Let's get this started

They were placed on their bed, but what good would it do? They had been in danger, but now they were just left feeling so empty. How were they supposed to sleep after what they had felt today? The daemon denied them, pulling away and their eyes filled with tears. "Please don't-" they whispered, clearly hurt, "please don't leave me." The plea was so sincere that it was breaking Saige's heart a little. They reached out, touching Callan's shirt, clearly just longing for some safety and comfort, but maybe the daemon was done with that. Maybe he wasn't going to let them be close again. "I need you," they let go of his shirt, wrapping their arms around themselves as they just started to sob again. How were they supposed to stop crying? They felt like the tears would never run dry and that no matter how much they tried they wouldn't even get tired from crying. "I don't like being without you."

The daemon just left, and Saige didn't even know what to do with themselves, and as Callan returned they just felt so confused. The piercing was cut, whimpering softly as it wasn't pleasant, however what he said next made them look at him in disbelief. Leave? Why would he ever ask them to do that? "Don't you want me anymore?" They asked, shaking a little because this felt too unreal. They didn't want to leave, they wanted to stay right here with Callan. They wanted to sleep with him and be around him. Couldn't he understand that? "Dantalion," they reached for him, clearly not even caring that the tag was gone at this point. It was obvious that all the seraph wanted was the daemon, even if it made no sense at all. Who would've thought that this could ever happen? The seraph was left empty. Maybe none of this had mattered to the daemon after all. Maybe it had just been some sick joke that he had going. "I want to stay with you .. I don't want to leave you."

What was it that the daemon was trying to say? He wasn't answering any questions and simply threw back others to the seraph. And the seraph had no answers to them, because they didn't know. But they also didn't care. If this was them being brainwashed, then it was better than being out there alone. Making it worse. Changing him. Away. Saige was shivering at this point as they got up, pushing the daemon but they had no strength to match him. "Stop lying to me!" They yelled, their voice breaking as they started to hit his chest, crying now as they were so angry and hurt, "You said you'd protect me .. you said .. I .. that I .." Their sentence getting drowned within their sobs. It was clear that the seraph was losing it now.
Was there even a safe place for them out there? They had no money, no place to go. They didn't even have anything that was their own, and now Callan thought there was something better out there in the unknown? They refused to believe that. In the end they were just clinging onto the daemon's shirt, "I don't care if my mind is twisted," they said, pressing their face into his chest. Couldn't the brute see what they were trying to say? "I just want to be with you .. I want you to hold me and take care of me .. and I want to take care of you too," pulling away from the shirt to look up at the daemon, tears smeared all over their face, darkened by the remaining make up around their eyes. "Tell me that you don't want me .. and I'll go .. but if you do want me then I want to stay with you."

The touch of their cheek hoped that the daemon was perhaps finally listening. That maybe, just maybe, he would stop this and pull them into his arms, hold them tight and make them forget that this ever happened. Callan came up with a compromise, but the demand made them feel like they had to throw up. Kill someone? A person? Their eyes were filled with terror as they looked down, letting go of his shirt in defeat. They couldn't. How would they ever be able to kill someone? How could they ever meet that demand. Sniffling they didn't even say anything, moving away from the daemon they kept their gaze down, shivering and shaking as they just went to put on their shoes. They stopped for a second, looking down at the ring before they took it off as well, placing it nicely on a counter before they took their jacket as well. Then they headed out into the night.
They weren't even sure if they could feel their body anymore. They had just given up. What were they going to do now? They didn't even know, but they kept walking, trying to keep their body warm. Wherever they ended up had to be fate and it seemed they were lucky enough to be helped by a group of seraphs that were heading up to the temples anyway. They could stay there for a while at least, just to figure out what to do.

Callan knew that he was harsh, but he had to be. This was his reality. This was his world. He was offering the seraph a way out of it. Because he wasnt going to compromise any more. It had been close tonight. It could have gone horribly wrong; If it hadnt already. They were both losing at this point. He didnt blame them for letting go. And as they left did he remain for a bit, feeling his eyes itch but he ignored it. He just needed a moment to get over it. Surely that was all it would take, just some time to get them out of his system and move on? He sat down on their bed, feeling that this empty quiet house just got worse. He looked at the ring he had given them, picking it up to look at.

Saige wasn't doing good. Yes, they had finished their degree, but barely able to go up to their final exam if it hadn't been for the instinct in them that knew that this would help them get closer to help others. But could they truly help anyone when they couldn't even help themselves? The weeks passed, and Saige stayed at the temple, doing basic chores to be allowed to stay there. They kept their head down, rarely spoke, and just came and went otherwise. When they were out it wasn't like they were being careful either. Drinking excessively and getting involved with people they shouldn't have, but at the end of the day they had to go back to the temple, feeling empty once more.

