By the time they hit the town limits, Graves had one arm wrapped around Saffron's shoulders and was rubbing his arm gently. He spotted the sign for a motel, it's vacancy sign blinking irratically as he pulled into the lot and stopped near the office. At the least they could use the phone and wait for back up here...
 
The stopping of the car, was enough to some what wake Saffron and he stirred, with a faint whimper, waking up slightly, enough to realize they'd stopped a motel. One thought registered that at least he could sleep in a bed...
 
Graves leaned down with a sigh and kissed the top of his head. "Hey...wait here while I go get a room." he said softly. "You can climb in bed and get some rest while I call and we wait..." he said, his fingers brushing aside a strand of black hair from in front of Saffron's eyes.
 
"A bed...that sounds nice..." Saffron muttered sleepily, before shifting back toward the door, so that Graves could go in and get a room. He really didn't care if this was a cheap dive either.
 
Graves let his hand slip down over Saffron's back as he moved then gave his hip a soft pat before getting out of the car and heading towards the office. The clerk was a rather bored man in his fifties who was more interested in the show he was watching then in signing Graves in, and really only paid attention when Graves handed him the money in exchange for a key. He snorted as he headed back out to the car and got back in. He eyed Saffron with a soft smirk, the death elemental was curled sleepily against the far door. He moved the car into one of the parking spots and shut it off, pocketing the keys as he leaned over and snagged the duffell off the floor at Saffron;s feet. "Come on, babe..."
 
Saffron stirred a bit more, forcing himself to wake enough to be coherent. He stretched a bit, before making himself slide out of the car. Once outside, he took a deep breath of air, but he still planned to go back to sleep once in the room.
 
Matt watched Saffron with a soft smirk. "Can you make it the five feet to the door or should I sweep you of your feet and carry you in?" he asked jokingly as he jingled the room key.
Saffron snorted and gave him a dark but sleepy look. "I can walk, thank you." He replied softly, before stifling a yawn, but did make it to the motel room door. He gave a soft laugh when Matt unlocked the door, if he'd meant to get a room with two beds, he got cheated, there was only one, but Saffron didn't care one way or the other.
 
Matt held the door open, giving Saffron's rear a gentle swat with the duffel as he passed. "Go on... get in bed. I'll make the call. Only loose end in keeping your presence a secret is the crew back on the roof... Don;t know whether to try to get word to them to keep quiet.. or just tell them you took off when I called in backup..." he said, closing and locking the door behind him and tossing the duffel onto the floor.
 
Saffron yawned, and headed for the bed. "I'm sure you'll think of something..." He muttered, before taking the t-shirt off and practically falling on the bed. "I would say try and make sure Eire knows about Right...but..." He shrugged, sitting up long enough to unlace his boots.
 
Graves snorted as he watched him. "But... Montgomery will know you're here.. or least that you were with me.. but like I said... can just say you took off when I called them in." He leaned back against the door, his arms crossed over his chest as he watched the wings come into view over Saffron's shoulder as he bent to untie his boots.
 
"Well depending on who gets sent down here..." Saffron muttered, finishing unlacing his boots and kicked them off, before turning and stretching out on the bed, on his stomach. He reached back and pulled the elastic from the end of the braid so that that it slowly tumbled apart. He was taking a gamble with this...his whole plan on getting to Mexico depended on rather or not any one back in Boston knew where he was...Certain individuals would no doubt come in person if they learned where he was.
 
Graves eyed him for a moment then moved to sit on the edge of the bed. He traced one wing with the tips of his fingers before leaning down to kiss Saffron's shoulder softly. "You won't have to worry.. just stay in here and get some rest." he said softly before giving a sigh and turning his back on him to face the phone, collecting himself to make the call.
 
Saffron sighed softly, before turning his head enough to look back at Graves, watching him pick up the phone. He spoke softly, but quickly. "Matt...thanks...for not telling them." He said softly, before pulling the pillow under his head, and closing his eyes.
 
Matt glanced over at him, smirking softly. "No prob, kid... Not like I'm aiding and abetting a minor or anything.. you want to take off it's your own business.." he said, punching in the number. "Besides... I'd rather not share you yet.." he added softly. "Sweet dreams.."
 
"Minor, no...escapee, maybe..." Saffron muttered, slowly drifting back to sleep. It was a long story, and he'd probably have to explain it to him later.
 
**

The time it was in the Boston office, not a lot were up, if they weren't already working on a case. The phone rang and Eire snatched it off the hook before it had finished, tucking it under his ear as he went back to typing. "Chaos Inc, wha' ye want?"
 
"A fucking platoon would be good." Graves said in answer to Eire. "It's Graves.. I'm in Texas.. got a major fuck up. Someone on the payroll was working for an asshole named LiVed... released a virus that turned the entire town into one big fucking .. zoo. Walking dead of a type I've never come across before, man..." he said, keeping his voice low.
There was silence on Eire's end for a moment, before he replied. "LiVed.., ye sure?" He asked. "An' ye mean the ENTIRE town..." He added, his voice low but serious. Then he asked. "How'd ye know it was LiVed?"
 
"Inside source... recognized him... and another fellow named Right." he said with a soft smirk, glancing over his shoulder at Saffron. "And yeah... the entire fucking town...Four of the team are alive and trapped on the roof. They were the only living people I saw.. well.. the only ones still alive as far as I know..." he said then frowned slightly. "Actually... you know.. come to think of it... saw hundreds of these things.. but no kids..."
 
There was the sound of the chair scrapping on the other side. "An' yer inside source was positive it was LiVed...an' Right?" Eire asked, his tone a bit tense. Eire trailed off for a moment, thinking. "Aye...no kids, sounds 'bout right. Fuck! Right, I'll ring the boss lady, tell her wha' yer sayin' an' we'll be there as soon as possible...One other thing, Graves. Yer inside source, where is he now?" Eire asked as well.
 
Graves smirked softly. He knew Eire would know who it was the second he arrived. "Safe. As far as you guys are concerned, he took off as soon as I called you. And that's what you'll tell everyone I said." he said softly, reaching out to let his fingers brush lightly over the black hair spread over the pillow. "You'll understand when you get here... I'm out of town at the moment... " he said. "My car's on the edge of town... east side I think... you guys might as well go straight to the office. I don;t know what I can do to help, E'... these things are fucked up.. I can get a handle on them, but it takes time and effort and I'm no where near as good with them as with nortmal zombies... and the older they are.. the smarted they get... and the harder to control." he added, his voice going even softer. "And not only are they fast... they're flesh eaters..."
 
Eire muttered a curse on his end. "Sounds like something LiVed'd be tryin' out..." He shook his head, running a hand through his hair. He'd have to wake up Kay...and Nate probably...and he was half tempted to tell Kay about Saffron. "Listen...on the subject o' yer inside source...jus' so ye know...he escaped from a psychatric hospital six days ago...certain people've been tryin' t' find 'im since." Eire said. "I don't suppose the office there has any means o' receivin' calls...doubtful. An' we'll take care o' yer car."
 
Graves raised an eyebrow at the news, but continued to brush his fingers over Saffron's hair gently. "Like I said... he's safe. You guys don't have to wory about him." he said simply. "I mean it, Eire. I know none of you guys like me and that's just fine by me.. I perfer it that way.. but you know me well enough to know I don't lie. Azreal's safe. And he's involvement in this stays between us. He didn't want anyone to know... I'll look out for him." he then gave a snort and shifted his tone to one a bit lighter. "And you better damn well look after my car... if there's going to be any explosions going on, I want my baby safe.. and running... I need it. Driving a .. umm .. 'borrowed' one at the moment.. And no... they're trapped on the roof... had to trek across town to the shelter for the satelite phne.. which was dead, by the way. " he snorted softly. "But S.J..." he cleared his throat with a sigh before continuiong. "Sorry... Serenity-Jane is there.. so if you have telepaths available you might be able to get through.."
 
"Right...I'll see if we've got any telepaths 'round, but I rather doubt it right now." Eire replied. shaking his head. "Alright...I'll keep the kids where abouts t' me self, I know what LiVed an' Right did t' him...but dependin' on who else Kay sends...I can't stop 'em from tellin' his father iffin they're inclined t'..." Eire said. Of course he planned on going himself. Not even Kay could stop him, if Right was there. "But wha's it matter t' ye? The kid I mean...didn't think ye gave a shit 'bout any one but yer self, Graves."
 
