She wasn't a fan of the hustle and bustle that occurred deep within the heart of the city. The loud noises, the overcrowded sidewalks caused the girl to clench her teeth. She was extremely uncomfortable. She much preferred the peace and quiet that came with the outdoors. Perhaps that is why her second favorite place was the warehouse district. Narrow streets and alleyways, small shops, little stretch of land rudely called a 'park,' and because the human traffic was not as hectic it brought her much ease to live amongst those that called the warehouse home. Besides, she had the ocean view and on some mornings sitting on the docks, or on top of the highest warehouse roof, if she was at the right time and spot she could see a perfect sunrise or a stunning sunset. She had grown accustomed to staying in the warehouse district longer than usual. In the beginning she went to the West only to work and on occasion entertain Tobi with whatever came to mind. Yet as the business got busier and Tobi's personal scheduled routine got derailed she had to compensate and bend to the changes. Now she spent longer times in the warehouse district, sometimes on days when she didn't work. Occasionally she would stay late after work preparing a meal as soon as Tobi was able to sneak away from Syn at night. Spending the night within the rafters of the warehouse was becoming a common occurrence and lately she was growing accustomed to not sleeping in her own bed, but beside the deranged boy that declared himself a King of the entire district. So far, no one challenged him and although it was such a silly notion she was rather happy he seemed content with his title. Even if he was the only one that believed it.

While walking along the busy sidewalk, her head bent down using her long curly golden locks to shield the profile of her face from others. She would catch whips of conversation from others, hearing the same set of phrases over and over again. "Did you see him?" "What was he doing?" "I thought they locked up his kind." "I asked him to move and he just stared at me- stupid boy." "I swear I think he growled at us." "He must be crazy." Slate eyes narrowed as she lifted her head some puzzled as to why these people were describing an individual in such a callous way. There was a phrase she was taught during a time when she was much, much younger when everything was right in the world. It was one of those tender moments, the kind she cherished because she had such rare memories that brought her a tinge of happiness. Sitting between her Mother's grey paws her soft words chimed in that sing-song voice with the phrase she had always believed and carried out to this day, "If you can't say something nice, don't say nothing at all." Whomever they were discussing, they should be treated a little bit nicer, because as far as she was concerned the people that had just walked past her were stupid. Turning around the corner a small ghost of a grin appeared on her pink lips as she saw the 'stupid' boy they were describing. Keeping her hands stuffed within the front pockets of the new hoodie she had bought herself, the other was fading hideously to gray and far too stretched out, she would approach the boy quietly who seemed enthralled with the brick wall. As her soft blue-grey eyes met the harsh black pools of his own, she would flinch slightly hearing him shout her moniker. Heading towards him, one hand would slide out of her pocket and over her golden-brown mane pulling some of the tendrils behind her ear as she softly spoke her own form of greeting with a gentle smile.

"Hello Tobi."

Taking a small step back, allowing the tall boy some space to get up she would pull her hand back into her pockets, head tilted upwards slightly. Ignoring the comments from the people that walked by, making comments about his bare feet or shaggy appearance, her attention would be solely on him waiting patiently. It was a bit odd, but he acted a different way than the norm. Trying to be considerate to his customs, she would observe his functions quietly taking note of what he liked and didn't like. She learned very early on that it was best to wait patiently for him to speak, to listen to his simple broken words and respond to him slowly with simple words as well. The calmer she spoke the better he understood, should her voice raise into a stern shrill he would crudely ignore her or his demeanor would shift into a threatening manner. Right now she was standing perfectly still, giving him her full attention quietly waiting as his broke phrase pours out this time. Blue-grey eyes narrowed when she noticed his eyes narrow in a dark way, his tense form agitated, dark eyes holding a dark, but subtle pleading look. Nodding her head slowly she would turn her head in the direction where he was pointing, there was a café and a few shops between it, but she wasn't quite sure why he wanted to go in one of those places. It was when his hand would dig in her pockets, her stomach sucking in at the audacity that he would touch her far to close than she liked as his fingers snatched her hand and drew it out, her hand now within his own as he dragged her across the street. Ignoring the sudden screech of the cars and the blaring horns, angered that they were crossing the busy street, she would obediently follow him until he stopped her in front of the window of the café. As he continued to point she would turn her head towards him, a large grin appeared as she understood his want.

"You want lunch in there? We can do that, come on."

Keeping her hand locked with his, she would open the door leading him in. As she entered the establishment her form would tense up and flinch slightly when she tried to walk pass different groups of males her shoulders slouching only when she reached the front desk that, thankfully, had a woman standing behind it. The woman behind the desk gave her a pleasant smile before her green eyes glared at her companion. Keeping her hand in his, she would squeeze it gently, reassuring him, as those green eyes traveled up and down clearly disapproving of the appearance of the deviant. Although she was a kind-hearted soul she scowled and took a step forward, blocking the woman's view of Tobi as she held her head slightly upper than normal, her voice steady and calm, but help a soft subtle severity in her tone. Ever so implying that he was to stay with her.

"He's with me and he'll be good, I promise."

While the woman grabbed the menus, Raven would give Tobi a small smile before she would move forward to follow the woman. Winding through the various patrons enjoying their meal, she could feel the harsh stares digging into her skin. Keeping a gentle hold of Tobi's hands, wanting him to continue walking behind her and not stopping to bother the patrons that judged him harshly, she would tilt her head to him giving him an encouraging nod. The whispers began and once more she could hear the unkind words drip from their malicious lips, but she would ignore them. The woman would lead the two into a darker corner booth of the café, apparently wanting to hide them from others. Letting go of Tobi's hand she would slide into the booth, quite content to have this quiet and subfusc spot. As the woman sneered and placed their menus in front of them, her slate eyes would shift towards Tobi noticing the red scratch marks that adorned his darker flesh around his neck. Frowning some she would open the menu, waiting for their waiter- hoping they would be kind and not as judgmental as the rest- she would gently speak to Tobi her voice returning to that kinder tone.

"That collar must be irritating, I think I have something that won't make it very itchy, that way you won't have to scratch at it."

Why he wished to dine here, she did not know, but he had asked her and she was willing to oblige.

I'd Rather Feel Pain Then Nothing At All

Raven