Ajax now had something to live for. Something else to strive for. He started by picking up the home, petting Binx, feeding the two animals, and cleaning. He then fed himself something small, even though he almost gagged on it. He then took a VERY long, hot shower, washing away the blood and grime. After that it was onto the clothing.. still a simple black t-shirt and a black leather jacket with the black cargo pants to finish off the look. He glanced in the mirror, shocked at how much closer he looked to the man Mercy left instead of the man he had become. He turned away quickly from the mirror; remembering that day was much too painful. Lastly he got a good, long night of sleep.

.

When he awoke in the morning he realized he had been too tired to pull in his wings, but that didn't matter. He needed to fly to the city anyway. Deciding not to eat, he fed the animals and exited the house. Quickly flying up, Ajax angled towards the city. Once he arrived he went straight to the Cafe he assumed they had come from- mostly because after everything he had gotten hungry again. Ajax ordered food and sat down at a booth, taking this moment to relax for the first time in a long time.

As Will had promised, when they got back, they played a light game of catch with an old baseball. Sam was thrilled at the sight of Astoria, as always. They were the best pair of friends you could ever begin to think of. It was picture perfect. Or, supposedly.

The next morning, Astoria took a long, hot shower and changed into a sweater, a sweatshirt over it, boots, and jeans. She made her way out to the coffee shop with both Will and Sam, her left hand holding Will's and her right hugging her fourteen year old brother to her side. She let go of Will so he could enter first, walking in after with Sam. She tussled his blonde hair with a grin, offering her little brother a look she didn't give to anyone else. He snickered at her and let her rustle his hair as they moved up to order, too happy to have his sister back to worry about seeming childish.

Ajax went up to get the simple breakfast of scrambled eggs and bacon that he loved so much, and had used to make for Mercy. He took them with a small nod of thanks, walking back to his booth and sitting down. He proceeded to eat his breakfast, but the appearance of Mercy- no, Astoria and some other people made him pause. No way would she recognize him. He went back to eating with a small sigh, his eyes showing sorrow. He wished he could just make her remember. He wanted her to run into his arms, wanted to cling onto her for the rest of his life, but maybe he'd have to instead live his whole life knowing what happened when she didn't.

Astoria was giggling with Sam when they got up to the counter, so much so that Will had to order for both of them. They eventually got their drinks and a few muffins, walking over to sit in a booth. Will on one side, Astoria and Sam on the other. Astoria was snickering at Sam for something or another when her gaze landed on a familiar, large man across the shop. She tilted her head at him, trying to place him in her mind. There was a faint inkling of who he was itching at her mind, but he seemed far more put together than the man in the alley yesterday. It was only then that she realized she was staring.

Ajax glanced up and met Astoria's gaze, wincing slightly before looking down again. She obviously didn't recognize him, which might be a good idea. He stirred the eggs around with his fork before finishing them and sitting back in the seat to stare at the wall and think. What could he do? The best thing would probably be to foster a friendship with Astoria, and then maybe something he would say could trigger memories? Or.. maybe he just should start over? But wait... Ajax glanced over again, realizing.. Mercy had a boyfriend before she died. That man must be it. He sighed heavily, dropping his head into his hands with a groan.

Sam and Will started giving her strange looks at her focus on the other guy. "I think thats..." She paused, hesitating before she waved a hand over at the man. "Hey! Ajax, right?" She asked lightly, her airy voice drifting across the room before she turned back to her friends. "This is my friend." She said lightly.

Ajax was still half collapsed when he heard an all-too-familiar voice approach. +That's good and bad+ he thought, mustering up courage before glancing up to confirm it was Mercy. +Not Mercy, Astoria+ he corrected. +And surprising she actually did remember me+ he thought again before speaking. "Yes, Ajax. And you're Astoria, if I remember correctly. Sorry for my quick disappearance.. I wasn't in a good place yesterday." He answered, glancing over at the other people.

Astoria simply tilted her head at him with a smile. "No need to apologize. You should come and sit with us." She said lightly, gesturing to the seat across from her. Sam looked slightly startled but happy enough. He offered the new man a similiar, friendly smile. He looked a lot like his sister, down to the same smile and the same eyes. Will seemed skeptical, but not outwardly negative in any sort of way. Astoria threw Ajax another grin, waving him over. "C'mon. We don't bite." She joked.

Ajax lowered his head slightly, closing his eyes and trying not to scream in frustration or just disappear. This was his chance to get to know her. He had to take it. He stood at the invite, first dropping his dishes off at the window before slowly striding over to the table. He assumed the smaller boy was the younger brother, and that the man was the boyfriend, but again... it was only an assumption. "You may not bite, but I might." He joked back, not being able to resist, smiling slightly. The first time he had smiled in months.

Astoria chuckled and took a small sip of her drink. "I lied. Sam is feral, he genuinely might bite you. Good to know you'll bite back, though." She teased, grinning when Sam smacked her gently on the arm, causing them both to giggle. S "I do not bite. Not strangers, anyway." He joked, offering Ajax a boyish grin and promptly attempting to cram a muffin in his mouth.

Astoria snickered at him. "I can't take this kid anywhere. Anyway, what do you do for work, Ajax?" She asked curiously, taking a small bite out of her muffin. Will was mysteriously quiet beside the man who was a good four or five inches taller than him.