Mydra gave him a small salute and turned back towards the band. "Boys we're just going to play it off as if she was just an adoring fans." She got nods all around. "Alright then let's get this show going again." Patting the stage she winked at them and turned away. She went over to sit at the bar and watch for a little while. Just to make sure nothing else Interesting happened.

The band picked up playing again and everything was back to normal. Only one small problem in the night, she could deal with that. She just didn't want anything terrible to happen. Not while they weren't prepared or ready. They only had another hour until closing and then she had her nightly meeting with her employees.

---

Cici only shook her head, looking up at Jack. "No, I don't need anything else."

"I'm quite alright" Kage added, turning back to Cici "So tell me more about you brother. Seems like a rather interesting fellow"

Jack hurried off to the kitchen and put in the order with the cook. Once it was finished he carried it carefully back out to Cici and was setting it down in front of her when Mydra gave the announcement about the bar closing in ten minutes. "Enjoy." he said with a smile to Cici knowing that she would probably be hanging around after the bar shut anyway.

Cici nodded at Kage. "He is a DJ. And he runs the music here." She grew silent as her food as delivered. Her attention completely diverted, she started eating quickly, ignoring everything else.

---

The band gave the word that this was going to be there last song for that night, which meant that the club was closing in less then ten minutes. Mydra spoke into her headset, "Everyone needs to stick around for the nightly meeting and for paychecks." Turning towards her office she went to get her binder that had the paychecks and everything she needed to talk about.

Lucian came downstairs again, a vague smile on his face. Anyone could tell that he was blood drunk, except for the humans.

Mydra smirked slightly at the look on Lucians face. She was glad he had enjoyed himself. "Boys, could you please start calling cabs and rounding up people and moving them towards the doors." She heard a confirmation from each of her bouncers. Climbing into a bar stool she crossed one leg over the other and waited.

Lucian went over to Mydra, the combined force of his own powers mixed with the gorgon's making him giddy. He hummed to himself as he took Mydra's hand and pulled her from the stool, catching her around the waist so he could waltz with her. He was also transferring a bit of the power that had leaked into him when he had fed from the creature who was now laying in the alleyway being consumed by the strays. She had been too dangerous to allow to roam. Lucian continued to dance with Mydra as they waited for the rest, spinning her under his arm as he also showed her what had happened to their seductive party crasher.

Mydra laughed aloud as she wrapped her arms easily around Lucian. All her employees looked over at her at the sound of her laugh. It was a very rare thing to hear her beautifully musical laughter. A rare treat. As he showed her what happened to the gorgon she frowned slightly. Leaning closer to him she whispered. "I'm glad your having a good time but your drunk. Which means you'll be staying here tonight."

"Only if you stay with me," LC practically sang at her. His mind wasn't working right, and the only people who had ever seen Lucian blood drunk were Mydra and Cici. He had tried to seduce Mydra, which only got him knocked out. His demon species became incredibly seductive when they had so much energy inside them.

"Well of course I will, Love, I live here." Giggling softly she shook her head as she watched her bouncers clear out the room. She began moving there bodies towards the stairs. "Luc, Listen. I don't want the boys or anyone seeing you like this so I'm going to take upstairs and I'll be back in a few, alright?" She was having a bit of trouble getting him to munerver in that direction so she danced her way in that direction.

"Then will you put an end to my agony," he asked her, his voice a seductive whisper. Lucian was past reasoning and was starting to regret killing the Gorgon before he could use her body. He had gone to long without anyone and that, coupled with the blood, was making him a bit strange.

Mydra instantly blushed. "Damn, Lucian, only you could make a dark woman blush." She dodged answering his question with ease. He would be distracted soon enough and hopefully she wouldnt have to brech that topic tonight. Sure she'd thought about her and Lucian before, even thought it may be possible but for now, she wasn't so sure. Shaking her head she led the way into her house and placed him on the couch. "I'll be back in just a little bit." Kissing his forehead she went back downstairs and called all of her employees over to the bar.

Jack hurried to the bar when he was summoned by Mydra. He hopped up and sat on the counter, drinking a glass of water that he had fetched himself when the bar had shut.

Mydra looked around at the group ad smiled softly. "Now, aside from your paychecks, Valentines day is coming up and I want it to be as normal as possible. I know there are hard times out there right now but I want this to be able to be a special night for those that show up." Heads nodded and such. "I'm going to need help designing and putting up the decorations. Any ideas?"

Jack frowned lightly, Valentines day wasn't something he was well experienced in because he had never been in a relationship long enough to celebrate it. All he could think of was love hearts and cherubs. He shrugged lightly when no new ideas came to mind.

