"Very much so," Benny agreed quietly and smiled before giving her a small, gentle kiss. "But it won't be tomorrow," he said when it ended. "We need to sleep now. Tomorrow is the first day of your new life."

Nodding her head Fox threw away a few wrappers and headed back to the bedroom. Stripping off the clothes she hadn't paid attention to grabbing, she noticed it was just a long t-shirt and shorts. Both severely faded in color and the design the shirt once had one it. Climbing into bed she rolled over onto her side. She tried waiting for Benny to crawl into bed with her before she dozed off asleep but it was futile and slowly she drifted off to sleep.

Several hours later

Fox awoke to noises in her kitchen and sighed heavily. Sliding out of bed she slipped into a pair of jeans and a tight fitting t-shirt with the clubs logo on it. Reaching out with her mind to see who was in her house she frowned as she caught wind of three minds. "Boys..." Shaking her head she came out into the kitchen and gasped. There was a breakfast pretty much fit for a king on her counter and table. Looking up at Lynx, Adder, and Rain questioningly, she waited for an explanation.

Rain was the first to hear her so he was the first to speak up. "We didn't steal it I promise!" Adder slapped his "brother" upside the head and growled. "She knows we would never do that!" Of course Lynx had to chime in. "Well you never know, we did break into her house." They all looked up waiting for her to snap and all Fox could manage was to burst out into laughter and tears. This was the nicest thing they had done for her in such a long time. The three men looked at each other, not sure what to do at first but then Rain again took the initiative and stepped forward to envelope her in his arms. After that both Adder and Lynx followed suit, and it was just a big group hug to calm Fox down. 

Behind them in the doorway to the bedroom there was a quiet clearing of a throat. Benny ruffled from sleep and wearing nothing but boxers, his tattoos and a few notable but pale scars in rather dangerous ares of his torso exposed for anyone to see. He had his arms crossed and was raising an eyebrow at them accusingly. "Vandals, break into our home and then lay your hands all over my lady?" He tutted. "I aught to have you arrested." He kept his eyes narrowed for a moment longer before he simply grinned, uncrossing his arms to hold them out for his own hug. "Good morning gents."

All three men knew that Fox was always his lady, they were just slightly surprised to hear him voice it aloud. Shrugging their shoulders, Rain, Adder, and Lynx moved Fox aside gently before jumping on Benny. Fox stood back and giggled softly at the four men who took up most of the time in her life. They were a sight. "Alright, get off of him!" The 'children' instantly listened and traipsed into the kitchen. "Breakfast is ready when you two are..." Rain mumbled softly, as he watched Fox walk over and wrap her arms around Benny's neck. Smiling up into Benny's eyes, Fox kissed his lips softly. "Possessive, I like it!"

"Can you blame me?" Benny queried back with a raised eyebrow but grinned and gave her a little kiss back as his arms wrapped around her waist, holding her close. Forcing himself to tear his eyes away from... his girlfriend? He supposed that's what she was now. He looked at the men in the kitchen. "We're ready when you are. I'd rather eat then wash up than the other way around." He seemed to suddenly realize what was going on, looking at the items their three band mates had brought with them that had certainly not come from their kitchen. "Where did you all get all this stuff anyway?"

Lynx glanced over at Rain and frowned slightly. "Uh...well, you know theres still a black market and all...well we just gave a weeks worth of wages for it." Shrugging gently, Lynx sat down at the table next to his brothers and smiled up at Fox sheepishly. Fox released Benny and rushed over to hug each of them in turn. "You guys didn't have to do this...but thank you. Im glad to know I'm appreciated." Kissing the top of their heads she sat down with them and began filling her plate and Benny's. Looking around at the table she grinned happily. She couldn't think of a better way to spend her morning then with the most important people in her life. There was only one person missing, and she hoped he would be okay with Talia.

Benny took his seat by Fox, thinking to himself he would have to take Dash and 'discuss' things with the vendors. Again. He poked the bacon, wanting them but unable to eat and think so deeply at the same time. "So how did things get along without us?" he asked, putting his worries aside for now and taking a bite of his food.

Lynx was the first to pipe up. "We met Fox's new hire. Shes good. Great potential and she knows her drinks..." There was a long pause before Adder added his two cents. "And she's not bad looking either." Fox sat in silence and listened to the exchange while she ate her breakfast. "I was thinking of training her as my manager that way I have more time to myself and to help with...the cause." All the boys knew what she meant by this and nodded their heads. "That's not a half bad idea..." This came from Rain since he was the only one who didnt have a mouth full of food at the moment. Fox smiled at him, thanking him silently. Rain had always been the most understanding and the one who stood behind her with just about everything. He winked at her and continued with his breakfast.

"I'm somewhat surprised we never trained one of them," Benny put in to Fox. He paused in eating to look at the three and gave them a dramatic frown. "Then again, I'm not sure we could have trusted them..." He actually did really well at keeping the snicker off his face.

