Conflicted
Conflict Continuum
Conflicts
Conflicted Rules
CC High Council

"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.

Aailyah set down the glass of water with a raised eyebrow as the man turned to leave. "Aww, no interest in a little fun?" She asked with a mildly teasing tone. "So, what are you anyway?"

"Me? I'm a dragon..frost to be exact." Elnora replied as she took the glass of water and sipped it lightly. "And I do like to have fun i'm just very picky with who I choose." she said with a smirk.

"Ah, I see." Aaliyah said with a charming smile, glancing around to make sure no one else looked like they needed a refill. Seeing that everybody at the bar looked pretty much occupied she continued chatting with Elnora. "Well, a girl can't be too picky or she'll never have any fun. But on the other hand, she's also got to be careful who she gets close to."

Elnora nodded as she took another drink. "I'm holding off for a male dragon actually. I won't believe that i'm the last one, there has to be another one, there just has to be." Her voice was almost pleading but she suddenly smiled again regaining her composure. "It doesn't matter."

"Of course it matters." Aaliyah said, leaning against the bar, twisting her body so that her low-cut green blouse showed off her curves just right. The positioning was obviously thoughtless, but drew no fewer glances from patrons for it, "Nobody wants to believe that they're the last of their kind."

"Exactly. Its just been so long since i've even seen or sensed another dragon. But i'm not giving up hope that that means they're all gone." Elnora replied as she placed her hands round the glass and watched as the water inside froze over until it formed solid ice.

Aailyah nodded and held up one finger to Elnora, signalling that she'd be just a moment. She turned toward a customer who was waving her down and began mixing the drink he asked for, "I doubt that they are," she said over her shoulder as she worked, "Most creatures went deep under ground after the war and all, you've done a good job of not being caught, obviously they have too." She passed the drink to the gentleman with a winsome smile and turned back to Elnora again, "There are even some creatures who think they're human."

An hour passed by with the band up on stage entertaining everyone. Fox decided they were going to take a break and hopped down from the stage. Wandering through the crowd she felt a hand smack her ass. Turning around quickly before the human could even blink, she wrapped her hand around his wrist and squeezed tightly. "If you ever touch me again, I'll personally arrange your funeral." The other men around the table mumbled apologies to her, one man she frequented the club even stood and boldly moved them apart. "He didn't know, Foxy. I'm sorry, wont let it happen again." Fox's eyes turned to the familiar voice and she nodded. "Make sure it doesnt, Jesse." With that she continued on her way to the bar as the table began arguing with the one who'd touched her.

Strong, familiar arms wrapped around her waist, halting her and a kind voice muttered quietly in her ear. "Do you want me to kill him, Foxy?" Benny may be holding her as affectionate as before, but something about him was steely, as if he had grown claws. Which, he supposed, he had. Well, more like re-released them. He closed his eyes, resting his forehead against the side of her head. He would have already murdered the perpetrator if it weren't for a few things. One, this was a club, full of witnesses. Two, Fox usually didn't like violence. And three, and possibly most importantly, Fox could take care of herself in most things, she didn't need to be coddled and it was one of the things he loved about her. Of course, he wanted to defend her honor, so to speak, but he did not fancy her yelling his ear off about being over protective or jealous or whatever any number of other things he heard women shout at, what he presumed were, boys who had just become their ex boyfriends.

"Maybe some other time." Turning her head, Fox pressed her lips against Benny's and smiled softly. "Right now I'd just like a drink and something small to eat." Taking his hand in hers she led the way over to the bar and smiled. Grabbing a basket of nuts and a bottle of soda from behind to bar she sat down and began to snack. "What do you want to play next?" All night she'd been speaking into the boys minds to tell them what to play next, it was easier, now that Benny allowed her in. They weren't always able to do it like that. Most bands had a set sheet of songs they planned, but not them. They liked to be spontaneous.

"Oh! Can I help? I love music." Elnora exclaimed as she moved to stand beside Fox and Benny. "Please? There must be something I can help with." she said with a bright smile as she practically hopped on the spot with excitement.

