Tales from th lost city

[silvertongue217]

He could tell she wasn’t convinced that they could handle to the Russian together that his human limitations would get in the way. The thought made his shoulders tighten slightly angry of his own mortality. The full scope of their relationship and their situation suddenly reared it’s ugly head. How were they to be together? If she was immortal and he human how long would their love truly last? Edward hadn’t given it much though to caught up in the moment to really question it quite like he had done all those years ago in the prison. He worked better on instinct, fighting, running, and sending out commands even in their relationship he acted on instincts just being with her.

“Would you turn me?” He asked cutting off her teasing and giving her a curious but at the same time very serious look He gently laid her on the bed and kissed her before sitting up.

“If we are fated to be together like I believe we are” He said looking at her “and we do have to deal with the Russian then together as immortals would be the best”

He looked at her his eyes softening “And I wish to be with you forever if given the chance I know who it will work eventually time will prove to be the master of me and us I want to beat it”

“I want you to turn me”

…………………

He listened to her talk his frown deepening with every word. Her father was behind this? If so that spoiled bad trouble for him and every one else involved. Her father was the equivalent of a tactical nuke that had its own temperate and opinion. He never met the man but when he first started… dating his daughter they had to tread lightly to make sure he didn’t find out.

“My dad can have a temper Jackie I don’t know what he will do to you”

Well now it seemed he had the answer

“So your father did this?” Jackie asked raising an eyebrow and moving closer “I didn’t think he cared to get his hands dirty way you talked about it he liked to pass that on to some on devoted to him a patsy”

“Elaine I think we have every thing we need” Jackie said turning to her wishing to get his mentor out of his hair before she picked another fight with Laz and because a part of him wanted to be alone with her. He couldn’t fight the feelings rolling inside of him and he also knew there was no point with their connection and her powers.

She already knew

“You sure?” Elaine said looking at him with an almost hopeful expression “I thought we could-“

“I know” Jackie said his eyes softening “I promise I will let you know what we find out”

She opened her mouth as if to protest then sighed and turned on her heel. She left her heels clicking softly as she disappeared into the cavernous depths of the grand library.

“Well finally alone” Jackie said looking over at her and smiling a little “Just like old times shall we?” He asked offering her his hand.

 

[grdybiwife]

"You can't be serious," Lem said as she got out of bed. It was a rhetorical question, aside from the look in his eye, Edward was smart enough to know his limitations and what they meant for their relationship and dealing with Nikolai. "I don't think you realize what you're asking. You're life would be over Edward and there would be no getting it back. Granted the fog has made things easier but being a vampire is not nearly as glamorous as humans have come to believe. Especially in the beginning..."

But he would have me, she thought to herself as she sat heavily on the edge of the bed, her back to him. She didn't want him to know that she was actually considering it. And it's not the same as it was when I first turned. There would be no stalking prey. I could just take him to a donor. I could show him how to live without killing. Her lips curled slightly at the thought of them never growing old together. Lem had already begun to count the days until his mortality caught up to him and she would have to say good bye forever.

But it wasn't just about her. Lem had never been selfish. He had a job he loved and how would the White Wolf feel about her top cop being confined to darkness. And then there this.

"What about your daughter," she said finally turning to look at him. "This fog might not be forever and you could see her again. I would hate for you to regret this decision and resent me for it. But regardless of your decision, I would love you anyway. For as long as I could have you."

And without even realizing it, Lem did what she didn't know she could.

**********************************************************​

"If she could kill me, she would," Laz said with a smirk and slipped her hand into Jackie's without a word. "I don't get why she hates me so much. It's not like I tricked you into liking me. If anything, I did my best to push you away but heaven forbid you take no for an answer."

With their fingers laced together, Laz found it hard to keep her thoughts away from reminiscing but despite what Jackie said, this was not like old times. They were different now. No longer were they two angst filled youngsters angry at the world. They had grown into themselves, and their respective abilities, quite nicely apart. So well that she wondered what might have been if they hadn't fallen out.

"And this wasn't my dad. How do you think those runes got there," she told him as they wandered through the halls of the library hand in hand. "He helped set this place up under the pretense that when I was ready there would be a place for me here. Those rules that I talked about, the fraternizing, well that sort of applies to ones like him too. Only difference is there's not many who can enforce them among his kind. His relationship with my mom caused him a little trouble but he didn't care. I like to tell him that he didn't give a fuck about her but I know he loved her and it nearly ruined him when he found he couldn't save her."

Alazne shed a tear at the remembrance of her mother but she quickly swiped it away and fixed Jackie with a sad smile. "Anyway, if it was my dad I would have felt him there. No amount of cloaking could hide his energy from me."

She paused then, somehow they'd made their way into the ancient archives. The most deserted place on campus, but it was their place and Laz smiled. "So much for aimless strolls huh," she said as she pulled away from him to put both hands on the gilded frame of some ancient tapestry. The tapestry itself was real and had been hanging in this very spot for as long as the academy existed. The frame though, that was new but if you asked professors, students, and alumnus alike would swear it had been there too. But that was part of the illusion. The wall shimmered as she lifted the frame away from it until they both disappeared to reveal a small octagonal room.

"Remember when we found this place," she said with a giggle as she took Jackie's hand again and stepped inside. It still looked the same. Half burned candles in sconces and not a cushion displaced on the sofa that lined the wall. They never figured out why it was there, to be honest they never really thought too hard about it. "I never thought I'd ever see it again."

 

[silvertongue217]

“You did it” Edward breathed looking into her eyes and smiling softly “After all this time of you telling m you couldn’t you did it you told me you love me” He murmured leaning in to give her a deep kiss. He already knew she did of course but knowing it and actually hearing it were two entirely different things so much so he didn’t even realize it until he actually heard those words.

And it only confirmed his commitment

He finally pulled apart keeping a hold on her hands a h starred into her eyes “If this fog ever does lift and I do see my daughter again then I would get to be a part of her whole life and see her pass some thing most fathers would never get my grandchildren as well if I ever saw them to me that would only be a blessing if that ever happened” He said shaking his head.

“Not that I think this fog will ever go away” He said snorting “Whatever brought it here be it otherworldly magic or divine intervention it’s here to stay and one day we will face the Russian and not only that but I would love to spend an eternity with you” he said kissing her once more “by your side your equal”

…………….

“I don’t think she hates you” Jackie said threading his hands into hers and giving them a light squeeze as they continued to walk down the halls. He sighed letting the pleasure of being back here in these halls with her take hold. Before every thing happened with the war and his brothers he loved this place truly loved it. It was a chance to get away from the hustle, a way to become some thing better than what he was.

