**note- this is two stories combined - 'Sugar & Spice' as well as 'New Beginnings'

Lex entered Candy's shop in the morning. There wasn't any customers except one, which turned out to be Jasmine who stretched out in a barbar chair talking to Candy. Both looked up when Lex entered. "Lexi! Hun, come in!" Candy ushered him over to where they were. Lex looked back and forth. "We were stood up the other night." Jasmine explained with a smile, patting the chair next to her. "However, I hear YOU had a date...tell." Lex was already blushing as Candy slid a bottle of sugar cane coca cola into his hand. "That was the deal, darlin'." Candy said with a mischievious look. "The shirt for the dish on the date..." "Well I did come to tell..." Lex said softly. "Then get comfortable and tell." Jasmine replied with a laugh as Candy went over to the door, turned the lock and flipped over the closed sign. Lex was watching her. Jasmine took out her cigarettes and offered one to Lex who accepted it and removed his lighter, offering Jasmine a light in turn. Jasmine chuckled. "When did you become a gentleman?" She asked, taking a drag. "I'm just polite." Lex replied with a grin as Candy came sashaying back. She flopped down in a chair. All three of them in a semi circle. "So what do you mean you got stood up? I thought Jeremy was taking you out, Candy..." Candy snorted. "The bastard stood me up, simple as that. I waited and waited, and by eight pm, the bastard did not show up. Pissed me off royally and if he even THINKS of showing his face around any time soon, he's going to get a piece of my mind..." Candy growled. Jasmine chuckled. "What 'bout you, Jasmine?" Lex asked, taking a sip of the coke and sitting it on the counter behind him, before taking a drag from the cigarette. "Oh, it was a blind date...and quiet disasterious. I would've perfered to be stood up...he was a complete and utter jerk and seemed to think I would have submitted to him..." Jasmine said with a gesture, though her amber eyes sparkled oddly. "I left him out side the club on the ground baling like a baby..." Lex blinked. "What did you do to him?!" "Hit him where it hurts...I may be a drag queen, Lexi darlin' but I've got my pride...that's the fae in me, and no man is going to tell me what to do..." Jasmine winked. "Unless he asks sweetly." "So then, dish boy, how did it go, what's his name, what's he like?" Candy said getting down to business. Lex was blushing, looking away, but there was a slight smile on his face. "Oh...I think some one's got it bad..." Jasmine cooed from her spot, watching Lex. "So...tell, baby doll." She encouraged. Lex took another drag from his cigarette and exhauled with a sigh. "His name is Faal...he's a friend of Chaos..." "Oh my God! Faal!? Are you kidding me?!" Jasmine giggled. "Do you know him?" Lex asked, blinking. "In a way. I've had aqqauntiance with him. But I do know, that by far, he is a gentleman." Jasmine replied, eyes twinkling. "And a damn good looking one at that..." Lex found himself giggling with a blush. "He is..." He muttered, not looking at either of them. Jasmine and Candy were watching him with a secretive grin. "So what did you do? Where did he take you?" Candy asked coyly. "The library was having a reading of some of it's new aqqusations of rare books..." Lex explained. "And we all know how you love your books...not surprising considering I've heard Faal is quiet the bookworm himself." Jasmine said, shifting in her chair, crossing her legs and tapping the ashes off her cigarettes in the ashtray between her and Lex on the counter. "Obviously...he gave me a first edition, leather bound copy of my favorite book, signed by the author..." Lex told them. "From his own collection no doubt..." Jasmine giggled. Lex managed to nod, both 'ladies' could see he was blushing tremendiously. "So did you enjoy the reading?" Candy asked. "Er...I didn't get to pay much attention to it..." Lex admitted. "Don't tell me you two were making out already..." Jasmine accused teasingly. "Oh! No! I just..." Lex was blushing even more. "It was my first date, Jasmine...I do mean my FIRST! No one's ever asked me out before..." "So you were nervous..." Candy said, before reaching over and patting Lex's arm. "Don't worry 'bout it hun, everyone's nervous on a first date, doesn't matter if they've been out before...when you're out with some one new, it's natural..." "Oh I know...but still...you know some of the things that have been going on..."Lex pointed out, tapping the ashes off his cigarette and taking another drag. Both Jasmine and Candy nodded. They knew a little more about things concerning Lex right now, then Lex knew they did. They had been discusing the fire elemantal before he'd arrived. "Go on..." Jasmine prompted. "So we left, rather then join in in the discussion. Those things get so one sided any way. We were going to go eat...but we got caught up driving...and talking..." Lex explained, taking another drink of coke. "Wha'd ya talk about?" Candy asked coyly. Lex dipped his head, his cheeks burning. "Lots of things..." "So where did ya eat?" Jasmine asked. "I can't remember the name of the restaurant, but they had good food, and we just spent the night talking...learning more about each other..." Lex said, shiftng in the chair and pulling his feet up, so that he sat indian style in the barbar chair. "And?" Candy inquired. Lex gave her a look. "Then he took me home..." Candy quirked an eyebrow. "That's it? Lord, Jasmine, this Faal MUST be a gentleman..." Jasmine chuckled, and looked at Lex. "That's not all is it?" She asked softly, watching the red head looking shyly anywhere but them. "No..." Lex answered in a whisper. Jasmine leaned over the arm of her chair toward him and asked softly as Lex snubbed out the cigarette. "Who kissed who, Lexi?" Lex shifted again, and drew one knee up to rest his chin on it and muttered in a whisper. "He kissed me first...but I did kiss him back..." Candy let out of a joyful yelp and Jasmine chuckled, watching Lex's cheeks turn scarlett. "And?" Jasmine asked softly, touching Lex's shoulder. "And what?" Lex asked, looking over at her. "What did you think? How do you feel about him, sweetheart?" Jasmine asked softly. Lex looked directly at her, and Jasmine could see it in his eyes. "No one's ever kissed me like that...Is it to early to..." He trailed off. "Be in love?" Jasmine asked softly. Lex nodded slightly. Candy chuckled from her spot. "No, some times...it's meant to be..." Jasmine said softly. "Besides, Faal's fae...fae never make mistake on affection...We can be fickle...but never mistaken." She said with a smile. "I don't want to say I'm in love with him..but I think I am..." Lex replied very softly. "Why not, you've admited to being bisexual, Lexi..." Candy said with a gesture. Jasmine was watching Lex closely. "It's not just that, is it, Lexi?" She asked as he watched Lex playing with the coke bottle. "No...I don't know..." Lex muttered with a shrug. "Do you want to see him again?" Candy asked. "I'd love to see him again...I don't know if he really wants to see me again...he said he did..." Lex replied. "Have you talked to him since the other night?" Jasmine asked. "No..." Lex admitted. "I've got his number, but every time I pick up the phone...something stops me." "And you don't know why?" Candy asked. Lex didn't answer. In the back of Candy's shop, a phone started ringing. Candy gave an irritated look, but got up, moving that way, leaving Jasmine and Lex alone. Jasmine got up and grabbed a near by stool, and dragged it infront Lex's chair. Lex was staring at the floor. "Lexine, hun..." Jasmine took his hand, making him look at her. "I know you don't think any one else knows...about you and Rowen...but I knew Rowen...and I knew what he was playing at..." Lex blinked rapidly. "How did-" "Rowen and I had a fling...about the same time he was playing games with you...He told you, he loved you, didn't he?" Jasmine asked softly. Lex nodded, looking quiet misrable all of a sudden. "He might have...loved you in his own way...but I doubt it, and it wasn't the way you needed. And neither was Rue. You've never been loved the way you should and still deserve...but really darling, I think that's about to change..." Jasmine told him with a smile. Lex still looked misrable and muttered in reply. "I should've been a girl..." Jasmine frowned, before reaching over with two long nails and tipping Lex's face to look at her. "Is that what's bothering you?" Lex shrugged. "Sweetings, you are who you are. Rather you dress completely macho or dress like me...but don't dress like me, you'll give everyone a heart attack..." Jasmine grinned slightly, gesturing the rather low cut and revealing outfit she was wearing. "Just because you make a more beauitiful young woman then young man, shouldn't be what decideds who you spend your time with...And I'll admit, you are much more feminine then I, and I am a lady." Jasmine tilted her head with grace, but her amber eyes sparkled with humor. "But the thing is, Lexine, that's what makes you, you." "But that's the thing!" Lex muttered sullenly. "I don't know WHO I am..." He felt the tears already threatening. They heard Candy coming back into the room. "Aww...honey..." Candy cooed, coming over, her fingers touching Lex's hair. "Let me ask you somethin', darlin'. You feel like a girl trapped in a guy's body?" Candy asked seriously. Lex looked at her, blinking in confusion. "No...not really...I know I look like a girl..." He suddenly became more misrable by the question and made himself smaller in the chair. Jasmine gave Candy a dark look. "Stop confusing the boy." She snapped. "He's already confussed..." Candy replied, rolling her eyes. "Yes, well, he doesn't need to be any MORE confussed!" Jasmine snapped. "Will you two not argue over me, I'm sitting right here..." Lex muttered aggravatedly. Candy chuckled and ruffled his hair. "Lexi, we've watched you change fashion styles, and most of it, you're not comfortable in, but you're trying to please everyone else...don't say you're not...when Aiyla dragged you in htere the first time, the only thing she picked out that looked good on you were the coat and the pants...but those were both made for women. And the riding jacket you bought, which looks damn good on you...again it was a woman's jacket." Candy said. "I like that jacket..." Lex muttered. "And that's the important thing...I'm not sure what Candy's trying to get at," Jasmine gave the blonde a look. "But what I'm trying to say is, I've seen you at your most comfortable when you are being feminie and delicate, because...that's who you are...Rowen wanted you completely girlish, didn't he..." Lex nodded. "And Rue wanted you more mascaline. But neither of those are you...your femininity is you... It wouldn't work for Candy or I, or probably even some of the girls you know...because its you...it's a fragile and delicate sort of personality, and I don't know about any one else, but that's one the things I love about you...and I've seen you happiest when you accept that..." She held his gaze. "Just. Be. Yourself." Lex sighed deeply, still looking troubled, but he knew what Jasmine was telling him. "It's hard to be myself...especially working for K...and around the others..." "I don't know why...they love you over there." Jasmine said with a look. "You've become their friend, Lexi. And I damn well you know Nate and Eire consider you their best friend, and I know you think of them the same way, don't you?" Lex shrugged, looking away. "No, Lexine. Do not even think about Rowen. He betrayed you and broke your heart, and he's still screwing you over. But neither Nate nor Eire are going to do that to you...Things with Rue didn't progress because Rowen had broke your heart did he?" Jasmine reached up and wiped the tears off Lex's cheeks before he could. "He did break my heart...he's still breaking it..." Lex cryed in a whisper. "But Faal isn't going to do that..." Jasmine said softly, but seriously. "And if you don't take the chance, you're going to lose out on a love that's the real thing. You need this Lexi, very much..." "Besides," Candy put in from leaning on the chair. "If he hurts you, Jasmine and I'll hunt him down...I've got a rusty spoon I keep just for those occassions." Candy winked. Lex managed to laugh softly, wiping his cheeks off. Candy handed him a silk handkercheif. "And I imagine Chaos wouldn't be to happy with him either...your back is being watched over this...But I don't think Faal has any intention of hurting you, quiet the opposite actually." Jasmine added. "Does any of this have to do with the argument you and Saffron had?" Candy asked. Lex looked at her. "How did you..." "Aiyla...she witnessed it." Candy said, gesturing it off. Lex frowned, but wasn't entirely mad that Aiyla had said anything. He hadn't really talked about the argument to anyone. "Saffron said I needed to be more...masculin...he doesn't like the idea of his little brother being so girly..." "His words?" Jasmine asked, Lex nodded. Jasmine snorted. "I just told you Lexi, you can't be what everyone wants you to be, you can only be who you are...Oh I know it'll take a little time for you to accept that...but only if you start to accept it." She looked him over, the over sized band t-shirt and ratty jeans. "Comfortable, or trying to fit in?" she asked. Lex shrugged. Candy was already heading over to her clothes. "You're leaving my shop in style, Lexine Gabriel Mordant...And after we get you dressed, you're calling Faal, and you're asking to meet him for lunch...do you understand me?" Lex looked at her wide eyed. "How did you know my middle name?! No one knows my middle name." Jasmine tapped him on the nose. "I know it, Lexi. But it's my secret as to how. Come on, Candy's right...you look like a rag a muffin." She stood up, pulling him out of the chair and toward the racks of cloths. "Besides...its such a lovely name..." Candy said with a giggle, going through the clothes. Jasmine flipped through the cloths, found a long sleeved black feminie cut top that sat slightly around the shoulders in an almost sweetheart neck line. The neck was embrodiered with red roses and the cuff of the sleeves had roses. Lex saw the shirt and quiet liked him. "Mhmm.." Jasmine said with a just look, handing Lex the shirt. Candy found a pair of black jeans that had roses embrodiered on the hem of the legs. They weren't tight but still were women's jeans. "Go put those on, Jas and I will find you a coat..." Candy shooed him toward the changing room. The two watched him dissappear before Candy sighed. "That boy is something else..." "He's a doll...he's just been hurt so much..." Jasmine said, looking through the coats. "Think this Faal will be good for him then?" Candy asked, finding a pair of ankle boots. Jasmine chuckled, pulling out a black jacket that came to mid leg, it had corset lacing in the back and was form fitting but the roses embroidered on one shoulder fit the out fit and Jasmine had a sneaking suspecion the coat would look good on him. "He'll be excellent for him. Lex needs some one who loves him for him, not for what he could or should be...and he's going to need that in the months to come especially." "You know something you're not saying, Jasmine..." Candy whispered seriously. "I know a lot I'm not saying...not because I don't want to, because I can't...There are reasons I was bandished from the fae realm..." Jasmine said seriously. She looked toward the dressing room as Lex came back out and smiled. "Excellent darling! Looks very good on you..." Lex looked at himself in the full mirror and smiled slightly. "I do like it..." "And you're comfortable in it, aren't you?" Jasmine asked bringing the coat over. Lex nodded as she handed him the coat. "Because it's you, Lexi...It's your style...accept it. Try that on..." Lex pulled the corested jacket on and looked this way and that in the mirror as Candy grabbed a brush and headed over. Lex liked the jacket, he liked the out fit. Jasmine was right, it was him. Candy steered him toward a chair and began fussing over his hair. "Where's your cellphone, Lexi?" Candy asked. "Er...I didn't bring it..." "Do you remember Faal's number?" Candy asked as she brushed out Lex's hair and decided what to do with it, before sitting about french braiding it. "I've got the bloody number memorized..." Lex muttered as Candy worked. Jasmine handed Lex her cellphone. "Really, I don't think-" Lex started to protest. Candy slapped him smartly on the shoulder with the brush and Jasmine pressed the phone into his hand. "Call him Lexi...you wont regret it..." Jasmine said softly. Lex sighed and took the phone as Candy finished braiding his hair. It would probably come undone at some point, but he'd leave it for now. Jasmine settled in the chair near by, but left Lex alone. She reached out and dragged Candy back with a pointed look as Lex dialed. It'd been three or four days since Valentines and the date. And he probably should have called before now, but he'd be serious when he said he didn't know why he'd kept stopping himself. He could see Candy and Jasmine through the mirror behind him, heads inclined together, waiting. Jasmine gave him a warm smile. Lex sighed silently, finished dialing the number, and waited, while swivling in the chair absent mindedly... * * Lex swivled around in the chair, letting the phone ring and trying to ignore Jasmine and Candy behind him. he could hear Candy snickering about something and when he glanced in the mirror, Jasmine was watching him with a devious smile. Lex frowned. Faal was nodding absently at the realtor as she showed him through the building, bored to tears. the rining of his phone startled him and his heart kicked up a beat hopeing this time to see the number he wanted to see. A