((It's been cancelled, but there's PLENTY of room to play!))

Nolan hadn't returned. She had moved in with Alak in the McCawley's old homestead. It seemed proper really. She was raised by a human, helping raise a half-human boy and they were doing it in a human style home. Amanda still sulked and brooded, but she got herself busy with town business, trying to build it up again. And whatever she did was working. People were filtering in and Irisa, Berlin, and the other lawkeepers were kept busy at least keeping an eye on new people until they proved non-threatening. Bar fights were also common as they were when she and Nolan first came to town. So it was basically back to the way it was.

Except so many people gone that she knew before. She still felt guilt over Tommy and Manhatten, but Luke and Alak helped her smile everyday. Berlin even seemed to had gotten over Tommy mostly. She and Berlin seemed to even become comrades if nothing else. They had each other's backs. Like Tommy had each of theirs.

It had been a year and she was still dancing around what was really going on with her and Alak. They both knew. The sexual tension was thick and and it was more than that. It was like it was with Tommy, when she finally started to consider starting to consider letting him in. But she did welcome the sense of family. Her salary went toward Luke and their home. A few things for Alak, but his old gloves had a hole in them.

Alak himself stayed home with Luke and worked in a shop he set up to make records. She didn't quite understand his fascination and passion, but she did understand he had a passion. And she cursed herself for that warming her heart. One night she was just frustrated and wary of the inner battle and told Alak she was headed to the NeedWant leaving him standing there looking confused as to her harsh tone.

She sat at the bar and furrowed her brow looking for a target and even considered spending some scrip for a man whore.

"You don't flirt often do you? How DID you ever get Tommy?"

Irisa sighed at the sound of Berlin's voice. They were able to mention Tommy now without too much ache, but this one almost hit the button. "He helped me beat someone up."

Berlin laughed until she realized Irisa wasn't kidding. "Yeah, he kinda was a hero sort." She sat down and became more genial, yet serious, "I thought you were with Alak."

Irisa looked at her as if that was the stupidest thing to say in the history of the universe, "I just help take care of Luke."

Berlin smirked knowingly, "Might wanna stop fighting it before you kill this one too..." Her voice trailed and she winced, "Really bad joke. Sorry. I think I've had too much." She pushed her whiskey away and stood, "But seriously, as a friend... or as much as we are, don't wait..." She stumbled off.

"Better be sober tomorrow! We've got day shift!" Irisa called before putting scrip toward a passing man, "Upstairs."

"But I don't even wo..."

Irisa looked at him and quickly walked back home, not even bothering to get her money back. She had an idea when she got home and walked in the front door and found Alak folding clothes. She looked around, "Is Luke asleep?"

Alak looked up concerned, "Yeah. Are you ok?"

Irisa was quick to close the distance and kissed Alak hard. It had worked with Tommy. It was the only way she knew how to do this. Alak blinked and moved back quickly and furrowed his brow, "What the..." He shook his head, "I thought you weren't interested. Well... you seemed, but... something stopped you... I'm confused." He went back to folding.

"I'm not good at... the talking part."

Alak looked up, "I think we both still need some time to get over past relationships, but I think it's safe to say we care for each other?"

Irisa looked down, "More than that."

Alak stood and touched her cheek, "There's no rush." He kissed her on her forehead and went back to folding. Irisa furrowed her brow watching him, but took a deep breath and smiled at him, "Good night."

He looked up and grabbed her hand, "Good night."

Maybe a slow ignition was best. He was right about still getting over things. It had been a year, but she could see it still made him feel wrong. Like he was cheating on his wife. She made her way to her bedroom smirking and blushing as she let her mind imagine them sharing a bed soon.