Chapter 3: Situation

Lula could not contain her smile as she shuffled through the papers on her front desk. Section by section, she organized them in the proper folders from the previous dispatcher's night shift. Her mind was lost in a perpetual loop thinking back on last night's previous events. The commander had kissed her! Well, in the turian sense of the term, but it was still a kiss nonetheless! When she had awoke this morning, Lula could feel nothing but excitement at seeing him again. The anticipation was sending her stomach a flit with butterflies. Her hope was that he would ask to spend time with her again. Lula had already updated her babysitter on this new progression and Ari was more than willing to be on call for any unexpected rendezvous.

Just like any normal day, she was dressed in a navy pencil skirt and a white short-sleeved blouse, keeping her long hair contained in a professional bun.

Her eyes quickly shifted to the front doors, for about the 20th time that morning, as they finally opened to Therron's presence. As soon as his eyes met hers she could see their green hue visibly brighten.

"Good morning Commander Veer." Lula smiled sweetly as his long stride ended him at her front counter.

"Good morning Lula." His rough voice vibrated with a deep hum. He loved how her name rolled from his tongue. A blush to rose to her cheeks causing his mandibles flex with delight. She was looking lovely as always, dressed pristinely with a glow that seemed to be newly present on her skin since yesterday. Never had Therron been so excited to arrive at work and see her face, especially so after learning of her equal attraction. Spirits, how he wanted to jump behind the counter and pull her to him to relish in her smell and touch, but now was not the appropriate place nor time.

"Are you free after work tonight?" Therron could see her stance brighten at his question. How good it made him feel to see how thrilled she seemed to be at his question. It was almost as if she had doubted if he would request to see her again. The foolish woman, he had yet to even begin to have his fill of her. Of course he would request such!

"I am." She smile with her hands held neatly behind her back.

"I was thinking to counteract all of last night's excitement you might enjoy a quiet night in? Have some dinner…. watch a vid or two? Though I promise not to keep you out too late." Therron leaned his forearms on the counter, he was well aware with Atalanta he could not commandeer all of her time.

"How considerate of you." Her voice nearly sang, "A quiet night in would be lovely."

"Wonderful." Therron's mandibles flexed with happiness.

Just then their attention was turned from one another as Hughes and Lazeryn slowly made their way into the station. The two looked rough. It was clear they were both nursing a bad hangover.

Therron's brow plate twitched with irritation at the sight of his men. He had told them specifically to stop drinking last night. Obviously in his absence they had continued on with little regard.

"Oh good." Therron to step away from the counter as he greeted them, "I'm glad you are both looking so well rested and alert this morning." His arms crossed over his chest as they approached, more so dragging themselves than walking, "I need you both to supervise the new officers at the shooting range."

Lula had to place the back of her hand over her mouth in order to stifle her laugh. The look that etched its way across the two officer's faces was priceless. Their eyes were in a continuous squint to the light of the entrance. She could just imagine how wonderful their heads would respond to the constant bangs of gunshots. Therron was not a turian to be disobeyed.

"Yes sir." Their gazes dropped to the floor knowing full well that they had fucked up in their decisions last night.

Maintaining his commanding posture, Therron flashed Lula a parting wave as he followed the two into the back. She was now looking forward to hearing about how wonderfully Lazeryn and Hughes' day would undoubtedly progress.


By the time Lula's break came around Atalanta was back in her possession having been dropped off by her day care. She had about an hour break to spend with her before Ari would come by to take her home and watch her for the last couple hours of her shift. Lula walked through the second level of the building with Atalanta and a small black lunch bag in her arms. They were headed for the couch laded lounge area that they could occupy until Ari's arrival.

"Oooo and what color is the armor?" Lula pointed to a passing turian officer with a white face and red markings who flexed his mandibles in a greeting smile towards the young child.

"Blue!"Atalanta pointed.

"That's right!" Lula smiled, "The armor is blue. What color are the couches, Atalanta?" she pointed again as they walked into the currently unoccupied lounge area.

"Black!" Atalanta quickly announced as Lula set her down on the couch, making sure to straighten out her daughter's light green dress as she did so.