quick glance showed a vaguely familair number, but not the one he wanted to see. He sighed, letting ring before deciding to answer any ways. " Hello? Lex had been picking at the arm of the chair, not entire sure Faal was going to answer, when he heard the phone being picked up and Faal's voice. He felt the familiar butterflies in his stomach, saw Jasmine's eyes raise and managed to speak softly, turning the chair away from the two 'ladies' and the mirror. "Hello...I hope this isn't a bad time..." Faal lost his voice for a second at hearing the one voice he'd been dreaming of hearing. The realtor was giving him an obviously fake 'patient' look as she waited. " Lex! Never. I' ve been waiting for you to call... God that sounded horribly desperate, didn't it... "He chuckled, turning his back on the woman. "I was beginning to fear you wouldn't call at all...." Lex knew he was blushing like mad, and he could hear Candy still snickering in the back ground. He glanced into the mirror to see Candy obviously finding it funny, but Jasmine giving a patient but warm smile and a look that said not beat around the bush. "I've been meaning to call...I've just..."He wasn't sure what to say and took a deep breath. "If you're not busy, would you like to meet for lunch?" Fall couldn't help the sudden stupid grin that spread across his face and his was suddenly glad Lex couldn't see him. "I'd love too." He said, ignoring the steadily increasing noise from behind him that was the realtor's way of letting him she was waiting. "Where are you? Shall I pick you up?" Lex looked out the window of the shop to his original shelby mustang sitting on the curb and started to grin. "No...how 'bout...I pick you up? Unless it would be easier to meet some where..." "Lexi, damn! Don't make it difficult!" Candy yelled from her spot at the back of the shop, but Lex was obviously sure Faal would have heard her. "Sorry...I'm on Jasmine's cellphone.." Lex muttered into the phone. "Jasmine?! I KNEW I recognized the number.. tell her hi for me, please, and thank her for the use of the ohone on my behalf, as well. And I would LOVE for you to pick me up.. that is if you don't mind?" Lex swivled the chair around to look at Jasmine who was giving him a triumphant look and he laughed softly. "I don't mind at all...where are you?" Candy returned with a bottle of champainge and two glasses. Lex raised an eyebrow, but Candy just winked and motioned to Jasmine and herself. "Wonderful! It is your turn to drive afer all. "He added with a chuckle. A foot had begun to tap impaitently behind him. "I'm on the industrial strip... The new building on the corner of Kilman and Birch?" "I know it. I can be there in..." He glanced at his watch. "Fifteen minutes?" He asked, already hearing Candy pop the cork on the bottle and wondered if Faal heard that. Faal smiled. "Wonderful! I'll be waiting at the main door. I can't wait to see you again." He couldn't stop smiling as he spoke, a giddy, butterfly feeling enveloping his stomach. "I'll see you then..." Lex said. "Good bye for now..." He knew he was grinning like mad, silently admitting that he was glad Jasmine and Candy had pressured him into making the call. " SEe you soon, Lex." Faal said and snapped the phone shut, slipping it in his pocket. He spun around to face the realtor, who immediately snapped a smile back in place. "My dear, you've got ten minutes to try to convince me why I should buy this monstrosity.. and it's not looking good for you..." Lex turned off Jasmine's phone, getting out of the chair. "You're make up, Lex." Jasmine pointed out. Lex glanced in the mirror and remembered he had shed tears. "Bloody hell..." He muttered, after handing the phone back to Jasmine. Candy pointed at a box of make up near by and Lex hurriedly redid his make up as Jasmine and Candy watched, drinking champainge. "I hope you two don't have other plans today." Lex said, after finishing. Jasmine smiled. "Never.. Have fun Lexi. Now get going...and the outfit looks steller on you." Lex grabbed the corested jacket again, and his car keys and headed for the door. Getting into mustang, he revived the engine a moment, checked his mirrors and pulled away, heading for the location. Faal jogged down the stairs, not even bothered by the fact that the elevator wasn't working, other then to hope it didn't make him late to meet Lex. REaching the bottom he headed for the main doors and looked out onto the street. No sign of a mustang. His own car, he'd driven the mini cooper today, sat across the road waiting for him. He flipped open his phone and hit his speed dial. "Jeff? Yes. I need you to pick up the cooper for me... I thought you would."He chuckled, hearing the enthusiasum in the man's voice. " Yes... that's the place. You've got the keys? Excellent, Thank you." He snapped the phone shut just as he caught sight of a car turning the corner... Lex pulled the mustang up to the corner, checked the mirror, caught sight of a mini cooper and shook his head with a smirk, glancing out the window to see if he saw Faal. He'd spent most of the drive giggling but made good time, and it had only taken twelve minutes instead of fifteen. He looked at the building, suspecting it was one of the addresses Faal was looking into for Chaos Inc and thought all the windows were a bit flashy. Faal fought to supress the urge to grin like an idiot as he saw Lex pull up, and strode out of the building and straight to the drivers side window where he leaned down. "Hello gorgeous. "He said with a smile seeing Lex blush, he added. "And you as well Lex." Lex had to laugh, stretching almost cat like in the driver's seat. The engine idoled, purring. Lex looked at Faal. "She doesn't purr for just anyone." He remarked with a coy smile. Faal watched Lex laugh, loving the way he looked. " You look wonderful."He said and before he could change his mind, he leaned in and kissed Lex quickly before heading around to the pasenger side and sliding in. "Thank you...Candy and Jasmine's idea..." He gestured to his hair in a braid. "They're convincing..." He muttered, before checking the mirrors and throwing the mustang into drive. He cut some one off, and winced, but other wise sped around the corner. It was either the outfit, or being around Faal that gave him confidence and he was entirely hoping it was Faal. Faal sat back, completely at ease now that Lex was here. He'd been on edge ever since that night, waiting to hear from Lex... he shook his head ruefully.. man he had it bad... " So.. where are taking me?" Lex laughed softly, driving slightly over the speed limit. "I haven't planned that far ahead..." He admitted softly, blushing. "I've got an idea...but it requires a little bit of driving..." He glanced at Faal. "Unless of course you don't have a lot of time..." Faal chuckled, reaching over to pat Lex's leg. "I'm all yours for as long as you want me. Take me where you will." Lex glanced at him at those words, tempted to speak what was really on his mind at hearing that, but held back and shook his head slightly. "Alright then..." with that Lex turned off on to a road leading out of the city, knowing where he wanted to go. It was a small bed and breakfast/restuarant in a small neighboring town owned by an older Irish couple. Admittedly it was Rowen who first took Lex there, but he hadn't been in a long time and he loved the little cafe. And the the stretch of highway allowed him to drive as fast as he wanted and had great scenery. Faal leaned back closing his eyes for a moment and just enjoying the drive. His hand was still on Lex's leg simpley because he wanted a reminder that he wasn't dreaming. And it felt wonderful being there. Part of him wanted to talk, to hear Lex's voice.. but another part just wanted to enjoy the feeling of being with him. The winter scenery was quiet nice in the late morning, even if there was no sun. And there were no cars on the road. Lex still wasn't quiet sure if it was all really happening and he was mulling over things that Jasmine had said, about just being him, if he could figure how who he was. Still, he felt at peace with Faal, but he still had to glance his way from time to time. After a bit of silence, Lex asked softly. "How's the building searching going?" Faal opened his eyes and smiled over at the young man beside him. "Not too bad, I suppose. There's not that much too choose from if she wants to remain in the city, but I have seen a few that might have possiblities. I'll go over them with Clarice and Nate and our contractor and see which one we can outfit best to suit her needs..." "Am I still invited along for your street race? Or have I missed it..?" Lex actually giggled nervously. "The race would be tonight actually...so you haven't missed. and I don't think Shane would let me out of it...and as it's a midnight race..." He shifted gears, picking up speed, one eye in the mirror just incase. He wasn't unfamiliar to getting tickets on back roads. "Wonderful! "Faal said, sitting up a bit straighter. "I was afraid you'd changed your mind. I'm really looking forward to it." He glanced out the window to see the country side racing past and smiled. "I see you wren't kidding about the bit of driving..." "About not calling..." Lex muttered softly. "I'm sorry it took so long, it's just..." He trailed off. He didn't really know HOW to explain he hadn't called until that morning. "I tried to...several times it's just that something would stop me...Of course, then Aloysius decided to loose my phone for me..." "Aloysius? Ah.. your cat!" he chuckled. "I hope he wasn't too upset with me for keeping you out so late the other night...Don't worry, Lex. You have every right to call or not call as you feel... I was just.... missing you. Although I probably would have given in to tempation and called you today..." "My cat doesn't like any one, so please don't take it personally. I some times think he's more then a cat..." Lex said absently. He glanced at Faal, vaguely aware another car was slowly gaining on them. Then he said rather softly. "I admit...I did...miss you..." He blushed. Faal chuckled. "Ah well.. I understand pets , especially cats, do tend to become rather possesive of their owners. I can't say I blame him." He gave Lex's leg a soft squeeze." So, for soe one who never goes anywhere.... "He chuckled and gave Lex' a sly smile. "You certainly do know your way around.. and meet the most interesting people." "Oh, you mean, Candy and Jasmine." Lex had to laugh, he was keeping one eye on the car behind them, shifting again and picking up speed. "I met Candy through Aiyla, and Jasmine...I'm not really sure how I met Jasmine...she just sorta...wandered into being my friend one day. It was like one day I didn't know her, and the next I did..." Faal chuckled. "Yes... Jasmine does that. But you never mind or care how..." Faal noticed Lex's slight distraction and looked behind them." TRouble?" "Not sure yet...it isn't a cop car, the lights would have come on a while back, but it's been slowly gaining on us..." Lex answered. "It's a camero I think..." The car behind them was black and still gaining. Lex thought he recongized the car but couldn't be sure. "hmmm ."Faal said, watching the car. "Perhaps we should've taken my car.." Lex looked over him incrediously. "Are you serious? You haven't seen anything yet..." Lex down shifted, slowing slightly and let the car catch up. The camero, driven by a man Lex thought he'd seen before actually came around, pulling up beside them on the two lane high way, keeping pace with them. Lex scowled, trying to place the car and driver in his memory. Faal glanced at the driver with a frown, wondering who he was and what he wanted, then turned a mischievious smirk at LEx. " I'm still waiting..." Lex knew the driver of the camero's smirk as he glanced their way and Lex scowled even more. "Alright, fine...I see how you wanna play..." He grumbled, shifted up again and picked up speed. The camero dropped slightly, before picking up it's own speed and staying almost side by side. Lex took his hand off the gear shift and reached over to the dashboard where three switches where. Throwing the tirst, the mustang launched forward, slowing approching the speed of 90. The camero dropped back, then charged forward as well. Faal grinned, settling back into his seat, loving the rush of the ride. He kept one eye on their pursuer and one on Lex. "I'm not seeing anything yet.." He added with a mock yawn to tease Lex. Lex grumbled, more annoyed at the camero then Faal and he was forced to laugh. "Would you be so kind as to open the glove box...you'll find a switch inside on the top...flip it please..." Lex said as he doubled shifted, dropping back a bit from the camero who kept a smug pace. He still had a few tricks up his sleeve. Faal opened the glove compartment and saw the switch, casting a glance at Lex, who was grinning, he shook his head and flipped it. Once Faal had flipped the switch, the mustang charged forward again as Lex flipped the second switch, the engine revived and the the mustang shot forward past the camero, speeding along at about 120 and climbing, the camero was slowly dropping back. Then Lex's eyes widened, remembering the sharp curve that was coming up and the camero was still trying to catch up. "Oh lord...hold on..." Faal was having too much fun. He shot a glance at Lex at the comment the forward at the road. "oh my..." he said, grabbing his seat belt and snapping it on, laughing. Lex shifted in his seat, he'd forgotten his own seat belt and it was to late to pull it on, especially when the camero came shooting a head of them. Lex yelped, jerked the wheel and pulled the car around the hair pin curve at a sharp ninety, grabbing the wheel with both hands, steadying the mustang. He knew who the driver of the camero was now. "Oh I'll KILL him!" Lex growled, watching the camero pulling into a picnic area. Lex was quick to follow, and was probably quiet serious on his statement. Pulling the mustang to a stop, he saw the driver of the camero leaning against his car with an overly smug look. He was tall, and darkly handsome and Lex hadn't seen him in almost two years.   Faal eyed the stranger curiously as Lex slammed the mustang to a stop, kicking up a dust cloud. He unsnapped his seat belt, and reached over to place a hand on Lex leg again. "Are you alright, Lex? Is there something I should know?" "Oh no, it's just Rhy..." Lex said with a hint of venom, glaring out the windshield. He sighed. "Rhy likes to play cat and mouse...in more ways then one. He's tried to...get to me...in that way before...I just haven't seen him in a couple of years...the last I'd heard he was in England again..." Rhy was waiting patiently beside his looking very rich and very smug. "Hmmm... well it was a fantastic ride..." Faal eyed the smug young man by the camaro as him and got out of the car. Rhy's eyebrow shot up as he watched Faal getting out of Lex's mustang, and he eyed him, openly assessing him. Lex sighed and got out of the driver's seat. "Lexine!" Rhy said cheerfully with a brilliant smile. "Rhy, you could have caused me to crash on that turn!" Lex growled. Rhy rolled his golden brown eyes. "You're a superb driver, Lexine, you woldn't have crashed...we've played that game to much for you to have problems with it..." Rhy replied, coming away from the car, and moving toward Lex with ease and casualness. Rhy reached Lex and reached out to touch his shoulder, but Lex pulled back, leaning against the mustang. "Aren't you supposed t' be in England, Rhy?" He asked, giving the man a look. "Well I was..." Rhy replied, raising an eyebrow. "You act like you're not happy to see me Lexine..." Rhy said. "You're choice in saying hello was a little outragous Rhy..." Lex answered, why did Rhy have to call him by his full name... Faal watched Lex's reaction to the man carefully as he came around the car to stand next to Lex. He noticed he seems a bit uncofortable and slightly ticked off and tried to resist the urge to wrap an arm around him. The last thing he wanted to do was make Lex uncomfortable. " I don't believe we 've had the pleasure. "Faal said, extending his hand to Rhy. "I'm Faal." Rhy turned his eyes on Faal, there was a slightly sarcastic sneer. "Ah, terribly sorry, where are my manors... My name is Rhy. I'm an old...friend of Lexine's..." He replied, "Really, Lexi, I wouldn't have thought you'd minded the little cat and mouse game...you used to enjoy it....when Rowen was around..." Lex shifted, folding his arms over his chest. "That was then Rhy...and when you had me by the leash..." Lex said softly. Rhy grinned at that. "Yes, I see you're not wearing your leash...or is there another one I don't know about..." Lex sighed deeply and turned part way away from Rhy. "You haven't changed Rhy..." "I was only teasing, Lexi..." Faal reached out and wrapped an arm around Lex, unable to see him upset with out doing something about it. "I believe we have an appoinment to keep, Lex, do we not?" He turned to cast a disgusted look to Rhy. "One I'd consider more important then wasting our time standing out around with rude 'friends' who don't think before they act..." "Ah...I see..." Rhy said, eyeing the two of them. "Pardon, I didn't realize...And here I thought you were still with Rowen, Lexi..." Rhy shook his head, but leered at Lex. "Do you honestly...You knew Rowen died!" Lex snapped suddenly. "Ah...but he's back...or did you not know about that." Rhy replied obviously amused by Lex's out burst. "Yes, I know that VERY well." Lex hissed. "Ah! I understand the tension now. I've heard about Rowen. Tell me, Rhy.. do you truely care so little for Lex that you'd expect him to still be with the man who tried to kill him?" Faal said glaring at the man. "Ah, now that I hadn't heard..." Rhy replied