Home Again [Gwen]

[Leonardo K. Mattias]

After having been shot by that damn silver bullet that had put him into such a weakened state, Leonardo had remained at the Mattias Manor recovering until he was both mentally and physically stable again. During that time, he had scarcely let anyone see him as his mind kicked into overdrive the pride that ran through his veins. Gwen was one of the few family members allowed to see him at all time the only other really being their father who came whenever he damn well pleased as it was. Nadia was kept away for a day or so after that before she was allowed to truly see Leon, and by that time, he was much more mentally stable than he had been before. It was for the best or so Leon later thought. The last thing he needed was for her to be panicking over him for a solid day or more. He would have gotten all but no rest and would have taken that much longer to get better. However, even with this brief barrier, her presence soon became overbearing, and he began to long for the peace and quiet that came with his own loft apart from the manor. There, he could be left to himself and not be pestered by his mother and her maids, and therefore despite the fact that he might not have been fully healed yet, Leon had made it a point to get out of the manor.

It was actually somewhat difficult to get away. He wasn't completely healed even if his wound had finally started to close up on its own apart from the stitches that had been piecing it together. The doctor had been pleased at the progress but had made note that Leon not do too much least it impede his healing. This somehow translated to not doing anything outside of stay in the bed which Leon wouldn't have if he could help it. Despite doctor's orders, he forced himself up on the second day and started walking around claiming that he was bored of staying there and wanting to get back to work. Of course he wasn't allowed to. However, as the doctor found that he couldn't really stop the determined werewolf who had more resources under his belt than just determination, he finally suggested that Leon be allowed to leave the manor. Nadia wouldn't have it, though. She wanted her baby boy there, and it was much harder to deal with the words of another Mattias. After a bit, Leon figured a way around it and managed to get away on the grounds that he would 'promise to call if he needed anything' among other things, sigh. She wasn't completely satisfied but finally bowed to it as he played on the idea that stopping work for too long would be more detrimental for a Mattias.

Thus after that, he was set up in a car- a rather short but decent limo- with his own driver and supplies that he would need to deal with his wounds. The doctor assured that a nurse would be sent over daily to tend to things, and though he was more than sure he could take care of himself, Leon agreed to it. Now he was leaned back in a comfortable chair with his arm slung up across himself. With every subtle movement of the car, he was aware of his it moved his bones inside but was able to tolerate it. Meanwhile, brown eyes stared sideways glancing at the things the car was passing as it made its way across town and to his apartment. As the car finally came to a stop, Leon sighed out before reaching sideways with his free hand and clasping the door before pushing it open and stepping outside. Brown eyes floated upwards to glance at the high rise apartment complex that he had made his bird's nest of sorts. The very top floor was his own place- his own hide away.

[Gwendolyn D. Mattias]

“Questa discussione è finita. Quelle sono le vostre scelte, Gwendonlyn.” (This discussion is over. Those are your choices, Gwendolyn) was the last thing her father said as he walked out of Gwens room. He was angry so she dared not argue any longer. He would not budge any more on his demands, and she couldn't blame him for it. She knew that all he wanted was to keep her safe. Things were getting way out of hand and she couldn't find a way to normality. She could only wonder.

Gwen sat on the edge of her bed, the spot next to her was still warm from where her father was sitting just a minute before. They'd been talking, and towards the end, arguing about her future. How her life, as screwed up as it already was, was going to become even more screwed. “This is Fubar” she whispered to herself. “How did things come to this?” She asked no one. Gwen knew why. She just didn't understand what events led to it.

She stared at the solid mahogany case which sat on her dresser just a few yards before her. Inside was a Kimber ultra carry II sub compact .45 caliber handgun. It was from Mitchell's personal collection. She remembered seeing it behind glass in one of his many display cases. Next to it was a box of special order ammunition that would be deadly to anything up to and including a vampire. She'd only really glanced at the box her father held out as he explained to her about the gun. Thats all it took. She knew the rounds were +P+ high velocity and the bullets were depleted uranium core with a titanium jacket. The bullet was designed to explode if it hit something that was harder than the shell, like armor or a vampires skin. It would pass through anything else. It was probably illegal to posses for everyone except her father.