And for a time it was better tan he ever dreamed

“I think its more that you always had a special place in my heart that I never was truly angry at you about what was going on with the war and the college she wanted to be more than my mentor she wanted to be like a mother to me and I already had one”

He glanced over at her his cheeks reddening slightly as he glanced at her. It wasn’t a secret she had been…. Less than interested in him in the beginning. He supposed it had been to protect him or her but she couldn’t have known just how madly he fell for her. The cool girl who sat next to him why wouldn’t he have? OF course he never expected those feelings to be mutual even if he had pursued her with reckless abandon. He was still just a nerdy kid at heart and she was…. Well cool.

Then the unthinkable happened

He smiled watching as she opened up the passage to their secret little hide a away. He followed her in closing it behind them with a flick of his wrist.

“I doubt we simply stumbled upon this place” He said looking around wistfully “I never really thought we would come back here either at least not together” He said glancing back over at her and sitting down on the couch.

“The last time we were here” He said looking at her his expression unreadable “I said some things to you…. Things I didn’t mean I was so angry about every thing that was happening the war the people who would die because they refused to help and about my brother I let it rule my emotions I should never have done that I am sorry I didn’t mean to ruin this place for us” He said softly looking down a troubled expression crossing his face.

 

[grdybiwife]

"That would be harder than you might think Handler," Lem said, all but giving in to his pressure. Well it wasn't exactly coercion. There was no way he could get her to do anything she didn't want to without the help of some very powerful beings, but still he plucked at her heart strings so easily it was almost unfair.

She wanted it, from that first night they spent in his apartment Lem had already begun contemplating the possibilities. Imagining that it was their place. But that was before they learned of their common enemy.

"What if there was no Nikolai? No intense battle looming over our heads...would you still be asking such a thing. Would you still discard your humanity for me?"

It was a hard question but it deserved answer, and Lem resigned herself to be satisfied with whatever answer he gave, even if she couldn't look at him as she waited for it.

*********************************************************​

"Aww come on Jackie," Laz groaned as she flopped down next to him, her hands shoved into her pockets as she slouched deep in the plush cushions. "I thought we were starting over. Clean slate remember. Don't ruin it digging up old shit." She smiled as she said it though, and leaned to put her head on his shoulder so he could feel her acceptance.

"And you weren't nearly as nerdy as you think you were. You only thought I was cool because I wasn't like the rest of those snooty tight assed bitches walking around like they own the world cause they were born into magic. Too busy smelling their own shit to realize I already won that race. It's one thing to be born into it, it's another to be born of it...or maybe they knew...Ehh whatever fuck it, it's water under the bridge now. All of it," she said and reached up to cup his face in her palm so he would look at her. "I let it go Jackie, a long time ago. I know you didn't mean it, ain't hurt any less but I know..."

There were tears in her eyes again but this time Laz let them fall. Here she didn't have to bury her feelings for fear that they be used against her. In this hideaway, with him, she had always been herself, not the cocky, hard-nosed, bitch she was to everyone else. This was her safe place.

"And it's not ruined. We had way too much fun in here for one bad trip to destroy it. Why do you think I didn't get rid of it all together? I wanted to stay our secret."

At the mention of better times, Laz couldn't help her mind drifting to one of those moments. The time they got drunk on a witch's brew Jackie lifted from the faculty lounge and played strip poker. She was almost certain he'd been cheating but that didn't stop her from playing. Nor did she fight him off when he kissed her that first time. Laz blushed with the memory knowing that Jackie saw it too, but from her perspective. She wondered if he could hear her internal dialogue in the moments before their lips met. He's gonna kiss me...Holy shit he's actually gonna do it...Please don't let it suck...Please God I hope it doesn't suck...

 

[silvertongue217]

“If there was no Nikolai?” Edward said shaking his head and looking at her with a strange expression “you think I am just doing this for Nikolai?” He said raising an eyebrow and letting a small smile cross his face.

“My love” He said leaning in and giving her a deep kiss “If there was no Nikolai I would still be asking you to do this” He said leaning back and looking at her “After all I fell in love with an immortal I would never wish for you to have to watch me die any more than I would hate to miss out on a multitude of life times with you”

He got up and reached out taking her hand “I’m not a romantic by any means but my place is by your side forever if you will have me let/s go back to my place”

……………..

He smiled softly to himself watching as she slouched on the couch. It was just like old times especially when she turned her head and placed it on his shoulder. A warmth of emotions coursed through him before he finally settled on a deep warm contentment. He sighed and placed his own had against hers breathing in the scent of her hair and letting him self enjoy the moment and her words.

He resisted the urge to laugh at her words. The part about the other “bitches” were certainly true not that he saw it when he first started. Elaine wasn’t the only sorceress who had a high opinion of them self after all if you could remake your self in any image you choose to and reshape your self with magic then why wouldn’t you think you were some thing great? Of course Jackie couldn’t do no such thing which automatically put him at a disadvantage when it came to the other sorceresses and sorcerer.

But not Lem

Before he could think any more on it her hands were on his face and she was all he could think about. Her face filled his vision and he couldn’t help but let out a sigh of pleasure. There they were in their special place together on the couch and all he could think about was that he had been a fool to ever let her go.

She was thinking some thing saying some thing but right now he simply didn’t care. He leaned in gently running his lips against her nose before slightly dipping his head. His lips pressed against hers just as he twisted his hands crawling up her legs and to the small of her back. He pulled her in close kissing her deeply and passionately all but pulling her into his lap.

 

[grdybiwife]

"And you say your not romantic, yet everything that comes from your mouth makes me feel like a silly girl," Lem said, unable to hide her blush as she took his hand and kissed his palm before she laced her fingers in his. "I'll do it even if it will put me on the White One's shit list for turning her top cop. As a matter of fact it might get us both rounded up," she added with a laugh as she slipped her arms around his waist and rest her chin on his chest to look up at him. "I could have sworn that's in the ordinance, no unauthorized turns. Some might say I'm a bad influence on you Agent Thornton." With that she kissed him on the chin then quickly pulled away before it led to something more.

Before they left her room, Lem grabbed her blades and slipped them around her waist as they made their way up the stairs. "Let's just hope the city is quiet for the next few days," she said as she came into the bar. So consumed by Edward, she didn't even notice Don watching them. And when he cleared his throat, Lem pulled her blade reflexively and moved to where he sat in a blur. A lesser man would have been dead but he caught her wrist midair.

