Cain started to wonder if there was something more to his dreaming. He wondered why it always centered around one thing. First his wife, now Glitch. It's been a few days, but while he hasn't seen Ambrose since the welcome home feast, he's been seeing Glitch in his dreams as though he was really talking to him. He missed the zipperhead in his waking time, and he was determined to make each moment count. They talked about everything and nothing. Often, Cain had his arms around Glitch, or he was holding his hand. Every time before he woke up, he would gently kiss Glitch.

One morning, he was on his way to the training grounds when he turned the corner right into someone. That someone had a bunch of papers that ended on in a whirlwind as the holder fell to the ground on their butt. "Oh geeze! Are you alright?" He asked as he reached down to the man on the ground. When the man looked up, he saw the startled eyes of Ambrose. He looked at Cain's hand with hesitance, but then he accepted the offer.

"I'm fine. Just was lost in thought." As he straightened his jacket, Cain went about collecting the scattered papers. Ambrose fixed him with a curious stare.

While grabbing the papers, he had an idea that would possibly get the brainiac to open up to him. He straightened up, and handed the stack to Ambrose's safe embrace. However, he let his hand linger a moment too long. "Is that all of them?" He asked.

Ambrose took a swift look through the papers, but he wasn't really paying attention, for his cheeks started to feel slightly warm. "Um… yeah. I believe it is. Thank you for your help." When Ambrose looked back into his eyes, his heart jumped into his throat. The man looked a little scruffy looking, but it was a roguish charm. The blue eyes were as intense as ever, and that smile just melted him. He started backing up, in order to get away from that stare. "Um. Excuse me. I really need to be on my way." When he turned around and started walking, it took him a moment to realize that he had just come down the hallway he was currently in. Cursing under his breath, and swiftly turned towards his original destination, he made a fast getaway before his face could explode.

Cain watched in amusement. Making the man flustered was easier than it looked. He crouched behind a tall vase, and retrieved a paper he deliberately forgot to grab. He would return it, but not until practice was over. He had to start drilling the men before the guard inspection next week.

Ambrose's heart was hammering in his chest. He didn't understand why he was feeling like this. He's been nothing but calm and conservative to everyone up until now. Why had that man's gaze affected him so much? He was finding it very difficult to keep that man out of his mind. Even his inventions didn't provide enough distraction.

A few hours had passed and little to no improvement had been made. Ambrose was more than frustrated, and his irritation increased when there came a knock on his door. "Yes! What is it?!"

Cain opened the door, and decided to play it safe, "Is this a bad time? I could come back later."

Ambrose felt his pulse quicken, and his frustration was ebbing away to nerves. "Sorry. Just frustrated at the moment. Did you need something Mr…."

"Cain. But you can just call me Cain like everyone else and drop the Mr. part. Makes me sound old." He joked, giving him an honest smile.

Ambrose smiled at that. The man really does have a warm smile. Why do I react this way around him? Am I still afraid of him because of what happened that one time? "Cain." He tested the name on his lips.

"Um… I found this in the same hallway we bumped into each other this morning. Thought it might be one of yours." Cain produced the document he had held captive.

Ambrose could see that it was indeed one of his. "Thank you. Yes, it is mine." He could barely keep his hand from shaking as he retrieved the paper. What is WRONG with me? He thought to himself.

Cain could see how nervous he was making Ambrose. "Are you alright? You seem a little shaken. Did something happen?"

Why would it be any of his concern? "No. It's just… trying to readjust… you know… nothing was how I left it, and trying to get organized is becoming such an arduous task." Ambrose took a deep breath.

Cain thought for a moment. "The royal family hasn't seen you for the evening meals. Have you been in here practically the whole time?"

"I hardly ever eat outside of my room. When I'm working, I require full focus, and I hate being interrupted by something as annoying as a growling stomach."

Cain remembered how Glitch loved to eat, and he loved the company of people around him. But he knew that he shouldn't push Ambrose from breaking his routine. It's too soon. "Well, the invitation to join us is always there. The princesses would love to talk with you. But I think they don't want to disturb you while your door is closed." Subtle hint. "And it might help you clear your mind if you step away from it for a while." With a kind smile, Cain bowed, showing his respect, then he quietly left the room.