On the other side of the spectrum Rose felt a relief to know that Callan had finally given up this stupid idea about the seraph. She knew he would come to his right mind eventually, but she also couldn't blame him for being curious. However there was work to be done and it wouldn't stop for anything. While Callan had been distracted there had been a few hiccups here and there, and now it was time to set everything straight.
Rose had gotten the Garden under full control once more, Daisy and the others had been straightened out and all in all things went well on her side of the business. Because of the seasons changing there were a lot of extra expenses that had to be covered, but Rose held the ship together with a firm hand. A day when Callan was visiting she showed off her nice records, how she had managed to get more customers coming in along with a few new flowers to add to her well kept Garden. Things were as they should be. "Business has been good lately; the girls all seem to be thriving and that helps with the customer's tips," she noted, sitting at her desk as she looked up from her papers smiling at the daemon. He seemed like he was back to normal at last.
She got up from her chair, moving around the desk and leaning back against it. "You still owe me that favor," she smiled, and it sounded like she knew what she wanted to ask for.

Once Saige was gone was it like Callan could return to how he had been before. He was ruthless and unforgiving, just as he had been before. But maybe it was almost heartless too. Not that many would be able to tell the difference. Cruelty came in nuances but you had to know it like you knew your back hand. When everything was back to normal, was Callan finally rather relaxed. He was old. The loss he felt he had had, was not something he hadnt felt before. He had added the ring to the box of secrets before locking it away.
He was visiting the Garden to do his checkup. He crossed his arms and stood rather proud with his hardened expression as he listened to her report. The mention of the favour made him shrug. "I'm too busy for a favor now. What do you want?" he asked, frowning a little.

Rose scoffed, "I know you are busy, but I am owed what I am owed," he had known that when he had stated that he was indebted to her. At least for one favor. He looked hardened and strong. Frankly she liked this side of him much better, because she knew it meant that things were as they should be and under control. "I want you to accompany me to a larger party up in Northern in a couple of weeks," it wasn't something that Callan usually did, but it was a favor, "I need to get inside information on the woman we met at the party last time, but I need you and a handful of your guys to come with me and get to the bottom of it." She had a feeling that something was off about that woman, but Rose couldn't tell what it was. "And for that occasion I will need a new dress, my nails done, and of course my hair." Ah yes, Rose was vain, but for good reason. She was beautiful, even without getting herself done up, but she was also proud about the upkeep of it all. "So I'm asking you to help me help you, and get dolled up for the occasion," she was cunning, so it was clear that this could only benefit him in the end. A favor from him was a lot, but she was also wise about spending it like this.

She was right, he couldnt really run from a favour that he had promised. He at least wasnt the kind to go back on his words, at least not normally. There would have to be a specific reason for him to not do what he had promised at least. She stated her demand and he narrowed his eyes a little at it. Sure, it made sense that she would need him, but on the other hand, shouldnt she be using it for personal gain? He didnt question it but rather signaled that he was listening and for her to go on. The mention of needing to be done up made the daemon shrug. "You can go ahead and have it as you like." he said, before he shifted between her eyes. "What about the woman? You picked up on something?" he asked, because now he grew curious.

"I picked up plenty, but I need it all confirmed before I can provide you with an official report," she said. No, she was not one to hand in small rumors or whispers from the street alleys, she took her information seeking serious. But there was a gain in this for her as well, though disclosing that now might not be of best interest as of right now. "Saturday evening in two weeks," she said, handing him a piece of paper with the invitation along with an address as well as a dress code. It was indeed a fancy event. "Now, I'll have to book my appointments; is there anything else you wish from me today?" She would always try and throw the suggestion out there, even if he denied her every time, it just seemed to fuel her even more. Some day, she thought to herself, but she could wait. She had the patience.

The weeks passed and the Saturday finally rolled around. Rose instructed the men that Callan had gotten for her, making sure they all understood their role in this. They needed to keep an eye on the security there, as well as make sure that she and Callan got out of this unscathed. She wouldn't tolerate any slip-ups or mistakes this time around.
The mansion they were met with as they arrived was splendid, being greeted at the door and lead into a large hall where people were mingling. Rose placed her hand on Callan's arm as she looked around. "There," she whispered to the daemon, nodding towards the woman that they had met at the other event. Only she looked much more refined now and nothing like the gunslinger they had met. "I need you to go and talk to her as it has been you she has sought after," Rose said. She would take care of everything else, she promised him that much.