"That's right, the couch is black." She cheered, "Good job!"

Lula tucked her skirt neatly under her legs as she sat down on the black cushion next to her daughter. Setting the lunch bag down next to herself, she pulled out a small bag filled with light brown crackers. Atalanta happily received them, opening the bag on her own while Lula pulled out a sandwich for herself.

"Crackers brown!" Atalanta lifted up the bag proudly while her largebrown eyes curved shut with her smile.

"Very good, the crackers are brown." Lula repeated before taking a bite of her sandwich that she left still half way concealed in its bag. The flavor of peanut butter and jelly filled her mouth while she continued to smile down at her daughter.

"Mommy sandwich brown." Atalanta smiled while Lula ate.

"Mommy's sandwich is brown." Lula leaned back into the cushion of the couch. She watched Atalanta remove a single cracker from the sandwich bag taking a delighted bite. Her young eyes curiously watched the few C-Sec officers that intermittedly passed the couched laden area. Most walked by with out paying any attention, but a few of them waved back to Atalanta as her small voice greeted hello at their presence.

"What other colors do you see Atalanta?" Lula watched her daughter's eyes shift around looking for another color she could say.

"Mommy shirt white." She took another bite of her cracker, filling her already chubby cheeks.

"Right, Mommy's shirt is white." Lula watched her daughter's eyes trail around once more until suddenly, the loud bang of gun being fired filled the air causing Atalanta to jump at the sudden noise. Shouts of voices soon followed echoing out from a hall.

Lula dropped her sandwich quickly pulling her daughter into her arms just as tears began to stream down her small cheeks. Without a second thought she ducked behind the end of the couch as the commotion broke out of a hallway behind them into their area. Lula wrapped her arms around Atalanta pressing her head into her chest before she peered around the corner. A large krogan stumbled backwards from out of the hallway with a pistol held out in front of him. He frantically returned fire into the hallway. Lula's eyes widened. She recognized the male from earlier that morning. He came in after being caught working out a deal to receive a shipment of zentherol.

As the officers returned fire, finally catching a break in his shots, the krogan ducked behind the same couch they were currently hiding against.

Lula worked feverishly to silence Atalanta's scared cries as she leaned her back against the side of the couch. She covered her daughter's mouth with one hand lowering her posture in an attempt to stay hidden from the krogan's view while also praying to avoid any stray bullets.

"Shhhh." Lula cooed quietly to Atalanta as she worked to control her quickened breath.

"Hold your fire!" A deep voice boomed into the common space causing a wave of silence to thicken over the area. Atalanta's whines subsided as she buried her face into her mother's chest. Her small hands clung onto Lula's collar tightly. She rested her chin atop her daughter's head while trying to ease her racing heart that pounded heavily in her chest. Not a sound could be heard in the space as time continued to stand still. Lula closed her eyes for a moment focusing on easing the anxiety that was building in her chest. A small creak from the right caused her eyes to shoot open just as a thick-scaled hand grabbed onto her face. Atalanta's scream broke the silence of the room as Lula was yanked back around the couch. Her arms released Atalanta leaving her at the side of the couch seconds before her back slammed roughly into the krogan's plated chest that was covered by a thin white medical shroud.

Her eyes widened as the krogan froze at the sound of Atalanta's voice. She watched as his eyes instantly shift back over around the corner of the couch.

"No!" Her voice shouted through his hand. Immediately she began to viciously fight back against, throwing back her arms and kicking out her legs, anything to stop his forward motion towards her child. "Stop!" Lula's scream cracked her voice just as his hand slid down to her neck. The krogan's hand tightened around her windpipes as he lunged forward with an outstretched arm to grab Atalanta. His claws barely touched the girl's small leg when the sudden kick of a taloned foot made contact with the his face sending him falling back onto the hard floor with Lula still held in his grasp.

She looked over towards her daughter to see Therron, clad in blue C-Sec armor, scoop Atalanta up into his arms while the impact of the hard floor rang into her ears shaking her vision. He ducked behind the couch just as the krogan fired a shot towards him. It pinged off the spot Atalanta previously occupied narrowly missing both of them.

