Conflicted
Conflict Continuum
Digression
Conflicts
Conflicted Rules
CC High Council

Fox snorted softly and shook her head. "I once knew a man who compared me to such things. Let's just say, I don't really agree." Sighing softly, she jumped down from the train car and looked up at him. "Walk me home?" Her voice was soft, friendly. It was nice having someone all to yourself that no one else really knew about. He was right, not wanting to meet her friends.

"Of course," Ulf told her softly as he slid off the car and joined her as they began the walk back to her apartment. "I'll come by again, if you want," he offered as they walked. "When you're not lonely." Again, there was that smiling tone. He was quoting her. "I'm not ready to meet your friends, but I enjoy seeing you."

"I enjoy seeing you too." Smiling softly, Fox led the way through the streets. They were back at the club sooner than she'd hoped but that was okay. She'd see him again soon. "Thank you for the walk, and the chat...and... Well you know." Blushing slightly, Fox turned to him and hugged him close. "I'll see you soon?"

"Of course," Ulf replied again, holding her close maybe a moment longer than was necessary before letting go and giving her a little wave before walking off down the street, hands shoved in his pockets.

---

"So..say you were to meet him today..only pretending of course..would you trust him again?" Talia continued hoping Dash wouldn't start to grow suspicious of her questions. She just had to know if she could trust Rafe. "I-it doesn't matter.." She said quickly when she heard footsteps coming up the stairs from the bar, not wanting anyone to hear their conversation. "Thank you for answering my questions." She smiled then shifted so she could kiss him lightly on the lips. "Would it bother you if I shifted to my true form..just so I can properly relax for a while."

Dash hadn't looked suspicious. He looked like he was legitimately considering the question but then she dismissed it and he decided to set it aside as well. Besides, she kissed him and he blushed and then he wasn't thinking well anyway. He was just getting ready to nod when the door opened and his brother stepped through, followed by an officer. His eyes shot open and his whole body tensed as he prepared to bolt but Benny was quick to stop him.

"No! Dash! She's not here to arrest you!" Benny said as soon as they were through the door. Dash was number three or so (last time he saw) on the police's most wanted list. He had a 'terrible power' and used it, and was elusive as hell. They hated all creatures, but they had it particularly bad for his brother when they had caught him in the act. A murderer on the streets? A confirmed murderer? It didn't sit well, to say the least.

Dash did not get out of his chair but he did look like a cornered rabbit, holding on to Talia a bit tighter than before. "Wait until she's gone..." he told Talia very quietly, never taking his eyes off of Kyra.

Seeing he wasn't about to dump Talia on the floor and jump out a window, Benny continued, but stayed alert. "As you can see, Jake is fine," he told Kyra without taking his eyes off Dash. He motioned to the couch where the human slept. "The Shade, the woman that really took him, apparently didn't let him sleep. I'm not keeping you from taking him, but I'd rather he be in better condition before we give him back."

"Dash relax..shes the one who helped me at the station." Talia replied in a quiet voice, trying to soothe him. "And can you loosen your grip a little, your kinda hurting me." She smiled playfully at him before kissing his cheek then turned her attention to Kyra. "I told you he would be okay.." She said glancing at Jake who was fast asleep, still wrapped up in the blankets.

Kyra stared down Dash for a moment before looking at Talia with a raised eyebrow. The man must have been the one she referred to as her significant other. Whatever. Kyra crossed over to Jake and knelt down, doing a quick and gentle check of his vitals. She let out an unsteady sigh and sat back on her foot, looking over at Talia. "When he wakes, we're going to have to fill him in."

Benny made sure Dash loosened his grip on Talia a little, though his eyes didn't leave the police officer, before he looked at Kyra. "I told you he was fine," he said, sounding more tired than annoyed, though he was annoyed. So distrustful. But he supposed it would be the same if the roles were reversed. No, it would be worse. Kyra would be a red stain on the wallpaper. "Jake's Dash's friend, apparently-" He gave the boy a shrewd look. "So we dealt with the problem like the humans couldn't, because, trust me, that would have been a massacre."

Jake had shifted lightly in his sleep at the feeling of Kyra checking his vitals but did not waken. "Yeah we'll fill him in on everything thats happened." Talia replied then looked at Benny. "Maybe you should just wake him up, get this over with. Plus the chief is actually expecting him in his office before the afternoon is out..wants to test him on maps and stuff. Glad I escaped that one." She chuckled lightly then looked round the group. "Anyone for a drink?"

Fox made her way through the club, bypassing all of the mess the damned shade had made. I should make her come back and clean it up. Sighing heavily she headed up the stairs to the apartment. Hearing voices she frowned deeply. Opening the door she glanced around. "My apartment is not a gathering area." Looking at Jake her eyes softened. "He's supposed to be resting and I doubt all your talking is giving him peaceful rest."

Kyra turned sharply as another person arrived. She was starting to feel the part of the cornered rabbit. Without backup, and no one knowing where she was, they could just as easily kill her and be rid of her than help her. Standing slowly from her crouch, she let her eyes travel over the people here, shaking her head at Talia's question and waiting for someone else to say something.

Benny stared at Fox as she came in, and two things occurred to him nearly simultaneously. One, she was wearing something she hadn't been. And two, she was not back in the apartment like he had thought she was. She hadn't been in the building at all. "Where have you been?" he asked before he could stop himself. It wasn't accusatory, but Fox had left on a bad note, and it was not going to go over well.

Dash seemed to pick up on the situation, looking from his brother to Fox and back, and looked at Talia. "Maybe... we should wake Jake and take him downstairs to fill him in?" It wasn't really a suggestion as he gently urged her off his lap and went to Jake. Without waking him before doing so, he simply picked the human up with surprising ease and walked across the room, giving Fox an apologetic, uncomfortable smile before ducking out the door, hoping Talia and Kyra would get the not so subtle hint and follow him.

Talia quickly grabbed Kyra's arm and followed after Dash. "You two take as long as you need." She called to Benny and Fox then shut the door behind them. "Is it just me or is something up between those two?" She whispered to Dash as the descended the stairs.

Kyra wanted to yank her arm free from Talia's grasp and go after Dash, but since they were heading in the same direction, she went along until she was let go. Kyra stayed closer to Talia, but shot looks at Dash for taking the boy without really warning her.

"I think they are having an argument," Dash replied to Talia as he carried Jake over to the stage. Instead of laying him on the hard surface, however, he hopped on to it and continued to cradle the human in his arms, simply holding him. He looked unhappy as he looked back at the stairs, thinking about it for a moment, before he turned back to the boy in his arms. "Jake! Jake!" he whispered sharply, giving him a gentle bounce. "I'm sorry, but you need to wake up now."

---

Fox noticed the female cop from the night before but she ignored her. Sighing heavily she turned her attention to Benny. "I needed some air. So I went for a walk." Crossing the room into the kitchen she went to the fridge and grabbed the needed stuff for a small sandwich. "We'll need to clean up the club before opening."

"Yeah, of course," Benny said dismissively, but he still looked concerned. "Where did you get that coat?" he asked, pointing at the black coat still draped on her, clearly at the least two sizes too large. "That's not mine, and it definitely isn't yours." He wasn't mad at her, but he could feel his heart straining with concern for her. Why did she have to wander off? Why couldn't she just stay put if he couldn't go with her, and wait for him to go too?

"Coat?" Fox looked down and realized she was still wearing Ulf's jacket. Her face fell slightly but she shook her head, pulling herself together. She knew Benny wouldn't be okay with the truth so... "I got cold during my walk and found a shop with an open window. It was still on the display. It is rather large..." Sighing she shrugged her shoulders as she took a bite out of her finished sandwich.

Benny couldn't stop staring at her, torn between confusion and hurt that she had left without him. After a long moment of silence, he took a deep breath, bracing himself and shoving natural instincts aside, and took the few steps to the kitchen area to talk to her. "Are you really still upset?" he asked, hoping she wasn't but knowing it was false hope. "I was just trying to protect Dash's privacy. We don't really have a lot now that you're in our heads-"

"I wasnt going to listen to his mind. I was going to listen to their conversation, I already said that. And yes, I'm still upset." Fox frowned slightly and finished her sandwich. Looking over at Benny she sighed. "I'll stay out of your minds. I'm not really a fan of yours at the moment anyway." Zipping the jacket up she threw her plate in the sink, she would wash it later. "I need to start cleaning the club."

Benny opened his mouth to reply, shut it, tried again, but finally gave up with a frustrated sigh. He opened the door to the club and let Fox go through first, then rolled his eyes and closed the door behind him as they went downstairs. All these damn years, and she could still rile him up. It was ridiculous. Maybe the best thing he could do for now was to give her space, and time, and maybe she would calm down enough to apologize.

Nodding her head in thanks, Fox led the way down the stairs. Coming to the bottom she looked for the mess. Fox was very protective of her club. They'd worked so hard to make it was it was today that anything broken upset her. Looking around she frowned. It was gone. Cleaned up. "Where did it go?" Crossing her arms over her chest she looked around. Finally her eyes traveled over at the stage where the boys were, with most of her employees. "Did you guys clean it up?" They all looked around sheepishly, nodding their heads. "Thank you everyone!" Smiling happily she shook her head, amazed.

Jake groaned then slowly opened his eyes. He stared up at Dash in a sleepy kind of confusion for a few moments before his eyes widened and he quickly leapt from his arms in embarrassment, bumping straight into Lynx and the others. "S-sorry!" He said quickly as he spun round to look at them apologetically. He looked around taking in everyone standing round them bar before suddenly noticing Kyra. "Kyra?" He said in a surprised tone before leaping from the stage and moving to her side. "What are you doing here?"

"I came to get you," Kyra said, crossing her arms as she looked over at Jake. "And to return Talia. And possibly get help for Kyrian." That all listed, she looked over at Talia. "She took your place yesterday so that your father wouldn't raid anywhere to find you."

"She's Talia," Dash clarified, nodding toward his girlfriend, in case Jake was still slow from sleep. Letting the two humans reacquaint, he turned a frown toward his brother and Fox, watching the two. Fox was wearing a coat he didn't remember, but that didn't matter much. He wouldn't have noticed if it fit her. Benny was hanging back, staring at her as if confused, a little hurt, and more than anything tired. He was really beginning to wonder what was going on, but he supposed one of them would let him know. They were family after all. Trying to let it go, he held his hand out for Talia to take, wanting her comfort as he looked back at the humans. "How old is Kyrian?"

"Wait..She pretended to be me?" Jake asked in a confused voice as he watched Talia move to Dash and slip her hand into his then turn to look at him with a smile. "How..how is that possible?" He questioned further.

"Like this.." Talia replied then suddenly shifted into Jake's perfect double causing him to take a step back in surprise. She chuckled lightly as she returned to her normal form, squeezing Dash's hand as she did. "I'm a shapeshifter..was a piece of cake being you." She continued to smile as she waited for Kyra to answer Dash's question. She glanced over at Fox and slowly raised a finger to her head and tapped it before pretending to run her fingers through her hair. She hopped the other woman would get the message and tap into her thoughts. You okay?

Kyra looked at Talia. "Please tell him exactly what happened over the last day, so there will be no mistakes when we get back." She then turned to Dash and frowned at him. Fox she recognized from the station, but Dash she didn't trust at all. "He's nine. Why does that matter?"

Fox looked over at Talia the moment she touched her head. Cocking an eyebrow she did as she thought Talia was indicating. Tapping into her mind she frowned slightly and nodded her head. Just a bit confused, and upset. Winking at her friend she glanced around. "Did someone unlock the front door?" One of the bouncers nodded his head. "Alright then, positions people." She was surprised there weren't already customers floating around. Sighing she headed over to the bar and climbed up onto her stool.

"It doesn't, I'm just curious," Dash replied calmly, sounding like he should shrug but didn't. He just looked right at Kyra as he said it. He blinked and looked at Talia, frowning a little. "You know it's weird to hold hands with a boy," he commented, seeming to have just realized that when she shifted to and from Jake's form. "No offense," he added to Jake. He used his free hand to slide off the stage and stand with the rest of them. "This place is going to get pretty busy, and, no offense," he said again, this time to Kyra. "I'd rather you not see who comes here." He didn't sound like he was insulting her, it was almost like he was sorry about that fact. He looked at the group. "So do you want to go to a private booth or do you want to go somewhere else?"

Benny watched everyone getting ready for the crowd that was to come, giving his brother a concerned look as he talked so calmly with the humans. He was beginning to wonder if he and Talia were good for each other, even if they were meant for each other. Their kinds hearts together was bound to land them in a sad state of affairs. But who was he to argue with Fate? He allowed himself a sigh, closing his eyes for a moment of peace before he opened them and walked over to the bar, sliding in behind it to lean his elbows on the top in front of Fox. He didn't say anything and his eyes remained lowered, staring quietly at the bar top. It looked like tonight would be one of those when he went about wooing women in to more drinks. Fox did not seem to want him by her side and he didn't want to make her unhappy. She was infuriating at times, but he loved her, he knew it in his heart and he had no choice in the matter. He would just have to give her time, let her come back to him, just as she came to him the first time.

Crossing one leg over the other, she crossed her arms over her chest and watched as a couple of elves came in and took a table. They were having a date. Something simple, something not many people did now a days. Going day by day just making each other happy. Waving a waitress over to them, Fox smiled softly. Calling through the window to the cook she smiled. "You make whatever they order, the best you've ever done." The cook nodded his head as he began preparing pots and pans. Turning back to the club she looked up at the stage where the boys were setting up. "I think I'll let them play on their own tonight. They enjoy that."