Cici wandered over, holding her food close as she continued eating. "What about candlelit tables?" she said vaguely. "And statues of love gods?" She sat at the bar, preoccupied with her meal.

Jotting down the few things Cici had said, Mydra thought of something else. "What about a fog machine to just make the air a little more, private. And also try for some," Glancing around she smiled. She was finally going to reveal just a little bit about there world to the human workers. "Floating candles. Literally floating in the air? Rafe can handle that, won't take to much effort on her part." A few of her Netherworld Bouncers nodded their heads, one peeped up about flyers being needed and Mydra jotted it down. "Anything else? Anyone who wants to volunteer please see me when you pick up your paycheck!"

"Just don't make me wear a stupid costume..." Jack muttered to himself as he hopped off the bar and set his empty glass down. He was not a fan of Valentine's day. He moved to Mydra to collect his paycheck. "Sorry I couldn't be more helpful with the whole Valentines thing. Not my area of expertise unfortunately. I'm just gonna have to be the lonely waiter that all the single woman throw themselves at." he smiled jokingly.

"Lucian will already have that covered," Cici said halfheartedly.

Mydra gave Cici a look as if to say 'shut your mouth' and handed Jack his paycheck. "Just wear a nice black button up collared shirt. I'll have the Red ties all here and waiting. And be a cheerful sport and on time." She pinned that comment more towards Jack since he had been late for his shift tonight. After she had passed out all the paychecks and locked up the placed she ushered Cici upstairs and turned out the lights. Entering her house she smiled at Lucian. "Cici you know where your room is, I'll take care of the drunk." Going over to Lucian she helped him off the couch and smiled. "Are you ready for bed?"

Lucian smiled slowly as he looked up at Mydra. "You have no idea how ready," he said as he stood, taking her head in his hands and placing a less than chaste kiss on her lips. His skin flashed to his demon form, and he wrapped his wings around their bodies.

Mydra moaned against his lips and tried pulling away. "You can't do this to me, Lucian. You know its been to long." Plus her feelings for him weren't quite black and white anymore, they were kind of blurred and she wasn't sure about them anymore. When his wings surrounded her she blushed deeply and looked straight into his eyes. Oh god...How much longer will I be able to deny him?

"I am yours," Lucian said. He pulled her tight against him, bending so he could breathe in her scent. "I burn." Only she would really understand what he meant, especially standing so close. He would release her if she asked, but right then she felt so good in his arms.

Pressing her forehead against his chest she sighed and wrapped her arms around his back. "I'm sorry blood does this to you." Kissing his neck, Mydra held him close allowing him to stand there with her. Running her hand up and down his neck she closed her eyes as she buried her face in his neck.

Lucian looked down at her before nuzzling the top of her head. "You should go. I do not want to push you into something you would regret." He held her there for a moment, his hips pressed to her before he let her go, taking a step back.

Nodding her head, Mydra moved forward and kissed Lucian softly on the lips before going into the kitchen. "I'm going to make a cup of hot chocolate before I go to bed, would you care for one?" Going about the kitchen she collected the things she would need and began preparing herself a cup while waiting for his response.

Lucian smiled at her and shook his head. "Chocolate would be a worse idea," he said quietly.

"Well then I'm going to bed so that I'm not tempted by you any more." Stirring her cocoa she walked past Lucian headings towards her comfortable bed. "You know which bedroom is yours so I'll leave you to it Goodnight my sweet Lucian." Blushing slightly she walked into her bedroom. She never closed the door, not when they slept over and not while she was alone so out of habit she left it wide open. Setting her cup on her nightstand she began removing clothes and placing them in her hamper. She stripped down to nothing and then crawled under the covers for finish her cocoa.

Lucian could smell her skin. He was still in his full demon form, and all he had to do was close his eyes to see her. It would be so simple to do, and his drunken mind agreed. Pulling his shirt off, wearing only his black leather pants, he went to her door, leaning against the frame, his eyes locked on her face.

Looking up at Lucian she blushed slightly. "Would you like to sleep in here tonight? I promise not to touch you." Scooting over to make room for him, Mydra smiled softly. This wasn't a rare thing, they'd slept in the same bed before, normally it was when she had dreams of her almost dying. Lucian always came in and held her as she wept on those nights and now she wanted to return this favor and comfort him.

Lucian didn't answer. He made his way over to her bed, crawling on top of the blankets and kneeling next to her, on his hands and knees. This wasn't like before. His entire body was tense as if he was waiting for something. His uncovered eye swirled with his seductive power, and Mydra would soon know he was losing his internal struggle to stay in control.

