A Stranger to Our Legacy- Book One: Human Nature

Chapter Three: The Negotiation

Rince shifted, gathering himself up off of the floor and pulling his body into a chair. Vincent was currently arguing with a very agitated Maru, their hands signing so fast, Rince didn't even bother trying to follow what they were saying. He glanced over at the couch where he'd deposited Tasha, finding her cleaned and curled up underneath a large blanket, sipping on some sort of hot beverage and watching the two go at it. Just as well then; At least they hadn't been kicked out just yet.

He took a moment to look around at the quaint little apartment, eyes eventually settling back on the person who was probably the only reason they'd been allowed to stay even this long. Nothing in the small space seemed to have changed much in the passing years- and neither had she. A ghost of a smile appeared on his lips, fading as fast as it arrived with a fiery glare from Vincent. He ran a hand through his hair and sighed, looking down at the hardwood floor and nearly jumping as a hand was gently placed on his shoulder. Silent as always. Maru signed something to him, and it took a moment to process.

'Are you alright? did he hurt you badly?'
Rince shook his head, "I'm fine dear, thank you."
Vincent walked over, fuming. "What the hell do you think you're doing here?" Every word was sharper than a dagger, and he was obviously restraining himself from doing- well, doing what he did best.
"I needed help-"
"You have plenty of houses!"
"Vincent-"
"You never know when to fucking stop-!" Vincent was cut off as Rince stood to his full height and clapped a hand over the others mouth, pointing out the slightly shaking and pale form of Maru. Their eyes were squeezed shut and had both hands pressed against their ears in an attempt to keep out the sudden loud noise.
As the yelling ceased, Maru took a shaky breath and looked at them both, forcing words out of her hoarse throat. "Why don't we just... All sit down and talk, okay?"
Vincent reluctantly nodded and looked away in guilt, Rince returning to his seat and moving the wooden chair to the table.
Vincent sat across from him, glaring at Rince while Maru grabbed an apple from the refrigerator and a thin, sharp knife, gripping it tightly to keep her hands from shaking. Taking a seat next to her lover, Maru cut a small piece off and chewed slowly.
"So, what brings you here?" She asked, steadily cutting off bite sized chunks and setting them on a napkin. A small bead of apple juice rolled down the side of the fruit, Maru taking a moment to lick it off of her thumb.
"Someone tried to take my ward. My safe houses have been compromised. I need to keep away from these people, Maru. I don't mind leaving, but you have to keep her safe from them."
A tiny slip of the knife, and a few drops of blood welled up on her finger, falling onto the clean and pristine white of the napkin.
Vincent was fuming silently, glancing over at Maru as she spoke. "... you can both stay. You'll have to sleep on the couch I'm afraid, but I'm not going to kick you out." A sharp glance at Vincent. "Neither of us are." She finished, popping a bite of apple into her mouth.

"Thank you. I appreciate it." Rince bowed his head in gratitude, knowing well enough that he wasn't entirely welcome in the apartment.

"Maru, I'd hate to pull a reality check on you, but if you remember, especially the last time he was here, Rince has done nothing for us but cause trouble!" Vincent hissed, glaring in an attempt melt Rince's head off.

"I was only here to help her-" Rince was cut off as Vincent slammed a fist against the table.

"Maru almost died!!! How is that helping her?!" Vincent snarled, the air suddenly getting very warm. There was silence, Tasha glancing over at the group gathered at the table.

Maru gently placed a hand on Vincent's shoulder, voice soft. "I'm alright now, and the present is what matters." Dark brown eyes met Tasha's from across the room, and Maru turned back to Vincent. "We can talk about this later, love."

Vincent gritted his teeth, standing and walking off to their room, slamming the door behind him. Maru sighed, rubbing her forehead. "Dear, next time, please call ahead."