Well how about we get rid of the boys tonight so we can have a proper chat? Talia thought still looking at Fox before Kyra addressed her. "Don't worry ,i'll fill him in on everything." She grinned. "Come on lets get a booth..I don't think anyone will bother us today." She moved to Jake and wrapped her arm around his, pulling him along, talking quickly about the past day whilst he looked at her in complete shock.

Kyra leveled a glare at Dash. She didn't care anymore about the club goers. "You lot are supposed to be helping me out, right?" she asked, feigning innocence. "Therefore, why would it matter if I see or not. If I had my way, I would never have to go back to that station at all." She crossed her arms and glanced towards where Talia was with Jake. "I don't want to hide away in a private booth for however long."

Dash just stared at Kyra for a long moment, his face neutral. When he spoke, it was deadpan. "You're very stubborn." Flat, and to the point. "If it makes any more sense to you, I'd rather THEY not see YOU here either." He didn't want to make Fox even more upset by letting an all out fight break out over a police officer being in the bar. He didn't tell, or ask, Kyra to follow, he just turned and followed after Talia and Jake.

"Would you both please try to get along.." Jake said quietly after he had noticed the glares and looks Dash and Kyra had been giving each other. "I trust you both." He was pulled to sit down beside Talia who quickly nodded in agreement to what he said.

With a shake of her head, Kyra followed Jake, moving with him and keeping an eye on the boy. "Sure," she said to Jake, almost dismissively as he told them to get along. Looking at Dash, she raised an eyebrow. "Then if you don't want them to see me or me to see them, why are we staying here?" It seemed to her that the better thing to do would be to go somewhere other than the club.

"Talia chose here," Dash said simply, looking at his girlfriend and giving her a little smile as he took up the seat on her other side. He was being good. Talia and Jake had no idea what it was like to be so high up on a most wanted list, to be homeless and have to duck into the literal darkness every time you saw the forty percent of this city's population that wanted his head-no-his whole body in the morgue. He looked at Kyra again, smile gone and face once again neutral. "Besides, my brother is here, and better to be here with the two of us than pretty much anywhere without us, regardless who else is in the building. Your son. He has your hair right? But I'm guessing his father's eyes. About-" He held his hand beside him, Kyrian-height off the ground. "About yea tall?"

Talia nodded at Dash's estimation of Kyrian's height then moved to grab his arm and pull it round her shoulders but stopped when she realised she and Jake still hadn't swapped clothes. "Oh I totally forgot!" She exclaimed then suddenly grabbed Jakes hand and pulled him from the table. "We'll be right back!" Before Jake had a moment to protest she was dragging him to the bathroom, grabbing her bag of clothes that she'd hid at the bar the day before.

Several minutes passed before Jake appeared back in the bar wearing the clothes Talia had been wearing. He quickly moved back to the table and slid in beside Kyra now and was soon joined by Talia who retook her seat beside Dash, now wearing her skinny jeans, high heel boots and simple black tshirt. She grabbed Dash's arm and pulled it round her shoulders as first intended then smiled round at the group. "Now where were we?"

Kyra narrowed her eyes at Dash when he started questioning about her son. "Yes," she said, her voice tight again. "You want a real good picture, ask Talia to show you, she can do that, right?" Her eyes went to the other woman for a moment before sliding back to Dash as she and Jake went to change clothes. Kyra tried to not let her distrust show being left alone with Dash.

"I've seen pictures," Dash answered Kyra as he watched Talia go. Thinking back on it, he had somewhat watched Kyrian grow up. He had seen that many pictures and drawings. He knew exactly who her son was. When Talia returned, he let her have his arm without protest, glad to see her in more appropriate attire. He turned his attention to Jake, however, giving the boy a frown. "I'm sorry you were taken," he admitted, his tone deeply apologetic. "She's probably the worst person who could have done that, but I did try to deter you from getting mixed up with us. Your dad may be chief, but he doesn't have a clue how deep our rabbit hole goes." His frown deepened. "Guess we can't let you walk around unattended anymore. I'll see if I can find someone to keep an eye on you, ok?"

"Please don't think you need to do that, its not necessary." Jake replied with an embarassed look. "I'm sure i'll be fine, Kyra here will most likely not let me out of her sight." He glanced at Kyra beside him and smiled lightly. "And dad will probably have lots of work for me to do for getting lost yesterday." Talia gave a guilty smile but Jake didn't seem bothered. "I just have to make sure not to do anything stupid and make sure I don't give that creature a chance to have her revenge on me."

Kyra's eyes narrowed suspiciously on Dash. "And may I ask why you have pictures?" she asked. "Of my son? Who I'm not even allowed to have pictures of?" But before her question could be answered, she heard what Jake was saying and looked over at him, not guilty in the least that she would soon be leaving him again. If everything went according to plan and Dash actually helped her son, that is. She thought she could trust Talia at least. "I can bring you back, but you will not be traveling around on your own again," she said to Jake. "I agree with him," she added, nodding at Dash. "You should not be unattended."

"Don't worry, you won't even notice them," Dash assured Jake. "We're no more eager for any police to notice us than for some of us to notice you." He decided not to answer Kyra's question, since she seemed to move on from the subject. It didn't matter anyway, it was only important to him and his family. "It will only be until we're sure the Shade's been dealt with. Any sooner and there's a good chance she'd kill you just for having been a bother to her." He wrinkled his nose a little. "They have no sense of humor, or forgiveness unless there is something in it for them."

Jake sighed then nodded. "Fine if you both think its the right thing." He said deciding it was probably better not to argue. Talia smiled reassuringly to him. "As Dash said you won't even notice that anyones watching you. We'll be working really hard to try and deal with the shade so then you can get back to your normal life." How they were going to deal with Elvira, she didn't know but she did know it had to be done soon.

What Dash said struck Kyra as being an apt description of most of the creatures she had met. But she kept her quiet and looked over at Jake. "This wouldn't have happened had you not wandered off," she muttered to him. "Just keep your head down and pay attention to what your told." It occurred to her that she would have to grill Dash later on why he had pictures, but that wasn't important right then. They had to deal with Jake, she had to take him back, and then maybe someone would do something about her son.

"Worked so well for you so far," Dash couldn't help but say to Kyra dryly. He sighed, not really wanting to argue. He was not, after all, the one with a problem against the other. Not really. He looked at both of the humans. "Look, we'll keep you protected," he directed at Jake. "As long as we need to, and we'll get your son out, probably by next week," he added to Kyra. "If we'd known you had wanted to leave the police you'd have been long gone by now. Any way to weaken them is a good one." He frowned at the two of them, holding up his free hand toward the ceiling, almost as if beckoning or motioning to them. "Don't get me wrong, I used to love humans same as anyone. It's the specific ones that one to kill us that I tend to take a little offense to."

Jake frowned as Kyra scolded him under her breath but before he could reply he caught Dash's words and his eyes widened. "Wait..you're leaving?" He asked looking at Kyra. He knew her reasons behind why she would want to go, to save Kyrian and Jake would never stop her from doing that. But without her at the station things would go from bad to worse for him. The cops already make my life a nightmare and thats with Kyra keeping them restrained. What will it be like if shes not there? He thought and couldn't help but gulp nervously.

"Okay maybe you should both go now.." Talia said quickly sensing Jake's sudden worry, knowing this was probably something Kyra should discuss with him privately. "We can meet up again later or tomorrow, whatevers best to further discuss your son Kyra. But for now i'm sure the chief is beginning to wonder where you both are..remember Jakes supposed to be getting tested in.." She paused and looked at her watch then frowned and looked back up. "..uh half an hour ago." She smiled weakly knowing the lateness would probably mean trouble for both Kyra and Jake. "You're just a little late.."

"He is training, that was the deal with his father," Kyra said, waving off Talia's concern. "I'm hoping to get back before too long, anyway." She glanced over at Jake with an apologetic look. "I have to. Kyrian isn't safe there anymore. You know that. The more he gets in touch with his abilities, the worse it's going to get."

"We'll watch over him," Dash assured her, using 'we' as a general term for the creatures. He gave Talia an apologetic look of his own before he removed his arm from her and stood from the booth, offering a hand to the humans. "I'll take you back. It'll be faster, and unnoticed. I promise, you'll be safe-" He looked at Jake. "And we'll get Kyrian out very soon-" He looked at Kyra. "Just be patient and don't come looking for us again."

Talia stood up and before either Jake or Kyra could take Dash's outstretched hands she had wrapped her arms round his neck and was kissing him on the lips. After a moment or two she released him then stepped back. "You be careful going near the police station, you hear me. Don't make me have to go back there and rescue you." She smiled playfully then kissed him one last time. "I'm going to probably head back to the apartment so you can meet me there if you like."

Jake had been about to take Dash's hand when Talia had suddenly grabbed him and kissed him. He looked away awkwardly and only when he heard the girls voice did he look back. He grinned lightly at Dash, still looking a little embarassed then stood and took his hand. "Come on Kyra..i've done this before. Its fine. We'll be back at the station in no time. Just trust Dash..please." He smiled reassuringly at her then motioned for her to take Dash's other hand.

There hadn't been a moment in Kyra's mind when she even considered taking Dash's hand. She had no idea why he would offer, so she slid out of the booth and temporarily ignored it. But when Talia suddenly surged up and kissed the man, Kyra rolled her eyes and looked away. She remembered being so in love once upon a time. But that had proven false and had jaded her a bit towards relationships. Of course these creatures had so much more time to find someone they loved. Kyra would die in another fifty years if she was lucky. Once Jake spoke, she looked back and shook her head. "I would much rather walk," she said quietly, staring at the offered hand. But it wasn't likely that Dash was going to let her just stroll out of the club. Giving the man a look, she held out her arm for him to take, not wanting to hold his hand.

Dash was so stunned from Talia kissing him, he hardly noticed Jake taking his hand. He felt blood rush to his face and for once he did nothing to stop it. His lips were quirking up, as if he was torn between being embarrassed and being deliriously happy. When Kyra spoke, however, he managed to anchor himself enough to make the trip. He would linger in joy later. "I won't be long," he promised Talia quietly, giving her a shy smile, which only caused him to blush a little more before he cleared his throat, grabbed Kyra's arm (barely containing his annoyance at her 'down her nose' attitude) and regarded both humans evenly. "Deep breath," he instructed Kyra, reminding Jake, and with a firm pull, hauled them both in to the shadowy corner of the booth, disappearing as if through a curtain and let the chill envelope them.

---

The club was gaining customers and Benny, while reluctant to leave Fox, even served a few drinks to people, offering charming smiles and friendly laughs that he didn't really feel. It was a couple of short songs into the boys' set that he excused himself from the bar. He gave Fox a glance as he passed her but didn't say anything, instead weaving his way through the thin crowd to climb on to the stage. The frequenters of the club whistled and cheered at his appearance but he waved them down with a sheepish grin before turning to his friends. After a few whispered words and agreeing nods, he took up the mic, a rare change from his place behind the drums. The music started and after a few measures, Benny began to sing, "Short steps, deep breath, everything is alright... Chin up, I can't, step in to the spot light... She said, I'm sad, somehow without any words. I just, stood there... searching for an answer..." He lifted his eyes to look at Fox at the bar. "When this world is over... and the moon is all we'll see. I'll ask you... to fly away with me...When the stars all fall down... they empty from the sky, but I don't mind, if you're with me.. then everything's alright..."

Fox watched from her perch on her stool. Listening to Benny sing as she saw the waitress take the couples meal to them. They noticed that there was extra that they hadnt ordered. Calling the waitress they asked her about it and she just pointed at Fox. When the couple waved at her, thankful looks on there faces, Fox just nodded her head at them. Turning her attention back to Benny, she knew the song. Sighing softly she stood to check on the the front door. "Whats going on? Four customers?" Tristan shrushrugged his shoulders. "Its quite tonight." Sighing she shook her head and went back inside.

When Fox returned, Benny had left the stage. He had wanted to keep singing, it cleared his head, but it was pathetic with only four people to play for. Nonetheless, he gave them a charming smile as he passed by on the way to the bar. He went straight behind it and retrieved the scotch, pouring himself a small glass before putting the bottle away and leaning on the bar, nursing his beverage. Watching the unusually quiet club it became apparent to him that he really missed the fast paced life he had led with Rafe. Sure, they had had days off, days of being lazy, but usually he was on an adrenaline high until he was running on fumes. This, this was like permanent vacation, which sounded pretty nice until you were stuck with the reality of how dull it could become. Still- he looked at Fox as she returned while taking a sip of his scotch- he preferred it to the alternative, because the alternative didn't have her in it.

Fox came over to Benny and slid back into her stool. "Darian says that he hasnt seen much action on the street. People are scared. I can feel it. Me being taken during hours last night spooked a lot of creatures." Sighing heavily she poured herselt a glass of whiskey and took a deep drink of it. She'd been drinking more lately than she usually did. But the burn in her throat made her feel better. It also dulled the voices in her mind that she hadnt been able to shut out lately. Rubbingher temples she sighed heavily. She was growing used to using her powers again, therefore she was slightly more careless with them. It was causing headaches and unwanted stress. She needed to lock the voices out again.

Benny frowned and opened his mouth to say something about her drinking, but seemed to think better of it as he closed it a moment later. "I'm glad you came out as well as you did," he finally settled on, saying it quietly since there was no reason to yell over the lack of noise. He didn't want to speak to her too much. He knew when he was in the dog house. Or, usually knew. He could be oblivious as all men. He looked at Fox. Or women. He looked over at the booth he had seen Dash go in to and his frown deepened as he brought his glass up to take another drink, never taking his eyes off the hidden booth. It wasn't like he was worried for Dash, but more he wondered just how much of a bother this interruption of the police was going to be.

