The park was quiet and empty and had been for most of the time they'd been there, and it was a bit cool, but Vaan liked it. He didn't have to wear the jacket, so he let his wings flutter free; the near by street light and the moon light catching the swirl of blues and purples, causing them to sparkle like gem stones. He'd just finished explaining to Mike, about where he came from; his family and their murder, about being brought up as a girl, despite being a boy, and used solely for gain where his parents were concerned. About being destined to be a concubine to who ever would have become the next ruler; even had it been his half brother, and being kept alive by the new tyrant simply because of being so unusual from the rest of his kind...

Mike couldn't seem to take his eyes off of Vaan, and despite the incredible urge to pull him close and hold him tight and protect him from the hurt, he'd managed to stay still as he listened, with only his hand holding Vaanayla's. "Lards but ye've had a bad deal in life, Vaan... but tha's over an' done with now, darlin'. Yer free of all tha'... I'd certainly never treat ye tha' way..." he said softly, reaching out to stroke Vaan's cheek. "I cannae see how anyone could do anythin' less than worship ye, let alone abuse ye so..."

Vaan sighed softly, smiling faintly. "I think my whole life was set up for that...I think it's what the fates wanted. Maxine believes it's because....well... I'm what they call the priestess of the seal. The guardian of the key that can open the seal, revealing the life stone..." Vaan said softly. "I'm supposed to have my own guardian, but it was certainly never any one in my own realm. I'm literally the exact same age as the triplets, twenty two... and it's rather suspected that when they change, so will I."

Mike sat forward, clearing the last bit of their meal away, packing it back in the basket the hotel had supplied, then moved closer, pulling Vaan into his arms. He just held him and looked into his eyes, smiling softly. "I'll be yer guardian, Vaan... I think th' idea of spendin' m' life by yer side keepin' ye safe sounds damned wonderful..." he said softly. "Even if ye never change... I think yer beautiful as ye are..."

Vaan blushed softly, "You'd be getting yourself into a lot of trouble..." He said softly, with a slight smirk, he found it felt so wonderful, letting Mike hold him. "But chances are, it's true, that I'll change...after all...only women in my people have wings...specifically only women who are to be mothers...I'm sure that's why my family thought I was...a freak..." He said softly with a sigh, turning his gaze on the park a moment. "I suppose it's why my half brother intended on marrying me...he always believed I must have been...adopted for lack of better word, and really a girl...I mean, all the women in my people can bare children, but...only a few had wings...it usually marked them being incredibly important as well as important mothers..."

Mike brushed his fingers over Vaan's mouth, tracing his lips playfully. "I'd never marry ye fer th' children ye might give me... I'd marry ye because yer an' amazin' lad who makes m' heart soar just bein' with ye. No one has ever made me feel this way..." he said softly. "I've had m' share of lovers... got a daughter as well. I'da married her mum fer her sake but th' lady turned me down. Rather glad she did. I always cared fer her an' I thought once I loved her... but... I was never IN love with her. But still... she gave me a beautiful daughter I adore... right terror she is, too. Pure MacDonnell." he said with a soft laugh. "I think I'm fallin' in love with ye, Vaanayla... Hell, lad... I'm pretty damned sure of it..."

Vaan's eyes fluttered closed as he felt Mike's fingers on his lips and he ended up leaning more against him, letting his wings fold themselves gently to his back. He hesitated a moment, before he opened his eyes, looking up at him. "Would it be terrible...for me to admit...to falling in love with you...?" He whispered softly, blushing. "I know I shouldn't have...but I have...I've never felt this way about any one..." He didn't admit that if Mike didn't feel the same...it was just like any other fae who'd fallen in love...

Mike smiled softly and bent to brush his lips over Vaan's teasingly. "Lad... it would be terrible fer ye t' tell me yer not fallin' fer me. A man tells ye he's fallin' in love ye with ye... least ye could do is say th' same... even if ye don't mean it." he said softly. "but ye DO mean it, don't ye luv..?' he asked.

Vaan blushed, but looked up at Mike, before nodding softly. "I do mean it. I've never...felt this way about any one...I've never been in love, at least not since I was a young child, but that...that was mistake...and nearly killed me as much as broke my heart..."

"I'll never break yer heart, Vaan." Mike said softly, his fingers brushing through the pale blonde hair. "I'd love t' keep ye in m' life... I don’t want this t' end when yer time here is over with."

Vaan hesitated a moment, before he leaned up enough, letting his lips brush over Mike's. "I wish you really were my guardian..." He whispered softly, before giving in and kissing Mike, deep and passionate, slipping his arms around his neck. And yet...it seemed like he knew it was already true...

Mike pulled Vaan closer as they kissed, feeling the soft flutter of his wings against his arms. He seriously couldn't remember ever wanting to be with someone this badly. "Vaanayla... sweetheart..." he said softly as the kiss ended. "Come home with me... I'm not ready t' let ye go... Come spend th' night with me..."

Vaan whimpered softly, his eyes closed for a moment, and had to remind himself that he wasn't a slave any more, nor a concubine and it was certainly his choice. The fact was, he wanted to...very much so. With a soft breath, he opened his eyes, looking up at Mike. They'd shifted from just ice blue, to reveal a swirl of pastel colors, blues and purples, as well as some pinks. "Alright," He said softly. "I'd like to spend the night with you...very much so..."

Mike felt his breath catch as he looked in Vaanayla's eyes. "Lards yer beautiful... " he whispered softly. "I swear t' ye, Vaanayla... I don’t expect anythin'... I just want t' be with ye... I'd never seek t' use ye like th' others ye've known..."

Vaan raised a hand, placing his fingers on Mike's lips, a soft smile on his own. "It's my choice to go with you, Michael. I've never really had that choice before, so if something more happens I won’t mind..." He blushed slightly, "I rather hope it does..."