Matt was quiet for a moment as he watched Saffron sleep, a soft smile on his face. "Only folk who know he's been in Texas are you and I, the team on the roof... and LiVed. And like I said.. as soon as I said I was calling you guys in.. he vanished. Whoever is coming in... bring a shit load of firepower. These fuckers are tough." he said. "As for what it matters to me... your right. I don't give a fuck about anyone but myself... and the kid. Consider it a kindred spirits thing if you need an explaination... we both live surrounded by death..." he said simply. "Just get to town.. I'll decide whether or not I feel up to joining you. I've had a rough night... SJ..." he sighed again. "Serenity-Jane.. shot me in the ass...so keep yours out of her sights..."
 
Eire gave a snort of laughter at hearing that about SJ. "Well, I wont say ye deserved it...women jus' tend t' do that some times." He quite remembered Aiyla shooting Nate in the ass one night over something. "Right...will ye be callin' in t' check later or shall I jus' give ye a report when I bring ye yer car...that is iffin ye don't join us..."
 
Graves snorted softly. "I'll probably join you at some point. Undead are my specialty.. even if these things are fucked up beyond anything I've ever seen..." he said and sighed softly. "Phones are down there... and we couldn't get any signal on the cells... Once you folks get within a few miles of town, the only means of commincating will be magic or telepath... Or satellite phone assuming you have those satellite cells that were being discussed last I heard..."
 
"Aye...Alright...I'll let ye go an' go take care o' this. I'll make sure yer car stays outta harm, personally. ONLY cause I like the fuckin' car." Eire said seriously although he was smirking on his side. "I'd suggest ye keep the kid 'way from LiVed, bastard has an interest in 'im." He added.
 
"I've made a couple changes to my baby, Eire... you liked it before.. you'll love it now. Might be a few of my toys stashed in back still if you need them.. just make sure you fucking replace them this time." he said and sighed, kicking off his boots. "Look... I know you know the kids still here.. he's out of town and safe for now... I'm with him now. I'm gonna stay with him for a bit, get some rest. I'll catch up with you in an hour or so. That should give you guys time to check things out on your own." He closed his eyes for a moment, remembering their trek across town. "LiVed seems to have set up shop on the north side, about a mile form the office. He's got some sort of nasty in there that gave Azreal the heebie-jeebies... and you did not hear me say that.. fuck... been in too many shithole towns.. starting to pick up the lingo.." he smirked and lay down on the bed beside Saffron. "Later... watch your ass out there." he said softly, completely unlike himself and knowing the other man would pick up on it. "It's fucking bad, man.. really fucking bad."
 
Eire was silent a moment, assessing everything. Mostly to do with Saffron...and Graves. "Right...well jus' make sure the kid stays outta trouble...not fer me, fer his little brother." Eire said. "I got yer car. Catch ye later." With that Eire hung up, and shook his head. He was sorely tempted to inform Kay of where Saffron was, just because of LiVed being in the same vincinty. But he'd risk trusting Graves for now. He picked up the phone again, to call Kay.
 
Kay answered the phone on the first ring and managed to not growl as she said hello. Before eire had even mentioned what had happened, she was sitting up with the light on, the tone in his voice telling her something bad had happened. She prodded Auron with her elbow as Eire told her.
 
"So anyway," Eire said, "Want I should call an' wake up Nate an' a few others an' head down there, or will ye be joinin' us?" He asked. "Cause ye know I'm goin'...I'd suggest keepin' Lex 'ere..."
 
"Yeah... Lex is out. " Kay said softly. "I doubt I'd be able to keep Auron out... so we'll be joining you. And yeah... call in whoever you think would be best..."
 
Eire winced slightly and bit his cheek. "Er...yeah..." There wasn't any way he could tell Kay that maybe she should leave Auron out of it too...
 
Kay paused at the hesitation on Eire's voice. "Problem?" she asked softly, turning away from where Auron was already pulling on his pants.
 
Eire hesitated a moment, considering how best to at least give a hint, with out making it seem like he was telling. "Depends..." Eire answered softly, "Jus' has t' do with Graves' inside...source."
 
Kay raised an eyebrow then snorted as it clicked. "Ah... perhaps it would be best of Auron stayed behind to keep an extra eye on Lex then." she said hearing Aruon freeze in mid motion behind her. "Just to be safe... considering how these things seem to go..." she added. "Get the rest together...meet in the ready room in... ten? That give you enough time?"
 
"Aye...wouldn't want this t' be some big ploy o' LiVed's..." Eire said, realizing that Kay had at least got it. "Aye. Ten minutes'll be quiet 'nough time."
 
"Good... get going then." she said simply and hung up, her mind already busy sorting through everything.
 
She caught Auron's look and shook her head softly. "Traitor in the Texas crew... was working for LiVed and released some virus that's wiped out the town. Graves is on it and we're heading there too.. but with LiVed involved…I think one of use needs to stay with Lex... just in case this isn't another diversion..." she said as she pulled on her jeans.
 
Auron raised an eyebrow, but managed to nod. "Alright. You certianly know to be careful." He said softly, watching her a moment.
 
Kay smirked softly as she pulled on a shirt and moved over to kiss him. "I'll be careful. You keep an eye on LEx.. we're no doubt taking Nate, which means both his best friends are gone.. you know how he gets...I think he's been spending his nights bouncing between them, keeping them up all night with games and shit.."
 
"Yes of course, because his brother's disappeared and even I cant' find him." Auron replied, before sighing, catching a lock of her hair gently and kissing her softly.
 
Kay sighed softly. "Auron... he doesn't want to be found. And every one knows how hard it is to find a member of our family when they're not ready to be found. " she added witha soft smirk and kissed him quickly. "Go find Lex. Hope you've brushed up on your gaming skills... he kicked your ass last time. You'll need to present SOMe challenge if you're going to keep his attention." she added witha smirk, her eyes sparkling as she headed for the living room and her weapons safe.
 
Auron snorted softly with a faint smile, and finished getting dressed. Auron could usually find any one...Saffron...Saffron was proving difficult...in a strange way, made Auron proud of him. Was the spy in Auron.
 
**
 
Saffron wasn't as asleep as he'd seemed to be. He turned over, and looked at Graves, looking half alseep, but aware Eire no doubt told him...
 
Graves reached over and hung up the phone before turning back to Saffron. He turned on his side and reached out to tuck a lock of black hair behind Saffron's ear. "Done... I'll stay with you a while before I head out to help... and as soon as I get my car from Eire.. we'll head down to Mexico." he added, smirking softly.
 
Saffron closed his eyes for a moment, a faint shiver passing through him as Graves tucked the hair behind ear. He was quiet a moment, before saying quiet softly. "You sure you still want to go to Mexico with me? I'm sure Eire told you..."
 
Graves smirked softly and moved a bit closer, his hand slipping around to run over his back lightly, the image of the wings still fresh in his mind. "Yeah, he told me.. and yeah... Nowhere I'd rather be..." he added softly. "Now shut up and get some sleep." he added with a smirk. "That hazey sleepy look is sexy as hell..."
 
Saffron snorted softly, a faint smirk on his lips, and he closed his eyes again, not wanting to pursue the topic at the moment, Though he was surprised Graves didn't ask about the hospital... yet. "Fine, i'm going back to sleep..." He said softly.
 
Graves smirked softly and tipped his chin up, stealing a soft kiss before tucking his arm beneath his head and giving Saffron's hip a pat. "Turn over." he said simply, shoving aside the questions he had about just who this young man was and what was he going through. It didn't matter anyhow.
 
Saffron raised an eyebrow, eyes still closed, but sighed softly, before turning over, pulling the pillow closer as well.
 
Graves smirked softly as he pressed up behind him, spooning against him. He slid his arm around him, holding him and kissed his neck. "I don't care, babe... whatever happened... you don't have to tell me. I'll stick with you no matter what.." he said softly, burying his face in the other mans hair and forcing himself to relax.
 
Saffron opened his eyes, staring at the other wall, and did his best not to give into the sudden rush of emotion that he felt with those words. There was so much to the story. Although Graves was learning more of it then most any one else. Certian people knew bits and pieces, but never the whole thing...
 
