Faal  took one last look in the mirror, straightening the black and silver tie and making sure the ankle length black wool coat looked right on him. His old one had suffered irreparable damage during his last assignment out with the team and he’d settled on this one as a replacement. A last feathering through his hair with his fingers, and he snapped the light off, checking the apartment as he went, making sure everything was in order. He grabbed his keys and patted his jacket to make sure he had his billfold with him then quickly slipped into the hall, locking the door behind him.

 

A moment later, the key hit the lock and he leaned through the door to snatch the sparkly red gift bag off the hall table along with the large bouquet of long stem red roses.

 

The trip to the garage was quick and uneventful without him passing a single neighbor, and he was whistling merrily as he set the bag and roses on the seat of the Mustang. Since it was Lex’s baby he was driving, he went somewhat more cautiously then if he’d been driving one of his own cars. Lex loved this car… not as much as he had his old Shelby, but at long last that one had been totaled beyond repair. Faal smiled fondly remembering the look on Lex’s face when he’d given him this car last summer for his birthday.

 

This birthday was going to be a challenge trying to beat that look in the red heads eyes…

 

He sighed as he pulled into the lot and through security, parking in the spot assigned for them. Birthdays aside… he had tonight to get through first. Not only Valentine’s, but it was the first year anniversary of their very first date. A tough combination, but one he was pretty sure he’d lived up to.

 

Or at least, he hoped he had.

 

The past year had been a roller coaster of emotional turmoil for Lexine and the young fire elemental was still dealing with the aftermath of a nervous breakdown the previous summer, as well as more of the usual assorted kidnapping attempts.

 

Plus the whole fiasco with Knight and LiVed  just a short while ago certainly hadn’t helped any.

 

The guard at the door buzzed him through with a wave, offering a friendly wink at the arm full of roses. Faal smiled in return and headed through to reception where the platter of gourmet hand dipped chocolates sat almost empty beside the large bouquet of assorted roses he’d had sent to the receptionists that morning.  He smiled and nodded as the receptionist on the main desk held up a finger to let him know she was calling Lex for him.  He wandered towards the window and looked out over the street below, wondering how Sylvia and the girls at the Massachusetts office had enjoyed the roses and chocolates he’d sent them as well.

 

He saw the reflection of the suavely dressed young archivist as Lex approached the desk, his nose stuck in a file as he continued to make notes in it even as he reached the desk. Faal shook his head with a soft smirk as he slipped up behind him and leaned over, whispering in his ear as the receptionist accepted the file. “Don’t you ever learn?”

 

Lex jumped and spun, smacking his chest with the back of his hand. “Don’t DO that!” he said, his eyes wide. Faal lost the soft smirk, the chuckle dying as he saw how truly startled Lex was. “I’m sorry, sweetheart… I didn’t mean to frighten you. I was reminded of how we met…” he said, offering a soft smile and the bouquet of roses. “Do you think you can forgive an old fool for being playful?”

 

Lex eyed the roses, one eyebrow raised as he saw the size of the bouquet. One severely nibbled finger nail came up to rest on his bottom lip as he considered Faal’s request and the fae had to bite back the soft moan that always wanted to escape at that simple gesture. “I think that’s considerably more than a dozen…” he finally said softly, raising his eyes to regard Faal curiously, still not answering the question.

 

The receptionist had turned back to her work, carefully pretending she heard and saw nothing of what was going on beside her station. Sylvia couldn’t have done a better job ignoring them.  Faal smiled softly, still holding the roses out for Lex, the bag held in his other hand. “Yes… I’m aware of that.”

 

The delicate red eyebrow rose another notch and the slim arms crossed over his chest, the emerald green silk of the blouse puckering at the move. “I only remember one rose from last Valentine’s Day…”

 

Faal let his own smile grow a bit more, his eyes sparkling as he kept the bouquet extended, determined to out last the fiery red head. “Yes… our first date. There fore, one rose…. And since this is not our first date, but the anniversary of an entire years’ worth…” he said softly.

 

The luminous green eyes dropped to the roses and Faal wondered if he was counting them. When the eyes rose to meet his again, there was s light shimmer of wetness to them. “Are you telling me that there’s a rose for every date we’ve ever gone on in that bouquet?” he asked softly, his eyes wide and the finger back on the lip as he looked back down at the flowers thoughtfully.

 

“To the best of my recollection.. and Sylvia’s and Clarice’s… yes I believe there is.” Faal said softly, his eyes never leaving Lex as the young man shot him a look then smiled softly and took the roses from him, inhaling a deep breath as he did.