Therron held the small girl close to his chest while tears streamed from her horrified and shaking form. His large hand comforted the back of her head resting her face gently into his shoulder in an attempt to shield her eyes from the view of aggression that was breaking out.

"Shh, it's alright Atalanta." He cooed softly while his sub-harmonics released an assuaging vibration in an attempt to calm her tears. "It's alright, everything is going to be fine." His voice remained level while his gloved talons gently brushed down her brown hair. Therron's green eyes flickered while his mind ran over the situation, rapidly evaluating all of their options.

He shook his head towards his men informing them not to open any further fire. They sat back in their stance waiting the for the krogan to resurface from behind the couches. Two officers broke off back down the hall in an attempt to circle around and catch him off guard from behind.

"Mommy!" Atlanta's small lungs shouted into the air with a heart-breaking cry, her face now swollen and red, "Mommy!" Therron tightened his grip around her as large tears continued to run from her eyes, her voice continuing to cry out for Lula. Quickly, he sprinted back over into the cover of his men. They shielded him and Atalanta from any potential incoming fire as he re-straighten his posture.

For what ever reason the krogan was now staying silent.

"Do you have a visual?" Therron turned looking back towards the couches from behind the stances of two officers. He bounced Atalanta lightly in his arms trying to diminish her cries. Her small hands clung to the collar of his armor while her face buried into her arms.

"Not at the moment." One officer answered causing Therron's mandibles to tighten with irritation. He was thankful he had the opportunity to grab Atlanta when he did, but if he was not forced to grab the child he would have been able to subdue the krogan. Now Therron had to wait for another opening.

His gaze returned to Atalanta whose voice finally gave out while streaks of tears stained her cheeks. Her large brown eyes peaked up at Therron through strands of her long disheveled hair. Gently, he brushed her hair out of her face with his talon.

"Officer Salvik is going to take you to wait for your mommy." Therron calmly explained turning towards a near by turian officer. "She will be with you before you know it." His hand brushed through her hair again while his mandibles flicked up into a gentle expression. Carefully the officer took her from his arms.

"Take her to the infirmary." Therron instructed. His demeanor quickly hardened just as Salvik turned, carrying Atalanta down the hall and away from the situation. His eyes narrowed as he looked back towards the collection of black couches that formed a boarding square. The krogan had yet to make a move, what the hell was going on over there!?


"Enough!" The krogan slammed the hilt of his pistol against the side of Lula's head ceasing her struggle in his grasp. Instantly she could feel a warm liquid run down the side of her face while her vision. Pain radiated across her skull, throbbing over her hairline.

"She's a child." Lula's voice lowered with an unsteady calmness. Her bangs were beginning to matt with blood as a few drops leaking into her right eye, "Don't lower yourself."

"Shut your mouth!" He snapped keeping her pressed to his side while he kneeled behind the couch. Lula watched as the male's eyes shift frantically around them, they was despairingly searching for a way out of the situation. His brown pupils dilated holding a look of desperation and panic within them. This observation caused her stance in the situation to begin to shift. He was not expressing the look of a man that merely wanted to escape from an impending trial. No, his desperation contradicted that. There was something else there.

"We can pretend this never happened, Trax." Therron's voice broke through the air, "If you surrender now I can look the other way." His tone remained firm and commanding, "What you are being charged for now is nothing compared to the charge of taking a hostage and threatening a minor."

Trax stayed silent, ignoring the words of the turian commander while his breathing seemed to quicken in perturbation.

Still held tightly in his grasp, Lula's eyes fell towards the man's hands. Small bite marks lightly traced across his rough palm and fingers.

"You have a child." She released a breath. Her words forced his muscles to stiffen. "Why are you doing this?" her voice carefully continued, "Don't you want to be able to go back to them?"

His grip on her neck instantly tightened causing her to gag.

"Silence." Trax sneered while her hands began to grasp at his arm around her neck that kept her in place.