"That or you knew we would never accept that position." Rain pointed his fork at Benny and shrugged his shoulders before standing and clearing his plate from the table. Going over to the sink he cleaned it quickly and dried it before placing it back into the cupboard. Leaning against the counter he reached over to the coffee pot and poured himself a cup before taking a sip. Fox nodded gently as she finished her plate and did the same as Rain. "He's right, I couldn't see any of them accepting that. They enjoy the stage too much..."

"Good point." Benny picked listlessly at the rest of his food, having only eaten about half of it. Something was bugging him, and surrounded by his band mates and Fox he knew he should have been plenty happy. What was him that was itching slightly in the back of his mind. He really hoped it wasn't his brother. He felt his discomfort increase. He really hoped he would show up soon to prove him wrong.

Without meaning to Fox had picked up on Benny's unease and wanted to find out where it stemmed from as soon as possible. Turning around so she could see them all, she smiled softly. "Boys, why don't you go on downstairs and start opening up while Benny and I clean up." As they began to protest, Fox held up her hands to silence them. "It's not up for debate." They all sighed in unison but stood from their spots and left the apartment. Fox came back over to the table and sat down beside Benny. Taking his hand into hers she frowned deeply, trying to search his eyes for some sort of answer, finding none she spoke up, softly. "Benny, whats wrong?"

"I'm not sure," Benny replied with a frown, seeming a little distracted. He put his fork down and added that hand to his other holding Fox's. "I just figured Dash would be here by now, to report you know? And he isn't and... I guess it concerns me a little. I know it seems like I'm over reacting but..." Dash had taken on a lot of things for them over the years and he almost always came back battered and bruised. He always became concerned when his brother had to do a mission alone, no matter how small. Hell, he worried just having him out on the street most days. He was resourceful and tricky, just as he needed to be, but that didn't make his big brother worry any less.

Leaning forward, Fox kissed Benny's forehead and smiled softly. "I understand. And Im sure Dash is fine. We just got up and we're more early risers than he is, so he's probably sleeping right now, or bugging Talia with something. If...If you want I can try and tap into his mind..." It'd been years since she'd tried tapping into someones mind while they weren't within close range, she could come into contact with just about anything that Dash had touched over the past few weeks. It may not be dangerous but it could just be a waist of time.

Benny gave her an appreciative smile but shook his head as he rubbed her arm. "No, but thank you. I'm not so worried we need to risk his mental privacy. Not yet anyway. We'll give it time, like you said. I'm probably worried over nothing." He stood and kissed her cheek before just smiling at her again. "How about we have a shower and then go help the guys set up?"

Fox's lips claimed Benny's as an answer. "Hmmm, a shower sounds great..." Pulling away, she began stripping off her clothes and tossing them into the hamper as she entered the bedroom. Her butt swayed back and forth, temping Benny. Looking over her shoulder, Fox smiled at him seductively. "Ill turn on the shower for us..." Biting her bottom lip suggestively she hurried into the bathroom and started the water.

"My god, how did I keep my hands off you this long," Benny mused distractedly as he followed her, letting the world fall away just like his boxers. Once the water was settled and Fox was in the shower he stepped in after her and pressed her gently against the tile wall, resting his hands on her hips as he claimed her neck with his lips, appreciating the way the hot water trickled over them making him wonder what it would be like if they were flower petals and he had Fox under the sunny skies they once saw. "Don't distract me downstairs," he half pleaded as he kissed her damp skin. The last thing he needed was an erection while trying to keep time.

"They dont need us right away." Fox pressed her body snugly against his body, allowing him to ravage her neck. Reaching her her razor she cut herself on it and groaned in pain. Holding it up to Benny a soft smile on her lips. "Do it..." Her eyes were gentle and loving as she looked into his beautiful eyes.

Benny looked back at her for less than a moment before his expression was immensely relieved, as if releasing a great strain he hadn't known he had and was intensely grateful to her. "Don't scar yourself," he breathed, wanting to chastise her but too happy about it that his lips captured hers practically before he stopped speaking, his hand coming up to the cut and closing over it, his thumb covering the small wound. The effect was almost instantaneous. Her blood warmed as if with flooded with bright sunshine and rushed through her heart with a thick heavy beat. A flush tinged her cheeks, making them rosy, not that he noticed. He could sense it there, beautiful, just under the skin, but was enjoying the kiss too much to observe it with his actual eyes. For the first time in their lives, however, the blood made a slight detour, causing a slight ache between her legs. In all honesty, he while he wanted to make her feel pleasure, all the feelings were an echo of his own inner distractions.

"Oh, god..." Fox laid her head back against the tile of the shower. Carefully she slid herself up the wall of the shower and wrapped her legs around his waist. Pulling him snug against her body. Leaning forward she pressed her lips against his, kissing him passionately.

Benny grinned against her lips, indulging her for a minute before, with his arms around her hips, lifted her slightly and firmly seated himself inside her with a short groan. Panting slightly, more from desire than actual exertion, he broke the kiss and mumbled into her neck. "It's going to be hard not to do this all the time," he admitted and, with a slight hug to her body, moved carefully, shivering from the pleasure that shot through his body as every part of his being reveled in finally having this intimacy with his soul mate.