Matt gave Saffron's neck another soft kiss, letting that intoxicating scent and the energy flow between them help ease the tension from him. He wished he was better at being the 'supportive' and all that emotional stuff that went with being around people... but then from what Safron had said, he didn't have much experience with that either, so maybe it was better this way. "You know.. we don't have to stop at Mexico. We could just keep going..."
"Ever been to the rainforest?" Saffron asked softly, with a faint smile. The idea was promising. The further away from LiVed, the better as far as Saffron felt. "Or Europe? What about the Middle East?" Shame it probably wasn't that easy.
 
Graves smirked softly. "Nope.. always wanted to though...And I've been here and there in Europe, never for very long though. For some reason, I was'nt welcomed.." he added with a soft chuckle. "And no... never been to the middle east... wouldn't mind going to Egypt again though... or Austrailia.. I've been there a couple times... like Austrailia.. they're all fucking insane down there. I fit right in."
 
**
 
Eire hung up with Kay and was already calling Nate, checking the time. And hoping he wouldn't wake them both up.
 
Nate yawned and redoubled his efforts to beat the level. Lex was sitting on the couch behind him and was still severely kicking his ass in this game.. and didn't seem to show any signs of being tired. He dropped his controller and snatched up the phone as it started to ring, ignoring Lexi's giggle fit over his character dying horribly at his move. "Hey.. it's too fuckin' early t' be phoning... where are yer manners.. Lex.. stop th' fuckin' giggling.. ye sound like a girl..."
 
Eire snorted, biting back the laugh and shook his head, before saying. "Lets go, mate. We got trouble down in Texas. LiVed and some rather nasty zombies. Leave Lex behind."
 
Nate raised an eyebrow at Eire's comment. "Aye... where an' when, mate?" he asked as Lex scooted forweard on the couhc to try and eavesdrop. He listened as Eire told him where to met up and hung up, turning to face Lex as he stood. "Sorry, Lex.. E' says I'm needed in Texas. Looks like yer on yer own fer th' rest of th' night. Ye goin' t' be alright?" he asked as he grabbed his boots form beside the couhc and pulled them back on.
 
Lex sighed, leaning back against the couch, and looking at the tv with a pout. "In other words, Lex stays here." He said softly, pouting. "I'll find something to keep me busy..."
 
Nate groaned softly. "Ahh... come off it, Lex... don't pout. Aye, ye stay here. Not my decision, but I have t' agree it's th' right one in this case." he grabbed his hat and ruffled Lex's hair playfully, doging the smack sent his way. "Try not t' get into too much trouble. Oh.. an' don' forget to keep torturin' Reese.. love seein' tha' bugger blush every time ye bat yer eyelashes at him.." Nate chuckled as he headed for the door.
 
Lex snorted softly, watching him head for the door, with his arms crossed over his chest. He bit back a smirk and muttered softly. "He's not the only one..."
 
**
 
"I haven't had the pleasure of visiting Austrailia, but Egypt's nice. However, I'm not to sure they'd like you rising all their mummies..." Saffron said softly with a faint smirk, closing his eyes again. "And you have to visit the Paris Catacombs at least once..."
 
Graves snorted. "I can behave .. although the imagery of having a mummy or two stumbling through the museum after the tourists IS tempting.." he chuckled softly. "And yeah... keep meaning to go check out the catacombs... something always seems to come up though. You know.." he said softly. "I was born somewhere in Egypt... maybe we can go check it out...? Didn't have much time when I was there..."
 
"Mmm, nice mental image, tourists running from a few stumbling mummies..." Saffron muttered, feeling himself relax after a moment or two. "If you want to check it out..." He added about the later part. "Although Alexandria is definitly worth a visit..."
 
"Hmm... so we'll head south and check out the rainforest, then make our way overseas..." he said softly. "You want to snag a new identity for the trip? I know some folks that do damn good work..."
 
"Would probably be a good idea. " Saffron muttered softly and found himself snuggling back against Matt. "A little more distance between me and them..."
 
Graves smiled softly as he felt Saffron snuggle closer and tightened his hold on him. "Maybe i'll grab one too... go into incognito with you..." he said softly and kissed his neck again with a soft sigh. "You know... you're supposed to be sleeping.."
 
"You started it." Saffron muttered with a faint smirk, eyes still closed. "If you're done talking about what we'll do after this, then i'll go to sleep." He added. Although he was suddenly tempted to ask if Graves was still going to be around when this was over.
 
"Hmm... a few other things I'd like to do after this... " he said huskily, his fingers stroking over Saffron's stomach as he spoke. "But if I talk about them... probably wind up doing them... then you'll never get to sleep and I'll never get my ass back to help out with the critters..."
 
Saffron felt that pleasurable shiver run through him again and moaned faintly before biting his lip. "Sure you're ready for that..." He asked softly.
 
Matt sighed softly and left off stroking his stomach to wrap his arms around him again. "I don't know, babe... I think so.. but right now isn't the best time." he said softly, kissing the spot behind Saffron's ear. "I don't want to have to rush... and I don't want you to be exhausted to begin with.." he added with a soft chuckle. "We'll wait until we're safely out of Texas..."
 
Saffron sighed faintly, but relaxed back against Matt. Although the skin on his stomach felt on fire. "Good thing I have a villa down there then." He said with a bit more of a smirk. An old friend had owned it, died and left it to Saffron in his will.
 
**
 
Eire got a few of the harder hitters in the crew to gather in the room, and briefed them with what information Graves had given him. He was a bit worried about this thing Graves had mentioned that creeped Saffron out...that couldnt' be good, and he could only imagine what LiVed would have.
 
Nate had managed to get his blush under control by the time he reached the ready room, Lex's parting words still in his mind. He didn't think Lex knew how good his hearing was lately, so he didn't think the fire elemental had meant for him to hear that comment, but still...
Kay looked up as Nate entered the room, curious about the faint blush that was fading from his cheeks, but kept silent on it.
 
Eire glanced up from cleaning his desert eagle to see Nate and snorted softly, watching him closely a moment before smirking. "Lex still kickin' yer ass in virtural reality?" He asked cheerfully.
 
Nate snorted as he pulled out a chair and turned it around to stradle it. "Of course.. bastards too damn good at those things..." he said and looked around, noting Auron's absence. "So... LiVed an' nasty critters, hmm? How bad is it.. aside from it bein' LiVed.."
 
Eire eyed Nate with a smirk, and snorted softly, looking back down at his gun. "Well Graves said they were flesh eaters." He said. "Course, I might be to busy with Right..."
 
**

Graves smirked softly. "Does anyone know you have a villa there? Might not be the safest place to go.." he said softly, nuzzling his neck gently. He was fighting the urge to run his hands over him, the feel of the death elementals skin beneath his hands just felt so good...
"No...no one knows I have a villa. Or I wouldn't be headed to Mexico. An old friend, that know one else knows about...he left it to me in his will. Died, last year...I've only spent a weekend there to clean up things." Saffron said softly.
 
Graves smiled softly. "So... once we get there, I'll have you all to myself." he said softly, knowing that the way he was pressed againt the other man, he was sure to know just how happy that thought made him. He moaned softly at the thought, brushing his lips against his neck . "Fuck... I wish we could just forget about this whole mess and just go right now..."
Saffron moaned faintly, opening his eyes, leaning back against Graves. "It's never that easy, you know..." He said softly. "Especially when LiVed's invovled."
 
"Babe.. I seriously doubt anything about either of our lives has even been easy.. LiVed or no LiVed..." Graves said simply. "Probably be boring if it was.. but at least this time around.. we've got each other.."
 
"At least..." Saffron agreed, closing his eyes again and leaning back against Graves, trying to forget about everything. He could hear LiVed faintly again.
 
**
 
There were a round of soft curses at that. "Not just flesh eaters..." Kay added softly. "You said fast and smart..." she added.

"Smart?!" Nate asked. "How th' fuck can a zombie be smart?! His brain is fuckin' puddin'!"
 