“One step at a time, luv..." Mike said softly. "Let's just take th' night as it happens and see where it goes..." he added before letting go of him and climbing to his feet. He looked down at him and held out his hands. "Are ye willin' t' place yerself in m' hands, Vaanayla? Might be a risky thing t' do... I'm rather known as a bit of a rascal... I'd never hurt ye, luv... but lards only know what sort o' trouble I'd get ye int'..." he said with a smirk.

Vaanayla looked up at him, looking at him seriously a moment, before taking his hands, letting Mike pull him to his feet. "I place myself in your hands willingly." He replied softly. "I trust you."

Mike smirked as he pulled Vaan into his arms and stole a soft kiss. "Then yer a brave lad." he said simply, his eyes sparkling. "I won't betray tha' trust, Vaan." he said seriously, his fingers brushed over Vaanayla's cheek. "I'd rather die than betray ye or hurt ye...."

Vaan silenced him again, smiling softly. "I know you won’t hurt me, Mike. It’s why I trust you..." He replied softly. "Let’s go back to your place...and we can go from there...whether we just talk and cuddle...or something more."

Mike smiled softly and kissed him again. "Alright then, darlin'..." he said softly. "Let's get packed up an' return this t' th' hotel an' ye leave a message fer yer friends about where ye are..." he added, then kissed him again, reluctant to let go even long enough to do that.



~~

Larkin and Nate had found a nice quiet little Chinese restaurant, which had a fantastic menu that even extended to desert. And there weren't but one or two other couples in the place. Despite himself, Larkin had given in, to telling Nate who he'd grown up, in Paris as a prostitute. "Despite growing up that way," Larkin said softly, "I'll always have a fondness for Paris..."

"I hate tha' ye went through that, Lark..." Nate said softly, one hand wrapped around his coffee cup while the other held Larkin’s hand, their fingers entwined. "I wish I coulda saved ye from all o' it... spared ye some of yer pain..."

Larkin sighed softly and shrugged. "I'm not sure it was ever meant to be like that...at least not until I ended up in Florida. But not all of my childhood was painful...there were some good things...like Billy...and the stables..."

"Aye... th' stables... " Nate said with a smirk. "I'll have t' take ye t' Scotland t' m' families home t' visit our stables. We have mostly Friesians and Andalusia... and most of them are mixes... but they're all gorgeous horses... I think ye'd love them."

"I'd like that..." Larkin said softly with a smile, looking up at Nate. "To go with you I mean, and see your family stables. I've never been to Scotland...I've been to England, but never Scotland." He added. "That is, if you don't think you're family would mind me visiting with you..."

"No lad... they won’t mind ye visitin'. All m' friends are welcome. Many of 'em have been accepted as bein’ part of th' family, it seems..." Nate said simply. "I think ye'd like bein' part o' my family... we're all flippin crazy... hell, ye met m' brother...” he said with a soft smirk.

Larkin smirked, "Crazy's good...I like crazy...I think you have to be crazy to make it in the world now days...its the people who say they're not crazy that worry me..." Larkin replied. "Are you as crazy as your brother?" He asked softly.

Nate snorted. "I don’t bloody think so... but he may argue." he said with a smirk. "He's a right mischievous bastard so watch yer back around him... lards only know what sort tricks he'll end up playing on ye... Swear he's half faerie fer all th' shit he gets in ta... I'm th' one tha's supposed t' be that way... not him...”

Larkin raised an eyebrow, but was still smirking. "And you don't pull tricks on any one...never given in to faerie urges?" He asked softly, letting his thumb brush over Nate's knuckles, as he took a sip of the jasmine tea he was drinking.

Nate smirked, blushing slightly. "Well now, I didnae say THA'... course I do... it's in m' blood after all." he said with a chuckle, squeezing his hand tenderly. "I'm just not as bad as he is..."

"Or maybe you are, and just don't want to admit it..." Larkin replied softly with a bit more of a smirk, sitting his tea cup down. "But that's okay, I don't mind if you are..." He added, his eyes sparkling lighter then they usually were. He wasn't sure what he was doing, seriously flirting with Nate and half tempted to ask if he knew some where they could go to be alone...

Nate set his coffee aside and stood, moving to stand next to Larkin before he bent down and kissed him. "Despite th' fact I only asked ye out t' dinner an' dinner is over with... I don’t care t' let ye go just yet. I'll be right back an' then we can decide where else t' go... " he said, stealing another kiss before straightening up and heading towards the washrooms.

Larkin smiled softly, with a nod, before watching Nate head for the washrooms. He smirked a bit more, before picking up his tea cup and finishing it off, considering what he was getting himself into, and not minding in the least. Maybe once out of the restaurant, he'd suggest going some place private...

Nate washed up quickly, his heart racing and flying at the same time, a smile plastered on his face the entire time, before he headed back to the table and the young man waiting for him. As soon as he spotted him, his heart seemed to do the impossible and speed up even more. No one had ever had this effect on him before, the closest being his very first love back when he was still a teenager... and even that was a pale shadow compared to this. "Ready t' get outta here, darlin'?" he asked as he snapped up his hat from the chair it had been sitting on, along with his jacket. "I'll go take care of th' bill." he paused as he looked at him, a mischievous smirk taking hold as he pulled on his jacket and leaned down to steal a kiss.

Larkin smiled, letting Nate steal the kiss, before he stood, grabbing his purse and coat from the back of the chair, pulling on his own coat. Purse on his shoulder, he took a step closer to Nate, catching his hand, and leaned up enough not to be heard by any one else, not that there was any one else around to hear him. "Know any where private and quiet we can go...just the two of us to be alone with each other?" He asked softly, letting his fingers intertwine with Nate's a moment.