Wrapping her arms around his neck, Fox relished in the feel of him buried inside of her. "That's okay, I love that we're able to have this now. Able to show how much we love each other." As she looked down at Benny her eyes flickered to the white it usually took on when she was having of vision or something. Slowly she began to rise up and down on him in a slow rhythmic motions. Closing her eyes she moaned into the shower, as her muscles clenched around him. "Besides, you like it!"

"How could I not?" Benny groaned as he helped her move, all but ignoring the fact that they had originally came in here to get clean and simply enjoyed how wonderful the water made her milky flesh feel. He held her close, closing his own eyes as he panted slightly, all the while keeping her moving and feeling the pleasure build in him. She was beautiful, and his now, and he felt like he could take on the world as long as he had her. Of course, he had felt that way since he first laid eyes on her. He pressed carefully deeper inside her, thinking that if anyone tried to harm her, he would kill them without a blink of his eye. She was his angel, and he would protect or to his last breath. He shifted his arms so he could support her with one while the other hand came up to slide along her arm until he had her hand, lacing their fingers together. His cheek rested against hers and he told her quietly, "I love you Fox."

"I love you too," Fox whispered back softly as they stood in the shower, making love to one another. In the position they were in, Benny drove deeper into her, causing her pleasure to be heightened this time around. "Benny, I'm afraid I wont last as long this time..."

"We can always go again," Benny panted as he moved her, feeling himself growing close as well and only by forced manipulation was he keeping himself in check. He grinned, looking into her eyes. "And again... and again... and again..." He punctuated every 'again' with a thrust before going back to his quicker pace, kissing her shoulder as if telling her it was alright to let go.

Fox cried out as she was pushed over the edge into a blissful orgasm as Benny drove deeper and harder into her. "Mmf, Benny!" The walls of her sex contracted around him. A shiver ran up her spine as the waves of pleasure continued to roll over her. Yes, they would do this again, and again, and again.

Benny had to bury his lips against her skin to keep himself quiet as he lost his concentration and exploded inside her, his body quivering and the only thing that kept his knees from giving out was the desire to keep Fox safe. It was a long few moments before he was calm enough to carefully lift her and settle her on her feet again, holding her in case she was feeling as week as he was. Really, this shower so far was going to waste if getting clean had been the goal. "Are you ready to face the world yet?" he asked softly once he got his heart naturally under control, having no desire force the lingering feelings away.

Outside a long haired woman stared up at the top windows of the club that belonged to Foxes home and smiled. This must be the place. Elnora thought as she glanced at the doorway of the club and shook her head. Looking back towards the upper windows she noticed one open a crack and she quickly stepped into the shadows of the building. The next second a small blue creature was crawling up the side of the building, clinging to the walls with its claws. Once it had reached the window it slipped inside then quickly transformed back into the woman. She stood on the kitchen bench, staring round her with curiosity at her new surroundings. Jumping down from the bench she accidently knocked a glass to the floor and watched as it shattered into many tiny pieces, the sound echoing throughout the apartment. With a shrug she moved round the room until she spotted the last remaining items of Benny and Foxes breakfast and began helping herself, happy to have something to eat.

Fox slid down his body and allowed the remains of there love making to slid down her legs. Washing her body she looked at Benny and shrugged. "Oh if I have t--" The sound of a shattering glass pierced her sensitive ears through the sound of the shower. Throwing her mind out around her she gasped. "Theres someone in the house..."

Benny's eyes darkened. "Stay here," he told her seriously before stepping out of the shower. He tugged on sleeping pants in the bedroom, not caring how wet he was, and, in taught fighting stance, stepped out to see who was in their home. At the sight of a girl picking at bits of their breakfast he was no less on his guard. "What are you and what are you doing here?" he asked, his tone indicating that arguing would not be in their best interest. His gold eyes had become hard, body in a light crouch and his hands surprisingly not fisted but instead hovering, relaxed, in the air. In the off chance this was a human, which he doubted, he didn't want to attack first. It would cause more problems than it would solve.

Elnora turned chuckling lightly at the sound of Benny's voice. "Oh aren't you adorable! Crouched there and ready to pounce at the first sign of danger." She said her bright blue eyes sparkling as she watched him, a large smile on her face. "My name is Elnora Mist, the last of the great ice dragons and the reason I am here..well I heard that someone was gathering creatures to aid in some kind of rebellion and seen as I'm one of the biggest and best I thought you could use my assistance."

Benny's body relaxed slightly, releasing the fighting stance, but his face did not change. Something about her already raked up his spine. Luckily, he knew what it was. "Word travels fast. In any case, Miss Elnora, while we appreciate the offer, we have no need of condescension nor superiority. I have the utmost respect for dragons, but not when they speak as you apparently do. I'm sorry, you came a long way for nothing." He motioned to the door with a hand. He did not think himself superior to dragons, not by a long shot, but he would never appreciate being spoken down to, nor Fox being spoken down to, and he had no desire to work with anyone who thought they were doing them a favor by helping. This revolution was about the creatures seeking independence, spots in the sun, not about the powerful doing the weak a favor by helping them.

