Hebs gave a little nod towards Shadow's way and instantly started with what he was going to do. The snake man was rather quick as he moved from pan to pan and even went as far as to preparing the plates for all of them. Surely, Kratos and the others were already hungry.

Gian looked at Alfie for a second or two before he'd grinned in amusement. "Pain first before pleasure?" he asked, quoting his professor back in high school before he, well, ran away. Uttering a short, "Thank you," at Alfie for dressing him, he put a hand on the naga's shoulder and nodded. "Let's. I can eat a mountain right about now. Hope the food's ready by the time we get there."

Kratos turned to look at Léan when those long, gentle fingers ran over the veins on his neck. The life man gave the merman a little smile before he'd leaned in to press a gentle kiss onto those soft and luscious looking lips. "I can get you your tuna."

"I don't mind," was the first few words Hebs said after he'd blinked in surprise at Shadow's sudden question. He hadn't expected that, really. "And, please do." The snake man smiled softly and gave Shadow's shoulder a little pat before he'd left to fetch Blake. Hopefully, the boy was going to be feeling well by now.

It didn't take long for Hebs to arrive at Blake's room. Knocking thrice, he waited for a reply from the other room before he'd uttered: "The food's ready. We made your favorite."

Gian wasn't fully aware of Alfie's, well, happiness as he accompanied him but he was thoroughly enjoying every minute and every second of the other's touch. Moving his hand so he could squeeze Alfie's hand back, he idly wondered if the food, indeed, is ready. His stomach made a sound and he brought up his free hand to rub it mindlessly.

"All right." Kratos slowly set Léan down onto the chair and went to get a pillow so the other wouldn't be slipping off. "I'll be quick." That was all the life man said as he hurried to the kitchen to go get Léan's food. Of course, he'd given Shadow a nod of greeting just to be polite. The other, after all, was worth to be respected despite his promiscuity and the life he'd led.

Hebs saw the wary look Blake gave him and he gave him a gentle smile. "Shadow took the liberty of reading that particular information from your mind." The snake man rubbed the side of his neck lightly. "He, apparently, surprised me just a few minutes ago when I said something about your favorite food. I hope you're hungry. We've prepared more for you." Stepped back a little, he motioned for the other to come out.

"We better go. We always eat dinner together. Come on."

Gian followed - slowly - after Alfie and seated himself on the chair. It felt uncomfortable but he didn't complain, neither did he talk when he'd seen the food. Much like Alfie, he dug in and occasionally gave the other members of the table a glance. Like Léan, for example. He found it rather cute at how the other was curiously sniffing the food they were eating. Those were small bits of the food they were eating, weren't they?

Kratos had come out with a plate of tuna, cut up, and, well, arranged. When he'd seen the plate of sandwich in front of Léan, he blinked and he pulled up a chair as he seated beside the merman. "He can eat this?" he asked as he turned to look up at Shadow. The life man put the plate of tuna down beside the small bit of 'human food' and waited for Shadow's reply.

Hebs knew exactly what Blake was thinking when he'd seen him disappear from the door like that. The snake man sighed quietly and mentally noted that he should probably keep the honesty to a minimum. Especially when they were going to have Blake try and trust them. Though, he didn't see the pain in being honest, it doesn't really turn out too well for everyone.

Blinking when he'd seen Blake finally stepping outside and saying that word, Hebs was unable to keep himself from smiling. "Shadow helped me cook. I'm sure you'll find the food to your taste." Motioning for the other to follow him, the snake man led the way back to the dining place. The moment he'd arrived, he'd patted Alfie's back and uttered a short, "Slow it down a little, Alfie. The food won't be running away," before he'd pulled out a chair for Blake and left it for him to go and take his seat again beside Shadow.

Gian let out a short, "Oh," for Kratos when he'd heard Shadow's explanation about the human food for Léan. "Though... I'm guessing it's not as delicious as it should be for him, is it?" Taking the food, Gian started eating and smiled in amusement at Alfie when he'd seen him eat rather quickly and at Hebs who was reprimanding him, well, as gently as he could.

Kratos started eating his own food too and was watching Léan eat while he looked over at Blake when he'd entered to join them. Of course, his ignoring him was apparent when he'd turned his attention back to his food. He never was the sociable one.

