h o m e sweet h o m e, closed.

[december]

She was home and it was a great feeling. Especially considering how she had not seen her daughter in months. Rather than putting away her belongings and changing her clothes, Ember-Marie dropped her belongings right in front of the door and ran up four flights of stairs and rushed over to her baby girl’s room. Slowly and quietly opened the door and snuck a peak. Her angel was sleeping and already having learned her lesson about waking a sleeping baby, Ember quiet left. Slowly and silently, as possible, she closed Annabel-Lee’s door. A soft content sigh escaped her as she did this. Perhaps it was the fear of Greyson finding them or it was the nerves of being a mother, but whatever it was the flip-flop nervous aching feeling disappeared the moment she finally saw her.

It did not matter that she was not her real daughter, she had her sister’s blood which meant she had part of Ember’s as well. That was more than enough of a reason for December to take care of Annabel, actually more like that was exactly why. She had lost her sister, she could not afford to loose Annabel. She was the only thing she had left of her. It did not matter that Annabel was a Half-Vampire. It did not matter that she had his blood. All that mattered was that Annabel was her older sister’s blood in her and now she was her responsibility, one she was grateful and honored to take on.


But the moment she walked past Demetrius’ room all thoughts of Annabel disappeared and a flutter appeared in her stomach. Biting her lower lip Ember awkwardly walked right on by, silently as possible. The moment she reached the stairs she rushed down back to the first floor and picked up her belongings. It was not that she felt awkward around Demetrius. It was more that her heart fluttered and her stomach did flips. They weren’t the nervous type. They were… Well, exactly what they were Ember did not have a clue. All she knew was that she felt that whenever she was around Demetrius which meant she had to rush herself up to her floor and that was exactly what she did.

n o t e s - - - meep, horrible start! >.<
o u t f i t - - - click

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[demetrius rafael harper]

The holidays were one of Demetrius' favorite times of the year and he loved nothing more than the peaceful lull of the relatively calm weeks. Of course, now that he was in training to become an auror, he didn't exactly have a whole lot of time off. In fact, since he was assigned to a specific case, he actually didn't have any time off. However, since he was happy enough with where he was staying and the family he was with, he considered it to be even more of a holiday than anything. His family, while he liked them, didn't always get along all too well, so perhaps a holiday away from the lot of them would actually end up being a good thing for the boy. He'd send his gifts back home and such for his family and friends and then spend the holiday season looking after and protecting the girl that had really come to make an impact in his life. The last thing he had been expecting to happen was for him to fall for his charge, but somehow, that was exactly what had happened.

He was already in his room at the Swann house, just hanging around doing a whole lot of nothing and waiting for December to get home so he could go entertain himself by talking to her or something. He really enjoyed talking to December, since she was just someone that was captivating, interesting, all of that. It was pretty inspiring, really. He didn't have a whole lot else to do at the moment, so he was mostly just hanging around the door and waiting until he heard the sound of some footsteps coming up and down the stairs. It was probably pretty lame to be just waiting there for December, but Dem didn't care. He was cool the rest of the time, so obviously he was fully allowed to be kind of lame once in awhile. When he finally heard the thud of feet on the stairway, Demetrius' eyes lit up and he rushed over to his door, cracking it open to see if it was, in fact, December coming home. Once he had verified that fact, he slid the door closed once more and moved over to his dresser to attempt to comb his hair up a bit to look acceptable.

Waiting until he heard her light footsteps coming back up the stairs, Demetrius opened up his door and moved out to the stairwell, leaning up against it with a goofy grin on his face. It didn't take much longer before December showed up right there on the stairs and he greeted her with a warm smile. "Well, hello there," he commented, waggling his eyebrows in a joking manner "Need some help with your bags? I can get them all upstairs for you," he asked, eagerly moving forward to help her out. Obviously it would be a great idea for him to help, since it would win him some brownie points or something and perhaps they could start off the day on a high note.