"I've done it again, haven't I?" Elnora replied with an embarassed expression. "Things used to be so different years ago...dragons were worshipped and feared and my way of speaking would have fitted right in. Unfortunately it seems that is no longer the case. I will try to tone it down in the future, but you must understand, we dragons are proud creatures and most times I would demand respect from lesser creatures..." She had to stop herself saying such as yourself. "...but this time I shall oblige and be good. I wish to help so I will be staying."

Benny was still giving her a hard look, not liking the way she was still simply inviting herself in. It was a long moment before he replied again. "You will still be worshiped, if you did not let it take away your humility," he said at last. "I am surprised the fact that you have had to stay in hiding and no longer roam as you once did doesn't impress humility upon you." He crossed his arms over his chest, still regarding her with a bit of hesitancy but not outright disrespect. "In this world, you will have the respect that you earn." He kept an eye on her as he strode across the room and opened the door that would lead down to the club. "We will be down shortly, now please leave."

Elnora shook her head stubbornly. "Its hot a stuffy down there, horrible conditions for an ice dragon. I like it up here, its lovely and cool. Perfect." she said flashing him another bright smile. "I'll be good I promise. Maybe your friend would like to meet me as well." she said glancing towards the bedroom door that led to where Fox was waiting.

"She will meet you downstairs," Benny insisted sternly, his expression staying hard. He had little patience for the intrusion and even less for someone so annoyingly stubborn. "Forgive me for being rude, but your comfort means very little to me right now since comfort was more than luxury compared to how some of those 'lesser creatures' have been living. You can go downstairs and wait, or not help at all, your choice, but while we appreciate your offer we do not need you and to be so petulant- I doubt we even want you. The dragons I remember were proud and confident at what they earned, not simply basked in adulation simply because they were great hulking beasts with scales like gems. No one bows to the petty, and I suggest you think once more how it used to be, and just why we used to honor you so highly. While. You wait. Downstairs."

Finally Elnora's eyes narrowed as she listened to him speak. I doubt we even want you. his words kept repeating in her mind. She straightened up and strode slowly towards Benny then paused in front of him. "You must be very brave or very stupid to speak to a dragon like that..." she growled the air around them cooling to an almost painfully cold temperature. "I'll be waiting downstairs and unless you want me to turn your bar into an ice box I suggest you don't take to long." She snapped at him as she turned and walked slowly down the stairs until she reached the
bar where she sat at a table, trying to keep her anger in check.

Benny closed the door behind her and, fighting the urge to chatter his teeth at his frosted bare skin he walked back to the bedroom to find some clothes, rushing his blood to try and warm up his body. First, before dressing, however, he went to check on Fox while he defrosted. "Pretentious dragon," he explained quietly, glad when the chilly bits of water started to drop off his skin. "I suggest we hurry, lest you want her to have a temper tantrum. Dragons aren't completely known for their patience, unfortunately."

Fox was already dressed and ready. She had on black leather skinny pants and a deep green corset tank top. Her knee high boots were laced up to her knees. Turning around to face Benny she crossed her arms over her chest. "So I heard." Fox began walking out of the apartment, mumbling something about bending the dragon over her knee and spanking her high and mighty attitude out of her. As she entered the club she immediately looked over at the dragon. The boys all looked over at her, concern etched across there foreheads.

Elnora turned to look at Fox as she emerged from the door she had only just appeared through herself. "Ah...so you must be the other person from upstairs." She said as she stood from her table to greet Fox. "Is your little bad mannered friend not joining us?" she asked with a raise of an eyebrow.

"Considering your the one that broke into my apartment without permission makes you to be the bad mannered one." Fox crossed her arms over her chest as she made her way over to the bar, eying the dragon. "And the fact that you angered my boyfriend doesn't make your case any better."

It only took this minute or so before Benny appeared in the bar. He waved at the rest of the band, letting them know they were ok but not happy. He didn't seem to care so much about how he looked, having black ratty pants on, a faded t shirt, and dingy trainers. He preferred Fox to outshine him anyway. He joined Fox at the bar and did his best to keep his expression neutral. He bowed his head politely to Elnora. "Forgive my rudeness earlier," he said simply. "And thank you for coming downstairs and waiting."

"I didn't break in..I climbed in through an open window." Elnora corrected Fox as she followed her. She looked at Benny as he spoke and smiled brightly. "All is forgiven and I suppose I should apologise for breaking in as you call in. All these years living amongst humans and i'm still not used to their ways, I guess thats why i'm here really, I want to go home."