Hebs smiled in amusement at Alfie's reply and at Léan's declaration before he'd started on his own food. He supposed food really does taste that way to Léan considering the other was a merman and not a human. Are the taste buds of mermen really that different? It made him curious and he was sure Gian was thinking the same thing.

Well, Gian would have had thought the same thing if he wasn't so concerned with something else. He was just glad Shadow had started talking because the next topic took his mind off of it. Surprise, too, was apparent in his features as he suddenly remembered the villa trip. They've been talking about this a long time and he knew that this was also the time that Hebs would want to clear things up with Shadow and either go or forego the relationship. But, when he'd heard something about someone having to stay for Blake, his lips pulled up into a slight pout and his brows met with a frown.

He definitely didn't want to stay nor did he want Alfie not to go. Hebs and Shadow, surely, couldn't stay since this trip concerned the both of them and Kratos' powers were needed. "What about Léan?"

Kratos features turned dark and Gian was silenced as he ducked his head and kept his gaze on his plate. "If Léan stays, I stay." That was all the life man said as he resumed eating the portion Léan didn't finish and drank it down with some water.

Gian only turned to look up at Shadow when he'd heard Johnny's name and he blinked just a tad before he'd turned to look at Blake. The mortified look on Blake made him think twice about calling Johnny but he pursed his lips and thought that if he didn't, one of them was definitely going to stay with him. It was either he or Alfie and he didn't like that thought. After all, they had planned on going to Shadow's villa a long time ago. It was just now that they were finalizing things and talking about it.

Kratos shook his head and turned to look at Léan. "If Léan goes, I go." He met Shadow's gaze and gave him an even stare. Even if the other had taken an authoritative voice and aura over there, it still didn't make Kratos cringe at all. Amongst the freaks, it was Kratos who was able to take Shadow on. Of course, he still respected the Ringleader. But, with his stubborness came the curiosity. What were those things Shadow mentioned he and Léan could put to good use?

"I'll call him after dinner." Gian mumbled to himself as he continued eating and finished his food. He was sure Johnny wasn't going to like it but perhaps a little urging and pushing or negotiating would help Johnny be keen to the idea of babysitting Blake. "And, yeah. What is Blake's power?" It was only after when Blake had mentioned his power did he remember that Shadow hadn't ever told them yet. Even Hebs looked up at Blake and then at Shadow curiously.

Kratos only appeared like he wasn't at all interested but he was listening. That was the one thing he did best.

It looked like Shadow's immense and enthralling beauty wasn't at all affecting Kratos either. When the other had glanced away, something inside of him was cheering with amusement. Apparently, he'd won their little stare-off, game or not. "And that traumatized him so he isolates himself?" the life man asked as he finished his food, looking nonchalant as ever. Leaning back in his seat and crossing his arms over his chest, he turned his attention to the merman and idly wondered if the other was going to come or not. It looked like, indeed, that he knew what Shadow was talking about and Kratos couldn't really care less whatever it was.

If anything, Kratos only wanted Léan by his side. Wherever he'd be.

Gian made a face at Kratos and was quite tempted to kick him under the table for being rude. Hebs, on the other hand, nodded in understanding. "We can't exactly have dead people in our shows." The snake man turned to look at Kratos who returned his gaze. There was clear annoyance in that face of his but he didn't pay it any mind and let his gaze linger back to Shadow. "But, in order for him to control such a strong power, shouldn't he, too, have a strong belief in himself like Kratos?"

Kratos grunted when Hebs had suggested that and he pursed his lips in distaste before he'd glanced away. Obviously, he wasn't liking the idea.

Kratos was tempted to leave the room and he would've had if he weren't with Léan. "Fine," he grunted as he turned to look at Shadow and meet his gaze. He, unlike Léan, didn't back down. Of course, he wasn't going to start a fight either. There was no reason for him to and if there was one person he'd rather get mad at him, it would be either the human, the naga, or the snake man. Not Shadow.

He did, after all, owe Shadow for taking him in.

Gian seemed to feel the discomfort lingering about in the room. So this was what it felt when Shadow was angry or irritated. Hebs, on the other hand, reached out to put a hand on Shadow's back and rub it lightly to hopefully ease the fallen angel's irritation. "Then, that's settled. Is there a certain date you'd be wanting us to leave, Shadow?" He had to make sure so he could prepare everything they'd need, especially Léan's needs during their slightly long trip to Austria.