Nate blushed furiously at Larks request but smiled even more. "Well... was thinking I'd take ye over t' th' park an' th' stables fer a ride... but... if ye'd rather be alone somewhere else.... can always go back t' my place..." he said softly.

"I'd like to just be alone with you, for a while." Larkin replied softly, staying close beside Nate for the moment. "I like the idea of going back to your place...if you want to. If you don't think that's rushing...?" He added, raising his other hand to brush his fingers lightly over Nate's cheek.

Nate closed his eyes, smiling as he turned to kiss Larkin's fingers. "I want t' be with ye, Lark. I love bein' with ye... an' I won’t lie t' ye... I'd like nothing better than t' spend th' night with ye in m' arms... But I don’t want ye doin' so because ye feel ye should.... because of yer life before now." he added, looking into his eyes. "If yer with me, baby bird... let it be because ye want t' be. I've fallen fer ye, darlin'... as much as I'm sure I'll enjoy th' sex... that just won’t be enough fer me...."

Larkin blushed softly and watched Nate a moment, before shaking his head slightly. He leaned up, letting his lips brush over Nate's softly and lovingly. "My desire to go back to your place with you, Nate...is because I want to...not because of my past. I want to spend the rest of the night with you...I do want to sleep with you, I won’t lie to you there and there's never really been any other man I've wanted to sleep with. But I do want more then that...I really do...I want to stay with you...as long as you want me..."

Nate gave a soft moan at that bit of news and rested his forehead against Larks, smiling softly. "Lards ye know how t' play with a mans heart strings, don’t ye?" he asked lightly. "If what ye say is true, Lark... then yer never leavin' m' side again...” he added with a soft chuckle before reluctantly pulling away. "Let me settle our bill an' we'll go..." he said, then smirked softly before plucking the hat off his head and placing it on Larkin's, stealing another quick kiss before heading off the waitress who was approaching with their bill.



~~

The art exhibit was extensive and full of some beautiful art from all over the world. Lexine had found himself staying rather close to Faal, and enjoyed the closeness; despite a few wealthy art critics and such, having to stop to say hi to Faal and his date. Plenty of them eyed Lexine openly, but apparently none were the wiser to Lexine being a boy and not a girl.

Faal watched their latest 'visitor' head off through the exhibit and sighed softly. "How are you holding up, little one?" he asked softly, looking down at Lex. "Would you care to head back out for a drink or perhaps some fresh air? You look a bit pale...."

Lexine tucked himself closer to Faal, and looked up at him after a moment. "I think some fresh air would be a good idea... The art's beautiful, but there are just...so many people..." He said softly, his fingers slipping under the scarf to tug at the ring.

Faal wrapped his arm around Lex, pulling him closer as they headed towards the entrance. "Fresh air it is... " he said softly, enjoying the closeness. "The crowds do tend to wear on you after a bit.... I've never been one for groups either..."

"Everyone stares at you...at me..." Lexine said softly, his gaze going to the carpet as he let Faal lead him out. "Makes me thing I should have covered up my tear drops as well as the collar...I didn't think about them, I suppose I should have..." He added anxiously, his hand going from the ring on his collar, to touching one of the inverted tear drops under his eye.

Faal came to a stop just outside and turned Lex to face him. He tipped his chin up and brushed his fingers over the delicate tattoos. "No, Lexie... don’t hide them. They're beautiful... They don’t stare at you because of the tattoos... they look because you're worth looking at." he said simply. "I personally love looking at you... it's something I don't think I'd ever tire of doing..."

Lexine blinked, before blushing darkly and looking down. "I'm sure...if you...you saw all my scars...you'd...you'd get tired of looking at me..." He replied in a whisper. There was an insane part of Lexine that was tempted to take Faal some where and show him those scars...

"Never, sweetheart." Faal said softly, caressing his face tenderly. "You're beautiful to me, inside and out, Lexine. Nothing will change that." he found himself bending down to kiss him lightly and blushed at how good it felt. "I believe we were coming out for some air... why don’t we walk a bit?"

Lexine didn't pull away from the soft kiss; every time Faal did that it just seemed to feel more wonderful, and he suddenly wanted to know what a deeper kiss would be like with the fae. He hesitated, biting his lip, before doing something completely rash and unlike him; he reached up, slipping an arm around Faal's neck and pulling him down, kissing him a little deeper then just soft and tender.

Faal was caught by surprise at Lexine's move and returned the kiss hungrily, his arms tightening around the slim red head. It wasn’t until he heard himself moan that he realized how carried away he'd gotten and quickly broke the kiss, pulling back with a vibrant blush. "Oh sweet Terra... I'm sorry, Lexine... I shouldn’t have... I'm sorry..." he whispered softly.

Lexine blinked, before shaking his head, feeling the sting of tears as his eyes welled up. "Don't say that..." He whispered softly, the emotions clear in his voice. "I wanted you to kiss me like that..." He wasn't sure why he felt like crying, except it had been true, he wanted Faal to kiss him like that...and much more to be honest

"Oh shh... no Lexine...I didn't mean ..." Faal sighed and pulled Lex into his arms, holding him tightly. "I'm not sorry I kissed you or that you kissed me... I'm sorry I lost control like that. I wanted to take thing slow... give you time to... well... just to give you time." he said simply. "Truthfully, Lexine... I've wanted to kiss you like that all day. I want so much, Lexie... but I didn't want to rush you or make you feel uncomfortable."

Lexine cuddled into Faal's arms for a moment, snuggled against him tightly, and managed to get a hold of his emotions. "You're not making me uncomfortable...I've never felt so wonderful..." Lexine replied softly, before pulling back enough to look up at him again. "W-would you kiss me like that again?"