"These aren't yer typical zombies." Eire replied with a faintly amused chuckle at the swearing and cursing. "They're from a virus. Some one in the office there was workin' fer LiVed, planted a virus in the town an' it took o'er. The only people Graves said were alive were our boys at the office...dear old Dav bein' one o' them I imagine. Graves said...his source identified LiVed... an' Right. An' said they'd set up shop north o' town. That they've got somethin' nasty with 'em...I'd guess magic wise, probably black. Here's the kicker an' I'm afraid I'd need t' speak with Graves' inside source t' be sure, but Graves mentioned he didn't see any children..."
 
"No children...?" one of them asked and Nate looked over to see the wererat, Craig. "What.. as is .. alive? Or .. at all?"
 
Nate snorted. " Knowing Graves... he meant at all. Guy doesn't notice ye if yer alive unless yer in his way..."
 
"Aye...not at all. Like I said, I gotta theory...but I need t' talk t' some one first." Eire said, loading a clip for his guns now. "But iffin the lot o' ye is pokin' round an' ye find a underground bunker... let me know."
 
"Bunker?" Nate asked then cursed softly. "Fuck.. ye think there's no sign of any kids cause th' bastard has them...."
 
"I'm thinkin'...Some one else'd know fer sure...if he remembers..." Eire muttered that more to himself then any one else. "Aye, there's a chance that's what LiVed's doin'...why turn the town int' Zombies, only LiVed fuckin' knows..."
 
**

Matt's eyes closed as he breathed in the scent of him and felt the engery and body heat flowing from him. He couldn't help the soft moan that slipped free. "Fuck..." he said softly, moving his hand to brush lightly over the front f Saffron's jeans. "I need to leave.. before I lose the rest of my self control..." he said softly, making no effort to move. "Promise me we'll continue this later, babe...don't run off on me while i'm off fightign monsters.."
 
Saffron bit back the moan at his touch and sighed softly. Running off was what he'd normally do if Graves had been any one else. But for some reason, Saffron couldn't bring himself to even contemplate the idea. "Try not to get into any trouble without me..."
 
Graves buried his face in Saffron's hair for a moment to get a hold of himself. "Hmm..." he said softly, his fingers brushing over the jeans again. "Same goes for you, babe.. Stay put.. get some sleep... dream of me." he added, kising his neck again, then growled softly and moved away form him, pulling him over until safron lay on his back with Graves bending over him and kissing him hungrily.
 
Saffron was tempted pull back but ended up giving in, slipping arms around his neck and kissing him back, before he pulled back with a slight moan. "Keep this up, I'm not going to get any sleep, and you're not going to go back to help them..." He pointed out.
 
Graves sighed softly as he broke the kiss. "I know.. I'm going.. I just needed to do that..." he said, stealing another quick kiss before pulling away and reachign for his boots. "Don't leave, Saff.. I'll be back." he said softly, the sudden fear that he'd return to find the death elemental gone was almost suffocating in it's intensity.
 
Saffron watched him pulling on his boots, but didn't answer him right away. Part of him was actually considering going. He could either find another car or hitch hike again. Although he really did need to rest before he did anything, but it'd been a very very long time since he'd been in a serious relationship, or at least one where he felt close to what he was feeling now for Graves.
 
The silence behind him was starting to unnerve him as he finished lacing his boots and he glanced over his shoulder. "Saffron?" he said softly. "Fuck.." he cursed softly, shaking his head as he stood and grabbed his jacket. "You're not going to be here, are you?" he asked softly, trying to pretend that thought didn't hurt as much as it did. "Fuck..." he repeated softly.
 
**
 
"Distraction so he can grab a town's worth of kids... guinea pigs .. kicks..?" Kay said softly. "Who knows? Could be all of the above.. let's just go put a stop it it."
 
"Guess we'll find out." Eire muttered. "Also, if you see a herse out there... leave it 'lone. Its under me protection until such time as I return it t' Graves." Eire said, loud enough for the room to hear.
 
"Aww! no fair! I love that car... I heard he was getting some art brushed on..." Craig said with a smirk. He'd started pulling double dutyas head of security and a team member just a few weeks earlier, but had already proven himself to be one of the most effective.. and dangerous people on the team. Kay snorted. "Alright... grab your toys and lets go. Remember, they may look like zombies.but they're not... be careful."
 
Eire snickered, and finished with his clips, getting up and slipping them in his pack, before pulling on his holster. "Yeah I can't wait t' see it either." He said to Craig. "Gotta keep it from gettin' damaged at least. If it ain't already..."
 
Kay snorted as she stood and looked over the 'team' Eire, Nate and herself were the most senior members of the team, experience wise, but the others had all proved they were more then up to the rougher and more dangerous aspects of the job. She hoped they'd all make it back from this trip... going up against LiVed had a tendency to deplete their ranks.
 
Eire got the last of his equipment and finished getting ready before looking over the few he'd called. He pulled Nate aside. "I don't know fer sure wha' Graves was referin' t', LiVed havin' with him, but I got a good idea...an' it ain't gonna be good...iffin' it's wha' I think it is...gettin' rid o' it's gonna be tricky..."
 
Nate raised an eyebrow. "Anyone we can call in that might have an upper hand?" he asked softly. "Normally with Zombies I say Graves.. but shite.. he called US. An' with LiVed an' his hell critters an' experiments..." he shook his head softly, thinking of their options. "Kay's our best bet on the Hell angle, but..." he shrugged lightly and looked around as he finished buckling the sheath in place. He'd started wearing the sword on his back ever since he'd had that run in with dmon-hybrid that snagged control of his guns... It paid to have a back up weapon...
 
"Kay may be our best shot with it, since we're keepin' Lexine 'ere, though I'd suggest takin' somethin' flamable...iffin' ye get the chance t' use it, use it...the problem is gettin' the chance t' use it...there's no name fer the creature, but it's got a way o' paralyzin' ye with it's stare...how it gets it's prey...Kay may be able to with stand that...I'm hopin'." Eire said, glancing over at Kay.
 
**
 
Saffron swallowed hard, hearing Matt say that actually hurt and he swore silently, before he managed to get off the bed quickly enough, although the rush made him waver a moment, before he caught Matt's arm, turning him back around. "I was sixteen the last time I thought I was in love." Saffron said softly, seriously. "He broke my heart pretty damn hard. If I hesitate a little, I'm sorry."
 
Graves looked donw at him. "Kid... I've never given my heart to anyone... The few people I trusted have always betrayed that trust..." he said softly. "I can understand you being afraid of this.. but... I won't hurt you." he shook his head softly, running one finger down Saffron's cheek gently. "I really hope you wait for me, babe.. but if you can't... I'll try to understand. But don't be surprised if I take a trip through Mexico looking for you..."
 
Saffron snorted faintly, but smiled softly, looking up at him. "I suppose that's fair enough." He said softly, letting go of his arm, looking at the floor a moment. "If I'm not here, I'll be in San Maguel, waiting for you. You'd better go." He added, starting to turn back to the bed.
 
"San Maguel," Graves repeated softly. "Alright." he said softly, brushing his fingers over Saffron's shoulder. "Think I can get one last kiss good bye...in case you get a head start on me?" he asked softly, his gaze on the tattooed wings. He had his next tattoo already growing in his mind.. he just need to get it down on paper and decide where to put it...
 
Saffron looked back at him, his eyes lighter then usual for a moment, before he turned back completely to face Matt, and slipped an arm around his neck, pulling him to him, before kissing him deeply. "That's San Maguel in the moutians, north of Mexico City." He said softly, looking him in the eyes.
 
Graves smiled softly, reluctant to let him go. "Shoudl I even bother stopping in here? Or should I just collect my car and head south...?" he asked, his hands stroking softly along Safron's ribs.
 
Saffron licked his lips, considering. Then sighed silently. "I'll be here." He said softly, almost in a whisper, but honestly, looking up at him.
 
Graves frownwd softly, remembering Eire's comment and SAffron's fear of LiVed. "No...." he said softly. "No.. I think it's actually better if you head out as soon as you get some rest. You'll be too tempting a target if you stay put too long.." he said softly. "Fuck.. I hate leaving you alone knowing that bastard wants to get his hands on you again..."
 
**
 
Nate followed eire's gance and snorted softly. "Shite... I'm thinkin' we should let th' kid take tha' flame thrower she was eyeing earlier..." he said softly, glancing at where a tall young woman with short blonde hair was finishing adjusting her holster.
 
