Chupa's blue eyes widened. "She is?" he asked, helping Emma sit upright. She nodded. "Did you know her?" He shrugged. "She ran with Rheinhardt for a while. I met her once or twice. She was pretty close with Verlaine though," he replied and then checked her over once more. Emma's slight smile made him stop. "I'm all right, Chupa. Completely healed," she murmured, lightly grasping his arm. "You sure? You looked half-dead when we found you." Emma nodded. "Just help me to my feet, would you?" A short laugh came from him. "No problem."

As Chupa helped Emma to her feet, Priest did the same for Rayn, keeping his arms around her waist. A soft smile crept across his face as she squirmed in his embrace. "Don't worry," he whispered, "I won't bite you." His smile faded when he saw the pained look in her eyes. "It's not that, Priest," she whispered back, "I'm not supposed to be in such close physical contact with you. I can get into a lot of trouble for it." He sighed and released her. "Then I don't want to get you into trouble." Rayn smiled tremulously at him, grateful that he understood.

"I suggest that you two pack your things. You won't be safe here anymore," Chupa announced, having a feeling that Emma would argue with the suggestion. He watched a cloud pass over Emma's face and then she sighed heavily. "St. Brigid's braids! I know that he's right. That's why I'm not going to argue with him, Rayn," she suddenly said, glancing at the younger woman. Rayn smiled slightly. "I was sure that you were," she admitted. Emma chuckled. "I'm not that hard-headed, am I?" With a rueful grin, Rayn nodded. "On occasion."

Priest cleared his throat to get their attention. "The haven, Chupa?" he asked, wondering if his companion was thinking the same thing he was. Chupa nodded. "Kasha won't set foot in the door. She's too afraid of Snowman." Rayn and Emma looked at him curiously. "Snowman?" Rayn asked, turning to Priest. "You'll understand when you meet him. Now go gather your things, little girl," he answered, lightly slapping her on the butt. She squeaked softly and carefully hurried out of the room. Priest grinned. "I'll keep an eye on her, Emma," he called out as he followed her out of the room. Emma only nodded and then shivered. She realized that she was alone with Chupa.

His long fingers gently brushed her cheek. "Are you sure that you're all right?" he asked her quietly. Blushing slightly, she breathed, "Of course. I'm just fine." She proved herself wrong by turning away from him and running right into the arm of the sofa. His soft chuckle didn't help her embarrassment.

She could feel his eyes on her as she moved around the room, packing the small suitcase that she'd brought with her. It wasn't that she didn't like him; she did. It was just the simple fact that she was forbidden to get emotionally or sexually involved with the subject of her task. And the sexual attraction was there. It was like a tangible substance when he was close to her. Emma sighed. Sometimes, her life was just too damn complicated by rules.

Chupa watched Emma's every move. There was a preternatural grace to her along with an indescribable something that he just couldn't put his finger on. But he had to admit that he liked it. He really liked it.