"If you loved them you wouldn't be adding on more sentences." Her voice strained as her eyes tried to see his face in order to gain some sort of insight through his expression. His arm tightened further causing her knees to curl up to her chest. Blood from her head wound trailed down her cheek as the muscles in her face began to strain. It was as though she was breathing through a straw. Only small sips of air were reaching her lungs

"Don't you care enough to be in their future?" Tears began to leak out from the corners of her eyes with the rasp of her voice. Lula could feel her lungs straining for oxygen, pleading with her body with unbearable tension, "I would do whatever was necessary to be with my child-"

"That's what I'm doing!" His jaws snapped towards her, "I'm trying to save him!"

Lula's words ceased as she stared into the krogan's eyes. Her mouth remained opened sipping for as much air as she could. His gaze was beginning to clearly display his intentions to her.

"The zentherol," She wheezed, "was not for you." her voice cracked barely over a whisper while her fingers continued to grip tightly into the arm constricting her. Trax's grip suddenly loosened around her throat. Immediately her chest heaved, expanding with the new intake of air. Though his arm became lax, he continued to grasp the pistol tightly in his other hand. Out of the corner of her eyes, Lula caught a glimpse of two C-Sec officer's peaking from around the corner with weapons aimed.

Quickly she turned her attention back to Trax in an attempt to monopolize his attention.

"Please," her voice continued to strain, "You must surrender, if someone is threatening you they can help."

"They will not help me." He growled his grip tightening on her once more.

"Yes they will!" She gagged at his arm, "Your family- they will help!"

Suddenly, an aggressive shove of the couch pushed both Trax and Lula forward onto the floor. In an instant, Therron jumped over the couch looping a wire rope in hand over Trax's neck while his left foot slammed down on the krogan's right arm pinning the gun to the ground. His armored elbow began to heavily pummel into the back of the krogan's head while he tightened the wire around his neck forcing Trax to release his hold on Lula as he now gasped for air.

Taking a deep breath, Lula quickly pushed herself away just as additional C-Sec officers ran up. Their guns lowered upon Trax who laid face down on the floor under Therron's weight. Blood dripped down from the back of his head creating a small puddle beneath him.

Now a few feet away, Lula's gaze stayed fixated on the metallic floor. Her forearms held up her torso up while her chest expanded heavily. The once pristinely situated bun atop her head now hung loosely at her shoulder. The strike wound on her for head continued to pound out her skull with nauseating tension.

"Get him up." She could hear Therron's voice harshly demand from behind. Though captured again, Trax was continuing to admit nothing to the officers. Why wasn't he saying anything? He was trying to escape in order to protect his family; he needed to say something!

"Lula," A hand gently rested on her back, bringing her out of her thoughts. Lula glanced to her right to see Therron had kneeled down next to her. His hand gently rubbed her back while his eyes looked upon her with concern. The blood that was dripping down her face made Therron wish he had left a bigger gash on the back of the krogan's head.

"Let's get you to the infirmary." He began to assist her to up onto her feet.

Lula's head shook while Therron lifted her up into a standing position. She leaned against his side as a bout of dizziness hit her sending her vision to spin with the pounding of her head. Therron's arm wrapped around her shoulders, his hand taking careful hold of her side as he helped to steady her.

"He needs help." Lula's lips barely parted with a strained voice. Her neck was still red from the male's grasp.

"Oh he is going to get all the help he has ever wanted." Therron's voice lowered while his sub-harmonics rumbled deeply revealing the extent of his displeasure. Behind them officers roughly cuffed Trax's wrists before pushing him to walk off in the opposite direction.

"No I mean-" Lula's words were paused as Therron scooped her up into his arms. He used one arm to support her back while the other gripped under her legs.

"Commander!" she gasped roughly with widened eyes. Her arms quickly gripped around is neck for extra support. "I'm alright, I can walk!" her voice protested weakly as he began to walk off towards the infirmary. Therron's mandibles fluttered lightly with amusement at her protest.

"I finally have an excuse to touch you at work," His naturally rugged vocals mused while his eyes locked onto hers," like hell I am going to pass it up."

Heat rose to Lula's cheeks while her eyes continued to focus on his.