with a shrug, though his eyes said other wise. "Liar." Lex hissed through clenched teeth. "You had your chance to leave Rowen before, Lexine...I did offer. But at the time, you were to in love with him...you're still in love with him, aren't you..." Rhy accused. "How could I be in love with some one who'd rather see me dead?!" Lex cried. Rhy shook his head, starting to turn back to his car. "That's just who you are, Lexine..." "No. "Faal said, calmy. "That may have been who you thought he WAS.. but it certainly is NOT who he is. If you actually believe yourself to be his friend, you'll try to understand that. If you can't, he at least knows where you reallt stand, doesn't he?" Lex looked quiet misrable and was rather glad Faal was there, Rhy had a way of being overly blunt at times. Rhy turned and looked at Faal. "Lexine's best interests have always been a top priority for me...he knows that..." He eyed Faal. "I wouldn't assume so fast that he's over Rowen if I were you...he had a chance to leave Rowen two years ago, with me...and didn't take it... I suppose that's what happens when you're half elemental, half fae..." Rhy turned his eyes on Lex, noting Lex's surprise or disbelief. he raised an eyebrow. Faal snorted. "Maybe being in love wasn't the reason he turned you down.. maybe he just didn't want to be with you. And With all your snide remarks and backstabbing comments, I can see why. Perhaps you should leave. Come on Lex, let's go." Rhy turned from his car and gave them both a look. "If I wanted to harm Lexine, I would have already." He said seriously. He looked at Lex. "I remember you swearing your love for Rowen...or have you finally found some one else, my little fairy?" Lex glared at Rhy and opened his mouth to speak, but Rhy cut him off. "Hesitation says everything." He said, opening his car door. "Do watch yourself, Lexine..." Faal stood beside Lex as they watched Rhys get into the car. He could fel Lex shaking, and saw the confusion and rage mixed together in his eyes. "I take it your reaction to his comments means you didn't know you had Fae blood? Forgive me, Lex.. I would've mentioned it myself, but I assumed you knew..." Lex was trembling, all of Rhy's words rolling through his head. He managed to say in a barely audible whisper. "I...didn't...know...I don't...know anything about my mother...my father is an elemental..." He didn't know why, he suddenly stooped down, picked up a rock and chunked it at Rhy's car. But Rhy only drove off. Lex flung himself back against his car, arms crossed over his chest and stared hard at the ground. Faal sighed and rubbed Lex's shoulder. "Please don't let him get to you. I know he claims to be your friend, but I saw and heard how he said things with a purposeful viciousness meant to hurt you. No real friend would ever do that.I think he merely wanted to hurt you and he obviously has. " He sighed again, placing a hand on either of Lex's shoulders. " It is very hard for me to see you hurting like this.. I find I want very much to take you in my arms and make the hurt go away.. but I'm still too much a gentleman to do so.." He gave a sad chuckle. "But I can help you find out more about your mother. If she was full Fae I'm sure I can, A half Fae would be harder, but still.." Lex sighed deeply. "My father's never said anything about my mother...except her name was Lillian and she was from Ireland...Honnor Knight said she was very important, but other then that, I don't know...Everyone who apparently knew her, says I look just like her...I suppose I should have suspected she was fae, considering how I look..." His voice was soft. "Rhy...knows more about my relationship with Rowen then anyone...he was...once Rowen's lover..." "So he's jelous that Rowen choose you over him and you refused him for Rowen.. and now you've turned your back on both and chosen me. " Faal lifted Lex's chin until he could look into his eyes. " You only have to ask, Lex." Lex met Faal's eyes, there was the hint of tears in his own liquid green. "When Rhy asked if I'd found some one else....I started to say so...I just didn't know..." He trailed off, the blush returning full force. "Faal...when you kissed me the other night...No one's ever kissed me like that..." He breathed. Faal stroked his fingers throw Lex's hair, the brought the other hand up to carress his cheek. "To be truthful, Lex... I can't remember ever feeling this strongly about anyone before. You make me feel like... " He shook his head with a soft smile. "Words fail me." He looked into twin pools of absinthe green. "Lex, I'm afraid I've fallen in love with you. I'm yours. Anything you want, you have but to ask, and it is yours.." A few tears slipped down his cheeks, but Lex took a step even closer, reveling in Faal's touch and said very softly. "And if I only ask for you?" He could forget what Rhy had said, and even Rowen, if he could just be with Faal. Faal smiled, carressing Lex's face with one hand while the other slipped down to circle his waist. "Then I am yours. for as long as you want me. Forever if you'l' have me..." Lex leaned against him, "Oh yus please..." He whispered with a slight smile, "Every time I'm around you, you make me feel at peace, and I love you for that..." He touched Faal's cheek tenderly. "That is if you want me..." He added, still in a whisper. Faal stared incredulously into those eyes, a look of wonder on his face. "If..?" He laughed, scooping Lex up into a hug that lifted hinm clear off the ground. " Lex, I have never wanted anyone or anything more. " He set Lex back on his feet, but kept Lex pulled tight against him. "I'll never let you go unless you ask me too. I'll never leave your side, unless you tell me too. You stole my heart second i first looked into your eyes, and now I belong wholely to you. " Lex had to laugh softly, throwing his arms around Faal's neck. "It's usually the other way around Faal...I usually belong to some one else...but if I belong to you...I'd never complain." He said with a coy smile, looking into his eyes. Faal hugged Lex tightly, his eyes growing warm and he thought he might cry... except that he didn't think he could.. he had no memeory of ever having shed a tear. But then, if anyone could make that happen, it woulkd be Lex... "New Beginnings, remember? The old you is set aside as is the old me, and we'll find ourselves with eachother. I look forward to the search." Lex ran his fingers through Faal's hair, looking into his eyes, his own reflecting love and affection behind the tears that were happy tears now, before leaning up and kissing Faal tenderly. "I think Jasmine was right..." He whispered, after wards. Faal kissed Lex back, trying to keep the kisses gentle. " "And what was the beautious Jasmine right about this time, my love..." Lex had to laugh softly, tangling his other arm around Faal's neck. "I asked her if it was to early...to be in love...she said fae are never mistaken in love...was she right after all?" He asked coyly. Faal chuckled and kissed the tip of Lex's nose. " I have loved before and I have never been mistaken in those loves... but I have never, never loved anyone as I do you, Lex." His smile slipped away as he stared into those lovely eyes, and his voice went serious and sad for a moment. "I pray you never grow tired of me... losing you may well destroy me..." "Faal..." Lex said softly, seriously. "I don't give my heart easily to others...you should know that...in the four years I've been...free from Abandon I can only say I truly loved once...but not as much as I've come to love you..." His tone slipped into a whisper. "I couldn't grow tired of you...I couldn't leave you...I couldn't break the heart of some one I love...the way mine was broken..." As suddenly as the sadness appeared it was gone, and Faal smiled, capturing Lex's lips in a kiss that stole his own breath away. "Shall we continue on to our lunch date, or would rather we made a change of plans?" "I'd love to show you my favorite cafe...which is where I had been going before...unless you'd rather do something else?" He asked softly, his arms still wrapped around Faal's neck. He just wanted to be with Faal, still he'd like to show him everything that meant something to Lex. Faal chuckled. "There are many things I'd love to do with you, little flame... but they can wait for now. When you are ready, and only then." Lex blushed, but smiled. "Besides, I did promise lunch, didn't I?" He asked, still smiling. "And Mrs. O'Riley would never forgive me if I thought to come to the inn, but didn't...it's been a long time...and you might like it there..." "I have no doubt I shall." He said, and realized that if they were to leave, he'd have to let go of Lex. Instead he kissed him again, this time a deep, soul wrenching kiss, that made him feel dizzy and weak-kneed. " I don't want to let go of you, but I suppose I must... it would be rather diffcult to drive like this.." Lex sighed, after the kiss, his eyes, which had closed, fluttering open. "We don't have that much farther to go..." He said softly. He began to let go of Faal slowly, one hand starting to open the door of the mustang. "Besides, the way I'm feeling now, we may cut the time in half..." He said with a wicked smile. Faal raised an eyebrow at the remark and chuckled softly as he made his way around to his door and slid in beside Lex. " Drive on, then. Let us have our lunch and see this fabulous cafe... and then we shall see where the afternoon takes us." "Just don't forget...there's no way Shane's letting me off of the race at midnight." Lex replied, starting the mustang again. He pulled out of the picnic area, all but almost forgetting Rhy and sped on, to the small town.  ** It was a small town, almost looking english in appearance. Lex pulled down a small street, slowing to the speed limit. There was a large victorian manor down the road, the cafe and bed and breakfast. Faal eyed the building appreciatively as they approached. His mind tried to race ahead of things, his thoughts full of Lex, and he tried to reign it in. He was finding it increasingly difficult to control himself around LEx. He knew he'd been through some very hard and painful times and the last thing he wanted to do was to rush things and risk hurting him... There weren't to many cars in front of the building when Lex pulled up. On the front wrap around porch was a plump older woman with fading red hair in a bun and a very motherly look. She looked up from her book and suddenly beamed as Lex got out of the car. "Lard almight, Lexine Gabriel Mordant! Boy'o, where 'ave ye been!?" She asked in an irish accent still beaming as she stood from her chair. Lex blushed. "'Ello Mrs. O'Riley. I'm sorry it's been so long...I've been so busy..." Mrs. O'Riley came down from the porch and hugged Lex like a mother. "Two years is a little t' long t' be busy, boy'o." she chasted. Faal smiled warmly as he watched the two. Now here, he knew, was someone who truely did care about Lex. Lex blushed, hugging Mrs. O'Riley back. "I promise to make up for lost time." He said seriously. Mrs. O'Riley chuckled and said. "And Rowen? What has he been up to?" Lex grimaced, and used the prefected lie. "Rowen...passed away two years ago...I suppose it's one of the reasons I haven't been back..." Mrs. O'Riley looked shocked. "Oh...dear...I'm so sorry...I know you and he.." She turned her eyes on Faal, and raised an eyebrow, but it wasn't hostile, only curious. "Oh!" Lex blushed. "Mrs. O'Riley, this is Faal...Faal, Mrs. O'Riley...she and her husband own this beautiful place... Faal bowed slightly as he took her hand and kissed it. "A pleasure. any friend of Lex's is a friend of mine." Mrs. O'Riley suddenly giggled with a blush. "Oh my...yes...charmed to meet you. Do..come in." She said flustered by the charm of the handsome man. Lex had to hide his giggle. Mrs. O'Riley beckond for them to follow her into the house. "Will ye just be dinning or do ya have plans to stay?" She asked business like, leading the way towards the house's master dinning room, which had been converted into a small cafe. Faal looked to Lex with a forlorn look. "I'd love to stay and enjoy your hospitality with LEx for a while.. unfortunately, we have obligations to attend to. Perhaps we'll return for a longer stay soon." "Ah, well...we'll be glad t' 'ave ye at any time..." Mrs. O'Riley said with a smile. "How has business been?" Lex asked as she opened the doors to the dinning room. "Oh business has been wonderful, ye know how it is this time o' year. Still. Mr. O'Riley's been ill." She picked up two menus. "Prefrences for a table?" She asked, gesturing to the large dinning room with it's quiant tables. Faal glanced at LEx then smiled softly. " How about Lex's usual table... I'm sure he has one, the way he speaks of this place." Mrs. O'Riley chuckled. "Why yes, he does..." Lex blushed, but was smiling any way and Mrs. O'Riley led them to a table by a large window over looking the garden, with a side view of the parking area. "Would ya like yer usual tea, Lex, or somethin' different?" Mrs. O'Riley asked, sitting the menus down. Lex glanced at Faal. Faal smiled at Lex, picking up his menu. "Tea sounds lovely, Mrs.O'Riley.I know I would certainly love some. What of you, Lex. Tea as well, or do you thirst for something more?" He added a wink that he was pretty sure Mrs. O'riley hadn't seen, and began glancing through the menu. Lex managed to keep from blushing to much at that before Mrs. O'Riley spotted anything. "Tea's fine, Mrs. O'Riley..." "Oh good, we just cured and dried some fresh mixes. We make all our own brews here." Mrs. O'Riley explained, before heading toward the far double doors that led to the kitchen. Once she was gone, Lex gave Faal a look, though his eyes were sparkling. "You are encouragable, did you know that?" Faal tried to control the grin that ws trying to break out on his face and reached across the table to take Lex's hand. He gace it a squeeze. "I can't help the way you make me feel." He folded the menu back u and set it aside. "So, my dearest Lex... we have the entire afternoon and evening, and a good chuck of the night before the race. I suppose we must save some time to get some rest... What shall do with the rest of our time?" Lex already knew what he wanted, which was an odd dish for a country bed and breakfast, but they did it so well here, so he set the menu aside, still holding Faal's hand. "I could think of a million things and then some and it really wouldn't matter what we do as long as it's with you. But did you know, I just realized, NO one, but possibly Candy and Jasmine have any clue where I am." He said with a soft laugh. " Quite alright, because no one but you knows where I am. But we can certainly call someone if you feel the need to reassure them... no doubt what with everything that's happened lately, it would be apprecaited." "It might be a good idea...however, some where in my apartment, my cellphone is ringing like mad and only Aloysius knows where it's at." Lex said, still laughing softly. He looked out the window at the winter garden. He hadn't felt so at peace, or happy like this in...well he wasn't entirely sure he'd ever felt so good. Faal chuckled, lightly stroking Lex's hand with his thumb as they talked. "You're certainly welcome to use mine, if you wish." he said, watching Lex. He loved the quiet look of peace that had settled over his featurs. Mrs. O'Riley appeared with a silver tea service, completely with sugar and creamer, but she looked troubled. Sitting the tea on the table, she asked hesitatantly. "Lexine, I don't suppose ye still have those..friends o' yers...Ruewina and all...the ones that investigate...odd happenings?" She asked, her voice tense and soft and she seemed to fidget. Lex sat a little straighter. "Is something wrong Mrs. O'Riley?" He asked seriously. She attempted to pour the tea but Lex noticed her hands were shaking and he took the tea pot for her. "Well that's jus' it, lad...lately we've...that is, the town...has had some...odd things happenin'..." Mrs. O'Riley said softly. Faal stood and helped Mrs. O'Riley into his chair, then moved to stand behind Lex. "Please. Tell us. We both know people who may be able to help." MRs. O'Riley looked slightly flustered, but sat down with a thank you. "I don't rightly know where t' begin...started...oh...four or five months ago...Some shops down town were broken into...we thought it was some local children...then pets started goin' missin'. Me own irish wolf hound's vanished. Then some o' those pets started turnin' up...dead...mutilated I think would be the righ' word. Thats about when the sightin' started. Lots of town folks sayin' they've seen a nasty lookin' sorta creature wonderin' round the streets at night...small an' wicked lookin'. But I jus' got a call from a friend o' mine...they've found a little boy...dead...like the pets...and then...an' ya may think I'm crazy...but I swear I've been hearin' the banshee at night fer the last week." Mrs. O'Riley looked quiet shaken at admiting this, and Lex poured her a cup of tea, pressing it into her hands. " Mrs. O'Riley... This odd creature that's been seen. Can you describe it? Perhaps I can help if I know a bit more..." "I haven't seen it pesonally, but there's several people in town who have...they describe it as jus' about human size and very hidious t' look at...some say it's got wings, others said it could run on all fours..." Mrs. O'Riley said, sipping her tea., but still looking uneasy. Lex was looking out the window, thoughtful. "When was the boy found?" He asked, looking at Mrs. O'Riley. "Just a few hours ago...the police are baffled..." She said, wide eyed. Faal discovered he'd been gentley massaging Lex's shoulders as they spoke to Mrs. O'Riley and hadn't even noticed. He gave a soft cough