Benny shut his mouth from where he had been about to answer Fox and looked at Elnora with a frown. "Well... What exactly can you do?" he asked dubiously. Not because he doubted she could help, only that she should. "Our band does pretty well on its own. If you wanted to take part in the music-" He grinned, looking over at Fox. "Maybe we should have an open mic night."

Aaliyah frowned and began wiping down the counter as Elnora ran off. She guessed that the help was below a dragon, even when she was trying to help her feel better. Being ignored wasn't something the Nymph was used to. She turned to a charming looking man who was asking for another drink and started flirting as she mixed his order.

"I agree, our band is fine the way it is but an open mic night would work." Looking up on stage she saw the boys goofing off, try to impress a table full of good looking woman. Fox rolled her eyes and continued towards the bar. Sliding into a stool she turned and watched Benny carefully, a soft smile spread across her lips. Her man sure was something to look at. As she look around she noticed that several of the human woman thought so as well. One caught her eye and blushed at Fox's glare, turning back to get friends she decided to pretend Benny wasn't even there.

"Now now my love... no need to scare them. I can only see them looking at me through your eyes, after all." Benny's mental voice matched his expression as he smiled and motioned invitingly to Elnora to accompany him to the bar where he hopped up on the counter next to Fox's stool, resting his elbows on his knees and ignoring the narrow-eyed looks of some of the men by his 'flamboyant' behavior. "What would you want to do?" he asked the dragon conversationally.

Before Elnora could answer the door to the club opened again and Talia walked in smiling and waving at Fox and Benny when she saw them. "Hi. Is Dash not here yet?" she asked as she moved to them. "We're supposed to be meeting here." She leant against the bar, grinning happily at each of them.

"It doesn't matter." Elnora replied not happy with being interrupted by Talia. "If you'll excuse me. I need to use the bathroom." she said then stood up and wandered off looking disgruntled.

Fox leaned into Benny's legs and eyed Talia carefully before shaking her head. "No, Dash isn't here." Fox's eyes flickered over to the Dragon and she sighed softly. Just what she needed, an unhappy dragon. "Talia, you need to go and apologize to Elnora for rudely interrupting our conversation. I know you didn't mean any harm by it but she's sensitive, and very proud. I don't want her destroying something...or someone." Her eyes watched the dragon carefully, knowing full well that she really wasn't going to the bathroom.

"Dash isn't with you either?" Benny felt a cold stone fall into his stomach. Where was his brother. He frowned at Talia. "Honestly, you didn't know, don't feel like you're in trouble. But about Dash. Did he say where he was going?" What if the police had him? If Dash was to meet Talia here, he should have arrived first. Where was he?

"No he never said anything." Talia replied after frowning at Fox when she mentioned apologizing to Elnora but then suddenly she looked worried. "Do you think somethings happened? Benny...could he be in trouble?" she asked biting her lip and looking towards the door hoping Dash would suddenly appear. "He told me to meet him in an hour..an hour was up fifteen minutes ago."

Looking back and forth between the two, Fox frowned deeply. Im going to kick his ass... "Excuse me..." Standing, Fox made her way over to the nearest booth for privacy. Looking over at Benny, she'd use him to center herself. Inhaling deeply, she closed her eyes. It had been years since she'd done it like this, but Dash needed to be found. She began drawing energy from the room, the dancing people and excitement of watching Lynx, Rain, and Adder, helped with that greatly. It took several moments for her concentration to return to Dash, his face appeared in her mind. Several things happened then, buildings appeared, street signs, alleyways, and then finally a man, who looked very familiar. Well at least the way he was dressed did. It looked like the man who had been in here several nights ago. Turning her focus back to Dash she watched him carefully, he didn't look distraught or in any danger. Tuning herself in further she listened. "Do you need directions somewhere?" Helping someone, of course he was. Content with this Fox began to remove herself from the scene and back to the club. Only something wasn't allowing it. Tuning around in the alleyway she gasped loudly, if there was anyone close enough in the club they would have heard. "Rafe..." Her lips mouthed the words but only he could hear her say them.

