[sylvanSpider]

Aren, in direct contrast to Taka, slept well for a change. Sure, the nightmares never really left, but his body was rested when he woke the next morning and stretched. He was the first awake and he used the few moments of solitude as a chance to change into his normal clothes. Tristan lay asleep where he was, the sun not yet telling him it was time to wake, and Taka lay sprawled on the couch, the look on her face showing that she was as haunted as her new friends. Maybe more, but who knew? Her story was one that had yet to be told, and he wasn't sure he'd ever hear it.

The knock at the door was almost expected, and Aren got up to answer it as sunlight began to spill into the one room apartment. His face brightened seeing Ian, but his joy soon disappeared behind a worried brow crease and he leaned forward and whispered, “You're hurt, aren't you?” Aren nodded back into the apartment and stepped from the doorway to let his guide through, “If you came looking for Tris, he's here and safe. No worries. But...he mentioned that you can't really read either. Do you want lessons too?” His voice was low, trying to not wake the others, but comforting. He wasn't trying to call Ian out; he just wanted to give Ian the same opportunities he was giving his younger brother. “We don't have to if you don't wanna, but the offer stands.”

The sound of voices woke Taka and she sat up slowly, seeing a ginger in the doorway and rubbed her eyes. This must be the infamous brother that she'd heard so much about. Instead of getting up to greet him right away though, she gave her eyes an extra rub if only to wake up a little more before meeting someone new.