Peace Offerings

[Lovely]

July 29, 2007
9:15 p.m.

After the game and a long shower wherever it was he disappeared to, he emerged cleanly shaven and a little more sharply dressed than she'd seen so far. If trouble found him, he was still ready for, but the kind of trouble he was musing about had nothing to do with hunting anything on four feet or sporting fangs of any kind. The meeting was planned and if she showed, great, if not, she knew nothing more about him than she did before and he could keep things safer for himself and his family. That he'd even given her his initials... JC... Justin wondered a moment what was going on his own mind that possessed him and what now brought him here. Why did they keep crossing paths... there had to be a reason. Answers... for each one he had, there were one or two more he had no clue about, most of them surrounding this girl. He thought a while longer as he sat on the roof terrace, watching the sunset and starting to watch the street and alley below for her.

The address would lead her to a building adjacent to the one where he'd seen her that first night. It was a once-thumping nightclub that had seen its day and since faded into the night like that which crowded around him with low clouds floating above the terrace he paced over. He wondered if she'd show or if he'd feel the sting of metal first. The roof of the club was only used for private parties now, but was still decked with its iron benches and scenic view of the city and harbor past the railing where he leaned occassionally, looking down the fire ladder he'd broken the lock off to give her an easier access than he'd had when he arrived. It was just after dark and their 'friends' would soon arrive in the alleys below, looking for hand-outs or any other body parts they could gain purchase on. If nothing else, he'd have a show to watch.

She'd gone back to the rooms she and her sister shared for the time being and actually had just sat there thinking for awhile. Near sunset found her in the chair with her feet propped on the window sill, gazing out at the streaking colors of the horizon. She'd showered and changed, she looked a little more like she was going on a date than out hunting, but Ari had not commented on her attire. It was different from the usual outfits he'd seen her in, those were meant to bait the things she hunted. She was more classy tonight, yet still enough movement in the skirt which ended above her knee, to let her side kick if she needed. There was a small dagger strapped to her thigh under the black fabric of her skirt, which had enough flounce to hide the weapon cleverly. Unless she twirled.. but would there really be twirling involved tonight? Tasa chuckled and waited for the colors to fade a little more, just as the dusk was turning to the blue of night, she left. He'd said anytime after dark and by the time she reached the address he'd given her, it was decently dark. She approached with some caution wondering if she had been foolish to accept such an invitation.

The sound that was nearly like her sister's whistle, the one he'd heard the night he took an arrow, met her from above. He'd seen her and now he could nearly smell her, the light scent floating up in the evening breeze. From where he leaned on the railing of the terrace, his longer coat shifted in the breeze a little, a flowing shadow against deepening, darker shadows around him. He pointed to the way up, if she could see the motion of his pale hand in the waning light.

The whistle sounded like Ariane's but she knew it was not, there was a slight difference and she looked up to see him on the terrace. He was half hidden by the shadows and dark coat he wore. She saw a movement, was he pointing to something? She watched carefully and then followed where he appeared to be pointing. She was still cautious as she made her way slowly up to where he was. Her hair was clipped loosely to keep it out of her face, a definate softer look to her tonight then when he'd come across her hunting. She looked like a girl going to visit a friend.. normal if there was such a thing.

The roof terrace had the feel of a deck to some higher-living country club palace in the suburbs, but overlooking the city dulled that particular shine. At the moment it was a simply and casually relaxed outdoor seating area that was deserted and locked off with a chain around the door to the inside of the building, at least until the weather was warmer. No one would visit them here without them knowing it, though the breeze up top was cooler than the thermal pockets that carried the steam from the sewers below.

He met her a few steps away from her last step up, not crowding or intimidating, just welcoming. "Glad you made it," he offered, genuine, sincere, warmly grinning and offering her a hand to lead her to a place out of the direct drafts.

She nodded to his greeting giving him a small smile and reaching a hand up to him if he'd take it and be a gentleman -helping her over the rail onto the terrace. "Hello."

Her hand was taken up gently in his, his warm, large and strong fingers being delicate to raise her hand up to a soft kiss. His other hand reached into his jacket to slide out a concealed rose that was still young and had been trimmed of its thorns but not removed of its heavenly scent. It was not yet fully open, but curled a little peek of its blossom out for her to enjoy. "Hello," he nodded, his eyes shining warmly. "An apology for earlier today... I hope you like it."

She stepped beside him, her fingers gently curling around his as she reached for the bloom. "Thank you." She whispered, leaning to inhale softly the scent. "You don't have to apologise for anything."

"Too late," he grinned. "Consider it a peace offering then, or whatever. The thorns are trimmed, just in case. Don't want to knick your finger with vamps or wolves around. You probably got that much from your books, but just in case... I love your perfume, by the way."

[Lovely]

She shook her head softly and gave him a strange look. "I don't remember putting any on." Her other hand had stayed in his and she didn't seem to notice or at least didn't try to pull it away. "I didn't even read the books.. I took your advice about them being crap."

With his fingers released, he tapped the side of his nose. "The... well, the nose of the beholder, really. First thing and perhaps the most important to remember... part wolf is like part dog and our sense of smell is keen and intricate. Remember to breathe normally... it'll help your nerves."

"I am breathing nor.. aren't I?" She suddenly felt a little nervous, what else could he 'know' she wondered, clenching her fingers into a light fist. "Ok.. smelly things.. got it.. I really don't remember putting perfume on.. I don't think I own any.." She took a step away from the edge of the terrace just to move.