Faal smiled softly as looked down at him. "I'd love to... but not here." he said simply. "And not yet. If being alone with me makes you feel that way, and you're not afraid or nervous at all... perhaps you'd like to come back to my house for a while...? We can start a fire and sit and talk in peace and quiet... and if you'd still like... I can kiss you then...away from prying eyes..." he said softly.

Lexine blushed, looking down a moment, considering, but the idea sounded completely wonderful to him. It wasn't something he'd ever done, but he wanted to. "I'd like to..." He replied very softly, blushing deeply. "Go back to your house with you I mean...very much so...especially...if you would kiss me again..."

Faal caressed Lex's face tenderly, smiling softly before kissing his forehead tenderly. "Then I'll have my car brought around." he said simply, and turned back to where the doorman and the valet on duty for the art exhibit stood trying not to let on they'd been watching. He smirked softly and asked the valet to call for his car, then turned back to Lex. "Would you like to leave a message for your siblings or Maxine to let them know where you've gone?"

Lexine glanced toward the phones, and knew he should probably call up and leave a message with Saffron. "I'll call Saffron..." He said softly, before slipping from Faal's side and going over to the phones; At least he had that down, thanks to Larkin teaching him.

Faal watched him go, shoving aside his reservations about becoming romantically involved with his charge; he knew it was too late for that... Lexine held his heart firmly in his delicate hands and all he could do was hope for the best... and enjoy making Lexine as happy and safe as he could.

Lexine dialed the suite's number and waited for Saffron to answer. He was aware of being watched, maybe by more then one person, but he also knew Faal was watching and it brought a soft smile to his face, amazed by what Faal made him feel.


~~

Saffron hung up the phone, before going back to the bathroom to pick up the wet towels. Jay was on his way up to the suite, since Saffron and Matt were now out of the bath and dressed. Saffron supposed it'd been a good thing that they hadn't done anything other then snuggle and make out. He knew Jay wouldn’t say anything, but it was still going to be awkward.

Matt finished pulling his shirt on, but left his boots and weapons where they were. He wouldn't be leaving any time soon. He checked his messages while getting dressed but there was still nothing about the kids. He was beginning to think maybe he should bring it to the offices' attention.... just in case. Either that, or get in touch with his father and let him know...

Saffron shut off the bathroom light, as he came back out. "Still no word about the kids?" He asked softly, looking up at Matt. There was still a persistent pressing from the spirits in the hotel, though not nearly as bad, as if they were staying away from because of Matt.

Matt sat down on the edge of the bed and patted the mattress beside him. "No. I think if we still haven’t heard anything by morning, I'll tell the crew at the offices and have Awen report them as missing...." he said softly.

Saffron sighed softly as he sat down beside Matt. He leaned against him slightly. "I really hope they're okay..." He said softly. "I don't want anything bad to happen to them..." He didn't even know them, but he couldn't stand the idea of something happening to them. A soft knock came to the suite's door. He sighed softly. "That would be Jay..." He said softly, before getting up, heading out of the bedroom to the front door. He paused; looking through the peephole, making sure it was Jay, who it was, then unlocked the door, letting the voodoo wizard in.

Matt stood, following Saffron from the bedroom and waited as he greeted Jay. A part of him insisted he shouldn’t be so calm about all of it... his son and sister were missing with a maniac on the loose and them being possible targets, and here he was falling in love with a young man he'd been destined for and about to bind himself too for eternity...  He smiled softly watching Saffron, and let out his breath in a soft sigh. "So how do we do this?' he asked simply.

"Ya know any thing bout blood bindin's?" Jay asked, sitting a black bag on the chair near by. "Jay is a voodoo wizard out of New Orleans..." Saffron said softly. "Comes from a distinguished family of voodoo users and blood witches..." He added, Jay merely smirked faintly.

"My mothers’ family are blood witches... Italian Strega..." Matt admitted simply. "Haven’t had anything to do with them since I was a kid, really, but I remember some shit about it. Just tell me what to do. "

Jay turned to the bag and opened it, taking out a few supplied. "Gonna need blood, from both of ya." He said, sitting the supplies down, before going over to the kitchenette and getting a glass. He picked up a small knife, made completely of silver and spun it, extending it handle first to Matt. "In the glass. Half an half." He said. Saffron blinked, looking a bit wide eyed and anxious. He looked at Matt, biting his lip. "You don't have to do this...if you don't want to..." Saffron whispered.

Matt accepted the knife and smiled softly at Saffron, leaning forward to steal a kiss before holding his wrist above the glass. "I want to." he said simply as he made a shallow cut and watched the blood flow, pressing a thumb over the small wound as Jay nodded that was enough.  He looked back to Saffron, still smiling softly.

Saffron continued to chew on his lip, enough to make it bleed, but he took the dagger from Jay. His hands where shaking, but he was able to set the blade to his wrist, and managed to make a cut, though it was deeper then he'd intended, since his hand slipped and he gave hiss of pain, but held his wrist over the glass. When the glass was full enough, Jay turned away with it, to start the spell. "Press the wounds t' each other...let the blood mix in the veins." He instructed. "Before they heal."

Matt let go of his wound and reached out to catch hold of Saffron’s wrist, pulling him closer as he pressed his wound to Saffron’s. "You alright, babe?' he asked softly bending to brush his lips over his. "Why are you shaking?" he asked, his free arm wrapping around him and pulling him close before reconnecting their wounds.

Saffron blushed slightly and shook his head. "Just...nervous..." He replied softly. There was a tingling, where the wounds touched and the blood mixed, that just seemed to increase as Jay cast his spell. At the same time, Saffron felt dizzy and a little exhausted, but he felt the guards against LiVed's bindings, starting to break...and the binding becoming fainter. Jay turned back to them. "Ya both need t' drink from the glass...drink the mixed blood of each other, to seal it. Ya should be warned. The binding is for eternity. Stronger then a fuckin' marriage contract, you'll always know where Saffron is, whether or not he's safe or endanger, and some times what he's feelin...or thinking." Jay said, looking at Matt.