The papers next to the mahogany case were also one of a kind. Gwen knew that in England you had to be 15 or over to apply for a firearms certificate. Yet there it was with her name on it. It was also legal for only rifles since handguns were illegal in this country. However, there on top of the other papers was a letter to the local police and magistrate from “Her Britannic Majesty's Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain” with the signature of the prime minister David Cameron and her majesty Queen Elizabeth II's royal seal. She couldn't fathom how he would have obtained such a document. Within were special waivers and permissions allowing the 12 year old Gwendolyn to not only possess, but legally conceal carry. If her father himself had not presented the documents to her, she would never have believed they were real.

What was she to to? Either carry the blasted thing for her safety or have a squad of bodyguards assigned to her who would be with her at all times, including school. All this and according to her father, The assassin wasn't even after her. When he first walked into her room an hour prior, Gwen was supposed to both carry and have the bodyguards. Not only that, but he was making his case for her to attend that dreadful all-girls school again.
Gwen wouldn't have it. She threatened to drop out immediately if she had to attend there. That was the easy of the three to win. Her other arguments fell on deaf ears, and 45 minutes later the only concession she'd managed before her father was done talking was to choose full active protection or carry the weapon and only have to have passive protection at a distance.

Gwen sighed. If it wasn't for school, it would probably be cool to have her own bodyguards. But how was she going to explain this to her teachers? And how could she possibly hope to have a “life” at all with adults dogging her every step? And she thought just being the only “kid” in a high school was bad enough. It was just not possible. All of her objections and concerns were downplayed. Her arguments politely ignored. Her father did her the honor of listening, but in the end, he didn't give much ground. The injustice of it all was enough to give her a migraine.

Gwendolyn stood and took the few steps forward that would put her in front of the open case. She stared at the pistol. One of many she'd seen in the past. She was no stranger to the damn things. She even shot some with her father in their indoor range. >All I have to do is carry it with me. Just put it in my purse< She told herself, trying to convince herself that it was the easier thing to do. Gwen's hand raised and she reached out for the weapon. Her fingers came within an inch of taking it into her hand when there was a flash and BANG! As the memory of the vampire shooting at her burst forward. Gwen's hand flinched back with a gasp. Her hand shaking, she held it to her breast. “I can't do this. I just can't” She whispered to herself as she backed away from the case.

Gwen wiped at the tears that continues to well in her eyes as she walked down the hall to her brother's room. In the past she would never have even thought of doing so. He would have pushed her off to a servant or their mother, but something had changed between her and Leonardo. Ever since the incident things were different between them. She found she could talk to him, and in returns, he listened and responded to her. Gwen didn't question this. She just hoped it was the new normal. She must speak with him. There was no one else to turn to. No one.

Reaching his room, she knocked and waited. No one answered at first, then the door opened and a maid informed her he'd packed his things and was on his way back to his place. Gwen panicked. She rushed into his room and glanced around. The bed was already made by the maids and he was gone. “Leo! Don't do this to me!” she blurted out anguished.

Gwen rushed from the room to the car port. She saw the short limo in the drive. It was facing away from her with the trunk open. >That has to be him< She mused. The driver put a bag in the trunk and walked away towards the front of the car. She had no time to think things through. She had to go with him. She coudn't stay in that house another minute. She was desperate for his help, but to make a scene of running out there and banging on the car door when others might be watching was unthinkable. She rushed forward before she could think and talk herself out of it and jumped into the trunk as it slowly closed automatically. She remained still until the vehicle came to a stop and the engine ceased. She knew all vehicles had an emergency release inside the boot, but where? She couldn't see anything in the pitch dark so she felt around for with her hands.

The limo's driver walked around the limo to the rear to get Leonardo's stuff and hit the button on his remote for the boot. There was a mechanical click and the whriiiirl of the servo motor as the automatic deck-lid opened to expose the interior of the boot compartment. “What the hell?!?” Was the driver's yelp of surprise as he stepped back, his arm flinging aside his suit jacket to get to his concealed gun which was being un-holstered and brought to bear.
“Wait! Its me!.” Gwen shouted putting her hands in front of of her. The memory of the vampire's gun going off flashed in her mind again. She screamed, pushing herself as far back into the trunk as she could get. "Leo!" She managed to call out. Tears came as she turned away from the gun and covered her face with shaking hands.

[Leonardo K. Mattias]

The shout from the driver was enough to startle Leonardo, and he jumped all too quickly his head jutting to the side despite the fact that his shoulder and neck muscles still weren't used to such tight movements. Sharp brown eyes caught sight of the driver as he had stepped back reaching for his gun. Suddenly his pulse was in his ears, and Leon found himself more than on guard. However, the shout from Gwen was enough to confuse Leon. All too quickly, the werewolf had turned all the way around and was walking all too quickly towards the car- despite the fact that this very action could have cost him his life had it been a real threat coated in trickery in that moment. The scream that followed caused Leon to practically run the last few feet turning to the trunk just as his name was called. What the hell was going on?