Mydra looked into his eyes and gasped. They were both loosing there internal battle. It'd been forever since either of them had been intimate with anyone and it was taking its tole on them. Setting side her untouched cup, she laid back and ran a hand up and down his arm. "I know I said I wouldn't touch you, but you make it really hard to deny you." She trailed a tongue along her bottom lip as she eyed him hungrily.

Lucian and Mydra - PG13+

---

Jack nodded in response to Mydra then carefully slipped his payslip into his bag which he had retrieved earlier before pulling on his jacket and wishing everyone a good night. Leaving the bar, he shivered with the cold but also with fear, he didn't like being out this late. His steps echoed off the surrounding buildings as he hurried to his apartment clutching his bag tightly. The loud sounds of laughter suddenly echoed around him causing Jack to slow his pace, his heart hammering wildly in his chest. Just have to get home. he thought nervously as he moved on.

Cici went up to her room but didn't stay there long. She extended her wings and fluttered out the window, following the human bartender. She landed on the sidewalk next to him with grace and gave him a smile.

Jack nearly collapsed when Cici suddenly appeared beside him but he managed to keep his cool, returning the smile though his was much weaker. "What are you doing? Shouldn't you be back at the bar?"

"I should," Cici said with a smile. "But Mydra would be mad if you were hurt walking home."

"And who is going to walk you back to the bar when i've got home?" Jack asked with a raised eyebrow. "I can't have you wondering around here alone."

"I should be fine," Cici said. "Unless you're that worried and I'll call someone to come get me. I would much rather not." She sounded much older than she looked as she walked with Jack.

"Well if your sure you'll be alright..."Jack replied though he didn't sound convinced. Turning a corner he slowed down and pointed to a tall rundown building just up ahead. "Theres my apartment."

Cici could feel the number of creatures nearby, and knew the danger Jack was in staying in such a place alone. "Should I walk you up?" she asked in such a way that said she wasn't going to take no for an answer.

"Sure...if you like." Jack replied not much in the mood for having an argument so he led the way to his tall apartment block. Once they had reached the door he began searching in his bag for his keys which he produced then moved to unlock the door. "Do you want to come all the way up to my apartment?" he asked suddenly.

"Yes," Cici answered quickly. She looked up at the building. "You live in an interesting place for a human."

Jack shrugged as he pushed the door open then held it for Cici. "It's all I can afford unfortunately."

Cici walked in an instantly smelled the creatures who would attack Jack during the night given the chance. "It's just not very...human friendly."

"I've survived so far." Smiling Jack closed the door tightly behind them then moved to the stairs. "This way, i'm on the third floor." he said then began to climb the stairs.

Moving up the stairs, Cici actually smiled to herself. "Have you ever been attacked?"

"Yeah." Jack replied simply. "In the old apartment I used to live in, this guy broke in...if you think this place looks bad you should have seen the last building." he chuckled as he tried to lighten the conversation a little. Once he had reached the third floor he led the way to his door.

Cici paused in her musings as he admitted to being attacked. "Lucian and I are blood demons. We are stronger when we feed from others. But we are also vulnerable to vampires." She cringed inwardly. "I've been attacked a few times."

"The guy that attacked me was some kind of demon...thought he was going to kill me." Jack replied as he unlocked the door of his apartment. "Are you coming in?"

"Only if you invite me in," Cici said. She frowned slightly. "You aren't scared to have me around, are you? I can leave if you want."

"No, come on in." Jack said as he walked into his apartment and threw his keys on the table by the door. "Just shut the door behind you."

Cici nodded and moved into the apartment, closing the door behind her. Not many people knew this, but her kind could only enter a house when invited in. She looked around at the apartment with curious eyes.

Jack hurried around the apartment gathering any stray pieces of clothing before tossing them into his bedroom. "Take a seat." he said motioning to the couch before disappearing into his room reappearing minutes later in a pair of casual jeans and pulling on a tshirt. "Can I get you anything?"

Cici sat down with her legs crossed. "I'm fine. I like your apartment. It's smaller than where Lucian and I stay. We have to many rooms."

"Yeah this is just a nice size I suppose." Jack responded as he moved to a seat and sat down. "Won't your brother be annoyed that you're here?"

"Probably," Cici responded, making a face. "But he's too blood drunk to really notice or care right now."

"Just as long as I don't get in trouble for it." Jack replied with a chuckle. He really wasn't sure what to do or talk about with this girl.

"I don't want to be there, and I doubt they'll know," Cici said as she watched the human. He was intriguing to her. "What's it like aging so quickly?" she asked suddenly.