Matt tightened his hold on Saffron as he felt the young man lean into him more and started to sag against him. He looked up at Jay and nodded simply. "For eternity... or until it's broken by another binding, like what we're doing now?" he asked, brushing his lips over Saffron’s hair. "You should give warning 'before' starting... not half way through, you dumb ass...” he added with a smirk and reached for the glass. "Not that it matters." he said simply and quickly drank down a fair portion of the mixture before holding the glass to Saffron’s lips. "Bottoms up, angel..." he said softly, the feel of the power building between them almost dizzying in its intensity.

Jay merely smirked faintly. "Unfortunately, this bindin' can't be broken like that...safety clause t' keep LiVed from trying to rebind Saffron." He said. Saffron sighed deeply, closing his eyes for a moment, and completely glad Matt was keeping him up right, he wasn't sure he could stay on his feet right then. He finally opened his eyes, looking up at Matt, slightly wide eyed, but managed to lift a hand to the glass as well, tipping it up, drinking from it. "Course if you really wanna rock the binding out," Jay said, "Drag the kid to a cemetery and screw him there. The whole death connection'd triple in power, LiVed'd never be able to touch ya." Saffron had nearly choked on the blood, but managed to swallow.

Matt chuckled softly, feeling his face burning with a blush. "I'll keep that in mind." he said simply. "Think maybe we should get used to it as it is first, thanks... " he added. "Anything else to this? Or are we done....?"

Saffron wondered how dark he was blushing, at Jay's remark and for a moment, had to hide his face in Matt's shoulder. He still felt incredibly dizzy and shaky, but he noticed there was no connection to LiVed. Tentatively letting his guard down all the way, there was no binding to LiVed, instead, he found Matt in LiVed's place.

Matt drew a breath as he was suddenly flooded with the sense of Saffron; not just the chill presence of him beside him or in his arms... but the feel of him almost inside him as well. He opened his eyes, smiling softly as he looked down at him, realizing it was the binding at full strength. "Wow.... you feel good..." he said softly.

Saffron was looking up at Matt wide eyed and innocently, never felt anything like the binding before, but jumped slightly as the phone rang; Jay had already left and he wasn't sure when he had. With a sigh, Saffron moved enough, to grab the phone.

"Saffron..." Lexine said softly. "Don't...don't worry about me tonight..."

Saffron raised an eyebrow. "Why would I worry about you...?” Saffron replied.

"I'm...I'm going back to Faal's house...with him..." Lexine replied.

Saffron blinked, before smirking. "Have fun."

Matt felt Saffron's amusement as clearly as if it were his own and he decided that as amazing as it was, they'd have to get the hang of shielding from each other or it was going to drive them nuts eventually. He strengthened his own shields enough to dull the connection slightly, just enough so that he knew the feelings weren’t his own, then jumped at the sound of his cell phone ringing from the bedroom. At first he planned on ignoring it, then he was suddenly struck by the thought it might be the kids, and bolted for the bedroom.




~~


Vaan left word with Saffron, that he was going to spend the night with Mike, much to Saffron's amusement and Vaan was able to get out of Saffron that he wasn't alone at the moment, that his guardian was with him. That amused Vaan. But they returned the things to hotel, left the message and left, heading back to Mike's. Once they were inside Mike's apartment, Vaan pulled off the jacket again, laying it over a near by chair and letting his wings flutter and stretch. He slipped off the low heels, as well, as he looked around, yet he liked what he saw.

Mike watched Vaan as he hung up his own coat and kicked off his shoes. Tam would be sleeping by now, and even as he thought that, a young woman appeared from the kitchen area. "Hello Mr. MacDonnell." she said softly, her gaze going to Vaanayla as she moved to pull on her shoes and jacket. "I sent Tam to bed early, just like you said. She put up a fuss but eventually gave in. I don’t think she was feeling well, actually... she seemed a bit withdrawn and really didn’t argue as much as usual. “

"Thank ye, lass. Hope she gave ye enough time t' get yer homework done, fer a change." Mike said as he paid her for babysitting. "Thanks fer comin' over on such short notice."

The teenager snorted and rolled her eyes. "You just live down the hall, Mr. MacDonnell... it’s not like I had to get a ride across town or something.” she said then glanced back at Vaan again. "She's pretty." she whispered softly. "Mom and the girls at work will die of jealousy." she added with a soft laugh before slipping out of the apartment.

Mike chuckled softly; glad once again that he'd moved to the apartment complex rather than stay in the office apartments. "So luv... would ye care fer a drink before we get t'snugglin' an' talkin'?" he asked softly locking the door before joining Vaanayla in the living room.

"No, I think I'm alright." Vaan replied softly, before moving to sit down on the couch. He found himself sitting on the edge for now, so he didn't have to fold his wings to his back. "You didn't tell me how old your daughter is..." He said softly, looking up at Mike.

Mike raised an eyebrow as he sat on the couch beside him, reaching out to take hold of his hand. "Didna' I? Sorry... usually I cannae shut up about her... an' here I don’t think I hardly even mentioned her all night..." he said softly. "Tamara is ten... well... she'll be eleven soon enough. She likes t' point tha' out." he said with a soft chuckle. "Especially when it comes time t' call a babysitter ... likes t' remind me she's growin' up an' doesnae think she needs one...”

"Almost eleven...sounds like she's a very independent girl..." Vaan said softly with a soft smile, letting Mike take his hand. He let his thumb brush over Mike's knuckles. He wondered if it was a good idea...to be sitting here with Mike, knowing his daughter was asleep in her room...especially sitting here...hoping they might do more then just sat and talk.