[[ What are those gifts? xD Just had to ask out of curiosity. And, an angry Shadow's scary. o.o ]]

((It's a secret. :3 I can say that they're gifts from one of Shadow's many past lovers. He hasn't touched them in years. He really has no need for them, unless, that is, he wants to go and locate Rousel, his underwater friend...:3))


Shadow seemed grateful for that comforting hand rubbing his back. He did not, however, break his gaze into Kratos' eyes. There were times when Shadow would back down. But if one went too far...he had no problem pulling rank. This family was his--he had fostered and raised it on his own, at least at first. He was in charge, unquestionably. He was not going to take direct rudeness toward himself or other members of his family for too long.

"We are going to have a show before we leave," the man revealed, simply. "If possible, since he's comfortable with his power, I would like Johnny to be a part of it. We do have to formally introduce him at some point. I don't know how busy he is...perhaps we can have our show...tomorrow night?" he suggested, arching an eyebrow. "I doubt he'll be busy on a weekend night. As for leaving for Austria...we will need some time to prepare. How about five days from now? I will purchase tickets. With...Léan how he is...we will have to fly business class. The less people around, the better."

Léan seemed somewhat relieved about that. He would probably have to be drugged in order to relax. Something to make him sleep, maybe, would be best. He didn't like the loud sounds that planes made, nor did he like the idea of being around humans...

Alfie nuzzled Gian's shoulder slightly, looking like he'd relaxed. Shadow didn't seem angry anymore.

[[ Now that explains why Shadow knows so much about merpeople. :rofl: And, five days begone! I wanna know. XD ]]


Gian nodded at that. "I'll inform Johnny," he told Shadow, "And negotiate." Surely, the man would do him favors considering he had done favors for him in the past. Grinning a little at the nuzzle to his shoulder, the boy pinched Alfie's nose and leaned in to kiss him lightly on the lips. He, too, had relaxed, at least, when Shadow hadn't seemed so angry anymore. Honestly, what is it that Kratos eats to try and irritate Shadow or anyone else as much as he could?

Kratos was just lucky Hebs didn't get affected with his words. Hebs, Gian though, was probably one of the most calmest people - or freak - he's met. "Five days should be perfect enough to prepare everything we'll be needing." Hebs continued to rub Shadow's back as he turned to look at the others who nodded in agreement. At least, he'd seen Gian do. Kratos only crossed his arms over his chest.

"I'll prepare the tent for tomorrow's show too."

Kratos, who didn't seem to want to talk at all, asked quite a surprising question. "When do I start training him?"

Gian laughed and tried to keep it down as he probed Alfie's hand away from his side. The boy gave Alfie's nose another pinch before he'd nodded at Shadow. He was done eating and if he wanted to call Johnny, perhaps now was a good time. Nudging Alfie a little, he tilted his head towards the door and turned to look at Hebs. "If there's anything you need help with, you know where to find me."

Hebs smiled. "I'll be sure to knock first." Gian's cheeks colored at that statement and he slowly got up to his seat. "We'll be going ahead." The boy gave Alfie's arm a little pat before he'd headed out the door.

Kratos sighed and turned to look at Léan. He honestly didn't want to leave the merman's side. The man leaned close to whisper his question into the other's ear. "You want to get back to my room or your tank?" The life man turned to look at Blake and mumbled a, "Meet me by the gate at five in the evening," before he'd lifted Léan into his arms again.

Hebs noted what Shadow had told him and turned to look at Blake the moment Kratos was gone. "If anything goes wrong or if he threatens you, don't hesitate to approach either Shadow or I. You don't really need to talk, though, if you're with Shadow." Hebs gave him a gentle smile and then turned to look at Shadow. "I'll go prepare for the show tomorrow. I'll be at the tent if you need me."

Gian's embarrassment, indeed, had furthered with Alfie's statement and by the time the other had joined him out, he had poked him at the side. "You're mean," he started before he'd chuckled, "I doubt he'd like you to be making fun of him, though, when he complains." Johnny had been surprised Alfie and he had, well, some sort of thing going on before. He'd be even much more surprised at how far he'd gone with Alfie.