Fox nodded her head gently and threw back the rest of her drink. Sighingn softly she leaned against the table. "Finally.." The voices were dulled by the alcohol. Though for how long she couldn't be sure. Rubbing her temples she frowned overn at Benny. "Benny...whats happening with us? We didnt used to fight like this..."

"You used to trust me to take care of you," Benny replied as he set aside his half finished drink and leaned his elbows on the bar as he spoke with her. "And I... used to take care of you." He smiled a little, but it was sad. "I guess you just don't need me so much anymore and I'm having trouble accepting that."

"It's not that I dont need you. I will always need you, or want you. I just... I don't like feeling helpless. I want to be able to hear things without being shaded from the truth. You've sheltered me over the years." Moving over to his side, she stood beside him, hands tucked into the pockets of Ulf's jacket.

"I had to," Benny replied simply, raising his eyebrows a little. He wasn't looking at her though, it was more at the bar top as he seemed to remember it all. "There were so. many. things. that wanted to drag you back to him, and I knew- I knew you didn't want to go..." He sighed, unclenching the fist he had made. "I guess I'm still afraid someone will try to take you away." He finally looked at her again, his expression concerned, but conceding. "I'll.. try... not to be so paranoid, if you promise to trust us to tell you what you need to know. I won't protect you but.. sometimes, we all enjoy a little privacy Fox." He frowned. "I promise not to be nosey if you do, basically."

"But at the rate we're going, you shouldn't be afraid of someone taking me away, you should be afraid of me leaving." Fox's eyes were sad as she watched him. Sighing heavily she nodded her head. "Sure." Glancing at the door she noticed a big group of people come in, almost hesitantly. It was a group of their regulars. When they saw Fox was there, injured but alive, they seemed to relax a bit. Fox, tapped the counter and walked around it to get their orders. Chatting for a while she nodded her head before coming back to the bar and mixing their drinks. She didn't meet Benny's eyes when she came back and mixed them. She just did her job, returned the drinks to them and then came back to the bar to perch on her stool.

"Don't leave me." The words were quiet, and so far from an order it was heartbreaking. Benny's hand found hers following his words and he raised sad, golden eyes up to hers. It killed him, to have her reject his protection. It killed him to see her angry. It killed him to know she was so close to pulling away. And if changing himself would keep her with him, he'd be damned if he did anything but that. He would keep his mouth shut, and he would keep everything to himself he possibly could. And he would do it all for her. "Please."

Fox froze at his words, her face falling. Swallowing past the lump in her throat, she turned her head slightly so he wouldn't see her tears. Sniffling she squeezed Benny's hand and slowly walked over to him, wrapping her arms around his neck. "I'm so sorry... I won't. Please... forgive me." Wiping her tears away she buried her face in his neck as she began to cry.

"Always Fox, always," Benny replied quietly and held her tightly, burying his face against her hair in return. "I'll be better, I promise. I don't want you to be so angry." He leaned back slightly and brought one hand up to her face to wipe away her tears. "I promise," he said, with even more conviction.

"Oh, Benny, don't say that. You didn't really do anything wrong. I guess keeping my powers cooped up for so long was a mistake and I got angry when I felt like you were trying to get me to do it again." Sighing, Fox laid her head on his chest, her shoulders trembling. They never used to fight, only when they had been with Rafe but that was because Benny had tried to push her away. Now, she wasn't sure what was wrong with them.

Benny held her close, rubbing soothing circles on her back and shaking his head, even though she couldn't see it. "Fox I would never tell you to stifle your powers. I only didn't like it in the beginning, when all you would see is Rafe destroying the world- Or, at least, that's what it always sounded like to me. I didn't want you to have nightmares, especially when those nightmares were real... I want you to set your powers free as long as you are comfortable doing so." In fact, he wished he had that kind of luxury himself... He set those thoughts on the back burner of his mind for the moment. "I just want to know that you don't have to eavesdrop to know things. I'll let you know- Dash will always let you know- We will let you know, ok?" He shifted back a little so he could look at her face, giving her a rather embarrassed smile. Even after all these years Fox was probably able to count the number of times she saw that on his face on one hand. "There are some things I'd rather you not peek in on." He chuckled softly. It was personal reasons, he knew, and he wished he could share everything with her, but some of his fantasies weren't exactly... Fox-approved, much like some of his old favorite past times. Hell, even what he did in the shower sometimes he'd rather her not know about... Some private time, in his head and with his senses was nice, and he wanted her to respect that as much as he was going to try to respect her need for a little independence and more relaxed protection.

Nodding her head slightly, Fox frowned. "I know that. Well... at least I should know that. I just... sometimes I wonder if you two keep things from me to protect me. Keep me innocent some how. I don't know." She sighed, frustrated, as she shook her head. As his hand began running circles on her back she sighed softly, a soft groan slipping from her lips as she relaxed. She hadn't realized how tense she'd been lately until he started rubbing her back.

"Fox..." Benny said gently, wanting to sigh but restraining himself admirably. "I have not kept anything from you about what's going on since the day we left Rafe." That's was the truth, he assured himself. He seemed to notice her tension and frowned thoughtfully but it was soon followed by a gentle smile. "How about I give you a proper massage tonight? You always sleep so well afterwards." When had been the last time he had done that? Before they were together, he knew. Thinking back on it he wanted to groan, remembering the barely covered fae sprawled on their bed, his hands running over her limbs with practiced motions, soothing aching muscles. How had he been so strong? How had he ever abstained?

"Alright, I'll have to be more...open and trusting. I'm sorry. After all we've been through, you'd think I'd know better." Glancing around the club Fox frowned gently. "We could go now, I think the boys could handle what little customers we have. Plus, we have a full staffing tonight. I think things could run themselves." She blushed at how easily she was willing to just leave her club to spend a few quiet, alone, stress free moments with her mate.

Benny nodded and stepped around the bar before motioning for her to lead back to the apartment. He looked at the stage and waved to their friends, but ignored the looks he received that bordered on cat calls. Instead, he simply followed Fox upstairs. "Don't worry, I'll check back down afterwards," he promised, then smiled realizing what he was saying. "I promise to tell you whatever is going on, even if it's the same as it is right now."

"I'm not controlling, am I?" Frowning deeply, Fox led the way into the apartment. Sighing heavily, she shook her head. Walking into the bedroom she sat down on the bed and shrugged her shoulders. "Uh...clothes on or off?" There was a roughness in her voice as she asked the question. They hadn't been intimate for a while, let alone loving. She couldn't remember the last time they'd even kissed. You'd think they didn't really like each other.

"However you are most comfortable," Benny replied, his voice extra gentle now that they were alone. He lifted his index finger and thumb and pinched the front of his tshirt, lifting it before letting it fall, as if offering that he would remove his own clothing in turn if that helped too. People weren't often comfortable with nudity if they were alone, though he doubted his own half dressed self would be beneficial to her relaxation. Instead, he walked around the bed, opposite her, and tidied the blankets so she would have an even surface to lay on. "You can cover yourself with the sheet like before," he offered. Again he remembered how many times that had happened. Seriously, how had he not claimed her before? Oh, right, she hadn't told him it was ok, and he didn't do anything Fox didn't say to. He supposed he would always be a little like a hell hound, at least a little.

Fox chewed on her bottom lip for a moment and then nodded. It wasn't as if she'd never been naked in front of him before. It was just, for some reason this all felt new to her. It was probably due to their fight and the fact that they hadn't been intimate in a while. Slowly she removed each piece of clothing and tossed it aside. "You can." She offered, indicating he could take off his clothes as well. Taking a deep breath, she climbed onto the bed, completely naked, laying on her stomach and waited silently.

There was a soft shifting of cloth as Benny just removed his shirt and set it aside. A second later, a sheet was carefully lain across Fox's bottom to preserve her decency, despite his clearly having seen it all. There was no reason for her to stay exposed, other than to frustrate him. Gentle but strong hands started with her feet, taking his time working out the tight muscles as he worked his way up her leg, only moving on after the muscles felt soft again, until he reached her upper thigh, safely away from between her legs, then moved on to her other foot and continued the process. He wanted to be as thorough as he could, leave no part of her untouched. Well, no non-sexual places untouched, in any case. This was supposed to be relaxing after all.

---

Thankfully, the police station wasn't too far (even on the other side of the city wasn't far to Dash anymore). The cool air of the darkness scraped lightly at them like flecks of ice on bare skin, even through their clothes as he darted though a seemingly endless void of black with unnatural speed. It could be uncomfortable until one got used to it, but he was pretty sure they wouldn't do this often enough to actually grow accustomed to it. He stopped their little group in an alley a couple of blocks from the station, standing in the shadow as if it were a dark room in itself. An officer walked by the end of the alley along the street beyond, paused enough to look down the narrow space between the two buildings, even made what should have been eye contact with Dash, but seemed blind to any creature there, so he continued on. It was a long few minutes before Dash finally stepped out of the shadows, releasing the two humans once they were safely in the waning light of the coming evening. They might feel a lingering cold, he knew, but it was ultimately mind games. Their skin would be fine to the touch. He looked up and down the alley, making sure it was still safe before he looked at the two of them. "I'm sure you can find your way from here. Remember, don't try to find us, ok? We will help you without you having to ask again."

Jake had shut his eyes during their travels back to the station, still not enjoying the feeling of moving through the shadows. Finally when he felt solid ground beneath his feet and the cool air of the evening he opened his eyes and looked around, releasing Dash's hand as he did. He nodded when Dash spoke but knew he was mainly talking to Kyra. "Thanks for your help earlier." He said regarding Elvira then turned to look at Kyra. "Shall we get inside then?"

Kyra had to swallow against the bile that was rising in her throat. Her pallor was an unhealthy shade of green, and she just stared at Dash, not wanting to answer. The words 'don't try to find us' set her off a little, but she didn't have the strength at the moment to respond. Her suspicions were up again that these people were going to back out on the agreement as so many had before and her son would be stuck here until someone finally killed him. She looked over at Jake and gave an unsteady nod, gesturing for him to proceed her.

"See you soon." Jake said with a weak smile to Dash after he had noticed Kyras green pallor. She obviously didn't enjoy the mode of transport they had just used. He waved one last farewell then hurried up the alley towards the entrance of the police station. Hopefully his father wouldn't be too mad that they had been gone so long.

Behind them, the officer that had passed the alley before passed by again, not so much as glancing down the now empty alley.

Kyra moved behind Jake, reaching past him to open the door and hold it open. She still didn't say anything, but followed the boy in silence. It was easier than attempting to talk and finding herself too weak. Kyra did shoot looks at the officers outside, her eyebrows knitting together. They should be patrolling other parts of the city, not sticking so close to their HQ, which was mostly safe.

Jake stepped into the station, keeping his eyes to the floor so he didn't have to look at any of the officers. "WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?!" Came the sudden yell of his father across the room, causing Jake to flinch and slowly look up. "We lost track of time.." He said quietly. His father growled and pointed to his office. "Both of you in here now!" Jake glanced at Kyra then sighed before wondering slowly into the chief's office.

Kyra shook her head and followed. The only reason that this man was in charge was because people were too scared to argue. If they all teamed up, they could easily end his reign. But that wasn't to be. And she would be gone soon enough. With her arms crossed over her chest, she stared at the man sitting behind the desk, an almost annoyed expression on her face.

"You were supposed to report back over an hour ago. Where were you?" The chief growled as his eyes narrowed on the pair before him. "We just lost track of time dad..we were out patrolling." Jake replied quickly as he tried to keep his arms by his side and stop himself fidgeting with nerves. "Theres a lot of excuses coming from you lately boy and not enough work." The chief stood up and suddenly slammed a fist on his desk. "You two obviously can't be trusted together so from now on you are not allowed to work together. You will be assigned a new officer Jake and you will get on with the work you are given, got it?" He snapped at Kyra.

"But there's more than enough work coming from me," Kyra snapped right back. "And not a single one of your other officers works nearly as hard as I do! You gave me my choice of partners, I gave it, end of story! You saddle me with some incompetent again, don't expect me out on the streets!" Her posture had changed, hands on her hips, and she moved in front of Jake, almost protectively. "It's either Jake or I work a desk from now on, take your pick. Because I sure as hell won't want to be you once everyone learns your best patroller isn't patrolling anymore."

The chief narrowed his eyes at Kyra and stepped towards her threateningly. "If you haven't forgotten officer you don't really get to make demands or decisions round here. So I suggest you drop the attitude or I will make sure your son is moved somewhere that you could never find him, you understand?" He growled. "As for a new partner..you don't need to worry about that..as you said yourself, you're one of the best patrollers in this station so you're more than capable to do it alone. So do we have an understanding? Or do you wish to fight this further?" He asked as Jake stood frozen behind Kyra.

Although Kyra's eyes narrowed on the chief, inside she was elated. Finally, after so many years of being stuck with people, he was giving her exactly what she wanted. But her entire demeanor was still one of hostility. "You touch my son you better be locking your doors at night," she hissed. But that statement would come as no surprise to him. It was common knowledge that Kyra would do anything for the boy. "Don't worry, I'll play this little game of yours. I'll go it alone. But let the rest be on your head." With that she turned, giving Jake a sideways look, and stalked from the office and straight to her desk.

The chief watched her leave then turned to scold Jake but stopped with a surprised look on his face when he saw the look of anger on his sons face. "Something wrong?" He asked regaining his composure and moving back to his desk where he began shuffling through his paperwork. "I'm not going to stop working with Kyra." Jake said trying his best to sound firm.