[/blockquote][/blockquote]

[december]

Slightly startled Ember jumped and dropped one of her bags which she immediately scurried downward and grabbed. Faintly blushing December shook her head while saying, Hi..ummm, okay. Handing over one of the more larger bags Emmie curiously asked, So, Papa says Anna has started to walk all by herself. Is it true? But as soon as the question was said her eyes widen and her blush darkened as she quickly apologized,

Sorry! I forgot to ask how you've been. Silly me, sorry! So, how have you been Dem? Great, I hope. Tucking a stray strand of reddish-brown hair behind her ear December picked up the rest of her bags which she soon found a lot less difficult, but still difficult nonetheless. Sighing softly Ember awkwardly said, Do you mind taking one of my other bag? Sorry...I honestly don’t know how I got them here in one piece. I'm lucky Papa got me these, instead of the cloth ones. They would be in pieces and I'm pretty certain it would have exploded on my way here. Even though I did apparate. But you get the point. Errr...sorry, Dem, rambling.

Normally December-Marie was not a stuttering, rambling girl, but that was when she was not around Demetrius. A guy who had not appeared in her life until last year but managed to change her entire life around. He was handsome, intelligent, and goofy. Something every girl dreams of, but what added to her attraction towards him was the fact he adored Annabel-Lee. He did not find it odd that she was willing to adopt her own niece. No, in fact he was one of the few she knew of willing to accept and liked the fact that she did. The relationship the two had was interesting, suffice to say.

[/size]

[demetrius rafael harper]

As soon as he heard one of the bags crashing down to the floor, Demetrius' face dropped and he felt absolutely horrible about it. He probably shouldn't have just popped up like he had, but he couldn't help himself. He was bored and when he grew to be too bored, Dem tended to be a little goofy and annoying. He could be quite mature, but when he was bored he often reverted to acting more like a two year old than anything. Gladly taking the bags from December, Dem lifted them up with a slight grunt and started to move them backwards so December could more easily get up the stairs. At the mention of Anna, Dem let a rather bright smile across his face. "Yeah, it's kind of awesome," he said with an eager nod. "She gets right up and just kind of goes now." Dem had never really been around kids, but he absolutely loved being around Anna. She was certainly a bright light amidst the rather troubled family that he was living with and he couldn't help but feel just happy around her. She had no idea what she was going through and Dem hoped that she retained her childlike innocence as long as possible.

Turning about, Dem started off towards the girl's room at a slow pace, just to be sure he could still carry on a conversation as they walked along. "Ah, no. You've just gotten home, so there's no reason to be worryin' about me just yet," he said with a quick wave of his free hand. It was impossible not to find December's anxiousness adorable and he walked forward with a smile on his face. "I've been real good though. Mostly just spent the day in looking after Anna. Did a bit of Christmas shoppin' too." There wasn't a whole lot to do when December wasn't around, but Dem usually managed to make do and keep himself entertained as best he could. It was a weird transition time, since she was returning from school and he didn't have to be over there with her much as she was packing up to leave.

At her request, Dem quickly reached over to grab one of the other bags, hefting it up as well to finish carrying in the rest of the way up to December's room. With his foot, he lightly kicked the door open and set them down at the edge of her bed. "Did you do alright with your last day at school? he asked, curious to see how it had gone for her. Perhaps it was a bit weird, but Demetrius rather missed being a part of the school's atmosphere and he quite envied December sometimes for being able to be there all the time. He was around pretty frequently to keep an eye on her, sure, but it definitely wasn't the same. "No problems or anything, I hope?" That was always his main concern with December, since if anything weird happened he would instantly be on it, investigating the situation and seeing if there was anything he could do to resolve an issue, if there was one. Yes, it was his job, but at this point he probably would have done it anyways.

[/blockquote][/blockquote]

[december]

A bright and broad smile appeared on her face as Ember exclaimed, I wish I could have seen that! Anna was napping when I went up to check-up on her, still adorable as can be. I hope she never grows out of it, especially since she looks a lot like October. Though the topic was rather grim, her cheery tone did not falter. December had felt ever since she met Annabel-Lee that her sister had been reborn through Annabel and that though her death was very saddening, she found an optimistic way of seeing it and it was something she intended on keeping, no matter what.

Continuing to silently struggle with her luggage a frown instantly appeared on her face as she replied, But I’m going to always worry about you, you’re someone whose been helping this family ever since last year. You should be with your family, not with us. I mean, I love that you’re here… Just Christmas and New Year’s are holidays meant to spent with loved ones not your work. Its supposed to be a break from work. It upset her that Demetrius was not able to be with his family, though his father did consider him and treat him as though he was part of the family it still was not the same.