Mike smiled in reply. "Oh tha' she is. A MacDonnell through an' through. Gonna hate watchin' her grow up enough t' start takin' an' interest in boys.." he said then suddenly scooped Vaan off the couch and sat him on his lap, still sitting forward enough to allow his wings freedom. "Don' worry, luv... she's upstairs, fast asleep. We won' bother her." He said softly. "An' ifn yer goin' t' be mine... yer gonna have t' get used t' not bein' completely alone... She's not always here with me... she stays with her mother some of th' time... but... th' two of 'em have been on th' outs lately... Tam's just too much her father's daughter fer her mothers likin'."

Vaan found himself getting comfortable on Mike's lap, and leaned against him slightly. Though he frowned thoughtfully. "But what she's going to think...about you...spending time...with a rather feminine young man..." He asked softly, looking at Mike; one hand curling a lock of Mike's hair around his fingers.

Mike kissed him softly. "I think she'll be happy t' see her old man so happy. An' I think she'll be busy plannin' on ways t' avoid gettin' dressed up fer th' weddin'...” he added with a soft chuckle. "She’ll be fine, luv."

"She won’t mind you being in a relationship with a boy..." Vaan replied softly, surprised. "One that won’t stay a boy after two years…? I rather think... if she was younger it'd be better just not to tell her anything about me being a boy right now..." Vaan added softly, before kissing Mike back. He drew the kiss out for as long as he could, enjoying it.

"Vaan... I hate t' break yer heart or anythin' by tellin' ye this... but yer not th' first lad I’ve dated." Mike said with a slight smirk. "Tam knows her Da likes boys as much as girls. I'm sure she'll be fine. We can always ask her in Th' morning...” he added.

Vaan snorted softly, before turning a bit, enough to straddle Mike's lap, slipping his arms around his neck. "You're not breaking my heart, by telling me you've dated other boys. As a matter of fact, that makes me feel better about it. After all, if you seriously want me, you've got me two years like this...before I change, and am required to have a daughter." He added softly, before kissing Mike.

Mike smiled softly as he held him. "Well... before ye decide ye'd care fer me t' be her father... ye might want t' see th' type o' daughters I create..." he said with a smile, his eyes sparkling. "But if ye do still want tha'... then I'll gladly marry ye an' give ye all th' babes ye want, Vaanayla..." he added softly.

Vaan leaned against him, his arms still around Mike's neck and he let his wings lay lightly, even letting them cover Mike's hands lightly. "I'm starting to like the idea, very much...having a child with you...I suppose any one else would think that sounds crazy..."

Mike smiled softly. "I rather like th' idea m' self, luv." he said softly. "But if what ye say is true, then we've got a couple years t' get there... So how about we just enjoy th' now? Got plenty o' time fer plannin' weddin's an' babies..."

Vaan smiled softly. "I'm all for enjoying the now..." He said softly, before kissing Mike again, deep and passionate. Part of him thought it seemed completely unrealistic, that he was even having a conversation about having a man's baby; a man that he'd only met that day… and even the idea of marrying him, but the rest of him felt too comfortable and right.

Mike moaned softly into the kiss, his hand caressing Vaan's back, loving the feel of the wings as they brushed against him. He already knew he was lost and would end up marrying this gorgeous creature in his arms, and doubted he'd be able to wait the two years he'd said he had until he changed.

"Dad?" came a soft voice followed by the pattered of feet coming down the stairs and Mike sighed, breaking the kiss with a soft smile.

"Sorry, luv... " he said softly. "Aye, Tam... " he called out. "Yer supposed t' be in bed."

Vaanayla blushed, pulling back from the kiss and moving off Mike's lap, still blushing. He sat beside Mike, on the edge of the couch, letting his wings flutter softly a moment, and let his gaze look over Tam and really could see her father in her...Vaan smiled shyly.


~~

Larkin wondered if they'd lucked out, about not running into any one, as they'd headed back to Nate's apartment. He'd called from the restaurant, much to Saffron's annoyance, and left a message with him. Once in Nate's apartment, Larkin took off his jacket and slipped off the low heeled sandals he'd been wearing, his gaze going to the display case of guns.

Nate noticed Larkin’s gaze as he slipped up behind him, wrapping his arms around him. "Those are m' Day’s fault... he got m' int' guns... Bought me' m' first, much t’ mum's horror... we only got t' go t' a couple shows an' such before he died though... but Mikey still took me."

"It seems strange," Larkin said softly, enjoying Nate holding him, "That I know every make and model and how to shoot all of those." He added softly with a faint smile. "Billy taught me. Just like riding. Well he really taught me more trick riding then straight forward horse back riding...we used to joke about...running away from Paris and joining a circus, making an act out of my trick riding and his shooting."

"Then I'll have t' show ye th' gauntlet, as well as th' stables." Nate said with a smirk. "See if yer as good as ye say." he kissed Lark’s ear tenderly. "The Gauntlet is a ring we set up... rather like a big ol' obstacle course t' ride an' shoot through... Bet ye'll love it."

Larkin smiled genuinely, letting the tips of her fingers reach up and brush over the glass of the display case ever so lightly, not really touching it. "I'm sure I'll love it." He replied softly. He finally turned in Nate's arms, slipping his arms around Nate's neck, looking up at him. "How is it, some one as wonderful as you, isn't seeing any one else...isn't already involved with some one...?"

Nate blushed softly as he held him. "Havnae met th' right person, I suppose. I've dated... just never tha' seriously.  Maybe I was waitin' fer ye t' come along..."

Larkin smiled faintly, leaning against him; he really wasn't sure what to say to that in reply, so instead, he simply leaned up and kissed Nate softly.

