She missed Connor terribly, her brother had been Flora's shelter in the storm keeping her both safe and happy throughout her childhood. Her best friend Harry had been somewhat of an angel in disguise too though. However the Adler family gave her something new and wonderful: parents. The kind of parents that loved unconditionally and whose money bought anything love didn't already provide. Rafe was great too, but it took her a long time to realize that, they like most siblings started out with some disagreements between the two. In the beginning it was hard, every part of her wanted to run back to what she knew. Wanted to rip off her new last name and replace it with Talbot like it used to be; to go back to being the three street kids who had nothing but the clothes on their backs and each other.
Flora was angry and hostile. Her new parents were oblivious on what to do, but somehow Rafe seemed to get it. After all most of their sibling rivalry was Flora directing her fear toward him. Hell, it seemed to almost attract him to her like a moth to the flame, never before had anything been denied the boy. It was during one of those moody afternoons that he talked to her for the first time without the hawkish watch of his worried parents. The young thirteen year old sat on the edge of a large marble fountain making her already small size seem even more petite. Her malnutrition made the light coloured dress practically fall off her shoulders. The Adler garden was filled with exotic plants but the areas filled with tall grass and forget-me-nots was her favourite, it reminded her of home. It reminded her of Conner and when he used to give her the scientific names to all the flowers they saw like the know it all he was. It reminded her of the time her brother and best friend had saved her from those thugs and gotten beaten blue and purple like the flowers.
It bothered the little girl that she couldn't remember the species name for the forget-me-nots. Turning to the boy sitting next to her, who was pretending to watch the sunset, she spoke if a soft voice, "What are those called?" Pointing a pale finger at the blue flower she waited to hear her answer.
Rafe cleared his throat and ran his fingers through his short hair. "Those are forget-me-nots."
"No." She stood pulling up one of the flowers and clenching it in her small fist. "What's it actually called?"
"Clasenes Syotis." Rafe smiled lightly at her with a shrug, the lie fell easy off his lips. At the 'proper' answer she suddenly calmed down and sat back down beside him, making Rafe take a mental note to read about flower species later. Running her hands along the soft fabric of the pastel sun dress she wore, Flora reveled in the texture. She was used to wearing the same rough fabrics over and over again. Tracing the embroidered flowers she smiled at them like they were something far greater than a few strings. The boy too looked in wonder, but he wasn't looking at the dress he was looking at her; she had light brown hair, soft hazel eyes and a cute button nose to match her gently rounded jaw. His parents, like they were known to do with all things, had gone out of their way to adopt a beautiful child.
"So why are you so upset?" The daring entitlement in his tone made her chuckle.
"Fuck you." To the boy such words sounded odd coming from the innocent looking girl, but it suited her at the same time. As if she was hardened enough to get the words out but still soft underneath. "You know just because you ask doesn't mean you'll get an answer."
Rafe smirked looking at her with a raised brow, "That only makes you better."
Blinking slowly Flora stared at him incredulously, "So what, you own me then?" She was starting to wonder about the Adler family, if it would actually be safer than the orphanage or the streets.
"No, I'll earn you." He rolled his shoulders and placed his hands behind his head. "It'll be easy."
"I think you're underestimating me, because Harry and my brother taught me about people like you. Cruel people, who think they're entitled to everything. Connor hates people like that."
It went that way for awhile between the two of them, an almost violently playful banter. Months passed and the adolescent's vile moods toned down and she simply let her sadness be know only to the flowers of the garden; while Rafe and his fascination and possessiveness involving Flora only grew stronger over time. This of course would lead to an odd sort of relationship between the two.
They had their exceptions though like everyone does and in those moments they were an almost inseparable team. The Adler children attended a very high class private institution, and in Flora's opinion a big fat waste of money. While Rafe was good with math she excelled at history, often forcing him to listen to story after story about past heroes. In these specific moments they got along surprisingly well making their parents encourage her fascination with the past. This love however got her in trouble among some of the student of Clareville Academy and despite her wealth Flora soon found bullies lay in ever class system and it didn't matter how rich she was.
