even if she wanted to look away, there was no way she could. His stare was over powering. The words that he spoke were more so. For a moment, she just continued to stare, at a loss of words…she even hung up on Fred.

“T-thank you Lord Gabriel, I’d be honoured to stay.”

Eva didn’t even care about thinking about the preparations and orders she’d have to tell Frederick to make up for her absence. Right now, Eva was focused on Gabriel. Once again, she was happy. If felt like the old days. “I suppose I’ll have to learn my way around this mansion of yours,” she said, a bit of humour in her tone. Oh yes, the olden days.

[Gabriel Seran]

He chuckled a bit feeling the mood in the room ligthen a bit from the short while of intensity that seemed to be coursing through the room. It felt almost like the good old days when he used to be a bit more childish with her. A time when he wasn't so restrained behind the reigns of a title and authority. Maybe for a moment he could set that aside and enjoy himself for even a short moment.

"It seems you may... Care for the grand tour?" Gabriel suggested offering his services giving her the amount of respect she so rightly deserved.

Offering up his time may have come as kind of a surprise but he hadn't thought any deeper than sharing company with her, he didn't imply what kind of effects might tear off from that. Cause deep in Gabriel's mind he really did care for her, he didn't understand the full extent of it however he'd been rather cold since he'd lost Olivia it'd scaree him deeply.

[Eva Fortescue]

Eva was a little shocked that he offered to give her a tour of the place himself. She was expecting him to make the butler do it, or one of the other servants. She would not complain. The more time she got to spend with Gabriel the better. Flashing him one of her rare smiles, she approached him and waited for him to lead the way.

“Ready when you are.”

She was thankful the tension in the air was gone. Instead it was replaced by that usual feeling she had when she was with him. She couldn’t quite explain it, but it made her nervous sometimes, shy even. Which was preposterous since she had practically grown up with him and knew him very well. He was also treating her formally. It wasn’t like him, but perhaps he just needed some time to get used to her presence again, as she with him.

“Pardon my curiosity,” she asked as they walked. “But what sort of business have you been dealing with since you came here? If you wish not to say, that is fine too, I just like to know so that I can better assist you.”

It was natural to be curious. All this time being away from each other made her want to know what exactly had been going on in his life. Did he have ‘connections’, what was so important that he had to stay here, did he have a women---! Her thoughts cut off right there. She scolded herself for even thinking that line of thought.

[Gabriel Seran]

It did feel quite alot more comfortable, and some secret pleasure in him was making her smile. If only things could've been like they were back in the day. They were friends right? He was unsure of it as it was, things were different than they were a few years ago and they each had rrputations to live up to.

“Pardon my curiosity,” she asked as they walked. “But what sort of business have you been dealing with since you came here? If you wish not to say, that is fine too, I just like to know so that I can better assist you.”

Gabriel chuckled reassuring as they neared the stairs coming to the room he'd expect Eva to take up.

"Well it has to do with this school it would seem as though someone has bruised my fragile ego and threatened my life. And as you know I'm not one to avoid a challenge." He gave a small grin continuing to walk into the bedroom.

Deep down it was a lie and she could probably tell that, but he did care for certain people here and defending them was his duty, he felt responsible for them even at a cost of his own life. And still he owed Olivia a changed world and this was where things would start.

"Heres your room I expect it to be up to standards." He flashed a smile accidently grazing hands and recoiling gently without drawing too much attention.

[Eva Fortescue]

That laugh again. His laugh always made her full lips curve into a fragile smile. No one else had saw her like this but him. It made him very special to her. Things were a little bit different as of now, but that was okay. As long as she got to remain here, with him, nothing else mattered. It was comforting to know that she could safely keep an eye on him and not worry on a daily basis as she did back home.

“Fragile ego?” she said with a grin, raising an eyebrow. “If I remember correctly, your ego is not so fragile!” She remembered him having a big ego, full of confidence. “You must let me assist you in bringing harm upon the person who has threatened your life!”

If he said no, she would do it anyway. There was no way she was going to let him face things alone, not when she was so close by and could help him. She owed him so much. She was in his debt, always. Others could say it was just love that propelled her, but Eva’s mind was clouded with things like loyalty and doing her job…so such a reason didn’t even cross her mind.

“In fact, I insist you let me.”

She had a concerned look on her face.

Her hand reached out to open the door to the bedroom he had just announced to her, but before she reached the doorknob her hand had accidentally grazed his. A wave of surprised heat surged to her face. Eva continued the motion of opening the door, making it seem like she wasn’t affected by that sudden physical contact.

“Magnifique, It’s a very lovely room. Merci beaucoup!”

Eva was good at hiding her emotions, because right now, she was a little flustered.

[Gabriel Seran]

Before they'd went for the door Gabriel's features turned serious and intrusive. Emerald hues averted towrards her face in a defensive manner. Matrim was all too powerful, too monstrive aof a person to allow anyone near lest someone he cared about get hurt. Since Reira he wouldn't allow such a thing to happen again, he was sure that her death was caused by his hands alone. Having not been there he could only assume it was the doing of her fiance.

"I don't want you anywhere near that monster... you understand don't you..." He knew very well it wouldn't get through but it was worth a try.

Opening the door he heard her usher her appreciation of it. He'd chosen it for a particular purpose, it'd held some significant purpose the paintings on the walls represented the godess Athena which he was reminded of Eva each time he looked upon them.

"I hope you do enjoy this room... if not I can find better suited accomidations..." his voice low almost boarderline murmering, it was odd to have this time together but oddly enough it was a comfortable oddness that made him feel warm inside. Like home.

[Eva Fortescue]

The room was beautiful. It really was. The paintings of Athena, the Goddess of War and Wisdom, were stunning. There was one in particular that captured her. Walking over to it, she examined the fine work. In this particular painting, Athena’s eyes were fierce, but soft and caring at the same time. It was what she had to be towards Gabriel right now. Turning to face him once again, she looked at him softly.

“This room is perfect…” There was a moment of silence, then she continued in a caring tone of voice. “Gabriel, if I am to help you, I’m going to have to go near your monsters. Please don’t feel like you have to face them alone. As long as I’m here, you’ll never have to.”

That was the whole hearted truth, whether he liked it or not. Eva didn’t expect him to agree with what she just said…but she was going to live up to those words. It had always been like his. He was always trying to do everything alone and protect the ones he loved at the same time. It was too much for one person to do by their lonesome. As first it may work, but soon the body and mind would become beaten and battered.

“Besides, my safety is of no concern…I always manage to survive.”