"You came onto my property without permission. I'll not argue this further. I don't trust easily so you have that strike against you." Fox highly doubted she left a window open, she never opened them in the first place. There was no reason to. She was either gone from the apartment, down stair, or sleeping. There was never a reason to have her windows open. Her eyes darted over to Benny and she brushed her mind up agains his, warning him of the intrusion. I dont like this dragon, she's too high and mighty. "So what exactly do you want?" Fox refused to play nice nice wih this creature. She wasnt going to pretend to like her when at this very moment, she felt anything but like towards the creature.

"I came to help." Elnora replied simply as she looked at Fox. "Words spreading fast of someone trying to change things back to the way they were and I want to be a part of it. Okay so you might not like me very much now...but trust me you'll like me once you get to know me and see what I've got to offer." she said with a grin as she leaned against the bar.

The young bar tender paused for a moment as she approached to see if Fox or this strange woman wanted anything. Was Foz trying to pull creatures together for some sort of revolution? No wonder she'd given Aaliyah the job with hardly any questions asked. She stood behind the bar and nodded to Fox without betraying that's she'd heard any of the conversation. "Can I get you ladies anything?" she asked, flashing a charming smile between the two.

Fox glanced over at her new bar tender and smiled softly. "A nice stiff drink. Don't care what it is as long as its good, so don't disappoint." Fox gave her a friendly wink before turning back to the dragon. "We'll see. But it's that sort of attitude right there that I don't like and it will get you into trouble. Especially around this group. We don't take in strangers often and we sure as hell don't like them thinking there better than us. We're all in the same damn boat right now. So suck it up and drop the princess attitude before I have him rip your head off." Fox wasn't the kind to normally threaten people but when she indicated Benny ripping off the dragons head she knew she was dead serious.

Benny's eyes flashed ever so slightly as he gave the dragon an easy smile, much too relaxed for having it be said he'd murder a dragon. His arms slipped around Fox's waist from behind and he rested his chin on her shoulder so he could keep an eye on the other female on their side of the bar. I didn't know fae had such claws, he thought to Fox, his mental voice practically purring. It was odd, the way he thought, the voice in his head a shade more dangerous, perhaps a bit more wild, than his audible one. Perhaps it was simply his natural nature though. It was also odd how open his mind was now. It was as if the whole thing was contained but Fox could move around it so easily, just a large chamber filled with thoughts. There was a black wall in the back, as he still chose to keep his memories of the war to himself, but she was free to see his general childhood and how he saw her now, as well as other lighthearted things. Don't get too riled, we do still have to perform, he added gently.

"Why then are you asking for help if you don't usually associate yourself with strangers? Plus your not going to get much help if you don't drop your "i'm so tough, i'll kill you if you don't behave" attitude." Elnora replied with a roll of her eyes. She looked at Aaliyah and shook her head. "No thank you." She looked back at Fox her expression now serious. "I'll drop the attitude but if you ever threaten me again, it'll be the last thing you do. I'll destroy this bar and everyone in it..I would happily expose myself as a dragon for that."

"People in this town know who I am, and already know my attitude so I'm not worried about people not wanting to help." Fox leaned back into Benny's chest and sighed. I don't like her, at all. Her attitude is going to be dangerous with all these creatures coming to join us. "I'm the leader of this Rebellion, I've been working on this for years, so don't get in my way. If someone who has been in on this from the start doesn't like you, your out. I wont sacrifice a friend leaving for someone I'm not even sure I want with us." Fox crossed her arms over her chest and rested them on Benny's arms which were still wrapped around her.

Benny frowned just slightly and gave Fox a small squeeze as he lifted his head to talk to Elnora. "I'm very sorry. I think everyone is on edge these days- except you it seems- but I suppose you have a good reason. I understand how powerful you are, but there is no need to keep pushing our noses in it, ok? I will respect you, there is no need to force me, or Fox for that matter. We would be happy to have you on our side-" He gave Fox a brief pointed look before looking back at Elnora, still with that little frown. "But please remember... You came to help us, not lord over us, and we're grateful for that, but until we win this... we can't be subservient to the dragons again. Your kind was beaten down by the humans, same as ours. Help us, stop this bickering-" Again, he looked briefly at Fox- "Both of you, and I'm sure we can accomplish great things. Between your innate power and Fox's connections, the city could be ours in no time, I'm sure of it." As soon as Dash gets here with news of who he has for us... Fox, I'm getting worried. Not that any of it showed on his face.

Elnora opened her mouth to respond to Fox but paused when Benny spoke up. "Alright, i'll behave. I'll be on my best behaviour." she said with a smile then held her hand out to Fox to shake. "Lets start fresh." she said still smiling. "We would make a great team."

Fox actually agreed with the woman. If they could get along, they could make a fantastic team. Sliding her hand into the dragons she nodded her head. "You need a place to stay?" She couldn't give the woman a place in her apartment but one of the "private" rooms of the club would do nicely. Looking up at Benny she kissed his cheek. I only get fiery when its my life and the life of the ones I love on the line. Winking at him she leaned into him once again, the comfort of his body, settling her nerves.