"Whoa there hot stuff," he said as he pulled her hand down and kissed her knuckles before he directed her arm around her back to put the blade away. "It's only me. No need for all that," he said as he stood, his hand still on her wrist, and looked over her head at Edward, gave him a cocky wink before he stepped back from her.

"It's not a good idea to startle me. I could have killed you," Lem said with a playful shove and Don shrugged.

"Could have and would have are two very different things my dear. And I have a sneaky suspicion that you would have given me a taste to bring me back," he said and Lem rolled her eyes.

"Oh come off it Don..."

"Am I wrong," he said with a raised eyebrow. Lem had no response to that, except to show him her back. "That's what I thought."

**********************************************************​

There was a jolt as their lips connected and part of her wanted to push him away. This wasn't how it was supposed to go. They were supposed to be figuring out who set Jackie up, again, not making out like some horny teenagers, but still Laz found herself moaning softly as his tongue slipped into her mouth. Her body buzzed under his touch and when she felt his hands on her back, pulling her into his lap, she couldn't resist.

That's how it was with them. Once she gave into his advances he had her, all of her. So of course with his coaxing, Alazne found her way into his lap, straddling his thighs as she worked her arms out of her jacket without letting her lips leave his. Once it was tossed to the side she pushed her hands up the back of his shirt, wanting to feel his skin on hers.

"When I suggested you get back into the world Alazne, this is not what I meant," came a voice from behind her and she froze. Her amber eyes flung open and she reluctantly pulled herself from Jackie's grasp.

"Pop...fuck...what are you doing here?"

"You spoke me into this world as you always do child," came the voice again as a swirl of cobalt blue mist coalesced into a flurry of robes of the same color. The hood came back to reveal a face not much unlike hers. Though his features were sharper, his jaw square and his high cheekbones almost came to points beneath his eyes, Alazne looked more his twin than his daughter. And though his skin was the same sandy brown, his had an almost translucent quality that seemed inhuman. Because he wasn't. "So you are the one," he said, his glowing eyes on Jackie as he spread his hands from the billowing sleeves of his robe to reveal his metallic staff that was a head taller than his six feet. "If not for her we would have met sooner and I assure you it would not have been as pleasant as this. I am Third, but you will call me Sir."

 

[Othermoose]

Nicky found herself blushing at he looked at her. Quinn listened, dialing back the intensity of his want but he couldn't push down to nothing and Nicky more appreciated the smolder. She shrugged her shoulders at his question, unsure if he meant at this moment or in general. Either way she had no idea what the next step would be.

This was all new to her. For the first time since the fog she felt safe. Really safe, even if she wasn't sure how long she would be allowed to stay. Nicky had already decided that she would do whatever it took to make herself useful until she was asked to leave.

"I don't know about you but I'm starving...and so are you...and Don," she added with a smirk as she pulled off her mask and shoved it into her bag. "I wonder if there's room for me here. I doubt Don will want me to go back to my apartment when he's all the way across town, but I don't just want to assume you know, since the boss is tangled up with his girlfriend...and God knows I don't want to interrupt that asking about a room," Nicky rambled as she packed up her paint and helped Quinn take up the sheets he used to protect his stuff. "But still, we should eat. I could make us something."

"Well, I have been in the market for a roommate, but I don't know if you could afford the rent. A jar of peanut butter a month isn't cheap, but what do you expect? This in New York." Quinn said playfully as he and Nicky left his room for the kitchen.

The two made their way downstairs and saw Lem, Don, and Edward talking at the bar. "Hey guys. Me and Nicky are going to go cook something. Well she's going to cook and I'm going to hover next to her and ask if it's ready every five seconds. Which reminds me, what are you going to make Nicky? I'd kill the chicken for some barbecue pope. I mean I'd kill the pope for some barbecue chicken." Quinn laughed as he and Nicky walked into the kitchen.

 

[silvertongue217]

Edward shook his head “We’re going out Don” He said nodding at Lem’s retreating form “no idea when we will be back I wouldn’t wait up though might be gone for a few days” He said turning and following Lem out the door.

“I’ll meet you in the car” He said before pulling out his phone he hit the number on speed dail and waited for the secure connection to come on line.

“Thornton”

“I’m taking a few days off boss” Edward said watching Lem get into the car “There is some thing personal I got to do”

“You sill haven’t briefed me on the damn mess in Grand Central Station!”

“I sent you a report Ma’am” Edward replied evenly “and you owe me a favor remember?”

There was a long pause then the click of a dial tone. Edward took the hint and didn’t bother calling back instead heading to the car. Each step caused his pace to quicken as if his hart and pulse knew they didn’t have much longer in this world. He was that strange mixture of nerves and excitement that he felt when he went into a battle. He knew he was about to change his life forever but it didn’t bother him. So he would have a blood fetish the trade offs were worth it. The super strength, speed, and reflexes were one thing but then there was HER.

They would be together forever

The thought made him smile and he easily clambered in shutting the door behind him. He drove smoothly letting her prepare her self and get her thoughts arranged as they went back to his place.

He finally pulled up into the under ground parking lot and turned kissing her hands “I want this for you and us” He said locking eyes with her “nothing else matters to me as much as that”

…………………….

She was in his lap her jacket off and Jackie was consumed by her. He couldn’t for the life of him reason why he would have ever given her up. Every thing about her from her touch to her kiss threatened to undo him right then and there strip him until he was nothing but a raging ball of fiery passion. The feel of her soft skin against his caused him to shiver and he saw the electric sparks that jumped between their skin out of the corner of his eyes. Of course this was how it always was with them there magical abilities manifesting and making every touch and kiss amplified. She had the ability to draw the latent magical energies out of him just like he had the ability to draw her true power out of her. He always wondered if that wasn’t one of the reasons why Elaine was so scared of them together, if she didn’t suspect how powerful they truly were together.

He felt her hands on his back and started trying to pull his shirt off. Before he could however a voice brought him out of it. He heard Laz vaguely call some one Pop and his eyes widened watching as the powerful mystic appeared into being and directed his gaze straight at Jackie.

Oh great

“Sir?” Jackie said turning to look at Laz and raising an eyebrow “No offense but I don’t call any one sir even my girlfriends father” He said trying to resist looking at Laz once he said the girlfriend part.

“Why are you here?” He asked looking over at Laz then back at him “Is this some thing to do with the theft? Or are you taking the protective father thing a tad to serious?”

 

[grdybiwife]

Don watched them leave and shook his head smirking as he followed Nicky and Quinn into the Kitchen. He knew what that meant, "gone for a few days". Lem was going to turn him, and as much as he would have liked to believe that his presence forced Edward's hand he knew the decision had nothing to do with him. And everything to do with them. He wanted to be bitter, hell he tried, but Don wasn't that guy. That didn't mean he was happy about it, nor did it mean he would stop his flirting. If anything it would make things more interesting.