"I didn't say you did, but it sounded better than 'you stink good'," he chuckled. "Relax. It's just you and me up here.. unless that's a problem. We can go someplace else, but the tower here offers a little more protection... above the scents that carry down there and anything coming up will be seen or heard first."

She smiled again, giving him another look and nodding. "It's fine.. here is fine.. and the you and me alone.. is fine.. I'm not.. okay.. but I don't know why I'm so nervous." She chuckled taking another step further into the shadows of the terrace and turning to face him.

"Okay, that's two of us, but I think we'll be fine. You didn't bring your sister?" He asked, seeming surprised and wondering if she did, but that she was someplace nearby, keeping watch.

She started to answer him and then bit her lip glancing down for a moment and then looking back to his eyes. "Would it be alright if I didn't answer that just yet?" She half smiled and sighed maybe he could smell the answer already, the way she was a little more nervous without the promise of an arrow flying to it's mark should he turn on her.

"Sure. You're supposed to be the one asking me things anyway. That's what this is about... and it's Justin," he added, keeping his bargain so far since she'd come to meet him as they agreed.

"Justin.." She smiled a little brighter at knowing his name, her eyes having a little extra sparkle as she looked at him. "I don't know what to ask.. or where to begin." She twisted her fingers lightly in front of her, alternating with flexing them. "Justin.. it's a nice name."

"Whatever mood strikes, I guess. Ask about the first thing you think of. I don't know everything, but I'll do my best," he said, reaching for her fingers to still them. "May I?"

"Sure.." She let him take her fingers as she licked her lips softly, she couldn't help the small chuckle and the feeling that she was acting like an idiot. "When.. did this.. happen I guess.. you becoming like you are?"

"About twenty years ago... not so long really as I made it sound, but long enough." He did it without really realizing at first how his fingers started to intertwine with hers. "It's not like vampires. We're not dead and walking, but slowed down in as many ways as we're sped up. If you understand that at all, I should give you a prize." His own face bent up in a twist as he tried to figure a better way to explain.

"Twenty? wow.. and you look like.. twenty something so you're like forty.. maybe something?" Her eyes roaved over him slowly, appreciating that he'd been 'preserved' so nicely. "So.. you're not.. dead.. you.." She started forward with one hand reaching toward his chest, asking if his heart beat and if she could feel it. The other hand laced more snuggly into his.

[Lovely]

"Hmmmm.." She whisper-hummed softly as she felt his warmth and her figers were laced snuggly into his, she was smiling softly. thinking and commenting out loud. "I have another question for you.."

"..goooood..."

"Do you like cherries?"

"that's what she... what?" For a moment he thought his eyes just fell out. "...like... um... never been asked that before.."

"I've never asked anyone that before either." She blushed a bit.

"When I figure out how to talk again, I may answer that."

"Don't have to talk to answer that.."

"Then you really meant... um..." *chuckles* "... oh man... I'm sorry, I just wasn't expecting that."

She blushed deeply, likely the color of a cherry by now. "I.. you know.. I didn't mean to ask that.. not out loud anyway.. I was thinking it.. but I so meant to say something else.. it just came out.. mind, mouth.. they hate me.."

"Shame on it," he smiled. "It's okay, really. I'm not going to rake you for saying what's on your mind. I can appreciate that and kinda like it... with a little more warning, maybe, but it's okay. Yes."

"It highly embarrasing when they do that to me." She managed a soft chuckle and cleared her throat lightly. "Yes?"

"I guess there's really no safe answer to that. I'm not a player, if that's what you mean. I can't afford to be, but I've had my share of stolen girlfriends and co-eds at parties, enough to last even me a lifetime. But while the mouths are running ahead of the brains here, I'll admit it... it crossed my mind when I saw you... each.. time I saw you."

"Thank you." She murmured softly, looking down at her feet and then back up to his face after a moment. "I would have felt even more foolish.. if it was one sided.. the attraction part, as what you said about coeds.. you're definately not.. so umm.. should we change the subject.. or is it way too late?" She chuckled with a slight smile, her cheeks still flushed. It was too late not to be embarrased, but she also didn't want to make him uncomfortable by going on.

"No, but I'm not your average Joe Skirtchaser, either. There weren't many and not a whole lot there beyond the one-shot-too-many and all that. Haven't found one like that yet that captures my attention that long," he said, being honest, his gaze not straying from watching her expression. "And it's my own fault, so don't apologize. I told you to ask... that was perfectly fair, just unexpected. What else you got for me?" He smiled and tugged a little, trying to get her to smile.

"Give me a couple shots and I might ask you if you want mine.. but.. I think as it stands that was the biggest shocker I had.. oh goodness I hope it is.. " She returned his smile, her eyes wandering as she tried to reel herself back in and figure some graceful way to smoothly regain her composure.

"Shocked, but not run off. If you were trying to scare me, it didn't work," he teased. "I'd rather you were sober, so if that means no, then that's my loss. But, if you insist, I .. um.. did bring a bottle of wine... another peace offering, if you're interested."

She didn't know what to say at first, staring at him with her lips slightly parted as she absorbed his statements. Tasa swallowed softly and brushed a lock of hair behind her ear, pulling her lower lip between her teeth. "I.. I don't think you needed peace offerings.. but thank you again." She twirled the rose in her fingers and smiled softly. "Did.. you have some place in mind.. besides here.. to relax, talk.. maybe drink some wine.. or is here it?"