"I'm glad you're alright." Therron's griped tightened around her while his head leaned down to press his crown plate against her forehead. His words were gentle and caressing. Lula rested her head against his shoulder as her hand lifted to his face. Her finger tips felt down his mandible, paying attention to every groove and divot. A pleased rumble exited his throat causing his eyes to close and his movement to halt.

"Thank you Veer." Lula whispered to him. Her lips curved into a soft smile as he nuzzled the side of his face fondly against hers.

"Therron." He deeply corrected into her ear, "I want you to call me Therron."

"Therron." She repeated softly. His named pleasantly tingled off her lips.

His sub-harmonics flitted with approval as he basked in the sound of her speaking his name. With her hand still held against the side of his face, Lula turned her head planting lingering kiss his against his mandible. Therron's eyes widened at her action. He could feel his blood rush into his face as a shiver traced down his spine leaving him weak in the knees.

Breaking the kiss, Lula smiled at the dazed expression that left his mandibles slack against his jaw. She found herself unable to look away from him. After seeing Therron in action today his arms felt as though they were the safest place to be. More importantly, he had placed Atalanta's safety as the first priority. Lula couldn't feel more thankful… or attracted.

Therron swallowed as he straighten his relaxed postured, his gaze reconnecting with hers while his mandibles shifted lightly as he cleared his throat.

"I, uh…" He found himself suddenly at a loss of words completely over taken by the mere touch of her lips; "I'll take you to Atalanta." Therron resumed his progression towards the infirmary. Luckily, his color was dark enough that the embarrassed blush he knew was tinting his throat blue could not be easily detected. Whatever suaveness he had held mere moments ago had completely abandoned him. One would have thought he had never received a kiss before, the way he froze up as though he was a damn teenager.

Though her head was throbbing Lula could not help but smirk at Therron's now flustered demeanor. It was adorable.

"Mommy!" A small voice called out as they entered through the infirmaries' doors. Atalanta sat with out stretched arms on a white-sheeted examination bed next to an Asari nurse while she continued her chant, "Mommy, Mommy!" The nurse held the bouncing three year old in place as Therron carried Lula over.

"Atalanta!" Lula's eyes softened. Tears lightly welded in them at the sight of her daughter. Back in the common area she had experienced such panic on horror over her safety. When Trax had reached to grab Atalanta her mind had flashed before her images of the worst possible outcomes.

Therron laid Lula gently down on the bed next to Atalanta who immediately jumped into her mother's embrace. Lula buried her head into her daughters brown hair while she hugged her tightly to her chest.

"I'm here sweet pea, Mommy's here." She spoke planting kisses into her hair. Lula could not have been more thankful at Therron's decision to remove her from the confrontations general vicinity, in no way would she have wanted Atalanta to witness how it all ended.

"Loud noises scary!" Atalanta tucked her face into the crook of Lula's neck.

"I know, the loud noises are gone Atalanta. All the loud noises are gone."

Therron's mandibles twitched softly with a smile as he watched Lula happily reunite with her daughter. He had felt such a sense of responsibility when holding Atalanta's small vulnerable life in his arms. He could feel the pull inside of his chest, the two of them, he wanted to protect them from ever coming into harm again.

"I see you have a head wound." The asari nurse spoke up leaning over the bed to inspect her wound with gloved hands. Lula massaged her fingers through Atalanta's hair while she examined the point of impact.

"With a few stiches that should heal up just fine." Her eyes shifted to Lula's reddened neck, "How is your throat?"

"Sore." Lula answered her voice still strained, "Very sore."

Using her fingers, the nurse gently pushed around her neck checking to see if any pain spiked up,

"With rest you should progress fine. I'm going to go ahead and get you prepped for stiches."

"Thank you." Lula smiled as the nurse walked over to a far counter to gather her needed supplies.

Atalanta's large brown eyes peered up to Therron from Lula's shoulder, recognizing his features.

"How are you feeling Atalanta?" He kneeled over slightly so he could be more on her level. Lula smiled while she watched Therron interact with her daughter. He was making her fall for him more and more by the minute. The eyes that he looked upon Atalanta with were so kind and gentle, a vast difference from the eyes that she had just previously seen burn with aggression while pummeling a krogan into submission.