 

 “They’re beautiful.. thank you.” he said softly, carefully hugging the flowers against his chest, and Faal was glad he’d paid extra to have the thorns removed. A sudden mischievous look flashed through the absinthe eyes and a smirk tugged at the luscious red lips, making Faal’s breath catch in his throat. “Does this mean I get more than one book, this year as well?” he asked coyly, hiding the lower half of his face behind the roses, leaving just those incredible eyes watching him.

 

Faal laughed and offered the bag as well. “Alas… no. I considered that since you already have access to my entire collection and have amassed quite a collection of your own over the past few months, that a book for every date might be a touch over kill.” he said casually. “Plus extremely difficult to gift wrap and deliver.” he added with a smirk and leaned over the roses to steal a kiss. “Am I forgiven for startling you?”

 

Lex held back as much as he could and didn’t return the gentle kiss, his eyes still sparkling. That one eyebrow raised again and he hugged the flowers a bit tighter, his gaze going to the offered gift bag. “I don’t know… depends on what’s in the bag, I suppose…” he said haughtily, hiding the smirk behind the blooms as he pretended to draw another breath of the heady scent.

 

Faal bit back his own smirk, his eyes sparkling as he wiggled the bag playfully in front of Lex. With a giggle, the red head set the bouquet on the desk beside him and snatched the bag out of Faal’s hand. The top batch of shimmery silver tissue paper went flying and Lex plucked the card from where it rested between layers. He eyed Faal curiously as he opened the card, and Faal leaned against the desk and watched the emotions chase each other across the delicate features. The finger came back up to press lightly on the lower lip and the eyes shone as he carefully folded the card back up and set it beside the roses, just as carefully not looking at Faal as he turned back to the bag and pulled out more tissue paper.

 

The small beribboned box of gourmet hand dipped dark chocolate truffles joined the card almost reverently and still he didn’t look up.

 

Faal felt his heart squeeze at the small gasp as Lex let the empty bag fall to the floor at his feet, the silk wrapped book uncovered in his hands. Finally the green eyes met his, a coy smirk trembling on his lips and he pressed them together as he carefully wrapped the book back up and retrieved the bag. Without a word, he slipped everything back into the bag and set the bag beside the roses before turning to face Faal. “That’s quite a gift...” he said softly. “A gentleman gives a book like that as a gift…” he let his voice trail off coyly, the finger back on the lip as he looked up at Faal through half lowered lashes.

 

Faal caught his breath at that look and suddenly prayed he’d be able to last the night. Lexine had seemed to know from the very beginning just what buttons to press to drive him crazy… and seemed to enjoy pressing them at awkward moments just to watch him squirm.

 

He cleared his throat as he stood back up, smoothing the coat back in place and flipping the long blonde hair back over one shoulder. “Yes well… perhaps we can read it together.” he suggested softly, his eyes sparkling. He’d known Lex would love that particular book, seeing as how he kept pausing by it whenever they were in Prague. He’d never seen him take the book from its case, but red head had insisted he had read it, although a long time ago and not that particular copy. He wondered briefly if Lex would tell Jasmine and Candy about the book, and how they’d react. He could practically hear Jasmine’s delighted laughter, considering she was the one who’d given Faal his first copy of Lady Chaterli’s Lover all those years ago.

 

He smirked harder knowing that if she said so much as a word to embarrass Lex over it, he’d tell her that the signed first edition, pristine copy that Lex now owned… was originally bought as a thank you gift for her.. before she’d pulled that little stunt in Paris. No way was he going to give it to her after that.

 

“And just what are you smirking about? Already plotting?”

 

Faal blinked and looked own at Lex with a soft chuckle, blushing softly. “No.” he said, offering Lex his arm to escort him to the staff room for his coat. “I was just imagining Jasmine’s reaction to my giving you that particular book.”

 

Lex’s eyes sparkled a bit brighter at that and he took Faal’s arm, leaving the gifts on the desk as they slipped down the hall. He stood as Faal retrieved the knee length velvet jacket that had been one of his Christmas gifts from Faal, and let him help him into it. He quickly unlocked the small locker where he kept his messenger bag when he didn’t need it. Faal had gotten him two new bags as well, both in similar styles, one a smooth chocolate leather, and one in black suede. He used the black one for occasions that called for dressing up where he was sure he’d need more then a simple pocket book.

 

Since Faal had told him they’d be going out right after work, he’d transferred his stuff into the black one with plenty of room left over for him to pack his makeup kit and the spare blouse he’d already changed into. The day receptionist had prodded him half an hour ago on her way out for him to get ready and thus saved him scurrying around now and keeping Faal waiting.