No one had ever messed with her before, Connor was always there, a silent threat to the other kids at the orphanage to back off. Those kids had been scared, even petrified of her genius brother. He was too good at chemistry and Connor Talbot had no problem using his serums on the other children, especially those who dared to go near his little sister. Harry too wasn't afraid of getting his hands dirty even if half the time he ended up losing. In this new place though, there was no Connor, just a lot of kids who were bigger than her. Kids that liked to push her around and whisper insults in her ear. Flora hated it. Rafe was a year above her so it's not like he could do much to stop it, and even then for him to intervene he'd have to know about it. Flora didn't even know if he would help if he found out, but that afternoon she got her answer. One of the boys with his group of lackey friends couldn't help but think she was something of an annoyance for him. "Hey, Flora. What'd ya' do sleep your way into becoming the Adler's girl? Was it Rafe or his Daddy that you got down on your knees for?"
She took a deep breath and kept her head down, but as she tried to avoid the conflict by briskly walking away Flora bumped into someone. "Sorry."
As the young girl tried to squeeze past the person they grabbed her arm. "You okay?" Looking up at Rafe in surprise she just slowly nodded yes and tried to keep walking. "Hey, what's wrong?" The kid held onto her as he looked back at the laughing boys, the ones staring at his sister. "They fuckin' with you?"
"It's nothing, don't worry about it." She tried to pull from his grip, but he refused to let go instead choosing to pull her in closer and glared darkly at the staring group of bullies.
"What did they say?" She was surprised by how serious he sounded and looked up to find a strange enraged gleam in his eye; almost a sort of madness.
"Just stupid shit." Flora stopped trying to remove his hand, it was a lost cause. Instead she stepped closer resting her other hand on his shoulder trying to calm him. She'd never seen Rafe angry, because only a few things could get him going. His natural possessiveness and need to prove himself being the worst of them all.
"Like what?" Rafe looked at her sternly, but seemed to have relaxed a little at her cooperative touch.
"That I slept my way into being an Adler." She shrugged squeezing his shoulder. "It doesn't matter. They're just stupid."
At her words Rafe let go of her arm and his fingers curled into fists. "They…fucking…said that to you?" Flora slowly and cautiously nodded her head and reached out grabbing his wrist with both hands trying to hold him back from doing anything rash. Reaching down he gently but firmly pulled her off him. "Stay here." Rooting herself to that spot the girl watched Rafe walk up to the boys, saw his lips mouth something for a moment. But actions are always said to be stronger that words and Rafe broke that boy's jaw with one solid punch. That sent a message to her more important than any she'd ever really learned, that there was someone outside those from her past who'd always have her back. And he was strong and capable enough to do it right, even if he didn't care much for history. Funny thing was when he later explained his actions to a very concerned Richard Adler, his dad paid his way out of any punishment for his boy. Then he patted him on the back, kissed Flora's forehead and said, "I'm proud of you two, but don't tell your mother."
"I'm telling you Avery and Tew may be known for being the best of the best, but Baldridge did all the hard work." Her arms flailed as she explained it to a casual looking Rafe. They were laying on his bed, it was late into the night now. Rafe was wearing a pair of particularly comfy looking sweats and Flora wore a pale yellow tank top and rainbow shorts. The two lay there staring at each other, this behavior becoming more and more common every time the moon rose. Flora had begun having awful nightmares about her past and things involving her brother. So far the only thing that helped was falling asleep next to Rafe. Silently, he took a huge amount of enjoyment in this, having something only he could give her, but he also enjoyed how warm her skin was on his chest, and the soft sounds she made once she fell asleep.
Rafe chuckled at her enthusiasm and playfully pushed her. Giggling she wiggled closer placing her forehead against his chest and yawned. Still smiling he threw his arm over her waist. "Go to sleep."
"Hey, Rafe?"