and patted Lex's shoulders, stepping to the side and kneeling next to her chair. "I don't know if we shall be able to help, but we shall definately look into it. At the very least, anything we find can tell us who to contact to carry on the investigation properly."He looked over at Lex. "What do you say Lex? Up for a litle monster hunting'?" Lex was chewing on his bottom lip, but nodded. "If a child's been hurt, it might be a good thing to look into it, before any more children are hurt." Mrs. O'Riley looked somewhere between relieved, and anxious. "Oh please...ye don't 'ave t' yerself in, any trouble..." "It's no trouble at all, Mrs. O'Riley...and if it warrents a bigger investigation, we'll get a hold of the right people." Lex said Faal patted her leg confortingly. "You certainly came to the right people. I'm part of a corporation that runs investigations like these... Lex works for us now." Mrs. O'Riley looked more relieved now. "Besides, we have expreience in these kind of things." Lex said with a grin as he started to stand. "Where was the boy found, Mrs. O'Riley?" "Oh, the old department store...down town...it's been abandon, but appearently that's where the boy's body was found this morning..." Lex nodded thoughtfully. "Right, I think I know the building you're talking about..." Faal stood with Lex and patted her shoulder when she went to stand as well. "That's alright, m'lady." He said with a wink." Finish your tea and rest a moment. We can find our way out again. I suppose we'll change our meal plans to supper with your instead of lunch." "Oh, o'course, o'course..." Mrs. O'Riley said flushed. "Do be careful though..." She said seriously. "Of course." Lex said with a smile as they left the dinning room. Lex paused on the porch, turning his eyes toward town with a frown. "have you ever heard of something like this before?" He asked Faal. Faal looked thoughtful, a slight frown creasing his forehead. "I'm not sure.. perhaps, but it was so long ago.... " He shook his head, and slipped an arm behind Lex's back. "Well, I guess our lazy lunch in the country has taken a bit of a turn. "He smiled softly down at Lex. "It's been quite some time since I've done this, I may be a bit rusty." Lex looked at him with a slight smile. "Lucky for you, I've had a lot of practice lately." He took his car keys from his pocket. "Although if it does prove complicated, we may wanna call for backup..." He said as they walked off the porch, toward Lex's car. Faal gave a mock sigh. "But that means I would have to share you." He shot Lex a sly smirk as he rounded to the passenger side of the car "Then lets hope we wont need back up." Lex answered with a grin before getting in. The drive down was very short. Lex pulled up on the main street, a few buildings down from the large abandon department store. The first thing he noticed, was there was nothing preventing people from entering said building and not a police officer in sight. "Small towns..." He muttered, shaking his head. Faal raised an eyebrow. "I'd ask if this was the right place... but you can feel it is." He got out of the car and walked around to Lex. " So, you're the current investigator.. what shall we do, boss?" "This small of a town, there's probably a lack of anything done right...and chances are they haven't called in any one from the city, because they're either to scared to mention the events recently, or to confused...so, the best bet would at least see if we can't find anything in there...clues or something..." Lex replied, looking at the building. "Do you care about being seen by the police? Your status with Chaos Inc. will be of some help, certainly..." Faal eyed the building as they approached. "I don't like the feel of this place.. murder scene always feel... tainted." "The police don't worry me...small town police maybe...might be harder to explain..." Lex glanced about the street, noting that there was hardly anyone out and people in the shops were looking aggitated. "These events must really be bad...I've never seen this town so...quiet." He looked at the building. "Murder scenes of an innocent are especially tainted..." The double doors were already cracked open, though some one had placed the yellow caution tape across it. Lex ducked under the tape and stepped into the tall, dark and dusty room, littered with junk. It wasn't hard to find the place where the body had been found, there was still blood on the floor... Faal gave a sad sigh as he looked down at the bloody floor. He turned away and began to walk carefully, carefully searching as he went. He didn't get very far before he squatted down, and after pulling a pen from somewhere on his person, carefully poked at something on the floor. "Hmmm... " He glanced over at Lex. "Footprint... hoof print, which ever. "He muttered, pushing aside a few more paper scraps that have drifted over it. Lex had been looking at what he was entirely sure was a faint trail of blood leading towards the back of the building. "I think he was dragged in here..." He said softly, before turning to look at what Faal had found. He moved over, eyeing what definitely looked like a hoof print. He crouched on the other side of it, head titled to the side slightly, obviously in thought. He was trying to piece together how the scene might have looked when the body was found. Faal stood carefully, an odd look on his face as he began a careful search for more prints, He squatted down a few more times, then returned to the blood imprint where the body had lain. "hmmm. " he said, biting the inside of his cheek. "I have seen this before..." He glanced up at Lex. " You've heard of the legends of the Jersey Devil, correct? It's a similair creature.. a type of demon, though one of the lower ones." He frowned. " The kind that only appear when someone stupid enough summons them into being." Lex stood, looking back at the trail leading toward the back at the building. "So then did it get loose, or did some one let it loose..." He followed the trail, and had just reached the back door when heard a crash from from the rafters above. He turned to look up to see a rather ugly winged creature glaring down at them. Faal looked up. "I'd say we could ask him, but lower demons aren't much for conversation...." He slipped the pen back into a pocket, never taking his eyes off the creature above them. It has a horse like head, with wicked looked fangs and red eyes. It had hooves on its feet, and stood upright, its hand ending in clawed hands. "Yes.. this is the one I remember... same species anyhow.." He said and his hands began to glow faintly with magic. The demon flung its self off the rafters and swooped low at them, giving a demonic screech as it went, and made a swip for Lex who dropped into a roll. When he came up, he'd already had his chakrums brandished, but the demon had turned in the air and was heading for the large glass dome in the ceiling. Lex suddenly noticed however, it looked injured. It shot upward and the dome shattered, showering glass all over them, as the demon disappeared over the building. Faal let the glow fade, aware that Lex hadn't even been aware of the protection sphere h'ed cast around him. If he noticed the the glass showered around them without cutting them, he didn't let on. Faal glanced up at the creature then turned to Lex. "Did you notice that someone had already taken a round out of it?" Lex was spinning one black and red chakrum around his fingers absently, and turned his green eyes from the shattered dome, to Faal. "I suspect that's why it fled rather then fight...I don't suppose you have any ideas for finding it now...It's a small town, but theres a lot of surrounding woods...and if its gone into hiding, I imagine it wants to stay hidden..." He looked at the glass on the floor a bit surprised that some of the larger shards hadn't cut either of them. "Oh its definately gone into the wooded areas. It won't emerge into a populated area again unless it's out to kill someone. And it's very good at hiding." He turned a sly smirk to Lex. "fortunately.. I'm very good at finding.." Lex vanished his chakrums and had to grin. "Good, because I'm terrible at it in these cases." He was moving toward the main door again, and suddenly stopped, frowning. Through the large display window, where he could see his mustang, he saw the black camero parked behind it. It was empty, but he knew it was Rhy's camero for the simple fact of the new dent on the back end. "company again?" Faal asked as he stopped beside Lex. " You know, if he persists in his.. actions, I'm afraid I may have to harm him... I can't stand by again and see the pain he causes you so casually. I hope you won't be too upset with me if it happens." Lex was standing in the door way, looking up and down the street, he had a sneaking suspecion Rhy was just waiting for them to step out side. "As much as Rhy probably needs to have a beating, he's powerful in offensive magic, Faal...I don't want anything to happen to you..." Lex said softly, looking at him. Faal chuckled and pulled Lex into a hug, then kissed him tenderly. "My dear little flame. You dont have any need to worry about me. It'll take a far better man then Rhys to do me any lasting harm. "He glanced out at the cars. "I could cast a glamour on us so he wouldn't recognize us.. but he'd certainly figure out who we were once we got in your car " he gave a chuckle. Lex held on to him, and sighed. "I suppose the only thing to do is face it now...especially since we have more pressing matters, but for some reason I get the feeling there's a connection..." Faal rested his cheek against Lex's hair for a moment. "One more hurtful thing .. or if he does have something to do with this, and i'll kick his ass.. just so you know." "Dulely noted..." Lex replied with a sigh, having the feeling it would happen anyway, rather Lex wanted it to or not. He didn't doubt Faal could easily take care of Rhy, but he was honest when he said he didn't want to see Faal hurt. With another sigh, Lex led the way back onto the side walk, and as he predicted, Rhy came out of a shop next to the building and gave them a brazen grin, as he leaned against his car, which was infront of Lex's mustang. "Well, fancy seeing the two of you here..." Rhy said smugly. "Then again, Rowen did bring you to the Inn here a lot, didn't he...sharing it with your new lover?" He asked sarcastically. Lex said nothing, but did promptely flip Rhy off. Faal steeped slightly ahead of Lex before speaking to Rhy. " Look, "He said with a tired sigh. "I believe I had as much of your snide little attacks on Lex as I care to put up with. For Lex's sake, I'm going to give you one final chance to back off and leave while you still have the chance. Trust me. You don't want me to start on you." Rhy just leaned against his car, and said in reply. "Typical of Lexine to get some one else to fight for HER..." He implied that word very strongly, which caused Lex to trip on something as he spun to glare darkly at Rhy who only shrugged. "Ya should've been a girl, Lexi. We all told ya that..." He said, turning to open his car door. "By the by, ya can expect t' see Rowen soon..." He said with a cold smile. "He knows..." Faal casually flicked a finger and Rhy was suddenly on the ground, clutching his stomach. Faal strolled over to where he knelt on the sidewalk and knelt down beside him. "If i ever see you again,or hear that you have been bothering Lex in any way, I will make you wish you were dead, do you understand me? I love that boy more then life itself, and i have killed in extremely gruesome and painful ways for less reason. The only perosn who could ever stop me form killing you, would be the same young man that you're so set on hurting. You might want to appologize to him for your words." Rhy groaned a moment, then the pain seemed to pass, his own magic. And he flicked a wrist, seeming to shove Faal backward. "Becareful of who you think you're playing with, my friend..." Rhy growled. "You don't want me as your enemy..." Lex had stumbled back against the building, and was rather glad there was no one on the side walks, and people in the buildings seemed oblivious to the happenings. "Will you just leave, Rhy?!" He hissed. Rhy glared back at him. He flicked his wrist again, and Lex was drawn closer. "Do not meddle in affairs that concern you, Lexine." He growled dangerously. Faal didn't use his powers this time. He reached out and grabbed Rhy's wrist and squeezed until sweat started to bead on Rhy's forehead from the pain. "Never speak to him again, unless it's to appologize, understand me? Lex feels some sentimentality for what was obviously a fake friendship on your part, and so doesn't want to see you hurt. I, however don't want to see Lex hurt. Lex's well being means more to me then anything else, and I would rather he hate me, then be hurt by you anymore." As painful as it was, Rhy jerked his wrist away from Faal with a cold glare. "You have a lot ot learn where Lexine is concerned. You can take these words as a snide remark, or the warning they're meant to be. he's more important to more then just you. And I was serious, when I said Rowen knew..." He flicked his wrist again, which shoved Lex backward, who stumbled over and Rhy got in his car, slamming the door and starting the engine. Faal turned to LEx. "I'm sorry, Lex." he said and reached out a hand to him, hoping he'd accept it. Lex didn't hesitate in taking Faal's hand, but he was trembling and glaring after Rhy's car as he drove away. "I hate him..." Lex breathed, obviously trying to hold back any more tears, half from Rhy's words, half from twisting his ankle in the stumble. "I hate him so much...Nothing he ever says makes sense to me, but it always turns out to be true...and if he said Rowen knows." He looked at Faal. Faal pulled Lex into his arms, resting his head against his. "don't worry about either of them. I meant it when I said I'd do anything for you. ill kil them both if they harm you ... or even try to. I can do it very easily, Lex. There's so much more about me you don't know yet... I was afriad to tell you too much all at once in case I frightened you off.. but believe me when I say that if I wanted them dead, they would be." Lex turned his eyes up to Faal. "I don't think you could frighten me off, Faal...but Rowen is...he's powerful...even more so then Rhy..." he wiped his cheek off, a tear having slipped. "And Rhy...obviously knows things...I hate it when every one knows something and doesn't bother to tell me...especially when it has to do with me!" he muttered sullenly. "About you're being half fae? Yes.. I'll look into that. To be truthful, Lex, I can think of only one woman who resembles you named Lillian...but I want to be sure before I say anymore. give me a day or two, alright? And I promise you'll know more then them." Faal looked after the fast disappearing car. "As for Rowen, he's nothing. I'll take care of him. He's no where near a threat to me, Lex, so don't worry." Lex has to snort at those last words, looking at him. "Don't say that, Faal...I'll worry anyway, and even more so because you said that!" He told him. "Especially considerng how much I care about you..." He sighed and touched Faal's cheek. "What more can I do, other then trust you..." Faal sighed, looking down into his eyes." Lex, I'd show you so you would'nt worry anymore, but..." He gave a soft snort. "Well, perhaps we'll have the chance for me to show you when we find our devil. Still up for a monster hunt, or would you rather we call in one of Chao's teams to handle it?" "No, we'd better track it down...before any one else gets hurt...besides, if we called the others, it would spoil the rest of the day..." Lex replied softly, a slight smile tugging at his lips. Faal chuckled softly. "Alright then. Do you know the area well enough? If it was injured it'll head to the closed wooded area of a decent size... " he said and reluctantly released Lex as they reached the car. Lex sighed, opening his door. "I know the area to well, Faal...for reasons I'd rather not think about...I've got a good idea where it's gone." He turned his eyes toward a road leading off the side of main street, in the distance was a thick wooded area. "Just past the cemetary..." Lex said, and was about to get into the car, when he suddenly felt quiet dizzy and light headed, and had to lean against the car. Faal was about to get in when he noticed Lex slump against the car, and ran around to his side. "Lex?! Are you alright?" He asked, pulling him into his arms, trying to check for spells that Rhy's might have slipped past him... Lex took a deep breath, but clutched at Faal. "I'm just a bit dizzy...did I mention I had a death curse over me..." He asked softly. But something told him that wasn't all it was, because he hadn't used his powers, especially his speed, in some time. And for some reason, there was an image of a place stuck in his head, he couldn't get out. Faal tipped Lex's head up to look in his eyes. "No Lex.. that's not what this is. I can feel the call, it's pouring off you. Tell me.. do you see anything?" He asked, a worried tone to his voice. Lex closed his eyes, some how not surprised Faal knew. "It's the same place I've been seeing in my dreams lately..." He whispered, his eyes still closed. "ITs like I know the place, but I've never been there...and in my dreams, I can hear a woman calling me...but then things go rather dark...and evil." That was as best as Lex could explain it. Faal closed his eyes and let out a tired sounding sigh. "I guess you'll be travelling sooner then you thought, little flame. There is so much to tell you, and I know now that I don't need to verify who your mother is with any one but you. Tell me.. this place, is there a cirlce of polished stone beneath