[Lovely]

*************

As Justin wheeled the bike out from behind the dumpster, he noticed her still watching the area, ever aware of her surroundings. This night was meant for her, for her answers and he tipped his head, offering an apology of sorts as he brushed off the seat. "You know... I tell you what. I dragged you down here.. you came, but I feel like I'm giving you a run around. Is there someplace you'd like to go? Someplace you feel okay with? We can save the spot I had in mind for some other time. It's not going anywhere."

She sighed and shook her head gently, she really had no where to take him. Back to the motel, but Ari might show up and how would she explain? Would there be time to explain before she'd attack him, if she found out what he was? Tasa shrugged and licked her lips. "Maybe.. we're staying at a motel.. I don't know when Ari will be back.. "

He thought about it a moment and felt the twinge in his leg. "You have a window, right?" He wiggled an eyebrow and smiled. "If she comes back... we'll manage, okay? Show me the way."

"Do you know the town okay? It's not hard to find. Corner of Freemont st. and Clifford ave." She gave him the location, if he knew where he was going it wouldn't take more than that for him to find it.

"Easy enough," he nodded, settling his jacket so it would smooth out underneath him as he slid on the bike. "I'm not going by myself. Ready?"

"Right.. sorry, yes." She chuckled nervously, blushing a little for 'spacing' and just watching him get on the bike as she stood there. With a sigh of embarrasment she stepped closer, lifting her leg up so she could slide behind him. Her arms naturally circled his waist and her hands curled at his sides.

"You alright back there?" His voice was more likely felt than heard with her resting up against him. "Don't let go. I don't like limits much."

"Me either." She murmured, but clung a little more tightly to him, turning her head to the side so her chek rested against his shoulder and was shielded from the wind a bit.

His laugh was a hearty rumble along with the engine's roar as both came more to life at that moment. The bike seemed to share his extra sense of surrounding, weaving carefully around pits and cracks in the pavement, even where he chose not to use the pavement at all, taking a few shortcuts through a few abandoned lots. He knew where she wanted to end up, but didn't say anything about avoiding such a scenic route. He showed her some of his other haunts in passing, sure she was making notes as he passed through these sections with a confidence he was too humble to show. The stretch of Freemont that should be familiar to her now loomed up a half dozen blocks from their destination and suddenly it was like passing through a warp in time as he opened the throttle more for the last straight-away, keeping a consistent tail-end of yellow on each of the lights they sailed under.

With her head turned the way it was, she was only able to see so much, but she paid attention to what she did see. In her head making notes of landmarks, turns and the approximate distance between turns and lots for future reference. There was something different about riding with him from when she'd ridden alone, but she couldn't quite say what exactly it was. As he opened up the throttle, her hips shifted and tilted to slide her even closer along his back, nearly like melting into him and her fingers curled tighter into the folds of his shirt, beneath his jacket, on his hips.

[Lovely]

Justin felt her shift into him as he shifted the bike into higher gear. He slowed only enough to catch the numbers to be sure, but a motel was a motel and out here there were few among the run down apartments and old gas stations. He chose a spot as lit for the bike as he could now, just in case. There wasn't likely a dumpster here to hide it behind safely. The low humming idle ended in a well maintained click and fell silent. "We're here. Do you think your sister's here? You're home... if you want me to go."

Tasa shook her head no, that she didn't want him to go, even before she glanced around the parking lot for the truck. She didn't see it, which meant her sister wasn't likely to be around, either. "I don't believe she's here, I don't see the truck." She finally let him go and slipped off the bike, reaching into her pocket for her room key. "come on.. it's not much but it's where we sleep." She gave him a faint smile -it definately wasn't high class, but places that were usually had questions and lots more nosey people milling about.

He stepped off to follow her, taking a look and sniff at the air. It definitely wasn't a savory part of town, but it was calm here and far enough away from the hotspots of vamp life it seemed. He chuckled to himself wondering if that was their doing if they'd been in town long enough. "Just ... sleep?" He toyed with the way she'd said it, prompting her playfully to lead on.

She glanced at him, with her eyebrow arched slightly. "Well we clean, sharpen and work on our weapons.. eat..shower.. but yeah thats it.. it's not like we came to town to party." She glanced at him again, not sure all what he'd meant by his comment. She shrugged a bit and motioned as they came to the right door. With a practiced motion she had the door unlocked and opened, her eyes scanning the room and she let her senses get a feel that everything was 'right' before she stepped inside. Her hand shifted to the right and flipped on the switch, a small lamp on the dresser came on, giving the room a low light.

"Warded?" He whispered, following her, a step behind and being just as cautious of traps and weapons. "I didn't mean partying, it just sounded like you were trying to say that... umm... nevermind. It's not so bad. The windows may be a trick, though, if.."

"No." She answered softly to his question of whether it was warded or not, and let him follow her in. She stepped around him to close the door, looking over his face as they passed so closely. "Sounded like what? What were you going to say?"

"Like you were telling me 'no' before I ever asked," he defendly softly. The pout was slight but genuine. He'd thought about it so he couldn't deny it completely. "That's not what I asked you here for, but you know... give a guy a chance." He chuckled now and offered to follow here to a 'safe' spot. "I'm sorry. It is definitely warmer in here.... compared to the roof, of course."