"Gwen?!" was the sharp but worried word that escaped past Leon's teeth. Just as he saw her there cowering away, Leon bristled brown eyes suddenly flared with anger. However, instead of yelling at her, his head turned a little. "Get that away from her, fool!" he snarled far harsher than he ever would speak normally. His hand reaching forwards and grasping the gun sideways keeping care not to snag the inner barrel. The driver froze where he was and found the gun effectively ripped from his hand by Leon's hyper strength in another moment. It was only after this that Leon's pulse began to drop again.

With the gun confiscated, Leon's eyes were not on the driver any longer and instead had refocused on Gwen again. For a few seconds, he was completely silent, but the pulse in his ears was still slamming loud enough for Leon to feel as if there was no silence at all. After a moment, the brown haired man sighed drawing up in a deeper breath of air that allowed him to steady his pulse. "Gwen, what....are you doing in there?" was the calmer question that reverberated off Leon's lips. "Why are you not at home?"

[Gwendolyn D. Mattias]

Gwen breathed a sigh of relief at hearing her brother come to her aid. The gun disappeared from her sight as the driver was disarmed and scolded. She uncurled herself and shifted forward to get out of the trunk. She wiped at the tears, pausing for a moment, unable to meet her brother's eyes. >What's wrong with me! First in my room at Daddy's gun and now here.< She asked herself. She'd never been afraid of guns before, now all of a sudden having one pointed at her, even though she knew it was in a friendly's hands.... or even touching one?. She couldn't find an explanation, even though the "Hit" at the restaurant the other day was obviously the cause. "emotional or mental scars?" She dared think. Would she have to see a damn shrink now?. She climbed out and sat on the bumper, still shaking. She could feel her brothers eyes on her and she felt shamed as he asked what she was doing in there and why she wasn't at home.

Gwen wasn't even sure how to answer. All she knew was that she'd just made a fool of herself. How dare she cower. She'd never done that before in her life, until.... >The damn vampire! It's all his fault!< Her hands steadied as she curled them into fists. Anger chased away the fears. Looking up, but not yet at her brother, she locked narrowing eyes with the driver who was just standing there staring. She flinched as her body tensed, almost jumping up and pounding the man for pulling the gun on her and causing the humiliating screen. Anger had cleared her mind though. Nothing would be gained by that childish act.

Sighing, she let the anger go and uncurled her hands. The driver wasn't to blame. This was all her own fault. Her eyes turned downcast again and she slowly raised her gaze to her brother's brown eyes. She stood, wanting to go and wrap her arms around him for comfort, but she did not. >I'm here because you tried to leave me there. You didn't even say goodbye. And I'm not home for the same reason you're not. How could you not see that? I was there too. Not just you.< Her mind screamed what she would never allow to escape her lips. She simply stared at Leonardo, her forehead wrinkling and accusation and outrage in her eyes and features.

"I need your help." She finally said, glancing away to look at her surroundings. "Things are... complicated at home" She said, ignoring her inner voice screaming at her to let him have it right then and there. She didn't want to speak here on the street, and not in front of the help. Putting her brother at odds with her was not going to help her any. She had to wait till she calmed. Her eyes returned to him, but focused on the gun in his hand. She felt her arms wrap around herself, before she could stop them.

"Le'... please..." Was all she could say. Her eyes glued to the weapon.

[Leonardo K. Mattias]

As Gwen looked up, Leonardo expected her to look at him. However, her vision went elsewhere, and his line of sight turned following hers. Staring at the driver for a moment, Leon found his hand curling tighter on the gun than it had been before. He did not have the fear of guns that was starting to erupt in Gwendolyn, yet he wasn't going to tolerate someone pointing a gun at his sister no matter the situation. That was a threat on the family, and he as the future head of the Mattias family wasn't going to tolerate it in the least. The driver's eyes seemed caught between meeting the gaze of the younger and the older Mattias- both of which looked venomous at the moment. One was hateful, the other was unforgiving.