 

“I understand you have things almost wrapped up here?” Faal asked as Lex smoothed out the coat, still thrilling at the way it fit and flared slightly when he turned.

 

“Hmm? Oh.. yus.. another week I think and we can head home.” Lex answered, the sudden reminder making him a little homesick. He enjoyed the past month helping the London office get their Archives in order and linked up with the Massachusetts and New York offices, and he did love London… but he missed Sylvie and the others.

 

Especially his sister. Regan called him twice a week to chat and make sure he was okay and if he didn’t call her, she threatened to bring Saffron for a visit. Needless to say, he called almost every night she didn’t, even if the call consisted of a couple sentences followed by goodnights.

 

Faal watched him carefully then slipped his arms around him from behind, pulling Lex back against him and kissing the top of his head. “Penny for your thoughts, sweetheart.” he said softly.

 

Lex giggled and hugged Faal’s arms against him. “My you’ve suddenly gotten cheap.. a penny is all my thoughts are worth to you?”

 

Faal chuckled softly and turned him around, caressing his cheek tenderly. “Your thoughts are priceless to me, Lexine. As a matter of fact, I would give anything to know what you were thinking just now…”

 

Lex snorted and stretched on tip toe to plant a playful kiss on his nose. “I’ll tell you for free this once.... they’re not worth ‘anything’…” he said, impishly as he dropped back on his heels and settled his bag a bit more comfortably on his shoulder. “I was just thinking of Regan…”

 

Faal smiled and brushed one artfully loosened curl where it brushed her cheek. “Ah.. don’t worry, dear heart… you won’t wake up to discover Saffron at the door in the morning. I informed your sister that you’d be too busy to call her tonight and that I’m sure you’d make it up to her.”

 

Lex blushed and giggled softly and shot him that coy look from beneath his lashes. “Thank you.”

 

Faal gave a half bow, smiling as he offered his arm again. “If you won’t accept anything for that thought, then perhaps I can offer the same for another thought? I am dying to know whether or not you’ve decided to forgive me yet?”

 

Lex rolled his eyes, the smile that broke out on his face making Faal’s heart leap. He rose on his tip toes again, wrapping his arms around Faal’s neck, his fingers playing briefly with his hair, and kissed him softly. “Yus... I suppose so…”

 

Faal chuckled and returned the kiss, his arms slipping around him and lifting him up slightly. “Thank you, dearest. Your forgiveness means the world to me… I truly am sorry I startled you.”

 

Lex blushed slightly as he slid back to his feet and slipped his arm through Faal’s. He leaned his head against his arm as they began walking back to the desk. “Well… that’s wasn’t very nice, true.. but you’re right… you’d think I’d  have learned better by now.”

 

Faal chuckled softly as Lex retrieved the roses and bag, taking another deep breath of the flowers before leaning back against him. “Well… I suppose considering the outcome… one doesn’t learn to stop when the consequences are so… pleasurable…”

 

Lex blushed furiously and buried his face a bit deeper into Faal’s coat sleeve, breathing in the scent of wool and Faal’s cologne that had already managed to become a part of the coats’ scent. “Stop making me blush or I’ll retract my forgiveness…” he muttered in a mock sulk as they left the building. Lex’s eyes widened as he spotted his car in the lot and he stopped walking. He shot Faal a look. “Why is my car here?”

 

Faal smiled softly and took the bouquet from him, holding out the keys. “Well, if you remember, last Valentine’s I drove… this year I thought it should be your turn.”

 

Lex smirked, then raised an eyebrow, the imperious look collapsing as he snatched the keys and ran the rest of the way to the car giggling. It had taken some doing for him to get Lex’s car over from the states without the red head finding out, especially considering he was constantly asking Regan how it was doing and making sure Saffron or the guys hadn’t done anything to it.

 

Faal strolled casually the rest of the way to the car as Lex revved the engine, still giggling. The roses and gift bag went into the back seat, and Faal slid into the passenger’s seat. Lex was already buckled in and waiting impatiently. “Where are we going?”

 

“First there’s a certain unveiling at the museum we’ve been invited too…”

 

Lex slammed on the brakes after only managed to move a few feet out of the parking spot. He shot Faal a wide-eyed look. “The history of romantic literature exhibit?” he asked softly. “The one you said you said couldn’t get an invitation too since you’d accidentally hit the curator’s car two weeks ago?”

 

Faal smirked and nodded slightly, buckling his seat belt. “That would be the one, yes.”

 

A hand flashed out and smacked him across the chest. “Did you even hit his car?”

Faal cast Lex a sheepish smirk and Lex hit him again. “You liar!” he said, wide eyed, then started to giggle and smacked him again for good measure before turning his attention back to driving.