When he pushed into the kitchen, Don covered his eyes as Nicky glanced up at him, making her giggle harder. "You know I don't need to look you in the eyes to get in your head," she said as she pulled out a loaf of wheat bread and a jar of peanut butter.

"I know but it makes me feel better," he said as he hopped up on the counter to watch her make two peanut butter sandwiches and slide them in front of Quinn. "What happened to barbecue chicken?"

"I'm making it but I can't listen to the peanut butter chorus anymore," she said with a wink at Quinn. "He hasn't learned how to keep secrets yet."

"Don't worry kid I'll show you how it's done," Don told him and roughed his hair, trying to hide the solemn look in his eye. Even the little ones are pairing up, he thought to himself before he could stop himself but Nicky made no mention of it. The sound of bacon on the griddle told him she'd heard.

"So chicken...maybe some mashed potatoes...holy shit is that asparagus I fucking love asparagus..."

**********************************************************​

Lem stayed quiet for the whole ride. She'd heard his brief conversation with his/their boss and wondered a moment what he might have done to deserve a favor, chuckled to herself at the flash of jealousy that clenched her fist in her lap. It only lasted a moment, he was hers and she knew it even before he mentioned as much as they pulled into the garage beneath his building.

"I believe you," she told him, meeting his gaze then brought his hands to her face to bask in his warmth for the last time. "This is going to hurt," she said, her eyes closed as she pressed her face into his palms. "There is no greater pain than the feeling of your life slipping away, knowing that it was your own choice to let it go. Don't fight it, if you listen to nothing else I tell you, heed that. Just let go, let the darkness take you. The sooner you give in the sooner you will fall into the deepest slumber you have ever experienced. No dreams. No worries. Nothing but sleep and it is as close to heaven as ones like us can get. When you wake, I will be there. I didn't have that luxury, alone in a tent under the desert sun, but not you Edward. You will never be alone again."

As soon as they were out of the car, she took his hand again and a small smile came to her lips. "Neither of us will ever be alone again."

**********************************************************​

"Well aren't you ballsy," Laz said with a chuckle as she climbed out of Jackie's lap, but she might as well had stayed where she was given how close she sat. "But he's only here for the theft. He threatened to pull your spine out through your asshole before though..."

"I could still do it," Third reminded her with a raised eyebrow, and the andara crystal at the top of his staff began to glow.

"Stop it Daddy...There's no need for that," she said but she threw up a shield to block his cast just in case. "I can take care of myself just like I did then..."

"It seems he is more interested in taking care of you than solving this quandary he finds himself the center of," he said with hard eyes on Jackie again before he was forced back a step and a small smile came to his lips. "Well someone has been practicing," he said to his daughter, the pride in his tone was genuine and it bleed into Laz feeling as much a hug as if he put his arms around her. Something he hadn't done since her mother died.

"Yeah well I figured since I'm gonna be around for a while I should probably get a handle on things," was her snarky reply, as much of a "thanks Dad" as Laz could muster. It didn't matter, that's how Third heard it anyway and it was enough to distract him from the sight of his daughter nearly mounting the boy who almost caused her end. "Now about this..."

"There are twelve of us..."

"Come on Pop nobody has time for that shit just cut to the important part so we can figure out who's trying to bamboozle Jackie," Laz said making her father chuckle and she rolled her eyes.

"So impatient, just like your mother," he told and again she felt that warmth. "At any rate, I believe the one you are looking for is Seven. He is not much a fan of me and my bending of our code. We are taught that you carbon based life forms are beneath us with your petty needs for oxygen and sustenance..."

"Dad really!"

"So it is perfectly acceptable for you two to give pause for your carnal desires but my wish to impart you with pertinent information is frowned upon."

"The only pertinent information you've given is that we're looking for Seven the rest of that is just useless trivia. How do we find him and how is it that he can be here at the same time as you?" 'I'll explain all of this later. I really want him gone so we can get back to...getting reaquainted' she told Jackie as her hand slipped into his lap.

He may not have heard the words but Third saw the thought pass from one to the other and read their reactions to it well enough. "He has found a minion behind these walls. Someone with a connection to both of you and I'm afraid it will not be as obvious as you two might think. I will assist you in anyway that I can."

 

[silvertongue217]

“No we wont” H said softly gently touching their lips together one more time “And I will never leave your side from now until the end of days”

He heard her warning about the pain but ignored them. He wasn’t scared he had known pain all his life, was born in it and during his years in prison forged from it. He had known more pain in one year than most knew in their entire lifetime. So what was a little more to get what he wanted? Even if it was weeks of pain it would all be worth it for her.

“Let’s go” He said softly moving away and popping open the door to his car. He quickly opened her door and led her into the elevator kissing her once they were in and drawing her close. He slid his tongue into her mouth his hands clawing at her back as they danced in the small private elevator. They finally reached his apartment and he led her inside kissing her deeply as he accepted what was about to happen.

“So how do you wish to do it?” He asked backing up and looking at her with one raised eyebrow.

…………………

Jackie watched resisting the urge to roll his eyes at the whole “pull your spine out of your ass hole comment” in the end he was just a bully granted a cosmic bull with almost unlimited power but in the end a bully nonetheless. Jackie knew that most bullies were all talk and hot air granted this one could bend the laws of time and space but Jackie was beneath him and there fore not his time.

Plus what kind of boy friend would he be if he didn’t antagonize the girls father?

He listened to the exchange making sure to hold and massage her hand as they talked. He noticed the way they bounced off one another and softly smiled. Laz may complain about her dad but he could tell she really loved him or at least wanted to earn his admiration. He didn’t know if this so called “three” was actually trying to harm him but he knew as long as he was with Laz he was safe.

“It’s not that I don’t want to know” Jackie murmured narrowing his eyes at Three “I just wanted to spend some time with Laz” He retorted fixing Three with his own hard stare.

The information that came next caused his eyes to widen in surprise. So there was an outside force at work here? That certainly made sense though Jackie wasn’t sure who could be working with this “Seven” an ex class mate with a grudge perhaps? Or could it be Elaine?