"Go apologize. I'm sure Fox can find him. I'll tell you in a few minutes," Benny told Talia, grasping her shoulder firmly to comfort her and then hurried after Fox. Seeing her body stiffen, he could almost see her thoughts. Or at least, the loud panic coming off of her. "Fox," he said, immediately wrapping her in his arms and stroking her hair. "Fox, what is it? What do you see?" he leaned back enough to look into her eyes, his own filled to the brim with concern. Very few things set Fox off like this.

"Until I know where Dash is i'm going nowhere." Talia replied stubbornly as she followed quickly after Benny. She looked between Fox and Benny, biting her lip as her heart rate quickened with fear. She didn't like the expressions on their faces. "Whats wrong?" she asked in a shaking voice as she gripped the edge of the table.

The moment Benny's arms wrapped around her, Fox was pulled out of her vision and right back into the club. Gasping loudly, as if she had just emerged from a pool of water, she looked around as if lost for a moment. Seeing that it was Benny that was touching her, she buried herself further into his arms. "Dash is fine..." Pressing her forehead against his neck she inhaled deeply, calming herself. "He was...helping someone. I've seen the man before...here.."

"Of course he would be," Benny said, as if only now realizing how obvious that was as he rubbed soothing circles on her back, just letting her calm down. "There's something you're not telling... What was he doing?" He didn't have to ask what she saw, not entirely. Only one person- on thing- that upset Fox this much. At least he knew his brother was safe. For now. But being on the streets if Rafe was around? He hoped Dash arrived soon.

"I'm not sure if he was actually there or not. But he appeared in my vision, I think." Closing her eyes she rubbed her temple, a headache coming on. "I'm not sure what's real in them anymore and whats not." Sighing gently she shook her head. Looking around the room she sighed heavily, very glad that no one had been drawn to her weirdness.

"He's safe? What a relief.." Talia said and let out a long sigh as she sat down thinking it best not to question Benny and Fox about what they were talking about. "I hope he gets here soon though." She looked at Fox and smiled softly thinking her friend could do with a distraction from whatever nightmare was plaguing her. "Dash..he asked if he could start courting me. Can you believe that?"

Benny nodded along, continuing to sooth his girlfriend until Talia spoke. He raised his eyebrows a bit in surprise. He couldn't get his hopes up too much though. What if Talia thought she wasn't good enough for some other nonsense like that? The universe didn't just pick mates at random. "And what did you say to him?"

Fox looked over at Talia with a smile at first. "That's great. I'm very happy for you." All happiness gone, Fox's face turned serious. "Now, please go apologize to Elnora. As I said, I dont need her pride to get the best of her and her destroy something in my club." These visions were starting to take a toll on Fox. On her mind and on her awareness. She was being cranky a lot more as of late. Shaking her head she brushed it off as if it were nothing. Standing she carefully slipped out of the booth, past Benny to head for the stage. She needed to clear her mind. Relax.

"I said yes of course silly." Talia said with a happy smile at Benny. "He was so sweet and he even spoke of a wedding..can you believe it?" she said then chuckled before looking at Fox, her smile quickly faltering. She sighed and looked at Benny as Fox left then slowly stood herself. "Well that happy moment lasted all of about 30 seconds." she said with a frown then wandered off to find Elnora.

---

Ear looked around as he walked down the street, having gotten himself lost in this unfamiliar place annoyed him greatly. Though he much preferred a less saturated populace, he had only followed where the road had lead him. His tail twitched in a slight aggravation under his uniformed sword skirt as he turned a corner just to find another maze of unrecognizable buildings and alleyways. He growled low and snorted under his mask as he looked back behind him for a moment.

"You look horribly lost, sir," a gentle voice spoke from where he had just turned away. Dash frowned, wanting very much to dart away, for his own safety, to hurry to the club, but he couldn't leave anyone looking so confused. Not in this city. He hoped the shadow of his ratty black sweater hood would hide his face well enough that if this man was not on their side, he at least wouldn't recognize him. "Do you need directions somewhere?"

Once Dash had pointed the man in what he hoped was a helpful direction, he stepped back into the alley to find a nice place to Step. Waiting until the sidewalk had no stragglers that could peek in on him, he took the last step into the shadow of some piled crates and fell through the pavement into the inky blackness, hoping to land in one of the darker private booths. He would just need to remember to check if it was empty this time.