"Yes you are. Its not up for discussion."

"NO I'M NOT!" Jake suddenly yelled causing several cops outside the office to stop and look at each other in shock. Jake had surprised even himself. He had never raised his voice to his father but with everything that had happened to him recently and knowing how important it was to have people he could trust around him, he wasn't going to give up on this. "She's the best officer i've ever worked with. I trust her and she trusts me. So unless you want me to walk out of this station and never come back, you'll not stop us working together."

The chief stared at Jake for a moment and for a split second a small smile seemed to pass across his lips before quickly disappearing again. Finally his son was showing some spirit. "Fine." He said then called to an officer outside the door. "Fetch Kyra back in here and bring Brandon as well.." He commanded then watched as the officer scurried away. "You..sit." He said looking at Jake who moved to a chair and sat down, looking a little overwhelmed that his father had actually listened to him.

When an officer approached her desk, Kyra looked up angrily and barked out a quick "What?" at him. "Chief wants you," came the response. With sigh and a growl, Kyra pushed her chair back and walked back to the office, shoving the door open so hard it hit the opposite wall. "What now?! You aren't done giving me shit orders?!"

Kyra's return was followed by only a moment of silence before the quiet tap, just too strikes of one knuckle on the open door, broke the momentary silence of the room. A man, with casually messed hair that looked like he had only just gotten out of bed and kind, dark blue eyes stood in the doorway. He smiled and it did nothing but add to his charming features. "You asked for me sir," he inquired gently, his voice warm and smooth like flower petals heated by the sun. He righted his posture enough to give the polite solute to his superior before his eyes slid to Kyra, then Jake, then Kyra, his smile never faltering. His salute hand shifted so that his thumb touched his two curled fingers, palm toward his face, and he touched the apples of his cheeks, where strong cheek bones where, with the tip of his index and pinkie fingers. "The flush suits you," he told his female coworker, giving it as both a compliment but also the most casual of teases.

"Your attitude is really starting to get on my nerves Kyra. I suggest you learn to speak to your chief with more MANNERS!" The chief yelled the last word at Kyra as the new man entered the room. "It seems my son is determined that you and him are not going to part company. He has even threatened to run away." He shot a small glare at Jake who quickly diverted his gaze to the floor. "So to save his mother the heartache and myself the embarassment I have a new arrangement. Jake and Kyra will continue to work together under the supervision of Officer Josiline. He will go where you go, see what you see and come back here everyday and give me a detailed report of the days events. Is everyone clear with the new arrangement?" Jake quickly looked up at Kyra then at this man who was obviously officer Josiline. How could they do any work with Dash if they were being followed?

Rolling her eyes at the other officer, Kyra let her narrowed gaze land on the chief. "You knew that rudeness was just one of my many virtues when you brought me in," she said snarkily. "And manners is not." She would either be silent or be rude, and with this man, the latter tended to win out. At the news that Jake also refused to be separated, her interest peaked, but then the other shoe dropped and Kyra let out a slow breath, her face becoming hard. "You have got to be kidding me." Looking over at Brandon, she let her anger shine in her eyes. How was she supposed to escape now? Especially with someone else watching over her shoulder? This day was just getting better by the second.

Brandon remained quiet, watching people talk with the smallest of smiles on his face. It wasn't as if he enjoyed their suffering, he just thought they were being a little over dramatic. Then again, perhaps this was an argument that had been going on for a while and thus he was only seeing the most heated time. Well, best to try and diffuse the bomb, if you fail, well, everyone would blow up as if you didn't try anyway. "I didn't know you disliked me so much, Ms Bradrick," he said gently before looking at the chief again. "Don't worry sir. I will keep you informed." He gave a polite bow of his head before he stepped aside, motioning for Kyra and Jake to go first. "I believe we have work to do," he pointed out. Not once had he raised his voice, not once had it faltered or accused. He was keeping perfectly calm and hoped they would not see him as a threat to their work. "I will try not to disrupt you," he added to Kyra as a continuation of his first statement before looking at jake, trying to give him a reassuring smile. "And I'll be available to help you with Ms Bradrick should you have any questions," he promised.

"No kidding at all. Now get out of my office and take him home!" The chief growled pointing at Jake who quickly got to his feet. "And from tomorrow you will be wearing a uniform..no more of those casual clothes here." His father snapped at him. Jake groaned lightly then moved from the room, glancing at Kyra and Brandon as he did. This is a disaster. He thought with a frown.

Kyra waited until they were out of the office before she let her head fall back and an agitated sound leave her throat. As she was walking back to her desk, a small streak passed through the station and dove at her. Kyra caught her son and held him close, looking back at Brandon with a much less hostile appearance. "It's not that I dislike you," she said. "It's that I hate him more." She shifted Kyrian higher and the boy turned to look at Brandon as well. "There is a lot I won't go into right now, but if we're going to be walking him home, we best get started now."

"Very well then. I was ordered to follow you, was I not? I guess that still makes you the leader," Brandon told Kyra with a secretive smile. He looked at the little boy in her arms, as if excited to see him, then seemed to realize something. He stuck a hand into the chest pocket of his uniform and pulled out a small blue lollipop and offered it to Kyrian. "Try not to stress too much, ok?" he told Jake and Kyra while still smiling at Kyrian. He was rather fond of the child, after all. "I'll be sure not to get in your way." He glanced at the two of them and his grin was flooring, the kind of disarming smile that made mothers love their daughter's boyfriend, even when they just met him. "So please, try to relax."

Jake smiled at Kyrian then watched as Brandon passed the small boy a lollipop. The guy seemed harmless enough. Maybe he wouldn't cause them any trouble. "You two don't have to worry about walking me home. I'm sure I can do it alone.." He said, folding his arms lightly over his chest as he spoke.

Even as Kyrian leaned forward to take the lollipop, Kyra tightened her grip on the boy. Once he had a firm grip on the candy, she set him on the floor again and knelt down next to him. "Honey, go back to your room. Mommy has some errands to run. I'll be here tonight, okay?" He nodded and ran off and Kyra stood again, the gentleness on her face vanishing. She looked at Jake and shook her head. "No. Orders are orders, and besides, I have other things I need to take care of and I shouldn't be in the station where I can blow up at your father again." She looked at Brandon, still suspicious of him. But she was suspicious of anyone attempting to get close to her child. "Come along if you must. I have questions to ask you anyway."

"Of course," Brandon replied with a couple of small, understanding nods. He righted himself, having leant over to give Kyrian the lolly, and gave her a smile before looking at Jake, his expression not faltering. "It isn't far, Jake. You will only be stuck with us for the short walk, and we'll leave you safe with your mother-" He paused, chuckling, and looking directly in to Jake's eyes with something other than amusement. something a lot more serious. "And I'm sure you won't go running off again and cause more trouble for Miss Kyra, now will you?" His tone was kind, but the question was rhetorical. He liked Jake just like Kyrian. He was a clever boy and, perhaps in another life, he would support that in the young man. For the time being, however, he had orders. He gestured with a hand toward the exit, giving both of his companions a small smile. "After you," he offered kindly.

Jake sighed and turned towards the door, rolling his eyes lightly as he did. "I didn't run off.." He mumbled annoyed that he couldn't tell the truth of what had really happened. "See you later Kyrian.." He called over his shoulder then walked out into the cold night air, shoving his hands into his pockets to keep them warm.

Looking back at the hall where Kyrian had vanished, Kyra let out a sigh and followed Jake. It always bothered her when someone went on about a mother being worried in front of her when Kyrian was stuck here at all hours and this was not where her home was. So she stayed silent as she followed Jake, forgetting her jacket at her desk but not saying anything. Instead she kept her arms pressed to her sides and walked a short distance behind Jake, all to aware of the goosebumps running up her arms.

"Walked off?" Brandon offered the alternative to Jake, a tinge of teasing in his voice as he followed the other two out of the station, giving friendly waves of goodbye to a few officers that cheerily bid him farewell. He turned back to his companions. "What did you want to ask me?" he decided to start with Kyra first as he fell in to step with her. He had this odd way about him, never really stepping in to anyone's personal space, as if with his body and his words he always, purposefully, gave people a way out, a way to protest against him, to never let them feel cornered.

Jake looked back at Brandon when he made the teasing alternative to running off and couldn't help but smile at the joke. This guy seemed harmless. He watched as Kyra and Brandon walking together and decided to give them some peace. Kyra didn't seem to socialise that much so Jake didn't see any problem with letting the two talk alone for a while. He walked slowly ahead of them, hands shoved in his pockets, thinking about the problem that was Elvira.

Moving one hand over to rub at her other arm, trying to get the goosebumps down, Kyra kept her eyes on Jake in front of her, making sure that he was heading in the correct direction. "If you are going to be following me, there is a few things I need to know for my own effort at not disliking you." She was as blunt as she needed to be with it because she needed honest answers. "How much time have you spent around my son?" This time she did turn to Brandon, eyeing him uncertainly.

"That depends. In what context?" Brandon replied conversationally. "I'm one of your son's guards- Or, I was. So... 8 hours a day, twice a week, for the past couple of years." He seemed to think on it. "So nearly seventeen hundred hours, or seventy days, since my placement on the force. If you mean how much time have I spent speaking with him? I'd say no more than an hour a week for the past six months or so. It isn't really encouraged, but I'm sure you already know that." He gave Kyra a secretive smile, coupled with sparkling, dark blue eyes, before looking ahead of them at the back of Jake again. "I like Kyrian though. He seems like a smart boy, very clever, very alert."

Jake glanced back at Brandon and Kyra and had to bite his tongue and tell her to relax. He supposed she had a right to know who was spending time with her son. He returned his attention back to the path and suddenly realised they were on the street where Elvira had grabbed him. He shuddered lightly and folded his arms tightly across his chest, unable to stop himself glancing round nervously as if expecting her to jump out at him again.

"So you guard my son yet have only spoken to him for about twenty-four hours?" Kyra asked, her eyes narrowing. "That's less attention than prisoners get. And according to the chief, Kyrian isn't exactly a prisoner." Her voice was at its peak of sarcasm. She was a bit angry for her son, and even angrier that that she was stuck with this guy who was part of the reason she was stuck watching Kyrian feel so lonely all the time. Kyra had to remind herself that she needed to get along with this guy. "Is it really the unspoken rules that kept you away from him or do you have a problem with what he is?" She heard him claim to like Kyrian, but that didn't always mean anything.

Brandon couldn't help it. Contrary to getting annoyed at her attitude, he broke out in laughter, and it was a warm, rich sound. "Ms Kyra, you misunderstand me," he finally managed to say after a few moments and a couple of breaths to calm himself. "I was a night watch most of the time. Your son was asleep. Did you expect me to wake him in hopes of deep, intellectual conversation from a child?" He shook his head, clearly amused if his wide smile was anything to go by. "Six months ago I was moved to the evening shift, and that is when I spoke to Kyrian. He is the one who did not wish to speak to me. I hardly blame him for that, after how the others spoke to him. Besides, I am quite content simply to watch him. As I have said, he is a smart boy, and to see him figure things out without my interference fills me with.. well, a small twinge of pride, to know such a quick child." He sighed, as if satisfied with something and gave Kyra a sidelong glance. "Words can often get in the way of discovery. If people are speaking to you all the time, filling your head with words, how can you hear your own thoughts?" he queried, but didn't really seem all that interested in an answer as he noticed Jake's tension and let his eyes slide around the street they walked on. Seeing no immediate threat, he simply continued to walk. There was no need to make a big deal out of such a reaction when it clearly stemmed from the boy's own head.

Kyra noticed Jake looking everywhere. But she was doing much the same without making it so obvious. Listening to Brandon talk, she actually relaxed her fierce expression some, blinking as she looked over at him. "There is maybe one human in a hundred who can look at someone like Kyrian with anything less than hostility," she said quietly, not wanting Jake to overhear. "So of course you will understand my worry, since you seem to be assigned to be my shadow and as much of my time as I can manage is spent with him." She gave a little shrug. "I just don't want him around people who will harm him."

Brandon nodded along understandingly. "Yes, that is a very low margin," he agreed, but gave her a little smile after he spoke. "But... I think you are mistaken, Kyra," he pointed out placidly. "I'm assigned to be your shadow." He looked at her, then at Jake, then back at her, to emphasize his use of 'you' in the plural. "I will not be stalking you, or hovering when you are enjoying family time. I'm only to watch while the two of you work together. Other than that, I hardly see any reason for you to have to put up with my presence." He chuckled, turning the corner with Jake. If he remembered correctly, they had nearly reached their destination and soon his duty here would be over and he would return to the station with Kyra. "Nor you, Jake," he added more pointedly to the quiet boy ahead of them. He wondered what he was thinking, walking in silence and no doubt only listening. "If I can trust you to stay home." It was not a threat, but it was a heavy concession.

"It's only a matter of time," Kyra muttered under her breath. She had finally stopped shivering, but that didn't mean anything. Just that she was acclimated. "If you would like to sit with Kyrian and I for a little while tonight, I won't really say anything. Since you have already claimed to like him." It was an offer that she made with a lot of hesitancy, not knowing how it would be taken or if she could trust him yet.

"I wish you would all remember i'm seventeen.." Jake muttered as he finally stopped outside his house and turned to look at Brandon and Kyra. "I would invite you inside but mom might never let you leave." He said jokingly. "Unless you want to come in.."