He felt her hand slipping into his lap and her words and bit his lip trying to hide the reaction from her father

And failed miserably

“Thank you Sir” Jackie said deciding to play nice… for now “Laz and I will need time to figure out who it could be compare some old notes Laz can call you when her and I have some thing more solid to work on if you wish”

 

[grdybiwife]

"I think that's a question you should be asking yourself," Lem said with a smirk as she pulled away from him to survey the lay of his apartment. The floor to ceiling windows making up the entire front wall would be a problem but after fiddling with a few switches on the wall panel Lem found the one that activated the blinds. Even closed, they didn't do a good enough job blocking the light. She moved onto his bedroom and found the same problem, quickly struck that from the list. But she remember one more option from her last visit. The dojo, and Lem guessed that there weren't any windows there. She was right but it wasn't much for comfort given it's purpose.

"I can fix that," she mumbled to herself as she made her way back to the bedroom in the blink of an eye to heft the mattress and drag it into the dojo. Satisfied she came back to Edward and smiled. "If you're gonna keep this place something has got to be done about all these windows, else you be confined to the dojo until sundown. But we can worry about that later since you're going to lose the rest of today and all of tomorrow," she told him as she slipped out of her jacket and kicked off her shoes. "Are you ready," she asked as she took his hand.

**********************************************************​

"Yes that's what you need time for," Third said with chuckle and shift his eyes to Laz, who could barely contain her blush. "Be careful child this will be messy."

And like that he was gone and Laz let out a breath that shook the room. "So when did I become your girlfriend again," she said with a giggle as she looked at Jackie, the realization of what her father interrupted finally setting in. "And here I thought you hated me...at least that's what you told me. Sure didn't feel like it to me," she said with a smirk as she stood up.

It all happened so fast that she didn't stop to think about what them coming together might mean. Those feelings she'd pushed down over the last couple years exploding to the surface, and he'd done the same. But that didn't erase what happened between them and Laz still had to protect herself in the event that Jackie lost his shit again. She would take his affections but there was no way she would allow herself to fall so hard again.

"Well I don't know about you but I've sure as fuck had enough of this place. That computer at the base seems like the perfect tool for me to do some digging. You coming or do you need to go console Elaine," she said with a smirk, though she held out her hand knowing he would take it.

 

[silvertongue217]

He followed he watching as she prepared. He looked at the windows and frowned realizing what she was saying. He liked the windows and the view they gave him of the city so much so that it would be one of the few things he was going to miss. He made a mental note to find some one who would appreciate the view and instead thought about where he might live next.

With Lem

The thought centered him causing a small smile to fill his face. He noticed her moving the mattress into the dojo and followed noting that it was the most ideal for his transformation.

“I haven’t given I much thought” He said watching her “I guess in your arms would be the most ideal for me” He admitted pulling off his own shirt and turning to her.

“Ending one life and beginning another with you” He said softly coming over and gently kissing her “so that’s how I would like to do it” He said kicking off his suit pants and raising an eyebrow at her.

…………………..

He grabbed her hand smiling a little as he contemplated her question. He knew it was probably rushing and he didn’t even know if there was still some thing there for them to kindle. He had hurt her bad, she had made him angry and the pair of them hadn’t been together since that time. He could tell she was wary of him not willing to give him her all like before because of his actions. He felt the stab of guilt in his heart and sighed pulling him self up.

“I probably shouldn’t have said that” He said glancing at her “I should have probably asked if you even wanted to date again or you thought we might be better going the friend route I know….. I hurt you and I can understand if you don’t want to get involved with me again”

He reached over pulling the tapestry away and moving with her out into the corridor. He saw some of the students jumping back in surprise and winked at them a hint of his own troublemaking attitude coming out as he helped her out.

“The computer is probably the best idea” He said not quite able to look over at her. A kiss was all it took it seemed to ignite his old feelings for her well hell all it took was to SEE her again. He was still in love with her he knew that know more than ever.

And it threatened to undo him at every turn.

 

[grdybiwife]

"Well that's simple enough," she said with a wide grin as she took his hand and led him to the bed she made on the floor. Lem sat, her legs outstretched before her, and pulled him down so he settled between them. She wrapped one leg around his torso and an arm around his shoulders, kissed his ear and whispered, "You have to drink, as much as you can. That way you'll get the best of me."

One last kiss, and Lem sunk her teeth into his bottom lip to get one last taste of him. Any bites she took after this would be for pleasure's sake and nothing more. "You are my first," she said with a smile before she bit into her wrist, flexing her hand open and closed to get to get her blood going before she held it to his mouth. "Drink," she told him.

************************************************************​

The minute they stepped back into the corridor, Alazne took a moment to freeze everything in place so you could reset the disguise of their secret place. She could have allowed Jackie the opportunity to enjoy the quiet with her but she needed the time to think of her next move without the haze of his presence.

"Just because it's not Elaine doesn't mean it's not a professor," she mumbled to herself as she weaved her way through the students and faculty. But as soon as the thought came to her, she struck it away. Aside from Elaine, no other teacher had given her any issue. That left only students which meant jack shit to Laz. As far as she remembered the only friend she had on campus was Jackie. Sure not everyone was as hateful and abusive but she was given wide berth by all. Granted it was her own doing but she couldn't think of anyone.

Eventually she made her way back to Jackie and slipped her hand in his before she set the world back into motion. "Come on I think we've walked enough for today," she said and they were gone, leaving stunned students in their wake.

 

[silvertongue217]

His heart sped up each beat colliding with the other. He followed her as if in a daze moving onto the bed with her and taking a deep steadying breath. He felt his nerves beginning to surface and instead focused on her locking his eyes with her as she settled in to fulfill his dying request. Her arms and legs around his body served to calm him allowing him to breath deeply and settle into her.

She was talking but he ignored her instead focusing on the feel of her. He pushed aside his very humanity and instead centered himself in the future with her. He felt her kiss and her bite and thought to ask her if she would miss his blood. Before he could however she was telling him to drink and the moment was lost for the moment.

But they would have an eternity of moments

He latched on without thinking sucking in greedily. The taste hit him sending his mind spinning into a haze of pleasure. He could feel vaguely his body reacting his cock hardening his body twitching and the moans coming out of his mouth. And he kept drinking becoming more and more greedy.

Until it changed

There was a sudden sharp pain one that caused his eyes to snap open and widen. He let go but it was in work more and more pain pushing out of him as he began to twitch and groan. He slammed his head into the mattress for a few seconds before finally going still passing out as he began to die.

………………

He flinched both at the sudden teleport and the brush off. She was being formal with him which was some thing he hated. He supposed he deserved it though so instead he put on his most polite smile and gave her hand a squeeze before turning and kissing her cheek.