"Hm?" He pulled her a little closer and looked into her half opened eyes.
"Let's find Avery's treasure."
He let out a little laugh. "I don't think mom and dad would support that kind of crusade."
"We could do it anyway." She raised her hand. "The treasure hunters Adler. Sounds awesome to me."
Releasing a soft hum he pulled the cover up and squeezed her side. Taking the hint the girl closed her eyes, unaware on how seriously the young man had taken her request. And when she was peacefully asleep he scooped her up and carried her down the hall. Setting Flora lightly on her own bed he drew the covers up over her and lightly kissed her forehead letting his lips linger there for just a moment too long. Then left quietly closing the door with a soft click and slunk back to his own room reveling in the smell of her on his sheets wishing he'd someday have the chance to sleep with her by his side all night.
Things became different between them though, when he finally let her into his heart. It took a tragedy, the death of Richard and Clare Adler was hard on the entire community. But it was hardest of all on their only son, now multi-millionaire. He was sitting in his room staring at the rose red hardwood like a stone statue. "Rafe?" Flora approached like a lamb to a wolf and sat next to him.
"What?" The scratchy tone to his voice made Flora's heart clench. The boy looked like a mess with his unkempt hair and wrinkled clothes; Rafe was usually so put together, it had always helped him feel more in control. It was one of the man things Richard had taught him, even when you're falling apart look like you're put together. She reached out to gingerly take his hand, but instead of pulling away as she expected Rafe grasped it tightly and turned throwing his other arm over her shoulders as his body began to shake and she could hear the sounds of his soft cries. Flora could feel the wetness of his cheek against the crook of her neck and wished deeply she could bring them back to stop his suffering.
"Hey…it's okay. You still got me. I miss them too." She comforted him quietly stroking a hand through his hair. The words made Rafe pull her in closer. He was nineteen and she was just a few weeks away from adulthood. A few weeks from being able to finally see her brother instead of the letters they sent to each other; it had been nearly seven years. Marlowe sounded like an acceptable person for her brother, but she couldn't wait to see him. Perhaps he'd bring Harry with when he visited. Putting the others from her mind the now young woman turned to the task at hand and cooed softly in the man's ear. The crying slowed down and subsided until he just sat there in her arms, like there was no other place he'd rather be.
Pulling away he looked at her for a long time before whispering out, "Thanks, Flora."
"That's what I'm here for. A shoulder to cry on, a history lesson, and a fist to kick your ass."
A light smile crossed his face and he bumped her shoulder, "Don't you remember, doll, I'm a black belt."
She shrugged bumping him back, "Well I was trained by a black belt." The teasing tone in her voice calmed his nerves and he thought fondly on their past combat lessons.
"Come on. That was pathetic." Rafe teased dodging one of the girl's fists.
"Well I learned all my moves on the street. Besides Connor always did the fighting." At her mention of Talbot, Rafe made a face and threw one of the wooden staffs at her. It bounced off her face and Flora immediately grabbed her nose in pain. "You ass."
Rafe shrugged with a smirk, accepting the insult as truth. His casual unawareness however left Flora free to roll forward and slap the stick across his ass. "Ow!" Rafe turned grabbing her by the shoulders and pinned the younger one to the wall. Holding her wrists in one hand and freezing the rest of her body with his own Rafe smirked at her pressing his other hand near her face blocking the light from the golden arched windows of the training room. "Looks like you're stuck."
He felt hot against her over heated skin, but somehow she didn't want him to release her. Flora wanted to stay there pressed against Rafe where it was safe and wonderful; where it smelled like sweat and the soft cologne he always wore and his lemon shaving cream. Fiona didn't try to move or get away, she just stood there staring into the blue of his eyes. While the man himself made no movement besides slightly lessened his grip on her wrists and pressed his forehead against hers, his breath was heavy from something he couldn't quite say. Then almost violently he pulled away and walked off out of the room, the sound of the oak door slamming shut startling to her ears.