"I'm sure you are quite capable of enduring your mother's love alone," Brandon replied with a quiet chuckle. "Please forgive me, Jake, I don't mean to imply you are a child, only that you are more curious than people would like you to be. I can't fault you for that. It's how you find the best hiding spots I suppose." He gave the younger man a fond smile before he glanced at Kyra. "We should head back. I'm sure you can manage the five steps inside without an escort. I promise not to tell your father you walked them alone." He gave a little wave of goodbye and then motioned for Kyra to take the lead back to the station. "Let's go see your son, shall we?"

"You know your mother does not care for me," Kyra said with a shrug. It wasn't completely the truth, but it was close enough. She turned and started back towards the station, giving Jake a small wave as she did. It would be nice to get back and not have anything but paperwork to finish. She could spend time with Kyrian. Brandon hadn't given her a real answer, so she didn't bring up the question again.

---

Talia couldn't help but chuckle lightly at Dash's reaction to her kiss. I like when he smiles. she thought after he had disappeared with Kyra and Jake before turning and moving back out into the bar. She paused looking around spotting Benny and Fox by the bar but they seemed to be having a private moment so she decided to leave them be. Waving goodbye to Lynx and the others she stepped from the bar and began the long walk back to her apartment. Finally unlocking her front door, she was happy to be home. Even if it was just for a night..I hate being away from here. She stepped inside and locked the door then moved to the kitchen to get herself a drink. "Emory?" She called out as she walked unsure if he was there or not. She wasn't really sure where he was and this made her worry slightly. "Maybe he's with Rafe." She muttered with a shrug, relaxing slightly with this thought.

A knock sounded on Talia's door as Quinn returned to the building. He had a couple of cans of food in his arms, things he had picked up for an alibi as to why he had been gone so long in case anyone asked. He just wanted to find where she was and make sure that nothing untoward had happened to her. Quinn tried to overlook the fact that he was becoming a little attached to both Rafe and Talia, because as a Deiciden, he could not afford to become attached.

It was a few moments before the door opened and Talia peered out, a smile of relief quickly spreading across her face. "Emory!" She said then grabbed his arm and pulled him inside before closing and locking the door again. "I was getting really worried about you. You didn't get into any trouble did you?" She asked in a concerned tone as she seemed to look him over as if inspecting for injuries then finally turned back and picked up her glass she had been drinking from.

"I brought these for you," Quinn said, dropping the cans on the table near the kitchen. He tried to look somewhat proud of himself, after all, he hadn't ever purchased food before. "And I got a little lost on the way back." That was truth as well. The areas he had explored in order to find the food were confusing, and he had been turned around more than once. Quinn blinked at Talia for a moment. "You...are you okay? Is Dash still angry with you?"

Talia had moved over to inspect the cans Quinn had dropped on the table. When he asked how she was she looked up at him and smiled. "Everythings fine with Dash and I. There was some trouble with that stupid shade but we'll be taking care of her soon enough." She nodded as if to confirm this then moved to Quinn and suddenly hugged him lightly. "I'm glad your okay." She said after letting go and moving to sit down. "So..did you go and see Rafe again?"

Quinn stiffened slightly as she hugged him, but forced himself to relax again. He went over to sit near her, watching her face. "I wanted to know if what I saw at the club was something that he knew about. To be sure. He was angry at the Shade." He wasn't going to tell Talia that the anger was because Jake had injured the creature. Quinn knew exactly how his words sounded.

"Well good..i'm glad to hear he's angry at her. She's caused a lot of trouble for my friends and I and has put that human boy at risk." Talia replied with an unhappy frown. "Maybe he'll manage to kill her before we do." She continued to say then looked at Quinn and smiled slightly with embarassment. "Sorry, I just really don't like her. Do you really trust Rafe?" She asked curiously.

"He was the first person to ever care about me and show something other than fear and hatred," Quinn said quietly, his gaze falling. He blinked a few times. Being perfectly honest with Talia was easy. She made it easy. "It is not as if I have a plethora of other friends to go to. You and him, that is all I have."

"Well i'm glad you count me as a friend Emory." Talia replied with a warm smile. "And I hope that never changes. So you say Rafe was kind to you and that you trust him. So you would honestly say I could trust him? That he wouldn't hurt me or Dash?" She asked her eyes focused on Quinn.

"He likes you," Quinn said, looking up again and meeting Talia's eyes. His face was relaxed, which was the closest he got to happy. "Rafe is kind to everyone." Internally, Quinn was celebrating that Talia was even asking these sort of questions. It meant that maybe she might go back to him voluntarily. "If he were dangerous, I would have been obligated to kill him when I met him."

"I suppose thats true. I just need to make sure its safe before I risk taking Dash to see him. I won't ever put him at risk Emory..I would cause some serious trouble if anything ever happened to him." Talia replied but was still smiling so it was hard to tell if she were joking or not. "You think a shade can cause trouble you have never seen an angry shifter..we're made for trouble."

Quinn looked as if he was about to say something but he just blinked and averted his eyes. He had seen and killed troublesome shifters in his time. But that wasn't exactly something that needed to be broadcasted. He wasn't even positive that Talia knew what he could do. But then, that wasn't something he necessarily had to divulge right away. "You could always come back with me sometime. Or go and meet with Rafe. I am certain that might put your mind at ease." It was said lightly, as if Quinn didn't think she actually would, but wanted to make the suggestion anyway.

"I did tell him I would visit again." Talia said looking thoughtful. "But i'm not sure now is a good time. I told Dash I would be here and if he gets back and i'm not here he'll panic. I'll go when Dash is otherwise occupied. I really do want to get to know Rafe better. He did seem like a charming fellow."

Although Quinn's face didn't betray anything, he thought that her choice of wording was aptly appropriate. "He is indeed," he commented, sinking into his own thoughts and dilemma. He still did not have an answer to the question of whether he would go for what he wanted or what he needed. And it was becoming clearer by the second that he needed an answer. Looking up at Talia, he gave a half shrug. "I understand. But, I did promise to protect you. If you want me to go along, all you need do is say so."

"I want you to come along." Talia said before chuckling lightly. "I would feel much better if I had you with me. I know you would never do anything to hurt or betray me. I know you'd keep me safe." She smiled again then looked towards the doors then the shadowy corners of the room. She expected Dash wouldn't be much longer.

"I promised," Quinn said. "I cannot break that promise." He sat back in his seat, watching her as she glanced around. He had a pretty good idea what she was looking for, but wasn't going to mention anything. "When do you think he will return?"

"Soon hopefully. He was only suppose to be taking the humans back home. I hope he hasn't run into any trouble." Talia replied and couldn't help but look worried. What if the police have caught him? She thought nervously. No.. he would never let that happen.

Talia had barely finished her sentence and had her moment of worry before there were soft footfalls in the corner of the room. Dash had just stepped out of the shadow and looked at the two of them on the couch. He had been distracted, but Emory's presence had his attention. He looked between them, taking it in, then finally spoke. "Hello Emory," he greeted first, the words friendly despite being brief. He held out a hand to Talia. "Sorry I took so long," he apologized. "I needed to speak with someone about Kyrian but he was busy."

Talia let out a loud sigh of relief then got to her feet and took Dash's hand when he offered it. "I was beginning to get worried, thought I was going to have to go out and find you." She smiled softly at him. She wanted to know how it went getting Jake and Kyra back to the station but thought it best to discuss it away from Quinn. "Do you have to work tonight or will you be taking a night off?"

Quinn sat up straighter when Dash returned. He blinked and looked away from the couple, his relaxed expression turning into an uncomfortable one. He wasn't sure if he should go, but he did nod in Dash's direction even if he didn't look over at the greeting. Shifting slightly, he slid his hands into the front pocket of his hoodie, waiting to see if Dash asked him to leave or not.

Dash opened his mouth to reply, glancing between the two, sighed, then actually answered. "Thanks to you I have work for a bit," he told Talia. "I won't be looking for any more until this is done. I'll be taking the night off, but.. I can go if you want to hang out with Emory." He motioned to the Deiciden sitting on the couch before looking at Talia again, leaving it up to her what she wanted to do.

"You're going nowhere Dash. We haven't spent a whole night together..ever. You're staying right here." Talia replied with a smile as she squeezed his hand lightly. "Its not going to be too boring for you having to stay with me all night is it?" She asked and allowed her eyes to flash to their natural blackness before she chuckled and glanced at Quinn, looking a little embarassed. "Sorry, we just don't get to spend that much time together."

Standing from his seat, Quinn tried to keep the disappointment from his face. "That is fine. I will find something else to occupy my time." He gave a small, half nod to Dash and blinked as he looked at Talia, prepared to back to the door and out to the hall. He would use the time to hunt down some more allies in the city if he had to. Not that he wanted to leave at all.

"No, Emory," Dash protested, reaching out to take Emory's wrist to stop him. He almost immediately snatched his hand back, as if burned. It was a half moment before he shook off his fear. "No, stay. It's ok. I'm sure Talia wants you to." He looked at his girlfriend as if for confirmation before looking at Emory again. He was different from his brother, no anger in his voice. It was almost like he was a breath away from triggering his fight or flight reflex, always on edge and yet his exhaustion kept him from being fully nervous. It was only through sheer will that he kept his heart from speeding up at the look of Talia's eyes. Though it wasn't the same, and he knew it, he felt like he had seen her nude, to have seen her true form, it was that personal to him. It made him feel pride greater than anything he ever experienced before. He motioned to the couch. "Please, stay."

"I never said you had to leave Emory." Talia replied with a smile as she pulled Dash's arm around her and leaned against him. "We'll all stay in tonight together and you can stay in the spare bedroom tonight Emory. I'll make sure the bed is properly made up for you and Dash..you can stay with me, just to sleep of course." She chuckled lightly as she glanced at him. "You need to get a proper nights sleep. You look exhausted." She smiled again then turned back to look at Emory. "So what do you boys feel like doing tonight?"

Quinn pulled away further as Dash reached for him. Only suicidal people (or Rafe and Talia) touched him. Looking at Dash for a moment, he shook his head before watching Talia get all cuddly with him. Quinn couldn't keep his face straight as it became pinched. "While staying does sound appealing, I am uncertain that sitting here and witnessing you two...do whatever it is that you do..." He made another face, hands straying towards the pouch he kept his bow in almost absent mindedly.

"Sitting here and witnessing us, what?" Dash countered, barely keeping his eyes from narrowing in annoyance. He didn't like unfinished sentences. Implications never set well with him. As it was, mostly for Talia's sake (and perhaps a small spark of self preservation) he kept his face calm. "I can assure you Emory, we're not going to be mating right in front of you." Somehow, his suppressed annoyance made him more blunt. More like his old self. The one Talia had never known. "We're not animals." He paused, and looked at Talia as the corners of his mouth twitched as if wanting to grin. "Well, most of the time."

Talia wasn't able to contain her grin as well as Dash was when he made the last comment. "Emory..Dash is right. We won't be doing anything inappropriate around you. But you need to understand that we're a couple, couples like to hold hands and be close to each other." She said turning to look at the other man. "And if you truely wish to live normally around here then you're going to have to get used to that." Talia treasured Quinn's friendship but she wasn't prepared to have to sit on opposite ends of the couch from Dash because he didn't like their closeness, especially when the chances of them having another night together like this for a while was slim. "But if you really wish to leave i'm not going to stop you. The choice is yours."

Quinn didn't really feel like having this conversation. He wanted to stay, but at the same time, watching this was going to be hard. He still wasn't accustomed to it. "My kind...we do not touch. Ever."

Talia tilted her head slightly and smiled at Quinn before glancing at Dash and squeezing his hand lightly before letting it go. She stepped towards Quinn then held her hand out to him. "You're different from your kind though remember? You're going to show them that you can be different, that you can do what you want to do. You're free to make your own choices." She smiled at him again, waiting to see if he would take her hand.

"Just because you don't, doesn't mean you can't," Dash put in as he moved to one of Talia's worn but comfortable chairs and dropped himself onto the slightly sagging cushion. "I doubt Talia would refrain even if it were a law of nature that no one touch you, Emory. Best you adapt." For the first time since he met the Deiciden, Dash chuckled, the sound quiet and almost breathless, as if he hadn't really wanted anyone to hear.

Although Quinn didn't immediately react to Talia's offer, he did look at her as she spoke. Only when Dash made the comment that he adapt did Quinn take her hand, uncertain of what she wanted his hand for. Were it Rafe, he wouldn't have worried so much. But this was different. Dash was protective, and probably didn't trust him in the least. Quinn blinked a few times, Talia's hand feeling much warmer than his as he felt the etheria of her abilities buzzing throughout his system. It made his teeth hurt slightly.

"See thats not so bad, is it?" Talia said smiling at Quinn as she gripped his hand. "You just have to take it one step at a time and who knows one day you might be looking for someone special that you can hold hands with all the time." She chuckled lightly then let go of Quinn and moved to sit beside Dash. "So do any of you boys have any idea on what we should do tonight?"

"Why don't you tell me more about Emory's friend you met," Dash offered, not at all with an alterier motive. He laid his head back against that of the chair to watch everyone with tired eyes. He was able to stay awake, but sitting was a pleasant experience for the moment and he was perfectly happy to simply let them talk while he listened.

Talia shot a nervous glance at Quinn before she shifted in her seat so she could drape her legs over Dash's, making herself more comfortable. "Well..theres not really much to tell. He was a proper gentleman, very charming and well mannered. Seemed like he had a bit of authority if he could make the shade do as he wished, but he never got angry, always smiling. I didn't talk long with him..he made me some tea and once I had drunk it I came home. He did say I could visit again if I liked which I thought was nice."