“I’m going to go pull out the old year book” He said pushing off his jacket revealing his lean muscular body “See if I cant figure out who has a grudge against me or you maybe get to the bottom of our mystery man” He said not quite able to meet her eyes at the same time he cursed himself for being such a girl and allowed his emotions to get the better of him. It was his fault they weren’t together any more and he couldn’t blame her for being wary about getting involved with him.

 

[grdybiwife]

Lem felt for him with every gut wrenching moan and thrash, she felt his life slipping away. When his eyes finally fluttered shut, she eased him down onto the bed and got up to find her phone. He would need blood and lots of it, she didn't want to wait for him to wake up to get it so she made a call to her favorite donor. He was unregistered from the Kitchen but he only sold to her, Lem made sure of that.

"How much do you have in your stash Tommy," she said as soon as the line picked up and the man on the other end laughed.

"Serkalem I heard you got picked up?"

"I did but it was just a misunderstanding," she told him matter of factly and again he laughed. "I answere your question now you answer mine."

"Double your usual pick up."

"Sounds good. Double that and call me back. I tell you where to bring it."

"Sweet I thought I lost my bread and butter."

"Yeah, yeah. Just call me as soon as you're done," she said and disconnected the call.

**********************************************************​

Laz noted his fake smile but choose not to comment on it. She knew his feelings were hurt but she had to protect herself until she knew he was for sure. "You'll bring it back though right," she said just before he left. "It'll be just like old times. Me doing all the work on our projects while you dick around distracting me. Only difference is there won't be any ancient librarians shushing us."

She smiled at him then, conveying her wish that he not leave her again. That he not take offense to her caution. That he be patient with her like he had been before. 'It's only a matter of time.'

 

[silvertongue217]

The fire raged inside of him

He felt it in brief fits waking only long enough to determine that he was in unbearable pain. There seemed to be a fire inside of him that was raging out of control. He tried to think to himself that there couldn’t be a fire inside of him but the rational side of his mind struggled with that as the feelings still ragged. He was delirious with pain so much so that he didn’t even register the passing of time and the steady presence of Lem.

Eventually the fire began to change becoming more of a dull burn than the intense ravage it was before. Edward became vaguely aware of what was happening and what he was going through even though he knew it didn’t make it any easier. All he wished was for it to be over to come back to her and begin his life anew.

The dull thump of his heart began to slow getting slower and slower as he felt his body beginning to cool. He waited his mind settling back feeling the fire dissipating as his heart finally gave one last sputtered.

And died

His eyes flew open at the same time he leapt pushing himself away from whoever he was around and backing up into the corner. He sucked in a ragged breath feeling the air and realizing he didn’t need it any more. The world was an explosion of color sharp color that his mind couldn’t seem to rap his head around. Every thing was in such detail that his mind couldn’t handle it causing him to shut his eyes and shake his head as if to clear it.

Then he smelled her

She was another vampire and all at once he remembered why he had done this. He opened his eyes and focused on her taking in the new details and realizing he hadn’t truly seen her until know. Such was the force of her beauty that he dropped to his knees staring up at her in wonder and devotion. As he felt the dual effect of their bond and their now shared blood.

He tried to speak but couldn’t not used to the hyper movements of his mouth.

…………..

“Come on” Jackie said turning this time favoring her with a real genuine smile “you can come on up to my room and we can dish about our wild college years” He said taking her hand and giving it a squeeze as if to answer her question

That he was here to stay

He brought her up to his room and shut the door going over to the closet. He pulled the yearbook out and balanced it in his hand bringing it over to the bed and opened it. He ignored the magical pictures that started to sing the schools anthem and instead flicked to the moving pictures of their class. He blushed at the tittle cutest couple and tried to ignore the picture of he and Laz locked in a playful but passionate embrace.

“Now where is our class” He murmured blushing a little.

 

[grdybiwife]

"Just relax," she said quietly, her hands up as she took tentative steps towards him. Lem understood all too well what he was going through. The new smells, so familiar but all together different. The confusion of seeing the world through enhanced vision. The thrum of noise that once went unheard now too loud to ignore. It was a disconcerting thing the first few moments after waking up dead. But at least he wasn't alone.

"You're okay. Just breathe. You don't need the oxygen but the action carries a sort of placebo effect," she said as she edged her way to the cooler by the door and flipped it open. She grabbed two bags tossed one to him and sat on the floor a few feet in front of him. She kept her eyes on him, trying to catch his wild gaze, as she pulled the stopper off the pouch of blood. "Sit. Eat. You'll feel better. You're mind will clear and we'll be able to have a civilized conversation. You're okay."

**********************************************************​

While Jackie dug around in his closet, Laz grabbed his laptop and flopped down on his bed without even thinking about it. It was such a natural thing, even before they started messing around, for her to make herself as comfortable as possible in his presence. As he flipped through the pages, she put herself in a more relaxed outfit of cotton shorts and a loose tank top, all the while tapping the keyboard working her way around the weak firewalls of the academy's database.

“Now where is our class”

And Laz glanced over at the book, making the pages flip wildly until they settled on the first page. "For a magic school, you'd think they'd have better security. I'm already in," she said as she scrolled through the list of students and alumni. There were thousands of names and patience had never been one of her strong suits so she figured out a way to narrow the names down to those who had been there while the two of them were in attendance. And that list was only half as long so she narrowed it down further to those who had been there for their last year, specifically around the time of their falling out. At first she didn't know why she had chosen such a narrow time frame until her search generated a list of only five people.

"Any of these names ring a bell?" She asked before she rattled off the list, none of whom seemed familiar but Laz was always better with faces than names. "Show me these," she said as she pushed the laptop down to the foot of the bed and lay down beside Jackie.

 

[Othermoose]

Don watched them leave and shook his head smirking as he followed Nicky and Quinn into the Kitchen. He knew what that meant, "gone for a few days". Lem was going to turn him, and as much as he would have liked to believe that his presence forced Edward's hand he knew the decision had nothing to do with him. And everything to do with them. He wanted to be bitter, hell he tried, but Don wasn't that guy. That didn't mean he was happy about it, nor did it mean he would stop his flirting. If anything it would make things more interesting.

When he pushed into the kitchen, Don covered his eyes as Nicky glanced up at him, making her giggle harder. "You know I don't need to look you in the eyes to get in your head," she said as she pulled out a loaf of wheat bread and a jar of peanut butter.

"I know but it makes me feel better," he said as he hopped up on the counter to watch her make two peanut butter sandwiches and slide them in front of Quinn. "What happened to barbecue chicken?"

"I'm making it but I can't listen to the peanut butter chorus anymore," she said with a wink at Quinn. "He hasn't learned how to keep secrets yet."