Gwen's sigh caught Leo's ears, and his head turned again as brown eyes focused on her once more. As she looked up at him, Leon balked at the stare he received- his own eyes narrowing in a glassed anger in direct reflection. His mind was off the driver again and instead focused on the matter at hand. What had she even been doing in the trunk of all places? Why had she followed him here? Surely she wasn't trying to use him as a reason for skipping school that was coming up soon. Surely she wasn't trying to deter him from the work he wanted to get back to. Surely she wasn't trying to irritate him in that moment. But her expression alone was doing so. Lips pressed together and released as Leonardo waited for an answer that he was unsure he would even receive, and Leon stared quietly at Gwen.

The words that escaped from her caused an eyebrow to raise. She needed his help? Leon's expression relaxed a little but kept frozen for now. However, as she went on, he frowned fully. Things were complicated at home? Things were always somehow complicated at home... A soft sigh was all that was given for a moment as he stared at her. A mix of understanding and refusal to care burned in him for some reason. However, empathy won out. She was family. The request caused him to blink, but as he again found the train of sight towards the gun, he sighed looking sideways at the driver. All but shoving the gun in the man's hand again, Leon made a sharp gesture to the trunk with his good hand. "Take these up stairs, now," was the flat order that was made. The driver hesitated for a moment but quickly did what was told shortly after that.

As the driver and his gun made their way away, Leon continued to stare at Gwendolyn. "Ciò che è complicato a casa?" (What exactly is complicated at home?) he asked only after a moment of silence.

[Gwendolyn D. Mattias]

Leonardo's body language had her confused. >Really, Leon?< She thought as she saw what she thought was anger or disappointment in his eyes. His brow raising and frown made her pause herself as she tried to figure out what he was thinking. At his sigh, Gwen frowned. A trickle of fear licked at her when she considered he might send her home. She relaxed somewhat when he handed the driver the gun and gave orders to take things upstairs. His condescending question had her shift her hands to her hips as she became irritated at her brother.

Gwendolyn just asked for his help. "His Help". Something she'd never done before. She couldn't remember ever having asked in such a direct matter. How could he have such a reaction? True, she'd followed him here in the trunk of his car.... and already made an ass of herself... Gwen mentally shook her head. So what! She set her jaw and decided not to think things through any more. She was going to say the first thing that came to her mind.

"Papà mi vuole portare una pistola, per cominciare" (Daddy wants me to carry a gun, for starters.) She said bluntly. "vuoi veramente discutere le cose qui?" (do you really want to discuss this down here?) She said, watching him closely.

[Leonardo K. Mattias]

As Gwen spoke, Leon stopped. Their father wanted her to carry a gun? Sudden questions were rushing to Leon's lips, but he held them off for a moment as she continued speaking asking whether they really wanted to do this on the street or not. After a moment, brown eyes raised themselves and stared up at the building before he shook his head. "Si parla ancora Italiano," (People still speak Italian) he replied dryly despite the humor of his own words working its way up in him. "Andremo all'interno," (We will go inside) he murmured after a moment before turning briefly only to stop again looking sideways at her. He thought to say more but then resolved to wait until they were elsewhere before continuing the conversation. The last thing he wanted was to be overheard right then and there even if those in the building itself were paid to not have ears.

Walking up the few steps that led into the main lobby, Leon headed straight for the elevator pressing the up button before waiting briefly as the elevator ticked by bringing the lift down. As the doors open, Leon found himself looking at the driver who had apparently already been up. For a few seconds both men stared at each other before the driver gave a bow and a deep apology about his 'mistake' earlier. Leon simply replied that it would be fine and to take the limo back to the manor. There was no argument or debate or even a question as to whether Gwendolyn was staying there or not. It wasn't the driver's business, and the man was fortunate enough to know that. Stepping fully in the elevator after that, Leo turned and pressed the top floor before leaning sideways on one of the walls of the lift and waiting silently. He hated elevators, Leon did. They were cramped spaces that tended to stress him out in one form or another. However, thankfully these small places were easy to get out of if one had the right tools- or the right resources rather, and they normally only restrained him for a few seconds at most as it was.

Coming to the top, Leon found that his belongings had been set in front of his door, the only door in the entire aisle area that constituted the top floor. It seemed that there had been previous arrangements to have various rooms on the top, but Leon had long since had it made up for his own personal use. Fishing a key from his jacket just as he stepped towards the door, Leon shoved the key in the lock and opened it with ease. Pushing the door inwards, he shouldered it before making to snatch the few bags he had brought back. However, his shoulder slipped and the door nearly closed as a result. Swearing, Leon stopped and shoved at the door again to keep it open. It would have been much easier if he could use his other arm correctly, damn it.