Quinn listened carefully to what Talia said, looking from her to Dash as he took a seat on the couch. "As I said, he does like you." It was all he had to offer to the conversation, and he looked over at Dash waiting for his next request or question or comment.

Dash nodded along with Talia's story so that she would know he was listening while he absently laid his hand on her legs that his lap was not full of. "He sounds nice," he responded to both of them. He shifted honey eyes to his girlfriend and gave a little smile, not other reason that to show he was in a good mood, albeit tired. "Are you going to visit him again then?"

"I would like to." Talia replied honestly as she looked at Dash. "Soon hopefully. All depends on any drama that might arise as it usually does." She chuckled lightly then saw how tired Dash was. "Here sit forward a little.." She told him with a gentle smile then climbed in behind him and began rubbing his shoulders to help him relax. "Emory will go with me when i'm ready."

Dash hummed appreciatively as Talia rubbed his shoulders and nodded along. "Maybe I should go too," he said after a long moment of thought. He brought his hand up to rest it on Talia's to make her pause just a moment. "Not that I don't trust you-" he pointed out, then glanced at Emory with a civil little nod. "Or you. Just.. for my own piece of mind you know?"

"Next time?" Quinn suggested with a nod. He knew that refusing the offer would look suspicious. "I am certain he would be more than happy to receive you as well. Talia's presence did surprise him a bit." He needed to warn Rafe before that happened, though. And that meant making the long trek back before they went. It would be easier to put it off for now.

"You want to meet him?" Talia asked in surprise then nodded in response. "Alright. We'll all go together." She smiled but couldn't help but feel a strange kind of nervousness about taking Dash to meet someone he already knew and maybe wouldn't like at first sight. She starting rubbing his shoulders again for a while then finally stopped. "Does that feel better?"

"Yes, thank you," Dash replied and turned his head a bit to offer a fond smile. "Give me a little warning before we go, ok? I need to make sure I don't have any work lined up." He shifted around and grabbed her waist, grinning as he pulled her around to sit on his lap, his arms wrapped loosely around her. He settled a bit once Talia was in place. "So this friend. What's his name? And what is he? Not human, I assume."

Quinn actually grew very quiet, although whether that was because of the questions or because of the color raising in his cheeks as Dash pulled Talia into his lap was up for interpretation. He blinked a few times and looked away at the couple, his gaze averting to the other side of the room's floor. Part of him hoped that his sudden feeling of unease could be enough cause to momentarily forget the questions, because he wasn't about to answer them and didn't want Talia to either.

Talia let out a small squeal then laughed as Dash grabbed her and pulled her round to sit on his lap. Her smile slowly faded when she heard his questions and she glanced nervously at Quinn. "Umm..I never actually caught his name." She said trying to give an embarassed shrug. "There was so much going on with the shade at the time I forgot to ask and I never think it appropriate to ask someone what they are. You wait until they tell you." She smiled again then as a way to try and distract him she shifted into her natural form. "You'll meet him soon enough." She said smiling at him again.

"I guess that's true," Dash agreed with Talia, his expression pensive. He looked at Emory as Talia finished speaking and nodded, but he was frowning. "You two act like there's something about him you're not telling me," he said and turned to Talia again as if to ask her what it was but seeing her red flesh and locking eyes with black holes, he instantly blushed so darkly he almost matched her. Almost. His heart ached deeply as he glanced at Emory. Somewhere in his head he knew Emory would have no concept of what Dash found upsetting about this, and so he shouldn't actually be upset, but he couldn't help it. But at the same time... He carefully shifted Talia so she was propped up better on his legs instead of settled slightly between them so that he could better hide... certain things. He would discuss with her later why he really wanted her to be more modest... again. He was fairly certain they had had this talk before and it felt a bit like deja vu to think about having to go through it again. "I-I guess we should go soon then? It'll answer that for me..." he half stuttered out, trying to avert his eyes from his lapful of girlfriend.

Talia sighed then stood up and began pacing back and forth, shifting back to her normal form. She hated keeping things from Dash and he knew there was something not right about the situation. She glanced at Quinn then groaned and placed her hands over her face. What do I do? She thought then looked back at Quinn for help. "What harm could it do telling him?" She whispered to him.

Looking up as the buzzing in his head disappeared with Talia's shift, Quinn actually held a relieved sort of expression. Dash might not like that she shifted, but her continued use of powers set Quinn on edge a bit. When she shifted back, he let out a small sigh, his eye twitching slightly. "I do not see why it would bother him so much," he said honestly as he locked his eyes on Talia. "But that aside, can you please pick a form. For a moment my headache was starting to vanish and now it is quickly returning." That was as close as he had ever gotten to telling someone that he felt people's abilities. His jaw clenched slightly. The more time he spent around Talia, the less it should bother him. But the buzzing was so constant that even his bones were starting to ache. Trying to take his mind off of Talia's power usage, he looked over at Dash. "Whenever you are free, I can take you. I am certain he would love to meet you as well."

Dash gave Emory an honest smile. "Why don't we go tomorrow then? If nothing else comes up." He looked at Talia and sighed, frowning at the fretting woman. "Would you calm down? Why are you so stressed about this? Is he another blood mage?" He sat up a bit straighter, his eyes narrowing a little. "Or a polygamist?" Narrowed further. "Did he hit on you?" He shifted into an actual little glare. "If he did, I'll kill him," he said flatly, and it was unsettling how firm his tone was.

"No nothing like that." Talia replied quickly after giving an apologetic smile to Quinn after he had asked her to stop shifting so much. "Its just.." She paused biting her lip nervously and had to stop herself warning Quinn to be ready to make a run for it in case Dash didn't take the news to well. "..You might already know him." She finally said then watched Dash to see his reaction.

Quinn's eyes went to Talia and his face registered confusion. That was a moment before comprehension dawned. It may look to Dash like he was confused about what Talia was saying, but really he was confused about why she had smiled at him like that. "Might...already...?" He looked over at Dash, trying to calm himself of the nervous energy that was taking over. If Talia told him and he didn't take it well, Quinn would have to do one of two things. The first would be run. The second would be defend himself. Neither option seemed like a good idea, so he just sat there looking between the two other creatures.

Dash couldn't stop the considerate expression from his face. Someone he might already know? Well... His face flickered between expressions- contemplative, dismissive, considerate, disgusted- but after a few moments he settled for confusion and shook his head. "Talia I know a lot of people," he said finally. "You're either going to have to be more specific, or wait until I meet him."

"I don't know what to do." Talia whispered with a frown then looked at Dash. "What would you prefer me to do? Tell you now or let you see for yourself tomorrow?" Because she couldn't make her own mind up she decided she would let him make the decision for himself.

Quinn shifted slightly in his seat and turned to watch Dash. "Maybe it should be a surprise. If you are old friends, as Talia believes, then a very pleasant surprise it will be." He looked over at Talia to see if she would agree with that assessment. Really, Quinn just didn't want the cat out of the bag too soon. If Dash got angry in front of Rafe, perhaps Quinn would be slightly protected.

Outside the apartment building Elvira stood patiently waiting for something to happen. It had been a few hours now since she had visited Jake and after she had left his home she had immediately grabbed a stranger on the street and sent them to alert the police to go and raid Talia's apartment. Now she waited, deciding that she deserved a little entertainment and watch how this would unfold. Looking up a small smirk spread across her face when she heard the almost silent approaching of several police vans coming along the street. They stopped right beside her and moments later a large group of police officers poured from their backs each holding a gun. Lets get this show on the road. The shade thought as her plan began to unfold. First it would be Talia's apartment, then during the night it would be the underground market. By tomorrow afternoon the police would be breaking down the bar's door and the group would have no choice but to go to the safety of Rafe's home. Elvira allowed the police to enter the building then followed after them silently, making sure she was invisible to their eyes.

Talia bit her lip again as she listened to Quinn then took a breath to answer but paused when she suddenly felt a strange uneasiness in her stomach. She raised her finger to silence the two men then moved slowly towards the door. Looking through the eyehole, a small gasp escaped her lips when just on the other side a large group of police stood preparing to ram the door down. She spun quickly to look at Dash and Quinn, her eyes wide with fear. "Run!" She cried before a large bang suddenly filled their ears and the door fell forwards. "Nobody move!" The commanding officer ordered in a barking voice as the police suddenly surged into the apartment, guns pointed in every direction. "You're all under arrest."

Dash couldn't remember the last time his heart slammed so hard against his rib cage. The only thing keeping the satisfied grin off his face was the fact that he now had people to protect, unlike last time. Still, he stood slowly from his chair, keeping his hands in sight but by his sides. "That's cute..." he said, and was slightly surprised how much the words sounded like a purr. He hadn't meant it that way. Oh well. He spun and grabbed the wrist of the nearest police officer with a gun pointed at him, in one tug he was behind the man and his nail slid across the back of the man's neck. Just a trickle, but it was enough. He pressed his thumb to the spot and the man's eyes went blank, wide with horror as he immediately shot a couple of other officers who dropped with cries of pain. Eyes fell shut and the man dropped to the floor. Dash didn't even look at him. His eyes on Talia and Emory he grabbed them and hauled them into the shadowy corner of the chair near him and the apartment was left with only officers.

---

Closing her eyes, Fox remained silent as Benny worked her muscles. They laid like this for several minutes until finally she couldn't take it anymore. "Why aren't we intimate... or... even loving anymore?" Frowning deeply, she clutched the pillow to her chest, clearly upset with this fact.

Benny's hands stopped moving and there was a very long pause before he answered. "It's only been a few days," he said finally, still not moving just yet. He was worried he was in trouble. Again. "And.. you know... you've been pretty mad at me..." He doubted she would have wanted him touching her when she was so angry, which was why he stilled now, unsure yet if he was in trouble. "I didn't want to pressure you."

Sitting up, Fox turned towards him and searched his eyes for a moment. "I may have not been okay with sexual intimacy the past few days but, you've always had gentle actions that calmed me, made me feel loved. Even a kiss to my forehead." Furrowing her eyebrows slightly, she glanced at the bed. They hadn't slept in the same bed in a few days either. Though last night she'd slept because of her injuries. Leaning forward she hesitantly pressed her lips against his, wanting to feel some form of intimacy.

Benny wanted to protest, he did. He wanted to ask her, sarcastically, if she really would have enjoyed him touching her when she was so mad at him, that she would have wanted comfort from the man irritating her. But a small, but loud, part of his mind told him to shut the hell up and kiss back, so that is exactly what he did. He closed his shining golden eyes and didn't protest, only leaned in to the kiss, returning it gently, but unwaveringly as one of his hands found its way across her hip and around to her back and pulled her carefully a little closer.

Inhaling deeply, Fox pulled back just a bit and stared into his eyes. "Benny, I'm sorry for how I've been acting the past few days. Please forgive me." A few tears trickled down her cheeks as she leaned forward and kissed him with more confidence. Nothing sexual, just showing him she loved him and would always want him there. Sighing against his lips, she wrapped her arms around his neck and smiled, deepening the kiss ever so slightly.

Benny listened to her and then shook his head. "Nothing to be sorry for," he assured her, but it was more accepting her apology. He responded to her kiss but it was only for a moment before carefully breaking it. "Fox, I can't," he said, sounding truly sorry. He brought his free hand up to wipe away the trail of tears on her cheeks, thin as they may be. "Not while you're crying, happy or otherwise." He frowned at her, looking at her sparkling eyes with his own sad ones.

Foxs bottom lip trembled as she pulled away from him. "It was only a kiss, Benny, nothing more." Wiping her tears away it dawned on her. "Oh... I'm so stupid. I'm sorry." Climbing from bed she hurried into the bedroom and cooled her face with water. Taking a few deep breaths she relaxed herself before coming back out and lay down once again. "Any chance I can convince you to continue?"

"I'm still surprised you managed to make me stop," Benny replied, clearly amused at his own joke. He shifted on to his knees on the bed and placed a hand on either side of her head, leaning down so his lips were nearly against her ear. "Then again, I can't think to do anything but what you want when you kiss me." He chuckled, and the sound was dark with unspoken suggestions before he shifted away again. Familiar hands found Fox's back and worked in to her shoulders, taking his time to lovingly work out the stress.

A red hue took residence on her shoulders and neck as Fox thought of what his words could mean. Shivering slightly she shook her head, closing her eyes to enjoy his touch. "This isn't safe for my mind right now." Fox sent Benny an image of them rolling around in bed, deep in sexual intimacy. Licking her lips she shivered again as she thought about it. Gods...

"Good practice for meditation," Benny suggested, letting his hands stray lower, working out her mid and lower back. In response to her mental push, he smirked, though she couldn't see it, and sent an echo of the pleasure he had felt in that particular memory.

"Right...meditation..." Giggling softly, she shook her head, sighing happily. Fox frowned slightly at a thought that ran through her head. "Have you ever noticed, how much we've changed each other? I mean, I used to be cold hearted, I still am to most everyone but the people I care about and that I am close with. But...I used to be cold hearted to everyone...After we left Rafe... Do you remember that?"

"How could I forget?" Benny replied, making a face she wouldn't see before he relaxed back into his easy smile, continuing her massage. "I had no idea what to do with myself, you wouldn't let me leave without getting upset, so I couldn't leave for any amount of time, but when I was around you didn't want me near you. You are one disorienting lady, Miss Damei. I think, back at the time, you were actually closer with Dash than me, though I'm not sure why. It was nice to see you two be friends sometimes, even if i was jealous."

"I think I was closer to him because I wasn't afraid of him hurting me. I loved him like a brother and nothing more. With you, my heart was on the line. I mean... we left Rafe for each other, basically. That and much more, but you know what I mean." Fox reached back and scratched her shoulder absentmindedly, just above where her tattoo lay.