Eire snorted softly. "Best alternitive t' the real thing. If Kay wants t' sign 'er out on it, I say go fer it."
 
Nate snorted. "Oh.. she'll thrilled. Just make sure yer no where infront of her... not that I don;t trust her aim, or anythin'.." he added with a smirk, his eyes sparkling. "Mare! E' here thinks fire might be handy against th' big nasty waitin' fer us... why don't ye try sweet talkin' Kay int' lettin' ye play with that flame thrower..."
 
Eire snorted softly stretching. Before adding softly to Nate. "Oh an'somethin' else only yer privalaged t' like Kay, cause my instinct is tellin' me iffin LiVed an' Right ARE still in the area, they've got an' interest in probably gettin' him back t'...yer little red headed boyfriend's big brother is hidin' down there with Graves...Fuckin' scary thought iffin the two o' them are any where near each other...but. I didn't tell ye that.." Eire added.
 
Nate snorted then realized Eire was serious. "Fuckin' hell..." he said softly, completely lost for words. He looked over at KAy then back at Eire again. "Fuckin' bloody hell..." he repeated.
 
"Yeah, well like I said, ye didn't hear it from me...an' it's another reason I didn't want Lex comin'..." Eire said softly.
 
"Aye... understood.." Nate said softly. "Fuck.." he added, grabbing his hat off the table. "We ready?" he asked the room in general and received a round of nods, Mare grinning as she patted the flame thrower. He shook his head softly, then noticed Craig had one as well. He glanced back at Eire. Saffron and Graves.. "Fuck.."
 
Eire snorted softly, eyeing Nate side long and wondered if he'd even heard him correctly. He had just called Lex Nate's boyfriend. Must've been to late at night for the Scotsman. Eire surpressed the smirk.
 
Nate snorted softly to himself, his mind jumping from Lex's odd comment back at his place, to the knowledge that Saffron and Graves were hangin out... to Eire's little snide remark about his red headed boyfriend... as if Eire didn't spend as much time with him as he did... didn't he? He snorted again and cast Eire a lok as the portal to the Texas branch office opened. "Smarmy bastard.." he muttered softly.
 
**
 
Saffron looked at him, then sighed deeply, closing his eyes for a moment, and quiet unlike him, leaned against Graves a moment, silent. "Promise you'll meet me in Mexico?" He asked softly. "All you have to do is ask around the town for Ezekiel." His middle name, another name for the angel of death.
 
Graves smirked softly. "Ezekiel...I'll find you, babe." he said softly as he held him. "No way I'm letting you out of my life without a fight..." he added then sighed. "really wish I'd told Eire to fuck off and deal with this shit himself though... maybe I should just phone in my resignation and run off with you now... he'll look after my car until I get around to claiming it.."
 
Leaning his head against Graves shoulder, Saffron smirked slightly. "You'd really quiet working for them, just to run off to Mexico?" He asked softly.
 
"For you? Fuck yeah." Graves answered honestly. "If you being alone puts you in danger.. screw the job and screw everyone else. Hell.. if you ask me to go with you right now, thats good enough for me."
 
Saffron blinked, surprised by the honesty and pulled back slightly, looking at him. "You're serious..." He said softly. "You have no idea how tempting that is right now..." He added even softer.
 
Graves shrugged softly. "Of course I'm serious. I was only working for them because it paid great for shit I was doing anyhow...and kept things interesting in between. I don't give a shit beyond that... but you.. Safron, babe.. you matter. Fuck.. you're ALL that matters.." he said softly
 
**
 
Eire heard Nate perfectly and smirked slightly before heading thruogh the portal. Which, some one had been nice enough to open right at the office building. Really, if Nate hadn't noticed that Lex had a serious thing for him, he was denser then Eire ever thought.
 
Nate managed to 'accidentaly' shoved Eire as he followed through and emerged, looking up towards the roof where he could hear voices. "HELLO!!" he hollered and a moment later a head popped over the edge and grinned at them before ducking back out of sight.
 
Eire bit back the snort, and glanced up. A rope ladder appeared a moment later. "We're assumin' Graves an' his friend made it t' a phone then." Came Dav's voice, as her head appeared.
 
Kay snorted softly. "No... they made it to a different phone... and discovered a new problem on the way." she called up as they waited for Mare and Craig to reach the roof before another of them started up.
 
"Well the kid did say give them in a hour, they've been gone four." Dav said, leaning on the ledge of the roof, watching, her short silver hair with the pink stripeblowing lightly in the wind. She spotted Eire and smirked darkly. "Ello Montgomery."

"Davina." Eire replied curtiously with a nod.
 
Kay spotted a familiar extravagant cowgirl and snorted. "Ren... been a while. How are you liking Texas? Bet you wished you'dtaken that posting in New York now, hmm?"
 
Serenity snorted softly. "Didn' matter none.. bastard showed up here... he hates Texas.. figured it'd be th' one place I didn't have t' worry about runnin' into him.."
 
Dav heard Serenity and snorted, casting her best friend a look. "Ren, hun, told ye were cursed t' run int' him more then ye liked." She looked back at the others as the rest of them climbed up. "So is it true, bout the kid that was with him?"
 
Kay raised an eyebrow."True? Oh... yes.. but I'd appreciate it if you didn't speak about that right now... his... being here is top secret..." she said, ignoring the odd looks from Mare and
Craig and the others. Nate just snorted, his eyes going to the red boots. "nice boots."
Serenity glanced over with a smirk. "Thanks.. Graves still owes me for 'em.. bug the shit out of 'im until he pays up, will ya?"
 
Dav raised an eyebrow, then snorted ah. "Ah. gotcha."
 
Eire snorted himself, before looking back at town. "Which way did Graves come from an' which way did he head? I gotta go get his car..."
 
**
 
Saffron snorted softly and closed his eyes. "There's still a small part of me that's telling me not to believe you, I've heard this before." He said softly, looking at the cheap carpet of the floor.
 
Graves looked at him for a moment then shrugged and reached for the phone. "You don't believe me... fine.. I'll prove it." he said as he punched in the number. "You want to sleep here or on the road?"
 
Saffron sighed and reached down, catching Graves' hand, his other reaching up to touch his cheek. "Don't do something over me, you'll regrett later on, Matt." Saffron said softly.
He snorted softly and stole a kiss. "The only thing I would ever regret is not taking the chance to be with you." he said simply as he waited for somone to answer. He'd leave a message at the office and have someone get word to the team that he wasn't going to show....
 
Lex was apparently closest to a phone in reception and sighed, picking it up from the desk. "Chaos Inc...Can we help you?" He said, sounding a bit bored and maybe a little tired. Then again, might be something to do...might.
 
Graves listened to the voice for a moment trying to decide if he knew it. "Yeah.. this is Graves. A team was just sent out to deal with some shit I reported in about..." he said, his hand circling SAffron's waist and pulling him close. "You'll have to get word to them that I wont be joining them. I quit. Tell Montgomery I'll be in touch about my car."
 
Lex blinked, before starting. "Oh! Wait, you mean the case in Texas...with LiVed!" He perked up. There weren't a lot of people who knew LiVed...And some one had told Lex some else had told Graves it was LiVed..."Who told you it was LiVed?" Lex asked earnestly, hoping he didn't sound desprate.
 
**
 
Serenity snorted. "Screw the car... ya have an entire town of zombies t' handle first! Priorities, man!" she said in disgust. "Fuckin' car.." she added with a mumble then sniffed as she glanced over the roof and nodded. "but they headed that way when they left here.. right past that tree with th' birdfeeder hangin on it..." she added with a smirk. "I shot him just before he got there..."
 
Eire snorted, and looked over at Serenity. "Yeah, so I heard..." He said. He caught Dav's look and raised an eyebrow.
 
"Like I wouldn't do the same t' ye." Dav said softly, looking fully at him.
 
Eire snorted again. "Either way. I gotta get the car...but LiVed is supposed t' have set up shop north o' 'ere he said. Noticed the lack o' kids?"
 
Serenity snorted softly. "Yeah... hoped they were locked down safely... shit started during school hours..." she said softly before looking them over. "But from yer voice.. I'm thinkin' yall have a differnt idea on that..."
 