"Yes actually." Elnora replied after shaking Fox's hand. "Do you know of anywhere that I would be welcome? You know where I could make things a little cooler than normal?" She said with a smile as her eyes sparkled brightly.

I'm going to go help set up. "I'll let you two ladies talk," Benny said kindly and gave them both a smile, Fox a little peck on the lips and a final little squeeze, and then left them to help the other men get the instruments ready. Once they were set up, however, he asked them to get ready, took up the microphone and started with a grin at their intro. "Irresponsible, adults with too much time on their hands... set out on a quest to go back in time... No astrophysicists or even lyricists. Just a singer, an artist, and a mime..."

Aaliyah nodded and turned to mix Fox a drink. She listened and watched the three from the corner of her eye as she worked. As Benny left to set up the stage, she set down the drink with an approving look. From what she'd seen and overheard, it was about time those two got together. "Just let me know if you want anything even stronger." she said, confident that Fox would appreciate the drink. She looked the stranger up and down, wondering who she was that she was acting even more confident and entitled than Aaliyah ever had.

"We have some private rooms here in the club, but if you ice it over, you have to fix it whenever its time for you to leave. Deal? I still need to use them once this damned Rebellion is over." A soft smile spread across Fox's features making her look even more delicate than she already did. Looking up at Benny, love and compassion radiated off of her. Leaning against the bar she smiled before pushing off and heading towards the stage. "Enjoy the show ladies." Once the song was over, she hopped up onto stage and took her place. "My hands are searching for you. My arms are outstretched towards you." The words and the meaning of the song washed over the entire club causing heads to turn towards Fox and her alluring voice. The club wasn't very packed yet tonight but it was getting there as people wandered in.

Elnora listened to the music for a few seconds then turned towards Aaliyah behind the bar. "If you wouldn't mind fetching me a glass of water, I would greatly appreciate it." she said as she hopped up to sit on a stool, crossing one leg over the other. A man approached her, leaning on the bar, smiling flirtatiously before opening his mouth to speak. Elnora held her hand up before he could utter a single word and shook her head without looking at him. "Don't even bother." she told him causing his mouth to drop open in surprise then walk off with an annoyed expression.

---

Once Talia had returned to her room she had quickly changed into her nightdress then allowed herself to change into her natural form. Dash is going to have to get used to me looking like this if he wishes to share my bed. she thought peering into the mirror at her red skinned reflection before moving to her bed and crawling under the blanket, then sat up with her pillows propping her up. She opened the drawer of the small table beside her and pulled out a thick leatherbound journal then opened it and began scrawling in it. When Dash entered the room she quickly shut it and hid it under her pillow, embarassed about him seeing it. It held all her best memories including ones of him. She straightened up and smiled at him. "Everything alright?"

"I think so," Dash replied with a yawn. When his honey yellow eyes opened again he looked at Talia and he felt his chest tighten and his breath catch again. "You look nice," he said honestly, knowing the words didn't do it justice but simplicity was his only strong suit. So was honesty and he knew he wasn't going to be able to lie to Talia, even if it wasn't supposed to be lying so much as not telling her. He frowned and ran a hand through his hair, dismissing the book she had. If she hid it, he wasn't to know about it. "Talia, if you aren't too tired- I know you said you were heading to bed- I kind of need to talk to you about something." As he spoke, he walked around to what was to be his side of the bed and sat on the edge, not ready to lie down without changing, and leaned back against the headboard, looking beside him at the gorgeous creature he had somehow found himself lucky enough to spend the night with.

"Oh?" Talia said in a curious tone as she turned herself slightly so she could look at him better, her dark eyes focused on his face. "This sounds serious..." she said then smiled. "Go on then Dash, tell me whats on your mind."

Dash wasn't quite sure how to say it, so he took a moment to gather his thoughts before he explained. "I don't want you to freak out," he admitted first before his eyes looked up to meet her stunning black ones. "Just... keep that in mind, ok?" He looked at her a moment longer before he took a steadying breath and told her outright. "I'm attracted to you." 'I think you're hot' is what she usually got, or something along those lines he was sure, but that just wasn't who he was. "And I know, that doesn't seem like anything special, but it is special. Talia, my kind, we only find one person, that's how I know it's you, because I wouldn't like you otherwise- If that makes any sense at all. I hope so." He frowned and looked down at his lap. "I only just learned it today, in a way. It's been centuries since I learned that the first time."

Talia's eyes widened as she listened to Dash speak then very quickly her cheeks reddened and she couldn't help but smile. "Dash.." she said almost breathlessly then couldn't help but laugh slightly. "Oh Dash...you have no idea how happy your words have made me. I hope it will make you happy to know that I...i'm attracted to you too." she used his words hoping he would understand her feelings towards him.