"Oh." She blushed at his answer and lowered her head to hide the chuckle that came out as well. "I..ah wasn't even thinking.. about, well that that's why you asked me to come here.. I really didn't think you were going to ask.. not that I didn't want you to ask.. I just.. I'm going to stop before it gets any worse." She smiled and shook her head. "You can tell I'm not very used to this sort of thing."

"Taisian... shhh," he smiled back. "Don't hurt yourself, okay? So, was the ride okay? Are you frozen?" He slipped off his coat again, but simply because he wasn't. He was far from cold at all.

She fell silent, taking a deep breath and then looking back at him with a slight shake of her head. "I liked the ride.. it was nice.. not frozen, no. But a little cold.. my hands mostly."

He draped his coat over his arm, thinking better of laying it on the chair as he almost had, and held his hands out for hers. "Helpful side effect... I don't get cold often," he grinned, meaning his body heat and the effect his 'kind' had on it. "More for your list of notes. Do you want to change.. do the 'something more comfortable' bit? Your call... your place."

[Lovely]

"Here.. let me at least hang that up for you." She smiled some more, letting a breath out and relaxing a little. She reached for his coat with one hand and let him take the other hand in his. "I don't really have pjs, so no.. I'm not ready to slip into something more comfortable just yet. Thank you for being considerate that I might."

"You're welcome. Are you sure it's a good idea to leave it in your closet if she comes home? No offense, but it's not your style. Although your style of pj's and mine... well, you get the picture. You can relax a little more, though. I promise I'm not going to bite you, okay?"

She paused in taking the jacket, tilting her head to the side a little and eyeing him cautiously. "Would you?.. if you'd feel more comfortable.. we could just get another room. Then there is no worry of her coming back or you having to jump out a window if she does?"

"I live dangerously every day. I can handle sisters... even ones with crossbows," he winked and smiled. "It's okay, really. I just want to make things easier for you. You're tense. Tell you what. Put it up. I'll get it later one way or another, okay? In the meantime, you and my hands need to have a little talk." He stepped behind her and reached to her shoulders, hoping she'd trust him to let him rub some of the worry and tension out for her.

"I can't help it.. I'm sorry. just have so much going on in my head right now.." She tried to explain some of why she was so tense -it wasn't him, it was everything around them. She didn't stop him from rubbing her shoulders but did step to the closet to hang his jacket up and set her key on the table by the door. She motioned around at the sparse furnishings, not sure if he'd want to sit down or where he'd be comfortable at. "Not alot of it, but your choice on this one."

He leaned to speak closer to her ear, softly as he worked gently over her shoulders. "Whatever's good for you. I'm here for you, okay?" The way he said it meant more than just working these tensions away. He stayed close, tempted to nuzzle against her simply enjoying the scent of her hair... her neck... the sound of her breath.

"You're enjoying making things hard for me aren't you?" She murmured softly, turning her face to try and see him a little as he hovered close to her shoulder. Her hands slid up to rest over his as they worked her shoulders loose, his warm kneading fingers easing the tension from her. So much so that she started to lean back into his chest as well.

Justin's eyes seemed lit from within. "Having that effect on you too?" He stopped kneading to clasp her fingertips above her shoulders, trying to catch her before she turned away again, though chasing her kiss was as enticing as catching it.

Her eyes were caught on his, the way they seemed lit up, it was something to see close up like this. She'd just started to turn away when he reached for her kiss, half catching her mouth. Tasa tilted to bring her lips more fully against his, sighing softly as she lingered in a sweetly passionate kiss.

She was still cool to the touch from the ride and he could smell the wind on her skin and in her clothes. To warm her more than the kiss was already managing, he lowered her hands with his, embracing her gently. The kiss was tender and sweet as he lingered there.

[Lovely]

She curled to his heat, leaning herself against him as they embraced and circling her arms around him. "Mmmmm you're nice and warm." She smiled, not hardly moving from the kisses to speak softly, her eyes were closed gently as she reached for more of the sweet kisses from him.

He was warm and suddenly feeling even warmer as she cuddled closer. He parted from her before getting too carried away, but couldn't pull himself away enough to let go. "Ta... Taisian.. what's going on here?" His whisper was awe and curiosity, wanting it to continue, but wanting to be sure she was ready for him. He could hardly keep from the kiss longer than a moment, or wait for an answer as he leaned down for another, more eagerly, more demanding.

She started to reply but his kiss came back and she answered him by returning it as demanding and eager. Her passion rising and spilling over as she curled back to him, trying to pull him closer. She didn't know what to say anyway about what was happening.. her first thought -instinct- was that she was falling for him, but that was just crazy.. she couldn't be. Except thats what was happening.. that and she was highly attracted to him, she wanted him like she'd never wanted a man before. It was like she was hungry for him, craving and she could barely hold herself back.

Justin lost track of the coat and any care of what was around them, sinking further into giving her his full attention in the way he fully engaged in his fighting, move for move, tact for tact, every sense reveling in the contact he relished and feeling 'real'. The room may have spun them off the earth and he wouldn't have noticed... nothing but her as he curled around her, kneading over her shoulders, and back, straying to feel how she 'fit' against him in his embrace and intent on keeping her there.

Oh god he was driving her crazy, making her want him even more with each touch and the taste of his kiss. Her hand slid to grasp gently at the back of his neck to hold him to her kisses which were growing more urgent -though still tender in their own way. Her other hand roamed gently over his back as her arm curled to keep them close and she could enjoy his warmth even more.