"Graves reported seein no kids amung the...zombies." Eire said. "Iffin LiVed started this...then there might be 'nother reson...one that wont be t' nice." He said.
 
"Well.. yer goin' t' have to excuse me fer holdin' onto the idea of them being locked donw in the school safe and sound." Serenity said stubbornly.
 
Eire snorted, and looked at her. "Ye jus' keep believin' that, Serenity Jane...or wha' was it Graves called ye...SJ..."
 
"You like yer ass where it is, right, Montgomery?" Dav replied sweetly, leaning against the air conditioner beside her.
 
"She can't shoot me, I'm senior on the staff t' her." Eire replied.
 
**
 
Graves froze, suddenly recognizing the voice. "Fuck.." he swore softly and covered the mouth piece. "Lex... Lex is your kid brother.." he said softly as he made the obvious connection. All this time he'd known but it hadn't clicked fully. He'd only met the kid once briefly. "Look kid... I gotta go... just make sure they get the news, alright?'
 
"Wait! I was just wondering...if...well my brother's missing, and I've...been worried about him...he knows LiVed and all..."Lex said quickly. Saffron managed to surpress a groan. Lex would be the one to answer the phone this time...
 
Graves watched Saffron's face for some clue as to what to say. The kid sounded worried.. hell.. he sounded like he was on the verge of hysterics. He sighed softly. "I'm sure he's fine, kid." he said, wondering if he should say anything more. They were leaving anyhow... but if the kid decided to come after them...
 
Saffron shook his head slightly, and looked back at Graves, before sighing. "Give me the phone..." He said softly.
 
"But if LiVed was there...he would have had to leave quickly...my brother I mean..." Lex said, leaning back against the counter where the phone was, chewing on his bottom lip.
 
Graves sighed softly and handed the phone over, slipping his arms around the younger man instead. "Just tell him you've got a bodyguard looking out for you and that you're safe.." he said softly.
 
Saffron smirked slightly grim, and leaned against Graves as he took the phone. "Lexi..."
 
"Saffron!?" Lex squeaked on the other end. "Are you there?! Why did you skip off?! LiVed doesn't know you're there does he?! Are you coming back any time soon?!" Lex asked almost hysterically.
 
Saffron sighed again and rubbed his temple. "Lexine, slow down and be quiet for a moment." Saffron said softly.
 
"But..."
 
"Lexine..."
 
Lex bit his lip, staying quiet.
 
"Yes, I'm in Texas. Yes, LiVed knows I'm here. I'm fine...I'm not alone." Saffron said.
 
**
 
Kay just snorted at the same time Nate did and the two exchanged amused glances.
"That's sex discrimination." Dav replied, giving Eire a look.
 
"No, that's reality." Eire replied simply, glancing back at Dav.
 
Dav snorted and shot Eire a look. "Kiss my ass."
 
"I already have, sweet cheeks." Eire said.
 
Dav meerly smirked. "And its the only time ye'll e'er do it, too." She replied.
 
Kay graoned. "Oh enough.. shit... the only thing that would make this worse if for Graves to be up here too. WE have a job to do.. so put this juevenile shit behind you both and grow up."
 
Both Eire and Dav chuckled softly and saluted Kay. "So shall half o' us go see wha' we can find in the north?" Eire asked.
 
"Sounds good. Those going north shoudl have the flamethrowers.." Kay said then glanced at Dav and Eire." And you two are not going inthe same direction."
 
"Don't trust us together?" Eire asked with a smirk.
 
"I promise not t' use him fer Zombie bait." Dav added, biting back her own smirk. They were exes, with a really SHORT affiar, and as much as they claimed to hate each other, they had a mutual respect for each other's abilities.
 
Kay snorted softly. "Actaully I'd rather keep the teams even...four weres... two per team.. arrange that how you like. "she said. "However, you might have trouble prying those flame throwers form the other two..."
 
**
 
Graves leaned close and spoke loud enough for LEx to hear him. "don;t worry, kid.. I'm looking out for him. I'm taking him somewhere safe where LiVed won't find him." he said, then kissed SAffron's shoudler with a soft smirk. "Shall I go toss the bag in the car while you talk? Or did you wnat to sleep first?" he asked softly.
 
"Perfer to sleep first." Saffron answered, having moved the phone away for a moment before he heard Lex.
 
"But you still didn't answer the other two questions!"
 
"Lexi...I had my reasons for leaving, alright!" Saffron replied.
 
Lex sighed softly. "I suppose that means you're not coming back for awhile..." He said very softly.
 
Saffron didn't answer for a moment. "Not for awhile..."
 
Graves smirked softly before stripping off his jacket and boots again. He sat on the edge of the bed and pulled off his shirt. Since he wasn't heading out, he might as well get some rest too. HE retrieved his gun and knife, setting the gun on the bed side table and tuckign the knife in its sheath under his pillow.
 
There was silence for a long moment, before Lex answered. "Fine...Stay in contact?" He asked, sounding hurt.
 
Saffron satdown on the end of the bed, and ended up laying back on it, looking at the ceiling. "With you, Lexi. With you. Besides...figured you'd made your move on Nate by now." Saffron added, slightly teasing. He got a soft nervous giggle out of Lex at least.
 
"Still working on that..." Lex answered softly.
 
"Well I'll give you a couple months long then." Saffron replied.
 
Graves raised an eyebrow. "Lex has the hots for the Scot?" he asked softly then chuckled evilly and snatchedthe phone from SAffron. "Hey kid... next time you get Nate alone.. just kiss him.. or hell.. pinch his ass.. he'll get the picture." he said before letting SAffrom have the phone back.
 
There was a stifled nervous giggle as Saffron got the phone back and Saffron snorted softly as Lex asked if there was a reason Graves did that. "I'll explain it later, Lexi...but maybe you should catch up, eh?" Saffron said, getting a gasp out of Lex as he realized what Saffron meant. "I'll see you in a few months, Lexine...stay out of trouble..." Saffron said before Lex could say anything. "Love ya, ya brat." Saffron added before hanging up, and flopping back on the end of the bed with a sigh. "Yeah, Lex has a thing for Nate."
 
**
 
Dav eyed the flame throwers and snorted with a smirk. "I think I can understand..." Eire snorted. "Well either way, I'm headin' north, is that the direction the school was in?"
 
Kay sighed as she eyed the two of them, then crossed her arms. "We seem to have a problem..." she said softly, one eyebrow raised. "We just agreed to split into two teams with two weres per team. I also said the flamethrowers go north to where they'll be needed.. and yet that, thanks to your stubbornness... means all four weres are heading north..." She snorted as she saw his look. "Nevermind. I know there's no way in hell i'll get you to back down from this... and if your fears are grounded.. you'll need the toasters with you..." she galnced at Serenity. "correct me if I'm wrong.. but the elementary school north of here?" Serenity shook her head. "More north west... Highschool is east on the edge of town."
 
"Contray t' belief, we can work with each other." Eire muttered, about Dav, still looking off into the town. He was itching to go, all this talk was driving him crazy. If Right was still there...
 
Kay snorted and sighed. "Fine... take the weres and scout to the north. The rest of us will check the schools. You want any non furries with you?" she asked and Serenity and a couple of the men snorted softly, hitching their weapons.
 
"I'll take 'couple good shots...ye know I like havin' some one watch me ass." Eire said. A single zombie had shuffled out into the area on the ground and Eire was watching it.
 
Kay snorted. "Fine.. then take your pick." she said, exchanging a look with Serenity. She'd commented once that Ren was like a female version of Nate... which was a really scary thought.. but it meant that Eire was one of the few people who could work with her without viloence resulting...
 
"Wha, yer kiddin' right? If Serenity there's willin' t' go, I'll take both." Eire replied, glancing back at them. Dav snorted, and shook her head, she too was watching the lone zombie. Something about it making both her and Eire cautious.
 
Kay smirked at REn and shrugged. "Up to you, Ren... you want to go keep the furballs in line.. or come with us and check out the schools?" Serenity looked between her and the others then snorted softly. "I trust ya t' find those kids, Lady... I'll go with the furries. Some one has to cover their tails while they're rippin' inta things."
 