"Don't worry kid I'll show you how it's done," Don told him and roughed his hair, trying to hide the solemn look in his eye. Even the little ones are pairing up, he thought to himself before he could stop himself but Nicky made no mention of it. The sound of bacon on the griddle told him she'd heard.

"So chicken...maybe some mashed potatoes...holy shit is that asparagus I fucking love asparagus..."

"I just can't hide it. Love should never be hidden. And I love... Peanut butter." Quinn laughed taking a large bite of the sandwich with a happy smile. "Oh peanut butter, if you were a woman..." He said before finishing the sandwich. "Stho how doth I hith my thoughs?" Quinn asked Don through a mouth full of peanut butter. He gulped down some coke before continuing. "It seems useful to know. I might drive Nicky crazy. The peanut butter chorus is a very popular song in Quinn-land. It might even be our national anthem." Quinn said starting on the second sandwich.

As he watched Nicky cook his mind began to wander. "I bet she'd look good in just an apron. And maybe... Dammit! Just ignore that." Quinn thought turning his attention to Don. "So mind hide-y lessons? Now?" Quinn asked trying his hardest not to look over at Nicky.

 

[silvertongue217]

She was talking to him but the words were loud over the dim noise form the city. He closed his eyes taking in another sucking depth of air and shook his head rapidly once again trying to find some way to center himself in the chaos that was his mind. His eyes shot upon locking on her as he felt her beginning to move. Her beauty once again threatened to take him off his feet. He used her as an anchor locking yes with her and staring at her beauty until the world began to settle.

She threw some thing at him and he caught it his hand rising up on its own accord. The act threatened to undo his fragile concentration and it took all his self-control to stay focused on her.

Slow steps

He moved slowly getting used to the speed at which he moved. He continued to stare at her as he did not breaking eye contact as he sat down across from her and watched her feed. The smell of blood wafted over to him igniting a deep hunger that he had never felt before. The desire to eat was so great that he all but ripped the bag open tipping his head back and draining the content down his belly. The blood hit him and coursed through his system revitalizing him pushing the last lingering cobwebs out of his head.

“Wow” He finally said “that’s new” He murmured putting his head back down and looking around taking in every thing before settling back on her.

“Hello my love”

………………….

He watched her throw her self down a smile cross his face. It was just like old times with her crashing on his bed while he got the things ready for whatever project or homework they had to do together. His mind flashed thinking of countless nights spent with her working on whatever they were doing or just hanging out. They had ben friends first both of us flirting and dancing that imaginary line. It ultimately became some thing more at the Winter Formal where there passion literally caused a small ice age in the dance hall.

He smiled at the simpler times and watched her breaking into the campus website “there magical people remember” He said shaking hi head “not much use with a computer I am afraid remember how easy it was to hack the PA system” He said snorting as he began scanning the page for any one. He tried to narrow the list looking for some one who had a grudge against him or her during school. He didn’t say it to Laz but he had a feeling he might know who it was that was behind it some one who had a particular grudge against him that was Laz specific. He doubted she knew any thing about him however, most humans were beneath her or not worth her time.

Which was part of the reason this particular human had such a grudge against Jackie

Her question shook him out of his thoughts and he looked confirming his suspicions when he saw the guy on the page.

“Uh I think I know who is behind this” Jackie said sighing and reaching over to tap the guy “Donavon Hock He has a grudge against me because he had a major crush on you in class and hated the fact you went out with me it might have been he stole the gauntlet to get Three to activate it hoping to defeat me in battle and win your hand”

 

[grdybiwife]

Nicky blushed as she turned her back to put Don's bacon on a plate, trying her best to ignore the little lesson he was teaching Quinn.

"Okay for starters," he said with a smile at Nicky as she set his plate in front of him. "Clear your mind. You can't think about anything. Not peanut butter. Not all the little useless things you've lifted over the years. Nothing. Then once it's all gone, you think of everything and anything. She'll hear it like static..."

"Don't do that. It's no fun for me," she teased as she set about boiling potatoes. "Don't listen to him. He thinks it works but it doesn't. I can still see everything but it makes him feel better about me poking around in his head. It'll be our secret.

 

[grdybiwife]

Lem smiled as Edward started to settle down with his first meal. "Well hello to you too," she said as she moved closer to him on all fours and kissed him deeply, pushing her tongue into his mouth, tasting what was left of his first feeding. She grabbed his empty bag and tossed it away as she climb into his lap, her hands running up the side of his face as she wrapped her legs around his waist.

"Your still raw...I can feel it but it won't last. It'll take some time for your brain to get used to all this new information. The sounds, the colors. The way your body moves." All the while she spoke, Lem planted soft kisses along his neck and shoulders. Light nibbles against his chest. Her hands traces light circles along his hairline. She knew she had to be careful, not wanting to overload his ultrasensitive nerves, buts she could feel his bodies reaction to her touch in his lap. Without letting him go, she rolled over them over to the cooler and grabbed another bag, pierced the heavy latex with her teeth before she put it to his lips. "Drink," she told him as she squeezed the bag.

**********************************************************​

"Seven, not Third. That's my dad," she corrected him with a giggle as she leaned her head on his shoulder to get a look at this Donavon. Laz vaguely remembered him. They had a few classes together, or maybe they lived in the same dorm. "I don't know, you might be right. But I doubt it has anything to do with me. I mean why would he care. Your the only one of them who paid any attention to me. I was just the weird girl from the project."

But even as she said it, Laz knew that wasn't exactly true. There had been other guys who tried to catch her fancy but she wasn't interested in being a notch on someone's belt. But Jackie was different. Even though she knew he wanted more than friendship, he never forced the issue, instead took the time to get to know her for more than the swirls of tattoos that held her magic.

But still she couldn't recall this Donavon. "How do you know he had a crush on me? It's not like you were Mr. Popular either," she teased him with a little pinch to his side, but her hand lingered and slid along his back as she blinked the lap top and year book to floor.

 

[silvertongue217]

He smiled at her but that smile quickly turned into a groan of pleasure as she clambered onto him. There was always talk that vampires were cold and unfeeling but it was only know that Edward realized how wrong every one else was. Vampire’s felt TO much if any thing. The minute she touched him he felt every thing there was to feel from the cool touch of their skin to the electric feelings he stirred inside of her. He felt the bond they now shared as well the fact that she was now his maker giving them an even deeper level of conection.

Every bite

Every kiss

Every touch

Shot through him like electricity performing a mental and physical reaction that he felt through his very core. He eagerly returned her kisses and touch delighting in the new sensations he felt by simply touching and kissing her. He could feel his need for her starting to peak and was about to take her when she opened up another bag of blood for him.