Justin's eyes glanced past her only for the moment for someplace to land that was softer than the floor. It was a motel room, afterall, with few choices. He pulled away and nodded toward the obvious choice, leaving her to decide and tell him now.

She pouted as he pulled away, trying to tug him back and then slowly turning to glance at the bed as he nodded towards it. Her eyes were heated with the flame of her desire and she nodded in answer, reaching to kiss him again. Tas shifted slowly, carefuly so they could move towards the bed, and entangling with him a little more as they did.

He pushed but didn't, led but didn't each move an action and reaction, neither forced nor denied, finding them both comfortably landing with each other to explore and learn. There was something in her scent he recognized, a hint of a memory he couldn't place that was driving him to search deeper and more eagerly for her answers.

Her 'tea' was the farthest thing from her mind right now, not realizing or caring that she'd soon miss her second dose of 'vitamins'. When she'd left earlier, it had not been time for her to take it and she figured she would skip it and just have her nightly serving. Tasa hadn't known or planned to be this tangled up in things.. but there comes a time when a girl has to follow where her heart leads her, even if it's not logical. Though tumbling to the bed softly with Justin felt just about as right as anything could feel, she responded to him naturally -drawn to him by instinct as well.

Whatever it was, it tugged on urges he was finding difficult to hold back, ones that made him a less honorable or gentle man, though he already knew her strength and this was as much a tangle of desire as it was a war of passion, fighting to be as close to her as possible and slinking around and over edges of fabric in a hunt for buttons and hems.

[Lovely]

Desires and instinct, natures that were normally surpressed were uncurling and awakening, causing her to respond and want things more and in different ways then she was accustomned to. She wanted to touch and be touched, the fact that his attention grew less gentle only seemed to make her want more. Her hands roamed over him, tugging and catching on the fabric of his shirt, soon her fingers snagged on his buttons and she roughly worked at freeing him from his shirt. Her kisses shifted to his neck, where she nibbled a bit, her hands sliding against his skin once the shirt opened for her. She might have even popped a few of his buttons off in her urgent need to find more of him.

He heard the fabric tear and buttons pop, sailing to the cushions and floor around them, but gave it little thought over the demand he had to saite the hunger driven more by her scent. He reminded himself of the few hints she'd given that although she may not be his first indulgence, he was likely hers if he understood correctly. Every bit of control he had remaining was falling away and taking his kisses into narrower circles and lower creases over her.

Each touch of his lips and fingers was met with a soft sigh or faint sound of pleasure -hardly louder than a whisper. He moved over and against her, her body shifting and arching towards his -giving every indication that she wanted things to continue as far as they could. He was so warm against her and she curled around him more, her own temperature rising with the passion that only grew stronger as she tasted his skin with her lips and tongue, his scent filling her senses more strongly.

She wrapped and sought to keep him close and he did his best, but kept moving to experience every inch he could. "Have any other questions?" He nearly panted out his words in a whisper over her skin, followed by a soft lick and kiss that traveled down from her navel.

She writhed gently beneath the tickle of his whisper, and more so under the licks and kisses that moved further down, her fingers curling into his hair. Two things came to mind as he asked her his question, though finding her voice to speak either one was difficult. One he might be able to 'smell' laced in her desire for him.. she was falling for him and she wondered if he was feeling anything like she was. The second question somewhat tied into the first and she sighed it out softly. "Stay with me?" Though it may have appeared to mean only for the night, it was meant as more than that -but she didn't quite realize yet herself, that she meant for longer.. she just wanted him to stay with her.

Her voice and the soft plea caught his attention enough to make him wonder if he'd really heard it. He set another soft kiss to her belly and rose up to face her. "Stay? Where... here? Taisian I... for how long?" He nearly said yes without another thought, but her sister...

Her arm curled around his shoulders and her other hand came to his cheek, her eyes searching his for something she couldn't explain. "With me.. Stay with me." Her voice remained a softly whisper, her fingers caressing gently. "I don't care if it's here.. "

"You're sure?" Why was he suddenly afraid? He rolled away only a little and watched her. "It might affect our work. You're not joking. You really want...?" Whatever fear it was passed as quickly as it hit him, giving her answer in the kiss he and nuzzle he gave her now.

Her head turned as he rolled, even though it wasn't far from her, she felt the cool air 'breeze' over her in his absence. That was an interesting and highly erotic sensation for her, though she was more focused on him than the effects of the cooler air. "I'm sure.." She knew it would effect her work and much more, but he'd already effected her.. things had changed even if only in a small way the night they met and each time after that that she'd seen him.. every time she was near him, something changed in how she viewed or did things. How she thought and felt, what she feared and her eyes opened to new things. Tasa smiled a little as he nuzzled and she found herself copying the way he moved to return the affection.

"So am I," he whispered out... love, friendship and protection in a single light growl of desire that melted into a feeling he had no words to express beyond the nudge his knee gave hers as he curled closer.

A strange sensation filled her when he spoke in that light growl.. like she was weightless for a moment, like she could feel the emotions he expressed. Her arms curled tighter around him and she turned her face to kiss his shoulder and neck. His knee nudged hers and her leg gently shifted around his in a soft curl at his hip. Her kisses lightly nibbling their way to his lips to express more than she could have with words that escaped her now as they moved beyond them. Showing each other now, rather than saying how they felt.