"Fox, I couldn't stop loving you if I tried," Benny admitted as he brought a finger up to her tattoo and lightly traced it with a feathery touch. "Not that I'm complaining," he added with a soft chuckle as he went back to massaging her back. "Don't get me wrong, I'm glad you care about me back, it makes this a lot easier, but even if you wanted to murder me, I couldn't protest. I would do anything to keep you happy."

"I know, Benny. And sometimes that's overwhelming. I'm afraid one of these days I'll say the wrong thing, not meaning it and you'll do it." Shaking her head gently, she rolled slightly to where she was on her side and stared up at him. "I don't ever want to make that mistake. Ever." Her eyes were intense with meaning and love for him as she turned and laid back down on her stomach.

"Fox, I would do anything to keep you happy," Benny repeated, still smiling gently. "But that doesn't mean I'll do everything you say. My instincts wouldn't put me with someone who wanted me dead." His hands paused at that. "Well... My aunt's did..." He made a face, shook his head, and went back to massaging Fox's back. "I know you wouldn't do that to me though. You are too good inside." It was hard to ignore how certain his tone was.

A small smile spread across Fox's face as she turned and climbed into Benny's lap. Laying her head on his shoulder she sighed softly. Nuzzling his neck she closed her eyes. "We need to take a few days off, away from the club, away from the...war. Just you and me." Pulling away she looked up into his eyes seriously. "Work on our relationship..." Giggling softly she shook her head as she snuggled into him.

Benny held her close, staying quiet and simply smiling in a relaxed sort of way. He didn't think their relationship needed working on- isn't that what they just did?- but if Fox wanted it, who was he to argue? "Where would you want to go?" he asked instead, more conversational than any actual planning as he used one hand to rub soothing circles on her back. He didn't particularly want to leave the club, he enjoyed the energy of the city, at least, when it was lively. Not like tonight. Somedays he thought he'd die without the adrenaline of it all, but of course that was an exaggeration. It was just hard to go from war, to running for your lives, to setting up a popular club in a busy city, to the domestic life. He couldn't remember a time in all of his life where he chose to take it easy for more than a day or so. Perhaps Fox really only meant 'a few days'. He could do that.

"I don't know... It's been years since we've been outside of the city." Leaning back slightly she looked up into his eyes and smiled softly. Running her fingertips along the back of his neck she stared into his eyes. They weren't fighting or angry with one another, they were just being comfortable in one anothers company. It was a nice feeling.

"Well... if I can trust you to stay with the guys," Benny began with a little grin as he leaned his head forward so their foreheads rested against each other. "How about I journey out tomorrow to get a look around, see if I can't find somewhere decent? We could camp, just you and me, all alone. It'll be like when we first ran off-" He chuckled. "You know, without carnage to follow us, or my brother to get between us. Don't get me wrong, I love him, but seriously." He leaned back a bit and gave Fox a look that was very close to a pout. "He is the living embodiment of contraception."

Fox let out a heartfelt laugh, throwing back her head and letting the sound drift through the room. When her laugh subsided she turned her brown eyes back to him, smiling. "Okay, I can agree to that. And it wasn't like we were in any shape to really do anything about our feelings, look at how long it took us. Besides... I was in no shape for much interaction back then."

Benny rolled his eyes. "Gee, thanks for the vote of confidence for my charm," he muttered sarcastically before flopping back on the bed so he was lying down and Fox sat on his waist. "I suppose there's no sense contemplating 'what if's. It all worked out in the end. I've known mages that found their mates and followed them around for the rest of their days, never actually being with them." He shrugged. "It suited them, most of the time, but once or twice.. it was just sad."

Fox slid down beside him, one leg still resting over his. She propped her head up on her hand to look down to him and smiled softly. Rolling her eyes at his words. "You're very charming, you always have been." Giggling softly she turned serious at his next words. "That's sad... I'm glad Dash found Talia, though as of lately she's been worrying me."

Benny raised his eyebrows curiously at Fox. "Talia has always worried me," he remarked. "But which part exactly are you referring to? Her new Deiciden friend?" There was barely half a second pause before a loud thumping in the living room made Benny sit up and grab his shirt, untrusting eyes looking toward the door to their bedroom. He relaxed when he heard voices beyond, however, and slipped on his shirt to go address the visitors, knowing Fox would follow.

"Damn police!" Dash shouted, punching a wall hard enough to crack it. He was furious, and it was terrifying on such a usually calm young man. "How did they even know you lived there?" he turned on Talia, but the question seemed to be rhetorical as he shook his head, white blond threads shaking like a dog's fur. "Who would have told them!" Again, rhetorical. His head shot to the side as the bedroom door opened and his brother stepped out.

Benny closed the door behind him and frowned at the three people now in his living room. He raised an eyebrow at Dash.

"The police raided Talia's apartment," the younger brother explained instantly.

Benny's other eyebrow rose. "Were they there for you, or Talia?"

"Both, and anyone else I'd bet." Dash made a disgusted noise.

"I'm glad you are both safe," Benny cut in, giving Talia a concerned look. "And you, Emory," he added and gave the hermaphrodite a kind look so that he would know he wasn't uncared for. "How did they know where you lived though? Were you followed?" he directed the last part at Dash.

Dash gave a half frustrated, half defeated shrug. "I don't know," he said honestly. "I Stepped there. I don't think that could have been it."

Talia didn't answer any of Dash's or Benny's questions and just stood in shock. "My apartment.." She finally whispered. "All my things..everything I collected. Where am I going to live now?" She moved to the couch and sat down, staring at the ground. "How could this happen? Its always been so safe.."

Quinn let out a quick breath, his hands starting to shake. Had Dash not drug him out of there, they certainly would have gotten a show of his powers. He had known inside that something like this was coming, but how soon had left him a little shaken. He looked from Benny to Dash to Talia, his face pale and his body tense.

Fox had heard their conversation through the wall as she dressed. Coming out into the living room in sweats and a t-shirt she frowned deeply. Crossing her arms over her chest. "Calm down, it'll be alright. The most important thing is that your safe. The other stuff is just that... Stuff. Your lives are more important." Walking over she hugged Dash close, petting the back of his head soothingly. She could tell how upset he was. He probably didn't want to be touched but that had never stopped her before so why would it now?

Dash didn't protest, but he he did only return the hug with one arm, the other staying fisted at his side. When it ended after a few minutes, he gave Fox a nod of appreciation before stepping away to sit by Talia. "Fox is right, it's just stuff. We'll find somewhere to go. Don't worry, I'm not going to let anything happen to you." He didn't look so certain however. After a quiet moment of consideration, he looked at Emory. "Is it safe? With your friend that is. No police?" He didn't know how far away Emory's friend was, but he was hoping far from the terror the humans seemed to want to place on his family here.

"Dash..." Benny interjected carefully where he was offering Quinn a hug of his own. The poor thing was practically shaking, but he didn't want to actually touch him, for fear of setting off some dangerous defensive reactions. "You don't even know this guy... What if-"

"I don't care," Dash snapped, hand rubbing soothingly on Talia's back contrary to the pained look on his face that made him close his eyes. He didn't want to look at Benny, didn't want to see what being irritated at his brother would do. "I'll go with her, I'll protect her. I don't want her here anymore." He took a steadying breath and raised his eyes to his older brother, his face set. "I won't have her terrorized like me."

"We don't know that's what's happening. It might be a freak tip. And Talia can be anybody she wants, she doesn't have to be the suspect-"

"I won't have her be someone she's not for their comfort," Dash practically snarled out. "None of us should have to." He looked around at each person in the room with that same steady look before he settled on Benny again. "Benny... we're going."

A long moment, but finally Benny nodded. He knew that look, he knew the determination to steal your mate away from that which would harm her, and how nothing in this life or past or the next would get in your way of doing so.

Quinn moved towards Benny when he saw the hug offered. Although the reaction was one that shouldn't actually happen, he fought his own repulsion at touching someone to receive the comfort. For that was what was meant and with his body shaking so badly, he hoped that the blood mage's mate wouldn't misinterpret his willingness to move into that comfort. "You will be safe there. No humans around."

"Its not just stuff." Talia muttered angrily, feeling hurt that Fox and Dash would say that. That apartment held all her belongings, her journals and pictures. So many memories seemingly just lost. Not to mention any money she had saved as well as an array of weapons hidden in her closet. She frowned as she continued to stare at the ground feeling a mixture of hurt and pain. She didn't seem to be registering any of the others words as she tried to figure out why the police had known where to go.

"Talia..." Again, Dash felt lost in how to deal with his mate. Having lived on the streets so long, he had long since gotten over his attachment to anything but people. His hand stilled on her back and after a long look of indecision, he spoke again. "If there's... something really important... I could try to get it back..." he offered carefully.

"Dashiell," Benny chastised where he was holding Emory in his arms as a father might his young daughter. He realized Emory might not be completely ok with the touching, but maybe it would be some comfort to know someone was on your side, willing to put their body between you and the world, at least for the moment. "Talia, I'm sorry, but in the end, it really is just things." He realized Talia wouldn't want Dash to go in to danger to recover whatever it was that was so precious, but that didn't mean she wouldn't try to do it herself. "If you had stayed for any of it, odds are the police would take you away and you'd never see it again anyway, and you'd be imprisoned, or dead. No matter what happened, your stuff is gone, or unattainable at the moment, in any case, and the person responsible is whoever the hell tipped off the police." He frowned, thinking on that a moment as if also trying to figure out who it might be, and then carefully released Emory, leaning down to look in to the more feminine face, but no longer touching the Deiciden. "Are you ok now?" he asked, trying to keep his voice soft but not patronizing. Even god killers could get scared, or so he liked to think. If they couldn't, then his nightmares probably should have been more graphic.

"I'll try to get it back for you anyway," Dash promised quietly to Talia, basically ignoring what Benny had said. He really hated seeing Talia upset and if whatever it was that made her sad to lose was important to her, then it was important to him.

Fox frowned from where she stood as images flooded her mind. Her, Dash and Benny sitting on a beach deciding it was time to run. She'd left everything behind except for the clothes on her back and a small bag of items, mainly food. She hadn't been able to take any personal items with her, no mementos. The fact that Talia was getting so upset over something that in the end was not more important than their lives, greatly upset Fox. She felt it was best that she not say anything at the moment.

"I don't want you to go back there and get it! You think I want to lose you after losing everything else." Talia exclaimed as she turned to look at Dash. "Stop trying to rush me through this okay..It only happened ten minutes ago. Do you honestly expect me to go oh well..i've only had that stuff for a countless number of years, some of which is irreplaceable, but who cares i'll just forget about it immediately and move on." She glanced at Benny and Fox as she said this, her frown growing heavier with each word. "Do you think you could just shrug your shoulders and move on if the bar was suddenly taken from you Fox?" She continued saying as she stood and turned to the other woman. "I doubt it because you know you know put absolutely everything into its management and development. That apartment was my life..I lived there far longer than i've even known you three, so stop acting like it was nothing! Let me be upset and stop acting like i'm being a nuisance for feeling what i'm feeling."

Having taken a step away from Benny but not leaving his side, Quinn listened to them all talk. At Benny's question, he gave the smallest of nods, signifying that he was okay to stand on his own. The question of Talia's things did catch Quinn's attention. He couldn't help but feel that Talia had some right to be upset. Looking over at Dash, Quinn gave him a confused look. "Is there no one who can go inside? What about that boy who was taken? Could he go get her things?" The sooner this got settled, the sooner they could go. He was still a little shaken from the ordeal.

Benny was quick to shake his head at Emory. "No, from my understanding Jake doesn't have much pull with the police, and the rest won't care to save Talia's things. They're gone." He did his best not to coddle Fox as he listened to Talia's words, trying to remember her need to stand up for herself sometimes, even though he wanted very much to tell Talia off for what she was saying. It would do them no good and upsetting Dash wasn't going to help anything. Instead, he took a deep breath through his nose, giving Dash a look that pointedly said he needed to handle this.

"Talia...The bar isn't what's important. It's the safety of who is inside it that I am sure is important to Fox," Dash told his mate soothingly. Or at least, he tried. "Your safety is what is important to me... I'm sorry to think so little of your mementos, but really compared to you being alive and well, they really do mean nothing to me." He held up his hands quickly in a placating gesture, afraid she would snap at him for that. "I have nothing," he pointed out, trying to move his reasoning along. "I once lived in a grand mansion, filled with love and presents." He glanced at Fox, uncertain how far he might be pushing her but hoping it wasn't too far, then looked at his brother who seemed lost in the memories of their old home, while still trying to restrain himself in the present. He looked at Talia again, his eyes sad. "This apartment- the club- Do you see they have no photos? No cherished clothing, or trinkets around. We have what is necessary, Talia, forgive us no longer sympathizing with leaving behind everything you own. We did so ourselves so long ago, I guess we've long since resigned ourselves to a life where we live like we're not home."

Fox listened to Dash's words quietly, as her heart ache for their old lives. Every had been so easy for them back then. Turning her attention back to Talia she frowned deeply. "I am sorry for what happened. But yes. If the club was taken from me, I would move on. I've done it before and built this. The club isn't what important, its building a life and a safe place for the people I care about. As long as the boys, Benny, and Dash are with me, and okay, than I know that I am doing okay." Fox felt herself deflating as she moved over to Benny and laid her head on his chest, seeking comfort from him.