Ambrose simply stood in place. Trying to get back into his old habits was not working as well as he hoped. There was something niggling at him that something was missing. Not just an object, but… something. He decided to ignore it and continue working.

Cain timed it every morning that he would pass Ambrose on his way to the training grounds. He would give a simple greeting, and carry on like everything was normal. Each time, Ambrose's smile seemed to be getting larger and larger with each passing day.

Then, one morning, Cain decided to hide out of sight and see Ambrose's reaction to his absence. Sure enough, the man looked around, and he could almost see the disappointed glint in Ambrose's eyes. He waited a few minutes more, then ran back towards his room, like he was in a hurry. He ran straight past Ambrose. "Excuse me Ambrose! An early morning has turned into a late morning. I forgot something." Before he turned back around, he could see the amusement in Ambrose's face. And what also looked like relief.

Cain's dreams still persisted. It was strange being with Glitch while trying to get close to Ambrose. It felt like he was cheating almost. Suddenly, he had an idea as he was there with Glitch sitting in front of him. "What's your favorite food?"

Glitch looked confused, but amused. "Chocolate covered strawberries. Those are my weakness." Then it seemed Glitch knew just where Cain was going with this as if he had read his mind. He pulled away, and looked at Cain with uncertainty. "You want to know how to get closer to him."

Cain knew he had to tread carefully, "I don't know what powers is causing this, but I feel it's the right thing to do. You were willing to disappear, and wanted everyone to make an effort to be Ambrose's friends. Well, the closer I get to him, the closer I get to finding you."

Glitch still looked uncertain. He didn't doubt Cain, but he doubted the fact that he could be 'found'. "Once you've 'found' me, what then?"

"Anything you want. And I do mean anything." Cain glared suggestively at Glitch, which caused him to blush. But then he wondered, all suggestion aside, what would happen if that really happened. When Glitch resurfaced, what then.

Cain pulled him into an embrace, and whispered into his ear, "Trust me, sweetheart."

Glitch loved it when Cain called him that. So trust him, he did.

"Hey, Kid!" Cain never called DG princess. She reprimanded him more than once that she was not a princess around him or Raw or Ambrose. "How much time have you really been able to spend with Ambrose since the welcoming dinner?" They were both outside in the garden where DG was still trying to catch up on her 15 annuals worth of studies.

"I only ever really see him in passing. He's got a million projects going on, and he only gives me the books I should read." She sounded annoyed.

"I've got an idea. Tell him you want to invite him for tea. You want to discuss your studies or something. Have a pot of Rose and Honeysuckle tea, and chocolate covered strawberries."

"Oh! I like where this is going." She was also a chocolate fiend.

"We need to get Ambrose away from his work, slowly, but surely. He needs to see what life outside his workshop can be like. After that, we'll up the ante."

DG walked swiftly to Ambrose's room. Unable to control her excitement, she knocked on his door. After a few moments, she heard his voice, "Enter" and walked in. He looked up from his bench and swiftly straightened up. "Why your majesty. What a pleasant surprise. To what do I owe this honor?" He said as he straightened his coat.

Definitely not like Glitch. She kept from laughing. "I'm sorry to intrude. I was wondering if you had time this afternoon in order to have tea with me and my sister." She put on her most charming smile.

Ambrose looked torn. He was tempted, but his latest project was beckoning to him, begging him to solve the problems. "I would like to your highness. It's just that I have an inspection in two weeks, and I am no where near where I'd like to be…"

DG held up her hand in order for him to stop talking. She looked behind her at the open door, as if she was expecting to be overheard. She came closer to him, and lowered her voice, "I know you like to keep on schedule. But I wouldn't ask you this if it wasn't important." She put on her best puppy blue eyes.

Ambrose felt like he was being suckered by that look. He remembered it well when she was a child. He was reminded of the good old days before the witch ruined everything.

DG looked down for a moment, drawing in a breath, then looking back into his eyes. "My sister… I'm worried about her. We all are still trying to adjust. But she is withdrawing more and more. She thinks I can't tell." Her eyes began to water. "I know she still blames herself for the things the witch made her do. And I know she blames herself for what happened to you. I was hoping that maybe… you could help her remember the good times, and that what's been done is in the past." That's when a tear fell down.