"I'm still young in human terms..." Jack replied a little taken aback by her question. "I know humans don't live nearly as long as other creatures in this world but I still have hopefully a good 70 years or so left. I'm only 23." He looked at her and smiled. "So whats it like not aging fast enough?" he said deciding to counter her question. He knew she was a lot older than he was but she looked to be only about 16.

"Everyone I met when I first got here are dead," Cici said with a sigh. "Where you have seventy, I have thousands. And they will be lonely unless I can find a mate. Then he will take on my lifespan." She put her head in her hands, staring past him.

"Well whats stopping you finding a mate...I'm sure there are plenty of young men out there who would love to be with you." Jack replied trying to sound helpful as he smiled pleasantly. "Don't let it get you down."

Cici gave him a look. "Boys who usually are attracted to me are either to young to make that sort of choice or are complete jerks looking to take advantage of my youth. In order for it to work, the love must be pure." She sighed in a hopeless manner. "Pure love is near impossible to find."

Jack frowned as he listened to her speak. "You need to stop being so negative about this. Your chances of finding love are a lot higher than mine you know. No one cares to be with a human anymore."

"Humans are selfish and easily frightened," Cici said without realizing how it sounded. "I wouldn't mind being with a human. Not if the human wasn't scared when I accidentally transform and wasn't just using me."

"I am neither selfish or easily frightened." Jack replied stubbornly. "And not all humans are so horrible as to want to use every person that comes into their lives. I for one treasure a relationship when i'm in it, even if the other person does not." he said the stood and moved towards the kitchen. "Would you like a drink?"

Popping up on her knees so she could watch him, Cici nodded. "Anything you have," she responded, thinking deeply. "So do you want to be my boyfriend?" she asked after a moment, staring at him. She didn't yet realize what it would seem like to the human.

The glass in Jacks hand slipped and smashed to the floor as he turned to look at her, a shocked expression on his face. "Wh..what?"

When the glass hit the ground, Cici bit her lip and frowned. "Nevermind," she said quickly. "I-I just thought you would want to...N-nevermind." She lowered herself back onto the couch, staring at the floor.

"Sorry I didn't mean to react like that it was just a little sudden was all." Jack replied as he quickly knelt to pick up the broken shards of glass. "You need to understand we humans don't go straight into being boyfriend and girlfriend...there's usually a date...a fancy dinner, trip to the movies, something like that you know..." he moved into the living room so he could see her when he spoke. "Humans get to know each other first."

"Blood demons are different," Cici said, still staring at the floor. "I guess I need to spend more time around humans. I know so little of your culture." She looked up at him again. "So do you want to go out to dinner with me?"

Jack smiled. "Alright, how does tomorrow sound? I have the night off at the minute."

"Yes," Cici said. She had no experiance with playing coy with a man, so she just answered straight out.

"Good. Now the choice of where we eat will be yours and the bill at the end of the evening will be mine." Jack chuckled at his joke. "Your brother won't kill me will he when he finds out i'm taking you out will he?" he asked still chuckling though a lot more nervously now.

"Only if you try to hurt me," Cici said offhandedly. "We could go to the Indian restaurant in town. It has lots of spicy foods."

"Your brother has nothing to worry about, I won't hurt you and Indian sounds delicious." Jack replied then yawned suddenly. "Sorry." he said looking embarassed. "I guess i'm tired after work."

"Oh, I'm sorry," Cici said quickly as she moved to stand. "I will leave you so you may rest. I keep forgetting you're human."

"Are you sure you'll be alright walking home by yourself?" Jack asked in a concerned tone. "Its pretty late for a girl to be wondering out by herself."

"I should be fine. Besides, I have no one right now to call." Cici knew the dangers well. But short of Jack offering his couch, she couldn't see any way around it.

"You'd be welcome to stay here, you can have the bed and i'll take the couch..I really don't feel right letting you walk out there alone." Jack replied. "Then i'll walk you back to the bar in the morning..."

"I can take the couch." Cici gave him a smile. "I cannot deprive you of your bed."

Jack was to tired to argue so he simply nodded. "I'll get you some blankets..." he said then disappeared into his room again before reappearing moments later carrying a spare pillow and blanket which he set on the couch. "If you get hungry theres plenty of food in the kitchen, just help yourself."

Cici nodded and took the blankets, making up her bed as she pondered this night. She lay down on her stomach, knowing that by the time she woke up, her wings would be out and her skin would be deep blue.

"Goodnight then." Jack said then turned and wondered into his room. He changed quickly for bed then slipping under the covers, he gave a contented sigh as he nestled down into his pillow. It took only a few minutes before he was fast asleep.