[Gwendolyn D. Mattias]

Gwen's own brown eyes, so much like her brothers, followed his gaze up to the top floor of the building before them. She didn't get the joke, but sighed in relief at Leonardo's invitation to go up to his place. "Thank you, Le'" She replied, and her frown vanished to be replaced with a more neutral expression. Gwen walked just behind her brother. Her eyes were downcast as she thought of how exactly she was going to convince him to interfere on her behalf and try to make her father see reason in the insanity of the demands he was placing on her.

She didn't look up to see the lobby as they walked past. The elevator seemed to almost be waiting for them since the doors opened seconds after Leonardo pressed the button. She heard her brother speak and looked up to see the Driver. She studied Leo as he addressed the driver and knew that he was angry at him. The poor man bowed and apologized which made Gwen feel even worse. This was her fault, yet again. The guy was just doing his job. What would have happened if it wasn't her in the trunk? He would have been a hero if he'd "offed" an assassin. The man walked past her as Leo entered the elevator. She reached out and tugged on his shirt as he passed. He didn't stop, but did glance her way. Gwen mouthed "Sorry" with a half smiled and shrugged her shoulders. She hoped that he understood that to be the closest thing to an apology she could offer without contradicting her brother. He nodded at her and continued walking. Whether or not he understood what she meant by the gesture, she didn't really know, but she felt a bit better having done it.

Gwen stepped onto the elevator and leaned against the opposite wall as her brother. She kept her hands clasped in front of her as the elevator doors closed and the lift started its upward travel. She looked at Leon to see if he'd noticed what she did, but he looked as if he didn't. She turned her gaze downward again. >Ok... so you've got his attention and he's not sending you home any time soon. Thats a good start, I think.< She reasoned, since the driver was heading back. Her mind blanked after that. She had no idea what she would say to him. She'd just have to lay down her cards and wait to see if he would see things we way.

The lift stopped and the the doors opened. Gwen stepped out after Leo and looked both ways. There was a hallway but only one door. She watched Leo opened the door. She saw him struggle with it and wondered why he just didn't ask her to help. She clucked her tung at him and grabbed the bags on her way in once he caught the door the 2nd time. She knew he was used to doing everything for himself, and was aware that he didn't keep a maid or other servants in his place from hearing her father complain about it at dinner a few times.

"You know, I think Daddy may have a point about..." She started to say only to have her voice drift off as she took in her surroundings. The walls were white with the highest gloss trim that could have been mistaken for polished marble, she'd ever seen. Yet that was just a passing glimpse. There, not too far into the main area, was something very familiar. She gasped and rushed forward as her signature smile returned to her features. She dropped the bags and jumped into the neon green recliner she remembered from her childhood. It was Leo's favorite chair and she remembered ambushing him in that chair on many occasions while he tried to relax or read. He'd curse sometimes and shooed her away at others, or just called for a maid to get her away, but still smiled most of the time. That's all she wanted back then. "Le'! I can't believe you still have it" She said with a giggle as she frolicked in it. She looked up, happier than she'd been in days.

[Leonardo K. Mattias]

The sound caught Leon's attention, and his head turned to her briefly as she took up the bags. Despite himself, he smiled briefly before pushing the door open farther and stepping inside. The familiar smell of pressed strawberries hit his nose- a scent that came with air fresheners and a decently clean living space- decent being in its loosest sense-, and Leon couldn't help but sigh in relief at being 'home'. Sure the manor could be considered home, but Le enjoyed his own space. It was peaceful, quiet, and comforting far different from how the manor felt at times often being a place where one held his breath and walked on egg shells. It was here that he could play his favorite music on loud and do things that would be considered in appropriate elsewhere. Of curse Leon would never admit to doing such things. It was un-Mattias-like, and his father would no doubt have thrown some sort of fit on the matter if he knew. Leon didn't worry too much about that here, though.

It was also the place where he could be a bit of a slob. Truthfully to some the space would be considered modestly clean especially for someone who didn't have all that much time for anything, yet for a Mattias, it was unthinkably dirty. Though there weren't t-shirts and jeans hanging over the couch and chairs, the tables were cluttered with papers, kick-nacks, and food-stuffs and clearly not clean. There were dishes still sitting in the sink, and various small things that only the fine tuned eye could detect drew out the general appearance that he could do better. Oh Leon loved it. For as many times as his father had suggested he get a maid, each and every time, Leonardo had respectfully declined saying that he had it covered. It was one of the few things that he wasn't beaten down whole heartedly for as it seemed that both understood what constituted a clean man-cave. It was one of the few things Leon didn't have to worry about, and one of the few things he could find humor in when it correlated to his father. Thus for that reason alone, he refused maids.