Ambrose could not stand to see the Princess cry. He knew how hard those two had been working to make amends. He raised his hand up, brushed away her tear, and gently smiled. "I will come for a short time. But I can't stay more than an hour."

DG beamed before she threw her arms around his neck. "Thank you Ambrose!" She turned to leave, "Be on the garden veranda before the mid afternoon bell." With that she vanished, closing the door behind her. As she pranced down the hall, she couldn't help but feel proud of herself. She knew she would never get him to come out if he thought he was the center of the meeting. But he would drop anything for them, and she knew it. It was only a matter of time. She applauded herself for the little play acting she put on. She's already discussed things with Azkadelia, so she'll know how to perform. DG and Az have become closer than ever, and Az really doesn't blame herself anymore, thanks to her patient and loving family.

The two girls were already laughing around the small table when Ambrose showed up. The scene slightly confused him with what DG said earlier, but he decided not to judge based on initial assumptions. There was a small array of finger foods including sandwiches, fruits, and cakes. And the wonderful aroma of Rose and Honeysuckle tea invaded his senses. He had forgotten how much he enjoyed it. He's never indulged in a proper High Tea since… he couldn't remember. Perhaps he was working too hard. As he sat, DG poured him a cup.

"So glad you could join us Ambrose. I was just reminding my sister of the clockwork bird you made that one time." He did remember that piece, and he could tell why the girls had been laughing. That bird, that was supposed to be a Nightingale turned out to be a Nightmare.

Before he could comment, he heard a familiar voice behind him. "I'm not too late, am I?" He turned around to see the man that made him so nervous, he couldn't think. Well, now he was sure he wasn't going to get anything done after this. "You can't have a proper tea without chocolate, now can you?" With that, Cain set down a large tray of perfectly dipped chocolate covered strawberries. Along with regular chocolate, some had white chocolate, some had dark chocolate, and some had powdered sugar. All of them looked mouthwatering and delicious. He heard the girls coo their approval. As Cain sat down, he insisted DG regal the tale of the Nightingale to him.

The four of them laughed and groaned as stories were shared all around. Ambrose knew he stayed well over an hour, but he couldn't bring himself to care. He was actually enjoying himself. This altogether was an anomaly. He couldn't remember being in such pleasant company. It wasn't official, it wasn't formal, but it was still nice. Very, very nice. It was almost… fun. He could hardly remember what 'fun' felt like. When the evening bell chimed, Ambrose was shaken out of his reverie.

"By all the saints! I have forgotten about the time. Please excuse my hasty retreat. Your highness's, good evening. And good evening to you Mr…. er… um… Cain." With that, he left in a rush.

Cain winked at DG before he followed after Ambrose. He caught him just before he disappeared into his lab. "Ambrose! Wait. Please." Thankfully, the man did stop, but still looked a little nervous. "I wanted to thank you for your time, and I'm sorry if we put you behind schedule. Please if there's anything I can do to help, do not hesitate to ask."

Ambrose tried a couple of times to find his voice. "You're most welcome, and I will keep that in mind."

"Um… I know… this meant a lot to DG. I was wondering if you wouldn't mind doing it again." Cain didn't have to fake the blush that was forming on his face. "Not right away, just… eventually. Would you accept?"

Ambrose wanted to decline, but looking into Cain's hopeful eyes was just as bad as looking at the princess, if not more so, since he couldn't bring himself to deny the man anything. "When this inspection is over, I'll be sure to save some time."

The relief on Cain's face was clear as day. "Thank you again Ambrose. And really. If you need anything. Even if it's just to grab you a late night snack!" With one more smile and bow, Cain was heading back towards the princesses. They were both waiting for what he had to say, and both practically squealed when Cain told them the news.

"Way to go Cowboy. I think that went really well." DG offered.

"I just hope I play my cards right." Cain said with an exasperated sigh.

"You'll be fine. Just keep on going with those gems of intuition. The strawberries were a huge hit."

Cain smiled, and all of them decided to plan the next phase.