Nate kissed him back, his arms tightening around him as he did; glad he'd broken things off with his last girlfriend. "Shall I get us a drink, luv?" he asked softly. "We can head t' th' couch an' get comfortable..."

"You don't have to get us anything to drink, I don't really want anything." Larkin replied softly, letting Nate hold him. "But if you'd like to sit down, then we can." He added softly. He managed not to blush, as he added coyly. "Or if you'd rather go straight to lying down, I don't mind either..."

Nate blushed furiously but chuckled. "Oh lards... at this rate, ye'll have me before a minister in no time." he said softly stealing a kiss. “How about we start off with sittin'... an' take it from there...? Tha' way, I can at least pretend I tried t' be a gentleman..." he added with a chuckle, leading the way into the dark living room, snapping on the lamp beside the couch before sitting down.

Larkin smirked, letting Nate lead him, though he blushed. "No one said anything about standing before an altar..." He replied softly. "I just wanted you to know I don't mind heading to the bedroom, instead of the couch...wouldn't mind getting out of the skirt and top at some point..."

"If ye want... ye can borrow a shirt to pull on... I have a couple tha' should be long enough fer ye... might have a pair of pajama pants or something ye can pull on to, ifn ye like." Nate said softly. "An' I wish ye didnae say it tha' way..." he added softer. "Makes me think tha' if I ever did ask ye... ye might not care t' meet me at th' alter...."

Larkin kissed Nate softly at that, shaking his head. "I think if you did ask, Nate, I would love very much to meet you at the altar, I'm just saying, you don't have to..." He replied softly. "As for borrowing a shirt...I suppose I don't mind, though I'd rather not put anything else on at all. I'm wearing a slip underneath...unless that would bother you..."

Nate managed to shake his head lightly. "Not at all... make yerself comfortable... cannae guarantee I’ll be any more likely t' keep m' hands t' myself ifn ye do, but ... I don’t think tha's a problem anyhow..." he added with a soft smirk.

Larkin smirked a bit, before slipping from Nate. He hesitated a moment, before slipping the top off first, then unzipped the skirt, slipping out of it. That left him in a rather flimsy silk slip, that was as long as the skirt, but showed the tiny red thong underneath, and the thigh high stockings. He'd almost given into old habits and not worn any knickers at all, and wondered if that would have been any better, or worse.

Nate gave a soft moan as he watched Larkin then reached out to pull him back down beside him. "Damn... an' I thought ye looked good IN th' outfit... ye look even better out of it..." he said softly. "Not sure it would be a good idea t' go cuddlin' with ye right now... would definitely end up in th' bedroom too fast..."

Larkin let Nate pull him down beside him, and smirked softly. "I told you, Nate...I don't mind ending up in the bedroom." He replied softly, a purr to his words. One strap slipped off one shoulder, falling low on his arm revealing quite a lot of skin on his chest on that side and he was slow to correct it.

"Shh..." Nate said softly, bending to kiss the bare shoulder. "I know... an' I'm lookin' forward t' endin' up there.... just no' so soon. I'd like t’ enjoy everythin'..."

Larkin slipped a hand up, removing the tie from Nate's hair, slipping his fingers through the copper locks. "Enjoy me all you want," he replied softly with a seductive tone, letting the strap fall down again, revealing the one side of his chest again.

Nate smiled softly, continuing to kiss his shoulder and neck before capturing Larkin's mouth again.

Larkin wrapped his arms around Nate's neck, kissing him back. He let the kiss deepen, before leaning back against the arm of the couch, pulling Nate with him, as he continued to kiss him.

Nate let Larkin pull him down, shifting a bit to better accommodate the position. He broke the kiss with a soft chuckle, kissing his way down his throat lightly. "Ye know... if we're gonna be layin' down anyways..." he said. "Yer kinda ruinin' all m' will power here, luv..."

"Mmm...If we're going to be lying down anyways, we should probably move this to the bedroom..." Larkin replied softly, slipping a hand under the edge of Nate's shirt and running it caressingly up his chest. The only thing he was nervous about, was stripping out of the slip and revealing all the scars. They were worst on his thighs and hips, and he was always nervous about them being seen by some one he was going to sleep with. It was difficult to explain them...

Nate gave a soft moan and kissed him harder, his hands slipping down over the thin material, caressing the body beneath. "Woulda been happy with just a kiss goodnight fer our first date, ye know..." he said softly, his eyes sparkling as he kissed him again "An' as it is... once I get ye int' m' bed... I may not want t' let ye out again..."

Larkin moaned softly behind the kiss, kissing him back, just as hungry and passionate. "I don't mind you keeping me in your bed...if you want to..." He replied softly, though he squirmed, knowing the moment Nate touched the scars, he'd have to explain. It really was more embarrassing to Larkin, though one or two men in the past had caused problems about the scars and the explanation behind them. It just served to show the woman who raised him was a complete nut case...

Nate gave a soft growl at that then sighed and pulled away. He stood and pulled Larkin to his feet before suddenly hefting him over his shoulder and heading towards the bedroom. "Alright then... but remember... ye asked fer it...” he said with a soft chuckle.

~~

Lexine thought the house was simply gorgeous. He didn't think he'd ever seen a more beautiful house, or one that felt more comfortable. It was quiet and calm, just the two of them. They were in the library, with its fire place; Lex was sitting on the couch after shedding his coat and shoes, and had taken the scarf off. He was watching Faal trying to light the fire place, but apparently the matches didn't want to work. "I can help with that..." Lexine said softly, blushing darkly, but moved, slipping off the couch and approached the fire place beside Faal. He reached down, letting his fingers trail over the wood, the fire springing up in place.

