It wasn't her fault that Raven thought so poorly of herself and carried herself in such a subservient way. It would take time and years for her to not only heal, but to see that she had value and worth. These moments when Tobias would tell her she had value, was something that was much needed, and she would continue to need for quite some time. She was broken and barely a husk of a shell. It was odd that someone like Tobias was capable of collecting all the pieces and putting them together, one by one. Underneath all that chaos and destruction, there was a calm individual that was the complete opposite of that. The boy was capable of being calm and collected, not to mention a comforting healer. He was her rock amidst this terrible storm. Quietly she listened to his rebuttal, smiling softly, staring up at him. She wanted to believe him. She wanted to forget those harsh and painful words that were throw at her, lashed upon her, the traces of the pain they inflicted on her were visible and invisible all the same. Tobias would need to remind the poor girl every now and then. For now though she would take his words, and hold onto them tightly, whenever she held self-doubt and she believed in her abusers. The kiss should be a clear indication of just who she was willing to try and believe. She felt the shift of her innocent kiss turn deeper, and for a moment she allowed it to be, her hands sliding around his neck. As he broke their kiss, she gladly took his hand as he led them towards the red carpet and snapping cameras. After they took their photo and she mentioned Tetradore, she nodded politely, as she listened to his gentle, but firm order. Even though it had been months, they both were still grieving, still agonizing over their loss.

As they sat down in their designated chairs, the woman looked over at everything. It was all so different and she was afraid to really do or say anything. After all she already stuck out. She didn't have their flawless appearance. Everyone dressed so very well, and carried themselves to well. It was already easy to begin figuring out the cliques. In the corner were your older women that clearly belonged to old money. In another corner you had the young women, that you knew married for the money, with the age of their partner significantly way beyond their years. The new money men and women were jauntily trying to inflate their ego and command the ultimate respect within their own group. They were all dressed so very well. She pondered on what exactly Tetradore would belong to. They ran an assortment of businesses. They were hardly tycoons or entrepreneurial giants. This was not something they belonged in, but it was intriguing to see the other side. Raven knew that there wasn't much that they would be able to have together. They would never be welcomed or belong into society like this, they wouldn't be hosting galas, or visiting their wealthy peers, or travelling to various parts of the world. The other side of Tobias wouldn't allow this, he would ruin things, even if he didn't mean to. They would never have a family of their own, she would not wake up to the sound of the pitter-patter of their own children running down the stairs in the Ark. There was much she knew that she wouldn't be able to have with him, and yet, that didn't bother her at all. When she accepted Tobias she accepted that some dreams would never come true, and she wasn't bothered by that at all. All that mattered was that she had him at her side, she loved him, she only wanted him, and she only needed him.

Shaking her head, she cast aside those wishful, never to happen thoughts, her dial turning away from the other guests focusing now on her mate. As he explained himself she wasn't surprised at all that he would follow whatever command Tetradore gave him. If that man told Tetradore to jump off a cliff, he would do it without second thoughts. The boy so hung on to every word of his. How he was still moving and going on with his life, without Tetradore, was quite remarkable. It had taken some time, but Raven did figure out that he was a true creature of habit. He liked certain things, certain ways, and at certain times. So she was not phased at all when he spoke up liking patterns and repetition. As for getting upset if he wasn't able to repeat what he had done, well 'upset' was an understatement. A sudden idea popped in her head. Slowly she leaned closer to her mate, one hand moving slowly to rest on his thigh, her fingers so precariously settle on the inner part, the girl knowing quite so well how sensitive this area could be to a male. Angelic eyes looked up so innocently into her mate's golden gaze, her voice so very sweet and soft, as she finished it with such a devilish simper.

"A treat? Tell you what, if we get out of this unscathed I'll give you a treat that he couldn't give."