"Sleepy." She blinked up to him while releasing a small yawn.

"I bet you are sleepy, you were so brave today." Therron gently cooed.

" Atalanta," Lula's tired voice began to instruct, " Say thank you to Therron."

"Thank you Thewen." She laid her head down on Lula's shoulder while continuing to watch him.

"You are very welcome Atalanta." Therron gazed upon her with fondness before shifting his attention back to Lula. The blood had begun to dry on the side of her face while the rest matted into her bangs darkening their brown color.

"I need to go back and see how everything is going…. I think it is probably best if we reschedule our plans." He spoke keeping in mind the stress today's event put on not only her but Atalanta. Lula nodded in agreement but her eyes revealed her disappointment. Her thoughts shifted in her mind for a moment before she looked back up to him just as he straightened his posture.

"Perhaps tomorrow?" Her head tilted hopefully with tired eyes.

Therron's face brightened at her expression, "Tomorrow would be perfect." His sub-vocals gave up his true extent of delight.

"I will see you then." Lula smiled to him. He was about to turn and leave when her free hand reached up towards him with out stretched fingers.

Therron blinked at the gesture for a moment until he realized that she wanted him to return. He leaned over slightly allowing her hand to caress the side of his face. His heart rate quicken at her touch as she guided his face down to hers before softly pressing her lips against his mouth. Once again, Therron's strength gave out under her touch forcing him to place a hand at the top of the bed in order to keep himself steady. Bringing his gloved hand up to cup the side of her face, Therron breathed in her scent deepening the kiss while his sub-harmonics keened with pleasure. He'd be damned if he made a fool of himself again. In no way did he want to accidently give off the impression that he wasn't attracted to her. The problem with him is that he was… horribly so.

As they finally parted Lula found herself smiling brightly while Therron's expression shared the same pleased emotion. Both of them trailed their touch down each other's face until they parted completely. There were no more words left to exchange. Their kiss had said everything.


Lula quietly shut her daughter's bedroom door. Finally, Atalanta had fallen asleep, and just in time for the knock that lightly placed itself on her front door. She quickly hurried over opening it to reveal Rohtus standing there with a concern look on his face.

"What's wrong?" His brow plates narrowed at Lula's sight. She had changed out of her work clothes and into a black tank top and loose black drawstring pants.

"Nothing's wrong." She tucked a strand of her long brown hair behind her ear, having made sure the stitches on her forehead remained hidden by her bangs.

"Yeah bullshit." Rohtus snorted walking in past her, heading straight for the kitchen.

Lula released a breath of air as she shut the front door locking it behind him. By now the redness of her throat had gone down. A bit of concealer helped to cover any lingering marks. As for her voice, if he asked she would just chalk it up to that she was getting a cold.

"Language please." She followed him into the kitchen to see he was already carapace deep into her fridge.

"Isn't the bean asleep already?" he spoke finally finding a bottle of turian beer hidden in the back of the fridge. He knew he had left one here from his last visit.

"She is." Lula leaned against her granite top counter, "but don't make it a habit."

"Yeah, yeah." He closed the fridge with the kick of his foot. A simple twist of his wrist popped off the beer cap allowing him his first sip. "So why did you call me over?" Rohtus eyed her intently; he had known her for too long, something was up.

"I was wondering if you could look up some information for me." She folded her arms across her chest making sure not to make eye contact with her turian friend.

"What kind of information?" Rohtus kept a heavy gaze on her. By the second his suspicions were rising.

"His name is Trax Furzic…." Her sore voice faded off. Lula did not have to look to to know Rohtus was glaring down at her, she could feel it.

"I swear Lula, if you are sticking your nose where it doesn't belong-"

"I'm not sticking it anywhere." She quickly cut him off, "I'm just worried." Lula finally looked up to him revealing the concern in her eyes.

"About what?" Rohtus leaned back against the fridge while maintaining an unemotional tone. He took another drink of his beer. "I can't help you get information if I don't know what I am looking for, you know that." Inside his gut was beginning to tighten with frustration. He was trying so hard to maintain control of his sub-vocals and not give away his irritation that she was even requesting such! At least she could tell him what was going on first before he began to reprimand her.