 

As Lex turned out onto the street and slipped into the light smattering of traffic, Faal rubbed his chest where he’d been hit, a smile still on his face. “I suppose now I’ll have to ask for your forgiveness again?’ he asked softly and caught the side ways glare Lex shot him, not missing the soft smile that tugged at the lush lips.

 

“Yus.. you definitely will. No..” Lex amended quickly. “Asking won’t do it..  you’ll have to beg my forgiveness..” he said and the pert little nose lifted imperiously as he drove, making Faal chuckle.

 

“Well.. perhaps I’ll be able to win my forgiveness at some point this evening..” he suggested, turning his attention to his window and watching Lex’s reflection. The red head cast a quick glance in his direction, the smirk tugging at his mouth,

 

“Doubtful, but you’re certainly welcome to try.” he answered primly and Faal bit back his smirk.

 

“Thank you…. I look forward to the challenge.”

 

Lex shot him an appraising glance as he pulled to a stop at the light. He had the sudden feeling the fae was setting him up for something…

 

                    

 

The two hours spent at the unveiling, the tour of the exhibit and the consequent drink and chit chat with the gathered dignitaries left Lex and Faal both anxious to be on their way. Faal’s suggestion that they drive and talk for while like they had that first night brought a soft smile to Lex’s face, as did the delicate silver, jade and emerald ankle bracelet Faal slipped around his ankle before letting him slip back behind the wheel.

 

 But the red head still retained the haughty, imperious look when Faal asked whether he was forgiven yet.

 

They spent another hour and a half aimlessly driving and relaxing, and this time there were no tears or crying jags involved. Until the few tears that escaped when Faal opened the glove box and removed the black velvet jewelry case containing the two silver, jade and emerald hair sticks.

 

But Lex still refused to answer the question of forgiveness… although the haughty look had slipped somewhat and he kept casting shy smiles in the fae’s direction…

 

Faal directed Lex to the small restaurant where they ate a delightful meal and shared another glass of champagne, this time toasting one year together.

 

By the time they left the restaurant, Lex was stifling yawns and still had not accepted Faal’s apologies, despite the matching silver, jade and emerald earrings that had appeared on his desert plate when he’d slipped to the bathroom to fix his makeup.

 

When they pulled into their parking spot at their building, Faal carried Lex’s bouquet as he escorted him inside, the gift bag packed with the additional gifts clutched in Lex’s hand. Faal hit the elevator button then saw Lex inside, handing him the roses and hitting the button for their floor before blocking the door open .

 

At the curious look Lex shot him, Faal gave him a sheepish smile. “Go on up, sweetheart. Since all my gifts and begging hasn’t persuaded you to forgive me for my fib about the exhibit… I’ll  need to slip out and see what else I can find to win you back.” he said and quickly stole a kiss before letting the door close between them before Lex could say anything.

 

Lex frowned softly, hugging the roses tighter against him. His toying with Faal about the apology aside, he hadn’t expected the fae to run out on him. He’d been looking forward to curling up in front of the fire and reading a chapter or two of his new book while cuddled in Faal’s arms…

 

With a soft sigh, he slipped out of the elevator and juggled the roses to unlock the door. Shutting and relocking the door behind him, he let his bag slip form his shoulder then suddenly froze.

 

At least two dozen candles of varying sizes flickered throughout the living room-dining room combo, and an empty vase half filled with water waited on the table. Lex swallowed and blinked back the wetness that suddenly filled his eyes. He took a deep breath, seeing now that he’d been tricked again and Faal was still at work. Lex was even more determined to remain strong against giving in. He wanted to see just how far Faal would go to earn his forgiveness .. and just how long he could hold out against the sexy fae..

 

Carefully setting the gift bag on the table, he removed the roses from their paper sheath and carried them to the kitchen where he carefully trimmed each stem. By the time he’d finished, his eyes were blurred by tears again. As far as he could tell, Faal hadn’t missed a single date. He grabbed a tissue and dabbed carefully at his eyes, determined not to let on how much that meant.

 

Once the roses were arranged in the waiting vase, Lex slipped out of his coat and shoes, and decided to follow the trail of rose petals that lead down the hall. He stopped in the door way to the bathroom, over come by the glow of candle light surrounding the steaming bubble bath that waited for him. A single long stem rose lay on the bath side tray beside the assortments of luxury soaps, and Lex realized that the bouquet had been short one rose… the one for THIS date.

