Maria listened to him as he spoke. Was she really affecting his world that much? She didnâ€™t think she was but maybe she was. She wondered what he did before she got here. If he was a grumpy person and chased everyone off. It would be something she could imagine from how he had greeted and treated her initially. She hoped that they could make some headway that would lead to him being more used to her being around. It seemed he had come to accept her company to an extent. She hoped this meant he wouldnâ€™t pull another scary outburst like he had done earlier in the day. That had her nervous but this other side of him had her relaxing. Plus how he had been with Niya allowed her to feel she could trust him. Knowing he wouldnâ€™t hurt her daughter made her feel maybe he wouldnâ€™t hurt her. Why had he come to live a rugged lifestyle all on his lonesome? He had said something about knowing what it was like to run from something. Knowing what it was like to try to escape something. Now she wondered just what that something was.<br/><br/>She blushed lightly as he spoke again. She couldnâ€™t know but she could imagine. He seemed much happier about her being here then when she had first arrived. It had only been a couple days but he seemed to be a happier man than when they first met. She giggled a bit when he said his food was usually well done. â€œIâ€™m sorry to hear that but I am glad you feel my food is a much better alternative.â€ She said with genuine honesty. It was nice to hear appreciation for her cooking over insults and violent tendencies. Her features paled greatly as the topic changed again. â€œHe wasnâ€™t. He was a monster.â€ She said softly. Her voice barely there but still audible. She shook her head. â€œI know. I thank you for that.â€ She said with a grim smile. Her happiness gone for the most part. She knew she had brought it up but her ex-fiance was something that always dimmed her natural light. He had come to be a beacon of darkness against the wave of light she naturally gave off just by being herself.<br/><br/>She picked up Niya and held her in the crook of her arm. Getting up and took the plate over to the sink. Looking at him with his expression. Blinking before smiling a bit. â€œYes. I cleaned it from top to bottom.â€ She said honestly. â€œI was trying to help out and make you happy after you yelled at me.â€ She said. Her voice getting quiet. â€œI just wanted to show you I was useful and that it was positive to let me stay even for just a little while.â€ She was being honest with him. She just wanted to make sure it was spic and span so he didnâ€™t yell at her again. She smiled a bit. â€œIâ€™m glad it meets your approval.â€ She said. Setting her plate in the sink and began washing it while cradling her daughter close. It was a long process being she only had one hand to use but she soon got it done. She looked at Nicolas. â€œNow what Nicolas?â€ SHe asked. Curious as to what they could or would do now.