"I'm sorry Talia. I don't want you to think we have to be together now just because I feel like this or anything like-" Dash stopped talking. Did she just say...? He looked at her, his face teetering between confused and surprised. "...I'm sorry. What?" Was she saying she wanted to sleep with him? That's what other creatures meant when they said 'attracted to' right? He was willing to be good money that he was awful at it. Not, of course, that he wanted to in the first place- Ok, yes, yes he did, but it was really early for that, wasn't it? He certainly hoped his soul mate didn't just want him for his body.

"Dash I've liked you for some time now, you can ask Fox and Benny they both know." Talia replied as she tried to figure out how he had taken her confession. "But just because I've liked you for quite some time.." she said then her blush increased from embarrassment. "..doesn't mean I want to rush you into anything. If we were ever to attempt a relationship I would want us to take it one step at a time. You know maybe going for dinner or something first...that's actually why I had Zan make us dinner, to try and show you how I feel."

Dash settled on confused. "But... You didn't know I liked you. Ok, maybe you did, but you didn't know I knew I liked you. Why would you go through the trouble?" He was getting even more confused. It always came so easy to his big brother how to treat Fox. He wanted that. He wanted the relaxation, to hug, and try to kiss. He wanted to bring her breakfast in bed and flowers 'just because'. But it didn't feel like it would come so easily. It felt like he was half a step off on everything he wanted to do with Talia. How did Benny do it? He looked at Talia again, this time more sad than confused. "I'm sorry I missed your dinner." He wasn't sure what else to say.

"You didn't know so it really wasn't your fault, it just shows I'm not very good at surprises." Talia replied with a smile and a shrug. "Ok...you've said you like me and I've said I like you, so now what?" she asked curiously. She moved her hand up and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear then carefully moved a little closer to him. She reached a hand out then paused before slowly continuing until it rested gently on top of his.

Dash barely remained in the bed as he felt his heart shoot into his throat at the touch. "You're making me very nervous," he informed her in a quiet voice, his body just a little tense. He swallowed hard, trying to make himself thing. "Honestly Talia, I think I would ask to court you, if you would be willing." The lightest pink tinged his cheeks though his expression remained calm, but he couldn't look into her eyes. "And I don't think we should share a bed." That was reserved for... well,the completion of courting. It hadn't mattered before because nothing would happen between friends. It was different now, and he had not even been on a date with her. How could he share her bedchamber? 'Bedchamber'. How long had it been since he had used that word? Well, the last time he had been contemplating courting had been a rather long time ago. He wasn't even completely sure how people did it these days, but he still was certain he wouldn't budge on certain things.

Talia had quickly withdrew her hand with a sigh when he had expressed his nervousness at her touch and sat waiting for his reply. She suddenly smiled brightly when he spoke of asking her permission to court her and she nodded eagerly. "I am definately willing and you're right if we're going to do this right then you should sleep on the couch for tonight. I will ask Zan to repair the spare bed for you tomorrow but it would be rude to disturb him tonight." She was speaking very quickly as her mind raced with various thoughts but she continued to smile happily throughout. She bounced from the bed and moved to the closet and after a moment of rummaging reappearing carrying a spare blanket and pillows which she held out for Dash. "Are you happy that I return your feelings?"

"Very much so," Dash replied when he stood and accepted the bed things. He carefully took her hand, lifted it to his lips with a half bow, and pressed a chaste kiss to the back before he looked at her eyes again. "Sleep well, Talia. We'll see each other in the morning." And with that, he reluctantly let go of her hand and left the room. It didn't take long for him to pass out on the couch with only the pillow, too tired to even settle the blanket.

Several hours later...

That night had been one of the best nights rest Talia had experienced in a long time. She had fallen asleep with a smile and now as she awoke she found she was still smiling happily. She slowly sat up and stretched her arms up high before slipping from her bed and creeping from her room, wondering where Zan had spent the night. She tiptoed lightly across the living room, her smile widening at the form sleeping on the couch but moved on until she was safely within the bathroom where she closed the door quietly behind her. After turning the shower on she quickly undressed and stepped under the hot water, singing quietly to herself as she began to think up what she could make them for breakfast.

At the sound of the shower, Dash's eyes fluttered open at the unfamiliar sound. Once he had his bearings, without moving, he went over mentally all he had to do today. When he realized it was Talia that must be showering, his lips quirked up involuntarily and his heart beat heavily and he remembered: He had found his match. That alone made him close his eyes and let the smile fully blossom on his face. But then the rest of the world closed in. He still had to find those beasts for Fox and Aleia- He sat up with a gasp. Aleia! He had to find her. She had been in agony. He stood and hurried to shove the few things he had left at Talia's into his pockets, making sure everything was his first. He didn't want another ring incident. Or worse.

"Someone's in a hurry...everything alright?" Came Talia's voice from the bathroom doorway. She stood watching him curiously as she clutched one of the fluffy pink towels round herself, her white hair dripping on the floor. She suddenly sighed when she realised what was happening. "You have to go don't you?" she asked with a frown. There goes my idea of us having breakfast together. she thought as she finally stepped from the bathroom.

