DH AN: This chapter is posted for rebelmewpheonix, because she has been following my stories faithfully since August. But I hope you like it too. Please enjoy Chapter Three: Plated Defenses.

Chapter Three: Plated Defenses

Marik shook himself out of his temporary stupor. "I think it's time I take my leave, after all, those three will not be arguing forever." His words were iced over with what could easily be described as a somewhat cold tone compared to the one with which he had spoken earlier.

But something caused him to turn his gaze to the redhead. Something did not feel right about the idea of just leaving her on the roof. There could be someone behind the doorway at the center of the roof for all he knew. He gazed hard at her, trying to deter the feelings of crumbling defenses at one simple look. Would he be able to make this inquiry without relinquishing the defense that he had worked on for years without failure? He was at a loss to why they were failing him now. He hardly knew where this was going when he turned fully to face her.

"I can take you home if you want."

She shook her head laughing somewhat coldly. "What part of "I had to leave my home" do you have trouble with?" Filiron's voice then became almost inaudible, "I have no home."

It then started to drizzle. Great. I just happen to have a coat on me, and it's just started raining. What is this, a romance novel? Marik fumed. But, his questions made no difference as he subconsciously slipped off his coat, and draped it over Filiron's drizzle laden cloak.

I can take you home. Filiron felt a deeper meaning within this simple offer. She felt the coat on her shoulders. She smiled, unseen to her amethyst eyed companion. She peeked a glance down below.

"Marik, it looks like those guys who were chasing us got occupied with something else." She stole a glance at him when he came to confirm her observation.

"It looks that way. We better get out of here before they return." Marik murmured. Filiron looked at him quizzically when he said "We." She blushed as he set his hand on her shoulder, whispering, "You still have my coat." As well as the fact that she has nowhere to go. But only because of those two factors, nothing more. He felt his steady nature begin to lurch from under him for the millionth time that night. He set his hands around her shoulders, and guided her down the fire escape. Could she possibly feel safe with him?

Filiron felt the coat and something else around her. His arms. She felt secure as they stepped down the fie escape into the drizzle laden night. She smiled at him.

They stopped at a local motel, where Marik had already reserved a room for a week the night previous. He dug out his wallet, and got another room, so that the clerk wouldn't get the wrong idea.

"The room's three to the left of yours, sir." The clerk responded as he handed Marik the card key.

"Thank you." Marik said as he guided his redhead companion to her room.

When they reached room 318, Marik gave Filiron the card key. "Here's your room. If you need anything, I'm three rooms to the right."

Filiron nodded, removing his coat. "I believe that this belongs to you." He took it from her, ever so gently.

"I believe you are right." He looked at it for a few moments, then, handed it back to her. "On second thought, tonight, I believe it is yours."

"Thanks, but you should-" Filiron attempted to return the jacket, but Marik pushed it back into her hands

"I said take it." He said almost coldly. Filiron did not protest, but was taken aback at his tone. But she quickly became comforted as she wrapped the jacket around her. It was worn and cared for.

A small smile crossed Marik's face. "That wasn't so hard, was it?" After no response, he turned from her. "Sleep well, Miss Rylae."

Filiron blushed, and entered her room. The walls were a tan pastel; the carpet was red and faded. There was a mahogany chair and table set right near the bathroom. The bed was covered in a hotel quality green comforter. She quietly locked the door behind her and took a shower, after which she slept with Marik's jacket over her shoulders. It was in a word, peaceful.

DH: All right. There will be some action in this story, but not yet. To answer Marik's romance novel question, it is a romance fanfic. Please Review.