Johnny always had been Gian's older brother, even if they weren't related by blood.

Once he'd gotten to Alfie's room, he searched through the drawer for the phone and pulled it out. He typed in the man's number - which he'd remembered by memory - and leaned against the wall. When there was a tired, "Hello?" from the other line, he knew very well that Johnny just had one hell of a rough time in court, most probably. "Johnny. It's Gian."

There was a long pause before Johnny replied, "Oh. Hey." The man seemed to relax as he excused himself for a moment. "What do you need?" Gian put Johnny is speaker-phone and said, "You, actually. I'll be needing you to come over to keep Blake company while we go off to Shadow's villa." There was another long pause. Gian continued on, "I know you don't like the idea but we really need someone to watch over Blake. Come on, you watched over me before - how could it be any different?"

Johnny grunted. "This is on speaker-phone, isn't it? Did Alfie ask you to do that?" Gian turned to look at Alfie and grinned sheepishly. If there was one thing he didn't like about Johnny, it was how quickly he could pinpoint even the littlest of details.

Hebs chuckled along with Shadow and smiled again. "All right. And, you may go, too, Blake. I can clean up... not unless you want to help?"

Kratos sighed quietly at Léan's reply and nodded before he'd tightened his hold on him, almost possessively. He was walking towards Léan's tent and when he'd gotten there, he didn't just let him go. The life man seated by the waters, let his shoes and half of his pants to get wet as he dipped them in and set Léan onto his lap. "Just for a moment. Let me hold you."

Gian crouched down a bit to stroke Alfie's tail while he held the phone in one hand. "And, why, praytell will I do that?" the man in the phone asked. There was obvious irritation in his voice and Gian knew that if they made him anymore irritated, he might just drop the call. Gian wasn't done with him, too. "Because you wouldn't hear the end of it from me if you don't do it." There was, yet again, silence on the other line. "Didn't you also say before that you hate hearing me whine or being angry with you."

That was true. Johnny couldn't bear the thought of Gian having to hate him. There was a sigh in the other line. "Tell Blake I'll come pick him up in two days." Gian grinned brightly. "You can't come tomorrow?" There was another sigh, a much more exhausted sounding one. "I can't. I have to fly to China for a client. What's there tomorrow?"

"A show. Shadow's wanting to introduce you to our audience. He said you better think of a stage name if you don't want to use your real name." If Johnny could be seen, Gian was sure he was going to see a roll of eyes. "Dandy. I'll see you in two days then." Then, there was a beep.

Hebs blinked a bit and laughed lightly. "Good luck with that, Blake." Once the boy had gone off, he was just about to start taking the plates from the table when the other had done that. "Mm." Not that he was complaining. In fact, he had enjoyed that kiss, even if it had been short. "I will," he told him with a grin. After what Shadow had done, there was no way he wasn't going to.

Kratos didn't really have a problem. He just didn't want to let go of the merman. "I don't like the idea of teaching anyone anything."

Gian shuddered a little at the nuzzle to his neck and put the phone down once Johnny had hung up. "Yeah," he said as he shrugged, "I don't mind whatever job's given to me. I could even probably sell souvenirs or something to eat during the show." Leaning a little at Alfie while his hand continued to stroke the other's tail, he pressed a soft kiss onto the tip of his nose. "But, I think the sales would soar with Blake and Johnny if they're able to perform with us on our very next show."

Hebs had finished cleaning the table and the dishes. Once he was satisfied, he wiped his hands with a towel and hung this to dry before he'd pushed the chairs back. The snake man headed for Shadow's room just in case he wanted something else done before he went to prepare for their show tomorrow. While he journeyed to Shadow's room, he was thinking of what to do for his presentation. Unlike the others, there was little he could do. Perhaps, he could ask volunteers again from the crowd like he'd done that one time. A smile graced the snake man's lips as he knocked onto Shadow's door.

Kratos grunted at the tug on his ear and he sighed. "I don't have a choice, do I?" he asked before he'd loosened his hold on Léan. The man watched him for a few seconds before he'd leaned in to press a very light kiss onto those luscious lips. "I'll come back later then." Kratos gave the other a small - a really small - smile and put his hands on his hips. He slowly hoisted him up to gently put him into the water.