an archway..." Lex opened his eyes, looking at Faal with surprise and confusion. He was still holding on to him. "Yes..." He answered in a whisper. "Its a large archway...I can remember that...and it's dark..and ominous feeling..." Faal shock his softly. "So that is what Rhy meant... you were right Lex, he did know much more then he was letting on. I know who your mother was, and more important, I know who you are. This will take a while to explain though... do we leave it and go monster hunting? We can talk over dinner tonight." Lex sighed deeply. "If it's that complicated...we'd better wait until dinner..." And he was seriously going to need the race at midnight to take his mind off things. "But I don't think I can drive..." He answered softly. Faal chuckled softly, giving hima wicked grin. "Does that mean I get too? That could be dangerous.... letting me play with your toys..." Lex was forced to laugh softly and gave him a look, before sliding the keys to the mustang into Faal's hand. "You're the only one, I'd let drive it..." Faal drew Lex to him into a deep kiss, not letting go until he felt Lex sag against him and his own knees go weak. " I'll be good.. and i'll do my best to make everything up to you tonight." He said and then with a devilish gleam in his eyes, scooped Lex into his arms and carried him around to the pasenger side of the car, setting him back down. Lex shook his head slightly with a soft smile and watched Faal go around to get into the drivers side. "You can't miss the cemetary, it's just down that road." He pointed over his shoulder at the side road off main street. "AFter that, it's the largest area of woods." He told Faal. Faal tossed the keys in the air and caught them as he slid behind the wheel, trying to curb his enthusiasm at driving Lex's car. He looked over at LEx as he slid in beside him. He checked his mirrors and pulled out, turning back for the road Lex had indicated. "Take it easy, alright, Lex? If you have another dizzy spell like that, don't try to fight it." Lex looked over at him. "I shall try. But don't expect me to just stand around if that thing gets physical..." He said seriously. He didn't feel quiet as dizzy but he did still feel light headed. They turned down the road toward the cemetary, which proved to be very big. Past it was a large wooded area. But the road stopped just past the cemetary at it's edge. Faal pulled over to the side of the road and parked the car. He turned to Lex. "Oh I'm quite aware of your fire elements need to jump in.. I'm also aware of the death spell and the effect your using your powers has. All I ask is that you be careful." He gave a sigh. "It looks like we 're on foot from here. Ready?" Lex looked at the suede shoes he was wearing and had to laugh. "Oh these shoes were so not made for walking in the woods. But what choice do we have?" He asked, looking at Faal, already opening his door. "I'll be careful...I promise.." He replied softly with a soft smile. Faal chuckled. "Neither of us anticipated a hike in the country today. Perhaps we should start carrying a change of clothing in the trucks of our cars for just such occasions. "He said, meeting LEx at the front of the car and reached out to take his hand as they walked towards the tree line. "At least a change of shoes...but Candy and Jasmine picked this out fit out and I can just imagine what they'd say if they knew we'd end up in the woods..." He coughed. "For something other then what they obviously had in mind..." He muttered with a blush. Faal chuckled and gave Lex's hand a squeeze. "If that is the only reason they'd allow damage to the outift... we can either lie... " He said, then pulled Lex against him kissed him before added in a softly seductive voice. ".. or fullfill their wishes..." Lex slipped one arm around Faal's neck and raised his eyebrow in mock aggravation. "First of all, we have a demon somewhere in these woods that needs to be taken care of. Second of all, THEIR wishes?!" Faal laughed and kissed LEx again. "Very well, demon first, fun second. While they may consider rolling around in the dirt.. well. nevermind, I suppose that would be the only reason TO roll around in the dirt..." "Okay, and third of all, incase you've failed to notice, the ground is covered in snow and if you know anything about fire elementals as you claim to," Lex said in a teasing tone. "You know we can't stand the cold for to long...me especially. I get cold very fast." Fall chuckled agiain. "Oh I had no intention of letting you get 'cold'... The activities that came to mind would keep you very warm indeed." Faal pulled back and took his hand, still chuckling. "Come on before I change my moind about the demon first." Lex had to laugh, even if Faals words did make him go red. They moved into the woods, which Lex noticed right off, had no sound of birds or any other things that should be heard in a woods. It was eeirely quiet and Lex shuddered involunetarily. Faal let go of Lex's hand and pulled him closer, his arm going around his waist. Keeping his voice hushed. "He's been through here, alright." He turned slightly and they headed off deeper into the trees, following a trail only Faal could see. Lex didn't hesitate in putting in his trust in Faal. But he strained his hearing for any sign and thought he heard something up ahead. Lex leaned closer to Faal and whispered in question. "I'm assuming that the same applies for this demon that when it's injured, like a wild animal it gets fiercer?" "Definately."Faal said, giving him a gentle squeeze. Then stopped, tilting his head slightly. "It's moving... "He said and turned slightly before resuming their trek. The faint sound of branches creaking sounded ahead and Faal stopped again. "He's climbing from tree to tree..." He turned again, seemingly predicting where the sound would be next... Lex looked at the trees, but couldn't see anything. Then things fell silent. Lex shivered, from both the freezing wind that began blowing and the eeire feeling. Then there came another screech and the demon suddenly swooped down at them, slashing with both clawed fore arms. Faal pulld LEx tight against him and shouted, throwing out his hand at the creature. There was a flash of light and a screach and then creature was past them, rising again, seemingly disoriented. "Come on, you little pest... land so we can find out more about you..." He muttered quietly his eyes narrowed. The demon cirlced around them, Lex turned his head, trying to watch the creature. It made another swoop, this time hitting Lex in the back with the corner of it's wing and made to slash at Faal with it's claws, growling, it's red eyes on fire, but it didn't seem to want to land, and there was a wound on it's back. Faal growled softly ashe released Lex and stood facing the creature with both hands free and glowing. "Alright then, we'll play it your way."He said and waited for the demon to circle back around. As soon as it started it swoop Fall lifted his hands and the glow sudenly shot out and enveloped the creature. It gave another screach, twisted in the air as if it was trying to free itself of the odd light That's when a second demon came swooping out of the trees behind them, making to attack Faal from behind. Lex swung around, and did the first thing he could. A wall of fire sprang up between the demon and them, before it could reach Faal. Lex brandished his chakrums as the fire died down and the second demon circled them angirly. Faal raised an eyebrow. "well.. someone has been busy." He said, focusing his attention on bringing the first demon to ground and binding it there, trusting Lex to keep the second at bay until he was finished. The first demon withered, trying to get free of Faal's magic. The second swooped, trying to attack again. Lex flung a chakrum, trying to keep it back. It knocked the first away. Lex covered the second with fire and flung it, this time catching the demon in the wing as he caught the first chakrum. He glanced at the first demon and felt the second demon barrel right into him, knocking him to the ground and knocking the air out of him. for a moment, the world spun and he saw stars, then the second demon appeared in the air and appeared to lung down at Lex. Lex yelped, and rolled out of it's way, flinging both his chakrums at it. Faal spun at the sound and threw up a sphere of light above Lex. His chakrums passed through it, pulling some of the light with them . Faal Flung out a hand toward the creature and it suddenly pulled upright, twisting in pain. The chakrums slammed into it, the light swirling around it as well, before it crashed to the ground. Faall rushed to Lex's side. Lex's s chakrums passed through the demons wings, slicing them half off. Lex caught them on the return, staggering to his feet as Faal reached him. "That was a nasty trick." He muttered, the demon trashed on the ground, hissing and spitting in pain, slashing at the air as if attacking invisable enemies. Lex felt his shoulder searing in pain and glanced at it, his jacket was ripped in the shoulder and there was some blood. He winced touching his shoulder with his free hand. Faal gentley pushed the jacket aside and winced.There was a fairly deep gash. "Damn .. Hang on Lex.. I'm afraid this is going to hurt." Faal slipped the tips of his fingers inside the wound and wrapped his free arm around LEx to hold himn tight as he tried to jerk away. Faal closed his eyes, wincing as an oily looking black mist seemed to lift from out of the wound and coil around his fingers before suddenly coiling back and rushing at the hand, vanishing beneath the skin. A black shadow could be seem slipping just beneath the skin of Faals hand, heading up beneath the sleeve of his coat. He removed his hand from Lex's wound, shaking his arm. "Sorry, luv, I had to remove the poison. In your already weakened condition, it would've had you in no time... Lex gasped wide eyed, both from the pain of the wound being touched and the poison being with drawn. "Thank you..." He managed to say. However it was cut short...the second demon, although it's wings were hanging from it's back, was on it's feet again, looking even more angry and deadly. Faal gave a sigh, looking tired. "Oh for the love of pete.. "He said and thrust his hand towards the creature, glaring at it. "enough.. I don't need you. " The creature gave a shriek, and suddenly crashed to the ground, silent and limp. Faal watched for a second as it began to 'melt' into an oily black cloud and sink into the ground.He turned back to the first demon, that still thrashed weakly. Lex was breathing deeply, trying to catch the breath that the demon had knocked out of him and keep on his legs, locking his knees before they dropped him. The first demon turned it's head in their direction and it's eyes seemed to be asking for them to finish it off. It gave a bit of a mornful cry and Lex realized something. "It was a pair...mates..." He breathed, eyes widening again. Faal sighed, sitting on the ground in front of the creature, pulling Lex down next to him. He stared at the creature for a moment, his eyes losing their human appearance and taking on the same shifting colours of the light encasing the demon. He reached out and touched the creature's head. It bowed its head under the touch, no longer fighting. Faal gave a small sound pulled back his hand. The creature loked at him with that same imploring look again and he nodded. The light suddenly brightened and the creature sunk to the ground, They watched the oily mist sink into the ground and the light net vanish. Lex stared at the place where the demon had been, tears he didn't realize he had in his eyes, slipping down his cheeks at the thought. The idea that it had been a pair of mates. True, they had been demons, but appearently they had some sort of feelings similar to love, because once the one was dead, the other hadn't wanted to live with out it's mate. Faal reached around, wrapping an arm around Lex and pulling him closer. "It's alright... They've merely been sent back to where they came from. Demon's don't die that clean or that easy. That's why the second went willingly. If it was death, she would've wanted revenge first." He leaned against LEx for a moment before remembering where they were. "Come on. WE need to get that shoulder looked at." "That was the she?!" Lex asked in disbelief, trying to wipe his cheeks off. He frowned, having forgotten his shoulder. He couldn't help it, he shed more tears, just at the idea of a pair of lovers going through that. He knew before he was empathetic, but for some reason this event effected him more. He touched his shoulder absently, it was still bleeding freely. Faal gave another tired sigh. "Yes. I spoke with it, in a way.. to find out why it was here. Let's go Lex, before I'm unable to drive as well." He said, getting unsteadily to his feet before reaching a hand down to Lex. Lex let Faal pull him to his feet, then asked softly. "Why was it here then...why were they both here?" as they headed back toward the car. The wood was still silent and Lex though that silence would be to much. "They were called here.. summoned. Promised a home with good hunting and no competion for the food... " he sighed again having to stop to find their trail in the snow before continuing on. I saw who called them... three men. one of them was Rhy..." Lex sighed deeply. "I knew Rhy was involved...and I can only imagine who the other two where...they may have been demons, but they didn't deserve to be manipulated like that..." He said in a whisper, still misrable. And he was feeling dizzy again. "I suppose I can imagine WHY Rhy summoned them..." He muttered. "Doesn't matter at the moment. The power to call two demons has left them drained for a while. Let's head back to Mr's O'Riley's... It's still early, but I need to rest for a while.. as do you, once your shoulder is tended to. Do you want to see a doctor, or shall I stitch it up for you. I'm not bad, but I don't know that I have the steadiest hands at the moment." Lex smiled slightly illy. "Going back to Mrs. O'Riley's I wont have to see a doctor...Mrs. O'Riley is a nurse of 57 years..." Lex replied, seeing the car coming into view as they left the woods. Faal chuckled. "Why am I not surprized..." He walked Lex to the passenger side and waited for him to get in before heading back around to the drivers side. He flopped down behind the wheel, closing his eyes for amoment before starting the car. Lex looked over at Faal and asked softly. "Are you alright?" He knew they were both shaken, but perhaps for different reasons. Outside, snow began falling again, large heavy flakes. Faal gave a soft chuckle as he turned the car around and headed back to town. He reached over and squeezed Lex's hand. "Yes. Just tired. I had to absorb the poison into myself or it wouldn't leave you. It can't hurt me, don't worry... it just, takes a bit out of me." He turned and flashed a tired smile at Lex. "I need a nap.. care to join me?" Lex smiled slightly. "I think we could both use a nap...and no doubt Mrs. O'Riley will be thrilled to loan us a room. But perhaps while Mrs. O'Riley is tending to my shoulder...you should call Chaos..." He suggested. He watched as Faal drove them back toward the inn "An excellent idea. I wish I could tell her I had stolen you away for the night as well as the day... actually, come to think of it, you stole me. " he chuckled again, turning back onto the main streetof town and heading for the inn. "What shall I tell her? " Lex watched the inn getting closer. "I don't know...the truth I suppose...she'll wanna know what happened..." He smiled slightly, looking out the window, considering how Chaos had been protective over him since Hell. He sighed, feeling exhausted. He saw Mrs. O'Riley come to the door of the inn as they pulled up, looking concerned. Faal shut off the car and handed the keys back to Lex as they got out. Faal bowed slightly, giving her a tired smile. " The monster's have been vanquished, m'lady. And the heros are in need of some first aid, and a bed to recoup their strength." Mrs. O'Riley's eyes widened as she saw Lex's shoulder. "Oh! Oh my! Get in 'ere!" She chasted, grabbing Lex's other arm gently, dragging Lex inside. "Maggy!" She yelled up the stairs. A young woman appeared from the stair well. "Yes, mum?" "Perpare the red room!" Mrs. O'Riley said, before dragging Lex toward the kitchen. "Yes mum!" Maggy answered, before vanishing to do as her mother said. Faal watched her drag Lex off and sank onto a nearby chair, pulling his phone from his pocket. He quickly dialed in the number and waited. "Hello, little one. Yes, I have seen Lex.. he's with me. No, I most certainly did NOt sneak him away.. he picked me up. We're fine, we're at a little inn he knows. No, I don't believe we'l be back today, Lex and I have plans for tonight. " He chuckled. " Really Clarice, we're fine. We had a a tangle with a couple lower demons and got a tad banged up, but it's nothing. Vanquished, of course. Yes I'll tell him. Yes, dearest Clarice, tomorrow.. first thing. Good bye, Clarice." He snapped the phone shut with a chuckle, slipping it back into his pocket. He leaned back againt the chair and closed his eyes, waiting for Lex. Mrs. O'Riley was quick to stitch up Lex's shoulder. She covered it with a bandage after stitching it up. She took his jacket as he stood up from the chair, thankfully the shirt sat lower about the shoulders, and hadn't been ruined. "I'll stitch up yer jacket and I'll have dinner at eight. Now the two o' ye get up to the red room and get some rest. Maggy!" She called up the back stairs. Lex smiled wearily at Mrs. O'Riley's mother henning. "The room's ready mum!" Maggy called back down. Mrs. O'Riley looked at Lex. "Ye know the red room, my