Talia had listened to Fox's words and had been prepared to admit defeat knowing she was fighting a losing battle with these three when her lost few words caught her and her body stiffened in annoyance. As long as the boys, Benny, and Dash are with me... "Okay let me try something.." Talia said with a frown then suddenly grasped Dash's arm and pulled him over to stand beside Fox and Benny before taking several steps back until she was nowhere near them and folded her arms. "Is that how you like it Fox? Just you, Benny and Dash?" She knew the three had history but how much longer would it be before she was important enough to be included in things, she was a permanent fixture now that she and Dash where together afterall. "Honestly Fox..do you approve of Dash and me?" She asked slowly her eyes fixed on the other woman leaning against Benny.

Just wanting to get away from the tension that was building, Quinn took a sidestep towards the door. This was not what he had signed up for and emotional turmoil wasn't exactly his strong suit. He took another step back away from the group, trying to focus on anything but them.

"Talia, that isn't fair," Benny said, half warning, half upset. "You weren't there all those years ago. We haven't known you as long and it'll take longer for us to grow as close to you as we are to each other-" He looked at Dash who, the moment Talia had walked away, had stepped forward, away from Benny and Fox, and opened his arms to the shape shifter, wanting desperately to give her comfort, nearly oblivious to the rest of the room. "Or as close as Dash is to you naturally, obviously. We care about you, you are our friend, and any of us would have hauled you to safety same as Dash did, but you can't expect to suddenly get it just because you are dating my brother." He shook his head and looked at Emory, frown deepening. "Please don't run off. I have a feeling Talia, and Dash, still want her to go to your friend's to stay until this dies down."

"Talia, I-" Dash's words clipped off. He didn't know what to do, or say, and he wasn't ready to be as open as came so easily for his brother. He couldn't say those words with so many people around, not yet. "Don't do this... Fox didn't mean it like that...."

Fox furrowed her eyebrows at Talia's words. "I didn't mean it like that. But Benny is right. I've been with these 5...men for longer than I've known anyone on this planet. I care about you, Talia. And I would gladly take a bullet for you. But I would literally die without them." Sighing softly she slapped her hands against her sides in frustration. "And of course I approve. How couldn't I? One, you're my friend. Two, you're his mate. I can't help who he chooses." Leaning into Benny's embrace she sighed softly.

"And neither can he.." Talia replied with a sad smile as she glanced at Dash and his open arms but she made no move to embrace him. "I couldn't be happier that it was I that was chosen to be your mate but I can't help but wonder if its what you truely would have chosen if you had had the choice. I mean..only a few days ago before you saw my true form you never took a second glance at me, I doubt you even counted me as a friend. You even told me that you found me irritating at times. We never really spoke no matter how much I pushed it but as soon as you saw the real way I looked, thats when you fell for me. It was nothing to do with who I am as a person that attracted you..and I can't help but wonder that if you had never seen what I truely am, would you ever have fallen for me." She sighed and bit her lip, looking towards the ground. "You three are very lucky to have had each other for all these years, even during all the hardships you suffered. Honestly before I met you three I did not really have any true friends..just people who wanted to use me for my shifting abilities." With another sigh she suddenly shook her head and took another step back. "I'm sorry..I didn't mean to cause so much trouble tonight, just forget about everything I said. I think i'm just tired and emotional from everything thats happened..I think I just need to get some air." She glanced at Emory. "You should stay here, get some rest. I'm sure you're tired."

Quinn stopped in his movements when Benny addressed him. His hair had slowly fallen into his face, hiding most of his bland expression. He glanced at Talia when she started ranting about Dash, color raising in his cheeks. He didn't need to be here for this. But everyone was telling him to stay. So Quinn stood where he was, staying silent.

"I told you, I still find you irritating," Dash's quiet voice broke in, seeming to see nothing but Talia. He seemed to realize what he said, however, and he plowed on. "Sometimes. And no, I never would have fallen for you if I had never seen what you truly were because I never would have actually seen my sole mate, only the mask and costume that covered all of you, without exception. You worry so much why I didn't like you before- I don't really like anyone. Not anymore. But I never hated you, did I?" His tone said that was rhetorical. "I never pushed you away, or purposefully ignored you. At least, I don't think I did. Sure, I never pulled you closer, but I was waiting for my sole mate, Talia, to haver her- or.. him I guess?- that close to me, closer than I ever let anyone be before. It was supposed to be a privilege, meant for that one special person. You never let me see her though, constantly wearing that charade- So… You don't like that I couldn't fall for that mask you wore? Like, say… every other guy did?" His tone turned a little cold and his eyes gave her a pointed look, a touch of hurt in their depths under the sunny gold top layer. "You thought I was like them, would like what they saw, same way they did? No, I cared more for a woman I had, to that moment, never even seen than for that façade you wore. You're upset that I only fell for you when I saw the real you under it, as if meeting you for the first time?" He scoffed a little. "And here all my life I heard girls swoon for the idea a guy would care about her for who, what, she was, without question- Guess I was wrong, you wanted me to fall for a kind girl with a 'pretty' face, just like everyone else. That would make us both guilting of thinking poorly of the other, wouldn't it? But no, Talia, no. I can't help who I chose in the end, but before I saw her, I had the option to be with someone, nearly anyone, else, because my heart didn't know the stone-firm loyalty it does the MOMENT I see her. I can't help who I am destined to be with, but I can, and did, choose to wait for her, no matter who she turned out to be, because, even before I met her, before my very blood shut off my ability to see damn near anyone else, before I knew who she was, who you are, I knew I didn't want to be with anyone else."

A long silence followed Dash's words, more than Benny could remember him saying since they ran for their lives, and for as long as he knew his brother, he didn't feel he had heard much from him that was as true and honest as what he had just said. The way he was staring unwaveringly at his mate only confirmed those thoughts. Finally though his stun faded and he carefully cleared his throat. "I think you should go," he said to Talia, and he did not want an argument out of it. He didn't want her on the streets though, not if the police were after her. "Go with Emory, go to your new friend's. Dash can find you when it's safe to come back, but for now, go."

Fox stood by, shock clear as day on her face as she moved to hold Benny's hand, intertwining their fingers together. She listened silently as Dash spoke. He said more in those few moments then he had in quite a while, she was both proud and amazed. At Benny's words she nodded her head, agreeing with him. It was probably for the best right now if she left.

Talia's eyes filled with tears but she quickly shook her head, dismissing Fox and Benny for a moment. "You think i'm honestly upset because you didn't fall in love with me when I looked like this.." She said motioning to herself in her human disguise. "You're wrong..and it breaks my heart that you think me so shallow. But i'm not going to explain myself any further..you've made your mind up." She wiped her eyes quickly then looked at Benny and Fox. "You don't need to ask me to leave, i'm going willingly." She turned and took a few steps towards the doors but paused and looked back at Dash taking a breath to speak again but stopped with a sigh. Her shoulders slumped and as fresh tears began to flow she turned and hurried from the room not wanting any of them to see her upset. Finally when she was outside Talia collapsed against a wall, hands covering her face as she waited for Quinn to come after her.

He hesitated. Quinn watched her go, but there was a tension in his body as far as what to do. This wasn't how this was supposed to work. But after only a moment't thinking, he tore out the door and after her. Quinn skidded to a halt once he spotted Talia and knelt down, looking at her. "Come on, the walk might help clear your head." He held out a hand to her, not sure if she would take the willingly offered contact that he wouldn't have extended to most people.

Talia slowly lowered her hands then reached out and took his hand. "I've messed it all up.." She sniffed then shook her head. "Lets just get out of here Emory." She straightened up then started walking, pulling Quinn along with her. "This day has been a disaster..having to spend the morning as a human at the police station then my apartment being raided and now it seems my relationship and friendships are failing.." Her shoulders slumped slightly then she looked at Quinn and frowned. "Sorry..you shouldn't have had to see that. Do you think Rafe will mind us turning up this late?"

"No. He will welcome us." Quinn kept a hold of her hand as they walked, looking so much like the younger sibling being led by an older sister. As they walked along, he focused on her, not really saying anything as they headed out of the city.

---

Jake walked up the steps to his home then turned and waved goodbye to Brandon and Kyra as they made their way back to the station. When they had turned the corner and disappeared he fished his keys from his pocket then unlocked the front door and stepped inside. The place was in darkness. "Mom?" He called as he flicked on the lights, looking round for any signs of her. A strange uneasiness began to rise in his chest. "Hello?" He called again then paused when he saw her on the couch, seemingly fast asleep. With a sigh he moved to her and pulled a blanket down over her and kissed her forehead gently. "I'm home." He whispered then straightened up and moved to his own room, deciding he might as well get some sleep himself. Stepping into the room he quickly kicked off his shoes then moved to the bed and flopped down onto it with a yawn. "What a day this has been.." He muttered closing his eyes.

"And its only going to get worse." Elvira's sneering voice echoed round the room and before Jake could respond she was next to him, her hand wrapped around his throat. "Good evening Jake." She said with an evil smirk. "You probably think i'm here to kill you..well you're wrong. Turns out you can do one more thing of use for me." Her grip tightened around his throat and suddenly what looked like little black veins began to spread from his finger tips across his skin and up onto his face. "Tomorrow you will rise early and go to the station as you normally do but when the clock strikes noon, you will leave making sure that you are being followed and go to the nightclub that have grown so fond of. You will do everything in you're power to make the officers that have followed you aware that three wanted creatures dwell there and need to be caught. The place needs to be raided...but the brothers and fae need to run."

Jakes eyes widened at her words but he couldn't speak because of her tightening grip. "You will do all of this, you understand?" The shade continued as the black veins finally snaked their way round his face and his eyes slowly relaxed and became dreamlike. He gave a small nod allowing Elvira to release her grip on him, a look of satisfaction on her face. "Good..now you won't remember anything about this moment, it will all just be like a bad dream. Now try and get some rest, you have a big day ahead of you tomorrow." She smirked lightly as Jake slowly closed his eyes obediently, the black veins slowly disappearing until there was none. "That was too easy." Elvira turned and moved back into the shadows of the room to continue her work on driving Fox, Benny and Dash to Rafe.

---

Well that was interesting.. Elvira thought as she watched the goings on inside the apartment from outside the window in the shadows. I wonder how this will effect things.. She glanced down as she spotted Talia and Quinn wonder off and she smiled. He's probably taking her to Rafe and tomorrow Dash will feel inclined to find her and make his way there as well..So we just have to hope the bar being raided will drive Benny and Fox there too. She smirked in satisfaction as she backed into the shadows to go and check on the progress of the marketplace being found by the police, leaving Benny, Dash and Fox alone.

Meanwhile, inside, the second Talia was out the door, Dash made to go after her but Benny quickly blocked his path. At his brother's murderous expression, he was quick to explain himself, cutting off whatever words Dash had opened his mouth to say. "I know it hurts, but you have to stay here. She isn't feeling what you are feeling, so you have to endure for her. All this arguing- it would have just pushed her further away to have to keep sitting with it. She's clearly confused- Dash!" He grabbed his brother's shirt and hauled him back from where he had made to push past him. With a hard shove he managed to get him to collapse on to the couch. "Give her a little time. Talia's tough and she made it fine without you for years. I know, it sucks, and you want to keep her safe, but just- endure a bit. Find her tomorrow after she's slept on it," he finished, hands hovering in a placating gesture, and waited for Dash's reaction.

His little brother sat, fuming, on the couch, his eyes darting around like a predator. His expression shuttered between anger at being kept here and and a heartbreaking sadness that Talia wasn't here anymore. Worse, she was with a fucking Deiciden headed who knew where. He shut his eyes tight and forced himself to take a deep breath, trying to steady himself. His heart beat loud in his ears, screaming to go after her, to be with her, but Benny was right. She didn't want to be around him right now, maybe not ever- The thought made him violently nauseous and he pushed it away. Just right now, she just wanted space for the moment. Finally, after those long few moments, he opened his eyes again. He was tense, but he didn't look like he would leap up at any moment. "She'll come back?" he asked, the words almost too quiet to hear, and when he looked up, his eyes were filled with a deep need for those words to be true, rather than a question.

Benny couldn't help but smile sympathetically. He nodded. "They always do, little brother," he replied quietly and took the seat next to Dash, clasping a hand on his shoulder. "We must simply be irresistible," he offered the small joke, his smile a bit more like a grin. Dash gave him a weak, but thankful smile in return and nodded, seeing no other option than to accept it.

Fox rolled her eyes from where she stood behind them. Irresistible my ass... Sighing gently she tugged on her boots and walked towards the door. "I'll give you two some time to yourselves." Stepping out of the apartment she closed the door behind her and slowly began walking downstairs to the somewhat quiet club. Sure there was music playing but there wasn't cheering like there usually was. About half way down the stairs she came to a halt, leaning against the wall as her ears began ringing with an oncoming vision. Groaning softly, she leaned her head against the wall, closing her now white eyes. There stood Rafe, in all his former glory, beautiful as ever. Fox was confused though, since Rafe was dead, this wasn't a normal vision, but maybe a memory. Furrowing her eyebrows she stood there, just watching him in her mind. Her heartbeat kicked up a bit when it felt like he was looking straight at her, except that wasn't possible, for one he was dead, and secondly, no one could see her when it came to her visions. Licking her lips nervously she stared at the handsome man until the edges around him began to fade away until suddenly he was gone. Collapsing on the stairs behind her, she pulled her knees to her chest, shaking violently. When Rafe was involved in her visions she always felt so many different emotions. Love, hate, excitement, anger, arousal, malice. It all raged inside her.

Our heroes, each with their own troubles to occupy their minds, were none the wiser of the activities of their foes the police, who, even at that very moment, so late at night, were planning a raid the size of which no one had yet to see...