**
 
Graves leaned up on his elbows and smirked donw at him. "Nate into guys?" he asked. "Nevermind.. I've seen Lex.. cute kid... if he's not.. Lex'll make him change his mind..." he added, then patted the bed beside him. "Come on... get your ass up where it belongs... you;'re squishing my legs..."
 
Saffron snorted and moved. "Lex has been working on him...or was when I left. I don't know my little brother to be one to give up either..." He said, stretched out beside Graves.
Graves smirked andlay back down, sliping his arm beneath saffron's neck and pulling him closer. "Well... form what I know of Nate, he's pretty thick about some shit.Might take that pinch on the ass to make him open his eyes..."
 
Saffron snorted. "Ya need to get to know Lex a little more. Cute kid you say..." Saffron shook his head slight with a smirk. "Kid's got enough tricks up his sleeve to make the most popular girl in highschool blush."
 
Graves snorted, his fingers brushing along Saffrons shoulder. "And to get through to that ... Scot... he'll need all of them." he smirked and chuckled softly. "Fuck.. really wish I could see that... With that ornage hair.. bet he looks fuckin' hilarious when he blushes..."
 
"Wouldn't know, never seen him blush...don't think I've seen Eire blush either...well, seen Eire majorly embarasssed, but he was drunk at the time too." Saffron said with a slight smirk. "But really, I'm sure it's only a matter of time before Lex gets Nate's attention..."
 
Graves snorted again. "Maybe we'll arrange to have them both kidnapped and brought to visit us somewhere safe... then tie the bastard up and let Lexi have his way with him."
 
**
 
Eire snorted softly and Dav lowered the ladder again. She eyed the two with the flamethrowers, "Think ye can get down now?" SHe asked them with a slight smirk.
Eire was already at the edge. "Well who's e'er comin'...I'm leavin' now..." He said.
"Can't sat still fer five minutes, can ye?" Dav asked softly.
Eire snorted. "Not when LiVed an' Right are 'round."
 
Kay nodded to a few glances her direction then watched as the two men and Nate all moved to the edge of the roof to provide cover fire for Eire's team as they climbed down. As Craig shouldered his gear and sliped ove the edge, bringing up the rear, Nate cast a glance at Kay. She snorted. "Go on... you heard him.. Right's involved. He'll need you to haul his ass out of it if it gets too bad." Nate snorted but quickly followed Craig donw the ladder.
 
Eire was already on the ground and moving almost in the same direction as the zombie, watching it closely, Dav almost on his heels. They were studying their prey. Any one close to Eire could hear a faint growl.
 
Craig had peeled off his shirt and tied it around his waist before he'd climbed down, allowing him to shift half way and not destroy it. His jeans were loose enough that they survived intact and his boots were back on the roof, allowing his feet to shift easily.
 
Marianne, Mare to her friends and teammates, had taken to wearing sports bras instead instead of shirts while heading out on missions,and stretching pants... usually spandex related. As long as she didn't shift fully, they usually survived. She felt Craig shift before she glanced his way. The wererat's half man form always struck her as on one of the oddest she'd seen... in a really creepy way. She sighed and followed Craig's lead, shifting halfway and feeling the material stretch to close to it's limit. There were times she wished she'd been infected by the feline lycanthropy... they alway looked so sleek and sexy, no matter what shape they were in... but no...Well.. at least she wasn't a rat. She didn't think she'd have handled being a rat. A bear was bad enough...
 
Eire's attention was on the zombie, until he caught another scent and suddenly shifted into wolf, taking off in that direction after Right. Dav snorted, watching him go, before glancing back at the zombie.
 
**
 
"Devious plan that...you just don't like him, do you?" Saffron asked, looking at Graves, smirking slightly.
 
Graves snorted, then shrugged. "I don't like anyone. But with him... guess there's more to it. Him and Montgomery." he added, his voice going softer then he sighed and glanced at Saafron. "Never told anyone this. Never expected to. I guess those two get to me so bad cause I'm sort of jealous... I mean...all three of us are half fae bastards with witches for mothers. All of us were a dissapointment in the witch department... Nate was too at first. but he managed to get a hold of that. Montgomery and me, we never did get any of that magic shit. " he said, the snorted. "And yet... those two lucked out and had mothers who gave a shit and loved them anyhow."
 
Saffron raised up slightly, looking at Graves curiously. "You don't know about Eire's real mother?" He asked softly.
 
Graves riased an eyebrow. "Huh? What do you mean? His mother was a witch...um.. fuck.. what was her name... Rosemary.. no.. a jewel.. Ruby."
 
"Hmm, then you don't know. Ruby turned out only to be his aunt. Emerald is his real mother, and a real major bitch. I've already had to threaten her once for messing with Lex, when she found out he was a friend of Eire's... and I understand that's not the first time she's done something like that."
 
Graves was quiet for a moent. "So... his mother ditched him and his aunt raised him?" he asked then snorted. "Fine... so he scored closer to me on the mom scale... but he still lucked out with Ruby."

**
 
Serenity snorted softly. "Well... so much fer follow the leader." She said and Nate smirked. "Can still follow him fine... just cause we cannae see him... they can sniff him out good enough."
 
Eire followed the scent on the wind, catching Saffron and Graves twice as he passed two shops, still working his way toward Right, trusting the others to keep up pretty good.
 
Nate nodded to Craig to take the lead, knowing the wererats sense of smell was straonger then the werebear's... Mare was muscle. Nothing wanted to mess with a bear. In full bear form her eyesight was less keen, but in half form she retained her human vision. Her sense of smell, he knew was still way better then a humans, but he'd rather have her guarding their back. Serenity nodded for him togo ahead and she followed as rear guard with Mare.
 
Eire wove his way through the streets, and came to a halt in the alley way before the office building, feeling the thing that Graves had warned about. He growled lowly, his hackles raised, ears flat and upper lip back from the canines.
 
Serenity keep casting glances at Nate as they quickly followed Craig. She was hoping Dav stuck to her human form. Were's didn't sem to have any problem suddenly stripping down in front of people and shifting, and it wa something that she was getting used to seeing... but its still bugged the hell out of her when Dav stripped with guys around. Other weres she could deal with... but Nate wasn't a were...
 
Dav finally came slinking around a corner, still in human form. The difference between she and Eire were tracking styles. She watched Eire from the back and snorted faintly. Even she could feel the evil. "We wanna go up against this thing?" She asked softly.
 
"No." Nate said softly. "But I doubt we're goin' ta have a choice in th' matter. Fire's th' best fer it." He noticed Craig was starting to get jittery, no doubt due to the scent. Plus the strong odour of zombie... He glanced over at Serenity and Marriane and notice both women were starting to look a bit antsy as well.
 
**
 
"Well if it's any consolation, the only mother figure I had in my life is Queen of the Spiders in Hell." Saffron said softly, with a faint smile, before biting his cheek a moment, and asking softly. "What about your father?"
 
Matt snorted again. "Same as the guys.. dad wasn't around. Wasn't sure he even knew I existed for a while as a kid. Even had this dream of him finding me and all that happy ending shit. Turns out he knew... he thought they should've killed me at birth for simply being a half breed... Didn't bother to wait around to find out his decsion about my fate when it became known i was a necro..."
 
"Ah...one of those cases." Saffron said softly. "Well...maybe that's still a bit easier then being led to believe, at nine, that you father sold you...then being told he's dead..." Saffron said softly. "I'm not used to having a father..."
 
Graves turned slightly on his side, his free hand going to brush SAffrons hair over his shoulder. "I'm sorry, babe...I've never known what its like to have a father.. must have been hard to have one and lose him, thinking he betrayed you."
 
Saffron snorted softly. "We'll just say LiVed was very persuaive." He said simply. "Then last year, things worked the way they did, and we all ended up at Chaos Inc..."
 
Graves smirked softly. "The family reunion doesn't seem to be falling into the happy ending category..."
 
"No...not exactly..." Saffron said with a soft sigh. "Lexi and I hit it off alright...but then we have a very similar past...I guess I just went way to long on my own to need a father any more...and he tends to forget I'm not a child any more.."
 
"I think i'm probably a bit jealous of you too..." he said softly. "Rocky relationship with dad or not... at least you have one.."
 
"That's the point, Matt. I don't want one." Saffron said softly, but seriously, looking up at the ceiling.
 