Her rather broad grin stayed on her lips as she thanked him, Thank you for taking care of Anna, really, thanks. My Papa does not mind taking care of Anna though, he is her Grandfather after all. Nodding her head in gratitude Ember placed the rest of the bags near her bed before replying, Nope, not really. Well, at least nothing that I remember. Rather than immediately unpacking, December awkwardly asked, So...ummm...is there anything you’d like to do? Unpacking was one the things she wanted to do before she went to sleep but that was not why she intended on doing it later. It was more that she wanted to hang out with Demetrius, something she had not been able to do for some time because of the distance.

[/size]

[demetrius rafael harper]

Eagerly reaching into his pocket, Demetrius dragged out his mobile. "I actually got a video of it if you want to see?" he offered, proffering the captured video over to December with a grin. Sometimes when Dem was bored, he filmed short clips of Anna doing different cute things so that he could show December when he was able to. It seemed like the least he could do while she was at school, so he apparated back and forth between keeping an eye on December in Hogwarts and hanging around the Swann household in Australia. It was a lot of work, but Demetrius certainly thought it was worth the trouble. "Yeah, can we just not let her grow up any more than this?" he asked, chuckling a bit. Anna was cute at the age she was at and he really quite enjoyed being around her. Of course, he was sure she'd be just as adorable as she aged, but he liked her as a baby.

At her comment, a slight blush rose on the boy's face. He was used to being the one looking out for people now and having someone worry about him was kind of nice. "Ah, nah, it's alright. I like being here better, really," he shrugged. Of course, he wasn't going to say that he felt more at home there than in his own home, nor was he going to admit that he sure did have loved one's here at the Swann home. "It's not such a bad job, anyways. I don't think of it much as work anymore," he admitted with a bit of a shrug. Honestly, sometimes he really did forget that being there was part of his job, since it just felt like he was hanging around the home with his family or something. He couldn't have asked for a better fitting job for himself than this one was.

Nodding his appreciation that she recognized the efforts he put in, a rather shy smile arose on Dem's face. "Yeah, of course. I don't mind it at all," he shrugged. Being around kids wasn't something Dem had done much of in the past, but the last year he had spent there with the family had really gotten him to appreciate it. At her offer of doing something together, Demetrius nodded his head with a grin. He had no idea what he wanted to do, but going out for awhile sounded like a lot of fun. "We could take a walk down to the beach or something if you want?" he suggested, cocking his head to the side slightly. Dem loved the outdoors and anything that took him out into the fresh air was probably something that he would enjoy. Swimming, hiking, fishing, anything really.

[/blockquote][/blockquote]

[december]

A bright grin appeared on Ember’s face as she nodded before accepting the phone which soon led to an awww escaping, Awww, she’s so adorable! She’s growing up so fast without me, at least this is my last year at Hogwarts. I’ll have an education in one hand and soon enough I’ll be able to see these things for myself… actually, not yet I need to start my training first to become a Healer. A slight frown appeared but quickly disappeared as she nodded in agreement. However as soon as that smile appeared it faded away as she heard his comment, Well, I’m glad Papa is treating you well. Its funny, back in France Papa would give every boy who came near me this horrible, evil death glare whenever they tried to come near me but now here he is being polite and nice. Really, he treats you like a son. Its funny. I never thought I would see the day Papa being polite and nice to any man who comes near me.

Tucking another stray strand behind her hair, Emmie looked down at her clothes and found them suitable for the beaches, considering how it was slightly chilly, before heading towards her door, That sounds fun! I’ve missed the beach, it looked soooo pretty. Too bad its too cold to play there though. Hmm...there’s always summer! Optimistic and sweet, that was and had been December-Marie Seraphim Swann’s disposition ever since she was a little girl. That was something her father adored about her especially when she was a baby since she never cried. She instead always smiled and blinked. In fact the only story she had heard of her crying was when she could not find her mother any where. But that was a different situation, something Emmie tried not to think about much.

An excited expression appeared on Ember’s face as she began waited for Demetrius. It not just a walk on the beach, it was a walk on the beach with Demetrius Rafael Harper. A great guy, someone December had fallen for, but that was a secret between her and her diary and well… Her pets. But considering all they could not speak any human language, she was safe.