dear?" "Yes, Mrs. O'Riley." Lex said with a nod as he headed back toward the hall. "If either o' ye need anything, just call!" Mrs. O'Riley said after him as she searched for her sewing kit. "Thank you, Mrs. O'Riley." Lex answered, stepping into the hall and looking at Faal. Faal opened his eyes at the voices to find Lex standing infront of him, looking at him. He smiled. " All patched up?" He asked and LEx nodded, a small smile on his face. Faal chuckled and pushed himself to his feet, he wavered for a second before steadying hismelf. He gave another soft chuckle. " Right then.. off to bed!" He stopped next to Lex, staring down into his eyes. " You will come with me won't you?" There was a slight hesitation in Lex's eyes. The last person he'd shared a bed with, even if it was just a nap, had been Rue. But he nodded. "Mrs. O'Riley gave us the red room. It's at the end of the hall..." He started up the stairs and paused, waiting for Faal half way up, turning to look down at him. Faal stood for a moment, watching Lex, seeing the hestiation in his eyes had reminded him all over again of what a delicate soul he was. "Lex.. I promise I'll be a perfect gentleman." Lex smiled softly, but beckoned with a finger. "Lets not think about that, just now, luv..." He answered softly. He turned and headed up the stairs, but waited at the top for Faal. Faal climbed the stairs below Lex, watching Lex. When he reached the top he reached out and took Lex's hand before he could slip away again. Lex turned his eyes to Faal, it was clear he was exhausted, but there was a warmth and love in his absinthe green eyes. "This way..." He said in a whisper, nodding with his head toward the door at the far end of the hall which was opening, revealing a large victorian looking bed room done in deep reds, One could just see the foot board of a large four poster bed and there was a fire in the fire place Faal sighed as he stepped into the room and closed the door behind them. He shrugged out of his coat, laying it on chair, his boots he set beside the chair. He turned to Lex. "Would you feel more comfortable if we remained fully clothed?" He appraoched the bed, running a finger over the wood of the footboard. "Or can we at least go shirtless..." Lex had discared his shoes, which were ruined and looked up at Faal. Now the hesitation returned, but if he was going to do this, he might as well do it. With out a word, and possibly unaware of how sensual the action was, he wrapped his arms around his shirt and pulled it slowly off, over his head, not even Rue had seen him often with out a shirt. His slinder waist was revealed, the jeans sitting low on his hips. Even if the scars on his arms were covered by Faal's glimmer, the stark scars that covered his back were visable. . He'd had his back to Faal when he'd taken off his shirt and he looked slightly over his shoulder at him. Faal walked up behind him and wrapped his arms around his waist pulling him tight aginst him for a moment, kissing his ear. "You are so beautiful." he whispered before bending low and kissing each scar on Lex's back. When he'd kissed everyone at least once, he turned Lex around to face him and lifted his arms and kissed the invisable scars as well. Lex's sigh simply said in now words, how much he'd come to love Faal. He looked at him, his eyes prickling with tears of love. "No one's ever told me that..." He whispered, barely audible. His fingers touched Faal's cheek tenderily, before he leaned up and kissed Faal tenderily. Faal kissed him back, pulling Lex tight against him. " You are. You should been told a million times a day." he said. his hands sliding up and down caressing Lex's back. " you know.. I'd love to continue this..." he gave a soft chuckle, and brushed his nose against Lex's. "but I'm so tired I feel like I'm about to fall where I stand.." Blushing, Lex turned slightly, pulling Faal to the bed. Looking into his eyes, he said in a whisper. "I love you." Faal smiled as he sat on the edge of the bed, pulling Lex down beside him. "God, I love hearing you say that. I love you too, litle flame." he said, brushing his lips agaisnt Lex's in a soft kiss. with a grin he turned and unbuttoned his shirt, tossing it over the foot board. Across his back was a tribal-style blak pheonix.. it's wings covered his shoulder blades and the tail flowed donw his spine He turned , pulling his feet up on the bed and lay back, extending one arm toward Lex. The bicep bore a delicate image of a fairy, also done in black. Lex reached over, his finger lightly tracing the fairy tattoo. "A bit delicate isn't it?" He asked with a slight smile, looking Faal with a smile. he turned slightly and with the low sitting of his jeans, on his hip, there was visable the start of a small green steam to the double cherries he had there, although no one had ever seen them. But he'd quiet fallen in love with the phoenix on Faal's back Faal chuckled. "The fairy is Jasmine's fault. Although I have grown rather fond of it. "He chuckled turnig onto his side to face Lex. His fingers reaching out to trace the line of green to where it vanished. "the pheonix is a long story and many reasons. "He smiled and patted the mattress beside him. "I promise I will tell you all of them. Just not right now. " Lex slid onto the bed beside Faal, with a slight smile. "You're being puzzling again, luv..." He said softly, teasingly. "I'm sure soon enough you'll see my cherry tattoo...I admit, I was rather intoxicated the night I decided to get it on my hip..." He blushed, but was still smiling slightly, and stretched out beside Faal. Faal chuckled softly as he both scooted closer to Lex and pulled him against him, snuggling close. He rested his face against the soft red of Lex's hair, wrapped his arms around him Lex snuggled against Faal, quiet content, his arms tucked against Faal. He closed his eyes, but was smiling lovingly. He yawned slightly, inclinging his head, his chin resting against Faal's shoulder, and was already falling asleep. **** Faal was suddenly awake. The room was dark, the fire burned down to faint coals. Lex moaned in his sleep beside him, and he wrapped his arms tighter against him, kissing his forehead. Lex began to whimper, twisting as if trying to escape. "Lex? Little one, it's okay.. shhh it's just a dream..." It had started out like the dream had, for the last few nights. Lex would find himself before the large stone arch way, with the polished stone floor, forming some kind of intricate and in a way, grusome seal on the ground. He could hear a woman faintly calling his name. Each dream, he'd get a little futher. This time he'd just stepped through the arch way on to the stone floor, when everything took on a dark atomsphere. He felt as if some one or something was watching him and had turned to look back the way he came. The man standing there, had blondish hair, long. He looked vaguely familiar, but Lex couldn't place him. The only thing he knew was the man scared him greatly. He started to back away from the man, backing up. His feet had just hit the stone circle when skelton and corpse like hands and arms sprang up all around, grabbing him. They pulled him backwards onto the ground, on his back, holding him tightly, nails digging into his skin all over. Lex tried to scream, but hands racked at his face and neck, all he could smell and taste was rotting flesh and death. He watched with wide eyes as the man came forward at a leiserly pace, a wicked sword in hand. Lex struggled in the dream to get away and was unaware, that in the bed, he was struggling to pull away from Faal. Faal realized that Lex was trapped in the dream. A fearie sending. He closed his eyes, holding close to Lex as he reached out to attempt to tear the dream fabric apart. He could feel a thin sheen of sweat break out on his skin as the dream resisted him. It had been a long time since he'd felt a sending this strong. Abruptly, he switched tactics and pushed himself at the dream. With a sigh he felt himself slip through and found him self inside Lex's dream. The hands continued to hold Lex to the ground, no matter how much he struggled, they began tearing at the clothes he was wearing as the man came to a stop, still holding the sword and watching with an impassive expression as if waiting for the hands to finish. Lex struggled, but the hands' nails ripped and tore, both at the cloths and his skin and he couldn't scream. He could only stare at the man horror and then the pain started. Lex whimpered in his sleep, still struggling the pain getting worse. "Teliveer! Enough! Let the boy go!" Faal said appraoching through the dream realm, a look of fury on his face. Teliveer turned part way, a look of fury on his face as he regarded Faal. His voice was calm, but his eyes flashed. "He, like his mother, belongs to me. For all the Fates' little joke of making the next daughter of the seal a boy, he still belongs to me...and his death will mean my victory. Be gone from here, slave. You have no business or right to be here!" Teliveer replied. The hands continued their torture, but when the one was removed from Lex's mouth, he screamed in pain, his eyes closing and Teliveer looked almost gleefully on. Faal held out his hand and a light appeared and grew, suddenly becomine a sword. "That's where you're wrong, Teliveer. I have every right to be here." Teliveer turned, a sneer on his face and stopped at the site of the strange sword in Faal hands. A look of shocked surprize passed over his face. "How did you..?" He forced the sneer back on his face. "no matter. Be gone." Faal felt a tugging as Teliver waved his hand and turned back to LEx, and knew that he had just tried to banish him back to the waking world. Faal smiled maliciously and gripped the sword two handed, appraoching Lex. He walked past Teliveer and stood above Lex, turning to face the Fae King. "You have no power over me any longer, ' your majesty' ." he said in a mocking tone. " The pheonix has claimed me as it's own." He bent and began to slice at the hands holding and tearing at Lex with the sword. As soon as the blade touched them, they vanished. Teliveer appeared furious, and struck out with his sword. But he when he spoke, his voice was still calm and cold. "Do you think even that will help the boy?" He sneered. "He already feels the pull to Terra...it's only a matter of time before he is truly in my realm...and will you follow? You can not keep him from coming...you of all people should know time is running out...perhaps not as quickly if he didn't have a death curse over him...but if he doesn't set foot with in our realm soon enough...he will die...and either way, I've won..." Teliveer sneered, striking at Faal with his own sword. The sword in Fals hand flashed into flame and blocked Telivers blow. Faal smiled grimly at him over their blades. "I will not follow him.. I will bring him. But by then.. it will no longer be your realm." He said, shoving with all his strength and the strength of the sword, sending Teliveer stumbling back. "You insolent fool." Teliveer hissed, eyes flashing as he stumbled backwards. "Your death will be slow and painful, along side that abomination that was my son and that thing that that shares his blood! Mark my words! And when I am done with you, or perhaps before I kill you, I will have my way with that boy. Yes...I think I'll make you watch..." Teliveer sneered, before vanishing. Faal dropped to his knees beside Lex. He lay curled on his side on the seal, shaking uncontrolibley, sobbing. "Lex. Can you hear me? Are you alright?" Most of his cloths had been shredded and there were long red nail marks and scratches all over his body. But the pain was fading slowly and he opened his eyes slowly, looking up at Faal through the tears, though his eyes reflected fear and confusion, he tried to speak but the only thing that came out was a strangled sob. Faal reached out and pulled Lex into his arms, the sword vanishing. "It's okay. It's just a dream.. we're going back now, okay? time to wake up." Faal kissed Lex's forehead and reached out again, this time tearing the dream fabric easily. Lex sat up in the bed with a gasp and Faal pulled him into his arms. Lex sobbed, allowing Faal to hold him, he'd never had a dream or nightmare like that, and it had scared him. He'd heard everything Teliveer had said and was trying to make sense of it all. He finally found his voice and was able to whisper. "I'm so scared..." He closed his eyes, the tears falling pasted his eye lids, his head against Faal's chest. Faal kissed the top of his head before resting his cheek against it. "I know, luv. The Fate's have outdone themselves in their weaving for you." He gentley rubbed LEx's back as he spoke. " After Estehl rescued me, I wandered for a while, and found my way to the Fate's, who gave me a riddle to unravel. "He chuckled softly. " I managed part of it, and found myself travelling through Terra and Hell, eventually I found myself in a cavern of fire.. and yet i was safe. There was a woman sitting in the middle of the flames and she held out her hand to me and i took it. I had a vision.. of who she was and where I was... and who I could be... There is a stone, a jewel, really, known as the Pheonix Stone, and it needs to be protected for those who seek it.. like Teliveer. It has power over life and death and.. well.. it's pretty strong stuff. " He chuckled again, kissing the top of Lex's head. " Long stoty short, I became another guardian of the stone.. there are five of us, all told. One remains with the stone at all times, the others do it's work. My work took me to your mother, briefly. I didn't know her that well. at all really. I offreed her a warning .. and a choice.. She laughed at both.. I never saw her again." Lex opened his eyes slowly, and had to asked, still in a whisper. "Who was my mother..." "She was the Daughter of the Seal. It's her place from birth to protect the Seal and keep the worlds safe. You are her heir. That's why Teliveer wants you so badly. If he breaks the Seal... well. I guess it's a good thing he'l be dead before he gets a chance." Lex had heard of the Seal, he'd heard the White King speak of it at least once, but it didn't help his confusion. Or that fact that if his mother had been the Daughter of the seal, how he could be her heir. "He wants me dead...he said so...Honnor Knight even said that..." He whispered, more tears coming. "If you're dead, the seal is broken. When the seal breaks... the armies of the undead will consume the earth. It's your duty in life to protect the seal... and I know now, that it is my duty in life to protect you. Every Daughter has a guardian.. the fates told me I would be the guardian of the next daughter of the Seal... but it was told Lillian had no duaghter. Since the seal held with her death, I figured she must be in hiding. I never thought... until this afternoon when you had the dream and told me what you saw..." Lex sighed, closing his eyes again. Certian things Honnor had said back in Hell were beginning to make sense. "He put my mother in Abadon's domain...just to ensure he'd be able to use me..." He breathed, speaking of Honnor, frowning through the silent tears now. "Just so he could be able to releash Abandon...to control that army... and if I die...Honnor and Teliveer win...That's why Honnor was so mad when Rowen had the curse put on me!" He said, finally looking up. Faal tilted Lex's head back and kissed away his tears. "You won't die, Lex. I'm here to make sure of that. And they won't win either. I stil have a piece of the Fate's riddle to see through, so you'll just have to trust me on that." He leaned down and kissed Lex. "It must be after eight... Feel up to eating something?" Lex sighed, but stayed tucked against Faal. He was to tired to eat, but on the other hand, he was terrified of falling back a sleep and to top it off, he hadn't eatten anything all day. And Aiyla had told him a thousands time, that by not eating, was giving the death curse a bit more chance to drain more of his life. But he had to speak the thought in his head before answering Faal. "I some times wonder if I'm going to live to see 25....yes...I really should try and eat something." He added with a sigh. Faal stroked LEx's hair back from his face and looked into his eyes. "Lex. Haven't you heard me? I said I'm your Guardian and I am Not going to let you die. Mystical Guardian's know these things, okay, so shut up and kiss me, and then we'll go eat." he said with an impish smile daring Lex to resist. The impish grin was enough to bring a giggle through the tears and Lex threw his arms around Faal's neck, kissing him deeply and lovingly, before he clung to him just wanting to be held a moment longer before they went down stairs. Faal set his napkin aside, and watched Lex pick over the remains of his meal. He'd obvioulsy had too much to work over at once and had been fairly quiet through out their meal. Faal had been content just to be with him, and didn't want to push anymore on him, and so had no mad any attempt at conversation so far. But he felt the time had come to change that. "Lex... I know this has been a lot at once... but I'm here if you need to talk about it, or hear more." Lex sat his fork down and sighed, looking at Faal, "I'm just...trying to make sense of it all...and shake this feeling of...home sickness since the dream..." He said softly. He was sure that's what the feeling was. "And figure out what to do now..." he added even softly. However, he looked toward the door as he heard footsteps. Coming across the room, dressed impecabily was Jasmine, and she smiled brilliantly at them as she approached. "There you are...I've been looking everywhere for you." She said reaching the table. Faal gave a soft chuckle at hearing the familiar voice and