It wasn't, but at least it was a familiar face. Benny watched the women go with a frown before looking over at the corner of the booth just as his brother stepped out. Their expressions were very similar, making them seem all the more like twins.

"Hey... I see Talia arrived first." Benny nodded and Dash just frowned more. "I haven't caused too much trouble have I?"

Benny shook his head. "No, but it's good to see you are ok. We got a little worried. No, the problem is... well what it always is." He looked out the part in the curtains toward the stage where Fox was working.

Dash nodded understandingly. "I see..." He paused, seeming to realize what they were saying. "He's not back, is he?"

"We're not sure... But it's been plaguing Fox. I want to know what's going on."

"So do I, brother... so do I..."

Benny watched Fox a moment longer before he looked at his dejected brother. "Did you find many to help us?"

Dash nodded. "A handful so far. By the end of the week I'm sure I could have dozens. I just have to keep looking."

The elder brother finally smiled. "That's great.. Don't work yourself too hard though, ok?"

Dash couldn't help but chuckle at that. "You know for a fact this isn't even breaking a sweat."

"Yeah.. but we've both gotten a little out of shape."

"Lack of practice."

"Yeah.. That should change very soon." Benny and his brother shared a moment of sobriety, but couldn't help the smiles trying to play with their mouths. Finally, he thought it was time to move the conversation on. "Talia said you asked to court her?" He couldn't help the teasing grin he was giving his brother.

Dash laughed again, rubbing the back of his head. "Yeah... I'm just glad she said yes. I didn't fancy spending the rest of my years pining unrequitedly."

"You know how infrequent that is."

"Yeah, but that doesn't mean it wasn't a possibility."

Benny clapped him on the shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. "At least you found her. I'm so proud of you, little brother." They shared a smile, then Benny nodded his head out the gap in the curtains. "She's went to apologize to an ice dragon that showed up in our apartment this morning, uninvited I might add. She's so high strung, but aren't they all? Go ahead and find her. You two will need to spend a lot more time together."

Dash smiled his thanks. "You'll let Fox know?"

"Of course."

Dash nodded and they shared a tight hug before the younger jogged off to find his girl and Benny headed to the stage.

Talia stood beside Elnora preparing herself to apologize. "Look I'm sorry for interrupting you earlier, I didn't do it on purpose." She said finally and Elnora looked up at her. "Apology accepted." She said then turned away without another word causing Talia's mouth to drop open in surprise. "Well okay then.." she said quietly then turned and moved to sit at a table by herself, leaning her elbow on the top and resting her chin in her hand sighing lightly as she did.

"You know... you're prettier when you smile," a gentle voice spoke near her ear. Dash stepped around and took an empty seat, giving her a small smile. "Hey... I'm sorry I'm late. Have you been waiting long?" He really hoped he wasn't the reason she was so sad. His heart beat sluggishly as he looked at her, wanting her to smile again.

Talia jumped at the voice in her ear then suddenly smiled when she realised it was Dash. "You made me jump, sneaking up like that, you're lucky I didn't hit you." She said then chuckled. "It doesn't matter how long i've been waiting, you're here now and thats all that matters."

Dash smiled back at her, more a reaction to her smile than his own relief. It was short lived however and he frowned again. "I heard you upset a dragon? You know that's dangerous, don't you?" It was more conversational than chastising. His brother had apparently been around, and Talia was very tough. He was sure she had been safe the whole time. That was the ONLY way he would have been sure.

"I didn't do it on purpose." Talia replied in a defensive tone as she folded her arms. "And I have apologised and she accepted it..though she couldn't have been less greatful if she tried. Stupid dragon." she grumbled unhappily. "Thats her over there..." she said and nodded towards the blue haired woman at the bar.