[demetrius rafael harper]

December's appreciative response to his offer brought another bright grin to Demetrius' face. He liked being able to capture all the little moments that December would otherwise have had to miss and it gave him some little bit of purpose while she was off at school and not in need of his every attention. "Yeah, but at least with Healer training you can just apparate back and forth. You don't have to stay at the hospital for training and you could always pick somewhere close by," Dem shrugged, figuring that it sounded a whole lot better than being stuck at Hogwarts all the time. It would be a lot of work, sure, but at least she would be able to come home nights and have some time to spend there with the family. Demetrius, at least, was quite looking forward to the opportunity to see December more often. Though, of course he was happy just to claim he was glad that she got to see Anna more often.

At December's comment about her father, Demetrius laughed a bit. It was definitely a relief that her father seemed to approve of his being around and even of how he feels about December. He spent quite a bit of time with her father when she wasn't around, so they had come to form a fairly close bond and that wasn't something that Dem took lightly. Perhaps it was why he was so careful when it came to December and why he hadn't even tried to make a move on her. "Yeah, you've got a good dad. You're really lucky," he commented with a sincere nod. "Pretty sure he thinks I'm the best thing that ever happened to this place," he added with a sly grin. Demetrius wasn't a very egotistical sort, but he definitely wasn't above joking around about it.

The fact that December agreed to take a walk down to the beach definitely excited Demetrius, since he was certainly ready to get out of the house. Being with December as he went out just made it that much better. Giving her a quick nod, Demetrius popped back into his room to grab a jacket before heading back down to meet December and leave. "Summer should be amazing, I bet. We'll have to get Anna down to the beach sometime to splash around," he suggested with an eager nod. Dem loved being down at the beach and bringing Anna would just be all kinds of adorable. Starting off down the stairs with a spring to his step, Dem opened up the door and held it for December. "Which beach d'ya want to go hit up?" he asked, looking over at December with a questioning gaze. He didn't much care where they ended up, since just being together with her would be fun enough that the details were rather unimportant.

[/blockquote][/blockquote]

[december]

Nodding in agreement, she bit her lower lip as she explained, I applied to St. Mungos for training, I sincerely hope they accept me. To be honest, I’m worried that they may not… A flicker of worry and panic as well as fear appeared on Ember-Marie’s face. But soon quickly disappeared as she laughed softly, Haha, I am. He could have given up October and myself when Mama left, but he didn’t. He could of given up Annabel, but he willingly accepted and allowed me to adopt her as well. He has not ever dated someone without looking to October and myself for approval… Everything he did was for us, even now. Moving us us here… Has Papa told you the story of this home? This used to be Mama’s and Papa’s vacation home, but he tore it down and rebuilt it to what it is today. He used to rent it out, until… Well, Annabel, October, and Greyson. Now our France home is being rebuilt so it can be rented out… Hopefully, one day we’ll be able to return to it. But as soon as the negative tone appeared she changed it to a more optimistic tone unaware that it was more of a joke than though she perceived it to be the truth, Haha, you are. Papa doesn’t have anyone really to talk to and its nice to know that Papa has someone here other than Anna. Especially considering he hasn’t really gone out to date or anything and its nice… Nice to have someone around to talk to in general for me.

A bright grin appeared as Emmie nodded in agreement, Its going to be great. I’ve always wanted to go to the Reefs, but Papa said I won’t be allowed to go, alone any way. Being clumsy and all… And Anna in that cute, adorable swim suit I bought her! Though she might have grown out of it now, considering how I bought it for her when she was only nine months old and now she’s a year old. Well, I guess more shopping then and she’ll still look adorable! A faint blush appeared as Emmie thought thoroughly what she had just agreed to, but rather than fleeing she happily suggested, Hmmm...how about our beach? Let’s search for sea shells! Maybe I’ll be able to find a whole sea shell, honestly doubt it, but still let’s try! Humming a rather happy tune, Ember walked out of room and headed towards the stairs but instead of going ahead, she waited for Demetrius to follow.

[/size]

[demetrius rafael harper]

As far as Demetrius was concerned, there was absolutely no way December wouldn't be admitted into the program at St. Mungo's and he had no problem letting her know that. Dem had a lot of respect for December and had full confidence that she could do anything that she set her mind to. "I'm sure you'll get accepted right away and be the top of the class the whole way through," he countered with a serious nod. Honestly, the whole Swann family were people that Demetrius couldn't help but be amazed by. They had been through so much, but they hadn't let it bring them down and instead had just used it to make themselves stronger. They'd picked up and carried on their lives, differently but the fact that they had moved on as they had was incredible to Dem. The strength they all had was just amazing and it inspired him to doggedly pursue his career every day.

