Things changed dramatically when she dove headlong into a nook she thought would be secure, a determined guard on her tail.  Instead of safety she found another child, who made enough noise when she slammed into him that they both had to flee.  By way of apology she split the loaf of bread she'd stolen with him once they escape.  It wasn't long before Ziotea and Rodion were inseparable, and towards the end of their time on the streets they pulled off a number of dramatic thefts.  The boy might not have been particularly skilled, but he was fast and did well with machinery -- and it was far easier to get away if there was a huge ruckus in the opposite direction.  Ziotea's ether had an affinity for heat and explosions, and she was able to pull off some truly spectacular distractions. <- quoting Shylarah

[@shylarah] Mother Ziotea

Rodion first met the shorter woman when she bumped into him as children. Of course, it wasn't in a friendly manner as she was on the run. But that single moment turned into a lifetime of friendship. However, Rodion has started to feel something different. A quickening of the heart whenever her fiery hair comes into view. His palms becoming sweaty when she leans in close. His mouth drying up when she talks. However, the most terrifying part: He can hardly focus on anything without her near. Whenever she is away his thoughts will turn to her, often making him pause in the middle of his work and just sit there for hours on end. He tries, as hard as he can, to hide these emotions, but it doesn't work. Instead, the longing becomes almost unbearable, forcing him to seek out her companionship. 

Rodion doesn't know if she feels the same way or not, as such, he keeps quiet. He is afraid of losing his closest friend, but desperately wants her to become something more than a friend.

(Keep in mind that Rodion, with his fucked up way of understanding emotions is absolutely terrified of these feelings and doesn't understand them at [u]all[/u])