"Yes, and I'm so sor-" Dash felt his throat close when he caught sight of her and he quickly averted his eyes. "Um... Talia. Bare with me, please, when I say I would prefer to only see you this undressed if we have a wedding night." He was blushing brightly and didn't bother hiding it from her. He cleared his throat. "But. Yes. I have to go. But I'll be going to the club if you want to meet me there in, say, an hour? Or more, if you need more time-"

Talia clutched the towel more tightly round herself as if trying to cover herself up more. Wedding night?! she thought in shock as her eyes widened. We haven't even had our first date and he's talking about weddings. It wasn't that Talia wouldn't want to marry him, she just couldn't believe that it had been Dash to utter the word first. "The club, in an hour? I'll be there...and i'll bring Zan along to. He likes the drinks with little umbrella's." she said with a smile then bit her lip unsure of what was the best way to say goodbye. A hug...a handshake? she thought then decided to wait for him to make a move.

"Alright, see you then." Dash seemed to hesitate for a moment, then strode over to her, opened his eyes enough to find her cheek then shut them again, gave her a quick peck, then stepped into a corner and was gone before his hands, or lips, won over his control.

Talia touched a hand lightly to her cheek after he had kissed it then smiled brightly once he had left. "ZAN!" she nearly screamed excitedly as she ran to her bedroom, stumbling clumsily but managing to catch herself before she fell. "Zan! We're going out and you can get as many drinks with little umbrella's as you like." she called happily unsure of where the slave demon was. She began rummaging through her clothes, trying to pick the perfect outfit to wear. "Eugh...why is it like I suddenly have nothing to wear." she muttered as she stared at the now large pile of clothes that were lying on her bed.

The ring glowed slightly and Zan appeared, his arms folded across his stomach. He wasn't yet sure about why he had been summoned, but he stood by, waiting. "Mistress, you have plenty of clothes. I can alter something for you if you wish." He seemed not to realize that he was wearing the same thing as yesterday. It was the same outfit he wore every day.

"Good morning Zan." Talia said to him over her shoulder as she continued looking through her clothes. "I need to look incredible today. But I don't know what style to dress in!" she exclaimed and huffed slightly. Would Dash prefer me to look cute, sophisticated or maybe seductive... she thought then groaned as she turned to look at Zan and noticed he was still wearing the same clothes as yesterday. "Do you want to use the shower?" she asked trying to not sound rude. "I also have some fresh clothes that should fit you.."

"Shower?" Zan asked absently. He just shook his head as he went over to her closet and started pulling the clothes aside, searching. Finally he found what he was looking for. A black lace top and a corset along with a knee length flared skirt. It was most likely a combination of clothing that most people would never put together, and Zan simply held it out to Talia. "This should work," he said with a smile.

Talia looked at the chosen clothes then nodded and took them from him before placing her hands on his shoulders and turning him round to face the other direction so she could dress. She transformed into her human form then let the towel drop before quickly dressing in Zan's outfit. "Dash has told me he wishes to court me thats why I need to look my best." she told Zan. "I've agreed to meet him at the club in less than hour." She glanced in the mirror then shook her head, not satisfied with her outfit then walked into her closet and after a few minutes reappeared wearing a simple white vest and a pair of skin tight black leather trousers. She slipped on a few long chains with various charms on them around her neck then pulled her hair back into a tight ponytail. After applying some make up she slipped on a pair of high heels then inspected her appearance again in the mirror and smiled. Casual but sexy. she thought then looked at Zan. "So do you want to come to the club? You remember the one you were in last night?" she asked and held her hand out.

---

There was a soft creak of the floorboards and Dash was glad his eyes naturally adjusted to the dim light. He looked around the little house, hoping the girl was still there. "Aleia?" he called gently, looking around for her. "Aleia, please tell me you're still here."

There was a sound from one of the rooms in the back. It sounded like the sound of someone running over broken glass. Aleia slid around a doorway and saw Dash, visibly relaxing. She was holding a (bloody?) piece of glass in her hand like a knife, which she promptly dropped to the floor with only a slight grimace.

Dash's eyes widened slightly, and then his face fell into a very sad look. "Aleia... What happened to you?" He took a careful step forward. "Please, let me do something about your wound..." What had happened to her? It had been one night. He felt guilt churning in his stomach. Had he really been so set on his work, and Talia, that he left her like this? She looked like she had been losing her mind. Perhaps he would feel less guilty if she was in her demon form, but he would have a much bigger problem. As it was, he would simply have to deal with the discomfort.

Aleia moved away from the door and pointed back to the room, looking as if she was about to be sick. "They're coming already," she said through clenched teeth. If Dash looked in, the window was broken and there were signs of a struggle, but no body. Al wrapped her arms around herself and watched Dash carefully.

Dash nodded and held out a hand to her. "Come on. I'll get you out of here and we'll close up your wounds ok? But I have to touch you to do that." He was not about to, under normal circumstances, touch her without permission, so there was no way he was going to do so when she was so unstable. "We have to go though. Now, come on."