"A male was trying to escape from the C-Sec infirmary today." Lula finally caved. She could tell by the hardened look on Rohtus' face that he was not going to give unless she abided to his request. "I… ran into him on his way out and he expressed to me his reason for running was to protect his child. I just want to find his family so I can make sure they are okay."

Rohtus took another slow sip of his beer, never allowing his eyes to leave Lula. Her body shifted under his gaze.

"Why was he detained by C-Sec?" He prodded further. It was painfully obvious Lula was leaving out a great deal of information from her story. He wasn't an idiot.

Lula was trying not to cringe; she had an idea of what was coming if she spoke the truth.

"He was detained for trying to receive a shipment of zentherol." She quickly spoke instantly earning an irritated keen from Rohtus as his head fell back in disbelief. "It wasn't for him though!" She quickly defended.

"Oh even better!" He threw a hand up over his head. Lula stayed silent as she watched him continue on. "Let me guess, he's not following through on his deal so whoever was on the receiving end is going to take it out on his family."

"He was so panicked Rohtus!" Lula finally shifted away from the counter. The intensity of her voice thickened but it's volume never raised, "I just want to make sure that they find protection; he's not telling any of the officers."

"Lula." Rohtus' voice lowered while his sub-vocals released a deep warning vibration from his chest. A firm talon pointed in her direction, " I have worked too hard to expunge you from records. You can not get involved in this kind of shit again." His mouth snapped with his words.

"But his innocent child is in trouble!" Her eyes pleaded,

"Who cares!?" Rohtus brought the rim of his beer back up to his lips, taking an aggressive swig. He was trying to do the best he could not to completely lash out at her. It was unbelievable she was even thinking such things!

"He got himself into this mess, it is no ones responsibility but his."

"That is not true." Lula held her ground as they continued to stand mere inches from one another in the kitchen. He could see her frustrations beginning to weld into her eyes. "Everyone makes mistakes, you helped me get out of mine so why is it any different than his?"

Rohtus' jaw tightened as his mandibles pressed against his mouth.

"You didn't know any better." His eyes stared directly into hers as he leaned down so they were exactly leveled with one another, " This male did."

"You don't know that." Lula's voice softened doing her best to keep her tears from leaking out.

"I do." A soft growl escaped his voice at his words. Rohtus straightened his posture finally turning away from Lula. He headed towards the living room leaving her to stand alone in her kitchen.

Her eyes focused on the tiled floor, her vision finally blurring with her frustration. He was wrong. There was no difference! His family's life was no less important than hers.

"You can't stay here." Her voice cracked as she heard him take a seat on the couch.

"I'm staying." He retorted with a tone of command.

"Rohtus!" She finally turned around to look at him from over the kitchen counter.

"Come make me leave then Lula." He leaned back on the couch, placing his feet up on the black coffee table in front of him. His beer returned to his mouth for another drink. "I'm not going to let you be stupid tonight."

Her jaw tightened as tears finally ran down her cheeks while her hands tightened into fist at her side.

"You're heartless." Her voice bit the air.

Rohtus watched her furiously walk out of the kitchen before disappearing into her bedroom. She closed the door behind herself leaving him to bask in her last words. His head fell back against the couch cushions. He hated to fight with her, he hated that he had just made her cry, but there was no way around it. If tough love was what he had to give her to make sure that she did not throw her life back into chaos than so be it.


Therron released a sigh as he finished drying off his fringe with a large white towel. Adorn in relaxed navy blue pants, he walked back into his bedroom releasing a small plum of steam as his bathroom door opened. Once again his apartment was shrouded in complete silence expect for the soft passing of skycars by his large windows. He hated the silence, it gave him too much time to obsess and nitpick every last aspect of his life. Were the floors clean enough? Did the shelves need dusting? When was the last time he wiped down the fireplace? Did Lazeryn ever turn in that damn report!?