stood. "Jasmine. As beautiful as ever. I would like to thank you for being such a good friend to my Lex." Jasmine smiled more, her amber eyes sparkling. "I have my own reasons for that, Faal, as my own reasons for spending the last couple hours looking over hell and high water for the two of you." She turned her eyes on Lex thoughtfully. "Are you alright, Lexi?" Lex gave her a tired smile and nodded absently. Jasmine took a seat in the only other chair at the table and opened her purse. Faal rolled his eyes as she opededn her purse and sat back down. "Here we go...And what pearls of wisdom do you have to dispense for us this evening, wise one. " He said, in a lighty mocking tone. The sparkle in his eyes and michievious tug at the corners of his mouth were almost enogh to make Lex giggle. Jasmine merely gave him that 'I'm not amused' look, and resumed her search. "The question is, what have the two of you been up to, to cause me to have to search you out, and what did you do to piss off Teliveer, dearest Faal." She turned her eyes on him with a pointed look as she found what she was looking for a removed her cigarette case, opening it and holding it out to Lex. Lex hesitated, then took one. Faal tried to surpress a smirk but failed. "I thwarted his evil plans. " He said in a deep voice before a soft chuckle and a finger pointed towards LEx. "He did a sending on Lex. A nasty one. I had to call.... on some back up, to break through and pull Lex out." "Indeed...yes, I had the feeling he was going to do that..." Jasmine replied, taking her lighter out next. After lighting her own cigarette, she passed the lighter to Lex. He toyed with the lighter a moment, playing with the flame, but lit the cigarette. "I don't blame you for being shaken..." Jasmine said softly to Lex, who just shrugged. Jasmine sat back in her chair, taking a deep drag of her cigarette and regarded Lex. "I suppose Faal has told you then?" Lex looked at her with surprise. "You knew?" "I know a lot of things, Lexi, but it's not my place to say..." Jasmine answered seriously. Faal leaned on the table, watching Lex. "Don't be upset with her, Lex. Some humans feel the same way, about not interferring, but with most Fae it's something that's become a matter of survival withing the courts, as well. A direct question might get you a round about answer if your lucky." He said with a chuckle and a wink. " The forth rightness you've experience with myself, and occasionally Jasmine, is a rare treat." Lex rubbed his left temple with his free hand, took a long drag off his cigarette and sighed. "No...I'm used to everyone knowing more then I do..." He muttered simply. Jasmine chuckled, leaned forward again and reached over, ruffling Lex's hair lightly. "Consider it for your own protection..." Lex gave her a look and Jasmine chuckled more. "Yes, I know, you hate that term. But really, Lexine, there's so much riding on your protection right now...It's not just me, but Estehl and Justice. And that reminds me..." Jasmine turned her eyes to Faal. "Estehl has recently found out, he WAS Lillian's guardian..." Faal gave a snort."Bit late on that, wasn't he?" He picked up his wine glass and ghave the contents an abentminded swirl before taking a drink. "I think you can pas along to our prince that the time's almost here... I can feel it getting closer. Teliveer is about to fall...." Jasmine chuckled. "You can imagine Estehl's remorse and guilt over that. Justice and I had to deal with quiet a sullen Crowned Prince and you know how Estehl gets in a bad mood." She winked, then sighed. "He knows, Faal. Teliveer not only threatened Lex this evening, he threatened Lily Rose...it was all we could do to not lock Sands in a closet somewhere under wards...Still, it can't be done from this realm, and you know that..." Lex remained silent, just listening to them. Faal nodded. "Oh I know. Lex and I will be visiting there soon enough. There's really no choice in the matter. however, I was thinking I'd rather pop in before hand and we could clear up that business so it would be that much safer for Lex..." Faal sighed. "I don't think that will be possible though..." "That will be impossible." Jasmine shifted uncomfortable. "There's two problems that have complicated these events, three actually." She looked at Faal. "Teliveer destoryed the Golden Court this morning...several of the others are either dead or in hiding," She held up a hand before he could say anything. "Yes, he's done it before, but this time, he had help, Faal...and iron was used..." Faal hissed in shock. "Not even he would... bright Terra! He has gone mad.. perhaps we should have acted before now... " "No, Teliveer wouldn't...but Honnor Knight would...Faal, he's placed Knight on the black throne, in LiVed's place. No one knows where LiVed is...but you can bet that'll be problem three when he does resurface. In the mean time, Knight has been doing Teliveer's bidding to destory the rebels, both in Ter Nah Nog and in this realm. Puk and Doyle reported Garridan, I'm sure you remember him, was found dead last night." "Damn. All these decades of planning and preperation... we'll have to move now! Before our forces are cut even more! I'll try to contact the other guardians and let them know we'll be moving sooner..." Jasmine tapped the ashes off her cigarette and looked at Lex, who'd just snubbed out his, and was looking out the window. He looked as if he wasn't paying attention, but Jasmine knew other wise. She said softly to Faal however. "Time's shorter then you think...curse factored in, and you know what will happen if you don't get him to ter nah nog, I'd say three, four weeks at the most before both kills him. and if we go to war against Teliveer now...that only puts him in more danger..." Faal reached over and took Lex's hand. "Lex, I'm not sure how much you've picked up.. but with your Fae blood, .. this normally doesn't effect halfbloods, but prehaps its due to the curse of your position with the heirachy... but you MUST go to ter nah nog. If you don't you will die. All fae must return home at some point. It's in the blood. But in your case, Teliveer is waiting for you." "Which doesn't leave me with much choice does it?" He asked softly, holding Faal's hand, but finally looking at the pair. "No, it doesn't Lexi, but percautions can be taken, and Estehl is seeing to those percautions." Jasmine explained. "On top of that, you have a superb guardian. Still. You can expect Teliveer's hench men to be trying to get ahold of you in this realm, while he waits for you in Ter Nah Nog...we're not sure if he's asked Knight to help with that...Justice is looking into it. But we think he's just got Knight focused on destorying our numbers...we all know Honnor was in love with Lillian...and then there's LiVed to find..." Jasmine said, her eyes distant a moment. "damn. "Faal said again. "That man has the worst timing..."He gave Lex a wistful look. "WEll.. at least he allowed us Valentine's day... would've perferred a bit more lesuire time with you before heading back to work.." Lex managed a slight smle. "Bad guys always have bad timing." He said softly. Jasmine chuckled. "Don't they." She stood up. "I'd stay longer luvs, but I've got errands to run, and I promised to meet up with Estehl before the night's over." She gave them both a brilliant smile again, sat her cigarette case next to Lex's elbow and patted him on the shoulder. "Keep it, you're probably going to need it." Faal watched Jasmine leave, then seemed to deflat slightly. He rubbed the back of his neck with his free hand and sighed again. " I am so sorry all of this is happening now, Lex. When I knew you for who you were, I had hoped to have time to tell you everything in your own time.. not dump everything on you at once..." Lex shrugged, sliding the cigarette case into his jacket pocket. Mrs. O'Riley had fixed his jacket, and it didn't even appear to have been ripped at all. "Everything gets thrown at me at once, Faal. Finding out I was the lock to Abandon's prison was thrown at me at once, along with Rowen's little death curse and finding out about Saffron and my father...AND that Rowen was alive...I'm getting used to it. Still, a break would be nice." he said with an glimmer of a smile. Faal squeezed Lex's hand. "Yes but those happened before I was here. I plan on not just keeping you safe, but happy and doing everything I can to cushion you form all this crap life keeps throwing at you." He tilted his head slightly, a smile tugging at his mouth. "I don't suppose there's any chance of us pulling out of the race and locking ourselves back up in the room for the night...." Lex opened his mouth to say something about that, when there came a squeal of tires, the slamming of breaks and the shattering of glass, and crunch of metal. He saw Maggy running for the front door and attempted to look out the window, but in the dark night, despite all the snow, he really couldn't see anything. Then heard Maggy. "Er...Lex...some one just hit your car..." Faal was on his feet and helping a stunned Lex, who'd shot to his feet at the word 'car'. With they're coats upstairs in their rooms, all they had were their 'dinner' jackets, but the two men, with Maggie at their side went out onto the porch to assess the damage. Faal wrapped an around Lex's waist as he heard him groan at the sight. The back of the car was totalled, the back windshield shattered and the trunk crumpled in. "I just had it restored..." Lex muttered, shaking his head. Thats when he saw the black camero idoling just beyond the drive way of the inn. "Oh you son of a bitch..." Lex growled, starting to pull out of Faal's arms. As if answering him, Rhy appeared getting out of his camero with a smug expression and seemed to be waiting. Faal held on tighter to Lex. "no, Lex.. that's what he wants. Let me.. this is after all my job now." He turned Lex to look at him and kissed him. "Please?" Lex hesitated, then sighed. "Just get in a good hit for me..." He muttered. Maggie was still standing with them, "The bastard's been hangin' round for the last few days...creepy too." She said. Lex sighed, shaking his head. "He is...Maggie, can I use your phone?" "Sure thing, Cherry." Maggie said with a smile handing him her cellphone. Lex dialed Shane's number. "Shane...bout the race, mate...my car just got totalled, have to call it off. Yeah yeah, I know..I'll talk to you later...Bye..." He hung up after the simple call and handed Maggie back her phone, glaring at Rhy across the way, who was still smiling smugling Faal gave Lex another kiss before shooing Maggie back inside. He strode down off the proch and approached Rhy, a glow already gathering around him, strongest at his hands. "You've had your warnings, you had your 'get out of jail free card'... Games over." He said, his voice calm, as he raised a hand and that same raindow hued light that had caught the demons earlier, shot out at Rhy. Rhy was quick, he either blocked the attack or moved, Lex wasn't sure, but Rhy flicked his wrist and an unseen force sent Faal stumbling back. "Getting involved in something you shouldn't be, 'friend'." Rhy replied with a sneer. "Lexine, you've got a choice to come willingly, or I will take you by force." Rhy called. Faal chuckled. "You are the one who's involved insomething he shouldn't be. I am Lex's guardian.. amoung other things. It is my job to protect him, as well as my pleasure." Faal smiled as Rhy did another flip, and he stumbled back another step, the smile not wavering. "Do you honestly think you stand a chance against me, Rhy? The only reason you still live, is LEx.. and he doesn't care about that any more." A dark aura began spreading around Rhy. "Do you really underestimate your opponates like this?" Rhy asked with a sneer. "You have thirty seconds, Lexine." His eyes however were on Faal. The wind was slowly starting to pick up around them, not naturally. Lex started off the porch, but Maggie dragged him back. Faal increased the glow around himself and began walking casually towards Rhy. The next time Rhy tried to push him, it had no effect. Faals held out his hands and the light shot out, this time wrapping around Rhy completely , knocking him to his knees before fading. Faal stopped infront of him, and reaching down, pulled Rhy to his feet. " I never underestimate. " He said and broke Rhy's nose sending the other man back to his knees in the snow. Rhy wiped the blood from his lips, with the back of his hand, before lashing out and kicking Faal. At the same time, the wind picked up to an awful gust and transperant wolf looking creature appeared, attacking at Faal on Rhy's command. "Times up, Lexine." Rhy growled, getting to his feet. He flicked his wrist again, this time something shoving Lex hard off the porch into the snow. Faal growled, the light flashing and the wolf vanished as he turned on Rhy. "You dare attack him in front of ME?!" He said, holding out his hand. The light gathered and suddenly a sword of flame appeared in his hand, and the human glamour dropped. His multicoulred eyes glowed wickedly in the light from the sword as he attacked Rhy in ernest. All thoughts of scaring him off and sparing Lex's feelings were gone. Pure rage drove him now and he wouldn't stop unilt Rhy was dead. Rhy produced two slim long swords in reply, bringing them up to block Faal's strike. The passangers side of his camero opened up. Maggie had been helping Lex out of the snow, when Lex saw who got out of the passanger's seat and he slipped on the snow, his eyes wide. Rowen Ravenscourt leaned against the passanger door of the camero, watching the fight with amusement, but not lifting a hand to either fight Faal or defend Rhy. He turned his dark eyes on Lex and winked with a cold smile. Rhy struck back at Faal with one sword, blocking with the other. Faal sent a flare of his own power through the sword and Rhy was sent stumbling backwards, his own swords growing hot in his hands. Out of the corner of his eye, Faal saw the second man get out of the car and look to Lex. He turned back to Rhy. "My attention is needed elsewhere, little man. Good bye. " He growled,swinging the sword around, slicing straight through Both rhy's blades, and through Rhy himself. Rowen turned an unflinching eye on Rhy's started expression as Faal's sword sliced through him. "I always told you're over confidence would get you killed." Rowen said boredly, leaning on the car, before coming around to the drivers side. Rhy attempted to strike at Rowen for his remark, but Rowen just kicked him over. He turned his dark eyes on Faal, assessing him. Saying nothing, he turned his eyes to Lexine who was starting at him wide eyed and a touch fearful. Rowen had changed yet again, and an dark evilness radiated from him, something he hadn't had before. "You never make things simple, Lexine..." Rowen said, still in a bored tone. Faal's magic flared out encircling Rowen, who seemed to easily vanquish it. Faal held the sword at the ready. "go ahead and try something. you harm him ina anyway, and i'll kill you too." Rowen laughed out right, turning his eyes back on Faal. "Oh no, I'm not stupid enough to try with his guardian standing between us. That'll come later. There's a pair of dullhans and a banshee hanging around, straight from Teliveer...I'm sure you'll hear them later. In the mean time," Rowen had picked up Rhy's keys and he saluted both Faal and Lex. "I'll be seeing you soon enough, Lexi babe." Withthat Rowen climbed into the camero, started it and backed out, turning and driving away. Lex fell down in the snow, watching the camero vanish in the darkness, numb to the cold. He heard Maggie sigh from the porch. "Well damn...that's another body to get rid of..." She muttered, "Lexi?" She called his name softly, but Lex didn't answer her, looking down ward at the ground, the silent tears already falling on the snow. Faal turned back to Rhy's body and lay the sword ontop, then turned and walked away. by the time he'd reached Maggie and Lex, Rhy and the sword had both vanished. He wrapped his arms around Lex and pulled him against him. "Come on, Lex. Let's get you inside where it's warm. Back up stairs to the fireplace..." Maggie's eyes flashed and she was whispering something in gaelic, a protection spell weaving it's self around the house. Lex inclined his head, still crying silently, "Why does Rowen have to do this.." his voice was muffled but it was clear the sight of the former air elemental had severaly upset him. "Because he's a sick twisted bastard.. but the twisting wasn't his fault, you know that."faal said, patting Maggie on the shoulder as they went back in. "don't worry for Rhy... the pheonix power will see him reincarnated safely. Hopeuflly he will have a better go of this next time around. As for Rowen.. "Faal chuckled. "turnabout's fair play... I marked the bastard... it'll slow drain him of his strength and power.. much like he's done with you, luv. It won't kill him, but it'll slow him down.. and piss him off. Plus, I can tell when he's near now... nice sideeffect that." "He knows what it's going to come down to..." Lex muttered misrably. "I suppose that's why he put the curse on me first...but I can't do it...I can't be the one!" "You can't say you're still in love with him, Lexi." Maggie said, as she closed and locked the door. "I'm not..." Lex answered in a hiss. "But he knows I can't kill him and he's mocking me.. Oh god I hate him!" he cried. "I can kill him, Lex. That's all that matters. You're not on your own anymore."Faal held him close, kissing his hair. "He can threaten and pose all he wants, it won't matter. I won't let him harm you anymore, and In the end I'll destroy him." Lex clung to him. "God I just want it to stop..." He breathed. "all of this, the pain, the confussion, I want them to