Everything down to the story of their homes was intriguing and he loved to just listen to everything December had to say. "Well, hey, it's an honor to be here with you guys. I love being around Pops. He's pretty hilarious to talk to," Demetrius replied with a soft chuckle. It was also nice to hear that she too appreciated his presence there, since he wouldn't have wanted to be there if December didn't approve of him. Ember's opinion mattered a lot to the boy, even if he didn't say so. If she thought he was doing something right than he was positively thrilled and then happily continued as he was in hopes that she would be just as pleased with him. Even though he would never admit it, his entire life had pretty much come to revolve around December and her family and they were usually the only people he saw and spoke to. Yet, for whatever reason, he didn't mind it.

Ready to get going down to their beach, Demetrius left from the room and headed off down the stairs and out through their front door. The fresh air felt nice, even if it was a tad bit nippy. "Well, hey, you have me with you and I'll protect you from any dangers, even if it's something as silly as uneven grounds," Demetrius laughed, though he was entirely serious. If he could help it, he would do everything in his power to make sure that no harm came to December or Anna. Spinning around as they started down the path to the beach, Demetrius began to walk backwards for a bit, his eyes over on December. "That sounds like fun. I've been meaning to find some nice one's so I can make a shell necklace for my mum," Demetrius nodded. He didn't really like to buy things for gifts for his family, preferring to make something himself that actually meant something.

[/blockquote][/blockquote]

[december]

Biting her lower lip Emmie smiled before saying, Thanks Dem, its great hearing that from someone other than me or my Professors or Papa. A quiet giggle escaped the girl as she felt more flutters as her mind hit replay, but what encouraged the giggling even more was Demetrius’ next statement. It made her grateful, extremely grateful. He did not mind being forced to stay in Australia and having to apparate back and forth from Australia to Hogwarts. It not only was comforting, but it added more flutters as well as giggles. However as soon as she giggled some more she apologized, Sorry! I must sound like some silly little school girl. But as quickly as those words came out Ember was already at the door and soon they both were out heading down the stairs.

The moment the door opened Ember inhaled deeply and sighed. The smile on her face grew instantly as she began to twirl about while replying, Haha, well, seeing as I manage to trip over air, I guess once I graduate you’ll have to stick around me for some time. Though it was supposed to be a joke, Emmie bit her lower lip and giggled quietly while her stomach began to fill with even more butterflies. But the moment she noticed Demetrius walking backwards even more laughter escaped as she asked with a slightly quizzical expression while stopping her spontaneous swirling, What are you doing Dem? You know, you might trip and I won’t have someone to protect me when I manage to trip over...well, the air.

Looking down onto the sand, Ember instantly decided her pink and black converse and her white ice cream socks needed to be taken off. Plopping herself onto the sand, Emmie quickly untied her shoes and removed her socks. Quickly stuffing her socks into her shoes, she jumped up, grabbing her shoes, and ran over to where Demetrius was commenting, The sand feelings great, you really should take off your shoes! Giggling some more Ember-Marie looked down onto the ground and in search of the sea shells which was when fate decided to be kind.

Softly gasping, Emmie bent down and picked up a rather colorful shell which surprisingly was whole. Very similar to a jack-in-the-box Ember popped up exclaiming cheerfully, Isn’t it gorgeous? Do you think your Mama would like this one? Being only 5’3” Ember-Marie went on her tip toes, which really was not a smart idea especially since balance was not her best friend, while raising the shell towards Dem with hopes that it gave him a better view and instead found herself falling backwards into the sand. Rather than screaming or yelping, more giggles escaped.

[/blockquote][/blockquote][/blockquote]

[demetrius rafael harper]

Dem wasn't the kind of guy that said something if he didn't mean it and he sincerely did believe that December would accomplish her goals. "Well, it's something you should hear more often, most definitely," he nodded. He really was quite confident that December would get into whichever program she wanted and he was excited to be there and share that moment with her. Demetrius looked over at the girl with an amused smile as she started to giggle, not entirely sure what she was giggling was about. He rather doubted that he was making her nervous or anything, so perhaps she was just in a good mood that it was the holidays now. "Nah, you're alright. I'd be in the same mood if I was getting off for the holidays too," he said, chuckling a bit as he looked over at her. He felt it was pretty safe to assume that this was the reason for her giggling and good cheer.