He hummed at her explanation. He had to trust her on this and he did. She was among his most trusted, at least those he owned. It was a different dynamic than having someone work for him like his men. She handed him the paper and he scanned it before putting it in his pocket. Her question made him frown thoughtfully but he ended up shaking his head. "That was all." and with that he left.

When the day rolled around, did Callan let Rose do the talking. He wasnt actually usually present for stuff like this, but since she had asked it of him as a favour was he bound to it. When they got inside and got a little look around, was the woman pointed out. Callan leaned towards Rose, humming at the instruction, before he looked at Rose. "Go mingle, but stay close by." he said, letting her let go before he walked up to the woman, putting on a more of a friendly facade as he approached her. "So my sources were right. You would show up tonight." he greeted her, seemingly rather approachable unlike what his men and possessions usually were met with. But Callan was a chameleon in that sense. It wasnt just for nothing that the place he came from said that he could look just as the beholder wanted or needed him to. "I wanted to thank you for the other night. And it struck my curiousity about you."

Rose would abide by those orders, keeping close by as the daemon approached the woman. The woman looked to the daemon as he approached, smiling as she nodded rather gracefully as he thanked her. "Well I certainly hoped it did," she said, though she wasn't one to fall for charm. She was rather focused out like this, and the fact that he had come here signaled something to her that he had eyes and ears everywhere. It wasn't something she liked, but she had expected that. "Truth be told I had hoped you would show up here," she said, reaching out to take his arm, making him walk with her as they perused around the room, that way they wouldn't have to think about nosy people.
"I see you haven't brought that sweet seraph .. too bad," she hummed, though she seemed rather indifferent to it all, looking around the room. "Your curiosity about me is perhaps well warranted after what I showcased the last time we saw each other," the notion wouldn't disclose what she had done, but it was clear she had thought of him as well, "truth be told I wanted to speak to you that night, but you were busy and things go unlike we plan from time to time." Not bothered she kept walking until they ended up out on the balcony. The air was cold, but she didn't seem bothered by it, looking out at the garden, "I trust you have met my employer, Gideon Sallow?" Ah yes, she knew that he hadn't been too keen on him, but it was clear that the woman cared not what he thought.
"The Sallow family deal in many different businesses, and there was an inquiry of hiring you," she said, looking at Callan, wondering if he had something to say about that.

She hoped he would show up? That was an odd statement, though from what had happened, did it also make sense. He walked with her and they moved around. The mention of Saige made him feel a bitter taste in his mouth. But he remained quiet. She continued to speak, mentioning what she had showcased, he chuckled softly. "A lot of things went as they were not supposed to that night." he admitted, but he wouldnt really go into detail. She had seen it for herself after all.
The mention of Gideon was a little unexpected and he had to keep himself in check as to not frown. It was like he had finally stopped thinking of the seraph and here they were finding a way back into his mind. "Hiring me?" he raised his brow. What a peculiar request. Callan wasnt sure he even appeared to be someone who could be hired.

"An odd request indeed, but my employer is rather persistent," she admitted, as there was no reason for her to keep that a secret. She had seen his involvement with the seraph and she had the understanding that Gideon wished to have the seraph for himself. Her eyes moved from the garden at to the daemon beside her, "I did not have the impression of you being an easy man to acquire as you seem rather persistent in your own business," she studied the daemon's face carefully, wondering if he was trying to figure this out, or if he perhaps was angry. Hard to tell from a man with such a stern face, but it wasn't like she was much better. "However it is perhaps more appropriately your services that Mr. Sallow wishes to employ; knowing a few businesses myself that you have your hands in," she spoke rather candidly.
"Truth be told mr. Sallow has been rather seccluded lately, so I have not been able to speak with him about his true intentions," it was perhaps weird, but it was how Gideon worked. He was eccentric and hard to pinpoint. "However I was asked to make first contact so that you would approach him yourself when you found the time for it," from her purse she withdrew a small card with information on it. Looking over his shoulder she smiled, "your little flower seems tense tonight .. I wonder why," but she would keep that to herself. Nodding at Callan she simply headed off, disappearing into the crowd of people.
Rose came out on the balcony, "so?" She had seen her talk for a while, and clearly wanted to know if there was anything they could use.