"The police are just going to love her...." Dash muttered sarcastically as he took in the woman's appearance. And if the dragon temper was as anything like he remembered them being... Well, it was a good thing there was about to be a revolution because their cover was about to be blown anyway. He looked back at Talia, giving her an encouraging smile. "I think you are too social to get along with a dragon anyway," he told her. "They tend to want formality and obedience. I don't think you would have ever gotten along with someone like that without compromises from both parties, and I don't think either of you are the compromising sort." It was actually kind of one of the things he admired about her, he supposed. How strong she was. Then again, he couldn't think of a single blood mage female mate that wasn't strong. They weren't exactly known for soft and kind natures after all, his people. In any case, thinking to how Talia really looked he couldn't help but smile a little more. He bet she was adorable when frustrated.

"Obedience? Shes not going to get that from me. If she dares even think she can order me around or you for that matter she'll be sadly mistaken." Talia growled as she glared at Elnora then looked at Dash and was surprised by his smile. "What are you smiling for?" she asked but her tone was playful and her own smile had returned. "Not that I don't want you to smile of course..it actually quite suits you." she chuckled lightly. "So...are you happy? I mean you don't regret what you said last night?"

"One should never regret speaking the truth. So no, not a word," Dash replied, his easy smile unfaltering. He couldn't remember the last time he felt so at ease. Before Rafe, he supposed. Had it really been that long. "Don't worry about the dragon," he added, wanting to distract his trailing thoughts. "I'm used to dealing with them."

"Thats good. I'm glad you don't regret anything." Talia replied with a beaming smile then suddenly a slight blush crept over her cheeks. "So..where do we go from here? I mean what do we do first?" Talia had wanted this for so long but now that she had it she didn't know what to do.

"Well, I suppose since I have a down moment, and you don't mind my appearance-" Dash motioned to his clothes. They were the trousers he had borrowed from Talia but they were smudged in places now and he had his ratty old black hoodie on again. He did seem a little self conscious about it, but only slightly. "I suppose we should dance. I'll have to work again tonight so I'd actually like to get some time with you before then. And of course, I'll take you on a proper outing very soon." 'Very soon' probably meaning after they took over the city which, in actuality, may be a while. But still, he could hope couldn't he? It was something to look forward to. He stood and offered his hand. "Shall we?"

Talias eyes widened slightly when Dash asked her to dance but she nodded enthusiastically before slipping her hand into his and standing as well. "You have to work again?" She replied with a small frown then sighed. "You have to do what you have to do I suppose. Just don't overdo it okay? You have to allow yourself to rest sometimes too you know." She said firmly as they walked to the dancefloor. "I suppose I should do some work as well, if I must." she joked whilst chuckling lightly.

"Well, you don't actually have to," Dash pointed out as he spun her onto the floor and then pulled her close to his body, a fond smile still playing with his lips. He might not be as outgoing as his brother, but he showed his joy in other, calmer ways. "But I'd think you would be terribly bored without something to do, and I don't think you're the type to want me supporting you anyway." He shrugged. "But yes, I must work. Don't worry, I will definitely make time to relax, as long as you promise to be with me while I do so." He couldn't imagine anything more relaxing than time with Talia. Well, perhaps with Benny, but his brother did tend to talk about Fox a lot and it kind of took away from the good times they used to have. Don't get him wrong, he loved Fox like the sister he never had, but sometimes a bit of jealousy reared it's ugly head and made him wish it was just the two of them again.

"I promise. Just you name the time and place and i'll be there." Talia replied with a grin as she draped her arms round his neck, enjoying their closeness. "And you're right I do like to support myself, i'm very independent. I just need to find work and that will keep me from getting bored. It won't take to long though to find something, there's always a dancer needed somewhere." she said then chuckled.

"I like to think you're smarter than that," Dash replied with a frown. "Why do you rely on your looks so much, Talia?" He lifted one of his hands to cup her face, wishing more than anything he could see those black eyes he much preferred. "You're clever enough to know which disguise to use.. why do you feel you need to sell your body?" Sure, she wasn't a hooker or anything like that, which he was grateful for, but he still wished his... girlfriend? would keep her clothes on for work, or else be decent. The very idea of men staring at her made his blood boil and even now, in this club, seeing the glances they were getting made him want to punch some of those men in the face. He wasn't sure he liked how his new found feelings made him feel and he was going to have to have a long private talk with his brother. He and Fox had lasted how long without such frustrations? How had he done it?