[Lovely]

****************************************

It seemed hours passed of pure sweet attention between them. Justin took care enough not to break skin, but the marks he did leave behind were soothed by a gently caressing tongue. She'd have hopefully a pleasant memory of how they got where they were. He'd let her sleep if she wanted. The night and the hunt were still several hours away now.

Her eyes were heavy with the pull of sleep, but she didn't let herself drift off yet. A semi sweet smile curled her lips as she lay against the pillow, exhausted and sore from the hours they'd spent in a tangle. She'd left her own share of marks on him, a few raised welts where her fingers had dug in during the height of ecstasy. His tongue soothed her now and kept her in a state of bliss, the waves of thier passion still slowly rippling through her.

The shine of his eyes never dimmed an instant. He watched her lounge comfortably, but though he tended to her aches, he was just as sensitive to sounds and shadows that passed the crease of curtain that blocked out the day. Her sister hadn't yet returned.

Tasa slowly turned her head on the pillow to watch him, gently reaching to tug him closer. "We should think about getting some rest.." She whispered, looking towards the light that peeked around the heavier curtain on the window. Ari hadn't come back, but she wasn't worried, a night away was nothing to either of them, sometimes the hunt or the need for time alone kept them away.

"You are resting and I'm relaxing," he grinned, abandoning her to cool gently in the morning air while his warm kiss moved up to meet her neck. "And you shouldn't be thinking about anything. How can I make you stop, hm?"

"mmmmm" She stretched a little as he moved and leaned toward him, attempting to snuggle close. Her fingers searching for his to pull his arm in to a wrap around her. "Just like this.. maybe a little of this too." She tilted to try and catch his lips softly.

He let himself be caught, though it was more a playful smile that dipped and teased, trying to run away, but not far. His arm followed where she tugged and he wrapped around her with his warmth. "Only a little?"

"Gimme that you.." She smiled, leaning up to chase after his smile and another kiss. Her eyes were bright and delighted, despite how tired and sore she must have been after their long but very enjoyable night.

"You sure you can handle it? What'll you give me for it?" He teased, but gave her the kiss anyway, letting it deepen more as he nestled comfortably.

Tasa giggled softly at his teasing, if he hadn't given in to her, she would have pounced -despite the aches. She still leaned up a little to kiss him more deeply, loving the feel of him next to her.

"Time to kill if you're up to it, but if you're tired...," he was being mean and nice at once, hinting that he could keep her awake for hours if she wanted. What he wanted was to keep nuzzling her neck and taking in the deeper and deeper scents that kept changing and telling him more secrets about her.

"That's not nice.." She scolded him, nibbling lightly at his lower lip, giving a slight tug and letting go as she settled down to the pillow again. "I am tired.. and sore.. but that doesn't mean I don't want more.. more..more..mmmm" She nearly purred, letting her eyes close for a moment as she curled deeper into his embrace.

[Lovely]

"There will be since I'm staying... if that offer is still open. How about I let you sleep a while. It may be a long night," he murmured, tucking her under his arm protectively.

She nodded, chuckling a little and letting her eyes close for a little longer this time, her hand rested on the pillow next to her face, while the other attempted to lace with his. "That offer is most definately still open.. it's nearly a demand now.. I don't want to let you go." She whispered the last softly, her eyes opening and her face turning to look at him.

"You may have to, but only to get you breakfast, okay?" He kissed her forehead and stayed put, hoping she'd be able to sleep and relax. What he sensed in her scent wasn't anything near relaxed and nowhere near tame.

"bah.. breakfast.." She grinned, even though her eyes closed again, she curled a little more, feeling tired yet awake next to him. "I just drink my tea.. and I'll be good to go." She reached to pull the cover around her a little more, then laced back into his hand, getting comfortable.

"What tea? Do you need a cup or anything? I could get some juice if you want," he offered, not knowing it was a particular tea for a particular reason related to what he was sensing.

"Something my uncle has always made for us.. vitamins and such.." She shrugged a little, letting a small yawn slip out. "A cup.. water.. and the pouch.. It's in the top drawer of the dresser." She pointed to the furnishing which stood across the room, but made no move to get up yet. "You don't have to get up.. I can do it.." But she still didn't move away from his warmth. She wasn't sure what time it was at the moment, only that the sun had risen and she was likely going to miss a third dose of the tea if she skipped it again in favor of 'resting'.

"Vitamins? I'm sure it tastes terrible. Why don't you sleep and I'll bring you something better... and more solid," he teased a little still, but figured he should let her rest.

"It .. is an acquired taste.. but I've been drinking it since I was a kid.. I don't even taste it anymore.. You can bring me what you like, but I've already skipped the tea twice, I shouldn't again.. if my uncle was here -he'd tan my ass for it!"

"I'll... your ass," he squeezed and stayed playful, shaking his head against her to tell her not to get up. "I'll get it for you if you promise you'll rest up for me."

She giggled a little and rolled to her back, pushing him a little as she did so. "Hmm for you.. oh.. I'll rest up for that." She teased, wiggling an eyebrow at him and reaching to brush his cheek with her knuckle. "Thank you."

[Lovely]

He caught her hand and moved to kiss it, but licked her finger and smiled. "Thank me later. Sit. Stay...," he grinned and let go of her hand. Something made him say it to tease but something made him think something other than humor in it suddenly. Maybe the tea was medicine and maybe she was sick. People who were sick often smelled different, but never this nice.

