Hanna walked quietly next to Quintus as they entered her and Matthew's house. She turned to face him and for the first time she really looked into his eyes. To her surprise, he had been polite and kind to her as they had all walked home. Maybe she was judging a book by it's cover. Just as she had when she had met Gaius for the first time. "Thank you Praetor" she said respectfully as she wrapped her arms around herself. It had gotten cold outside.

Quintus looked shocked. This was first sentence that had come from the girl's mouth since they had started walking. "You are welcome my lady" he said quickly after recovering himself.

Hanna couldn't help but smile at his manners and relaxed a little. "Do you want to stay until Gaius comes back?" she asked, surprising herself and the man in front of her.

"It would be my honor" he said with a smile, leaning forward just slightly to whisper in her ear. "And feel free to call me Quintus."

She blushed a little at his close proximity and her stomach fluttered against her will. She was glad her brother and best friend were out of the room. "Yeah umm..come right in" she said smiling as she stepped aside for him to enter.

"It's a nice place Matthew has here" Quintus remarked before turning to face Hanna.

"Thanks. He bought it for us after our parents disowned us" she said after bringing him a glass of water.

Quintus felt anger surge through his veins at the thought of someone turning a beautiful girl like Hanna out into the streets, but he didn't want to scare her so he kept it inside. Instead he sat down next to her on the couch, facing her as he leaned against the cushions. "You are a brave girl" he said finally after what felt like an eternity.

Hanna shrugged and looked over at him. "Not really."

"Yes really" Quintus said softly. Softer than he had ever spoken to a Hebrew girl before. Usually he didn't care much for her people, but he could see that she was different than the rest.

Just as he was about to push a stray hair away from her face when the door opened and in came Gaius looking protective as ever. Hanna stood up as did Quintus.

"Everything okay here?" Gaius asked, looking over at Hanna, who smiled softly, nodding.

"Yes Gaius, everything is fine."

"I should get going" Quintus said, gathering up his helmet. But what happened next surprised Hanna and Gaius.

Quintus took Hanna's hand in his and kissed it softly, causing her eyes to widen a little.

"Stay safe Hanna" he said softly before straightening up and turning toward Gaius. "See you tomorrow primi."

Once he was out the door, Hanna turned to face Gaius who was staring at the door. "Gaius" she said softly, placing a hand on his shoulder. "What is it?"

He shook out of his daze and looked down at the girl who was like a daughter to him. Quintus was known to be a dangerous man and he didn't want her getting hurt.

"Be careful with him Hanna" he said simply, leading her over to the couch as he grabbed a blanket that was on the table nearby.

"I will be. You know I always am" she said as she curled up on the couch, placing her head on a pillow.

She could smell the Praetor's scent on the pillow she laid her head down on and it was surprisingly comforting to her. She didn't think she would ever feel this way about a Roman. Gaius was like the father she never had and that was the only reason that she trusted him. Because he treated her like his own daughter.

"I know you don't trust Roman officers sweetheart. Except me that is" Gaius said as he placed the blanket around her shoulders, kissing her temple as he did so. "But Quintus is one to watch."

Hanna nodded and reached for her adopted father's hand once he sat down next to her. "I'll watch out Gaius. You don't need to worry" she said as she looked up at him.

Gaius smiled a little and nodded, pushing the girl's hair back out of her face. "I'm staying here tonight" he announced, kissing her head before walking over to a chair. "If you need anything I'll be right here."

Hanna nodded sleepily as she drifted off. As Gaius watched her sleep, he wondered if maybe he should legally make her his daughter as it would keep her safe under Roman protection. He and his wife had always wanted a little girl, but had never been successful. Hanna was a perfect answer to their dreams. He would talk to Hanna about it later. He reached over and pulled the blanket up over her, brushing his knuckle down her cheek as she slept.

"Sleep well my darling" he whispered as he continued to watch her.


Meanwhile Matthew was sitting on the edge of his bed, stroking Maya's hair awkwardly as she slept. She had fallen asleep on the way home and he had carried her the entire way. She was beautiful to him despite the tear streaks on her face. He couldn't imagine the pain she was feeling from losing her mother, but he also felt comforted that she wouldn't have to deal with her father anymore. He always was angry when he thought of the man.

He sighed and kissed her forehead gently before turning to walk out of the room.

"Matthew?"

He quickly turned around and walked back over to her. "Maya are you in pain? Are you hurt?"

Maya shook her head and reached over, taking his hand. This was when she first took notice of her surroundings. Everything looked Roman. She was obviously at his house. And then she remembered what had led her here. Her eyes filled with tears, making Matthew sit down once more, taking her face in his hands.

"She's gone Matthew" she sobbed out, leaning her cheek into one of his hands.

"I know Maya" he said softly, running some fingers through her hair. "I know. I'm here."

"I know it's not proper but...stay with me?"

Maya didn't care about rules at the moment. All she wanted was Matthew. To be in his arms and nothing else. He was the only one who was making her feel better.

"A..Alright. I will" Matthew said nervously as he laid down next to Maya.

She placed her forehead on his, placing her hands on his chest. "Thank you" she whispered shakily, closing her eyes once more.

Matthew gazed down at her as his arms wrapped around her, surprising himself as he gently kissed her nose. "You're welcome."

"I've always liked you Matthew" she said, her voice a bit shaky from crying. "I've just never had the chance to tell you."

His eyes widened as he held onto her a bit tighter. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. "I..I've always liked you too. Since we were little."

She opened her eyes once more and gazed into his. "I only have you and Hanna now" she whispered, her fingers clutching at the fabric on his shirt.

"You'll always have us" he whispered into her hair as they both fell asleep.

Little did she know that would change soon.