As Gwen had started speaking, Leon looked back towards her expecting her to finish her statement. However, she had stopped leaving him confused. Suddenly bags were dropped and Gwen went darting towards something. Leon's head twisted sideways trying to follow her b-line, and in that moment, he had to fight the urge to groan. She went for his favorite chair. Of course, heh. Despite himself and despite the emotions of irritation that sometimes came with those memories, Le couldn't help but half smile as he watched Gwen spring into the chair. A tsk sound escaped from him, and a shake of the head was given. However, that smile never departed from Leon's face. Walking forwards, Leon started over towards his chair and Gwen who was in it. "It is my favorite chair; why would I get rid of it?" he asked a bit bemused. His mother had tried to get him to get rid of it when it started falling apart. However, Leonardo was quick to have it reupulstered and fixed up time and time again. It was the most comfortable chair, and he didn't want to lose it any time soon- or that was what he said, anyways."Though I do not think this new cushion is soft enough," he stated after a moment suddenly turning around making to sit on Gwen and the chair. "It seems lumpy." he frowned.

[Gwendolyn D. Mattias]

Gwendolyn shrieked with joy feeling all of 5 years old as the memories of that game came back to her. "Don't you dare" She exclaimed as she hopped off the seat onto the arm of the recliner and slid onto the floor head first before he sat, just like she used to, and laughed as she rolled on her back. “Mamma said that she “had finally gotten rid of that ridiculous chair” the day you moved out. She recanted what her mother said. “I thought you left it and she had it hauled out to the incinerator and burned. God, how she hated it. I never understood why.” Every time you had it repaired she would sulk for a week” Gwen recanted still on her back with her hands on her tummy. She stared at the ceiling while she remembered.

Her eyes scanned her room as she turned her head left then right. She should have been shocked at the state of the place, but she wasn't. Instead she giggled, finally understanding why her brother moved out those years ago. He could do whatever he wanted without someone criticizing him. No maids hovering over every little thing. No one smothering him with how a lady should present herself and how the state of her room somehow reflected upon her. She could so, do without someone picking up something she left out and putting it away. She would always have arguments about that. Having to look for something she'd left out on purpose. Loosing her place in her books because she forgot to place the bookmark and had it shut on her and put away.

Gwen was glad she never finished her sentence when she first walked into the place. No, her father was not right, after all. He was wrong. They were all wrong. Her giggle turned to a laugh. How she longed for what he had. Without thinking of what she said, she blurted out. “This must be the life. Can I move in with you?” She sobered quickly realizing what she'd just asked and her eyes darted to his.

[Leonardo K. Mattias]

Gwen's exclamation drew a half smirk from Leon as he made to sit down that much faster. However, it seemed Gwen was faster still and got up out of the seat and over the arm just as he sat down. Looking sideways and watching her roll, Leonardo set his elbow on the arm chair and his chin on his fist watching her. As she explained that their mother had proclaimed that she had finally gotten rid of it when he had moved out, Leon scowled a little. He knew all too well why Mother dearest disliked his chair. It was because it was a recliner and clashed with nearly every room in the manor save for the boy's rooms. It was a testament to a love of loud colors that - though she attested to enjoying TMNT- Nadia didn't want in her house out in the open. For as long as he had been there, Leon had pushed and prodded for it to be in the living room area because it was in fact his chair, and his father backed him up from time to time to keep Nadia at bay. However, now it was gone from the manor and in a place better suited for it. "On contrary, I believe Mother dearest loved it," he replied a twist of his lips upwards revealing that he actually agreed with her.

As she giggled, Leon shook his head from one side to the other causing his brown locks to sway a little with the small motion. However, her next statement caused him to freeze. His features sobered a little to something more neutral. "I doubt Father and Mother would approve," he replied after a moment. In truth, that really wasn't the issue when it came down to it, though, and Leo knew it a little too well. Even if both parents approved on some level some how, Leon wasn't sure he could have his kid sister live with him. For one thing, he worked long hours and wasn't home that often as it was, and though he could easily flip his schedule, he supposed but... Well for another thing, he didn't have any maids or servants working most of the time. True he had a Jacques come in some times and cook, but he wasn't a full time servant as it was! Well... Leon supposed he could hire some others or see if Jacques could come in more frequently... No.. what it came down to ... was that Leon wasn't sure he wanted to be intruded upon.