"hey!" She pouted but laughed, pulling the covers up to her nose and giving him 'puppy eyes' as he moved away from her. "Hurry.. I miss you already.." She blinked her sparkling eyes at him. "..besides you were keeping me warm!"

He gave her a wrinkled look a moment, though he kept the smile. "Hon, you're really warm, yourself. Are you feeling okay?"

She laughed behind the blanket and nodded her head. "Oh.. I feel goooooooood.. very goood!" Her eyes were full of the laughter that had just sounded from her. "fine.. fine.. I feel a little off.. but I'm used to getting my tea boost regularly and I've skipped two.. nearing or late for the third.. I am warm.. you know what else I am..?" She giggled and wiggled an eyebrow at him.

"Waiting to get... mmm.. yeah.. I know what you are. You wait right there. Just water?" He opened the drawer and seemed to swoon a little at the aroma he hadn't noticed before. It was sour, bitter and thoroughly foul, making his eyes water. "Whoa. Did something die in here? You clean your knives, right?"

That made her laugh harder, and she nodded her head, curling a little as the giggles shook her. "My.. I don't keep my knives in there.. and yes I clean them.. " She answered him between the laughing as she hid under the blanket some more. "It can't be that bad.. there's nothing in the drawer but the tea and a couple clean shirts."

"Then it's the tea," he said, mawing and shaking his head to clear the stench that almost made him gag. "Or somebody switched your soap at the laundromat for cat piss... what's in that tea, anyway? Sorry, but it's just vile." He closed the drawer, unable to stand it and actually unable to stand. It was giving him a hellish headache and making the room turn. He laid back down on the bed with a heavy thump, only making it half-way before pulling his hand to his face. "Daaaamn... that stuff's serious. Your uncle makes that?"

She watched him, suddenly not laughing anymore, her lips turned down in a worried frown. His reaction to the tea was.. she'd never seen anything like it. "Yeah.. or he gets it from someone.. I've never seen him make it.. are you.. no you're not okay." She shifted and reached to help him get all the way on the bed. "I'm sorry.. I didn't know it would.. I've never known it to go bad.. I'm so sorry." She murmured hovering over him a moment, to make sure he was settled on the bed and then she was going to throw -no flush the tea.. all of it. Goodness if just smelling it did this to him, good thing she didn't offer to make him some to drink! "I don't really know what is in it.. I never asked. He just told us to drink it in that scary quiet voice of his and with that stare like he was looking into your soul.. that's terrifying for a little girl.. I just drank it and once I got older it was habit, part of my everyday routine.. I've never seen anyone have a reaction like this to it.. Justin, really if I had any idea.. shit I'm sorry." She felt like a total ass, plus she was worried -he looked pale and the way it hit him, he didn't even make it all the way on the bed.

"It's okay.. really, I'm fine," he said quietly, crawling a little, but quite awake. "Just knocked me sideways a minute. I haven't felt like that since... ," he thought... not since before he'd made his pact to change into what he was now. He looked up at her with a different sort of curiosity. "He never told you why?"

She shook her head and shrugged. "Not really.. not directly.. just that it was important.. that we needed to. I guess to keep us strong and sharp.. you know after what happened and then training to do.. what we do.."

[Lovely]

It was beginning to make some bit of sense.. how it fit together, except for the 'why'. Now he was curious more and moved to tug the blanket away from her. His glance was enough to say she should humor him. He'd left marks and wondered if they were still there. If not, then...

She gave him a funny look as he tugged the blanket but let it go and tried not to feel odd as he left her bare before him. She wasn't worried about him seeing her after the night they'd spent together, just the way this was happening was.. what was odd. She gave him a small smile, wondering why he looked at her the way he did. The marks he'd left on her were not completely gone, some were still faintly there, obviously fading much faster than normal and others were fully 'healed'. Not as fast as he might have, but still faster than humans were supposed to.

"Taisian...," he muttered, looking at the marks, not sure she could see them, but they had been noticeable enough to hurt. He ran a finger over one of the darker ones. "Think hard... does this feel like it did ten minutes ago? I also want you to tell me something. Take a deep breath and tell me what it tells you." He didn't press hard on the mark and only did it once before moving the blanket to cover her again, though he could agree she was quite warm.

Her face crinkled a little and she just looked at him as he touched her, not even realizing where he was touching. "It feels like you're running your finger over my skin.. so yes and no.. It feels like.. well really nice.. kinda giving me shivers. I don't think that spot gave me shivers before, but I can blame that on you.." She stared at his face, feeling.. she couldn't explain how she felt, almost like she should be nervous.

"Good shivers or ouch-touch-it-again and I'll kick you type? Ten minutes ago it was a.. well sorry, but it was pretty noticeable and now, not so much. Could just be your strength.. healthy girl, work out a lot against those vamps."

Her eyebrow arched a bit as she looked at him and she chewed softly at her lip, not really understanding why he was asking her this. "Good shivers.. how bad is the mark?" She started to shift the covers to try and see it, but stopped and looked back at him. "You're acting... very wierd." She let go of the covers and got up from the bed, going to get the pouch, to flush the tea down the toilet. It gave her something to do and focus on that wasn't the way he was looking at her. As she carried the pouch, she noticed the smell, something she'd not ever noticed before. She stopped in mid stride, looking down at the pouch, with a confused expression. She was walking a little awkward as she was still a bit sore, but not as badly as she'd expected it would be.