The suggestion that he might have to stay for some time after she graduated was one that Demetrius wasn't at all opposed to accepting. He liked where he was and having to move on to a new job just wouldn't be the same, so the longer he could justify staying there, the better. "Well, in that case, I do hope you enjoy my company, since you'll probably have to keep me around forever, now," he replied, his tone joking, but perhaps he wouldn't be entirely against it. Though, of course it was just in the interests of her safety. Continuing in his backwards stroll, Dem shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly at her comment. "Oh, I'll be ju-" he started to say before he let his weight fall backwards as if he were tripping. Stopping himself at the last moment, he chuckled a bit and popped back up into a standing position. "I'm pretty nimble, so don't worry about me." Dem often joked around like that, just for kicks.

As they reached the sand, Demetrius simply stood and looked out at the ocean. It was gorgeous and even if he wasn't home with his family, this was probably the best place he could be otherwise. There certainly wasn't much of this back home in London. Following suit with December, he stripped his feet of his socks and shoes, piling them off to the side before letting his feet sink into the cool sand. "This is perfect. I have a feeling I'll be spending a whole lot of time down here over break," he nodded, heading down to the shoreline. Even if the weather was a bit cold, Demetrius didn't hesitate before stepping into the tide as it rolled in over his feet. Bending down for a moment, Demetrius rolled up the bottom of his jeans enough that he could wade in a bit and hunt through the sands for any decent shells that he could pick up.

Moving down the shoreline, Demetrius scanned the ground, while also keeping a close eye on December, just in case. He was doubtful that there was much danger there on the shore, but there was no telling. Glancing up when she gasped and started over with a rather gorgeous shell, Demetrius moved in closer to get a good look at it. "Yeah, yeah, that's actually perfect. I can make that the centerpiece of the necklace," he said with a grin. However, his grin faltered when he saw her quickly falling backwards. Dashing forward, he slid his arms around her back, pulling her back up into a standing position so that she didn't tumble backwards into the ground. "Watch yourself, than. Are you alright?" he asked, not dropping his hands just yet.

[/blockquote][/blockquote]

[december]

Biting her lower lip a faint blush appeared as Emmie thought to herself, Right...holidays… Err, hush Em, he doesn’t need to know you have some little school girl crush on him, it’ll fade. But that soon turned into a dark a shade of red as she replied, Haha, you’re such a jokester. However Ember’s rather bright red, which matched her hair when it was under the sun, cheeks continued to glow at the thought. But the moment Demetrius pretended to fall backwards Ember ran over with fear and worry painted onto her face, Oh my god, you okay?!

But upon realizing it was a joke, Ember playfully punched Demetrius in the arm lightly however not before pouting, slightly, Not funny Dem! You big...big…meanie! Ember was not the best with insults, but that was because she rarely ever insulted a person in her life. If she ended up doing so it normally was toward some pig-headed Slytherin bully who thought he could get away with messing with her. But what many of them did not seem to know was she was brilliant at magic and if anything was thrown her way she certainly could throw back, as long as it was last resort of course.

Mimicking Demetrius Ember rolled up her pants, which was a bit awkward since they were skinny jeans. As she walked down the shoreline a rather broad grin appeared as she felt the cold water against her ankles. It did not matter that it was Winter, it felt great. But the moment she nearly Ember’s smile disappeared and she turned into a bright red tomato. She tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear before stuttering and embarrassing herself a little bit more, Th...thanks. I’m...I’m fine. Told you, clumsy girl who manages to trip over air. Though...now I guess I should be saying wet sand instead of air.

However when she noticed another shell, very different from the one she held in her hand she scurried away from Demetrius and picked up. After removing the extra sand, she ran back over to Dem and showed it to him, but not before giving him a slightly awkward hug due to the fact that her hands were wet and had bits of sand stuck to it, Thanks, really. I’d probably would be covered in sand and whatever else thats here. Looking up to Demetrius, Ember gave him a rather bright smile. However after a few minutes, Emmie quickly broke the embrace with a faint blush on her cheeks.