Whatever it was that she was going to offer, Callan wasnt too inclined to accept. And it seemed that the way she described it wasnt affecting that. His services? Was she talking about the people that he owned? "I guess I'm not surprised to hear that after hearing how he mingled with not one but three of the flowers." he said, looking at her rather seriously. It was clear that nothing happened in his business without him knowing of it. And if he didnt, then they would be removed.
He couldnt promise that he would approach Gideon, but she probably knew that. The seed was at least planted in his mind. The mention of Rose made him turn his head to her. The woman was right. He was left and when Rose joined, he looked at her with his eyes narrowed. "You knew who she was working for all this time, didnt you?"

Rose heard the accusation and she sighed, "no, but I had a hunch and none of it was based on any direct evidence," she admitted. But his reaction had confirmed it. Things were beginning to tie together. "You didn't find it odd that she knew exactly where to find us?" She noted, shaking her head no. That hadn't been a coincidence. She was there to either get the seraph or to get a hold of Callan. The first didn't matter any more, but the latter did. "My flowers have finally begun talking and it turns out Gideon has been rather upset about what happened with the seraph and all that," while she had to admit she hated that this was still about that stupid excuse for a weed, she also knew that this was not only a threat to Callan but to all of them.
"He has been very interested in the tags that the girls have, and things don't add up. He takes them out in smaller groups, give them a nice meal and doesn't even touch them and the flowers are practically lining up," it was a worry, but Rose had no authority to turn a customer away unless it was one that turned violent. Only Callan had that power, and now she was starting to see a pattern. "I want to get to the bottom of this; it's not only my beautiful Garden at stake it is you as well," Rose was not one for conspiracy theories so it was clear this was what she believed to be the truth. Looking around she spotted some of their own men along with some that wasn't theirs. "I feel like this Gideon Sallow is plotting something, but I can't understand what it should be." It was like she had the puzzle pieces but didn't know which piece fit where.

A hunch? Callan was clearly annoyed that she hadnt told him, because it was pretty important information in his eyes. Rose's question made sense but the daemon hadnt really had the time to think that when he was also having to deal with Saige who had been in distress and his own emotions.
She spoke of the flowers and how Gideon seemingly took an interest in them now. He remained quiet, looking out on the view, frowning to himself, tensing his jaw. He could understand that having the garden at risk was not what anyone wanted, but he couldnt care less about himself. He was always in danger with this line of work. He nodded for her to follow. They got what they needed from the evening, so it was better to go home before discussing what were to happen.

They stood in Rose's office, Callan was quiet for a bit before he finally spoke. "Cut him off from the flowers. I dont care what it will take. Shut down the garden until I say otherwise." he ordered, looking at her seriously. If Gideon was planning to do something and meeting with any flower that wanted to, it was better to restrict them, make sure they stayed away from him.

The ride back to the Garden building was quiet, but it wasn't like she expected Callan to be the biggest conversation starter. In her office she was quite surprised to hear that he wanted to shut the establishment down for a while. Of course the girls were going to like a bit of a break, but Rose was thinking in terms of other customers, and she didn't dare go against Callan tonight. The card that he had been given was an address to the Sallow estate if he so wished to visit. And Rose had to ask, "I will do as you say of course, but what about Gideon? Do you intend to meet with him?" She wasn't sure that she liked that idea. The man seemed cunning, and cunning could be more dangerous than a gun to your head. It was clear this man was playing a game, and whether it was serious or not, they needed to be weary.

Rose nodded, understanding an order without question, "of course, sir." And that was that. The Garden seemed tense for a while, but little by little the girls started just accepting what was going on and most were actually enjoying it a little. However if they thought getting rid of Gideon would be that easy, then they were mistaken.
Out of the blue Callan would get a call, and the man on the other end was none other than Gideon. He would be able to hear how he pulled up in a smile at the other end of the line if the phone was picked up, if not he would simply leave a message. "Hello Callan," his voice calm and collected, even a slight bit cold, but polite regardless, "I was wondering why you hadn't stopped by yet; I trust you got my message." He was tapping the surface of something metallic and a faint rattling was heard, "it's a shame .. I had hoped to surprise Aran with a sweet visitor, but I suppose they will know now just how little they meant to you." He was clearly indifferent to Callan, but this was done purely to take a stab at the daemon.
He hummed softly, the metal rattling once more, a soft whimper heard that Gideon shushed, "I'm so sorry dearest, but he had moved on," there seemed to be a hint of joy in that statement coming from him. "Well then .. I'll bid you adieu .. we'll be leaving Churchill soon anyways, so don't worry about running into me." And with that he simply hung up.