Everyone shared hugs, before the group split. Julia looked at Rodney and smiled. "So, you ready?" Julia asked. Rodney smiled. Julia set Aiden down, and he grabbed on to Glitch's one hand and Cain's other hand. Cain looked down at Aiden, confused for a second. Then when Aiden smiled up at him, Cain couldn't help but smile.
Julia and Rodney pushed open the doors. Rodney looked over at Julia, before stepping inside. They each took opposite sides of the staircase and began to walk up them. They heard the rest of the group follow, but they were alittle behind. Julia and Rodney began to walk through the halls, looking into various rooms and smiling at some old paintings on the walls.
"Looks the same as we left it…" Julia said. "Minus the war…" Rodney replied. Julia nodded in agreement. They turned to face the group. "Welcome to the Ligark kingdom…" they both said.
Later on that night, Julia and Rodney were now dressed in new clothing. They had found their chests and changed into simple travel dresses. Cain, Glitch, Aiden and Azkadellia looked up when they entered the room. "I like it…" Azkadellia said with a small smile. "It seemed simple…" Julia said with a shrug. Julia took her place on the small sofa next to Cain, and Rodney sat next to Glitch on the other one. Azkadellia sat comfortably on a simple lounge chair with Aiden on her knee.
Glitch put his hand ontop of Rodney's and they shared a smile. "So what happens next?" Azkadellia asked. "We will just see what happens. Maybe we can get travelers to live here. The people we rescued….and some could work here if they wish…" Rodney responded. Azkadellia nodded. "Well…" she paused to do a small laugh. "I'm sure you could borrow some of ours. We have too many as it is…" Azkadellia said. "Thanks…" Rodney said, smiling slightly.
Aiden yawned. "Aiden, are you tired?" Rodney asked. Aiden nodded. Rodney stood up. "Come on. I'll find you a room…" Rodney said, and Aiden ran over to her. "I'll come with you…" Glitch suggested, standing up. He took Rodney's hand again and the three of them disappeared down the hall. Azkadellia looked over at Julia and Cain and smiled to herself.
"Julia, is it okay if I go out on the balcony to get some air?" she asked. Julia smiled. "Of course. You don't need to ask…" she said. "Well I'm under your rule and Rodney's rule right now…" she said, smiling and walking away. Julia sighed, and Cain looked at her. "Do you think I'll see you again?" he asked her, before he could stop himself. Cain squeezed his eyes shut, hoping he did not just ask that question.
"I suppose. Why do you ask?" Julia asked, looking at him. Cain slowly opened his eyes. Looks like he really did ask. "Well…you guys are…great people. I mean, its been…its been…" Cain paused and looked away. Julia smiled over at him while he wasn't looking. "Interesting?" she asked. "Yea. Interesting….right…" Cain said, still not looking at her.
Julia raised an eyebrow. "You alright, Cain?" Julia asked. Cain turned back to face her. "Yes…" he said, smiling for reassurance. Julia sighed and rested her head on his shoulder. Cain froze for a second. The touch was unexpected. Cain slowly lifted his arm and placed it around her shoulders. "You know…Cain… you're a pretty…amazing person…" Julia said, hiding a smile. Cain looked down at her and smiled warmly. "So are you," he said, and the two sat in a comforting silence…
Rodney pushed open the one door and let Glitch and Aiden step inside. "I'll be right back you guys. I'm going to get Aiden more blankets. It's rather chilly for its first day being back…" Rodney said, heading back down the hallway. She was about to pass through the room where she was before, but she stopped. She saw Julia asleep on Cain's shoulder, and Cain's chin was ontop of her head; he too was asleep. His arm was around her shoulders, and they looked snuggled against each other.
"Okay…" Rodney muttered to herself, tiptoeing back out. She ran into one of the empty rooms and took of the top blanket, and headed back towards Aiden's room. She avoided the urge to giggle as she passed by Julia and Cain again. Rodney heard Aiden's laughs coming from down the hall. She tilted her head and slowly crept up towards the door. She saw Glitch pulling the covers up against Aiden, making silly faces as he did. Aiden continued to laugh.
Rodney almost felt tears coming to her eyes. The sight of Glitch tucking in Aiden seemed so sweet to her. She smiled as Glitch kissed Aiden's forehead. Rodney felt her stomach get butterflies, and her throat started to swell. She leaned against the doorframe to keep herself standing. She began to breathe deeper as the seconds passed. She was falling in love with Glitch, and she knew it. Glitch turned and smiled at her. "Look. Mommy Rodney has got you your other blanket…" he said. Rodney smiled and walked in, and handed it to Glitch.
"Hey Aiden! Now you see me…" he paused to cover his head. "Now you don't!" he said.
Aiden giggled. "Hmm. Where has Aiden gone?" Glitch asked. Aiden giggled again and pulled the blanket off of Glitch's head. "Ah! There he is!" Glitch said. Aiden sat up and hugged Glitch. "I love you Mr. Zipper…" he said. Glitch smiled down at the small boy as he hugged him back. "I love you too Aiden. You're awesome…" Glitch said.
Rodney felt a tear slide down her cheek, but she didn't even bother wiping it away. The sight of Aiden and Glitch was just too sweet for her. Glitch turned to look at her and his face softened. He put his hand on the side of her face and wiped away the tear with his thumb. She smiled at his soft touch. Glitch pressed his forehead against hers and they both closed their eyes. For the first time in awhile, the three felt like a family again…