[/blockquote][/blockquote][/blockquote]

[demetrius rafael harper]

Jokester was always a word that could be used to describe the boy, since there was rarely a time that he wasn't goofing around and just having a good time. "Yes ma'am, I am," he answered with a chuckle. It was hard not to notice the blush of red that seeped across the girl's face, though he couldn't say what, exactly, it was that caused it. However, Demetrius wasn't going to question it, for fear of bringing up something awkward. Whatever the case, it was undeniably adorable and made him feel a tad bit bad about what he was about to do, especially when he saw her dash forward and ask if he was okay with a terribly worried expression. However, Dem knew that no harm would come of his little joke and that was just fine with him.

Laughing in amusement as December playfully punched at his arm, Dem gave her the brightest smile that he could muster up. "Hey, I could have been seriously hurt there and you're punching me for it?" Demetrius laughed, winking at her as he spoke. Rubbing at his shoulder as if he were pained by her attack on him, Dem gave her a pout. "A big meanie, huh? That's adorable, Emmie," he chuckled. He couldn't say that he had ever heard anyone call someone a big meanie before. At least, not since he was about four years old anyways. That was something else that he found to be extremely cute about December. The fact that she had such a childlike innocence sometimes, despite everything that had gone on in her life, was incredibly cute.

Eventually letting go of Ember's back, Demetrius stepped back to look her over, almost as if he were checking for scratches and bruises or something. "As long as you're alright, there's nothing to worry about," he nodded. Honestly, his first concern was just ensuring that the girl was safe. She could trip as often as she wanted, as long as he was there with her to catch her before she fell. "That's pretty impressive, though. Air, sand, what's next? Shoot, I might even have to be with you as you're sleeping just in case you fall out of your bed or something," Demetrius joked, chuckling as he spoke. He was honestly a bit hesitant to leave her side now and so hung closely behind her as she started to move over towards something else that she had spotted in the sands.

Letting December bend down and pick up what he assumed was another shell, Demetrius stood back and waited with a cautious gaze. Smiling as she came back over to him with a quick hug, Dem was glad that they were able to spend their time just as they were. It was peaceful and fun and he hoped the whole holiday ended up just like that. "Hey, thanks for helping me find all these. My mum is going to love it, I think," he said with a nod. At least, he certainly hoped that his mother would appreciate the gift. "You'll have to meet her sometime. I bet she'd really like you," Demetrius suggested, scratching at the back of his head as he mentioned it.

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[december]

Sticking her tongue out, in a playful manner, December continued to pout like a little child, I don't know that many insults… Actually I do, I just rather not use them! Its not polite or nice! And as for me hitting you…you had me worried you meanie! Biting her lower lip Emmie-Marie corrected Demetrius' comment, That's not adorable… That's…well, as some of my friends love to refer to me as, 'naive' which I'm not…I think. I just try not to hurt people since I've been insulted before and I don't like it, at all. It was and had been a horrible experience, something she been through since she was a little girl. But rather than growing into a heartless, cruel girl Ember instead learned from it all and took a quote she had learned to heart, 'Treat others the way you wish to be treated'.

Blinking a few times Ember nodded her head as she said, I'm fine, no scratches or bruises. A rather broad grin appeared on her face as she said this, but soon that disappeared as she pouted slightly, Hey I'm not that clumsy! …I think. Though she had a pout on her face, it was more childish and playful than anything. It was something that appeared often on her face whenever she was slightly upset or she was just goofing off. However for now, it was more playful than serious.

A faint blush appeared as she heard Demetrius' suggestion which caused her to stutter, slightly, Oh..oh, wow. Umm, sure. That sounds nice. I bet she's lovely, considering she's your mother. And its no problem, really. I love searching for shells, that and spending time with you. As Emmie curiously and awkwardly asked with the faint blush on her cheeks glowing bright red, You know how I was at school for my birthday…? Ummm…would you, ummmm mind hanging out with me? I wasn't able to anything really cause I haven't told anyone my birthday. But yeah…ummm…would you? While asking Demetrius Ember looked at the crystal clear water and began splashing the water about with her feet. Though normally cheery and chatty, Ember-Marie found herself silent and slightly panicked.

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