"Sell my body? Dash..you misunderstood, I dance and thats it. My clothes stay firmly on." Talia replied with a raised eyebrow as she looked up into his face then chuckled slightly. "I apologise, I guess i've never fully explained to you, though we've never really discussed it. I am incredible dancer..hypnotic some say and people love to see me dance. But alright what would you think would be a suitable job for a shapeshifter? I could go back to the days of being a thief.." she asked as she smiled lightly up at him.

"Spy?" Dash suggested hopefully, then sighed. "And I wasn't suggesting you did something... lewd. I just..." He motioned to her current outfit. Then again, he was thinking she'd be most beautiful naked- His face immediately became red and he lowered his head, lifting his hood reflexively to help hide his face. "I just.. think you'd be just as beautiful in a smock, that's all," he finished in a mutter.

"You don't like my outfit?" Talia replied sadly disappointed that her efforts to dress to impress him seemed not to have worked. Her disappointment turned quickly to surprise as he pulled his hood up and she was about to ask him why he had done it when he muttered about the smock. "A-a smock? What kind of smock?" She asked then raised her hands to his hood and slowly lowered it down. "Please don't hide your face from me, I really rather quite like it.." she said with a smile.

Honey eyes looked up to meet hers and his embarrassment at his own thoughts was obvious, his cheeks distinctly pink. "I just.. mean.. Even if you were all covered up, I'd still think you were beautiful," he replied, half stumbling over the words. He had never said them before after all, so he was getting painfully shy saying them. How did this come so easily for his brother?? "That's all..." Gods he missed his hood already. His eyes shifted, unable to keep eye contact with hers and noticed a man eying her up and down. His own eyes narrowed, no longer blushing, and as soon as the man caught his eyes, he seemed to shrink in on himself and quickly moved away to disappear in the crowd. Dash just sighed, turning back to Talia. "But I suppose I am the only one who feels so."

Talia smiled bashfully at his comments and her cheeks slowly tinged red. She followed his eyeline and glanced at the other man before looking back at Dash and giving a small nod as she suddenly made a decision. "Wait here! I'll be right back, I promise." She said quickly then without thinking pecked a small kiss on his cheek then hurried off to the female toilets. After ten minutes or so she reappeared completely transformed. She wore a knee length dark purple dress with a floaty skirt. The short sleeves were slightly puffed and around her arms was draped a white shawl. Her hair was now hanging loose, with one side pinned up and instead of high heels she now wore flat ballet style pumps. "Sorry it took so long I had to fly home to get changed." She said as she moved back to Dash, her bashful smile back.

Gentle fingers brushed across her cheek, shaking slightly. Dash wanted to touch her, more than anything his very skin ached for it, but it still felt wrong. He still had such early sensibilities. His brother used to tease him, saying his soul mate must have been Queen Victoria and, for a time, Dash had believed him. But no, she wasn't anything of the sort. He smiled, the gesture simple but appropriate beneath his tired, but endlessly kind eyes. "I am glad for the decency," he admitted. "But I would love you no matter what you wore, because it really couldn't matter less to me." He stopped touching her cheek so he could motion to her body again. "It is all just clothing. Talia, the way you showed me... I think I'm the only person to actually see you in a very long time... aren't I? You are beautiful, and no matter what you wear, no matter how anyone else physically sees you, I'm always going to see you, really see you as beautiful."

Talia's cheeks grew redder and redder with each word he spoke and she couldn't help but smile with happiness. "I wish I could be my true self here, just for you. But I think a few people would be more than a little surprised." She said quietly then chuckled. She smiled again then slowly reached up and gently caressed a hand against his cheek. She turned her head slightly when she heard Fox start singing and she smiled brightly as she looked back at Dash. "I love this song!" She said as she began to sway on the spot then grabbed his hand with a chuckle and twirled herself around.