The need to feed over took him again and he scowled realizing this was some thing he would have to get used to. He quickly fed sucking down the blood as his hands traveled up to her chest and began pawing and massaging her breast enjoying his meal and the touch of her. His cock fully hard underneath her lap.

……………

“You don’t remember because I made sure it was taken care of” He told her biting his lip as he felt her hand on his back.

“You didn’t have much time for our class mates remember” Jackie said biting his lip and trying to concentrate “and even though I wasn’t popular I still paid attention not every thing going on and every one around us this guy Donavon was obsessed with you always following you around discreetly and trying to get your attention when I managed to he got angry and pissed so whenvery ou weren’t around or in classes that I had with him and not you he would make sure to make his displeasure with me known”

He leaned back looking at her and taking her hand “it doesn’t surprise me now that I think about it he probably stole it with this other guys help and is trying to get it reactivated so he could challenge me to a dual for your honor or some thing like that” he said rolling his eyes and looking at his own gauntlet.

“He’s an idiot” Jackie said snorting “ if he thinks the prototype can beat the finished version plus I have more experience with it and the cards are made specifically for me he would be a fool to try and actually battle me”

 

[grdybiwife]

"The more you feed the more resistant to the hunger you'll become," Lem told him as she watched him empty the bag like a man possessed. "You won't be so distracted by the scent of blood in the air so long as you keep your diet steady. It'll get better," she said, kissing his scowl with a giggle. "Trust me. I haven't lasted this long by luck alone."

Lem let out a deep sigh as she settled her head on Edward's shoulder. "So this must be want contentment feels like," she mused, feeling the smile spread across her lips. "And here I thought it would be beyond me. If not for the city going to shit and a pesky ex-lover I would say that life could not be better."

She chuckled at that as she roll backwards and got to her feet. "You should be feeling the night creeping in. The sun is setting and darkness beckons. Come on changling. Let's go have some fun."

**********************************************************​

"A duel for my honor," she repeated before she burst out laughing. "That's it Jackie Boy no more Princess Bride for you," she said still laughing as she found herself drifting into him. Her body molding itself to his almost on its own accord. Her leg found its way to drape across his as she slipped his arm around her shoulders so he laid almost on top of her.

"What is it that makes guys think that we like being treated like the big prize at the fair? There's nothing about that that I find appealing...especially since I could end you both with a wiggle of my pinky finger," she said with a raised eyebrow. "Remember this," she asked with a chuckle as she ran her index finger down his back, dissolving his t-shirt as she went.

 

[silvertongue217]

“I agree” he said his words still feeling foreign as he smiled “I couldn’t ask for any more in this world” He said leaning in and giving her a deep kiss. With each second that passed the shock was starting to wear off. He was growing comfortable in his own skin slowly but surely. He was also starting to realize what he had know a future no an eternity with the woman he loved more than nay thing in the world. Such was a gift most people only dreamed about and wished with all their might.

And now it was his

He leaned down to kiss her again but she was up rolling backwards and telling him about the night. Suddenly he felt I a strange sensation he never felt before a sort of pull on his bones that told him it was time to go. He shot her a questioning look and rose his movements still jerky and fast as he settled into his new buddy and abilities.

He launched out of the room intent on finding out what the feeling was. He ignored the new sites to be had in his living room and instead went to the glass windows pressing his fingers against the cool glass as he took in the city.

“I’m definitely not losing this view” He breathed his eyes taking in the new jewel that laid before him. The city was before him and even though the lights were annoying they were worth it for the beauty stretched before him. He could see every thing from the millions of creatures and humans that walked by to the giant overgrown central park. He looked up further watching as the giant skyscrapers that the dragons inhabited and the looming cathedrals disappeared into the clouds above knowing that if he squinted he would be able to see their resting homes.

He turned looking at her as if he was a child wanting permission to go out and explore. He was still shirtless wearing only the black jeans she turned him in yet he looked ready to tackle the world.

…………………..

He groaned feeling her arranging herself onto his body. He idly wondered if she knew just what sort of reaction it was causing inside of him or more specifically inside of his pants. That electric feeling was back as well sparking between their skin and any point of contact the two shared with one another. He felt his senses threatening to go on over drive again and instead focused on what she was saying.

“It’s a guy thing Laz” He said watching as his shirt disappeared and gulping softly “Were guys we feel a need to impress and be all big and bad you may not need protecting but still you know I would still jump in front of a bullet for you and punch any guy who made a move on you Donovan well he was a romantic he thought if we had some kind of duel at high noon you would choose him over me I never got into it with him but that didn’t stop him from trying to beat me at any turn” he said scowling at the memory.

“In any case I am positive it was him if some big dimensional big shot offered to help him get you he would be more than willing to break into the college to do so he was obsessed with you Laz trust me” He said looking at her with a mixture of concern and jealousy.

 

[grdybiwife]

Lem watched him move and laughed a little under his breath. He'd lost all fluidity with the turn but it would come back once he got settled. As he stared out over the city with new eyes she went to his bedroom to grab him a shirt before she came up behind him to wrap her arms around him.

"You don't have too," she said as she pressed her lips to the back of his neck. "You could treat the windows. And some heavy curtains should do the trick. It is beautiful from here. It still boggles my mind how far this world has come. And I've never felt quite comfortable in it but now...perhaps I'll at least make an effort."

With that she pulled away from him, draped his t-shirt over his shoulders, a silent request for him to get dressed, before she stepped into her boots. And for the first time, Lem didn't put on her blades. She wasn't completely unarmed, her garrote was still snug around her wrist and her dagger was strapped to her leg but still it was progress. She imagined Edward would still bring his gun even if he was better off without it.

And she left her hair loose. It was an odd thing. Lem started to pull it back but somewhere in the middle of wrapping the bun she just said fuck it and let it fall down her shoulders. "Are you ready," she asked him quietly as she pulled on her jacket over her tank top.

**********************************************************​

Jackie was right, Laz was not the type who needed protecting but there was something about his little speech that made her go all gooey inside. She heard him say he was sure it was Donavon but the theft was the furthest thing from her mind. She could feel the throbbing in his crotch, the heat rising off his body. Could smell the intense release of his pheromones and the crackle of the electricity that passed between them.

It was intense to say the least, more so than the moment they shared in their secret place and she couldn't hold out any longer. She heard herself say his name as if she it came from somewhere above them as they lay on his bed.

Then the world stopped and her lips found his, but unlike before Laz brought him into the time warp with her.