 

Hastily wiping his cheeks free of the spill of tears he slipped into the room.  He carefully removed the ankle bracelet, setting it on the counter before quickly stripping down and slipping into the tub. He moaned softly in pleasure at the hot water and the soft scent of the bubbles and candles. He soaked in luxury for a while, wondering where Faal was and what he was up to now.

 

A soft tap on the door a moment later, and Faal slipped inside. He moved to sit on the edge of the tub, one hand gathering a handful of bubbles and toying with them, heedless of the bubbles that brushed against the deep blue satin pajama pants he wore. “Am I forgiven yet, little one?” he asked softly, casting a coy glance at the red head, who sunk a bit deeper beneath the bubbles, the green eyes smiling at him, despite the stern frown that was trembling with effort to stay in place.

 

“Nope.” Lex managed to get out, trying not to think about how good Faal looked bare chested with his long hair spilling loose around him in the candle light… “Sorry. You’ll have to do much better then this. I mean .. really.. the candles were a nice touch… but the rose petals were a bit tacky…” Lex said, the imperious act struggling to stay in play as he avoided the fae’s eyes.

 

“Ah… then I suppose I’m out of luck and shall have to live with your disapproval until I can find some way to win your forgiveness..” Faal said, then tilted his head to one side, a playful smirk on his face. “Why Lexine… it seems you’ve missed one of my tokens…” he said softly.

 

Lex looked up, one eyebrow raised, then frowned slightly. Faal nodded towards the tray that still held the soaps and the rose and Lex’s eyes shot wide open at the sight of the small black velvet box that sat there. “That wasn’t there before..” he said softly, sinking lower into the tub until just the vibrant green eyes and the red hair showed above the white mounds of bubbles.

 

Faal chuckled softly as he slipped from the edge of the tub and picked up the small box. He dropped to one knee beside the tub and Lex gave a squeak, his eyes going wide. “Faal?! What are you doing?” he asked softly.

 

Faal smiled softly as he opened the box and removed a delicate silver ring that held twin hearts of jade and emerald that matched the rest of the jewelry Lex had received that evening perfectly. “Something I’ve been planning for a very long time, sweetheart…” he said softly. He looked at the wide, luminous eyes that peered at him from behind the bubbles almost fearfully.

 

“Lexine Gabriel Mordant..” Faal said softly, and Lex gave another soft squeak and dipped a bit lower. Faal bit back his chuckle as he continued. “My life has never been so full of promise and happiness as it has been this past year with you at my side. I find myself looking forward to every day just to see your smile, and my heart races every time you turn that smile on me. You make me feel like the luckiest man in the world to have you in my life, Lexi.. and I never want to wake up with out you beside me. I never want to spend a day with out seeing those gorgeous eyes smiling at me. Lexine..” he said softly, holding what he could see of Lex’s eyes with his own as he held out his hand to him.

 

Almost reluctantly a hand emerged from the mass of bubbles and slid into Faal’s own.

 

Faal chuckled softly and blew the bubbles off his fingers before raising them to his lips for a kiss. “Lexine… please.. I beg of you… say you’ll marry me and stay by my side forever.”

 

There was soft squeak from behind the bubbles, followed by a vigorous head nod. Faal laughed softly, his eyes filling with tears as he slipped the ring onto the slim finger. He looked back to where Lex still was still hiding beneath the bubbles and smiled softly. “Lexi…” he said with a smile, his head titling to one side as he regarded the red head. “I don’t suppose I’m forgiven….”

 

The rest of his words were cut off as a wet, bubble clad body tackled him, sending the two of them to the floor in a wet soapy slippery mess. Lex was gasping and crying and laughing all at once as he kissed him, his bare arms wrapping around his neck in a hug so fierce it took his breath away.

 

Faal laughed softly, wrapping his arms around him just as tightly. “I take it that’s a yes to both my questions, then?”

 

Lex sniffed then giggled then hiccupped and finally smacked a soapy hand against Faal’s chest before he collapsed back against him, nodding furiously.

 

Faal chuckled softly and tipped his chin up to kiss him tenderly. “I love you, Lex.” He said softly as he stared into luminous green eyes made ever more so by the tears that continued to spill from them. “I will always love you, my dearest.”

 

Lex sniffled, biting his lip to hold back more sobs and cuddled back against Faal’s chest, still too emotional to speak. Faal smiled and held him, trying to ignore the fact that he was laying in a rapidly cooling puddle of water and had at least one of the little soaps under his back poking him.

 

The fact that he also had a naked, wet and soapy fiancé laying on top of him helped considerably….

 

 A sudden thought slipped through his mind making him laugh and hug Lex closer.

 

Next Valentine’s was going to a bitch to plan… no way was he going to be able to top this..

             

                                    the end....