Dash just smiled fondly and submitted himself to being her dance partner. It wasn't that he was bad at dancing, he just didn't really do so. Early on, before the police found out he wasn't like them, he had danced often, a kind of companion. It was an easy way to make money. His brother, and Fox, had gotten so many laughs out of seeing women enjoy his polite but shy demeanor, making Dash more flustered by the moment. He was just so cuuuute, they'd say. But then he'd been caught Stepping and it was the end. He'd been on the run since. He twirled Talia again and pulled her close, making eye contact for a moment that seemed longer than it was. Some days, what he wouldn't give to be like her. To hide his face, to wear a mask, just to see the sun again, so the hair on the back of his neck would lay flat for once in he couldn't remember how long. He let her out again, shifting easily into the next move of their dancing. True, he wanted the honesty between them, but he could admire, and desire, her clothing, just not for the reasons he supposed she wanted him to.

Talia continued to laugh then twirled one last time before draping her arms round Dash's neck. "Tonight we are Young. So lets set the world on fire, we can burn brighter than the sun." She sang softly along with Fox as she smiled at Dash. "So I was thinking...with this upcoming war that we all know is going to happen I thought I could help out. You's are going to need information from within the government and such and who better to infiltrate than a shapeshifter..I could get as much information as Fox needs. You said yourself i'd make a good spy." she said continuing to keep her voice quiet.

---

"Hey, look at that." Benny needlessly nodded his chin at where his brother was offering his hand to Talia. He was hoping Fox was in a better mood to see Elnora had not, in fact, destroyed the bar as she feared. Though, he had a feeling that bad mood had a bit more to do with other things than the dragon herself, no matter how annoying she may be. "I didn't think I'd live to see the day..."

Fox turned to where Benny indicated and gasped softly, tears immediately filled her eyes. Refusing to allow them to fall she cleared her throat and shook her head. She was rattled more by Dash than Talia but knew that Benny already knew that. No one in this world was more important to her than Benny and Dash, and to see Dash happy for the first time in...decades was startling. Biting down on her bottom lip, she grinned broadly and turned around. "I am so happy for him, makes my heart soar to see him so at ease and happy."

"It's not like it once was," Benny told her, flashing a brief mental image of Dashiell's old smile, about ten years old, just his face and it was like the sun in spring, infectious. "But it's getting there I think." His mental voice was smiling, but it was just slightly tinged with sadness. He honestly and deeply hoped Talia could restore his brother's smile. Thinking on it, it now occurred to him how painfully he missed it.

Fox looked over at Benny and frowned softly. She knew he was saddened which of course made her sad. Reaching over she took his hand in hers and squeezed it gently. "Just think when we're all free, neither of you will have to worry anymore." Stepping closer to him she nuzzled his neck lovingly before wrapping her arms around his waist and hugging him close.

"Oh to play tag with my brother again..." Benny smiled sadly into her neck, holding her close for comfort. He could imagine bright skies and fresh air again, faintly remember the way his brother sounded when he laughed. His heart ached painfully. He would do anything to make this revolution win. He had to.

Fox kissed Benny's forehead softly. Turning so she could look around the club she smiled happily. "Shall we put on a show?" Giggling softly she nudged his hip with hers as she moved to the mic. "Are you all ready to dance!?"

Benny laughed as the crowd cheered loudly and took up his own place behind the drum set, glad the other boys scrambled to join them and take up their own respective instruments. He had to admit, as he sat there and looked at the front of the stage instead of the crowd beyond, he did enjoy the view when they got to play.

"Give me a second, I--I need to get my story straight. My friends are in the bathroom get higher then the Empire state. My lover she’s waiting for me just across the bar. My seat’s been taken by some sunglasses asking 'bout a scar, and I know I gave it to you months ago, I know you’re trying to forget. But between the drinks and subtle things, the holes in my apologies, you know I’m trying hard to take it back. So if by the time the bar closes and you feel like falling down, I’ll carry you home." At that moment the boys joined in for the chorus and the whole club jumped to their feet and began screaming. Fox grinned into the mic as she took it off the stand and moved around the stage, her voice growing with enthusiasm. Looking over at Benny she winked at him before turning back to the crowd.

---

Aaliyah glanced over at Elnora briefly as she dried a freshly cleaned glass. She scowled briefly at the dragon before turning to serve another customer, flirting shamelessly with him.