"I never did teach you much, but I can always do the punching for you."
Fiona knew what moment he was recalling, because it was always a moment she thought about at night, wondering where they really stood. "Yea, but I learned some important things."
Rafe looked at her softly in the moonlight, trying not to think about the earlier part of his day; trying desperately to forget he'd never see his parents again. "And what did you learn." He took in the soft blush she wore with surprise.
"You smell nice." She joked shifting away a little bit.
"Anything else?" An odd tone entered his voice, a sort of deep huskiness that send an strange feeling into her lower gut.
"…no." Quietly she looked away and Rafe bravely reached out and caught her chin.
His hands were shaking, but he'd been waiting for so long. And now that his mother wouldn't be there to disapprove it made everything easier. He could take care of her now, the way he'd always wanted to. Rafe had been watching and protecting her for so long, making sure she was happy. Taking her on those little treasure hunts that made her so thrilled.
He'd bought the relic online, just a few thousand bucks. He'd been listening to her wild tales for years, and Rafe thought this was an excellent gift for her birthday. He's already cleared the whole thing with his parents and they'd given him ten grand for anything he needed. They loved when their children got along and a little money was easy to see that happen, besides that much was chump change for them. Rafe had purchased a small pouch of old Chinese coins, then hid them in random locations, each with an attached riddle. Every riddle led to one place on their property where he'd stashed the large Chinese painting.
It was of two lovers surrounded by flowers, ones he thought looked very similar to forget-me-nots. The two in the picture also reminded him quite a lot of them. It had taken him awhile to find something he knew she would truly enjoy, it had become an almost obsession until he found it. He knew his father was starting to wonder, Rafe could feel him watching when he was around Flora and could tell he was wondering in what way Rafe truly felt. One day they'd even had a talk about love and happiness, Richard Adler had gone so far as to say, "It doesn't matter how you find love, or what other people have to say. If she's what you want take her, but make sure she wants to be taken, son." Rafe had of course feigned ignorance at his father's words, but they stuck with him, always. Rafe still thought fondly of the moment she realized that he had planned all of that just for her. Flora had looked at him like he was the best thing that she'd ever received and the painting was still tung proudly above her bed.
"So you've never...wanted me to do this?" Rafe asked in a whisper moving his face closer to her. He kissed her forehead gently and shuffled closer so he was facing her his knees pressed against her thigh. "Or this?" He kissed her cheek and waited for her to draw away. She has to want to be taken, son. Flora didn't retreat instead she twisted so she could wrap her thin arms around his neck, her fingers tracing along his hairline.
"No." The woman whispered looking at him closely. "I wanted you to do this." Then despite all of the day dreams Rafe had of that moment, of getting to kiss the girl, she ended up kissing him. He sighed against her lips and reached one hand to her thigh and the other to cup the side of her face. Kissing her was one of the best things he'd ever experienced, it felt so much better than kissing some random girl. He'd been with women before, he was one of the richest kids at school, there were always women dying to spread there legs for just a taste of his money.
They never lasted though, but Flora was different. There had never been a time when Rafe hadn't wanted the light haired girl by his side. He'd watched her for years, she didn't do one night trysts like he did. He'd only ever seen her kiss Jimmy Fare, but not long after that he moved away and she was sad for awhile. However he was glad, because he knew how to kiss her right. Rafe knew how to melt her heart and make her his. Sliding off the the bed he moved in front of her, taking in her blushing face and heavy breath. "I've wanted to do that for so long."
Flora blushed deeper standing with him, and she felt small, the top of her head reaching only to his nose. "Really?"
Rafe nodded before leaning down to kiss her again, more eagerly now that he knew his advances would be accepted. Her lips against his, her body all pressed against his, it was euphoric. Hell, it would certainly become an addiction. The kind of addiction that turns a mathematician into a treasure hunter. The kind of need that sends someone into pretending to be a prisoner to complete a journey someone else ached for. The kind of love he'd certainly die without.