Of course Tobias would understand what she was implying through this clear show of flirtation. Yes, that's right ladies and gentlemen, timid and holier than thou Raven, knew how to flirt. It was rare, it was new, and Raven found she rather enjoyed teasing her companion. She would leave her hand there for a moment, gently lifting it away, as she allowed her fingers to trail off him. She would place her hands in her lap, poised perfectly, as if nothing ever happened. She noticed the sheepish look on his face as she mentioned the obstacle course, and as he answered, she stood up and followed him, allowing his hand to take her own as he lead them away from their seat. As they headed towards the short, stocky man, she looked over at him, a look of confusion on her face, but was quickly replaced with a polite appearance. As his voice boomed loudly, the girl couldn't help but flinch, her distrust in males was still there, even if her companion as at her side. Timidly she took his hand and shook it, responding gently with a small smile. Even though she was staring at the man politely, she was shocked to have her companion actually introduce her. Never before had she been introduced by anyone, let alone Tobias himself. Her dial would shift to look at him, amazed entirely how smoothly he introduced her, as if he did it all the time, but she was delighted to hear him present her with the title as girlfriend and mate. He introduced her in the human and were world, all in the same. He never aloud said that about her. He only ever called her mate or girlfriend when they were alone together. Everyone at the Ark were well establish of the title of their relationship. A very wide grin appeared on her face noticeably, humbled and pleased all the same, shyly her blue-grey eyes shifted to his own, holding such adoration for him. It meant so much to her, to hear his tenor voice, tell another soul just who she was and how important she was to him â€" there was value in that, that no one could take away. Her dial would raise upwards, proud to have such a title be known by another soul. As Gerald continued to talk, clearly unnoticed, by what Raven was experiencing, she listened her eyes roaming over to the ginormous amount of wrapped boxes stacked so high on the table.

"It's nice to meet you Mr. Lowsten."

It took every amount of effort she could possibly do to not look sad at the mention of Tetradore's name. It would seem that even if Tobias didn't want them to discuss it, that didn't mean anyone else would follow his orders. When it came to last names she wasn't quite sure that Tobias knew hers, the boy hardly seemed to care. After all he only called her 'Birdie.' So when he introduced her, she was pleasantly surprised that he actually knew it. However, when it came to his own last name, she too, was stumped. This side of Tobias was usually controlled and suave, but when his golden eyes held a tinge of panic in them as he looked at her, her own eyes held a similar panic look. She had no idea what his last name was. He had never told her, and Tetradore never told her. In fact there wasn't a lot of things that she knew about his past. After all, it wasn't like they ever had one of those important talks one would have with their significant other. Both of them hardly talked about it. The past can be far too painful. His one word response shocked her, noticing the surprise on his face. Quickly her face shifted back to a normal pleasant smile, as she looked back to the other man, wanting to appear as if everything was absolutely okay. When he left she quickly turned to look at her mate. Her hand taking his own, squeezing it gently, as if to reassure him. As his hand stroke his hair, she quickly placed her hand on his cheek, lifting herself upwards to kiss his cheek and forehead gently. She had never seen him like this before, and she knew she had to do what she could, in order to comfort him and tell him it was okay.

"You've never told me your last name before, but if you think that is your last name then it is. Tobias Cain, it sounds very good!"

There was a tinge of pink appear on her pale marred cheeks, when she mentally attached his last name to her own first name. Raven Cain. That sounded better, not a mouth full like Raven Clocksworth. Every girl, including Raven, always attached a last name to their own to wonder if it matched well. She could live with having the last name 'Cain.' After all he did tell her one day they would marry her when they had their first argument. She was his mate in the Were world, but in the human world, she would be his and it would be known by all by the ring on her left hand, and his name attached to her own. An odd last name to have for someone of Hispanic decent, and yet after listening to Dorian break apart and reveal the origin of her own last name, she hardly had any need to think his last name wasn't correct. The talk of stealing gifts removed any more thoughts about his last name, or the idea if one day she could have it. His comment about the fish from Tobi's attempt at taking her to a date caused the world to laugh and roll her eyes. Even if the raw fish wasn't ideal, it was his attempt to take her out on a date. He tried and doesn't that count? Although, since he was a creature of habit, she might as well prepare herself that on another date there may be another raw animal to eat. Men were naturally competitive and she didn't want Tobi, if he was watching, to have his ego deflated. Then again, the boy could learn a few things. With a small simper she shrugged her shoulders as she felt his arm wrap around her waist, as they begin to walk amongst the guests once more.

"It was sweet of him to try though, you have to admit. He even wore a tie. If you want to show off and impress me with food, I don't see why you shouldn't.

Raven Clocksworth.