"You must be brave to scowl like that at a customer that could easily complain to your boss." Elnora called to Aaliyah as she leaned casually on the bar watching her with a raised brow. "But I won't because i'm in such a good mood today. So now if you'd be so kind i'd like another drink."

Aaliyah kept her distaste hidden behind a smile, "What would you like?" she asked, ignoring the dragon's comment about tattling to Fox. She was getting under the nymph's skin, but she knew better than to show it.

"Just another water with plenty of ice. Thank you." Elnora replied with a smile. She glanced round the bar then sighed lightly before looking back at Aaliyah. "So I don't think I got your name earlier.."

"Aaliyah Windleaf," she introduced herself, setting a glass of ice water down in front of Elnora. She gave her full name knowing that the dragon would probably be familiar with the family name of the only company for miles that sold 'luxury items.' Her family was a wealthy one and she hoped that the dragon would understand that she too was a proud creature who didn't take kindly to slights.

"Ah..Windleaf. I've had some dealings in the past with your family. How come you're working here then? Family business not your thing?" Elnora asked curiously as she pulled the glass of water towards herself then took a long sip her eyes remaining on Aaliyah.

"Nah, daddy's a bit uptight for my taste." Aaliyah said casually, "He didn't like my idea of fun, so I left."

Elnora swirled the ice around her glass before taking a long drink. "Well what was your idea of fun?" she asked curiously as she looked at the other woman with a raised brow. 

Aaliyah nodded toward the writhing mass that was the dance floor, "Sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll." she said with a wink and a coy smile. "I like parties, the wilder the better, and my family didn't approve."

Elnora smiled and nodded. "I understand. It takes courage to walk away from your family..even if it is only their business you are turning your back on. So I know of your family but i'm not aware of what your family is.." she said quietly so only Aaliyah could hear. "What are you?"

"My family, is human." Aaliyah replied with a shrug, "But I am a Nymph." She smiled and let her supernatural allure flare just a little. Elnora would feel a feeling like a teen might feel when looking at a hot rock star.

"Aaah, so your a nymph then. I thought I could sense some strange aura about you." Elnora replied as she casually leaned against the bar. "It has been a while since i've met one of your kind. Are you all hiding away?" she said with a chuckle.

---

"I'm hoping this doesn't become a war," Dash told her with a slight frown. "But yes, I do agree you would make an excellent spy-" He smirked and bumped his forehead affectionately against hers. "If you can keep your temper in check. We'll talk to Fox about it though. She's in charge of this revolution, not me." Mention of war always sent his mind reeling. What if this did become a war again? Fox never saw what Benny did, and Talia didn't know him back then. What if the girls caught them at it? They couldn't avoid what they were forever. Hell, he sometimes found himself working rats like puppets out of pure boredom. They really were not meant to live so long in civilized society. Something in his heart ached to know that, should a time of real peace come around, it would probably mean the extinction of their kind. He and his brother...- he looked at the stage, to Benny- dead. Nothing depressed him quite like that knowledge.

"Temper? Me? I don't have a temper.." Talia said playfully. "I suppose if this revolution is handled properly we could maybe avoid a war. That would be wonderful. And then when we have peace and are truely free we can live happily together." she said as she rested her head on his shoulder. "Won't that be great?" she said as she smiled at the thought.

Dash chuckled, letting his mind indulge in petty fantasy, at least for the moment. Talia did that to him, let him think things could be so much simpler. "House in the suburbs, white picket fence? Two point five kids and a dog named spot?" he half teased. Hadn't that once been the dream of humans? That perfect sort of life. His tone shifted to thoughtful as he held her close, letting her rest against him. "I wonder what a mage and shapeshifting child could do..."

"Well what are all your abilities Dash? I mean its pretty obvious what I do.."Talia chuckled as she rested her head against his chest. "I can change into any living creature, male or female. I don't have any super strength or bullet proof skin. I just make people believe I do..So what will you contribute to the children?" She laughed again in disbelief. "I can't believe we're talking about our children and we haven't even kissed properly."