With the toss of his arm, Therron threw his towel into the near by hamper before heading to his grey blanketed bed. More importantly he couldn't get Lula out of his mind. Ever since they kissed she has maintained herself as a constant thought in his subconscious. He did not get a change to see her again after he had left her in the infirmary. It bothered him to no end not knowing how she was doing. What if she needed some help, or painkillers, or something? They were not exactly a couple yet, they hadn't even really even been on an actually date, but he hoped Lula knew she could depend on him if she needed anything.

Therron fell back onto his bed gazing blankly up to the ceiling…perhaps he should message her? That wouldn't be intrusive would it? Looking over to the clock on his left he saw it was already eleven at night. His sub-harmonics released a grumble as his attention turned back up to the ceiling. She was probably already asleep; at least she should be asleep. His eyes glanced over to the clock again after a few moments of silence. Perhaps she wasn't though? Lula did tell him she had to stay up later recently to work on side training for C-Sec. Since they were, in a way, kind of like a thing it would be strange if he didn't check in on her at all after such an incident wouldn't it?

Quickly, he reached over grabbing his data pad from its position on the black nightstand next to him. Therron scrolled though his C-Sec contacts until it reached the name Finch, Lula. His talon hovered over her name for a moment. He could feel his stomach begin to twist with nervousness. Why in the world was he nervous about sending her a simple message? It was easy, almost stupidly so! Therron could not even count the number of messages he has sent out to C-Sec employees over the years. It was not as though he was confessing his undying love for her~

Instantly Therron froze in his thoughts. Undying love? His hand immediately landed over his face. What the hell was he just thinking? Why did he think that!? He has only known her for a month! It was way to soon for anything pertaining love to pop into his mind!

"Damn it." He groaned allowing his hand to slide down his face. Spirits, he was creating his own madness. Before Therron could talk himself out of it again, he quickly pressed on her name opening up the message system.

*How are you feeling?* He typed in before promptly pressing send. A breath of relief exited his mouth. That was it. He did it. Not that big of a deal. Now he could relax and go to bed. She probably wouldn't even receive the message until morn- A small ping drew Therron's attention back to his data pad, she had responded! He pressed open her message quickly reading it.

*My head is still pretty sore, but over all better. Thank you for asking.*

His mandibles twitched lightly into a smile. After a moment of thought he typed her back a response.

*Of course, that is good to hear. How about Atalanta? Is she alright?*

Within a few seconds Therron received a message back.

*Oh she is very well. After, we picked up some candy and watched her favorite vid about three times in a row; she is back to her normal self. Though I probably won't bring her by work for a while.*

His eyes brightened as he read her reply.

*Understandable. I am going over a full review of security measures with Executor Pallin tomorrow to ensure such a thing never happens again.* He typed back.

*I am sure you will get everything all sorted out.* Therron read over the beginning of her response while he continued to lay in bed. Her confidence in him sent a puff of pride into his chest. * Thank you again for everything today.*

*Well, I was promised a movie date so I couldn't just let him hold you hostage forever.* His mandibles flicked up into a smirk as he sent his reply. Finally he was beginning to feel more comfortable messaging her. It was nice.

*Haha! That is true. I suppose I owe you a second date night as well after your rescuing.*

*That is my standard fee.* Therron typed back while his sub-harmonics fluttered with pleasure.

*Don't say that! You will make me want to put myself in need of rescue situations.* He could just envision the smile on her face while she messaged him.

*If it gives me that chance to hold you again then I don't mind one bit.*

*You don't need to have a reason to do that, Therron.*

Immediately he felt his lower plates lightly shift at her response. She had him completely backed into a wall. His mind was now consumed with the thought of her body pressed up against his as he held her close, his talons lightly trailing over her form; from her shoulders, to her back, down her waist to her full hips…How the hell was he supposed to respond to that!?

His eyed shifted back to the data pad as another message from Lula suddenly came in.

*Well I should be getting to sleep now; it was really sweet of you to check in on me. I will see you tomorrow.*

Therron released a breath upon reading her message. Thank the spirits for her response.

*See you tomorrow.* He typed back finishing their small conversation. Gently he placed his data pad back onto the side table before reaching up to turn off the light. Pulling the blankets back, he shifted under his bed's grey covers. If he had not been feeling anxious for tomorrow he definitely was now.