leave me alone..." He closed his eyes against the tears. Maggie had turned off most of the lights down stairs. "You two are welcome to the room for the night...free of charge." She said softly, as she headed toward the kitchen. "Thank you, Maggie.Good night." Faal said, still holding Lex. "It will, Lex. This will all stop soon enough, for better or worse, it will be over."He tilted Lex's chin up and place a gentle kiss on each eyelid. "Let's go back upstairs. We'll stoke the fire back up, and snuggle under the covers. I'll place extra strong wards over you tonight so Teliveer can't try his tricks again..." Lex sighed, still clinging to Faal, "I still don't think I'll sleep much tonight..." He said, trying not to think aobut the nightmare. Faal chuckled softly, rubbing Lex's back. "then we won't sleep." He placed another kiss ontop of Lex's head. "come one, love. Let's go upstairs. I guess I get my wish afterall.. although not how I planned it." Lex allowed Faal to lead him back up stairs. Maggie had already changed the linens on the bed and turned it down, but she'd left the fire place for them to tend to. Still, the lamps had been turned on low and the room had been straightened and felt cozy. Faal removed his jacket and shoes, and knelt by the fireplace, quickly getting a new blaze going. When he turned, Lex was still standing just inside the door, his arms wrapped around himself, staring at the flames. Faal chuckled softly as he went to LEx, and helped him out of his jacket on shoes, then retrieved a quilt from the foot of the bed. He wrapped the blanket around Lex's shoulders and pulled him down to sit in front of the fire, Lex's back pressed against his chest and his arms wrapped around him. On habit, Lex reached out to the fire place, letting the flames lick over his fingers, playing with them absently as he snuggled against Faal. He couldn't believe all this had happened in just a few hours. He could almost imagine where Rowen had gone now, rather to LiVed or somewhere else. He shivered, both from the thought and still cold from the snow. Faal squeezed Lex slightly, and kissed his ear. " We can talk if you'd like. You'd learned so much already, but if want to learn more, we can.. or we can just talk... " Faal let his voice go husky as he kissed Lex's other ear. "..Or if you'd rather not talk there are .. other things to do in a bedroom..." Lex turned his head slightly, looking at Faal. "I don't want to talk about anything to do with today." He said softly, his other hand reaching up to touch Faal's face tenderily. "Anything but today..." He whispered. Faal smiled tenderly and leaned down to capture Lex's mouth for a deeper kiss, feeling Lex's fingers trail over his face. "Is there anything you'd like to talk about, or shallwe just sit here and enjoy the fire for a bit before going to bed?" Lex kissed him back, before sighing softly. "Do you ever think about the future? I mean after all this is done..." He asked softly. "What you want to do or where you want to go?" His fingers lingered on Faal's chin. Faal thought for a moment. " Sometimes. Especially since you walked into my life. I've been around so long. the future stops meaning so much. All it becomes is the end. but knowing you... yes i think of that again..." Lex smiled softly, his eyes distant a moment. "I just want a quiter life, that's all I've ever wanted...I don't like being the center of all this...I never have..." He said softly, looking back at the fire. "It'd be nice...if we could just be like this...for a long time with out something happen...somewhere quiet like this..." "I'll do everything I can to make that happen for you, Lex.. for us. I promise. May have to kill a few more people, vanquish a king or two..." Lex managed a slight smile at that last little bit. "As long as I don't lose you in the processes...I don't think I could be with out you right now, Faal...I know Chaos and the others are imporant to me...but I'm not as close to any of them...I love you to much..." He said in almost a whisper. "you won't lose me, Lex. Fae live a long time... many believe there are those who are immortal. As a Guardian of the stone, I've been granted immortallity... for as long as I guard the stone... " Lex turned his eyes back to Faal, blinking, he didn't know what quiet to say to that. He leaned toward him and kissed Faal tenderily. "I'd tell you not to risk everything for me..but you wouldn't listen, would you?" He asked, looking him in the eyes. Faal chuckled. "Lex, you ARE everything." he said and kissed him again, rubbing his hands up and down Lex's arms beneath othe blanket. "how's your shoulder, love? has it healed yet? Between Mrs. O'Riley, myself and you .. i was thinking it should be fine by now.." Lex touched his own shoulder. "I think so. It hasn't hurt for a while." He moved the blanket, removing the bandage. The wound had more or less healed, especially from the odd balm Mrs. O'Riley had put on it. "I think I fogot to mention Mrs. O'Riley and her daughter are both witches..." He said absently, touching the slight scratch on his shoulder. Faal chuckled. "yes you did. but even if I had failed to sense the power from them, Maggie kind of gave it away on the porch. "He leaned down and kissed Lex's shoulder over the new scar. Lex smiled absently. "Maggie's always been kind of...well they've both been protective of me from the first time I met them..." He leaned his head agianst Faal's shoulder. " doesn't surprise me in the least. you're very easy to love." he said kissing Lex's neck. "and easy to hate..." Lex muttered with a sigh, unable to think about about Rhy and Rowen. He winced openly, closing his eyes and trying to shove those thoughts away "no, Lex. Easy to love... for those who can't love, they just twist it." Faal said, squeezing him tighter. "You should'nt think so lowly about yourself. It's not true." "You're talking to some one who spent their whole life as a submissive slave...it's habit." Lex muttered, eyes still closed, but he nuzzled Faal's neck. "Habits can be broken." Faal said, stroking Lex's hair. "warmer now? You've stopped shivering at least..." "Starting to feel warmer. I warned you I get cold easily, not to mention fast...I don't like the cold..." Lex said with a slight smile, looking at him. "hmm.. me neither. Aall the fun stuff either requires being warm.. or warms you up..." Faal said, his eyes closed and a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. Lex reached up, running his fingers through Faal's hair. "I suppose that's the fun part of ending up cold." He said softly, with a slight giggle Faal chuckled, opening his eyes to look down into those twin green pools. "If you're going to play with my hair, you might want to take it out of the tail fisrt... makes it easier, and it doesn't pull as much. "he said with a smirk and reached back to remove the band from his hair, letting it spill loose down his back. " Better?" Lex had to giggle more. "You look so hadsome.." He said, trying not to blush, wrapping a strand around his fingers gently. Faal chuckled,"You're so beauitful." He slipped him arms under the blanket with Lex and rubbed them gently over his arms. "I fall in love you more every time you look at me with those gorgous eyes of yours... every time you speak to me..." Lex inclined his head, blushing, but he was smiling. "Will you stop making me blush so much?" He asked, still toying with Faal's hair around his fingers. "I've never blushed so much before." He said softly, resting his head on Faal's shoulder "you're even more beautiful when you blush. "faal said, fighting back a chuckle. He wrapped his arms around Lex's waist, his thumbs idely caressing his sides. " I find it so hard to believe that you don't hear how beautiful you are and how wonderful you area ll the time..." "You're the first to tell me any of that." Lex answered, wrapping his other arm around Faal's neck, and nuzzling against him. "so you've said. I just find it hard to believe." Faal chuckled. "you do realize that tickles, don't you?" he said, and gave Lex's ribs a quick tickle in return. " Are you tired? You didn't get much rest earlier..." Lex gasped, quiet ticklish himself. "Watch the sides please." He said in mock warning. Then sighed. "Only slightly." He answered to Faals question of being tired. "But getting there..." "Do you want to climb into bed, or stay here all cozy by the fire for a bit yet... have to make sure we have a fireplace so we can do this all the time..." ""I have two fire places in my apartment. In the front room and the master bed room." Lex said with a smile, but he didn't move, quiet happy to stay there for a while longer, even if he ended up falling asleep. He felt safe in Faal's arms. " hmm good. I have a house outside town that has a couple as well. the one is big enough you can stand in it." Faal rubbed his cheek against Lex's hair. " You even smell good." Lex had to laugh out right. "Now there's one I've never heard...,but thank you..." He answered Faal laughed softly. "there's obvioulsy a lot you've never heard." he said. "Good lord.. I'm sweating to death in just a shirt, and you're bundled up in a blanket and are 'just getting warm'..." he chuckled, removing his arms from around Lex long enough to peel out of his shirt, then cuddle back in close again. " I can see a future of you bundled up in layers and me walking around in next to nothing " he chuckled. Lex had raised a hand to his lips, caught between giggles, eyes closed slightly. "I can't exactly say that would be a bad thing, you in nothing anyway...and I don't always bundle up!" He said indignitantly, opening his eyes, to look at Faal. His other hand touched Faal's chest. " if you're warm enough to NOT bundle up.. I must be completely bare then. " he laughed, stroking Lex's back beneath the blanket. " you have the cutest giggle." "I think you're having to much fun making me blush..." Lex muttered, blushing yet again. He ran a finger over Faal's chest, meeting his eyes. " Yes I am. I can't help it if you're so adorable when you blush and giggle. If you tickle me, I will tickle back. "He raised an eyebrow with a wicked gleam in his eye. "Actually.. that would make you giggle even more, wouldn't it...." Lex's eyes widened. "You wouldn't dare..." He breathed, and attempted to pull away from Faal before he had a chance. He was terribly ticklish. Faal chuckled. "I won't if you won't." he promised, pulling the blanket loose and letting it fall to the side. He chuckled again and pulled LEx back into his arms, wrapping his hands around his waist. " I can't help it.. I have to say it again... you're so beautiful..." Lex couldn't help it. He had to test Faal's words. With a mischievious look in his eyes, he ran his nails over Faal's chest, looking up at him with that almost innocent expression he did so well. Faal raised an eyebrow at LEx, feeling the nails tickle their way down his chest. "Lex... I wouldn't do that if I were you..." He still had the almost innocent expression. "Why?" He asked coyly, biting his bottom lip. Faal chuckled. " You were warned , you know... I won't be held responsible...you do relaize that you look incredibaley sexy when you bite your lip like that..." Faal said, leaning in close and brushing his lips against Lex's, then suddenly began to tickle Lex's ribs. Lex inhaled sharply, squirming, though he knew he'd asked for it. Still it didn't stop him from squirming against Faal, both hands against his chest. "You're wicked, you know that..." He said between gasps, trying not to giggle. "Only when provoked."faal said and stopped tickling just as suddenly as he'd started, scooping Lex into his arms. He brushed his lips against Lex's toying with the kiss while he slipped his hands under Le'x shirt to stroke the bare skin of his back. Lex caught his breath and slid his arms around Faals neck. "I provoked you?" He asked coyly, kissing him back teasingly, he moved one hand, again curling a lock of Faal's hair around his fingers. "I'm innocent." He added playfully. "You're cute when you lie." He said, that michievious twinkle back in his eyes. " you are an incorigable tease, Lex Mordant.. a beautiful, sexy tease..." he said, tightening his hold on Lex as he suddenly leaned forward, pinning Lex to the floor. He leaned above him, his long hair falling to either side of Lex like a curtain. "but I wouldn't have you any other way." "I think I did warn you I had a wicked streak." Lex replied, wrapping his arms around Faal's neck, shiftng under him more comfortably. He continued to kiss him playfully. Faal lowered himself onto an elbow, shifting to the side so he wouldn't crush LEx beneath him. He chuckled as he ran his fgingers through his hair, flinging it over to one side. " Yes, yes you did warn me about that.." he said, trailing kisses from Lex's mouth, down his chin, then slowly down his throat... Lex slid a hand over Faals side, "So you had plenty of warning." He said softly, his other hand sliding through Faal's hair. "Plenty." Faal agreed, kissing the hollow of his throat beneath the collar. He tugged gently at LEx's shirt, sliding his hand beneath, his fingers drawing soft circles around his belly button. Lex shifted against him, carassing Faal's side, feeling Faal's fingers toy with the rose charm on his belly button ring. "Its not as if you've haven't been wicked yourself..." He said softly, his other hand still playing with Faal's hair. "Me? Wicked? Never.. I've been a perfect gentleman... " he said, kissing as far down the neck of the shirt he could reach before, giving Lex a wicked grin and pulling the shirt up to pick up where he left off... "If this is being a perfect gentleman, I'd hate to see what you being wicked is." Lex replied, with a giggle, before just pulling his shirt off to make it easier for Faal. He tossed it toward the chair behind them, but throwing it one handedly, it never quiet made it. "If I were being wicked, we'd have nevver left this at all today..." he mummered as he worked his way down Lex's chest. "Or we'd have pulled over somewhere on the side of the road on the drive here..." "I suppose now IS your chance to be wicked, which is why I said you were being wicked." Lex replied, shifting slightly under him, running his nails up and down Faal's side playfully. Faal reached Lex's belly button and paused to look up at him. "No.. still not being wicked."he said, smirking." If i were being wicked, I'd .. oh .. do something like this.." he said and grabbed Lex's sides and began to blow raspberries onto his stomach. Lex burst out laughing and pushed Faal away gently. "You're right, that's being wicked." He said, still giggling and pushing Faal. Then he switched tactics ands pulled Faal back toward him, to kiss him. Faal chuckled as he looked down at Lex beneath him. "Finially I get the rest of Lex. Not just the shy, bashful, quiet, Lex, but the fun, sexy exctiting Lex as well. " he said, pausing every few words to kiss. "Aren't you getting uncomfortable on this hard floor.. wouldn't you rather I scoop you up and go thro you on the bed...?" Lex kissed him back teasingly and playfully, as he wrapped his arms back around Faal's neck. "Floor is getting a TAD uncomfortable...it is hard wood." He said coyly, batting his eye lashes. "well the last thing I can bear is for you to be uncomfortable." Faal said, jumping quickly to his feet. He stood for a moment looking down at Lex, who still lay on the floor, fire light dancing across bare skin. " Damn why don't I ever have a camera when I need one..." He said, then leaned down and scooped Lex up into his arms. " You do realize, of course, that once I get you in that bed... I'm not going to want to ever let you go..." "You wouldn't dare get a picture of me like this...I'd melt the camera." Lex replied seriously, though there was humor in his eyes. "I can't say I'd complain, but we couldn't stay in that bed forever...for one, this is a bed and breakfast. Two, someone's bound to eventually come looking for us..." "Hmm.. " Faal said and suddenly dropped Lex onto the mattress. He crossed his arms and looked down at him a disapproving look on his face. "You're destroying the imagery. " he said, trying to stop the corner of his mouth from twitching up into the smile it wanted to. "Ooops?" Lex asked with that innocent expression again, looking at up him trying not to grin, but the sight of Faal standing there with his arms crossed and the slight tugging at his lips only sent Lex into giggles again. Faal chuckled and pushed Lex's legs out of the way as he climbed onto the bed.He sat down and garbbed the blankets, yanking them up, sending Lex tumbling into him. He wrapped his arms around him and kissed him. "Damn. " He said, a frown on his face. "I think we forgot something..." "Forgot something?" Lex questioned, kissing Faal back, as he snuggled against him again. Faal grinned then started to wriggle under the sheets before pulling a pair of pants out form under the blankets and dropping them on the floor, a second later, the socks followed. "Better... care to join me? Much more comfortable..." Lex shifted under the blankets a moment, before his black jeans followed across the room to join his shirt. "Oh, much more comfortable..." He replied miscieviously, with a coy grin Faal reached out and pulled Lex to him. He ran his fingers through the red hair. "Would you be mad at me if i told you i've had this moment in my head since I bumped into you that day?" Lex smiled lovingly at him, before kissing him tenderly. "How could I be mad about that. Admitedly I didn't think about it until you kissed me the first time, but still..."

 

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The Gurgi Clan & Chaos Inc.
  Skye, Ruex, Sage, Washu & Miss Frost .
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