He was about to explain, but wasn't sure she'd believe what he was thinking. Something else he wanted to be sure of, he got up a moment after she did, still feeling lightheaded but not like it was. Justin moved the curtains a little to let in some daylight. It didn't bother some, so it wasn't a flawless plan, but it was something to rule out. Then what? If he ruled it out, did he expect her to wolf out right there? Why should he? "Take your time. I'm not going anywhere. Staying right here," he trailed off, laying down in the sunbeam that crossed the bed and trying to get the room to stop spinning.

She made a face and squinted at the sudden invasion of brighter light into the room, blinking a few times as her eyes adjusted to the difference. "Mmm good morning sunshine." She murmured with a chuckle, looking back to the pouch and then going to the bathroom, the toilet flushed a moment later. There was a pause and it flushed again, to make sure all of the mix went down and she tossed the pouch in the trash can, coming out of the bathroom with a glance to the window and to him. "Not shy.. are you? all naked in the sun.. anyone can just walk by and see." She tapped her finger on her lip and smiled a little. "Maybe I should go outside and walk by." She teased him a little, coming over to the bed and curling down next to him in the shaft of sun. "Feels good." Her head propped on her hand and she gave him an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry.. I guess it must have gone bad. It didn't smell.. well it smelled pretty foul to me too and I'm used to the stuff." She reached her other hand over to brush a lock of hair out of his face. "forgive me for making you ill?"

[Lovely]

***********************************

Hours. For all he knew it had been days and the night air was calling him. More than just the air, Justin also needed to make his rounds and find food. The scent of the tea had put him off for quite a while, but he needed food and hungered as much for his work. While they hid in the comforts of Tasa's room, innocent victims waited in alleys, cars and all the places in the city where shadows converged. Which made him more ill he wasn't sure. A promise to return within a few hours was all he'd left behind except his fading scent and a soft lingering kiss with Tasa. The hunt couldn't wait long and shouldn't. There were too many still to find and fight. It was still early evening, the time of night when most good children had left their parks and bicycles and the naughtier ones were already at their parties and dinners and games behind closed doors - safe at least. The knock was light and he carried a bag of various things, most that were still warm from the deli that was closest. In his hand was his knife - in case the sister had come home and didn't like the explanations Tasa may have given.

The knock at the door made her jerk from where she lay dozing on the still rumpled bed. Tasa lifted her head feeling very strange as she looked around the room, she swore she could smell Justin.... and food! She realized in the next instant that she was starving, was that her stomach growling that loudly? Tasa sat up slowly, putting her hand to her head. "Justin?" She called quietly to the room, noting that her sister was not there yet. Tasa was dressed, her boots on even, but she didn't remember getting up to do it.

The knife tip tapped lightly on the door this time, a knock and a warning. He could hear her, but something in her voice sounded strange. He'd give it a moment then burst in if he had to. He tried the door gently, quickly, hoping she'd kept it locked behind him, yet... "C'mon, open it..," he said, slightly more than a whisper, waiting for the unexpected, though he much rather wanted just to enjoy his pastrami and chips in peace.

"I'm coming!" She seemed to snap in response to his whisper which she shouldn't have heard, if she were a mere human. Her hand gripped the air as if it could help her steady herself while she moved to the door. The chain rattled and the lock clicked, a moment later the door opened slowly to Tasa leaning against it with her eyes narrowed as she peered out into the darkening shadows of the lot. "Pastrami?" She asked her eyes moving carefully along the curve of his shoulder to his face and finally his eyes.

"Yeah? On rye and a ham on wheat... I didn't know if you were Kosher or not," he winked, trying not to smile too much about being thankful her sister didn't seem to be around. "Couple apples and some mixed.. .what did they call it? Whatever the hell 'compote' is. Sounded fancy, like a treat or something. Can I come in?"

"I'm starving.." She murmured, reaching for his arm to tug him into the room so she didn't have to keep standing. She smiled, looking out into the lot again as if she was searching for something, before she started to swing the door closed and turned toward him.

"Looking for your sister? Didn't see or smell another soul out there on the way in except some drunk guy four doors down singing Otis Redding off key and trying to unlock his door with a shoe. Are you feeling okay?" Justin tossed the knife on the table and pulled out one of the sandwiches for her. "Either one - whichever you want."

Her mouth was watering at the scent of the food and her attention pulled to the sandwich he offered though she didn't reach for it. She couldn't remember a sandwich smelling so strong or so appetizing before. "I think I may be coming down with a fever.. " She murmured the words, reaching to take the sandwich after she relocked the door. "She hasn't been back.. She took her pouch with her tea.. so I couldn't borrow or check to see if hers had gone bad.. I've never been this long without it.."

He partially tossed it to her, not wanting to stand in the way of what seemed to his nose like ravenous delirium. Her scent was stronger now and her eyes flitted to look at everything that moved. "I'm sure hers is fine," he said, putting the sack down and coming up beside her. "Tas, what happened while I was gone. Tell me everything - sounds, anyone come by the door at all... smells, anything you can remember. It's important, even if it sounds dumb."

"I don't.. I got dressed." Her hand gently tugged at the shirt she was wearing, she noticed her fingers shaking and dropped her hand to her side. "I fell asleep.. I.. I think I need to eat.. I haven't since yesterday I don't think.. "