It was selfish to think that wanting a private space was the only thing that kept him from saying yes, but even if he realized what he was doing, Leon couldn't give up that thought. He wanted things to himself. It had taken him years to get out, and Gwen should do the same, anyways... or something like that.

[Gwendolyn D. Mattias]

Gwen was too caught up in her rant to give any real thought to what Leonardo said about their mother actually "loving it". She would wonder later what that meant. For now all she could think of were the words that came out of her mouth and her brother's reaction.

Gwen groaned inside at his answer. Why did she always have to ruin things! Leonardo was smiling. He played the game he used to with her bringing back so many wonderful memories. She was finally getting a taste of what she craved and now.... now it was back to square one. His smile was gone and now he thought she wanted to come live with him. >Stupid. Stupid. Stupid< she chastised herself. Of course he didn't want her there. That was the whole point in him moving out. To be away from the rest of us. To be alone. To do what he wanted to whenever he wanted to. Not babysit his kid sister.

She looked away, her cheeks reddening. Sitting up with her legs crossed. “I didn't mean... I mean, Not that I wouldn't want to... I was just....” She sighed. Unable to put her thoughts into words that made sense. She brought her knees up to her chest and rested her head on them, wrapping her arms around her legs. She took a moment to calm down and collect her thoughts. It could never be that simple for her. No. She would have to wait until she was old enough and make her own escape some day.

He was right, after all. Daddy would never allow it. Hell, he didn't even want her leaving the house now. And mom?... She'd probably be happy if Gwen was going anywhere other than Leo's place. “I finally understand why you left. And I got entranced and a bit jealous and it kinda slipped out when I was lost in the moment.” She finally said with a hint of disappointment. >and I'd probably be nothing but trouble< She thought to herself. “I'm sorry”

[Leonardo K. Mattias]

As Gwen looked away, Leon's features fell that much more. Whether it was sympathy or empathy or something else entirely, he wasn't sure. However, he found it harder to try and force his features into something lighter then and there. Thus he gave up trying for the moment. As she explained that she didn't mean it and then rephrased her meaning, Leon mentally sighed softly. He'd managed to take the steps to kill her mood just as she had nudged at his. He waited wondering if she was going to continue, and just as he was about to speak- try and coax some more conversation about the matter out of her, she continued cutting his train of thought in the process. She understood why he left? Realizing in that moment that he had somehow revealed himself, Leon backtracked mentally trying to figure out how she had found out. However, even this was stopped as he focused and listened to what she was saying. An apology followed after that, and Leon found himself looking away and resting back in the chair his shoulders pressing into the cushions in that moment.

"It is fine..." he finally replied, his voice calmer still as he tried to put more neutrality into himself than anything as his thoughts continued to work over how she knew. Had it been just a realization of something she too wanted? Would she speak of it to their father? Their mother? He doubted it from her tone and words- or hoped, anyways. The last thing he needed was Mother jumping down his throat about leaving. He had already had problems doing that the first time he moved out. No need to awaken those compulsions again. But then, he didn't know of Gwen to speak of such things. Sure she used resources much like he did- or so he believed all Mattias did in some form or fashion, but he doubted she would use such against him... No it had to have been a reverberation of in her of something he felt... They were family after all, and thus maybe she understood more than he knew.

Leon sometimes wished his mind didn't run so many thoughts at once. It was hard to process it all, and his conclusions often confused him more than he was willing to admit. It left him standing as more of a pendulum swinging from two extremes- two compulsions and two understandings if not more on occasion. On the one hand, he was sure it was just a connection had been made, and it would do no harm. The other more paranoid part of himself was fearful of it. Still another piece tried to cancel out the prior saying that family somehow changed the circumstance, but still Father had said to use every resource. Leon wasn't sure ... was never really quite sure of anything when it came down to it. He often felt more confused in a moment than assured on something, and it brought unnecessary anxiety as he saw it.

After a moment, Leon leaned forwards and then sideways over the arm of the chair and looked down at Gwendolyn. He wanted to say something more but didn't know what. After a moment, rather than say anything, Leon reached sideways with his free arm and set a hand on Gwen's head just ruffling her hair a bit. "Your place is at home right now, though," he stated briefly stopping before continuing. "However if you do not mind the mess and do not mind that I may be busy at the time, you can come over more on the weekends," he finally replied. It was truly the first offer he had given anyone to really come over frequently to his place outside of Jacques, and he didn't really count at all when it came down to it.