Graves smirked softly. "Yeah... grass is always greener and all that crap... probably would'nt either if I did. Better off this way." he said then stroked Saffron's throat with a fingertip. "At least now that I've got you. We can still kidnap your brother, you know... for a visit.."
 
Saffron snorted softly, but smirked. "Nah...would't work, the whole office would go up on high alert if Lex vanished with out telling half the people there...he took after our mother...in a big a way..."
 
**
 
Eire forced himseld to shift back to human, leaning against the wall. Unlike weres, Eire's clothes stayed around thanks to fae magic. One of the biggest advantages to being half shade. Although Eire was uncommonly stronger in abilites then most half shades.
 
The group gathered around Eire, everyone keeping an eye on their surrounds as they spoke softly. "Alrigh'... so what's th' plan?" Nate asked . "Obviously he's in there... do we wait until he comes out an' avoid havin' both him an' th' critter t' deal with at th' same time?"
 
Eire shook his head. "He wont be comin' out iffin he thinks we're out here...either of them...critter included..." Eire frowned, looking at the office building. He took his gun from his holster and checked the clip, before chambering a round. "Give me six minutes t' take a look 'round the outside." He said, before slipping off from the group in the shadows, toward the office building.
 
Nate sighed and shook his head. "Fuck." he said softly. Soft growls form Craig and Mare signalled their agreement. He glanced at the large yougn woman behid him. "Can ye handle tha' thing alright?" he asked, and Mare grinned and patted the barrell of the flamethrower. "Watch me."
 
Eire slipped around the paramiter of the building, stopping at each window, and sneaking a glance inside. At first there was nothing to see but empty rooms, then a window in the back, showed a view of a shroded stooped creature, standing guard in front of a steal door. Eire had the feeling it led down.
 
Eire watched for a few more minutes, before heading back toward the rest of the group, coming out of the shadows, causing Dav to jump, he smirked darkly and said. "We gotta passage way, leading underground..."
 
**
 
Graves shrugged. "Ways around that. I could pull it off if you wanted me to. Couldn't keep him away for long, but I could manage a few hours.. maybe even a day or two if i'm lucky.."
Saffron turned slightly and looked at him with a raised eyebrow. "You do kidnapping often? SOmething I shold know, I mean, do you moonlight for the mob too?"
 
Graves snorted. "Fuck..Saff... I know layout, I know the security, I know the people. Plus I'm owed a few favors. I'll try calling those in first and getting permission in a round about way.. that doesn't work.. THEN i'll break in and nab him.." he finished with a smirk.
 
"Yeah, well, like I said," Saffron said. "He took after our mother in a big way...I love Lex, he's an adorable little snot, but the world would fuckin' end if something happened to him..." Saffron said. "I'm surprised Kay lets him out of the building at all...gonna shock the fuck out of Auron if he does hook up with Nate..."
 
Graves snorted softly. "Babe... don't ya think the two of us could keep him safe?" he asked simply, then snorted and lay back. "Could just smuggle you in and out for a visit or two..."
Saffron gave a laugh. "Protect MY brother..." She shook his head slightly. "He's a walking trouble magnet. You'd get very tired of it after awhile..."
 
He snorted again. "Babe... I spend my free time hiding out in cemetaries alot of the time, trying to avoid people. You'd be surprised at how many people would like to see me dead just for being what I am. And then there those who just want to 'borrow' me for a bit.."
"Oh well, I'm just going to warn you. Lexine is the Daughter of the Seal...makes things emmensely complicated." Saffron said, with a smirk, leaning against him.
 
Graves snorted. "Your brother.. is the daughter of the seal...?" he asked and laughed softly. "Fuck... nice family, kid. Like Lady Chaos wasn't a kicker in herself.."
 
Saffron pinched him in the chest playfully. "Our mother was the previous daughter of the seal, and since she only had me and Lex and no daughters...the fates decided to have a little fun, I guess."
 
Graves snorted. "Oh fuck.. I didn't mean that. Shit happens, especailly when it involves fae crap. No... I meant the 'power' angle. Your the death elemental, Kay's a fuckin' Princess or something in Hell, for crying out loud.. and your brother is like.. a major player in every fae realm.."
 
Saffron snorted himself. "Not to mention I can be called up on by ALMOST any house in Hell to do their bidding...on just about anything, at any time...and it's in my BLOOD as a death elemental to answer them...I'm kinda fucked if Kay ever realizes she can go to her father and ask him to order me back to Boston..." He added.
 
Graves snorted. "Babe... I'm a necro. Not many people get what that really means. It's not just raising zombies and talking t' ghosts. Voodoo priests and even some witches can raise the dead, and any psycic can contact spirits. Necro's are rare because were' fuckin' dangerous. Most necro's never make it a year once their powers manifest. They're killed. Ever hear what happens when someone finds a fledgling Necro and decided to kill them? I'ts not pretty.. or easy. A necro comes into their power by dying... so we're not exactly easy to kill. We don't just control the dead.. we ARE the dead. Our hearts beat and we breath... but they don't have to. Apparently, if I want to... I can stop my heart. I can play dead like no one else can..." he said with a smirk. "A stake through the heart will kill a vamp... won't kill me. Fuck, I can't drown... just stop breathing. You manage to kill me.. I come back. Unless you really destroy my body so I can't use it. Then I'm screwed. You see... I'm still here... I just don;t have a body anymore. " he said with a soft snort.
 
"I undertstand about living in a constant state of danger. I'm always watching my ass. I'll heal damn near anything.. its just really fuckin' painful and a bit slow. Not human slow.. but not fae fast either." He sighed and leaned his cheek against Saffron;s hair. "What i'm trying to say.. is I'm not afraid of anything, Saff. The only thing that bothers me.. is losing you. If anyone stupid enough to take you away form me.. I'll find you."
 
Saffron gave a weary smile behind a sigh. "Well I hope it doesn't come down to you having to find me," He said softly, lightly. "I'd hate to put you through all the trouble..."
 
Graves snorted and tipped Safron's chin up to look in his eyes. "Babe... my life is nothing but trouble. You're the only thing I've found.. that's actually worth it all. " he said simply.
 
"No one's ever quiet said I was worth it..." Saffron said softly with a soft smile. "Gonna take a little while to get used to the idea..."
 
Graves smirked softly, rubbing his thumb over Safron's lips. "Well... you are. So yeah.. get used to it." he said with a soft smirk. " I don't know what's happening with us.. I mean... I go from not needing or wanting anyone in my life... to not being able to imagine my life without you in it... in a few hours." he said softly. "I want you, I need you, I love you and I will both kill and die for you... thats what's inside me when I look at you, SAffron."
 
"Well I'm not sure I have a theory either, but I can honestly say I don't ever think I've felt this way about any one else..." Saffron said softly, looking at him.
 
Graves smirked and breathed an inward sigh of relief that Saffron either hadn't caught what he'd said, or had choosen to let it pass anyhow. He felt it.. he'd never felt it before, but he knew he loved this guy... but to actually say it... Graves brushed his thumb over Saffron;s lips again. "Better get some sleep, babe. I'll try to behave myself better this time..."
 
Saffron had heard him, but he'd decided not to call him on it. He'd wait, one or two more times, before he replied to that..."It wasn't that you were misbehaving earlier..." He answered, with a slight smirk, but couldn't stifle the yawn.
 
Graves smirked. "No.. but you weren't getting any sleep either.." he said softly. "This time.. I'll let you sleep." he said softly and kissed him tenderly. "Good night, SAffron."
 
Saffron ended up smiling, actually smiling for once that night. He was tempted to ask if he'd be here in the morning, but shoved it back. "Good night Matt."
 
Graves smiled softly. "Hey Saffron?" he asked softly. "Never stop calling me that.." he said. "No one calls me that anymore... I don;t want them too. But.. it sounds so good when you say it."
 
"Alright. IF that's what you want, I'll never stop calling you that." Saffron said softly, yawning again, and snuggling into him.
 
Graves smiles softly and wrapped hia arms around the smaller man, holding him close. He closed his eyes and just listened to the sound of his breathing, just enjoying the feel of him in his arms. He sent up a silent thank you that at long last.. he finally had someone that made life seem worth living..
 
    

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