Faal smiled softly and let his arm slip around Lex's waist as he watched the flames spring to life. "Thank you... I could've used a bit of magic but I hesitate to use more then necessary... that’s why my glamour is so close to my actual appearance; bare minimum... drives my fae friends crazy..."

Lexine watched the fire a moment, before looking up at Faal. He frowned slightly, scrunching his nose. "Why don't you use magic much?" He asked softly, "Are... are you not good at it?" He asked, even softer, blushing darkly. He was just curious, more then anything. He didn't know much about fae. His hand slipped up to tug at the ring on his collar.

Faal smiled softly. "I'm just fine with it. I'm just ...I suppose it's sort of a challenge, to live in the mortal realm as much of a mortal as I can be." he said thoughtfully. "That and... I'm a half breed... so my magic can't seem to decide which side of me to take after at times. I know it’s something I can easily adjust to, many have, but... It's not something I really think about."

"A half breed..." Lexine replied softly, a bit distracted. His absinthe green eyes were on the fire, absently playing with the flames, though he knew very well, he shouldn't be...it'd only wear him out faster...damned Rowen. Not even a year out of Hell, and he'd already gotten himself cursed to die and he never understood why...he just thought he'd been in love with the air elemental...

"Elven and faerie..." Faal said softly, watching the flames. "Although I understand the balance is tipped in the favor of my Faerie blood, I was raised Elvin... Its not a combination favored in the Elvin courts, thanks to the king." He brushed his lips against Lex's cheek lightly. "Come on, sweetheart... let's go get comfortable." he suggested as he stood and held out his hands to him.

Lexine finally managed to pull his gaze away from the fire and stop playing with it, to look up at Faal a moment, before taking his hands, standing. "I really shouldn't play with the fire like that...it'll only wear me out faster...and be worse for me; speed up the curse...but I'm a fire elemental...its impossible for me NOT to play with it..." He said softly, blushing.

Faal frowned slightly as he pulled Lex to his feet. "Maxine mentioned that... " he said softly. "She's trying to find a way to break it, Lexine... and I will as well. We'll have you free of it and your collar in no time..."

Lexine shrugged, looking thoughtful for a moment, letting Faal lead him over to the plush sofa. "I'm rather used to the collar. I've been in it since I was five...and there really isn't any way to get it off...its just that other people stare. I didn't know there weren't any slaves in the world... like there are in Hell..."

"There are slaves.... just not like in Hell." Faal said softly. "And collars are popular among a certain group, as a fashion statement I suppose, although why I’ll never understand having been in one myself." he said simply as he sat down and pulled Lex down beside him, wrapping his arm around him and holding him close.

"Are there really slaves in the mortal world? I haven't really seen any...well...except for my sisters and Vaan..." Lexine said softly. He never really referred to Saffron and Larkin as brothers, since they would change. "But do they really count? I mean... Eckhart had Larkin... and the Black King had Saffron... And poor Vaan was just sold to different people... But are they slaves like I am...?" He asked softly.

"There are slaves. Some are that way by choice... but there are those who've been sold into it through the black market... to live their lives as sex toys to their owners." he said softly. "Some of them are taken as children, as you were... others are adults. They're hidden, but they exist. I sponsor a group of people who do nothing but track down these auctions and sales and try to free the slaves..."

Lexine had cuddled against Faal, listening to him, but frowned. "There are slaves who CHOSE to be?!" he asked, looking up at Faal wide eyed. The very idea didn't seem to make any sense to Lexine. He was certainly used to being a slave, but given the choice, he certainly wouldn't chose to be one. He frowned even more, confused. Saffron had mentioned, that he wanted to be claimed by some one...did that make Saffron like these slaves who chose to be slaves...?

Faal stroked the soft red hair as he held him. "I know.... it's a rather hard concept to grasp... but there are people out there who feel happiest when they belong to someone... when they turn over all control over their lives to someone else. There are those who even enjoy the harsher side of it all... the abuse and such. Something I will never understand." he said simply.

Lexine chewed on his bottom lip, thinking about it. "I...I can understand... the...the need to be...dominated. I'm...I'm that way. I can understand, my sister, Saffron...needing and wanting to be claimed... but I can't understand...how any one could like the pain..." He said with a shudder, looking up at Faal wide eyed.

"Me neither little one." Faal said softly. "But some find pleasure in it... just as some find pleasure in causing it..." he stroked Lex's cheek softly. "When you say 'dominated', you mean... You're not speaking about the pain or abuse or control... are you?" he asked softly. "You're speaking of... belonging and having someone else choose for you...?"

Lexine blushed darkly, lowering his gaze a moment, toying with the ring on his collar. "Yus..." He answered softly. "I mean...about belonging to some one...I want to belong to some one... with out all the pain..." Lexine replied softly.

Faal tipped his chin up and kissed him, not as passionately as before but not gently either. "I could never hurt you, Lexine..." he said softly.

Lexine whimpered softly at the kiss, leaning against Faal, his eyes closed. "I know you won’t....that's not what I want from you..." Lexine replied in a whisper, blushing darkly, but opened his eyes, looking up at Faal as he leaned against him. "Will you kiss me again...like you did at the hotel...please...?"

"I did promise I would... didn't I?" Faal asked softly as he stroked Lex's cheek, smiling as he bent to meet his lips with his own. He started it off just as soft as usual, and then let it build and deepen gradually, his arms pulling him closer as he did.

Lexine's eyes fluttered closed again, a soft moan escaping him, as he slowly found himself kissing Faal back. He'd never really kissed any man, at least not returning such a passionate kiss.

Faal made himself break the kiss after a moment and smiled down at Lexine. "How was that?" he asked softly, stroking his cheek lightly before bending to kiss him again.

Lexine sighed softly, another moan escaping him as Faal kissed him again. He moved, leaning even closer, wanting more. It felt so wonderful. He didn't want it to stop.


~~