[Gwendolyn D. Mattias]

There was a moment of silence between them after she'd apologized. The dead air was almost unbearable. Gwendolyn closed her eyes, listening to the sounds of the leather stretching as her brother leaned back into the cushions. She couldn't help but think that she'd word out her welcome, he'd surely send her home. This was “his” sanctuary that she asked to intrude upon. Would he even listen to request for help?. Her shoulders drooped.

His reply, moments later sounded flat to her. She wanted to pick up her head and look at him so that she could better gage his feelings, but she dared not. She was afraid of what she would see there. >It's fine?..< She repeated his words to herself. >What's fine? Her explanation? Her apology? The fact that she was an idiot? What did that mean. Why are adults so hard to understand?< She pondered, her thoughts coming full circle.

She raised her chin off her knees and lowered her head to look at her lap so that her forehead now rested on her knees. She heard the leather again and knew he was leaning forward. Would he leave her there? >Don't go...< She thought and almost said out loud. Instead she felt a hand on her head and a playful ruffling of her hair.

Gwendolyn smiled. She picked her head up to look at him as he spoke. “I know” She replied softly wanting to add >I don't have to like it though.< Before he continued. She wasn't ready for what he said next. She stared for a moment her smile wavering just a bit as her mind did a literal double take to verify she in fact heard and processed his words correctly. Satisfied her mind did not just play the dirtiest of tricks on her, she jumped up and embraced her brother, pushing him back into the recliner in the process and all but sitting on his lap.

“Oh, thank you, Leo. I promise I won't be a bother, and I like, wont take advantage of your generosity and I'll call and ask if it okay and stuff and it won't be every weekend... well... okay, that last thing isn't a promise since I don't know if I can keep it.” She rambled on totally excited and smiling ear to ear. She let go, remembering his shoulder and sat back on her heels on the floor next to him. She brushed a hand through her wavy brown hair to set it back in place. “I'll totally understand if you say “no” sometimes too. I won't give you any grief.” She finished.

Gwen couldn't be more happy at the moment. She had a place she could go to at least once in a while that was away from her mother and brothers and staff. A place her father couldn't possibly say no to. She was as safe in Leo's pad as she could be at home.

[Leonardo K. Mattias]

Leon wasn't quite sure what he had expected in response to his own words, but being suddenly hugged wasn't what he had expected. Somehow or another the thought that his simple words- those things that easily flowed off his lips in one form or another- were enough to cause such a reaction as was happening now was somehow hard to believe for Leo. Maybe he had simply become too cynical with time and therefore had evolved a preference for the worst case scenario of things, and maybe he was just unsure of what to do in such situations. That, though he realized it, would never be uttered by Le's lips.

It was only in the seconds after the motion that leon's mind registered the pain in his shoulder caused in that moment, and he fought back the urge to flinch. He was a Mattias, he could do it. Despite this sentiment, his features tensed briefly from the hug before settling down again into something generally considered calmer. He could deal- he would force himself to be able to deal.

Words spilled out into the air, and Leon found himself suddenly drowning in them. She promised she wouldn't take advantage of what he had extended, and she promised she would call to make sure everything was alright before actually coming over. It wouldn't be every weekend? As she corrected herself, Leon mentally sighed wondering just what he was getting himself into. A spur of the moment decision had now caused him to somehow be liable, and though he was sure he could handle it- as a Mattias he was expected to be able to handle everything as it was- he was still a little leery. Maybe the feeling would go away with time. The cynical part of Leonardo doubted it.

As Gwendolyn let go and sat back, Leon's breath escaped briefly before he made eye contact again. That simple grin on her features and that look in her eye drew a brief smile out of Le again despite himself. Her last comment drew another one from him. "I do work some weekends," he stated the first excuse that came to mind. It was true that he did work some weekends and therefore wouldn't be around for any sort of supervision aspect- not that Gwen technically needed a baby sitter but he didn't feel perfectly comfortable with her being alone in his house for one reason or another. "I will let you know of those in advance, though," he mused after a moment. "And mind you I am not the most entertaining of people," he continued raising an eyebrow as if in question at his own words. To some, Leonardo was very entertaining. He was a classic talker and one who could listen and talk with balance. However, he wasn't quite sure that he was the most 'fun' person.